One of the things that I love so much about spending time at The Way is seeing the many ways that God provides for our moms. When I say He provides, He REALLY provides! We have a group of ladies that knit sweet little hats and blankets for our newborn gift bags and another lady makes beautiful quilts for them. We always have an on-going supply of gently-used baby clothes, Pampers, wet wipes and other items to add to the gift bags. A close friend has recently started donating grocery and hygiene items she gets by couponing and is now encouraging others to come on board with her to help meet another need at our clinic.
We’ve been able to help our moms with different needs, and thankfully, we’re now able to help them with another need, one for maternity clothes. This need was recently met by “Dignity U Wear,” an organization that gives beautiful new clothes to people in need. There are no words to describe what a blessing this has already been for some of our moms. So much so that I just have to share a couple of the stories.
Last Monday I asked one of our mom’s if she needed maternity clothes and shoes. She was wearing flip-flops and immediately took one of them off and showed me the shoe. It had a hole in it the size of a quarter. This is her only pair of shoes and she walks to our clinic for her visits! As for maternity clothes, she had been wearing jeans that she wore before she was pregnant, so she had to walk around wearing them unzipped! I went through our stash of clothes and picked out some for her to try on. She was especially excited about a pair of overalls and called me in the room so I could see them on her. She thought they would be perfect to wear, even after the baby is born, since she plans to nurse her baby. The appreciation she had for the clothes was nothing short of food for my soul!
Another mom, Debbie (name changed), told me she needed clothes and I put together a bag for her. She was supposed to come by Wednesday to pick them up. When I called to set up a time for her, her mom answered and said they had a viewing Tuesday afternoon and funeral on Wednesday. Knowing Debbie’s need for clothes, I offered to meet Debbie early Tuesday afternoon to help out with something to wear to the viewing and funeral. Debbie met me at the clinic, tried on the clothes and thanked me over and over as she left with a bag of nice, beautiful maternity clothes and a big smile on her face.
Two moms came in this past Thursday for their checkouts and they were in also in need of maternity clothes. One of them took every item out of the bag and showed it to her husband. It was nothing short of pure sweetness, watching her show the clothes to him and asking him his opinion of them! I put together some clothes for the other mom and asked if she would like me to add a dressy dress since we had a beautiful one in her size. She and her mom have been visiting a new church and she said she would love to have a dress to wear to church. She was beyond elated when she saw the dress and even modeled it for me. Not only was it a perfect fit and color for her, it looked gorgeous on her!
Some of our moms have stories that tug at my heartstrings and they will forever hold a special place in my heart. For the most part, they have fallen on hard times and are in a situation that any of us could be in at any given time. I know what it’s like to go through financially hard times. We went through some really lean times raising four kids and we endured some financial hardships that came from the medical catastrophes my husband and I went through. I truly believe that God lets us go through some experiences to give us a greater understanding of what others are going through, so we can be an encourager to them. Before I was created, He knew that I would end up working with some moms going through financial hard times. My life experiences have given me insight as to the difference a pair of shoes, a dressy dress or baby items can mean to someone going through a difficult time. I know the appreciation these ladies have in their hearts, for everything we give and do for them, even the little things that might seem insignificant to someone else. I am so thankful to everyone who donates to our clinic, giving me the opportunity to brighten someone’s day and make a difference in their life.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
A Friend's Testimony
This afternoon my friend Stacey was all smiles as she asked me for email. She said she had a testimony that she wanted to share with me about spending time in jail. Knowing Stacey, I thought she was going to email me about some jail ministry she is involved in. Little did I know that she was actually put IN jail! The following is the email I received from her this afternoon. It is unedited, even to the last sentence about sharing the email. The only changes I made were to put *****'s in place of the name of the jail and the city where the jail is located. Sit back and be prepared to read an amazing true story, Stacey's testimony.
Stacey's Testimoy ~
For a very long time it has been my ex husband's goal to see me suffer and have hurt. He's been trying to have me jailed since I was on bedrest with the twins, and they are 19 months old now, so that tells of his unrelentless vegence. Being petty. The crime? He claims he didn't get his baseball cards. He wanted me found guilty of violating the divorce decree in which he was awarded his premartial items. He did actually get them, but stated in court that those weren't his ball cards. Testified in court how much they meant to him and I can't remember in the decade we were married that he looked at them more than 5 times. Clearly they were so special to him. Anyhow got 2 days of time in the ***** County Jail as punishment (that was a blessing in itself, because my ex and his lawyer were asking for 15 days). My ex husband had countless opportunities to withdraw his request for punishment but refused. He claims to be a Christian, and although I can't judge his heart, the fruit he bears is anything but that of a Christian. But enough of focusing on what Satan wants me to look at, let's move on to the God portion.
I was so irritated at the sentencing and the whole proceeding I told Matt I was just going to go do the time and sit in my cell the whole time not talking to anyone. He, being the wonderful husband he is, said what if you are supposed to be talking to someone? Ok. My heart and mind changed and I began to look for opportunities that God might be using me for.
At the inprocessing part the guard asked my education and I told her I have my master's degree. She raised her eyes and said "well you don't see that all the time here". Asked about my job and again surprised that I even had one. She assumed I was there on DWI and asked when I was arrested. I quickly informed her of the circumstances of why I was there. She was so shocked and said he must be quite a person. You have no idea!
Some of my fears were the strip search, fingerprints, etc. It never happened! How do you go to jail and not have those things done??
