Glitches & the Sweetness of Jesus

Last week my blog didn't publish. I don't know what happened. I hope blogger support has corrected the prolem. Praises: a possible live-in job. I'm waiting for a call from the lady. A possible free or very low-cost car from a Christian source; it would replace an ailing truck. A sleep-over opportunity this weekend: a welcome respite from an abusive neighbor. Prayer request: I received a letter from IRS yesterday. Due to an oversight, I owe them $1275, which I can't pay. There are options to pursue, and I 'm pursuing one. If my situation doesn't improve my savings will be exhausted by spring. For a long time I haven't been able to get a handle on the idea that Jesus is sweet. He loves me, I know. But in my experience He is stern and tough. His discipline is hard. Some comfort in that: He disciplines those He loves. It is proof that I am His child. But sweet? Lately, though, as I've struggled, He has drawn near, close, intimate, and joy has flooded my soul, though circumstances are still hard (no, impossible!). Yes, Jesus is sweet! "Oh, taste (a sweet taste) and see that the Lord is good." "He is near to those who are of a broken and contrite heart. A broken and contrite heart, oh Lord, you will not despise."

Jesus Is Sweet

The landlord has called me a few times since my last post. He seems to think that he can contest the inspector's findings. I don't know whether he can get away with it or not, but that is his attitude. Someone from church helped me with a truck problem. I am very grateful for that. It has been a rough week, generally. I'm finding out something about the Lord, though, which should not be a surprise. Over the years, I've heard people testify that Jesus is sweet. I couldn't see it. Jesus loves me. I've known that for years. But sweet? What does that mean? How does it work out in daily life? It seems to me that Jesus is stern, and tough. His discipline is hard. How does that fit with sweet? Well, in the midst of my struggles, Jesus has been coming to me, getting close, "intimate," if you will, and suddenly, my soul is flooded with an unexplainable joy! Then the word "sweet" pops into my mind. Then I see. Yes! Jesus is sweet! Yes, He is! "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!" "He is near to those who are of a contrite heart. Yea, a broken and contrite heart [He] will not despise." A friend invited me to dinner with her and her husband last Sunday. We watched part of a Voice of Martyrs video. She also called me during the week with an encouraging word. Thank God for friends like her. The neighbor who is a problem is still at it. I wonder why she doesn't tire of it. She seems to have cancelled her life, other than harassing me. She has put herself in bondage to me and doesn't even know it. She doesn't see that the devil is using her. Or maybe she does. Please keep praying, and thank you for doing so. Please include this neighbor in your prayers.

5/27/11 For victory report, see updates on 6/28/05 blog. Much later, it became clear that the harassment had moved from people doing it, to the devil doing it all by himself. For victory report, see update on 6/28/05 blog.

Getting Around Ojectionable Content

When I accessed my blog this morning I found objectionable content. To get around this, access Google, put in leewardhope, and click on the first link. I don't know how this happened. I hope to be able to do something about it. Not much has changed since the last entry. I am on a temporary job assignment, as expected. I'm thankful for that. The explosion from the landlord has not occurred. The word from the health department is reassuring. Neighbor problems continue. I won't hear from the Community Deveopment Law Center regarding Leeward Hope until after Thanksgiving probably. Please continue praying.

5/27/11 For updates, see previous few blogs.

Waiting...

I once wrote a poem about waiting, but wouldn't be able to quote it today. I recently commented to a friend that most people don't understand what it means to wait on God or trust Him for everything. Those who do often lead lonely lives. People avoid them/us. Others not only don't understand; they don't want to understand. It's easier to be in control themselves. The man from the Health Department came Monday. I received a copy of their letter to my landlord Thursday. So far, the explosion from my landlord hasn't occured. The application process for membership at College Park Church has started. I start a part time temporary job next week. Thank you for your continued prayers. If you are a newcomer to this blog, please click on archives and go through the history of Leeward Hope. It would make more sense.

Hurry Up and Wait

My paperwork for the Community Development Law Center is finished and in their hands. Now I must await approval or disapproval from them. The prayer requests from last week's blog still stand. Things will likely come to a head with my landlord very soon, since I have turned him over to the Marion County Health Department.

5/27/11 The Lord didn't bless the connection with CDLC.