REST - what is it and how to do it

As many of you already know, among the reasons I came to Denver was to REST and HEAL, and listen for the Lord's voice in what my next assignment or phase is to be in this ongoing journey.  This has been an ongoing discussion between Doyle and myself, as we both struggle to learn what rest means.
What I'm going to share here is not a complete treatise on rest but is a work in process.  I'm not making going to give you conclusions or a fix it plan, just some random thoughts, observations and some quotes. I pray that you will be blessed as you read and that the Lord will bless you with what He wants to say to you in your area of rest.
Consider Matthew 11:28-30 from The Message, "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (italics are mine something to think about).
Jesus tells us, "I'll show you how to take a real rest."  The question that I have struggled with is, How? String's Concordance defines the word from the Greek as 1)to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labour in order to recover and collect his strength; 2) to give rest, refresh, to give one's self rest, take rest; 3) to keep quiet, of calm and patient expectation.  For me, number 1 and 3 seem to be where I am struggling.
Along the same lines, Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still..." means to be quiet, to sink, to relax, or to let go.  Oh, no, I can't let go!  What if...?
Can it be that God will cause me to rest or allows me to do so on my own?
Here I'm reminded of the verse in Mark 6:31, in the KJV, Jesus speaking, it reads, "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while...."  Some, myself included, use this verse to tell people to Come a part before you come a part.  But such a refreshing thought, Jesus invites us to come and be with Him in a quite place and rest.
 Robert Morris, pastor and teacher, said this, "If you have an attitude of stress and worry rather than rest, it's because you don't trust God's character, power and love."
I wrote to Tom Wymore for his insights. I've known Tom for many years, we served together in the Foursquare Gospel denomination and I trust his walk with the Lord. He put it this way, "Rest to me, as I am thinking of it in my post, is an internal thing that grows as we learn to live love (think about that statement), listening and trusting in Abba's love. For me, I know I am living in that place of rest when my heart/inner being is still and peaceful.  When that peace and/or stillness goes away, it's a sure sign to me that I am back to striving.  Unfortunately, many believers find that their inner noise is so high that they can't tell when they are striving other than by the frantic pace of their life and the anxiety that produces. But Papa has been kind enough to teach me how to live with inner stillness (it's wonderfully quiet in my mind and heart now), and that has become my meter for letting me know whether or not I am resting in God's love, etc. Obviously, actual physical rest and solitude, etc., are part of this as well, but I am talking mostly about an inward state of the heart and mind."
Psalm 37:7, KJV,says, "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not..."
Philippians 4: 6 NIV, "Do not be anxious about anything,..."
Mark Charles, Navajo pastor, instructor at Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, wrote in his blog, wirelesshogan, this observation on Psalm 46:10, "Be still..." "...How possible is this in our modern technological world? What does it mean to be still before God? I used to think I understood this but after living for 3 years on the Navajo reservation in a traditional hogan with no electricity or running water, (dirt floor, cooked on a wood stove that was also the only heat source, out house not very close to hogan) no television, no hot showers or washing machines, no microwaves or refrigerators, no public transportation or paved roads leading up to my house, I found there is a level of stillness that I never knew existed.....until we moved to our hogan that is located on a dirt road, six miles off the nearest paved road. The dirt road is pure clay and when it gets wet from rain or snow it is practically impassable. In fact, I have gotten stuck on this road numerous times as I traveled home in the rain. Once I was able to walk home, but another time my family and I had to spend the night in the car. So I  have quickly learned that when it rains we do not go out.
"When it rains at our hogan we literally cannot go anywhere, so we sit. We read books, we pray, we spend time as a family. We are still and in that stillness we remember God. When it rains at our hogan we can hear God inviting us, saying, 'Stay her. Don't go anywhere. Be still and know that I am God.' But if our road were paved we probably would not hear God's voice in this way, for the weather would have very little impact on our lives. Even during the rain and snow we could still get in our truck and do what we needed. We could go where we wanted and do as we pleased. We would feel safe and secure thinking God was with us, because look, He has blessed us, the road is paved....We can go about our business....We would never realize that with the pitter patter of the falling rain God was faintly whispering, 'Wait, don't go! Be still and know that I am God.'"
So what have I learned so far in this journey? I am to stop striving, pushing, trying to make things happen, instead, I will be still and trust in the character of God, His love, plans, mercy, provision, grace, and more.  I can say with Paul, not that I have already attained to this, but I will continue to look for His hand and listen for His still small voice saying to me, this is the way, walk in it.

Any where there are italics, they are mine to insert or draw attention to something I found interesting.
 The owners of this particular hogan have offered to rent it to me. Don't think I haven't considered it.

Thank you for sharing my journey with me. I hope the Lord blesses you as you read my thoughts on this journey.  Keep looking into His Word for your guidance and instructions.

Troy
Another thought: In our attempts in the flesh to rest we always seem to have an element of doing something in order to rest.