I also was told I'd be in black and white stripe uniform. How embarrassing. That didn't happen either. Got some Hawkeye yellow scrubs. Comfy and mostly what I wear at work anyhow. Next she handed me my stack of bedding and directed me to the cell.
I walked and and one of the girls, Tina, came out to shake my hand and introduce herself. She must have known I'd never done this before and took my bedding and showed me how to make it so the sheets stayed on. I was also freezing, I left 90 degree weather and came back to a frost alert. Couldn't get warm since I stepped off the plane in *****. Tina offered me a pair of her socks too (that btw cost her 6 dollars of her money at the jail). God sent me a person of peace in Tina. Whenever you are in a foreign surrounding, you pray for a person of peace, someone who is friendly.
Was just getting aquainted with my surroundings when they announced it was time for chapel and would I like to go. Are you kidding?? Of course. And I thought "God is meeting me right where I am". All the girls went to chapel, there were 7 of us in total. I was thinking praise music, a good sermon....not at all what I got. I'm not sure who he was, and pardon me for sounding critical, but he sucked at leading the flock. There was no singing, no praise to God. He read a few random verses that didn't even seem to connect to each other or have a main point. Told us to get off the drugs and stay out of there. Umm, pardon me, but where do you get off making judgemental statements like that as a pastor?! Only 3 were there on drugs. The majority was not. I was frustrated that he wasn't sharing the hope in God, or His promises, or that those ladies can be forgiven and are loved beyond measure unconditionally. So I sorta talked over him and made those points known. I was trying to remember scriptures to point them to so it was backed. I couldn't remember the Jeremiah 29:11 verse, kept thinking it was in chapter 27 and I couldn't find it. When I asked him where it was, he said he wasn't good at knowing scripture. HUH? Then how did you get this job? I told the girls I would find it later and let them know the location. After all, I had 2 days time to review the whole chapter of Jeremiah if I needed....Prison ministry at ***** county jail is seriously lacking.
We got back to our rooms (incidentally I had a room to myself-another answered prayer) and one of the girls I thought was "tougher" came in my room. Like she didn't want anyone to see her and she whispered, hey will you pray for me? You seem like a good person to ask for prayer. She walked out of my room and then came back and said, tell him my name is Angie. I told her that He knows that and yes I would.
I found out TIna, my person of peace, was a new Christian and was baptized within the last week. They don't allow baptisms in jail, so they just dumped a pitcher of water over her head. It was all they had. I assured her Christ knew her heart and that a pitcher of water was just as pleasing. She was very eager to know about Jesus and I had taken some Max Lucado books to read, one called He Still Moves Stones and the other was In the Eye of the Storm (about peace). I left those books with her when I left on the second day and also wrote a prayer in the front for her. So she could see a prayer even after I was gone. I hope it will encourage her.
I fasted while I was there, although I took my tray and then split it up among the other girls. They kept asking how I could not eat or drink. One, it's only 2 days, and second, I told God I would and pray about things on my heart. That seemed to shock them for some reason.
Another girl came up to me after chapel and asked what my maiden name was. I was hesistant to answer wondering what consequences it might bring. I told her and she said I thought so. I'm Kathy and we went to Madison Baptist as kids. Took a step back and saw her as the little girl I'd known growing up in church. We hugged and she cried telling me she was there on meth charges. Her husband was killed and she turned to meth to numb the pain. Far life from where we'd been competing in bible drills....I was able to talk with her and tell her about what she already knew. Said her mom kept telling her the same things I was and I told her that her mom was right. And that was just day 1! When I went to bed I was still cold, despite 2 blankets. And in jail they leave the light on in your room at all times. Sorta hard to sleep with the lights on. Just prayed again for angels to be sent to cover me and for some rest. Instantly felt like an electric blanket was on me and became toasty for the first time all day. I fell asleep and didn't wake up until morning. Man was God just showing off with all the answered prayers!!
Next day was just getting to know everyone and why they were there. Turns out I knew 4 of the 6 in one way or another. I did find that verse by the way and shared it. Wrote it down in case they forgot.
More of the same on day 2, just comforting, listening, hugging. I would call these ladies my friends. And even some being felons, wouldn't hesitate to have them over for dinner.
I left on the second day and Tina and Kathy were up to see me go. Both were crying and hugged me like they hadn't really been hugged in awhile. I was almost sad to say goodbye to them. Although I can't see them I can still write. I told TIna she was the leader of the group being the new Christian, so get the other girls in the Bible, talk with each other and start their own class. THere were some study questions in the back of the Max Lucado books and they could use those for scripture lookup and discussion. Told her how she blessed me by the effort to make my bed and keep me warm. Asked her to keep doing that, she is being God's servant, even there in the jail and it makes a difference. Tina is there for 6-12 months on forgery charges so she will see many people come and go.
Whispered to Kathy when we hugged to go back to what she knows, it's not too late and you will be welcomed greatly. Let the past go and look for a new future. She just sobbed.
I plan on sending them postcards and maybe even print off the words to some songs. I don't know if they will let me mail them anymore books....What should have been a dark time for me was the highlight of the week. What Mike and his attorney pursued as punishment was just God getting some more kingdom work done. I was sent to the mission field and it was successful! Ha...some people pray "please God don't send me to Africa"...bet most people forget to pray "and not jail either"! But I'm thankful, blessed, and was fully taken care of in what could have been a hostile environment. That's what happened to me in jail. THanks to everyone for your prayers, He heard. He showed Himself faithful, gave me strength, and gave some hope to those who need it.
