Bruce's Blog

God of the junkyard

bhatfield — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 02:36:51 +0000

Greetings. So this morning was a great morning. Worship service was moving to me and the sermon quite challenging. On the way home I knew that I had a busy afternoon. I needed to go to the junkyard and get three things. I window regulator for our tracker which I knew would be hard to find. A wheel for a dude at work, and I needed to look at a car like one I will be working on this week. So I changed clothes and off I went. I prayed on the way, “Lord, please help me to find what I need today.” Pretty simple looking back. The whole time I was searching for my parts I kept singing “Your grace is enough”. I’m sure that there were some people who probably thought I was a little crazy. But God was there. I was worshiping up one row and down the other. Marveling at how worship had never stopped all morning. Oh, and guess what, all three objectives were accomplished, thank you Lord. Anyway, it’s so awesome to know that even when I am in the junkyard, God is there.

Jesus draw me close

bhatfield — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 00:18:24 +0000

Greetings. I met a man at work the other day. He asked me if I was a Christian. I said yes. He told me he had cancer and that he was getting radiation treatments five times a week. What an interesting opening meeting. Today he asked me if I would like to get a coffee. Normally I am ready to head home to my safe house when I get off work, but today God had other things in mind. We sat together at Starbucks for over an hour getting to know each other. He told me that lately he has really been feeling closer to God. I told him God does his best work in our turmoil. And from then on we just fellowshiped. The reason why I even bring this up is that God is so good to give us opportunities to show his love. I have no idea what God was doing, but I do know he was working. So that is all I can ask. Once again I am reminded that God is so good.

Be a doormat?

bhatfield — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 02:10:41 +0000

If you were at church Sunday, then you heard the preacher tell us to strive to be at the bottom. What a concept. God told me this months ago and dummy me seemed to misplace this word. Praise God he has some faithful servants who carry the message on. In my flesh I continually want to feel sorry for myself. I want to shout out what about me. I’m never happy or fulfilled when my attitude is this way but I seem to slide into it pretty easily. Well for now I got a booster shot and I feel inspired. If you don’t go to New Life or you weren’t there 10-26-08 then check out the sermon on the website. The link is on my front page. And remember, God is good even when I need an attitude adjustment.

Ironic

bhatfield — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:12:07 +0000

Last week on my day off I took Boo to his lawyers office downtown. When I went to pick him up I asked him what the address was and he said it is at 11th and Grand. I asked what the number was and once again he said 11th and Grand. I informed him that there were 4 corners at this location with highrise buildings and he said it would be no problem. I parked just before 11th and Boo jumped out and immediately started asking people if they knew where his lawyer was. I was digging for change for the meter and listening. It was kinda funny. I finally got out and raced down to the first high rise and checked the directory and his lawyer was on the 6th floor. I went back out and by this time he was finally to the door and we got on the elevator. When we got to the 6th floor it wouldn’t open. So we went back down to see if there was a phone. There was a guard and he said his lawyer was down the street. We found the building and we got on the elevator and when we got to the floor I handed him his paperwork and told him he was on his own. I would be in the lobby. I’m sitting in this nice lobby wondering how he was doing when in the door comes a delivery man with one leg and a proshetic. He was carrying a big box and though he didn’t look like Mr Happy, he was pressing on. Some times when I look at Boo and his alcoholism and 2 toes missing form frost bite and many other ailments brought on by years of neglect and then see another person enduring and pressing on, it seems so ironic. But then I remember back to what God called me to do with Boo in the first place. He told me to be a friend to Boo. Sometimes I lose sight of that and become rather judgemental. I have alot to learn. Remember, God is still so good. i