US IN CONTROL vs GOD IN CONTROL

To say that life is interesting, albeit out of our control could be an understatement.  We have no idea of what we're doing (could be much of the time). Sometimes we feel like we are just hanging on, like a kid out of control and completely inept. We feel like there's no holes in our bowling ball. It feels big and clumsy and awkward and we can't get a grip on it.  We can't control what is happening.
God doesn't come with handles. He doesn't want to be controlled and thrown down the bowling alley everytime for a perfect strike.  Life's not like that and neither is God. We will never totally understand God.  And He will never spoon feed us with all the answers about life. Somethings we just have to figure out for ourselves, others, He will show you in due time. In His way and His time.
When we try to control our lives, even trying to control the ministry He's given us, the stress level jumps at us, screaming!
I am learning how to give over control of my life.  It is challenging but I also know that when I give the Lord control over my life and circumstances, I can rest that He will take care of me and the circumstances.

THE ORDINARY LIFE

I have thought about my life, this journey my Lord has me on. thought about it more of late.  While my life may not seem great to others, to me it has been one of steady progression, never dull, sometimes exciting, doing with out, tired, lonely, happy, fulfilled, but always learning.  My course altered a number of times through the years but never truly deviated from the plan God had for me.
I'm reminded of the verse in Acts 4:13, "...they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus."  Did you notice the words, 'ordinary men' 'that had been with Jesus".  Love that picture. 
Real living is made up of ordinary moments all strung together like the notes on a sheet of music.  And in the end of life all those ordinary moments will make one eternal symphony of praise in heaven.
I talked with a Navy fighter pilot ( I tried to be one) and he was describing what it was like flying into the battle zone. Hours of sheer boredom flying in, then suddenly, 90 seconds of sheer terror.  Sometimes life is like that, we live our 'ordinary lives' then something happens that causes us to start going to pieces. That's those times we cry out to God to hold our hands and get me through this storm.  And He does.
Might it be said of us, They are ordinary people who have been with Jesus.
I sincerely covet your prayers during this time of seeking the Lord for His direction in my life.

With you in His service,
Troy

WOW! I'VE BEEN HERE A YEAR...and other similar profound observations

Yep, a whole year of experiences and changes.  I started out being the cook here at Sox Place, interacting with the young people, attempted some GED help, and I'll cover the rest toward the end of this writing.

We recently had someone (probably 3) come into Sox Place at night, through the garage door, and take a big screen TV, one computer (not the newest), x-box and controls. While it was a feeling of violation, I am thankful for one thing...they did not come upstairs where I was sleeping.  It was only stuff that they took and that can be replaced.

Those of you who understand something of the spiritual battle that is faced here every day, think about this - within the distance of one city block of Sox Place, there is one large Buddhist temple, two legal marijuana stores, three former brothels (one is Sox Place), and nine bars.  Sox Place is at the gates of hell and making a difference in young street connected lives.  The spiritual battle here is 24/7 and is engaged in on a continual basis. Our weapons? prayer, ours and yours. Our weapons are not carnal (earthly) but are spiritual to tear down strongholds.

Sox Place is having a Fund Raiser on November. This is sponsored, organized and directed by corporate friends. If you are in the Denver area, look up on the website to get more information - http://www.soxplace.com/. And pray for this event.

On a more personal note...this journey that my Lord has me on, continues. What has the Lord in mind for me in the future?  I don't know but I got off track in seeking that plan and am now back on track, at least as much as I can see it. When my brother Doyle and I began talking about me coming here to serve, we both (and one other person, without talking to me or Doyle) understood that Sox Place was only a place to come and rest, be healed and seek God's face for the next season of my life. Also, I have been able to spend time with my daughter, Chelley, my son and daughter in law - Brian and Sarah and my grandson Gage. And now wait for my next grandchild!
I lost my focus over the last several months.  Along in June and July I had occasional thoughts that I could do this ministry from now on...that is I could stay here at Sox Place and cook and serve and be content.  But those thoughts did not feel right.  Then, along about the middle of September, Doyle and I talked and he was having STRONG impressions from the Lord that Sox Place was becoming a distraction for me from hearing from the Lord.  Remember what I wrote just a few sentences ago?  I was to rest, be healed, the last 10 years have been very stressful, even before Jeanne's battle with cancer and her death. I understand healing a little bit, but rest, now that is another thing. Do any of us really know what it means to rest in the Lord? Having been raised that to not be working was being lazy, therefore, to cease doing was wrong. Rest...I can get good night sleep, take a nap, read a good book, but after a few days that gets old.  So what is rest?

I'm beginning to get a handle on what rest is, still trying to put into practice. Strong's defines rest this way:
1) to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labour in order to recover and collect his strength; 2) to give rest, refresh, to give one's self rest, take rest; 3) to keep quiet, of calm and patent expectation.
Psalm 46:10 "Be still" means to be quiet, to sink, to relax, or to let go.
Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30(The Message), "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

I wasn't fired! I wasn't layed off! I lost my focus and my Lord used my brother Doyle to speak to me about it.  He and I both want/need each other in our lives.  I'm still living at Sox Place for as long as I need to.