On the flight home my armrest had satellite radio on it and I could tune in The Message. Much needed praise music. I was filled with so much joy from those days that I just wanted to sing outloud and raise my hands. But my logical side took over and I thought there is probably a US marshall on this plane who will arrest me. Was good with just 2 days so I kept quiet and smiled:)
I say all of this to give all the glory, honor and praise to the one and only Father in Heaven.
Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
PS feel free to share this with anyone you feel needs this. We should love to get the news of God out.
Stacey's Testimoy ~
For a very long time it has been my ex husband's goal to see me suffer and have hurt. He's been trying to have me jailed since I was on bedrest with the twins, and they are 19 months old now, so that tells of his unrelentless vegence. Being petty. The crime? He claims he didn't get his baseball cards. He wanted me found guilty of violating the divorce decree in which he was awarded his premartial items. He did actually get them, but stated in court that those weren't his ball cards. Testified in court how much they meant to him and I can't remember in the decade we were married that he looked at them more than 5 times. Clearly they were so special to him. Anyhow got 2 days of time in the ***** County Jail as punishment (that was a blessing in itself, because my ex and his lawyer were asking for 15 days). My ex husband had countless opportunities to withdraw his request for punishment but refused. He claims to be a Christian, and although I can't judge his heart, the fruit he bears is anything but that of a Christian. But enough of focusing on what Satan wants me to look at, let's move on to the God portion.
I was so irritated at the sentencing and the whole proceeding I told Matt I was just going to go do the time and sit in my cell the whole time not talking to anyone. He, being the wonderful husband he is, said what if you are supposed to be talking to someone? Ok. My heart and mind changed and I began to look for opportunities that God might be using me for.
At the inprocessing part the guard asked my education and I told her I have my master's degree. She raised her eyes and said "well you don't see that all the time here". Asked about my job and again surprised that I even had one. She assumed I was there on DWI and asked when I was arrested. I quickly informed her of the circumstances of why I was there. She was so shocked and said he must be quite a person. You have no idea!
Some of my fears were the strip search, fingerprints, etc. It never happened! How do you go to jail and not have those things done??
I also was told I'd be in black and white stripe uniform. How embarrassing. That didn't happen either. Got some Hawkeye yellow scrubs. Comfy and mostly what I wear at work anyhow. Next she handed me my stack of bedding and directed me to the cell.
I walked and and one of the girls, Tina, came out to shake my hand and introduce herself. She must have known I'd never done this before and took my bedding and showed me how to make it so the sheets stayed on. I was also freezing, I left 90 degree weather and came back to a frost alert. Couldn't get warm since I stepped off the plane in *****. Tina offered me a pair of her socks too (that btw cost her 6 dollars of her money at the jail). God sent me a person of peace in Tina. Whenever you are in a foreign surrounding, you pray for a person of peace, someone who is friendly.
Was just getting aquainted with my surroundings when they announced it was time for chapel and would I like to go. Are you kidding?? Of course. And I thought "God is meeting me right where I am". All the girls went to chapel, there were 7 of us in total. I was thinking praise music, a good sermon....not at all what I got. I'm not sure who he was, and pardon me for sounding critical, but he sucked at leading the flock. There was no singing, no praise to God. He read a few random verses that didn't even seem to connect to each other or have a main point. Told us to get off the drugs and stay out of there. Umm, pardon me, but where do you get off making judgemental statements like that as a pastor?! Only 3 were there on drugs. The majority was not. I was frustrated that he wasn't sharing the hope in God, or His promises, or that those ladies can be forgiven and are loved beyond measure unconditionally. So I sorta talked over him and made those points known. I was trying to remember scriptures to point them to so it was backed. I couldn't remember the Jeremiah 29:11 verse, kept thinking it was in chapter 27 and I couldn't find it. When I asked him where it was, he said he wasn't good at knowing scripture. HUH? Then how did you get this job? I told the girls I would find it later and let them know the location. After all, I had 2 days time to review the whole chapter of Jeremiah if I needed....Prison ministry at ***** county jail is seriously lacking.
We got back to our rooms (incidentally I had a room to myself-another answered prayer) and one of the girls I thought was "tougher" came in my room. Like she didn't want anyone to see her and she whispered, hey will you pray for me? You seem like a good person to ask for prayer. She walked out of my room and then came back and said, tell him my name is Angie. I told her that He knows that and yes I would.
I found out TIna, my person of peace, was a new Christian and was baptized within the last week. They don't allow baptisms in jail, so they just dumped a pitcher of water over her head. It was all they had. I assured her Christ knew her heart and that a pitcher of water was just as pleasing. She was very eager to know about Jesus and I had taken some Max Lucado books to read, one called He Still Moves Stones and the other was In the Eye of the Storm (about peace). I left those books with her when I left on the second day and also wrote a prayer in the front for her. So she could see a prayer even after I was gone. I hope it will encourage her.
I fasted while I was there, although I took my tray and then split it up among the other girls. They kept asking how I could not eat or drink. One, it's only 2 days, and second, I told God I would and pray about things on my heart. That seemed to shock them for some reason.
Another girl came up to me after chapel and asked what my maiden name was. I was hesistant to answer wondering what consequences it might bring. I told her and she said I thought so. I'm Kathy and we went to Madison Baptist as kids. Took a step back and saw her as the little girl I'd known growing up in church. We hugged and she cried telling me she was there on meth charges. Her husband was killed and she turned to meth to numb the pain. Far life from where we'd been competing in bible drills....I was able to talk with her and tell her about what she already knew. Said her mom kept telling her the same things I was and I told her that her mom was right. And that was just day 1! When I went to bed I was still cold, despite 2 blankets. And in jail they leave the light on in your room at all times. Sorta hard to sleep with the lights on. Just prayed again for angels to be sent to cover me and for some rest. Instantly felt like an electric blanket was on me and became toasty for the first time all day. I fell asleep and didn't wake up until morning. Man was God just showing off with all the answered prayers!!
