Prayer Request

Prayer Request Dear Friends Please Pray


I am asking you to please pray for me and Cowboy tonight, tomorrow and over the next few days. We are at a bit of a cross roads and need to make decisions about:

Where we will live, where Cowboy will work and the biggest decision if I should work.

The last few years (2 to be exact) have been a huge struggle for us. In August of 2010 we were homeless. In September we were offered an Apartment Ministry position which seemed like an answer to prayer and a door opening. We took the position which included free rent. In December our supervisor was fired. And in February our position was terminated.

Within only a few days we were offered a position at a boys home. We thought then. This is it. God’s sending us here. We gratefully accepted the position and began Praising God. We moved the end of February. It was a difficult time for us because we couldn’t get inter-net and Cowboy had to drive way too far to get to work. Gas was eating up every penny he was making. Cowboy did find another job much closer. But, then by April we were so disappointed in the position and what was happening with how the program was being run that we knew we could not stay.

By May we had turned in our resignation and were asked to leave in 2 weeks. It wasn’t until June that we were finally able to move into our current home.

Which turned out to be a cute little bungalow on the lake. (well at the end of the street) Although it is the smallest place we have ever lived we managed to ‘fit in’ the small space.

This little apartment was at the top of our budget. And were it not from donations to our ministry we wouldn’t have managed to pay rent and utilities. Remember last summer. The electric killed us! (It stays warm even now we have not turned on the heater at all)

All this time I have been looking for a job.

Very shortly after moving into this small space we began to notice bugs. Everyday we began seeing more and more bugs. We began asking for the owner to exterminate.

Well long story short. Even though they have finally had a professional come and begin a program it is too little too late. They have been here twice. Bugs still crawl across the counter even when I am cooking. I won’t share more detail. I am sure you really don’t want to hear more!

We have been looking for a new place for a few months.

Here’s where the prayer comes in . . .

Today we found an apartment that we will look at tomorrow. Our criteria was something less than $500.00 a month. What we found is less than $400.00 with washer/dryer and inter-net included. Hello. Did you hear that? Inter-net! Yea.

And, today I received 2 job offers. One is pretty certain it is a part-time gig at the company my husband works at. Basically filling in for other personal. Just enough hours.

The other is the one I really want. Call me crazy but it is managing a Non-profit Resale Shop. This is my heart.

The draw back. The new apartment is 22 miles round trip to both jobs.

The positive is the apartment is minutes from our daughter. And a short distance to the detention center where we minister currently 2 times a week.

So, over the next few days we have to make decisions on housing and on jobs.


We want to be in God’s will. I am afraid and I talked to God about this that Satan is tempting me with these job opportunities. That a job is what “I” want not what God has planned for me.

This apartment sounds just so perfect.

So, dear sweet friends, would you pray for us. Please pray that God will give us wisdom and discernment. And show us where he wants us to live. Help us to see His provision.

And to know his plan for how that will happen according to His will and purposes.

I am just so excited but yet worried and confused.


Will you pray for me?

I was asked . . . so here it is . . .

I had a dear sweet friend ask me how she could pray for me.  And, I realized that I have been really needing prayer but I just haven't asked. 

I have been really, really struggling in a couple of areas.   There have been days that I have not even been able to put into words what I need again.  And so I have cried and I have prayed that the Holy Spirit would know my heart, my fears and my need. 

#1 Please pray for our daughter.  Long story short she has been in a emotionally abusive relationship for 5 years (married).  She is now safely living with some friends of our family and she has filed for divorce. 

 But she has it in her head that they can 'agree' on visitation without going to court.

Even after her attorney has recommended not to allow visits till the court tells her she has to.   She is meeting her husband at the park alone when no one is available.  And, this Friday she is allowing the 3 year old to spend the night at his dad's.   It took 3 years for her to leave.   I am so afraid that he will weasel his way back in.  I am so afraid that he will threaten her and she will go back.   I am scared.  

There were many days that all I could do was pray that God's will be done and just allow him to be in control. 

