Oh how my heart rejoices for you. Love you so!
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Keep on Keepin on
Oh how my heart rejoices for you. Love you so!
Monday, December 17, 2012
The Light from the Darkness
We as a nation had a very hard week and some people had a week that changed their lives forever. There was unimaginable loss. Ill people did horrific things. Things that we do not understand. As we move on with our lives let us not forget those whose lives seem to be standing still. As we saw this past
week, life sometimes doesn't make sense. Life is hard and there is a lot of darkness all around us. We need to be the light. We need to separate ourselves from the darkness so that we can shine and give hope. We need to love without fear, encourage when we are disappointed, forgive when we are wronged, and keep moving forward when all we want to do is stand still. We need to hug longer, speak kinder, and show people what the love of Jesus is. This is not an easy task. Being the light sometimes doesn't feel natural, Its against what our flesh wants to do. I fail at this over and over again. I say sharp words and I hurry along with my day not thinking of others.
The Bible says in the beginning, the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said "Let there be light" and there was light. God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.
In a very dark world with so much evil and illness we need to keep sight of the Hope. The Hope we have in Jesus. That is where our light comes from. God not only separated the light from the darkness but he saw that the light was good. Even though our brains cannot imagine why a sick ill man would want to take the lives of so many innocent children and adults, or why someone would want to go into a mall and kill people who are Christmas shopping for their loved ones. But we can move past the hurt and share love with others. We can pray for these families. We need to. We can love them from a distance. We need to. We can cherish our own families. We need to. We can be the light. We need to.
NY Giants football player Victor Cruz is doing just that as reported by Yahoo! Sports.
On Sunday afternoon, Giants receiver Victor Cruz paid tribute to Jack Pinto, one of the students killed in Friday's Sandy Hook tragedy, by writing Jack's name on his shoes. He did so because Jack Pinto loved him above all other players, loved him so much that he may well be buried in a Cruz jersey.
After the game, Cruz stood and spoke before a semicircle of cameras and microphones four and five deep, and tried to make sense of the fact that he was one of the most important people in the life of someone who died decades too soon ... so much so that Pinto would watch Giants games wearing his Victor Cruz jersey.
"It's humbling," he said. "I was honored to know I was his favorite player. It's just unreal what happened."
Like the rest of the country, Cruz watched and read with horror as the events of Sandy Hook unfolded on Friday. And by Saturday, he realized that he had a personal connection.
"My Twitter feed started filling up with 'Jack Pinto, Jack Pinto,'" he said. "I'm reading this, and I'm in my hotel room fighting back tears." He asked his girlfriend Elaina to try to track down Jack's family, and within 20 minutes, she'd located them and patched him in on a three-way call.
This first time, Cruz and Jack's family didn't talk for very long, just a few minutes of shared sadness. But Cruz pledged to honor Jack's memory in Sunday's game, and more importantly, pledged that he'd be there for the family for a long time to come.
He'll head to Newtown later this week to present Jack's family with the cleats and the gloves. He was sketchy about the exact date, perhaps because he didn't know, perhaps because he'd rather not turn a visit with the Pinto family into a media opportunity. "The last thing I want to do is add stress on the family in this tough time," he said.
Going forward, he wants to do all that he can for the family. "We may do a fundraiser, something like that," he told Yahoo! Sports. "For now all we want to do is comfort the family. We'll think about other things we can do to help in the long term."
Let us as a nation and more importantly a people of God be the light in a very dark world. Mental illness is a very real disease that people need treatment for. If you or someone you know suffers from any form of mental illness please seek help, or be supportive of your loved one and help them to get the help they need. It could save lives.
There is no excuse for the actions taken by these killers. It was wrong and evil. They have stolen from people the most precious gift, life. We may not be able to physically reach out to the families hurting but we can love them from afar and pray for them.
I'm praying for you this week. Love you all very much!
In honor of all of those who lost there lives in the Newport Beach Mall shooting, the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, their families, and the communities affected. You are loved and prayed for.
week, life sometimes doesn't make sense. Life is hard and there is a lot of darkness all around us. We need to be the light. We need to separate ourselves from the darkness so that we can shine and give hope. We need to love without fear, encourage when we are disappointed, forgive when we are wronged, and keep moving forward when all we want to do is stand still. We need to hug longer, speak kinder, and show people what the love of Jesus is. This is not an easy task. Being the light sometimes doesn't feel natural, Its against what our flesh wants to do. I fail at this over and over again. I say sharp words and I hurry along with my day not thinking of others.