Next day was just getting to know everyone and why they were there. Turns out I knew 4 of the 6 in one way or another. I did find that verse by the way and shared it. Wrote it down in case they forgot.
More of the same on day 2, just comforting, listening, hugging. I would call these ladies my friends. And even some being felons, wouldn't hesitate to have them over for dinner.
I left on the second day and Tina and Kathy were up to see me go. Both were crying and hugged me like they hadn't really been hugged in awhile. I was almost sad to say goodbye to them. Although I can't see them I can still write. I told TIna she was the leader of the group being the new Christian, so get the other girls in the Bible, talk with each other and start their own class. THere were some study questions in the back of the Max Lucado books and they could use those for scripture lookup and discussion. Told her how she blessed me by the effort to make my bed and keep me warm. Asked her to keep doing that, she is being God's servant, even there in the jail and it makes a difference. Tina is there for 6-12 months on forgery charges so she will see many people come and go.
Whispered to Kathy when we hugged to go back to what she knows, it's not too late and you will be welcomed greatly. Let the past go and look for a new future. She just sobbed.
I plan on sending them postcards and maybe even print off the words to some songs. I don't know if they will let me mail them anymore books....What should have been a dark time for me was the highlight of the week. What Mike and his attorney pursued as punishment was just God getting some more kingdom work done. I was sent to the mission field and it was successful! Ha...some people pray "please God don't send me to Africa"...bet most people forget to pray "and not jail either"! But I'm thankful, blessed, and was fully taken care of in what could have been a hostile environment. That's what happened to me in jail. THanks to everyone for your prayers, He heard. He showed Himself faithful, gave me strength, and gave some hope to those who need it.
On the flight home my armrest had satellite radio on it and I could tune in The Message. Much needed praise music. I was filled with so much joy from those days that I just wanted to sing outloud and raise my hands. But my logical side took over and I thought there is probably a US marshall on this plane who will arrest me. Was good with just 2 days so I kept quiet and smiled:)
I say all of this to give all the glory, honor and praise to the one and only Father in Heaven.
Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
PS feel free to share this with anyone you feel needs this. We should love to get the news of God out.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Oh so blonde...
My niece, Tressa never has to wonder which side of the family her "blondeness" comes from. She happens to be one of the few people who understands my blonde moments and can totally relate to them. Tressa and I were talking several years ago and started comparing our blonde notes. We both laughed at the fact that we get nervous every time someone tells us a joke, knowing nine out of time times, we’re not going to “get” the joke, before the person even starts telling it. That day I told Tressa how embarrassed I get by my blonde moments and always hope no one finds out about them. Tressa laughed and told me she loves her blond moments AND shares them with all her friends. Our talk became a little turning point in my life. I decided it was time to start embracing my blondeness, realizing they are part of what makes up the crazy, zany person that I am. It sure makes life a lot more fun when you can laugh at the things you do, instead of letting them stress you out.
Recently I had a really cute blonde incident and this time it was all captured on paper. Since it’s too good not to share, here’s the back and forth emails from my dear friend Stephanie Owens. Yes, the very same Stephanie that designed my blog headder.
It started with an email from Steph on April 29th. At the end of the email she wrote ~I have something for you by the way...
my response ~
and please... I hate suspense!!!
Steph’s response ~
ahhhh... I can't say. but I have it on good authority that P.C. Tail stopped by my house a little early! :o)
my response ~
oh my friend how quickly you forget that your dear friend Molly is SO SO SO blonde that sometimes it's hard for her to figure out the simplest of things!
All I could think of when I read "P.C." is a computer. Here's how I read it -
“good authority that personal computer. (new sentence) Tail stopped by my house a little early.”
well Steph, there's your laugh for today!
Steph’s response ~
I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.. and neither has my boss... you tickle me... and PC Tail.. is Peter Cotton Tail... :o) love you!
my response ~
I figured it out and now that darn song, "here comes Peter Cottontail" is STUCK in my head!!!
~ Well, so o much for keeping my blonde moments to myself, huh? Glad Steph AND her boss enjoyed my blonde moment of the day!
Recently I had a really cute blonde incident and this time it was all captured on paper. Since it’s too good not to share, here’s the back and forth emails from my dear friend Stephanie Owens. Yes, the very same Stephanie that designed my blog headder.
It started with an email from Steph on April 29th. At the end of the email she wrote ~I have something for you by the way...
my response ~
and please... I hate suspense!!!
Steph’s response ~
ahhhh... I can't say. but I have it on good authority that P.C. Tail stopped by my house a little early! :o)
my response ~
oh my friend how quickly you forget that your dear friend Molly is SO SO SO blonde that sometimes it's hard for her to figure out the simplest of things!
All I could think of when I read "P.C." is a computer. Here's how I read it -
“good authority that personal computer. (new sentence) Tail stopped by my house a little early.”
well Steph, there's your laugh for today!
Steph’s response ~
I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.. and neither has my boss... you tickle me... and PC Tail.. is Peter Cotton Tail... :o) love you!
my response ~
I figured it out and now that darn song, "here comes Peter Cottontail" is STUCK in my head!!!