#2 My other prayer request is ridiculous and so minor compared to my daughter and grandsons safety that I hate to bring it up but it really, really is hard for me.  We struggle financially.
It's funny when I write this I have to smile because I think of the prayers that God has answered and then I am even feeling more stupid to even voice this.  I prayed about a year ago that God would provide.  I prayed for a place to live.  I told Cowboy and I prayed that God would provide enough so we could pay rent and utlities.  So I/we wouldn't have to worry about either one. God answered my prayer.  Cowboy has a job and rent and utilities are paid every month.  Sometimes with extensions but we haven't had the lights turned off! (In 2010 we were homeless for 2 months)

Here's the part I think is kind of funny. And the part I struggle with.
. . .
  I didn't ask him to provide for anything more.  I didn't ask for money for food.  Money for gas.  Money to feed the dog and cat.  Money for the vet.  Money for extras like the internet. 

A few weeks ago a neighbor knocked on the door and asked to borrow 2 eggs.  I had one egg.  I gave it to him closed the door.
I knew when I gave him that egg it would be exactly 11 days till we could buy food again. 

Don't get me wrong.  We have food.  We have learned how much money we have and we have learned to shop as wisely as possible. 
We have learned that lots of things are alot cheaper at Dollar General or Dollar Tree.   I have never been one to feed the dog table scraps but now she gets green beans and chicken to stretch the dog food.  And, long grain rice is cheap and stretches it too.  And, I have learned to make perfect rice.  (I used to buy minute rice because that is what my mother did.)

But here is my struggle cheap is not healthy.  Cheap is potatoes and bread to fill you up. I cannot tell you the last time we bought fresh produce or fruit. 

I struggle.  I have learned to be satisfied with a lot and I have learned to be satisfied with little. 

But, I miss my blog.  I miss the internet.  Right now I am at the library.  I miss getting up in the middle of the night and writing.  I miss my friends.  I can read your posts on my phone. I have learned to write posts ahead and then publish from my phone.  But I haven't figured out how to link or even if you can from the phone.  So, I miss Wordfilled Wednesday, Blue Monday, Thankful Thursday,Then Sings My Soul Saturday, Scripture on Sunday. 

And, because I don't post regularly lots of my followers have quite coming around.  I don't blame you. 

I miss you. 

I need your prayer. 

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday . . . it's interesting that I was planning on writing this post and then Lynn suggested that we write about Turning Points which is exactly what this post is about.  Although I didn't really know how to title it till I read Lynn's suggestion.  I planned to write today because I am so thankful for this particular turning  point.  I have to ask you dear friends to say a pray for me.  To also bear with me because this is a really, really hard post to write.  But it is an important post.  And the first in a series. 
What I have to share with you is hard to talk about.  It is hard to admit.  It is hard put into words the pain, anquish and emotional feelings that I need to express to you all.  But if this story can help even one person then it is necessary.  Here's my Thankful post . . .
Today I am Thankful that after 5 years of emotional abuse on Labor Day weekend my daughter left her husband.  The last few weeks have been a rollar coaster for all of us.  Before I go much further in this part of the story I wanted to share a photo . . .

This is Cowboy and our 3 year old grandson putting new tags on our daughters new "to her car". 
Because of the seperation she had to get a different  'unrecognizeable' car. 

I am Thankful that God provided this car.  I am Thankful that God kept her safe for the last 5 years.  I am Thankful that even though it wasn't my timing that God provided her the strength she needed and the rescources she needed to leave.  I am Thankful that miraculously the friends she is staying with happened to have a bedroom available (just two weeks before another young woman was able to move out after 2 years)  I am Thankful for an over 18 year friendship with our friends that have provided shelter for our daughter and grandson.  I am Thankful my relationship with my daughter is beginning to get back to where it was 6 years ago.  (emotionally abuse women are brainwashed)
And, I am Thankful that my daughter wrote these words on her facebook "God is faithful . . . if you don't believe that just ask me I'll tell you how I know."