The Bible says in the beginning, the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said "Let there be light" and there was light. God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.
In a very dark world with so much evil and illness we need to keep sight of the Hope. The Hope we have in Jesus. That is where our light comes from. God not only separated the light from the darkness but he saw that the light was good. Even though our brains cannot imagine why a sick ill man would want to take the lives of so many innocent children and adults, or why someone would want to go into a mall and kill people who are Christmas shopping for their loved ones. But we can move past the hurt and share love with others. We can pray for these families. We need to. We can love them from a distance. We need to. We can cherish our own families. We need to. We can be the light. We need to.
NY Giants football player Victor Cruz is doing just that as reported by Yahoo! Sports.
On Sunday afternoon, Giants receiver Victor Cruz paid tribute to Jack Pinto, one of the students killed in Friday's Sandy Hook tragedy, by writing Jack's name on his shoes. He did so because Jack Pinto loved him above all other players, loved him so much that he may well be buried in a Cruz jersey.
After the game, Cruz stood and spoke before a semicircle of cameras and microphones four and five deep, and tried to make sense of the fact that he was one of the most important people in the life of someone who died decades too soon ... so much so that Pinto would watch Giants games wearing his Victor Cruz jersey.
"It's humbling," he said. "I was honored to know I was his favorite player. It's just unreal what happened."
Like the rest of the country, Cruz watched and read with horror as the events of Sandy Hook unfolded on Friday. And by Saturday, he realized that he had a personal connection.
"My Twitter feed started filling up with 'Jack Pinto, Jack Pinto,'" he said. "I'm reading this, and I'm in my hotel room fighting back tears." He asked his girlfriend Elaina to try to track down Jack's family, and within 20 minutes, she'd located them and patched him in on a three-way call.
This first time, Cruz and Jack's family didn't talk for very long, just a few minutes of shared sadness. But Cruz pledged to honor Jack's memory in Sunday's game, and more importantly, pledged that he'd be there for the family for a long time to come.
He'll head to Newtown later this week to present Jack's family with the cleats and the gloves. He was sketchy about the exact date, perhaps because he didn't know, perhaps because he'd rather not turn a visit with the Pinto family into a media opportunity. "The last thing I want to do is add stress on the family in this tough time," he said.
Going forward, he wants to do all that he can for the family. "We may do a fundraiser, something like that," he told Yahoo! Sports. "For now all we want to do is comfort the family. We'll think about other things we can do to help in the long term."
Let us as a nation and more importantly a people of God be the light in a very dark world. Mental illness is a very real disease that people need treatment for. If you or someone you know suffers from any form of mental illness please seek help, or be supportive of your loved one and help them to get the help they need. It could save lives.
There is no excuse for the actions taken by these killers. It was wrong and evil. They have stolen from people the most precious gift, life. We may not be able to physically reach out to the families hurting but we can love them from afar and pray for them.
I'm praying for you this week. Love you all very much!
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness please seek help.
Suicide prevention lifeline 1-800-273-8255
24/7 Treatment Referral Line 1-800-662-4357
Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990
or text TalkWithUs to 66746
In honor of all of those who lost there lives in the Newport Beach Mall shooting, the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, their families, and the communities affected. You are loved and prayed for.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
T.E.A.M.
T.E.A.M.
Together Everyone Achieves More!
Remember back a few years ago, there was a skit on SNL where a so called organization (Homelessville) and a look alike Salvation Army Santa were competing for donations to help the needy? So super funny. In the end they decided they could do more good if they both used the strengths
This Christmas season I want to encourage you to think outside the big shinny box with the pretty bow on top. There are so many great organizations out there that are doing great things in the name of Jesus to help others. Below is a list of a few of them. I just want you to look at giving a little different this year. It’s good to give to our families, it shows love and appreciation, but just think of what could happen if we also gave to someone who doesn’t feel loved? A widow who longs for the love she once had from her husband. An orphaned child who has never felt the love and care from a Mom or Dad. An inner city teen whose life could not only changed, but the lives of their families and generations to come as well if they only knew the love of Jesus. Remember how our lives were changed when we first received that gift?
Together we can give and be blessed because were a TEAM and Together Everyone Achieves More.