~ Well, so o much for keeping my blonde moments to myself, huh? Glad Steph AND her boss enjoyed my blonde moment of the day!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
I miss my blog and never thought I’d go this long without writing a blog post. It seems the older I get, the busier I get. Yesterday I had one of the most amazing experiences ever, and it’s just too awesome not to take the time to share. I was so excited I called several people to tell them what happened. When I called my daughter and told her I had one of the best days ever, she asked if won the lottery and I told her, “No, even better!” Winning the lottery can’t begin to compare with what happened to me yesterday! Yes, it was just that awesome! I was given a rare opportunity to see how God connects the dots in our lives to bring everything together to take care of us.
To get the full picture, I have to go back September 11, 2009 and tell you about a night that completely changed my life forever. Jim and I took Cade fishing on the city pier. A couple was walking on the pier, stopping and talking with people as they passed by. They said hello to us as they walked to the end of the pier and stopped on their way back to ask Cade if he was catching any fish. One thing led to another and before we knew it, we were engaged in a delightful conversation with Mary and Matt.
Mary happened to mention to me that she volunteered at an ob/gyn clinic for the medically needy on Thursdays. The clinic was less than two miles from my house and I had no idea it even existed! Having always been fascinated with pregnancy and newborns I asked Mary if they could use another volunteer at the clinic. Mary said they always need volunteers and the following Thursday I was at the clinic filling out the paperwork to become a volunteer.
One day at the clinic and I was hooked! From that day on, Thursday became my favorite day of the week. I had been praying for more purpose and meaning in my life, and knew this was an answer to my prayer. That answer to prayer has put me with an awesome group of people who have become very dear friends to me. We all have a strong faith, are very supportive of each other and have a caring heart for our patients. What more could I ask for!!!
OK, back to the story...
Sometime last spring the director of the clinic asked for volunteers to help out at a back to school community health fair they were having in August. I offered to help and was amazed at all the services and vendors that were going to be at the event.
August is always such a hot month and I remember the day of the event it was sweltering it was so hot. My job was to give people forms to fill out and tell them what we were offering. A mom came up to my table to get her form and told me that she and her daughter had caught a ride half way, and walked the rest of the way to get to our outreach. Melissa shared with me that they were homeless living in Georgia and a friend told her she could come down here and live with the friend’s mom. Melissa was out of work and had no transportation. She had packed water and little Debbie’s for her daughter to eat and since it was so hot, she wanted to wait until it got a little cooler to walk back to where they were staying.
OK, everything Melissa said touched my heart, but most of all knowing the best she could pack for her daughter to eat was little Debbie’s and water, really tugged at my heart strings. There was no way I was going to let her walk home in that steamy hot weather. I told her she would have a ride home, if I had to get someone to cover for me and take her myself.
Melissa was so excited when I told her all the services we had for her at the outreach - free hair cuts, backpacks, underwear, hygiene bags, school supplies, physicals, immunizations, much more and LUNCH! I can’t remember if it was our director or founder that I went and shared Melissa’s situation with, but they promised they would hook her up with a ride and with Andre’, the president of the Mercy network, to see if he had any services that could help her. I went back to my table, knowing Melissa was in good hands and she has touched my life in the brief time I spent with her..
About a month ago Karen, one of the volunteers at the clinic, roped me into volunteering at an outreach for the homeless. Yes, she had to rope me into this one because I have so much going on right now, the last thing I wanted was to spend a day sitting at a table, no matter what the cause was for. Karen has such a heart for the homeless, that I couldn’t turn her down, so yesterday found me sitting at a table promoting the services that our clinic offers.
I left for a few minutes to get some fruit from the break room. Walking back to my table I saw Melissa! No, this wasn’t a chance encounter, I’m talking about a divine appointment! I stopped, looked at her and said, “Do you remember me?” She turned around and said, “Do I remember you! I’ve been wanting to see you, you saved my life!” She hugged me and of course, I started crying.
We started walking and she told me again that I saved her life. Then she said, “I didn’t tell you the whole story that day at the health fair.” The lady Melissa and her daughter were living with, was verbally abusive to them and she was planning to take her daughter and go back to living homeless. She was hooked up with Andre’ and he was able to set her up in a motel for a couple of months. People brought food to her and her daughter, and she landed a job. Someone donated her a car and she and her daughter were able to move into a better situation. Melissa told me there is much more to the story, and she can’t wait to share it with me. She feels like I saved her life and that all this happened because I cared. I told her it was all about the “little Debbie’s and water” comment that got to my heart!
The best part of Melissa’s story is that she is now a volunteer for the Mercy network and goes into the woods to feed the homeless. She has come full circle. Andre’ keeps telling her she needs to write her story so we can share it with others and I can’t wait to hear her story, and hope we can get it on video. Only God knows how many lives are going to be touched and changed by Melissa. The ripples will go on and on and one day I believe God will say, “Well done Melissa! You’ve been a good and faithful servant.”
I have some HUGE prayer requests in my life right now and yesterday strengthened my faith by making me realize if God can connect dots where - - a conversation with a couple on a pier, leads me to a clinic where I can give of myself to others,
- volunteering at the clinic leads me to a back to school outreach,
- at the back to school outreach Melissa comes to my table and a conversation about little Debbies and water, and walking home in the hot summer heat, pulls at my heart strings, to the point I go and seek help for her.
- someone made sure Melissa talked with Andre’ and that conversation led to help for her, changing her life forever,
- at a homeless outreach I run into Melissa and get to see how God worked every little detail to put it all together.
If God can do all of that, I know He can take care of my prayer requests in ways that I can never begin to imagine!
"Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our life is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see."
