Friday, February 26, 2016

Prayer Riding - Route 4, oops, Route 5!

 

Just got off the bus!

What a blessed ride today!

Well, I have to admit that it didn't really start out that way.  In fact, I was thinking I would skip the ride today.  Our family has so much going on . . . emotions are high . . . lots of activities . . . But, the more I thought about it, I just didn't have a peace about not riding today.  I knew my excuses were flimsy.  So, I ended the thought "run-around" by saying to myself, "I'm going to do what I believe God wants me to do - when I feel good and it is convenient and when I feel lousy and am overwhelmed."

So, I went.

Just as I walked up to the central bus stop, Diana, the driver I met a couple of weeks ago, walked up and greeted me.  She asked what bus I was riding today and I said, "I'm riding #5 today."  She told me the name of the driver and wished me a good day.

Then, another driver, whom I hadn't met, walked up and introduced himself and told me that Driver Diana had told him about me.  I told him a little about my "prayer riding" and he asked what bus I was riding today - I told him Route 5.  He replied, "Well, alright, but I'm looking forward to you riding my bus!"

Ya'll, it may seem small, but these two greeting me with such enthusiasm was huge a Blessing!  I know it was God giving me a nudge and a hug.  His Way of letting me know that I am walking with Him in this - well, "riding" with Him!  I am so thankful.

I took a picture of the bus I was about to get on.  Posted it to Facebook.  And, then it hit me . . . "# 5?  I was supposed to ride # 4 today."  I stopped.  "Hmm... maybe I need to change the bus today and not go in numerical order.  Okay, I'm just going with the flow today, Lord.  #5 it is!"

Rode Route 5 today.  Met the very cheery and enthusiastic driver, Cory.  Lots of people riding to work today wearing restaurant clothing - wait staff and cooks.  A couple got on at the grocery store with their load of groceries - going home.  I prayed for them all.

We passed several police cars on the road today - and a couple of emergency vehicles -  - I prayed for them all.

I began to see a larger picture of all the business in Longview:  retail, food, medical, government, small, large, industrial - -  and all of the people that work in these businesses - Longview's workforce.  I prayed for all the owners, managers, workers  . . . may God bring a spiritual awakening in Longview in the workplaces.  May God give Longview people who do business that is fair and honest - that provides and serves.

May God remove those who would use business to do evil in our town.

Over and over this "prayer thought" entered my mind,
"Lord, may those who do evil not prosper in Longview.  May those who do evil not prosper.
May those who Love You, shine for You in Longview.  May those who Love You, Shine."

It was a great ride!





Prayer Riding - Route 3!



I rode this bus last Friday - the Cane's bus!

This route took us down the Loop and then Gilmer Rd into Spring Hill.
I didn't officially meet the driver because she was busy talking with someone she knew who was riding.  But, I sure learned a lot about her from the conversation I overheard!  : ) I learned she was a 'cross country truck driver for many years and is driving the bus now to be able to be close to her family.

I saw an older woman using the bus to get her groceries from Brookshires to her home.

I met an older man who had to meet with his "boss man" and rode the bus to his place of work, got off, talked with his boss, and then met the bus again around the corner to ride to his girlfriend's house.

The Spring Hill area is dear to me.  I grew up there.  So many memories - good and bad.  I was happy to pray for all of the families and people living in my old stomping grounds.

Then, we turned off Gilmer and headed up Wain - and around by all the "new" duplex's.  I call them "new" because that is what we used to call them about 30 years ago.  They are not new now.  They are slums - roofs falling in, homes burned out, windows busted out . . . I was shocked.  I'm still shocked.  Who OWNS these huts?  Who is supposed to be taking care of them?  They are obviously slum-lords.  So very angry . . . so very sad.

It was interesting - the whole bus was quiet as we drove through this area - like we were afraid to talk.  Afraid to even breath that air.

Seriously, does anyone know who owns these duplexes?  Time for some action.

Time to pray and act.

Friday, February 12, 2016

Prayer Riding - Route 2



Marshal News Messenger
Another great "prayer ride" on Longview's public transport today!

I rode Route 2 - the Medical District - on driver Diana's bus.  This was one of the smaller "van-like" buses.


Longview News Journal

No problem getting on this time - had my $3 ready, put it through the ticket machine, and took my all-day pass!  Like a pro!  Yeah, I'm a Longview Transit rider, thank you very much!