Pray with me as I listen for the Spirit's guidance.

Troy

NOW I KNOW WHAT I FORGOT!!!

Our web site is up and running. It is a nice and well done site and it was done by a clvr.tv and looks good.
http://www.soxplace.com/
Check out stories by and about some of the ones who have come through Sox Place. View bios of the staff here at Sox Place, including a short one on me, Food Service Coordinator.  There are photos, history and much more.
Come check it out.

IT'S JUST SAME OLD SAME OLD........NOT!!!!

How can it be same old same old when lives are touched for Jesus?  Yes, we do the same old thing day in and day out, however, lives are being touched and changed here at Sox Place.  Consistancy is very important in loving and ministering to these young people. We fix a creative hot meal, and I tell them, "You won't find this in any restaurant."  We don't serve them the meal, they are free to get as much as they want and whatever they want from the table and refrigerator, just like at home.  They watch movies, check out their facebook accounts or surf the web. Some are sleeping, probably because they weren't able to get any sleep last night. Some play pool, talk, sit around, hang out outside. Some bring their pets in, dogs mostly, some cats, mice, and two snakes (shiver,shiver). One girl had her snake down her blouse while she lay down.  To each their own.

I have heard many times, "Thank you for the food. I'm so hungry".  Once in awhile we get someone coming in who got here after the food was gone. I remember one girl who almost cried because she couldn't get her in time and she was so hungry. At times like that we get a Cup o' Soup or ramen noodles so they have something.  We are running low or even out of some items. We need cans of black olives, black eyed peas, sweet peas (I need these for my Eyeball soup). We have almost no canned tomato products, ie, diced, stewed, paste,juice, etc. Pray that these items start coming in. Won't be long before we will need bags or boxes of elbow macaroni, or boxes of mac and cheese. Since we buy no food we look for and appreciate food donations so very much. That's when creativity in cooking comes in to play....

We are thankful for the donation of a Ford Windstar minivan, don't know the year, and we purchased a 2002 Dodge cargo van for $2500.  Already they have helped us out.

Keep praying for a building for Sox Place to move to.  We have a year and a  month until we have to move, but we are looking for something soon.  We are looking for and seeking God's will and His plan for Sox Place.

I recently was asked to serve on the Christian Indian Center church Board in a non-voting, advisory capacity.  I am both humbled and honored to serve this church in this way.

Remember the 5280 Club. It is a way you can help Sox Place continue to minister to the street connected youth here in Denver. It is simply a commitment on your part to partner with Sox Place by giving $52.80 a month. Your church should be your first commitment to giving, and then consider Sox Place. You can get more info by contactiug kara@soxplace.com

I know there's more I need to bring to your attention, but it will have to wait until I find my written notes.

Can you even imagine the reunion that we will have when all get to heaven?

With you in His service,
Troy

AT AGE 22,I HAD MY LIFE ALL PLANNED OUT, HOWEVER...

I was 22 and serving aboard a US Navy Ammunition ship operating off the coast of South and North Viet Nam. I am a dues paid, lifetime member of the Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club.  I had arrived at a plan for my life.  I was going to be a missionary.

I became a Radioman to learn all I could about radios and communications from remote areas. I was going to use my GI Bill to learn to fly and then offer my services to any missions organization that needed me.  That didn't work out.

I was a Construction Superintendent on some commercial office buildings in Houston in 1973.  I and the architect on our buildings were going to start taking our vacations and pay our way to some mission outpost and offer our services to design and build houses and churches at no cost to the missionaries.  Or just go and teach their children, fix their vehicle, fix meals, baby sit, whatever was needed to free them up to do the work of a missionary.  That didn't work out.

I was attending Calvary Chapel Albuquerque and was putting together a group to smuggle Bibles into China.  Then we were going to travel to the Philippines for two weeks to work with some native leaders in the interior.  I had a passport and was applying for a visa.  That didn't work out.

I started a church in Albuquerque, Hope Chapel Albuquerque, and helped others go on the mission field and go on short term missions trips.  But not me.

But the Lord showed me something recently, I am a missionary.  I am working in a mission field that is almost cross-cultural, a different language, and different customs than I am use to.  I fix meals and help out where ever needed.  My brother Doyle has been a missionary in this culture for over 12 years.  He is supported by believers giving. 

I am fulfilling my plans, though they are different from what I had thought they would be.  I know it to be true, the Lord has plans for each of us.
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Sox Place has started a monthly Enewsletter.  In it we talk about current events, upcoming events, articles about staff, and stories about the young people who come to us.   If you would like to receive this Eletter, email kara .@soxplace.com
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In about two weeks we are to have our new website up and running. Keep checking back for updates.
We were going to purchase a 2002 van for SoxPlace use but the owner back out at last minute.
An update on our looking at a new location.  The building I wrote you about has received an offer to purchase.  It is not a done deal and we are still praying for that building.  Thank you for praying with us.
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Have you ever seen a homeless person on the street asking for a hand out, but you didn't have any change or didn't feel comfortable giving them money?  Consider this: use a ziplock bag, fill it with small food items like you would put in a child's lunch box (does that still happen).  Things like small boxes of raisins, small juice boxes, cereal bars, any thing edible that is non-perishable and will fit in the bag. No fruit or any thing that needs special care. You can put some in your car and hand them out at the intersections.  You can carry a few bags for days in you car.  Most homeless are not sure when their next  meal will be.
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Remember the 5280x club.  More coming out soon. You can start this anytime. It is your commitment to give $52.80 a month for one year to Sox Place to help us further the ministry God has given us.
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Proverbs 14:31 "...whoever is kind to the needy honors God."

