I have been praising God all week, whether sleeping in my car at Wal-Mart,
or in a hotel room tonight. I don't just praise and thank God when things
are going good for me, but also when things are going bad. That is exactly
what the Bible means in Hebrews 13:15, “By him therefore let us offer
the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our
lips giving thanks to his name.” In other words: “PRAISE GOD ANYHOW!”
Brother Lester Roloff (1914-1982) used to have those words on a sign upon
his desk in Corpus Christi, Texas.
I was driving along Highway 90 going east Saturday and saw a hotel sign advertising rooms for $35 a night! That was quite a bit lower than the $450 that the greedy woman at Super 8 wanted from me the night before for a room. I asked her why it was so much, to which she horribly replied: “Because we can!” “No thanks” I kindly told her! In sharp contrast, the lady at the Hospitality Inn said she didn't have anything available Saturday, but confirmed that they only charged $35 per night, but you must stay for 7 days. That was music to my ears! So I slept in my car that night. I went back on Sunday, to see if any rooms were available, but none yet. So I slept in my car again Sunday night, which was July 4th. Albeit, I did get to see a bunch of cool fireworks being shot off from Wal-Mart's parking lot that night. The smoke from all the fireworks was super thick all over the place, so I had to be very careful driving when I went down to Waffle House for dinner. I said I was going to fast, but I was too bored in my car...lol.
The lady from the Hospitality Inn was so kind that she called me three times. She knew that I was living in Wal-Mart's parking lot. I missed the first call. I didn't know how to work my phone the second time, and her number said “restricted” (meaning it is unlisted). But the third time I did successfully answer my phone this morning, and she said a room was available. I was there in 2 minutes, since it's just a skip and a hop from Wal-Mart. The whole week only cost me $245 plus $30 tax. $275 is really great for a week! On Friday, July 2nd, I was offered a room for $1,200 a week at another hotel. You know, sleeping in my car wasn't so bad! The first night was strange and rough, because I had never done it before, and also because I was suffering from jet leg and couldn't sleep. It was a very long night! The second night was better, since I knew what to expect, and was much less paranoid about staying overnight in Wal-Mart's parking lot. The third night was much better. I bought a bottle of Nyquil, which helps me sleep tremendously, since I don't drink alcohol. I took some Nyquil and slept sound from 11 pm to 5 am. Last night was the first full night of rest that I got, in my car believe it or not! My body's clock is starting to adjust to Florida time instead of Guam time. I woke up at 5 am and the YMCA opened at 5:30, so that worked well. I went to the YMCA early today at 6 am.
Then I went to WHATABURGER for lunch. I bought their double-cheeseburger again. I love those things! They put Wendy's to shame! I used to eat at a fast-food place as a teenager called the “Yum Yum Shop,” and WHATABURGER reminds me of them. Good stuff Menard! I drank a large unsweetened iced tea. So I am writing now from my hotel room, using their Wi-Fi, and I feel much better not having to live out of my vehicle. Thank you Lord! I'm excited about going back to church. I may go Wednesday night, just to be around other Christians. I need them so much in my life.
Today is Monday and everything is closed. I tried to call the new medical clinic, hoping they will accept me as a new patient, but they are closed. So I am going to take a much needed day of rest. Lord willing, tomorrow I am planning on eating Chinese food again, at the China Wok. I love their food! And then Wednesday I am planning to attend church at 6 pm. They have a singles Sunday School class at Campus Church at 9 am, which I plan to attend next Sunday, Lord willing.
Thank you to everyone who has prayed for me. Please continue to do so. Even though things have been rough so far while moving, I feel like a tremendous heavy weight has been lifted off my shoulders by leaving Guam. I had no life there. I just want to be a blessing to everyone I meet, and do all the good I can, wherever and whenever I can, with God's unconditional love, to honor Jesus with my life. I don't know what tomorrow holds, but God does! So I am just going to trust my dear Savior, since He DOES know what the future holds. All I have is today!
The Lord makes the difference. The heathens at the Woodspring Suites Hotel cancelled my 31-day reservation confirmation. They cancelled my reservation before I was even scheduled to arrive on July 1st. I sent them an email from Honolulu to let them know I would be a day later, because of flight delays. Those wicked people hurt me, forcing me to sleep in Wal-Mart's parking lot because of their greed. I forgive them because I know that God will punish them (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Matthew 25:40). The heathen woman at Super 8, on Friday night, who demanded $450 from me for one night, knowing that I didn't have a place to stay, must someday answer to God for taking advantage of others in their calamity (Matthew 7:1-2). What goes around comes around. But the place I am in now, for only $275 a week, has a Gospel tract display by the front desk. Jesus makes the difference! And their price was still $35 a night, before the 4th of July, they just didn't have any rooms available. I like these people.
I have a busy week ahead of me. I'm going to try to get my Florida driver's license tomorrow. I'm going to follow up on my medical. I still have a bunch of accounts to change, and places to call. I need to find some storage space for my things being shipped from Guam. I am so glad I finally have a church to attend. One day at a time.
