disappointed (part 1 of 2)

I feel like there is a plague of disappointment amongst my generation. broken hearts and broken souls, left wandering what happened to life - where did it go?

Did you ever have it? Do you have it now?

I, we, are always found wanting. Wanting what? - Anything, Something, this void does not disappear. In but the warmest night the heart grow cold still. While every circumstance may be in my favor, still I yearn for more. It's just not complete. What's not complete? Me, Something, It - I can't put words to it, but I capitalize It because It is Something - it's there and we groan.

I read in Romans 10 that whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.
Do I agree with this?

I must admit I have been disappointed since I have been a christian. I must admit that I have cursed this plight called christianity at times. I feel like being human is a disappointment to a certain degree. A heart that wanders for certain escapades surely finds it plans spoiled at some point, and it's always untimely. For what pleasure is more important than the one that lay just outside our grasp at that given moment? I constantly find my reach too short.

part 2 coming in a few.....

nut-zo

I sit alone on the top floor of Chelsea Coffeehouse in Seabrook, Tx. Accompanied by old paintings, even older leather couches, and the sound of cheer from the 1st floor wine bar. It's a recent discovery of what has existed in my backyard for years, this is one of the best places I have ever had a cup of coffee.

This season is a bit weird for me. I just find much of the premise uncomfortable; perhaps it's my family and traditions or perhaps it's some unrest in my soul - either way, a certain awkwardness cannot be avoided. This is going to sound far more noble than it is, but please don't be deceived I am a wretch!! I would much rather give than receive. I can't stand getting gifts, they make me feel weird. This one time I went to England to work with some kids and it was out in the stix and I remember they thought we were famous because we were from Texas - long story short they wanted our autographs. I just had this sense of utter embarrassment and I can't explain why. All this to say, I feel the same way when I get a gift.

So I am in this coffee shop contemplating some items in Romans 6, especially towards the end where he starts talking about death and life, benefits and sucky things - this along side the sense of awkward described above. Paul goes on to throw out this idea of a gift, a free gift. One that I didn't earn. I know that if I look at my record or my cool shoes or my piles of cash (hardly) or my perfect yo-yo skills (I challenge you to a yo-yo show down - takers?) doesn't get me there. The outcome of this, or as it says what I derive, is eternal life. I can't comprehend that, but I am pretty sure it's rad the last time I checked.

So how do I accept gifts now? I find that accepting Gifts from God is much like getting a gift from my distant relative or a kid asking of an autograph in middle of nowhere England - I have an immediate knee jerk reaction to it. Who am I that you would do that? Hey kid there are like millions of us in Texas, why in the cheey hay do you want my autograph? Yo God, you are God - get the memo? I'm Roy and last time I checked I pretty much take care of me and just sit around - I didn't do much to deserve this gift that you have given me!?

something about me wants to earn everything or be entitled to it - but with grace neither are an option. it's hard for me, this season is a class room session in grace.

Please bring presents

Thank you to all of those who brought presents Saturday night to the Christmas party. We have provided the Lockley's with a bountiful Christmas but are still short on gifts for Brandon Camarillo and the entire Cummings family. For those of you who did not get a chance to bring a gift Saturday night, we will still be collecting gifts through this Sunday evening. Please help us bring Christmas presents to families who otherwise could never afford it.

Christmas is a time when we often reflect on all God has done for us and seek ways to share His love with others. The Gathering has chosen to adopt 3 families for Christmas this year, and we would like for all of you to be a part of loving on these families in need. Please take a moment to find which child you have been asked to adopt based on the first letter of your last name. Since we do not buy for the parents in the family, some of you may be interested in picking up canned goods for the families for the holidays. We'd like for you all to bring your gifts Saturday night to the Christmas party, wrapped and with a tag that says the name of the child it's for. If you don't get a chance to buy a gift this week, we'll be collecting donations Saturday night to fill in where we didn't receive enough gifts. We'll also be delivering the packages directly to the families, so please contact Carrie Anne Jurgensen, carriej@perimeter.org, if you'd like to be a part of this delivery. Please help us in bringing Christmas to families who without us would never have one.

The Camarillo Family
A-C:Ricky;19 Male;Likes working on computers
D-F:Kevin;14 Male;Likes Video Games – PS2, Reading, Playing guitar
G-I:Brandon;9 Male;Likes all sports, Video games, Needs pants

The Cummings Family
J-L:Kenneth;18 Male;Needs Electric Beard Trimmer, Jeans, Dress Shoes, DVD player
M-O:Jean-Paul;14 Male;Likes Guitar Hero PS2 w/guitar, Skate Shoes, CCS giftcard for
good skateboard
P-R:Christopher;10 Male;Likes PSP Pokemon diamond, Gameboy Pokemon leaf green,
Skateboard, 24” bike, Basketball Shoes

The Lockley Family
S-Z:Mya;3 Female;Favorite color pink, Loves Dora & Sponge Bob, Chalk board, Crayons
&coloring book


Guidelines and Suggestions for Christmas Assistance Program

1.You may want to consider paying a utility bill for the family rather than buying gifts for adults. In this case, contact Carrie Anne at carriej@perimeter.org for more information.

2.Keep food and gift items within your budget guidelines. Clients are told not to expect anything extravagant or too costly for their children. Keep these estimates in mind:

Family Size 4: $75 for food & $50 per child
Family Size 6: $150 for food & $50 per child

Holiday Meal:
$10-$15 gift certificate for Turkey or Ham
Canned sweet potatoes
Instant potatoes or 5 lb bag
Canned green beans
Canned cranberry sauce
Jello-O & Canned fruit
Instant dessert mix
Canned or bottled juices
Canned gravy
Stuffing
Canned Corn

Important basic items needed: Dry powdered or evaporated milk, Sugar, Self-rising flour, Vegetable oil, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Macaroni & Cheese, Tuna or Hamburger Helper, Canned Spaghetti-O’s, Rice, Breakfast cereals, Dried beans, Soups, Spaghetti sauce.