I leave you with a Christian Navajo blessing: May you walk in the beauty of the Lord.  Beauty before you, beauty around you, beauty above you.  Walk in the beauty of the Lord.

Love ya'll
Troy

I'M BACK WITH SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS.

I know it has been almost three months since I last posted.  I'll talk about that in a moment, however right now I have an urgent prayer request.  We are needing to move to larger quarters and we have located a building, 8000sq ft, about half a mile from our present location.  WE are suppose to be getting some word on their acceptance or not in the 48 hours.  Owner has agreed to reduce rent by $1100 a month.  Pray for 1. God's will in all this and 2. For favor with the building owner.  It is almost perfect for our ministry.

I haven't posted here for almost three months. Various reasons I guess but couldn't seem to sit and write.  I have had all I wanted to say in my mind but had hard time sitting and writing. Probably depression but I don't like that word because it is so depressing.  Let's just say I was out of sorts.  Last day of March I was struck with Bells Palsy on the left side of my face and almost gone now. Two weeks later I had a sinus/allergy attack that turned into a bronchial problem that lasted 5 weeks. As that drew to a close I had all my money disappear from all my bank accounts. Got that straightened out and back to "normal".  So I guess I haven't been in the mood to write.

We had a Human Trafficking Seminar here in May and lots of shocking and informative information. One statistic has stayed with me...within 48 hours of a young person going homeless, 1 in 3 will be under the control of a pimp.  Our young people are at great risks.

There are two or three reasons that the Lord has sent me here, but one Doyle keeps trying to get through to me on - I'm here to rest and heal.  It took me some time, months, to get that into my head. My main focus here is to cook.  I'm also to pray over Sox Place and all that are connected to this ministry.  Then I'm to take it easy. The last 5 years, and even before, have been very stressful.  The Lord keeps assuring me that He has plans for me, that He loves  me, that He will guide and counsel me.

While I'm here I am to cook. I have to come to realize that that is a very important part of this team. WE are a team and everyone has there part to play so as to have the ministry go smoothly.

In the past, some of you have asked how you can help us, praying but is there more.  One thing that I am aware of is that we do not purchase food. I cook what has been donated, and sometimes I have to get very creative!  We have to purchase paper plates, spoons, forks, napkins, cleaning supplies, cups, and one way that you can help is with Sam's Gift cards in any amount.  A native American church stopped by to visit us here at Sox Place and wound up donating a whole processed hog !  Around 450lbs to 600lbs.  I'll be driving back to Muskogee, OK, to pick it up sometime in the next s2 months.

There is another opportunity for you to give into this ministry. Soon we will be informing you of a "club" that will be announced to the public.  You are hearing about now before it becomes official. Our 5280x club will be a way to help us here.  The 5280 is the designation for Denver, it is the mile high city (now you people from New Mexico know that Denver is not the only mile high city). This club will be made up of people who commit to giving $52.80 a month for one year.  This will go to operating expense. As we expand, there will be need for more resources.  You can help in this. If the Lord leads you to do this, mail to Sox Place, PO Box 544, Denver, CO, 80201, and note that it is for 5280x.  Soon we will have the capability to take credit cards at our new website.  There will be some benefits of belonging to this club, but that will be announced later.

Love getting to see my son, Brian and his wife, Sarah and my grandson Gage.  My daughter, Chelley, is keeping me fed by trying new recipes on me and taking me up into the mountains for long drives. Ahhh, being a dad and granddad! Loving it.

See you next week sometime.

Troy

THE SUMMER I WANTD TO END IT ALL

Several years ago I wrote a small witnessing tract as a brief testimony of one summer in my life.

On June 4, 1967, I graduated from a small college in Arkansas. Little did I know of the traumatic and life-changing events that were to take place in the next few days.  On June 14, I turned 22 years of age.  On June 20, I reported for active duty with the Navy.  On July 24, the day before I was to ship out to Viet Nam, my wife of a year and half died in my arms while visiting me in San Diego.  In August I flew half-way around the world to catch my ship in the South China Sea, off the coast of Viet Nam.

It would be an understatement to say I was lonely and scared as I left behind family and friends, would I ever see them again?  Loneliness like I had never experienced in my life swept over me.  Thoughts of suicide came and went in my mind.  I did not want to go on living.