A few great organizations to give to this Christmas season and all year long and in no particular order. Check out their sites!
http://www.kcrm.org/newkcrm/Identity
Kids Across
http://www.kidsacrossamerica.org/
A21
http://www.thea21campaign.org/
Amazima Ministries (Kisses from Katie)
http://amazima.org/
Compassion International
http://www.compassion.com/
I Sanctuary
http://www.isanctuary.org/
City Union
http://www.cityunionmission.org/
Hope Faith Ministries
http://www.hopefaithministries.org/
A Hope for the Homeless (of course)
http://ahopeforthehomeless.blogspot.com/
12 Days until Christmas!!! Are you ready?
Love y'all
*Note: I am not receiving any compensation from any of the above organizations. These are just my opinions alone.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Thanks to You!
Special Thanks
I wanted to say a special thanks to Community
for giving so generously and allowing us to meet a need through you. You're the best!
I also wanted to thank Vickkie for all you are doing to serve and for getting the word out, and to Melissa for helping to plant the seed and spread the word. Two of the best girl friends a gal could ask for.
You are two amazing women!
Thank you to the volunteers and my beloved family! They are pretty much one in the same :). For all they have donated and all of the time spent driving around. You are making a difference!
To my wonderful, amazing, hard working, hunk of a husband and my two beautiful boys. You are what keeps A Hope going. You support this ministry in so many ways. You are out there on the streets serving, praying, and loving. I am extremely blessed to have you. You are not just touching hearts out there but you are touching hearts right here at home. Mine! I love you!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Family Need
Hello there family.
I can call you family right? Were all in this fight together and isn’t that what families do, fight together? Good or bad, thick or thin, families stick together. Love one another, share with one another, take care of one another, and fight for one another. Right?
I know that’s not how all people feel about family. I know that some of us have had hurts and cuts so deep to our hearts that it has left scars. I know that some of us may feel like loved ones have abandoned us or given up on us for one reason or another. Or maybe we have given up on them. Pain is hard, hurt is real, and forgiveness sometimes feels almost impossible.
No one can hurt us more than the ones we love and the crazy thing is that we can't hurt anyone more than the ones who love us. Aren't you glad that when Jesus said "It is finished" He meant it? Aren’t you glad that we have such a Savior as Christ who came to take not only our sins but our hurts and heartbreaks as well? Aren’t you glad He never gives up on us? I pray sweet friends that you don't give up on Him. I pray you share your load with Jesus. I pray you cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you. I pray you find the healing for the brokenness you may have. I pray that you don't give up but instead just give! Help me to show someone living on the streets what the joy of family feels like.
Below is a list of items that are needed this time of year for the men and women living on the streets. If you are able to give please post a comment below, facebook me, text, or email and I will contact you for pick up.
Coats
Blankets
Sleeping Bags
Warm Winter Clothing
Tents
Socks
Boots
Hats
Scarf
Gloves
Long Johns
*Tooth Brush
*Tooth Paste
*Deodorant
*Soap
*Shaving kits
*Hand Sanitizer
*Bottled Water
Bus Passes
* Denotes items that need to be purchased new.
Let’s be the family of God and give until our precious little hearts can't take anymore.
Loving you like family,
(and I don't mean like that crazy uncle everyone has, oh you know the one)
Edie :)
We are family, I got all my sisters with me, We are family, Get up ev'rybody and sing...Anyone else humming some Sister Sledge?
I can call you family right? Were all in this fight together and isn’t that what families do, fight together? Good or bad, thick or thin, families stick together. Love one another, share with one another, take care of one another, and fight for one another. Right?
I know that’s not how all people feel about family. I know that some of us have had hurts and cuts so deep to our hearts that it has left scars. I know that some of us may feel like loved ones have abandoned us or given up on us for one reason or another. Or maybe we have given up on them. Pain is hard, hurt is real, and forgiveness sometimes feels almost impossible.
No one can hurt us more than the ones we love and the crazy thing is that we can't hurt anyone more than the ones who love us. Aren't you glad that when Jesus said "It is finished" He meant it? Aren’t you glad that we have such a Savior as Christ who came to take not only our sins but our hurts and heartbreaks as well? Aren’t you glad He never gives up on us? I pray sweet friends that you don't give up on Him. I pray you share your load with Jesus. I pray you cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you. I pray you find the healing for the brokenness you may have. I pray that you don't give up but instead just give! Help me to show someone living on the streets what the joy of family feels like.
Below is a list of items that are needed this time of year for the men and women living on the streets. If you are able to give please post a comment below, facebook me, text, or email and I will contact you for pick up.
Coats
Blankets
Sleeping Bags
Warm Winter Clothing
Tents
Socks
Boots
Hats
Scarf
Gloves
Long Johns
*Tooth Brush
*Tooth Paste
*Deodorant
*Soap
*Shaving kits
*Hand Sanitizer
*Bottled Water
Bus Passes
* Denotes items that need to be purchased new.