Voice from the past

bhatfield — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 03:30:01 +0000

The other day I was carrying my route and a young man came up to my truck with a question. After he left, I couldn’t help but think I knew this young man. You see, probably 13 years ago, I would go into city and pick up some young boys and take them to my church to play basketball and short bible study. Carol and I took them swimming and other things. They could really be trying at times but it was very rewarding. Many of these young boys were from broken families yet the single parents were doing there best. So back to the story. I recognized this young man as Ace. It was one of those feelings that you just know it but that I may never see him again. I even thought I might write Ace on his mail the next day to see if I could get a reaction. But before I could do anything the next day he came back up to the truck. He needed a stamp. I asked him if he use to live on Topping. He said no. I asked him if his name was Ace and he said no. Kinda defensive. I then told him that I use to pick up kids, and before I could finish he said “Bruce”. It was him. What a blessing. We talked about old times and the other guys. A couple are doing good and one is in prison. It was so awesome. He is studying international law at the junior college and is working at a collection agency. I couldn’t believe this young man was the same gangly boy with the sheik doorag. It’s kinda like Pastor said about the coffee bean. And how long it takes to be productive. I just want to thank God for allowing me to be involved in this mans life and to see him years later. To Him be the Glory. What a blessing.

Gods grace

bhatfield — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 03:19:16 +0000

Today as I was cutting my terrace I notice that the neighbors were all looking at something up the street. I turned off my lawnmower and headed that way. There was a man getting the tar beat out of him until he was unconscious. He had done something earlier to a neighbor man and this was retribution so on the street he deserved what he got, I guess. I yelled at them to stop and they all left. So here I am looking down at a drug addicted human being, beat up, bleeding, and left on the side of the road. It doesn’t set well with me. I don’t care what he did. I went and got a cool towel and wiped his face and put it on his head. His pulse was strong. Didn’t seem to have any broken limbs. I just kept talking to him and telling him to wake up cause we needed to get him out of the street. He finally was able to get up and I got him down the street. I explained to him what had happened and we even saw the man he had offended earlier and he apologized to him, even though he didn’t remember it. Then he went on down the road probably to sleep it off. Through this whole ordeal I couldn’t help but be so greatful to God. Why? Because like this guy who the street says deserved what he got, in my life that has been filled with sin and set backs, I didn’t get what I deserved. Gots grace is sufficent enough for me. And I praise him for it.

Heavens grocery store

bhatfield — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 06:15:29 +0000

So… I was down in the jungle and one of the guys calls me over and tells me he has a little something for me. He told me that while he was in jail his grandmother who raised him and spanked him many times died and he couldn’t go to the funeral. At the funeral was read this little story called Heavens grocery store. He proceeded to recite it to me. Not completely but pretty close. It was a blessing to me and I thought it may be to you. And remember, God is good all the time.

I was walking down life’s highway a long time ago.
One day I saw a sign that read, “Heaven’s Grocery Store”.
As I got a little closer the door came open wide,
and when I came to myself I was standing inside.
I saw a host of Angels, they were standing everywhere.
One handed me a basket and said, “My Child shop with care”.
Everything a Christian needs is in that grocery store,
and all you can’t carry, come back the next day for more.

First, I got some Patience, Love was in the same row.
Further down was Understanding, needed everywhere you go.
I got a box or two of Wisdom, a bag or two of Faith,
I just couldn’t miss the Holy Ghost, it was all over the place.
I stopped to get some Strength and Courage to help me run this race,
but then my blanket was getting full, and I remembered I needed Grace.

I didn’t forget Salvation, which like the others was free,
so I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me.
Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill,
for I thought I had everything to do my master’s will.
As I went up the aisle, I saw Prayer and had to put it in,
for I knew when I stepped outside, I would run right into sin.
Peace and Joy were plentiful, they were on the last shelf.
Song and Praises were hanging near, so I just helped myself.

Then I said to the Angel, “How much do I owe”?
The Angel smiled and said, “Just take them everywhere you go.”
Again, I politely asked “How much do I really owe?”
The Angel smiled again and said, “My Child, Jesus Paid Your Bill
A Long Time Ago.”