With such tragic hurts you would think that I would have turned to alcohol to drown my sorrows.  That would have only sedated my hurts for a few hours then I would have had to sober up.  If I turned to drugs, again I would have only sedated the hurt for a few hours.

No, there was only one thing for me to do, I turned to the God of the Bible through His Son, Jesus Christ.  The circumstances did not change but I now had peace and support in the midst of my sorrow and grief.  The lonelinees became bearable because there was Someone else carrying it with me.  Jesus Christ became my Burden Bearer, my Peace, my Friend, my Savior.  Without Him I would have killed myself during the summer of 1967.

Are you lonely, afraid. sick, facing life without hope, run out of answers and options?  Turn to Hm now and face life with  new hope.

None of us know what the next day, hour, minute holds.  Why go through life with only your own strength?

Praise the Lord God Almighty who is and was and is to come!

INTERESTING WEEK HERE AT SOX PLACE

We had something like a Matthew 17, mountain top and valley experience here last week.  I hope my inadequate words can tell you in such a way that you understand. 

Tuesday and Wednesday we had a group of young people from University of St. Thomas.  They were a part of 'club,group' ministry' called SHINE, taken from Matthew 5:16.  They took their Spring Break to serve others, not party and indulge the flesh. They chose to serve in an Urban Ministry here in Denver and we were one of the fortunate ones. They didn't come to be served, they came to serve.   They came to serve, not build us up, however, they encouraged us and strengthened us.  Their love of the Lord, servant attitude, joy, enthusiasm, and desire to do whatever we asked, made an impression on us.  I had one chop 2 bags onions, and he did it willingly!  Maggie fixed a large pan of enchiladas for lunch and they were eaten in half an hour. Paige, Christina, Zack, Joe, Joel, Katie, Sarah. Who did I miss? Sorry ya'll, you made an impression on us and I remember you but name calling is just short of my ability. 

Thursday morning, Doyle and I, said that we were sorry that they weren't going to be there anymore.  Little did we know that the Lord used them to build us up for something that was going to happen.

It started Thursday with a young woman with a spirit of sexual perversion, a strong spiritual presence. Friday we had one guy trying to start a fight with a mentally challenged young man. Another was trying to control those around him.  Other similar goings on so that Doyle made the decision to close early on Friday, 1:30, and not open on Saturday.  Satan sent his messengers to create strife and havoc here, but he cannot. We have taken authority over him and will not cave into his attacks.  Thank you for all who sent encouraging words.

The Lord is doing a mighty work here and there is more coming!  Of course, satan doesn't like it and will fight us tooth and nail.  WE HAVE VICTORY IN JESUS!!  We truly appreciate all that are standing with us in prayer, financial support and when you can, presence support.  It does help to know that you are praying for us.

Ya'll come see us when you can.

Troy

For those who didn't get the word, I was hit with Bell's Palsey Monday. No medication, and no real understanding of how it happens. It is not serious, doctor said it was a mild case and should be gone in 2 to 4 weeks.  It sure is annoying.  Kind of like when the dentist puts deadner in your gums and later you try to drink or eat and it runs out one side of your mouth.  Just the left half.  Like my sister Cheryl said, Keep your chin up.

TINA'S STORY and friends from back home

I just fixed 5lbs of pinto beans and some cornbread.  Doesn't get much better than that!!

This past week has been interesting and encouraging.  I'll get to all that but I want to tell Tina's story first.  Remember, these stories are written by each person of their personal experiences.  I do not edit them at all.

Christina (Tina) Akins
My life on the streets started when I was 12 years old.  I ran away from home and came to downtown Denver.  Through the years I ended up being raped by 4 men.  But at  home there were narcotics and a lot of alcohol, mixed with fighting people.  So I found my escape.  Through the years I got into a lot of trouble, got into drugs and drinking.  While sleeping in train cars, parks, even the Light Rail when I didn't get caught.  The whole time not knowing what I was looking for.

At 15 I had a child, while still on the streets.  Then at 17 I had another one.  The state (Department of Human Services) caught up with me.  The whole time  Doyle Robinson, Executive Director of Sox Place, knew my kids.  I leaned on him a lot.  I finally had someone in my life to say, "Hey, you're messing up.  What's the problem?"  That's when I learned what I had been in search of: a dad!  Someone who cared unconditionally, a place to go when I was warm, cold, hungry, angry, happy or if I just had good news and no one to tell!  I finally had a caring Dad and almost a brother with Josh Robinson (Assistant Director of Sox Place).

Now I have all of my kids, a roof over my head, love and everything I need and even through the death of my fourth child, I even still have my "light at the end of the tunnel" along with warm open arms with Doyle and  Sox Place!"

This past week we had a college group in from Schreiner College in Kerrville, Texas.  Helped with cleaning, cooking (dozens of pancakes), moving boxes, etc.  While they were here another group came in unannounced.  They were from a church in Kansas with their youth group and pastor Mike Gooder.  In the course of the conversation with the pastor's wife, Cassie, I found that they were from Arkansas, when I said I came from Bentonville, they said they did also!  In fact, they were at New Life Christian Center in Centerton, AR, the same time Jeanne and I were.  I didn't recognize them but he said that when he came in he was sure he knew me from somewhere.  Good time with them.