Today I am praying for you.  I am praying that if you have a loved one or a friend or an acquitance.  Or, if you know someone that is in an abusive relationship that you will pray for that person.  And, pray for yourself.  Pray that God will give you the strength to trust him.  He is faithful.  Pray that God will give you patience and strength.  And most of all that God will give you the right words to speak at the right time.  God is faithful.  And, God is the only way the only 'real' resource.
And, please , please understand and realize that hitting is not the only form of abuse.  Emotional abuse is just as deadly as physical abuse. 

And, I am Thankful that you came by today.  Because I know that God sent you here for a reason.  If you need someone to talk to.   After you've prayed about it please feel free to email me.  I will pray with you.  I will talk to you.  I will listen.  Because sometimes the only thing you can do is just tell someone about your hurts will you are doing this . . .

This post is the first in a series.  I pray that by sharing 'our' story someone else can be saved.

 

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thankful Thursday . . .
Today I want to share with you something I shared on Monday. 
I am thankful for . . .

I am thankful for the founders Donald and Cindy
I am thankful today the first boy comes to Hope Inn Christ
I am thankful for the vision of everyone connected with Hope Inn Christ and I am thankful that they stepped out and didn't give up and made Hope Inn Christ a reality
I am thankful that we get to provide the food and we are allowed the opportunity to be a part of this great ministry

And I am thankful for two other friends that have stepped out in faith and are beginning an apartment ministry.  This guys Rick & Vicki saw a huge need and left their comfortable home and neighborhood and have moved into an apartment complex that most of us wouldn't dream of even visiting someone there. 

As I think of the work that I do and I am sure that there are those that think I am nuts (my Cowboy and I are chaplains in a youth prison) I am humbled by what Rick and Vicki have done.  My Cowboy and I are in apartment ministry also.  I understand all the struggles and trials that Rick and Vicki will be faced with. 

But I also know and understand about the need that is out there that is not met. 

And so today I am thankful for all the men and women that step up and step out and follow God and take a minute to look around them and notice that there is need right here in our own hometown.

Thank you God for Donald,Cindy,Rick and Vicki.

For info. about Hope Inn Christ please visit our ministry blog and watch the video and then follow the link to thier site.  Click here

May the favor of the Lord our God rest up on us.
Establish the work of our hands. Yes, Lord establish the work
of our hands.  Psalm 90:17

May you find something to be thakful for today . . .

Prayer for My Daughter

As I sit and write this post my daughter is in a 6th job interview. 
This one with the V.P. of the company.  She has been going through this process for over 8 weeks.   The interesting thing is she is not totally sure what position she is even interviewing for.  She began the process just trying to get 'a foot in the door' with this firm.  Each of the different department leads that she has met have all asked the same question about one of her answers in the initial interview.  It seemed like just a normal interview question but her answer was a marketing suggestion so, we are prayerful that she is moving up the ladder and will be offered a great position. 

As I think of her and all the dynamics involved and how much she really needs this position I think about her faith and trust in God. 
I think about how she knows that whatever happens that God is in control and if she puts her faith and trust in him and if she asks for his guidance that he will answer her prayer and show her the way.

Her faith and hope is in her Father God. 

As I think of her faith I also think of the youth that I work with.  And, I am reminded of last Thursday evening.  I was doing an activity night at the halfway house.  I had arranged to have Santa visit.  It was a fun evening.  All the girls sat on Santa's lap and told him what they want for Christmas.  It was all fun and silly one asked for fried chicken.  But it was this comment that got to me.  I can't remember exactly how she said it.  But in a quiet whisper she asked . . . "Do you talk to God?"  Santa answered.  "Of course everyday."  Even more quietly she asked him.  "Would you ask God to make everyone happy in this house?".  In that moment I felt the presence of God in that room.   Another girl told Santa she wants a family.  Cowboy talked to her later and found out that although she has an adopted family in her anger and frustration she has burned bridges with them.  She is 18 and has no family and no where to go once she is released.  She told Cowboy she had been in and out of foster care since the time she was a new born. 