Criminal Court 101

bhatfield — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:55:25 +0000

Greetings. So today one of my friends had to go to court on a narcotics charge from 2006. She didn’t even know she had been charged. She was held in 2006 for 20 hours and released. Then last week the police picked her up on a drug possession warrant. So she had to be in court at 1:30. She was really nervous yesterday and was trying to put some money aside to take the bus down there. I told her I was off and would take her if she wanted me to. She yelled at me that she had to go and am I really gonna take her. I said yes. When have I ever lied to you. She said she would be on my front stoop at 12:45. Sure enough, I drive around to the front of my house and she is sitting on the front stoop. I asked her how she was and she was not too good. Really nervous. So we are heading downtown with 45 minutes which should be enough. We park by the old greyhound station about 2 blocks from the municipal court. I put 6 quarters in the meter and she yelled, “that’s enough”. We are walking up the hill and a guy ask me for money and she yells no. He says hey little lady and she yells no again. She told me her old man(who is desceased), told her to never talk to anyone when downtown. Just keep moving. So we did. We go into the municipal bulding. Went through the metal detector and had to check my phone in. She’s over at the docket and she doesn’t see her name. She yells for me to get over there cause she can’t see her name. I looked and it wasn’t there. She was really freaking. We went to the information desk and they said to go to the county court house. So she heads out the back door, and I go get my phone and out the front door. I run around the building and head to the county courthouse. By this time she is getting pretty agitated so as we walked up the beautiful stairs to the courthouse, I held out my arm and said madam, we are royalty and this is our home. She smiled and took my arm and we went in. Same metal detector stuff and we went to the second floor. They told us to talk to some lady at a desk and she told her she was due in court at the federal building at 1:30. We had 11 minutes to get there, which was about 2 blocks. We went to the elevator and I could see it was going to take forever, so I told her to follow me. Now she is probably 4’8. Very tiny. We ran down those steps to the first floor and headed to the next courthouse. When they said Federal courthouse she really started to get scared.. She told me she was going to run. At this time the love that God has given me for my friends kicked in and I just reached down and took her hand and we walked to the courthouse. It was such a sweet moment. It was like she felt safe because I was with her. This girl has been abused and even abused herself so many times that I don’t think she really understands love. But for that moment, God was reaching out to her and I for one, even though involved, was observing this as it happened. We went inside and had to wait for 45 minutes til the judge came and 2 hours later she got a continuance and a court appointed lawyer. So we head back to where the car is and I am sure that I will have a ticket on my car. We got there and there was none. Now I would have expected after all this stress that the first thing she would want would be a bottle of vodka. But she said she would like to get some pop or something. I asked her if she was hungry and she said yes. So I took her to Grinders and she had a Philly cheesesteak . Ate it all to. We had some really good conversation in which she told me about her life and then I took her home. Once again, God has opened up opportunities to share his love and I can’t praise him enough. Pray for “M” that she will be released from the bond of sin that has a stranglehold on her. Pray that God will make a perfect work in her life. I would so appreciate it. And remember, God is good, all the time.

Unexpected blessing

bhatfield — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 02:06:48 +0000

Greetings. So this afternoon I was heading to an old friends house. I had already called and told his wife I was on my way. I’m driving down Independence ave. and I spot Santos. This is a man that Tony invited to church and he called Troy and Troy called me. I picked him up 2 weeks in a row. He was very pleasant and actually talked more than me. (I know that’s hard to believe.) I gave him my number and told him if he wanted to go to church again than to call me. So I never heard from him since then. So there is Santos at the bus stop and I drive by. God says, go back and see if he needs a ride. My reply was that I was already on my way somewhere and that I didn’t have time and quite frankly I didn’t want to stop. He said go back. I had no choice. So I am about seven blocks away by now and I turn off and back track to where the bus stop was. He was seated on the bench, so I jumped out and went over to him. I asked him how he was and if he wanted a ride. He said yes and got in. As we were driving down the road, he told me he was playing the quitar and singing at Anthony’s resturant on Fridays and Saturdays I think. ( just a little language barrier.) So he asked me how I remembered him and I said I took him to church twice and he nodded. When I pulled up at his apartment building he asked me if I wanted to come in and hear him play. In my mind I was thinking how I needed to keep going to my friends but I for some reason said yes and went in. He seemed a little embarrassed about his apartment but it was nice. He went and got his Guitar and began to play an old hymn classical style. It was beautiful. I couldn’t believe it. His fingers were all over the guitar. I felt like I should be in a concert hall. The spanish words he sang were so sweet to my ears. What a blessing. Then he began to sing a beautiful song that I have never heard. The first part of the song went as follows:

I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining, I believe in love, even when no one is there, I believe in God, I believe in God, Even when He is silent.

I could have jumped out of my skin. I was praising God throughout. The verses went on to express faith in our Lord. It was truly a God moment. I found myself not wanting to leave. Then he started playing a familiar tune so I started singing “Change my heart oh God”. He played along and just smiled so big. Then I took the guitar and sang “How Great is our God”. I thought I saw a tear but I can’t be sure. He was very emotional and sincere. It was so neat. I told him how God had told me to stop and pick him up and he just smiled. Outside he told me how when I sang that it hit him right in the heart. I told him, he had been such a blessing to me and that I would be back. I hope to take Carol next time. It will be a awesome time. God is so good. Just think if I would have kept going. Even though I knew God had me going to my friends, I would have not only been disobedient to my God, but what a blessing I would have missed. I gave him my number again and told him to call me if he wanted to go to church. I hope he does, but if he doesn’t than maybe I’ll just call him.

God and God alone

bhatfield — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 19:58:01 +0000

Greetings. So this morning is once again Sunday morning and this is the morning that my friend promised me he would come to church. When he bowed out last week as hard as I tried I wanted to take it a little bit personal. God was all over that. So today I told my wife that I wasn’t going to look for him. If he wanted to come he would come find me. I was totally sure that he wouldn’t come. So I did my morning bible study and when I was finished I told my wife that I was going to run down to the jungle. I sat and shot the bull with some of my friends but Boo was nowhere to be seen. Then I moved up to talk to ”S” who was sitting by herself. We were discussing the neighborhood and rehab and some other important stuff when someone came up from behind me. It was Boo. I asked him why he was so dressed up and he said he was a man of his word and that he was going to church. He didn’t sleep well, and felt sick but he came. I told him I’d be back in a bit. Now you can probably figure I was on cloud nine right now. What makes it even better is that it was all Gods work. I had given up on thinking he’d come. So my wife and I pick him up right in front of all the other people in the jungle, (who would have bet you money that Boo would never come to church), and we went to pick up another friend from church. On the way to church Boo asked Jim to open his bible and when he did he asked him to read the introduction to Matthew. I’m driving down the road and I hear this in the back and I almost started crying. God is a mover and shaker. So we get to church and I went to the bathroom and when I came out some of you were making Boo feel welcome. I took him around to meet different people and he had a nice time. If I looked like a mother hen holding on to him it is because I am guilty as charged. This journey with the Lord is all new to me. I have no play book but the word and Gods spirit and He says that is enough. So actually I am kind of a long for the ride. Anyway thanks to all of you who were so accepting of my friend. But don’t get a big head because we should be willing to reach out to all. After church we took my wife and Jim home and then Boo and I went down to Truman medical center to visit another neighbor who is really sick. We had to put gowns on and gloves. He was so sick and experiencing withdrawls and it was horrible. We couldn’t understand a word he said. I asked him if he would mind if we prayed for him and he wouldn’t answer so Boo said lets do it. So we did. On the way to the car I asked Boo if he knew what just happened. He said we just got in the car. I said no, we just had our first ministry experience together. How awesome. All in all, I’d have to say that there is only One responsible for today and that would be God, and God Alone. Thank you Lord, I worship you.