Just like us...

This is one of Simon's greatest friends...

her name is Diane...

she has been homeless for over 5 years...

She has Muscular Dystrophy...

She is unable to work because she has severe disabilities...

She is still hopefull...

Still happy...

Still loving...

But still has no home to call her own. We have been going to Isaiah's House for two years now.

This is not to boast about our "service" or "doing good"...

I am writing because I want to share our experience...

that has helped shaped our life for the past two years.

We just go and play games,

and bring coffee with flavored creamer...

no big whoop for you...

but these ladies???

Well, they just LOVE the coffee!

This woman's name is Becky.

She is unable to work as well.

She has physical disabilities that disable her from being in the workforce.

She has been disowned by her family.

They have rejected her...

and she has no one else to take her in.

This is CJ (on the left).

She is Diane's best friend.

She helps care for Diane...

She is a TRUE friend if I've ever heard of one.

She is faithful, devoted, caring, and loving.

This is Lorrie (on the left) with an Isaiah's House worker.

She lost her husband years ago...

She had three children...

They made it last as long as they could...

Then they could not make it anymore.

She is homeless now.

She works in "The Store" to help "pay" for her housing...

which is a hardwood floor

and a sleeping bag.

These women inspire me.

They encourage me.

They are my friends.

They are real people with real situations that got them to this place.

I realized that when you ask someone how they are doing...

it could lead you to

a "divine appointment."

I've learned that by simply asking how these women are doing...

you will walk away a changed person...

because they alter your perspective of

"what a homeless person is."

They are regular people...

That had hardships that they couldn't get out of...

and they are just like us.

They need love.

They need people.

They need people to care.

My challenge to you is this:

Next time you see someone down and out...

Start a conversation...

THEY might just need an ear to listen to them..

and YOU might be it!

The Tree

Simon and I sat down for a little art project.

I asked him what he wanted to paint.

He said, "our tree,"

and pointed to our 'perfect tree'

(as we like to call it)....seriously, this tree is ridiculous!

It is the best lookin' tree I've ever seen...

strong, thick trunk,

big bushy top,

full, lush green leaves,

firm branches, &

deep roots.

When we first moved in this home in January,

it was completely empty...

not one single leaf was on the branches.

Now...it is the fullest tree I've ever seen.

Reminds me of my favorite verse:

" I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him,

he will bear much fruit;

apart from me

you can do nothing."

- John 15:5

Well...

I think I want to be like this tree...

firmly rooted,

strong in stature,

and able to bear much fruit in my life.

Every time I look in my backyard,

I am reminded of who I need to stay connected with!

Happy 4th of July!

I LOVE Trader Joes!!!

We had a traditional July 4th BBQ with some friends,

and it was the easiest and yummiest menu...

ALL from Trader Joes!

Good 'ol corn, watermelon, chips, salsa,

hot dogs, and baked beans...

wrapping it up with a frozen chocolate covered banana!

Cheap, easy, and delicious!

Enjoy the holiday everyone and...

take time to be THANKFUL that we are in

a country that has FREEDOM,

unlike so many other countries in the world!

We are a blessed Nation...

don't forget it!

Blessings to all of you and yours!!

The Girls...

We Miss You Already,

Girls!!Wishing you the VERY best that God has to offer you

in your new home and community!

You will never be far from our hearts!!!

(PS...Chloe...you play "hard-to-get pretty well:)

Love you, Girls

(and Hamid)!

Be Encouraged...

Click on the picture...

and turn your speakers on...

and praise your Father in Heaven!

"It's Gonna Be Worth It"
I don't understand Your ways

Oh but I will give You my song

Give You all of my praise

You hold on to all my pain

With it You are pulling me closer

And pulling me into Your ways

Now around every corner

And up every mountain

I'm not looking for crowns

Or the water from fountains

I'm desperate in seeking, frantic believing

That the sight of Your face

Is all that I needI will say to You

It's gonna be worth it

It's gonna be worth it

It's gonna be worth it all

I believe this

It's gonna be worth it

It's gonna be worth it

It's gonna be worth it all

I believe thisYou're gonna be worth it

You're gonna be worth it

You're gonna be worth it allI believe this

You're gonna be worth it

You're gonna be worth it

You're gonna be worth it all

I believe this

-Lyrics By Rita Springer

Be encouraged by the HOPE you will

ONLY find in Christ,

YOUR Savior!

Sweet Friends...

This week is my 34th birthday...

yahooo!

It's got me feeling pretty nostalgic and thankful...

all rolled into one.

This birthday, I am MOST thankful for my life as a

stay-at-home mommy and the amazing friends

that I have,

and my sweet boy, has in his life!

Simon LOVES his buddies!

He really adores them...for reals!

Whether they are older and play more "maturely"...

or the same age and party like rock stars...

or PLAY hard as boys always do...

with their shirts off, of course...

Simon is a BLESSED little boy.

He knows it.

I know it.

WE are thankful for each life that touches him

and teaches him new things.

I am thankful for each mommy who have

taught me how to be more patient,

how to divert their attention when they're buggin',

how to cook quick, easy, cheap meals in 5 minutes or less,

how to save money while shopping for groceries,

and search for great finds at garage sales,

how to decorate my new home and make it look RAD (AND cozy),

how to listen,

how to laugh more at life,

and how to love others.

Happy Birthday to ME!

I am a BLESSED woman because of those who I walk this life out with.

Cheers...Mamas!

People in Need..

Every time I turn the TV on

I am reminded of the devastation in Haiti.

NO matter what channel,

NO matter what time,

the news is still showing images,

and the reality in Haiti

is still going on.

Yesterday, Simon caught a glimpse of the news

and asked what happened.

After explaining the situation to

my inquistive 4 year-old,

his face got SO sad.

We held hands together

and prayed out loud.

I want my son to have a taste of real life.

This is very important to me.

I want to shelter him in some ways,

but I also want my little boy to

LEARN COMPASSION FOR OTHERS...

to see that there is hurt out there...

to see that WE have a blessed life...

and we are called to

BLESS OTHERS

in ANY way we can.

Whether it be

PRAYING,

GIVING CLOTHING,

FOOD,

OR SPARE CHANGE...

there is ALWAYS something we can do!!!

I don't want to feel helpless

while I watch the terrible news...

I want to HELP in some way...

and encourage my son to learn to help.

Our challenge right now?

Collecting change...

it's simple...

it's not a lot...

BUT IT'S SOMETHING!

Proceeds will be sent to Haiti

through J Serra High School...

and hopefully...

get into the hands of those that are

in a time of GREAT NEED.

Be challenged today.

Bless others!