Corrie Ten Boom
To get the full picture, I have to go back September 11, 2009 and tell you about a night that completely changed my life forever. Jim and I took Cade fishing on the city pier. A couple was walking on the pier, stopping and talking with people as they passed by. They said hello to us as they walked to the end of the pier and stopped on their way back to ask Cade if he was catching any fish. One thing led to another and before we knew it, we were engaged in a delightful conversation with Mary and Matt.
Mary happened to mention to me that she volunteered at an ob/gyn clinic for the medically needy on Thursdays. The clinic was less than two miles from my house and I had no idea it even existed! Having always been fascinated with pregnancy and newborns I asked Mary if they could use another volunteer at the clinic. Mary said they always need volunteers and the following Thursday I was at the clinic filling out the paperwork to become a volunteer.
One day at the clinic and I was hooked! From that day on, Thursday became my favorite day of the week. I had been praying for more purpose and meaning in my life, and knew this was an answer to my prayer. That answer to prayer has put me with an awesome group of people who have become very dear friends to me. We all have a strong faith, are very supportive of each other and have a caring heart for our patients. What more could I ask for!!!
OK, back to the story...
Sometime last spring the director of the clinic asked for volunteers to help out at a back to school community health fair they were having in August. I offered to help and was amazed at all the services and vendors that were going to be at the event.
August is always such a hot month and I remember the day of the event it was sweltering it was so hot. My job was to give people forms to fill out and tell them what we were offering. A mom came up to my table to get her form and told me that she and her daughter had caught a ride half way, and walked the rest of the way to get to our outreach. Melissa shared with me that they were homeless living in Georgia and a friend told her she could come down here and live with the friend’s mom. Melissa was out of work and had no transportation. She had packed water and little Debbie’s for her daughter to eat and since it was so hot, she wanted to wait until it got a little cooler to walk back to where they were staying.
OK, everything Melissa said touched my heart, but most of all knowing the best she could pack for her daughter to eat was little Debbie’s and water, really tugged at my heart strings. There was no way I was going to let her walk home in that steamy hot weather. I told her she would have a ride home, if I had to get someone to cover for me and take her myself.
Melissa was so excited when I told her all the services we had for her at the outreach - free hair cuts, backpacks, underwear, hygiene bags, school supplies, physicals, immunizations, much more and LUNCH! I can’t remember if it was our director or founder that I went and shared Melissa’s situation with, but they promised they would hook her up with a ride and with Andre’, the president of the Mercy network, to see if he had any services that could help her. I went back to my table, knowing Melissa was in good hands and she has touched my life in the brief time I spent with her..
About a month ago Karen, one of the volunteers at the clinic, roped me into volunteering at an outreach for the homeless. Yes, she had to rope me into this one because I have so much going on right now, the last thing I wanted was to spend a day sitting at a table, no matter what the cause was for. Karen has such a heart for the homeless, that I couldn’t turn her down, so yesterday found me sitting at a table promoting the services that our clinic offers.
I left for a few minutes to get some fruit from the break room. Walking back to my table I saw Melissa! No, this wasn’t a chance encounter, I’m talking about a divine appointment! I stopped, looked at her and said, “Do you remember me?” She turned around and said, “Do I remember you! I’ve been wanting to see you, you saved my life!” She hugged me and of course, I started crying.
We started walking and she told me again that I saved her life. Then she said, “I didn’t tell you the whole story that day at the health fair.” The lady Melissa and her daughter were living with, was verbally abusive to them and she was planning to take her daughter and go back to living homeless. She was hooked up with Andre’ and he was able to set her up in a motel for a couple of months. People brought food to her and her daughter, and she landed a job. Someone donated her a car and she and her daughter were able to move into a better situation. Melissa told me there is much more to the story, and she can’t wait to share it with me. She feels like I saved her life and that all this happened because I cared. I told her it was all about the “little Debbie’s and water” comment that got to my heart!
The best part of Melissa’s story is that she is now a volunteer for the Mercy network and goes into the woods to feed the homeless. She has come full circle. Andre’ keeps telling her she needs to write her story so we can share it with others and I can’t wait to hear her story, and hope we can get it on video. Only God knows how many lives are going to be touched and changed by Melissa. The ripples will go on and on and one day I believe God will say, “Well done Melissa! You’ve been a good and faithful servant.”
I have some HUGE prayer requests in my life right now and yesterday strengthened my faith by making me realize if God can connect dots where - - a conversation with a couple on a pier, leads me to a clinic where I can give of myself to others,
- volunteering at the clinic leads me to a back to school outreach,
- at the back to school outreach Melissa comes to my table and a conversation about little Debbies and water, and walking home in the hot summer heat, pulls at my heart strings, to the point I go and seek help for her.
- someone made sure Melissa talked with Andre’ and that conversation led to help for her, changing her life forever,
- at a homeless outreach I run into Melissa and get to see how God worked every little detail to put it all together.
If God can do all of that, I know He can take care of my prayer requests in ways that I can never begin to imagine!
"Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our life is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see."
Corrie Ten Boom
Monday, December 13, 2010
Sesame Christmas Cookies
I probably got this recipe 20 years ago and it's been a favorite cookie recipe of mine ever since. This is one of those recipes that doesn't require a lot of ingredients, is fast and easy to make, looks pretty and is "melt in your mouth" yummy!
Sesame Christmas Cookies
1 cup margarine
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups all purpose flour
sesame seeds
strawberry or raspberry preserves (I prefer raspberry)
Cream together the first five ingredients. Shape into small balls and roll in sesame seeds. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Make thumb print in center of balls and fill with strawberry preserves. Bake 400 for 10-12 minutes. My oven bakes slow and takes about 17 minutes.
