Lot of ground to cover.

So, I didn't realize how long it has been since I have updated you guys on what is going on here in Huntsville. I guess I have a lot of ground to cover here!!

I will start with my favorite book I have read over the past couple of weeks. Have any of you guys ever read the story Karla Faye Tucker: Set Free? If you haven't (which I am going to assume that I am the only one) you should definitely read it. If you wanna read a story of redemption, this is a great one. I read it all in one day, one sitting. It is about a woman who committed murder, and found Jesus in prison. She lives her life in prison sold out for the Lord, insanely powerful. She is later executed for the crimes that she committed earlier in her life.  If you want to read it, let me know-- I will gladly send you my copy to borrow.

 

The past couple of weeks I have had the opportunity to meet some of the most interesting people from all over the world. I have been so blessed by these people. One family drove here from Amarillo for and exhibit at the Prison Museum on men and women that have been executed. The family of 6 which included parents, 3 sisters, and a brother came because their brother and son was executed back in 1992. The family was so sweet and sincere. They obviously were having a hard time being here at the house because the last time that they were here their son and brother were executed. I was given the opportunity to sit with the mother and talk with her a while. I could see the pain all over her face. Every time she would start to talk about her son and what happened, she would break down into tears. Which broke my heart. I don't know what really happened with that boy, nor do I really want too. All I know is that family is holding on to a lot of anger and pain. Pray for this family. Pray that they start to give God their pain and anger so that they can continue to move on with their lives; while still continuing to remember the family member they lost. Pray Matthew 11:28 over their lives.

I have had a lot of really awesome moments here, and a couple of not so awesome moments... but that's ministry, right? I like when churches or groups come and do volunteer work. It is fun to have lots of people in the house. I love when the house is full on the weekends. I absolutely LOVE it when kids come. I don't like so much execution days. They are really.. strange for me. I have gone through about 6 since I have been here. I am pretty sure that I have said this before, but just for clarification I do not witness the execution. I feel like that is the most frequently asked question, and no I never meet the man. The only part of it that we have here at the house is we house the family members of the inmate here the day of his execution. So all I see is the families and friends of the man. The whole day is just strange to me, I can almost say they make me a little uncomfortable. The whole execution thing is something that I did not know I would have to handle, but it is really teaching me the power of prayer. When things start to get really emotional here in the house, I usually leave the room for several reason. 1. I hurt for people a little to much, and I almost cry every time. 2. I leave to pray. I ask the Holy Spirit to come and put peace in the hearts of the people. You know that every time I have done that, God has proved faithful. God is soo good, and He is so faithful. 

Thank you to my wonderful friends who drove here and had lunch with me! Emily and Case I really do appreciate you coming and I LOVED here about how both of your summers are going. I am praying for you both faithfully.  Sorry, I don't have a picture of you Case :(

I spent Father's Day here in Huntsville, and I was kinda sad. I wish I could have been there because I am sure you had Big Red ice cream without me. :( I miss you both very much! I will see you both soon enough!

Favorite picture of all time.

Continue to pray for the house. I cannot tell you how many of our guest walk in and tell us this is their home away from home. They say that they sleep better here than they do at their own houses. Why do you think that is? I think it is because the Spirit of the Lord is present in this place, and working in the lives of the people who stay here. Pray for days of execution. Pray that the families cling to the Lord when the pain feels unbearable. Pray for opportunities to share the Gospel. 

July 4th is my GramGram's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I know I am not there, but I would like to be included on the homemade ice cream vote. I vote Orange Crush. :)