This was not the post that I intended to write here today.  And, I don't even know how many of you guys will happen in but.  I hope that whoever reads this will pray for my daughter.  And the girls and boys that we work with.   There is so much need in our country.  There are so many people young and old that need to know about God.    They need to hear of his great love and they need to know that they can put their faith and trust in Him.  And that they don't have to ask someone else to talk to Him for them that they can do it themselves. 

Lord I Lift My Friend To You . . .

Then Sings My Soul

Good Morning Welcome to Then Sings My Soul hosted by Amy. Today I wanted to share a rather old one. I happened to hear it last night and for the first time I really listened to the lyrics. It spoke to me. I hope you enjoy.

The last few days ....many misery's poured out....honest prayers of breaking and hopeful hearts. Praying that God does indeed hear a melody. Beautiful messes . . . beautiful melodies.

Dear Father please be with Joseph. Please give him direction and guidiance. Please listen to the messes and the misery. Please give him strength. Help him to know that you are with him listening to the melody.

Things that make me smile and A Prayer Request

Tonight I want to share a couple of photo's of 'my' boys. At least I call them mine.

Some Sundays they have a hard time staying in their seats. Sometimes I think to myself maybe the adults need to take some lessons in how to worship!

Come let us sing for Joy to the Lord; let us shout to the Rock of our Salvation. Let us come to Him in thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song. Psalm 95:1&2

And I had to share this photo. The boy standing with the mic. is Joseph. Last night I was on the phone with him until 2 a.m. texting. I kept thinking why doesn't this kid just talk. Joseph was worried about today because he was going to a pre-trial hearing. He learned today that he could face a minimum of 10 years in the adult prison. All basically because of a technicality that occurred while he was in the youth prison system where I met him.

Today I ask you to pray for Joseph. Please pray with me that he can keep on singing His heart out to Jesus in 'the free'. This is such a great kid. He has so much potential.
Thanks for letting me share with you tonight what is on my heart.

And now I have something for you . . .

I wanted to remind you about this months give a way. It isn't just an apron. This time I am offering a custom made apron and a cookbook. All you have to do is come over here and hang out. Leave comments. I'll count everyone. And well if your real sweet and become a follower you'll get lots of extra points.

Next week will be a Week in Review I'll be posting reviews on some of the books I have been reading recently. You'll definitely want to come back because some would make great Christmas presents. Or just presents to yourself!

I hope you all have a great weekend.

Thanks for the prayers for Joseph and thanks for the encouragement there a many days that just seeing a sweet comment here is what gets me through!

Embracing Your Second Calling--Book Review part one

Prayer requests below

Today I wanted to share with you a book that I started reading recently. Today God laid it on my heart to share a couple of prayer requests with you. As I thought of these needs this book came to my mind.

Embracing Your Second Calling is written for the woman living in the second stage of her life . . . once the kids are gone sometimes many women are left with a void. Feeling lonely and not knowing what to do with our time. Embracing Your Second Calling can help you find passion and purpose for the rest of your life. The book is simple to read. It is filled with stories, quotes and suggested prayers. And, it is filled with biblical principles and scripture. The reader is guided as the author shares her own-mid life journey. Bourke offers insights to help us discover our second calling-one that isn't about something we do but about someone we become.

This book is a available at Amazon and Christian Book dot com.

I have a little more to share about the book but I thought this is the perfect time to share about my own second calling and to share with you some prayer requests.

I realized my second calling a little over 6 years ago when I founded an organization called Mission Makeover. Today through Mission Makeover I minister to teen age boys and girls that are in prison. (When I began working with at-risk youth 6 years ago I had no idea that teenagers were in prison.) Our ministry has changed much and is now devoted to prison ministry.

Each Friday my Cowboy and I work at the local food bank with 4-6 boys or girls from the prison units. During the summer and school holidays the boys work. During the school year the girls work.

Today was the first day the girls have been back since May. I had an opportunity to talk today to the staff a young lady whom I have met many times but never had an opportunity to talk to. Today God gave me the chance to minister to this young lady. She was/is going through some personal financial difficulties. She shared some of it with me. I could see the frustration and the pain in this poor young woman. I could see the questions and the doubt. I could see the hurt and confusion. And I could see that she has a huge hole in her heart.

