hope

A Weekend Getaway

| Laura Lee Bonde

Guess who spent the weekend with us?

Lee.

Last week, God put it on my heart to invite Lee over to relax, to feel normal, to be involved in family life…to just “be,” so on Saturday, after Nathan and Kyle’s flag football game, I drove to Balboa Park to pick him up. I was to meet him at our usual spot, where we hang out during lunch times, and when I drove up, he was sitting there waiting, already showered.

It was very important for Lee to shower BEFORE he met the kids. He said, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Continue reading →

“Everyone Counts”

| Laura Lee Bonde

When faith is lost
and hope is gone
and no one comes around
what happens

Is that when people
fall into despair
seclude from others
and get lost in their mind

Is that when death
creeps in and
strangles the life
out of the heart

Is that when sadness
overwhelms every thought
and depression becomes
a weight that sinks the soul

Is that when tears
flood the inside
drowning the future
of becoming real

Is that when laughter
becomes buried
and smiles become
a thought never expressed

Never be afraid to be a friend
Never be afraid to give a smile
Never be afraid to say a prayer
It may restore hope
It may restore faith
It may restore life, a life worth living

Easily Offended

| Laura Lee Bonde

Yesterday, I grabbed my chair and headed out to spend time with Lee in the park. On my way there, I thought about all the people I “could’ve” been praying for but wouldn’t be because of the time I spend with Lee, and God told me, “I have you there for Lee right now.” That seems so easy…too easy. I really enjoy my talks with Lee, and yesterday was no different. Continue reading →

Lee’s Hidden Laughter

| Laura Lee Bonde

When I first met Lee a few weeks ago, he was quiet, homeless, in the sun. I sat with him, talked with him, listened to him, and kept going back to visit him. Up until this point, I wasn’t quite sure what the Holy Spirit was up to, but today, everything seemed a lot clearer in my heart.

When it was time for lunch, I grabbed my folding chair to be able to sit with Lee in the Park and asked the Holy Spirit which way to walk, but by the time I got outside, I had forgotten and walked a totally different way. My destination was the same though, so I kept on going. Continue reading →

A Date Set for Lunch

| Laura Lee Bonde

Aside from there being no clouds, yesterday was a beautiful day in San Diego, so I was looking forward to my time in Balboa Park. As I grabbed my flags, Holy Spirit told me to grab the four dollars out of my purse. I was so excited! I asked, “Do I get to see Lee?” It turned out, His answer was yes.

As I walked up the street, I paused and asked God where to go. He said, “Just walk. I’ll tell you who to go to,” so I walked. Right when I entered the park, I saw two gentlemen but wasn’t sure if they were together. One was juggling, which caught almost all my attention. The other was pacing at some points and circling the juggler at a distance but near. It was unusual, so I headed over. Continue reading →

The End of a Season

| Laura Lee Bonde

[Written yesterday, 3/14/15]

Today is the last game of the winter season of flag football. To watch my oldest son coach and my youngest son play has been an inexpressible joy in my heart! The restoration that pursues our family is amazing, and it feels like it’s only just begun, but the truth is, God’s been restoring our lives for years.

Restoration: Continue reading →

Neon Tears

| Laura Lee Bonde
At the starting line
At the starting line

Last night, Katie and I participated in a neon color run. It’s a 5K that was run at 8pm, music blasting, packets of powder exploding in the air, colored powder being thrown at you at different stations. It’s meant to be fun, but last night, that’s not exactly how it went.

At times, my daughter can be a little moody, and I love her through every mood, which is, sometimes, easier said than done. The beginning of the race was exciting. They had techno music blasting, people yelling in unison, jumping up and down, dancing. The energy was alive, and then we took off. Continue reading →

A Drive Through God’s Heart

| Laura Lee Bonde

Last night, as I was driving to pick up Kyle, I was having the best time with God. I think that’s why my gas light keeps coming on. When I’m in the car, I’m so far in heaven that I forget about earth, and then, the light comes on and grounds me once again. (I did it again the other night: no teeth, jammies, had to pump gas.) But that’s okay, the reason behind the missed responsibility is so intoxicating, and last night, I was at it again.  Continue reading →