There were several interesting people on this ride.  

One lady was deaf.  I watched her sign to someone using her cell phone and FaceTime.  I have never thought about how helpful that technology must be to the deaf community.  She was very friendly and waved, "Thank you!" to the driver as she got off.  She was dressed as a nurse or medical professional and got off near some doctor's offices.

A couple of people got off at Good Shepherd Hospital.  As I prayed for them, I was wondering if they worked there or were going to visit a sick relative or friend.  

One young man got off at Regional Hospital.  I was impressed with his hearty, "Thank you!" to the driver as he exited.

I had the ride to myself for the last half of the route - around by Walmart and up past the Mall and back to the main stop.   

I noticed a few things this prayer round:
    
    1.  My mind was racing - we passed so many important areas of Longview and I felt the need to pray for each.  Next time, I will let myself relax and stay on one area for a while.  I'll be back again, no need to panic!

    2.  My heart was filling with a great desire for the people of my hometown to experience spiritual awakening and revival.  My only job in those few minutes was to allow the Holy Spirit to use me in prayer.  As I focused on Him, my spiritual eyes and thoughts were changed.  It was wonderful and so freeing!

    3.  Last week, I prayed as we crossed under I-20 and this week, as we drove down HWY 80.  My vision of our town as a cross-roads for many:  homeless, business, medical . . . grew to include people whom I don't often consider.

    4.  I can't wait until next week!  This really is so rewarding!

Come join me next time!


Thursday, February 11, 2016

Prayer Riding!



I started "prayer riding" in Longview last week.  What a blast!

I learned about "prayer walking" while living in Moscow, Russia.  I would walk neighborhoods with a small group of believers and we would pray - for the people living and working in that area.  We asked God for a spiritual awakening among the people that would bring Life and Hope and Love to the city - and that His Spirit would spread this awakening throughout the city of Moscow to greater Russia and around the world.

As I was living in the center of Moscow, I felt drawn to "prayer ride" the Garden Ring.   This ring is a series of streets that circle the heart of Moscow - the Kremlin, heart of political/gov. - the Arts District - the cultural heart of Russia.  I rode the tram or bus around the center and prayed for Moscow and Russia.  God gave me such a love for that great city and her people!

Since moving to Longview, I have felt drawn to "prayer ride" our new public transport and pray for the people of my hometown.  Well, it took 4 years, but last week I made my first ride!




I have to admit, I was nervous . . . can you believe that?  I almost backed out.  I said, "Lord, I'm going to drive to the stop and if I don't feel comfortable, I'll just try again another time."  I parked, walked to the stop, got on the bus . . . and had a blast!  "Thank You, Lord, for Your Grace that gave me what I needed to do what I believe You wanted me to."  Friends, it is that way every time . . . just keep walking in your fear and He will give you exactly what you need.



I rode Route 1 - which just happened to have the big, really nice, "like a real city bus" bus.  I asked the driver how to pay and he was very nice and patient.  3 other people got on with me and only one joined us during the route. 

I met a young lady attending Kilgore College, a young man living at Salvation Army who was riding to his job interview at Food One.  I prayed for the older man with the hip looking cap and perfectly shined shoes who slept most of his ride and the younger may with the black hoodie who kept it pulled up and kept himself in the back of the bus.  I had a great conversation with the driver and learned about his history and his fears while driving a bus in such a crazy world. 

I prayed, silently, for the people in the areas we passed - some of downtown, South side, LeTourneau University, the courthouse, our downtown churches, post office, city jail.

It was such a blessing to pray!

The last 5 min or so of my ride, I was the only person on the bus so I told the driver why I rode his entire line that day.  I could see the surprise in his face and he visibly softened toward me.  As I got off the bus, he shook my hand and introduced himself to me by his first name.  He suggested I pass on my day pass to someone waiting to get on next.  I found a couple of women standing together and asked if they would be interested in using my pass for the rest of the day.  The younger one translated into Spanish what I said to the elder and she agreed.  What a blessing to pass on a little savings!

I am so very thankful for my ride!  Thankful for the Grace to make it happen.  Thankful for the people who helped me navigate the new system.  Thankful for time to pray!

Come join me!  I'll be there this Friday!


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