Last Monday I was able to spend several hours with Hal and Shauna Douglas and their two lovely daughters, Ali and Grace.  We know each other from New Life Christian Center.  They had come to Colorado for a vacation and took some of their time to come visit me.  It was a refreshing and encouraging time for me.  Thank ya'll so much!

I visited the Museum of Natural History and Science with my daughter Chelley this past week also.  Very interesting, and took over 5 hours and didn't see everything. There was one display of gold nuggets in a vault.  All kinds of shapes and sizes of nuggets, but the amazing thing was the nugget that weight over 7pounds.  Not a picture of it but the nugget itself.  Glad now I kept my sluice and gold panning equipment.

Spring is in the air and my fancy is turning to fishing.

Continue to pray for the ministry here at Sox Place. We have lost one staff member and another is moving to Tulsa the end of this month.  Being short-handed we left will be filling in for the others and will be very busy.  We do appreciate your prayers for our safety and well-being.

Love ya'll
Troy

Think on this: People see what you do,  God sees why you do it. From Tracy Schauwecker.

BLACK'S STORY and others

Before I tell you Black's story, I want to share a few short stories that came to my attention this week.

On Tuesday, Jacob, one of our staff members had to take his 3 yr old son Caleb to the doctor to have two abscesses drained. It was painful for little Caleb.  Jacob texted Doyle this: "As Calebs father I sat and held his hand and tried to comfort him. The kids downtown don't have that like yours and Caleb has. No comfort, no father, no hand to hold." No father to comfort or hold their hands and tell them it's ok.

This past week a 15 year old girl was telling Doyle about her past. Her mother is a heroin addict, her father is a meth addict, and when she was 9, she held her older brother in her arms as he died from gunshots.  No father to hold her hand, to comfort her, to tell her she was loved and cared for.  I thought, and how can I or anyone else expect her to act like a "normal" 15 year old?

I found out about another young man who, when he turned 16, was given a present by his parents - they taught him how to shoot up heroin the right way.

One of our regulars came in Friday with a Kevlar vest on!  He said he had been shot at.

Now for Black's story.  Black or Davon Gray, is a big African American man that I have become friends with, and his street name is Black. Here is his story in his  own words.
"My life at home was pretty different from most people. My father was an alcoholic and addicted to crack cocaine; my mother was prone to physical abuse and believing any negative thought about me. So at the age of fifteenn I became homeless.

Being a homeless teen was simple, you had no one but the police to tell you what to do and you only had to listen to them if you wanted to or they caught you.  However, I found it hard to eat and buy things. Being a 6ft black guy makes it hard for people to want to just give you money.  Yet it is real easy to get drugs like weed, heroin, cocaine, meth, mushrooms, and even acid. Oh, and alcohol is practically on tap! I lived the life of a slut, partying and robbing people.

I lived this life for about 6 years before it got boring. However I did not realize it was my lifestyle that needed to change.  Doyle Robinson and the staff at Sox Place helped me figure that out.  I spent the next 4 years of my life trying to change my ways. With Sox Place and their love, like a light guiding me more than I think they even knew.  They helped me with getting housing, learning better people skills, even finding work when I  needed it. Without Sox Place I have no idea where I would be today.

My name is Davon Gray and now thanks to Sox Place I have a goal in my life, I know how to live and I feel loved!"

On the upside, this last week we had a group from Harvest Time church in Ft. Smith, AR, come in to serve us for two days.  A delightful group of young people they were too.  Going through the Master's Commission and learning how to serve.  They can come back anytime.

And just had a great family from my church in Centerton, AR, New Life Christian Church, stop and visit for 4 hours.  Hal and Shauna Douglas and their two daughters and their daughters can't wait to get back again and help us here at the center.  Talk about making me feel loved, they did! Thanks Hal and Shauna for the prayers over me and Sox Place.

The rest of ya'll come visit when you can.

Troy

MINISTERING IN THE SHADOW

Several years ago the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, the denomination that Jeanne and I were ordained through, had their international convention here in Denver.  The convention was held at the Westin Hotel at 17th and Lawrence.  We stayed in that grand hotel in one of the finest rooms that I have ever been in, before or since.  There were at least 2000 people in attendance that year.  The seemingly ironic thing is that I am now ministering literally in the shadow of that beautiful hotel to the homeless of the streets of Denver.  God's ways are so amazing!

My days have become some what routine with every morning starting to cook lunch.  Some mornings I wake up with the question in my mind, what am I going to fix today?  Doing lots of pasta, spaghetti, mac and cheese, rice and beans.  We don't get nearly as much fresh food since the Broncos season is over and we don't get any catered food from there now.  Have to depend on what we have frozen and pasta.  A gentleman comes by every Thursday and Saturday mornings with a pickup load of bread, cakes, pies, donuts, and other various pastries that he picks up at a couple of local grocery stores that have a sell-by date of that day.  One day I had 22 cakes and pies to cut up and serve for dessert.

