We can become so blind when our focus is on our comfort and well being.  I say that from personal experience.  I'm currently doing an on-the-job training program to learn supervision of people with intellectual disabilities.  In the process of doing this I have clients that I oversee on cleaning a local building.  Our best days are when the clients show up ready to work and want to do their very best on the job.  Then there are the other days when they just show up.  I might have to fill in some times to keep the quality of work up to par for those I answer to.

Well, I had began to take it personal each time I had "whipped" my crew into shape and had become a great working team that the powers that be at the home site would remove my strongest player on the team; without a word to me of what will be happening to my crew.  My first thought was oh no, I have to start all over again to build another great team; in viewing that from a selfish vantage that was more work and emotional stuff on my part that I have to put into it.  I say emotional stuff because there are certain ones that will challenge you to be your best when they bring their worst.

 Today I gained insight into realizing that I have to stay flexible and thankful for an opportunity to invest and deposit into each of the lives I'm given.  It is basically putting into practice what Restorations is all about:  Restoring people's lives, giving them new tools to be employable and able to receive a livable wage.

God who is rich in mercy knows how to bring about His purpose and plans in our lives even when we forget that we once pledged our lives and treasure for His good pleasure.

Until next time, be blessed.

If dealing with people frustrate you now in peaceful times how will you ever do anything great when the need arises and tough times are affecting folks attitudes and behaviors?  That was the response Jeremiah 12:1-5 received (paraphrased of course) after his complaint to God.  It's a reminder to not complain about the small stuff.  Take it in stride and use it as a steppingstone to greater access. 

Steady progress has been made on opening Restorations.  I got this idea that it would be a great idea to open in Boulder City, Nevada.  Unfortunately, everyone I've said this to in so many words have said that'll never happen.  I'm not one to give up easily, but after going to the planning meetings I can tell they have a desire for me to seek out somewhere else.  I can understand the City planners desire to protect their community.  And well they should.

The reasons for opening a transitional home there would be the quiet, safe environment they promote. 

While driving with my husband last week I just happened to look out my window and saw the blue magazine racks offering porn mags, which was plastered on the front glass showing what was inside.  I realize we live in Vegas and we basically have given the adult entertainment the Strip, but when I originally saw the boxes on other streets close to the strip I got a little upset and shrugged it off.  That was about a year ago. 

When I saw the boxes now positioned not even a full block from a high school and another corner has a rack across the street from a middle school I was livid.  In talking to the Commissioner's office she says they're legal because we're living in a resort corridor.  Now imagine they're building hotels and resorts closer into the communities were we live.  I say we're creating what we are now fighting against with the sex offenders in our neighborhoods.

My question is when does adult entertainment's freedom of speech encroach upon my ability to provide a safe and clean environment for my children?  I'm just saying...that seems like a problem to me.