I didn't get a chance to talk one on one with the girls today but I did learn about their legal issues. One girl that is 17 has two outstanding warrants one is burglary of a habitat. The sentence for this offence is 2-99 years. When she is released from the youth facility she will go to court for the burglary charge.

It breaks my heart to think that this darling sweet young lady could be facing such a sentence.

Today I want to ask you my readers to pray for these two young women. The staff I will call Brandi. The 17yo let's call her Vicki. Please pray that God will reveal himself to them. Please pray that Vicki is able to get some much needed legal help (we are advocates and working on her case) Please pray for Brandi and her 5yo son. We are taking them food this weekend.

Please come back here next Friday for updates on these prayer needs and please come by on Monday for my Monday 4 Mission post. I'll be sharing more about the ministry and my Second Calling.

Embracing Your Second Calling was provided by . .

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods: Hot August nights . . . in the 100's

Things that make me happy:
Being able to be home with nothing important to do.

Book I'm reading:
Just finished Chasing Superwoman by Susan M. Dimickele (review will be posted today)

I'm enjoying on TV:
Chopped and The Next Food Network Star

On the menu for dinner:
Pinto Beans cooked in the crockpot and corn bread muffins

On my To Do List:
Put away dishes from dishwasher
A couple loads of laundry
Writing reviews for this week


New Recipe I tried or want to try soon: Kelli's Chicken Pot Pie. Go here for the recipe and there is also a cookie recipe too on the post. Visit her sidebar for a list of some yummy things she includes photo's and the recipes!


In the craft basket: Working on a baby quilt will finish the top today and post it. Still working on my daughters Cathedral Window quilt.

Looking forward to this week: Drama team practise Wednesday with "my" boys

Tips and Tricks: Cover your muffin tin with foil if you don't have a cookie sheet. Works great. And if you live in a small space you can do with out the cookie sheet.

My favorite blog post this week: I love visiting Becky and her adorable dogs. Here's a link to a post where she took us on a garden tour.

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
I just found Chrisitie don't know how I am always stumbling onto great blogs. She has some wonderful DIY posts. Go over here for a visit.

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):




I found this idea a while back. Sorry if this is your photo and I didn't give you credit. You deserve it though! I love your idea! Does anyone know a way to save photo's and link where you got them?

Lesson learned the past few days:
When Cowboys (or Cowboy in this case) are jerks that there is usually a reason. And that given time they will get over the bad mood.
.
On my mind:
The huge challenge of making our new apartment a home with what we already have. The challenge is using our artwork and other decorative items in such a small space.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. ~John 16:33~
Same verse from a couple of weeks ago. Today I want to dedicate this verse to 2 of our boys.
J.Mo (18 years) is in jail on an assault charge. He is innocent and we are praying that the witnesses will testify to clear him and that the family is able to hire an attorney. Keyon is in the hospital. He was shot a few days ago. Unfortunately his leg was amputated. He is 18 and played basketball. He has a long hard road ahead of him. Both of these young men are believers J. Mo is praising God he is alive and he is trusting God has everything under control. Praying that Keyon will continue to trust God as he struggles through recovery.

The only way to look at it . . .

Beginning this post with a Praise that at least the car broke down 1/2 block from the motel and Cowboy was able to limp back to the parking lot. Yes, we are doing car repair again.

Cowboy was on his way to go to the county jail to visit one of our boys.

Please dear ones I am praying that right now at 2:55 in the afternoon that you are prompted by the Holy Spirit to think about Cowboy. And to stop by here in the next few minutes.
He is right now walking about 8 blocks to the nearest auto parts store for parts. A belt and some kind a pulley totaling about $40.00 more than we have.

I wasn't going to post this. I was just going to pray myself and I emailed a couple of friends but when I went over to Angela's to read her Fearless Friday post she was talking about not bearing able to share your burdens.

