Spring flowers!!!

whelp, the kids and I have started getting read for spring! Joey has planted cantaloupe in his pot, Abby has planted Egg plant in hers. The big pots have Chinese lanterns in them for mommy and then the little cups have Morning glories for Joey (They are blue of course!) and sisters have Zinnias. They can't wait to watch them grow and then plant them outside.

New Additions...

meet Buddy! The kids named him and we fell in love right away! He's our newest family member! We adopted him today. He is a 9 month old beagle/dauchsand mix. He is snuggly and so lovelable!!! Welcome home little guy! :)

Life changing...

Working in the pantry is life changing. Jeff and I have always felt God has called us to love what most consider the unlovable. Isaiah 61:1 has always been a verse of passion for me. "The Spririt of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor." The folks coming into the pantry need GOOD NEWS! The Good news is... God loves them just like He loves every single person of any race, any gender, and any social status.

Jeff was at the pantry today. A gentleman came in early with his wife and asked Jeff if he could speak with him. While talking, he asked Jeff if the people of our church were loving. As the story unfolded, he doesn't have nice clothes, he doesn't have acceptance and has been hurt by those in the church who couldn't love him as he is. He doesn't have a social status that most would consider important. He teared up when Jeff told him he could come to church just like he's dressed and there would be people who would love him. Then... Jeff stood and hugged him... the man broke. No preaching took place. Just talking and a hug... and GOOD NEWS was given! God loves this man equally the same as you and I. We need to love this man equally the same. The Good news is... there is a hope and a future for every single person. Whether they are the poorest or the richest.... the good news is... they are loved by one awesome and amazing God!

Tonight...

Well, our food pantry was open tonight. It was so awesome to get to be a part of it. we are getting to know so many of the families that come through and it is just awesome!

Coming up on the 8th, we are going to be having a woman's community group meeting. During this meeting, I am going to be teaching some of the budget saving cooking skills that I have learned. Today, I made stock from bones and veggies! :) I also made home made Cream of chicken soup. I'm planning on using that to make a chicken pot pie with the pie crusts we'll be making that night. All of it comes from stuff near every one has in the pantry or inexpensive items you can put in your pantry easily that will last a LONG time! So... I'm really geared up and excited about this upcoming time with folks!

whelp, I must get to bed! Night all!

Amazing times...

Well, 8 of us got together last night and met concerning the vision for our community. It was awesome to talk with like minded people and cast vision for what we want to see come!!!

We are going to be planting a community garden at the church!!! Hurray!!! However, this next month (April), some one is coming who will be talking with our people about how to start a garden at home, be it they own and plant a garden or start it in a bucket in their apartment!

I have to confess, I am excited because I want to learn more about it! I KILL every thing I touch! Ha! So, my little note pad will be written on as quickly as possible! I'm looking forward also to learning to can this year along side of every one! :) It's going to be great!

It's just awesome to be able to have these opportunities and to be building relationships. Jesus discipled his disciples by being in relationship... doing it all side by side... so... God, we invite you to be in our midst!!!