Sesame Christmas Cookies
1 cup margarine
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups all purpose flour
sesame seeds
strawberry or raspberry preserves (I prefer raspberry)
Cream together the first five ingredients. Shape into small balls and roll in sesame seeds. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Make thumb print in center of balls and fill with strawberry preserves. Bake 400 for 10-12 minutes. My oven bakes slow and takes about 17 minutes.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
My Dad's Art
Probably somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 years ago, my dad became an artist, in his own eyes. I don’t know how it all came about, but he began painting scenes that he saw in old calendars and country magazines. He loved painting and was so proud of his artwork. He even stepped it up a notch and started making frames to showcase his artwork.
Dad was a serious artist and set up a little studio out in his work shop. It didn’t matter that his studio also housed his hammers, nails, screw drivers and other tools. A desk near a window for perfect lighting, a heater for the winter and a fan for the summer was all he needed for a perfect studio.
Dad was always so proud of his artwork. His talent didn’t quiet measure up to his love of painting, but we never let him know that. There was definitely more talent in his frame making than in his painting. I remember one year we bought him a couple of books on learning to paint and he was actually a little insulted! He was far too advanced to learn anything from those books! That’s when we learned to buy canvases, paints and brushes for him and to stay away from anything instructional.
Once Alzheimer’s set in, Dad painted less and less. One day after he passed away, Creston and I were looking in his workshop at his art supplies and found some blank canvases stored in a cabinet with his tools. I could envision him putting them away, thinking he was putting them where they belonged. Creston gave me a light-hearted moment when told me about seeing one of Dad’s paintings lined up with the others in the game room and thinking “Wow, Grandpa has really improved.” He picked it up for a closer look and realized that in his confusion, Dad had framed a picture out of a magazine.
About a month ago, mom was out with her caretaker doing some errands. Missy decided to stop at a yard sale and Mom opted to sit in the car. At the last minute Mom changed her mind and got out to glance over the items for sale. She walked up to a table and found a 5x7 framed piece of art, that my dad had painted in 2004. Apparently the guy having the sale found it in a shed he was cleaning out and added it to his yard sale. He gave it to Mom and she brought it home. When I asked Mom to show it to me, we both looked at it and started crying. Unselfishly she offered me the painting and it has become one of my most prized possessions.
Yesterday when I was sorting through my Christmas decorations, I came across another one of Dad’s little masterpieces. It’s an unframed 4x5 inch canvas that he painted of a house with snow on the roof. My dad always had beautiful handwriting and he wrote, “Merry Christmas” on the front of the painting and on the back of the canvas he wrote, “To Molly From Dad. Christmas 95. Love U.” I remember how proud he was of the Christmas card he painted for me that year.
Oh how I wish I had shown more interest and been more complimentary when Dad showed me his latest work. No matter how many canvases he painted, each piece was special to him and a work of art. After a while his work seemed so commonplace that I barely gave it a second look. The two little pieces of art that I’ve recently came across have made me aware that no matter how insignificant something might seem to me, I need to be more sensitive to the other person and before more considerate of their feelings. A little more time, a little more kindness and a little more praise would have meant so much to my dad and would have only taken a few minutes of my time. Thank you God for your creative ways in sending me a couple of precious reminders to help me become a better person.
Dad was a serious artist and set up a little studio out in his work shop. It didn’t matter that his studio also housed his hammers, nails, screw drivers and other tools. A desk near a window for perfect lighting, a heater for the winter and a fan for the summer was all he needed for a perfect studio.
Dad was always so proud of his artwork. His talent didn’t quiet measure up to his love of painting, but we never let him know that. There was definitely more talent in his frame making than in his painting. I remember one year we bought him a couple of books on learning to paint and he was actually a little insulted! He was far too advanced to learn anything from those books! That’s when we learned to buy canvases, paints and brushes for him and to stay away from anything instructional.
Once Alzheimer’s set in, Dad painted less and less. One day after he passed away, Creston and I were looking in his workshop at his art supplies and found some blank canvases stored in a cabinet with his tools. I could envision him putting them away, thinking he was putting them where they belonged. Creston gave me a light-hearted moment when told me about seeing one of Dad’s paintings lined up with the others in the game room and thinking “Wow, Grandpa has really improved.” He picked it up for a closer look and realized that in his confusion, Dad had framed a picture out of a magazine.
About a month ago, mom was out with her caretaker doing some errands. Missy decided to stop at a yard sale and Mom opted to sit in the car. At the last minute Mom changed her mind and got out to glance over the items for sale. She walked up to a table and found a 5x7 framed piece of art, that my dad had painted in 2004. Apparently the guy having the sale found it in a shed he was cleaning out and added it to his yard sale. He gave it to Mom and she brought it home. When I asked Mom to show it to me, we both looked at it and started crying. Unselfishly she offered me the painting and it has become one of my most prized possessions.
Yesterday when I was sorting through my Christmas decorations, I came across another one of Dad’s little masterpieces. It’s an unframed 4x5 inch canvas that he painted of a house with snow on the roof. My dad always had beautiful handwriting and he wrote, “Merry Christmas” on the front of the painting and on the back of the canvas he wrote, “To Molly From Dad. Christmas 95. Love U.” I remember how proud he was of the Christmas card he painted for me that year.