Things like having problems with drinking and eating. And it got me to thinking it is the same way when you don't ask for prayer in other areas. By not allowing others to stand in the gap for you; could you actually be keeping God from getting the glory when your prayers are answered and your needs are met?

In my comment on Angela's post I mentioned that the boys in the prison unit sometimes; most times have difficulty sharing the needs. They want to 'man up' and handle it themselves. And we try to tell them that they need to 'let go and let God'. And sometimes that means opening up to the angels he gives us and the prayer warriors.

So angels and prayer warriors please remember us. Please ask God to give Cowboy strength to make the trek to the parts store and then the stamina to get the parts on.
Please ask God to supply the money we need for the next few days for gas for us to be able to get to the prison unit to provide church services. Please ask God to give us the money for gas to make it to church on Saturday night so we can worship and Praise and be refreshed to face another week. And please ask God to give us faith.

Dear heavenly Father thank you for the prayer warriors that stand in the gap for all of us. Give us strength and faith. Please give Joseph strength. Please let him know you are with him and that he has people standing in the gap and praying for him. Please provide all that we need to continue the work you have called us to do. And give Cowboy the strength he needs.
Amen.

Need a hug today?

I found this in my inbox today. Actually almost every morning there is a card waiting and an email from a dear sweet Warrior of Jesus. Denise has been so sweet to take me under her wing and faithfully pray for me and encourage me through the struggles we are facing right now.

I know many of you are praying for us also so I wanted to pass this little hug onto you all.

BTW I am posting a couple of reviews later this morning so please come back. I think you'll enjoy these books.

Have a Great Day

Prayer Request

Tonight dear ones I ask you to pray again for our situation.

• We are due to move next week into our new apartment and begin Apartment Ministry.
• Cowboy still has not found a job. We have just barely enough money to rent a truck to move.

Unfortunately we have struggled so much for so long that our credit has suffered. We have been quoted 500.00 to 800.00 deposits for electricity from a couple of companies. I/we are praying for a miracle. That we can find a company that won't require this much of a deposit.

Also I might have the opportunity to go with our daughter to Missouri to see my son and his family.
This is my granddaughter that is 18 months old. I have never gotten to see her. Please pray that circumstances work out that I will get to go with our daughter. I want to see Libby the grandbaby and be able to spend a few days alone with my daughter and my grandson that is 2.

I am trusting God. I am asking him to give my heart peace. No matter how things turn out I am asking him to give me peace and understanding.

Thank you dear friends coming by. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.

Prayer Request

Tonight I ask all my friends, readers and anyone that might even stumble in today to prayer for me and My Cowboy. I don't think that if your here today that it was accident.

I have to believe and trust that God sent you here.

Because I need you to lift me and my Cowboy up in prayer.

We are supposed to move on the 23rd to an apartment where we will begin apartment ministry. Today at 4:30 I got the finally approval. I was Praising God.

Today at 5:00 Cowboy found out that his job was no longer available. He has been there three weeks. Which has given us just enough money to pay the motel where we are staying, a little for food and gas.

We have barely enough money for one week and barely enough money for gas and to rent a uhaul to move. There is nothing left for deposits.

We need your prayers. Cowboy needs to find a job in a couple of days and we need to find temporary housing for two weeks. If we can find somewhere to live then we could save the money we have for what we need to move on. But, he still needs a job.

We are volunteer chaplains at a boys prison and we do Sunday services. We have other programs throughout the week. He needs a job that won't affect this work.

We know God has a plan. Maybe it is to include you in this ministry as a prayer partner. Maybe it is to include you as a regular visitor to our ministry blog so that you can lift us and 'our' kids needs up to the Father.

I am so grateful that you stopped in today. I am so grateful for your prayers. I am praying that you my faithful readers have an amazingly Blessed weekend. Thank you for coming by.

Prayer for Ministry

“They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.” ~ Psalm 112:7-8 NLT

Today I write to ask you to pray for our ministry. We recently were Blessed to be able to move into a house with a 50 x45 building to house our ministry. Yesterday I wrote here about our prayer needs and posted some photo's of the house and the new ministry building.

