homelessness

Since posting about people living in the woods I have become increasingly interested in the homeless issue in our community. I've been asking around to see what I can learn.

In a recent conversation with a doctor (who also sits on our Board of Directors) I learned that the hospital system doesn't do a good job of tracking those without a place of residence. It had been decided by someone in hospital registration that everyone must have an address to put in to their computer system. If it is a required field in their software program, there are ways around this - such as creating a code for those without a place of residence (e.g. 9999). This would be helpful because one could later run a report for all the 9999 addresses and know how many individuals were admitted and/or discharged without a place of residence.

This doctor told me that she currently had three of 30 patients in her wound care center who are homeless. That is a large percentage! One man who is living in his car was forced to enter an address upon registration. His solution - four digits from his drivers license and the word Ford. Why Ford? Because that is the make of car he drives.

More and more I admire the compassion of those who want to help this population in their time of medical need - which is simply an added complication to an already desperate situation.

just Sheri, saddened that this is happening in America

Busch Gardens

While on our weekend getaway, I told Kenyon I want to go to Busch Gardens. You should have seen his face. He was trying to figure out how to get out of it. I couldn't understand (at first) why he was so reluctant. Then it dawned on me...gardens...flowers...he is probably thinking I am going to take him to look at flowers.

Now, this could be an easy assumption as I am obsessed with flowers. I did make him take me to the flower market in Amsterdam. One of our weddings was at a Botanical Garden. It is plausible that I would ask him to take me to look at flowers. But, that was not my ask...not this time anyway.

Busch Gardens is known for it's beauty. Notice their claim to fame, "The World's Most Beautiful Theme Park." But, that isn't why one goes to this destination. Oh no...I give you one word. Rollercoasters!

This is a shot I took that shows just three of the options available. We did these and more.

In our nearly four years of marriage, Kenyon and I have never been to an amusement park together before. It was a first for us. Apparently my husband did not know I have an affinity for beautiful flowers AND thrill rides.

just Sheri, lovin' the loop-de-loop

Colonial Williamsburg

This weekend Kenyon and I took a road trip to the origins of the United States - Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown.

The buildings are old and well preserved. In case you are not aware, the typical homestead had three buildings. The main house. The servant/slave quarters. A kitchen. These buildings were built in the 1700's.

The best part of this tourist attraction is the staff - dressed in period clothes, demonstrating what life was like in the early days of our nation. 

a farmer working the field

a man training oxen to pull a carriage, yoked

a horse drawn carriage

after watching this for an afternoon I have one overwhelming thought, "the simple life is NOT simple - it is a LOT of work!"

There was homage paid to our founders, or colonizers who were trying to rule the world, which ever way you want to look at it

There were wonderful herbs and seeds available. It made me wish I had a yard, perhaps someday...

After the tour of Colonial Williamsburg, we went across the street to the modern day shops where one can find a Baskin Robbins (and other goodies) without all the effort of having to milk a cow, churn the milk and find some complicated way to freeze things without electricity.

just Sheri, grateful for modern conveniences

Human Rights

"The concept of human rights requires a religious dimension...rooted particularly in the Christian doctrine that all human beings are created in the image of God, and therefore have inherent dignity"
 ~ Timothy Keller

Thoughts?

Just read: Radical

Certain books become "trendy" or a "fad." This is one of them - Radical by David Platt. 

When an idea catches on, like this one has, it is usually because it is something we were wanting (or needing) to hear. I know I needed to hear it.

It was the tag line that caught my attention - "taking back your faith from the American Dream." Since returning to America I have been wondering how to ward off materialism, how to live a life dedicated to serving others, how to be faithful when so much distraction is available in the form of opportunity. This book is about struggling through these trials and living a life worthy of the calling we have received.

Here are some deep thoughts from Platt:

• "The goal of the American dream is to make much of us, the goal of the gospel is to make much of God."
• "[Radicals]...believe they were created for more than a Christian spin on the American dream. They believe the purpose of their lives is deeper than having a nice job, raising a decent family, living a comfortable life, and tacking church attendance onto the end of it."
• "Jesus beckons each of us to plainly, humbly, and quietly focus our lives on people."
• "God has called us to be a people who spend our lives for the sake of his glory among the needy outside our gates"
• "We are tempted, though, to settle for throwing our scraps to the poor"...the question isn't what can we spare? But, what will it take? Are we willing to do what it takes?

I want to be willing to do what it takes, which is more than just what I can spare.

just Sheri, wanting to live radically