Oh how I wish I had shown more interest and been more complimentary when Dad showed me his latest work. No matter how many canvases he painted, each piece was special to him and a work of art. After a while his work seemed so commonplace that I barely gave it a second look. The two little pieces of art that I’ve recently came across have made me aware that no matter how insignificant something might seem to me, I need to be more sensitive to the other person and before more considerate of their feelings. A little more time, a little more kindness and a little more praise would have meant so much to my dad and would have only taken a few minutes of my time. Thank you God for your creative ways in sending me a couple of precious reminders to help me become a better person.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Oh, the peace that passes all understanding!
The past couple of days have really been hard for me. Simply put, I have felt like God’s peace is eluding me. And to make matters worse, I haven’t understood why I feel this way and see myself as a disappointment to God. Beyond any shadow of doubt, I know God hasn’t moved away from me, so what is the problem? Maybe it's all that is going on in my life.
It’s been four weeks since Dad passed. Mom has had to deal with some drama she should never, and I mean never have faced, along with grieving over the loss of her husband of 64 years. Her memory problems have gotten worse since he passed. I’m sure the combination of the stress she’s under and losing him have played a huge roll in this. Night before last, our grandbaby, Beck had a set back with the cough that put him in the hospital last month. Jim is having some more health issues. The medical bills are piling up higher and higher, and he keeps having more doctors’ appointments and tests. Chance is in a hot zone in Afghanistan, heading out for another mission with a guy that he has no confidence in.
So, how can I find the calm in the middle of my storms and feel the peace that only God can give, when it seems so elusive? I can’t on my own, but God can make it happen. And, He did! He sent me just the right person to speak the words I needed, pray over me, comfort me and encourage me. He sent my friend Vicki. And the way it all came about, is just another one of those “God things.”
Vicki has been meaning to stop by my house and drop off some containers and today just “happened” to be the day she came by. She didn’t think I was home, so she left them on a bench outside. As she was driving off, I glanced out the kitchen window and saw her at the same time she saw me. I waved and she backed up her car up and pulled into my driveway. Knowing she and her husband faithfully pray for Chance, I ran out to let her know he’s headed out on a mission. Before the conversation was over, I had shared all the other stuff going on in my life and my quest for peace.
Vicki has been through some trying times and experienced what I’m going through. She struggled at times to find peace while going through her trials but when she looked back, she saw how God was there through it all, taking care of every detail and that’s when the peace came. Just what I needed to hear! Vicki even had words of wisdom to help me with my feelings of being a disappointment to God. She prayed over me, hugged me and told me she would be sharing my prayer requests and praying over them at Bible study tonight.
It was such a beautiful afternoon after Vicki left, that I grabbed my devotion book, Bible and journal and set on my porch, feeling more at peace than I have in days. After some quiet time, I decided to take a long bike ride and ponder everything. While riding I reflected back on some of the difficult times in my life. There were times when I wondered if God had forgotten me and felt panicky about my situation, peace evading me. But, no matter what was going on, God always came through for me. Sometimes I didn’t see it until after the crisis had passed, but I could always look back and see how He took care of me, sometimes in miraculous ways. He never failed me, not even once! Thinking about that, strengthened my faith and gave me a renewed sense of hope this afternoon. God will always find a way to bring me peace. I just have to keep trusting and holding on to my faith.
It’s been four weeks since Dad passed. Mom has had to deal with some drama she should never, and I mean never have faced, along with grieving over the loss of her husband of 64 years. Her memory problems have gotten worse since he passed. I’m sure the combination of the stress she’s under and losing him have played a huge roll in this. Night before last, our grandbaby, Beck had a set back with the cough that put him in the hospital last month. Jim is having some more health issues. The medical bills are piling up higher and higher, and he keeps having more doctors’ appointments and tests. Chance is in a hot zone in Afghanistan, heading out for another mission with a guy that he has no confidence in.
So, how can I find the calm in the middle of my storms and feel the peace that only God can give, when it seems so elusive? I can’t on my own, but God can make it happen. And, He did! He sent me just the right person to speak the words I needed, pray over me, comfort me and encourage me. He sent my friend Vicki. And the way it all came about, is just another one of those “God things.”
Vicki has been meaning to stop by my house and drop off some containers and today just “happened” to be the day she came by. She didn’t think I was home, so she left them on a bench outside. As she was driving off, I glanced out the kitchen window and saw her at the same time she saw me. I waved and she backed up her car up and pulled into my driveway. Knowing she and her husband faithfully pray for Chance, I ran out to let her know he’s headed out on a mission. Before the conversation was over, I had shared all the other stuff going on in my life and my quest for peace.
Vicki has been through some trying times and experienced what I’m going through. She struggled at times to find peace while going through her trials but when she looked back, she saw how God was there through it all, taking care of every detail and that’s when the peace came. Just what I needed to hear! Vicki even had words of wisdom to help me with my feelings of being a disappointment to God. She prayed over me, hugged me and told me she would be sharing my prayer requests and praying over them at Bible study tonight.
It was such a beautiful afternoon after Vicki left, that I grabbed my devotion book, Bible and journal and set on my porch, feeling more at peace than I have in days. After some quiet time, I decided to take a long bike ride and ponder everything. While riding I reflected back on some of the difficult times in my life. There were times when I wondered if God had forgotten me and felt panicky about my situation, peace evading me. But, no matter what was going on, God always came through for me. Sometimes I didn’t see it until after the crisis had passed, but I could always look back and see how He took care of me, sometimes in miraculous ways. He never failed me, not even once! Thinking about that, strengthened my faith and gave me a renewed sense of hope this afternoon. God will always find a way to bring me peace. I just have to keep trusting and holding on to my faith.
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