Let’s be the family of God and give until our precious little hearts can't take anymore.
Loving you like family,
(and I don't mean like that crazy uncle everyone has, oh you know the one)
Edie :)
We are family, I got all my sisters with me, We are family, Get up ev'rybody and sing...Anyone else humming some Sister Sledge?
Monday, December 3, 2012
Don't believe the lie!
Eventually, we started to see a couple people here and there. What we came to find was since the weather was so nice they were doing other things. They walking farther than normal, they were sleeping in the park on a bench or in the grass under the blanket of the warm sun; they were traveling to the food pantry for lunch. I remember thinking what are we going to do with this food? We have been out for over two hours. Two hours was starting to feel like a very long time. I felt as if we were driving in circles. That is when I got convicted by the Lord. Why was it that I had turned serving the homeless into something all about me? Wasn't I glad that we weren't seeing anyone? Shouldn't I be happy that maybe the reason they weren't around was because they were getting a need met somewhere else. My patience was wearing thin because it was taking so long, I was getting tired of driving around, there were a few other things I had planned to do that day and I was wondering if I would have time. Why had it been about me?
I realized that I was only giving what I could spare. I could spare an hour or so in the middle of the day but not much longer. Instead of thinking about what I could spare I should have been thinking about what it was going to take? What is it going to take to meet a need, what is it going to take help someone, what is it going to take to change a life, what is it going to take the serve the Lord? I know I can't single-handedly alleviate homelessness but I don't want to believe the lie that since I can't do everything, I'm not going to do anything.
We did however see a few familiar faces. Our friend Tim told us that another man we had met before, Whiskey was his name, had been taken toKansas
What about you? Are you believing the lie? Are you not doing anything because you feel the need is too
great or are you like me and you are only giving what you can spare instead of what it's going to take? I encourage you to step out and give. Give of your time, trust me the time lost will be restored in so many ways.
Loving you all like crazy!
Edie
 |
Last Friday, we made a few lunches for our friends on the streets and went to pass them out. The weather was so beautiful outside. It was warm and the sun was bright. Just a kind of day that makes you feel good. As we packed up the lunches and loaded them in the car we were full of excitement on who we were going to see today. We have built some relationships with some of the people on the streets and were hoping to see some of them today. Hoping to see is a weird thing to say. Your really not hoping to see them, what you are hoping for is that they are off the streets and getting the help they need. But if that has not happened then you are hoping that you can find them and catch up a little. You want to see how they are doing and try to meet a need.
As we drove around it was the strangest thing. We saw no one. We hit up all of the normal spots. We were thinking we would only be gone an hour but after an hour we had only seen a few people. My Mom actually came with us to help and I remember telling her to be ready at a certain time because we needed to get the meals out at lunch time. Any other time we had ever been out the need was usually greater than the resources we had. It was the strangest feeling. Where is everyone I thought? Where have they all gone?
Eventually, we started to see a couple people here and there. What we came to find was since the weather was so nice they were doing other things. They walking farther than normal, they were sleeping in the park on a bench or in the grass under the blanket of the warm sun; they were traveling to the food pantry for lunch. I remember thinking what are we going to do with this food? We have been out for over two hours. Two hours was starting to feel like a very long time. I felt as if we were driving in circles. That is when I got convicted by the Lord. Why was it that I had turned serving the homeless into something all about me? Wasn't I glad that we weren't seeing anyone? Shouldn't I be happy that maybe the reason they weren't around was because they were getting a need met somewhere else. My patience was wearing thin because it was taking so long, I was getting tired of driving around, there were a few other things I had planned to do that day and I was wondering if I would have time. Why had it been about me? I realized that I was only giving what I could spare. I could spare an hour or so in the middle of the day but not much longer. Instead of thinking about what I could spare I should have been thinking about what it was going to take? What is it going to take to meet a need, what is it going to take help someone, what is it going to take to change a life, what is it going to take the serve the Lord? I know I can't single-handedly alleviate homelessness but I don't want to believe the lie that since I can't do everything, I'm not going to do anything.
We did however see a few familiar faces. Our friend Tim told us that another man we had met before, Whiskey was his name, had been taken to
What about you? Are you believing the lie? Are you not doing anything because you feel the need is too
great or are you like me and you are only giving what you can spare instead of what it's going to take? I encourage you to step out and give. Give of your time, trust me the time lost will be restored in so many ways.
Loving you all like crazy!
Edie
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