I went over to Angela's to join Fearless Friday to ask her and her friends to please pray for us. The above photo and verse were on her blog this morning. The verse spoke to me.

Our prayer need is to bind Satan from further attacks. We have been constantly attacked financially over the last couple of years. And know just as we have been able to bring the ministry back to full programming the attacking has begun again. I smile even under the strain and the pressure because this means we are doing what we need to do. But yet I am fearful. Fearful for the ministry and fearful personally.

Please pray that our corporate sponsors all get their 'ducks in a row' so to speak and are able to step in and make the donations that they have pledged by June 1. Also please pray for us this weekend as we are doing a fundraiser. We are parking cars for a festival event. Please pray for wonderful beautiful weather and lots and lots of crowds.

Thank you dear ones for praying for us. I struggled about writing about this because my intention for this blog is to be uplifting and encouraging for you. But I realized yesterday how much more uplifting can it be for you to see the Praise reports. And for you to witness God's Blessings.

If you want to read more about our ministry please visit the ministry blog over here.

Wishing you Blessings on your Journey today.

Oh how pretty don't ya think?

Lookey, lookey . . .
I finally got three columns back! I love the new spring look. Still needs some fixin' up but I think it is great!

Excuse the dust while I work on it a little more!

I know I really need to change the photo size but that is another long episode of trial and error!

And I know I need to clean up the sidebar . . . I love my followers so much I have them on twice!

I hope everyone has a great Friday we will be at a fundraiser for the ministry. Please pray for lots of people going to Grapevine Main Street Days and that they come and park in our lot!

I really am thankful . . .

Just wanted to take a few minutes and let you know where I have been. That isn't me or my Cowboy but that is what we have been doing and are still doing. Have you ever known anyone that it is taken over 3 weeks to move 5 miles?
Disclaimer here's the whinny part . . . I have done most of the moving by myself in a convertible mustang. Now do you see why I am whinny! We have a lot of stuff mostly stuff that belongs to the ministry. Lots and lots of records. Lots and lots of fabric for the girls sewing program. Lots and lots of food for the pantry program. Just lots and lots of lots and lots. LOL. Here is where we are moving to. Can't say moved because there is still stuff over at the other house.

This is what I am thankful for. the porch does not look like this these are old photo's I will take some soon.

And this is what I am thankful for. A 50 x 45 square foot building for the ministry. It is actually an airplane hanger attached to the house. We are able to combine our home and ministry into one location. Thus saving a lot of money in utilites. Since it is technically a residence we won't have to pay comercial utilities which is much more expensive. Plus we will only be paying for one phone, one electric and one heating. The water is free!

But there is a but. It seems like there always is a but. Our corporate sponsors who have pledged funding are very, very slow following up with their pledge. They were supposed to wire funds a couple of weeks ago and didn't. We went out on a limb and went ahead and wrote some checks. Bad idea. But anyway they did mail part of the money but not all which has put us in a bad position.

Our ministry needs your prayers. We received a message from the owners that if we didn't pay the deposit that we owe by the 28th and the full June rent by the 1st that we will have to move.

So I covet your prayers. I am praying that God will send a flood of viewers here to this blog over the next few days. Because our ministry needs your prayer support.

Maybe you don't really know alot about our ministry. Please go here and read about what we do. I know that God has a huge plan not only for us personally but for this ministry. But I also know that Satan has big plans too. We all know his plans. With that being said please say pray asking God to bind Satan from any further attacks. And please ask God to provide all that is needed. Not only for the minisitry but for us. Financially, emotionally and physically we are exhausted.

We do have a fundraiser this weekend. Please pray for great weather and lots of people visit Grapevine Main Street Days. We will be working a parking lot and getting $5.00 per car.

I have struggled about writing about our struggles and the situation we are in. But I realize that God needs to get the glory for what he is doing with this ministry. And, when I am able to write an amazing Praise report he will indeed receive the Glory.

Praise God.

When a House is not a house . . .