I try to get to the gym 3 or 4 days a week now and I have to go early in the morning.

I am still attending the Christian Indian Center here in Denver. They are trying to sell their building so they can move into another area of ministry - homeless ministry to native Americans.  The building was built in 1893 and has no parking what so ever. Street in front, on side and an alley in rear with houses on the other side.  No parking lot.  Pray for the Lord to sell the building for them.

Ya'll come see us soon, ya heah?

Love to you all and may our most gracious Lord and Savior grant you peace and grace.

Troy

PRAYER WARRIORS NEEDED

This is a call for intercessor prayer warriors and you know who you are. Sox Place and staff have been continually under satanic attack. A new attack just happened a few minutes ago, but I am not at liberty to write what it is.  We are in need of prayer, not only today but on a continual basis.
Would you pray first about being a member of a group that I am going to call WARRIORS ON THE WALL.  You will commit to daily praying for Sox Place and  Staff. You will get regular updates on needs and answered prayer from me.  Many of the prayer requests will be of a confidential nature, not to be shared with others.
Let me know if you want to be a part of this commited group of prayer warriors.  email at troy@soxplace.com  or  skypilottroy@yahoo.com   Your name will not be shared with anyone except possibily the other Warriors.

"I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me (us) will turn out for my (our) deliverance.' Philippians 1:19
"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you (us) will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus ." Philippinas 1:6

Your Brother in Christ
Troy

CRAZY EYES

How long has it been since I posted here?  Has it been 2 or 3 weeks?  Was sick for a few days with a bug.  But the only excuse I have is that I got writers block.

Some of you have asked about the young girl and her brother that came to SoxPlace, how are they doing you want to know.  I understand the boy who was 12 was taken to a mental hospital because he was cutting himself all over.  The girl is still around but she is showing the wear and tear of the street life she is living. It hurts when you get to know some of the young people.

A thought ran through my mind recently and I want to share it with you.  Have you ever shared with someone your favorite charity? Have you ever told someone about a ministry that you help to support?  And why that ministry was so important to you that you helped support it with money and with prayer support?  Try it sometime, in a conversation just tell them that you have this favorite ministry and that you support them with money and prayer.  Tell them why you do this.  When you do this you will not only solidify in your own mind why, but you will be encouraging someone else to get involved, maybe not with your favorite charity, but maybe they will get involved and be a blessing to someone else.  Try it.

So, what is this name, Crazy Eyes?  Some time ago, there had been a man around Sox Place that had possibly spent half his life in prison.  He was known to 'rough up' people.  Doyle was concerned that Crazy Eyes might one day turn on him.  Doyle talked to him and made him promise to not ever hurt him, Doyle.  A couple of weeks ago, Josh, my nephew, took me outside and told me he wanted to introduce me to Crazy Eyes.  He didn't put into so many words but he let me know he wanted Crazy Eyes to know who I was and that I was Doyle's brother.  He made that abundantly clear to Crazy Eyes.  I talked with him and found his name was Donald but he wanted to be called Crazy Eyes.  Actually a kind of nice guy, but a little unstable. Now I talk with him whenever he comes in.  Pray for inroads into some of these precious soul's lives. God loves them and wants them to come to know Him and His love for them.

Like Paul, I ask for your prayers, "for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance." Philippians 1:19 

How am I?  I am blessed and highly favored!  I am blessed and highly favored to have your friendship and prayers.  Love you all
Troy

