From the Desk of Jill Keenon, Operations Director:
Jesus is the only way. This week has been so bazaar for Paul and me that we could not really explain it. The only way that it could have been accomplished with Paul and I still knowing we could continue to love others, laugh at life, and actually enjoy the journey, is Jesus. Grace is given only as needed and when you learn to walk in that grace is when the abundant life seems to take place right before you eyes. Life hurts, life sucks, life is hard, but life is also exciting, fulfilling, wonderful, awe inspiring, and is worth every step that we take.
I had a conversation with Melissa today about how she does not seem to be able to find hope in anything. This is a tragedy. God provides the grace, mercy, the fruits of the spirit, gifts, strength, and so much more, but if we don't reach out moment by moment to take what He has offered the gifts just sit unused.
It is a daily renewal by CHOICE. We work out our salvation with fear and trembling knowing that all along God will give us all that is needed in each moment if we just say, "Father, I need you and all you have for me." Reach for his hand today and enjoy the ride.
COLOMA PLACE
QUICKS BOYS HOME
Will is dealing with a heavy load at school right now and Allison needs strength to handle Pat more often alone right now. Pray for Will to have the ability to concentrate and learn what he needs to learn.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to convict Pat to see he does not need to lie. The Quicks have tried everything and it does not seem to matter. Pat is pretty numb to most things. Pray for him to have a passion for life and a desire to make his life better.
KEENON HOME
Melissa starts neurofeedback this week. Pray it does some good. She is exhausting. She needs Jesus and to want to fight for some hope. Pray for us to know what boundaries to set and to give her the love she needs.
Margie and Barbie have hit it off. This is a good thing. They are both kind people and seem to enjoy each others company. Margie has a lot of medical bills and sometimes the stress of the money gets to her. Pray she can trust God for all her needs.
Pray for Barbie. She goes to her sister's on Monday for a week. She will come back and stay at Allison's and Will's. Then her brother is going to get her an apartment. We would like her near us and not in Melrose Park where she used to live. Pray for her as she is still very ill mentally. Her issues with her "husband" need to be resolved, too. Jill has a big test on Tuesday. Please pray for a clear mind.
The biggest request is the Bowl-A-Thon this coming Saturday. We are having trouble raising money this year. Pray for God's provision as usual.
PS: The sermon Pastor Bugh preached this morning was simply perfect for those who are hurting and believing they are not worthy of salvation. Our Melissa is a perfect candidate for the power of the Word this morning. Pray she heard and heeded the invitation of salvation in the privacy of her room.
In Christ's Service for the Community,
Paul & Jill Keenon
Open Door for Teens, Inc.