I/we are trying really hard not to get ahead of God and his plans for us and the ministry.

Last Thursday we found the perfect location for us to live. I say location because it is actually a house attached to an airplane hanger. Yes. I said airplane hanger. We would be able to use the

hanger for our ministry.

We are so excited about this opportunity. We are depending on God to show us the way to make all this happen.

The living quarters are beautiful. We both said we do not deserve anything this nice! It is like something you see on t.v. I have been spending the last few days looking at photo's to get inspiration and trying to figure out what furniture we have that will fit in.

Here are some inspiration photo's for the front porch patio . . . I was looking for color choices to paint my rocking chairs.

We have these chairs and a round table dining table.

The green here is just about the same color as the kitchen cabinets. The porch opens right into the kitchen.

I think this is just about the color of blue. And below is just about the yellow. I am thinking a really dark terra cotta and maybe a purple also.

And here is a photo of the porch . . .

The table will go over on the side where the grill is now. And then the rockers in all thier new colors will go in front of the windows on the right where the topiaries are.

It isn't a huge house. But we love it and it is a great place to entertain. There is a huge side yard and I will be able to have a garden and maybe a couple of chickens if I can get Cowboy to build the chicken coop. Which BTW I found an inspiration photo! I'll share that another time.

Some of you have been praying for us please continue to lift us up as we work with our board and our funders to work out the details for our living arrangements and the ministry.

Thanks for your sweet comments and support.

Have a Blessed Day

He makes me smile . . .

Today was a rough day for us. I wrote earlier about our situation with the house and our financial situation.

I didn't mention that one of our programs is in jeopardy. Our backpack program is a little different than a 'normal' backpack program. We provide pantry staples as well as food for the children. There are some people in the district that are questioning why we include the pantry items and are suggesting that we provide pantry items through a referral program. Which doesn't work for us because we don't have a location in the school district. Our donated office space and warehouse space is 30 min. from the school. It would make it very difficult to provide this type of program.

I was frustrated and bummed out. This along with all the other issues was just getting to me. I told Cowboy I am not willing to fight anymore. I feel like we are constantly in a mode of fighting to stay afloat. Fighting to manage to keep things together.

We are supposed to do chapel services Sunday night at our girls facility.

Cowboy has $18.00 in his pocket.

We will need to get gas. It will take half a tank to there.

We are running on empty.

We got home. I went into the kitchen and this is what I saw!

I yelled out Cowboy. . . . "Oh my word you have to come and see this!" "Seriously get in here now and see this!

He asked jokingly "What is it a pot of gold."

I was dressed in thin pants a sleeves top and slippers. I grab the camera went outside it was chilly and I was cold but I had to get photo's.

I needed a rainbow

This rainbow is over our landlords building. When I came in the house I went to call him to go out and see it. We talked for a minute and hung up. When I went back to the kitchen window the rainbow was gone.

I claim this rainbow as my own. He makes me smile. He will provide

Please Pray

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness . . .

When I sat down to write this post the words to this old hymnn came to my mind. I tried to think of the rest but all I can remember is . . .

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness.

I am writing this post to ask anyone who stops here to please pray for me and Cowboy and our situation.

I have shared that we are looking for a house because the rental we are in has sold.

What I haven't shared is how dire our financial situation is.

We have two churches that fund is regularly but the amount they give is no where near enough money to live on and do ministry too.

Last year we had corporate funding and they approved to fund us this year. But the funding has not come in and everytime we ask they respond that it is in the process.

Our time is running out. If we don't receive these funds in the next few days not only will we personally be affected but the ministry as well.

If we don't receive this funding we will not be able to pay rent on any kind of house or apartment.

Because of the fact we are in ministry and that we are funded by donations it is hard for us to find a landlord that will take the chance on us.

That is why the corporate funding is so important.

At the moment all I can do is cry to the Savior. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak on our behalf because there are no words left.

And, I ask you to stand in the gap for us. Please pray for us. Please pray for our ministry.

Please pray that God will provide all that is necessary for us to continue the work.