Touch Project Night

Touch Project night!

Sometimes in this journey of our lives, we are presented with opportunities that do change our perspective on life. I think this might have been one of those nights. We get so wrapped up in OUR own busy lives, we forget what is going on or not going on around us. I had a unique opportunity to collect clothes, toiletries and food – pack them up with a small group of caring individuals and proceed to downtown Miami. Not knowing what to expect – but eager to serve where God might use me! Jim, David and I (Kodie was unable to attend at this time due to her knee) along with our Community Group from Monday began preparing as early as 6:15 pm on Friday, March 27, 2009. We were cooking 300 hotdogs, putting together gallon zip lock baggies filled with toilet paper, toothpaste, foot powder, soap, socks, etc… along with sorting through bags of donated clothing to prepare for our trip to Miami. It was now 8:30 pm, we had a short devotion and prayer and off we loaded into our bus, vans and cars ready for the task before us. As you will see in the pictures, there were probably 25 committed Christians ready to serve where God was leading us in the desolate streets of downtown Miami – where most people try to stay away from! I must say the first stop was very overwhelming to me – I really didn’t want to get out of the bus – I felt I needed to stay and “protect” the bus. But God was nudging me… As I sat and watched in amazement as the others were the hands and feet of Jesus – handing out food and supplies… So many telling us “God Bless You”… when we should have been saying a blessing on them. It was so sad when we began turning people away – “I’m sorry I don’t have any more toilet paper or toothpaste” – as small as this is in our everyday lives – and we didn’t have enough to hand out to 150 individuals throughout the night. Well, by the second stop – I was not sitting – I wanted to be the first out of the bus… I wanted my feet and my hands to be Jesus! I wanted to touch these lives some way… I began serving up food ~ every plate I made up I quietly blessed it for the one it was going to. Our community group made 16 bags of chicken, rice, salad, pineapple cake, and “flan”. Yep ~ the flan was a big hit… they kept coming back until it was gone! The pictures I have attached tell so many stories… You need to find a way to be the hands and feet of Jesus… WE need YOU to help at Oasis Church! Help with supplies, donate clothes or fix a meal… or donate an evening of your time. We rolled back into the church parking lot at 2am… What are you doing to help? Step out of your box! – Dare to be Different!!!!

Red Envelope Day - March 31 - Need Your Help!

Sometimes when you turn your TV on or read the news somewhere you find that certain basic principles which are moral and spiritual in essence find themselves among the rest of the news. That is the case of the rights of the unborn. A teen who, instead of just listening to the news and putting it aside, is taking a stand. Our son, David Brown, who is 15 not only believes in the sanctity of life, but feels so strongly about it that he has been moved to action.

Read what David says about it ...“Red Envelope Day caught my attention because it is such a great and creative idea. It is easy to accomplish and is a peaceful and reasonable way to express our voice… (for the unborn and for life). I plan on getting as many envelopes as I can and filling them out and putting them into the hands of people who would be willing to put a stamp on the envelope and mail it out. I wish to get as many envelopes as I can into kids’ hands who want to make a change in this country and stand up for the rights of the unborn. I hope that all around America and the world at least 53 million envelopes get sent out to recognize the 53 million children killed due to abortion since abortion became legal.”

I hope you are also inspired and choose to join David and our family on this endeavour. One person can do something, but many can accomplish so much more!

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, everyone of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them”

Psalm 139:14-16

Birthdays - come and go....

Sometimes birthdays are just spent doing something on the spur of the moment... no plans, no itineraries, no direction... Just get up and go wherever you decide. This particular morning my two sisters Cyndi and Tonia (before my mom died, she said Tonia was one of her daughters) picked me up and off we went to Knaus Berry Farm in Homestead, FL had a cinnamon bun and a strawberry shake (WOW was that good)... then we went to a Tea Room Restaurant in Cauley Square - no reservations, just walked in and had lunch (WOW - we ate again). Then on our way home - we decided to stop at Dolphin Mall - (WOW - we had to snack again) and shop some more!!!! Sometimes these kinds of birthday's are the best! Came home and Jim took me and the family out to Bahama Breeze... (WOW more good food)... Then came home and had 2 cakes... (WOW - more food)... I can certainly say we ate ALL DAY LONG!!!

In Memory of Sally Rogers... Relay for Life

Tonight my sister and I along with my niece, Brittni, went and walked the Relay for Life / American Cancer Society at Walter C. Young. It was a very special ceremony. The luminaries lite up the entire way around the track of those names who have fought the fight of cancer. Our Mom was one of them. Mom fought lung cancer for 9 years and now she is reaping her rewards ~ sitting at the feet of Jesus! As much as I miss my mom, and wished I had her here - I am glad she is no longer in pain and she has her perfect body! I am so blessed to have the time I had with my mom and all the special years we had together. Mom passed away 1 1/2 years ago - but it is still so fresh and I continue to cry for her - but I have the assurance that I will see her again in Heaven. Thank you Jesus - Give my mom a kiss!

Community Group...

I love community group... I have the privilege of leading a single mom's community group in our Oasis Church. God called me about 3 years ago to start this group within our church. I have realized that the journey in our life does not always turn out like we want... As you will see in these pictures, God led one young lady, Kodie, to use her small community group from CCA to bless the life of one of Oasis' single mom's with a baby shower. When Salustria joined our group, she felt so alone and no where to turn and 7 months pregnant. Today, Salustria is at "home" within our community group. Our "mom's" have opened up their arms and welcomed her into our group... giving Salustria the love of Jesus. They truly are the arms of Jesus. They truly know what it means to share the love of Jesus. Even when they have nothing - they find it to share with another single mom who is down on her luck and looking for her way. Who are we to pick up that stone and judge when Jesus could do the same with each of us - but does not... Jesus loves us in spite of our mistakes and failures. God is awesome! Thanks for community groups...

Working World

David has now joined the working world... At 15 and ready to conquer the world - he began working at Chick-fil-A in our local Pembroke Lakes Mall... He hasn't gotten his first paycheck yet -but I think he has it spent... Yeah David!!!!

Another Birthday Celebration

This journey has given us another milestone. This past weekend we celebrated David's 15th Birthday! Wow!!! Can you believe he is 15??? I can remember the day we brought him home... And now look at him... started his first job outside the home and getting paid. Next week driving... What's next??? Girlfriend??? (I think there is one - ??- )... God is so awesome to me as a mom, I am so blessed to have the worlds best kids!!!