I HAD A DREAM

Last week I talked about all the things that had happened to me last year.  I woke up in the middle of the night realizing that I had failed to write about my best friend for over 45 years, Sarge and his moving on up to heaven in December.  It was just another blow that the Lord is taking me through.  He is holding me in His hands.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a dream, not an I HAVE A DREAM, it was a nightmare.  It wasn't a dream to be interpreted so you dream interpreters can settle back down.  This dream was because of what I am doing here at SoxPlace, the people I've met, and research I'm doing on homelessness.  I dreamt that for some reason I had to leave where I am living now and go on the streets. I could only take what I could carry in/on my backpack. I was frantic, what do I take, what do I leave behind to never see again, what/how many clothes, what about money, what about my medications, how will I get access to the money I have in savings, what if someone stole my backpack with family photos and bank card, where will I go?  The fear that rose up in me was almost paralyzing.  I was feeling what so many are feeling now with homelessness.  With homelessness reaching into the ranks of the normally middle class, this is something that regular people are facing.  A new empathy settled into my spirit.
Now let me assure you that I would have places to go.  I not only have friends here in the Denver area, but I have family also.  And above all, I have the assurance of the presence of my Lord who would be with me through it all.  However, the Lord was letting me see something of what some are facing and to have more empathy for the 'less fortunate.'
A few postings ago, I told of the Thumb Sucker who came in.  Last week a young girl, of course at my age everyone is younger, this girl looked to be 13 or 14 but I know she is older. A petite and cute little girl.  She has been in before and was almost hyper as she fast walked everywhere and talked in a loud voice.  This time she seemed calmer, but what struck me was that she had a pacifier in her mouth!  She has no child and was not caring for one.  She simply walked around with it in her mouth and took it out to talk and right back in.  She walked out of SoxPlace and walked down the street sucking on that pacifier.  Again, you wonder what happened in her young life to make her seek comfort in a pacifier?
When I spoke of homelessness striking into the ranks of the middle class I wonder if you saw the FaceBook posting of a woman and her two adolescent daughters who wound up in a Rescue Mission.  She had a good job but wanted to follow her dream of teaching. She quite her job and after her internship at a school she found that there were no jobs available.  More to it but if you are interested you can find that posting on FB, I think.
Use to be that most homeless people were on the streets because of drugs, alcohol or mental illness.  We have a man coming in that had been an attorney, but something put him on the streets.  I don't know his story but he has only recently started speaking to me, not a whole conversation but some passing comments.  That has taken over 3 months.  Back to my train of thought, why people are on the streets.  More and more are on the streets because of a loss of income, sickness that has taken all their savings and friends or family are tired of letting them sleep on their sofa.  Their home has been foreclosed on, eviction from their apartment for non-payment of rent, etc.    How can the church reach out in love?  Recently I came across the verse from Jeremiah 22:16, verse 11 gives the background,  "He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well.  'Is that not what it means to know me?' declares the Lord."  Interesting question.
Please continue to pray for those precious souls who have no place to go at night, or in the day.  Pray for the outreaches that are attempting to meet the needs of these.  Pray for income during this time of ecomomic downturn, downturn in the world system but not in God's ecomomy, and we need to remember that, God's economy is where we need to be operating.  Pray for the children who are on the streets and have no one to hold them, comfort them, protect them, love them.  These are the "poor and needy" the Lord tells us to defend.
Think on these things.
Ya'll come see us sometime, OK?
With you in His service,
Troy

A YEAR OF CHANGE

Some years ago, Focus on the Family Ministry published a list of 10 critical stress producers. Any combination of one or more of these could cause physical and emotional problems.  Things like death of a spouse, divorce, death of a child, loss of job, relocation to another state, change of careers, and others. This past year I have experienced at least 4.  However, there were some good things also, like the birth of our first grandchild, Gage Thomas Robinson and Jeanne's getting to see and hold him over Christmas 09, and being in Denver where I get to see and hold my grandson and I get to spend time with my daughter, Chelley, my son Brian, my daughter-in-law Sarah, and Gage.

Jeanne died on Jan 15; over a period of months, I stopped all my contracts with companies I did inspections for effectively shutting down my business (no income); I resigned my position as an Associate Pastor at New Life Christian Center; I moved out of my home in less than 2 weeks; I gave away or sold most of the 'things' that had been a part of my life with Jeanne and before; I moved from Bentonville, AR to Denver, CO, from small town to the big city; I moved from a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage into 2 rooms 10x12 with bath and kitchen down the hall ( you try that some time); I became an unpaid volunteer at Sox Place Ministry;....and I changed my hairstyle that I had been use to for over 30 years!

I'm not sure about any physical problems, but emotional problems, YES!  I am really missing my partner in life.  The first part of December was especially rough, it was Gage's first birthday and Jeanne should have been there.  I could not control my emotions, I would tear up at anytime.  Let me say this before I go any further, my God has not left me, He is not mad at me, He is not only holding my hand through this but He is carrying me, He loves me and has not nor will He ever reject me (even if I am in depression).   He has given me victory over satan and He will bring me through this season of my life.  Praise the name of my Lord!

If my honesty about my life is difficult for you to hear, I'm sorry but this is the reality I am going through, with my Lord carrying me.  I truly and sincerely ask for your prayers.  You will help me get through this time with you praying for me.

On a different note, I have been asked to fill the pulpit this Sunday, tomorrow, at Denver Christian Indian Center.  While they have no official pastor, they have had different speakers come in and share the Word.   The Lord is giving me another opportunity to stand before His people and share His Word for them.  I haven't done this for about 8 years now so I am nervous.  I am going to share my favorite parable because I identify with it, the parable of the Lost Son, Luke 15.  I am going to share mainly about the love of the father, an illustration of our Heavenly Fathers love for each one of us.

In the secular military, it is estimated that to keep one soldier on the front lines, it takes at least 7 soldiers behind the lines.  That has to do with logistics, supply, communications, support of all kinds.  The same holds true in this spiritual battle we are in.  Those who have been appointed by God to be in the 'front lines' of this ongoing battle need our support and encouragement.  Will you be one of those who help keep me in the 'front lines'?  Will you support me with your prayers and encouragement?  I am not hesitant or ashamed to ask this because I know I can not do battle without you.  Together we will see the kingdom of God populated and the kingdom of darkness de-populated!

May the Lord keep you in His loving hands, and may you walk in the beauty that He has given us.

Love ya'll.
Troy