Why?

Why do we think we don't hurt each other?
Why do we think it's always the other person's fault?
Why do we think we will be able to get away with it?
Why do we think it's all about me?
Why do we think no one cares?
Why do we think it's not worth it?
Why do we think life is unfair?
Why do we think if only?
Why do we think what if?
Why do we think it should have been?
Why do we think it's not my responsibility?
Why do we think we can destroy?

I have about a thousand more of these questions, but why do you think I should continue?
I think you get the point that it's self-accountability. That's the answer. Another list of questions that make you go, "Hmm?"

Self Esteem

Self esteem is funny, isn't it? We all hope our self esteem is as our friends' and neighbors'. And I've noticed recently that we tend to gravitate to those friends and neighbors and family members whose self esteem is somewhere on the same scale of our self esteem. I've also noticed how uncomfortable we feel when we are confronted by someone whose self esteem is much higher than ours and how much better we feel when we are around someone whose self esteem is lower than ours. Wouldn't it be great if every day we would lift up someone whose self esteem is lower than ours? Oh, what a concept - giving a helping hand up instead of putting someone down. Wouln't it be great if we did that with our kids also? Wouldn't our self esteem rise to the occasion? Nothing seems to raise my self esteem like giving myself to someone else who is in need. Just something to think about -- makes me go, "Hmm."

Website Makeover

Recently our webmaster, Randy, has been redesigning our websight. It's still under construction, but check it out, especially the links to our prayer page and how your on-line shopping can benefit LIGHTHOUSE 2911. One the front page, the youth on the hayride had a great time seeing longhorn cattle and even had a chance to kiss a llama. It was such a happy time for the youth we serve just to have a little fun. Let us know what you think about the new website and please list your prayer concerns that we might pray for each other.
Oh, I forgot to tell you the website address. www.lighthouse2911.org

Coffee and Blessings

Today in South Texas it's been raining, overcast skies, and temperatures in the low to mid 60s. I hear people like me who are very fond of this weather. It's a welcome relief from the 100+ temperatures with no rain that we've had this past summer. Because it was such a cool rainy day, I invited our Program Director out for a cup of coffee at the coffee shop. During our coffee break, while discussing business, a very tall young man approached us and said, "Mr. Paul, I haven't seen you in such a long time." I introduced him to Randy and asked him what he was doing. He said, "Grabbing some lunch and heading back to work." Then he added, "Mr. Beard are you still doing the program?" I responded, "Yes, sir." And he said, "If you ever need someone to tell kids how important an education is, I'm your man. Everything you taught me, I am using. PALS classes are very important to keep kids on track." He then grabbed his lunch and left and we continued discussing work with Randy. But I had this thought in the back of my mind. This young man had really changed his life and is now offering himself to help others. That's truly what our life skills programs do and in the process, our communities are changed. So on what some would consider a dreary cold day, my heart was glowing from the insight out as we saw some of the fruits of our labor.

Smile

Today at Life Skills class we discussed quotes. One of my favorite quotes was, "Smile, it makes people wonder what you're thinking." Right now as I type this I am smiling. Want to know what I'm thinking? Let me tell you. I'm thinking that "God is good" and that even when I am angry, hurt, or broken, God is still in control and still leading LIGHTHOUSE 2911 and me.

New Happenings

This past weekend LIGHTHOUSE 2911 was invited to a Ministry Fair at First United Methodist Church in Port Lavaca. It is always a fun time to talk about our Life Skills Programs and make new friends at the same time. Teresa and Billy Reeder did an excellent job of designing a power point and decorating a display. It always surprises me how many volunteers it takes to carry out the call that LIGHTHOUSE 2911 has.



Now I have been re-evaluating LIGHTHOUSE 2911's Vision Statement. Basically for the last five years it has been to Build A Better Future For All. If you read this blog, you already know what LIGHTHOUSE 2911 does, so if you have a vision statement that you would like to share with us, please feel free to share your vision for LIGHTHOUSE 2911. Who knows, we might even adopt it.



Continue to watch our blog for more updates and look for a new and improved webpage coming soon.



Paul