Today was a very special day!

Today was a special day for mama and I. For three winters now mama and I have been volunteering on Friday mornings to work for a homeless shelter here in Citrus County, Florida. Today, Friday, was a typical Friday morning - almost. We arrived at THE PATH at about 8:30am. We went in and met with staff briefly and then we were introduced to three men who would be going with us for the rest of the morning to look for employment.

Each time, as we start down the road, I ask mama to pray for us. As she prays for us I drive. After she gets done praying, several ask if I had my eyes closed!! LOL

We went to several places, most of which were not hiring, but work applications were completed anyways to be put on file.

One of the stops was special. We usually don't go in with them, we want them to do the work. We are the encouragers. But this one was different. We were at a fast food restaurant and talked with the shift supervisor, after mama and I gave him a hug and I tried not to cry.

One of the men with us got an employment application blank and completed it while we waited. After completing the application the young man gave the shift supervisor the application. Again, I struggled with tears as I watched the supervisor take the application and tried to reassure the young man.

Almost two years ago we had stopped at this restaurant with a van load of young men who were seeking employment. One of them that day was a convicted felon who had an extensive rap sheet. We had been working with this young man several weeks. He was struggling with his spiritual life, self esteem and what the future held. He had completed several food culinary courses and was hoping. He was hired that day!!! Two years later - he is that shift supervisor today!! He now has his own apartment, a new baby girl and is trying to walk where Jesus leads him.

Yes, today was special - and I am crying. Do you know that God answers prayer?

Glad to be in Florida! Kinda!

I always look forward to coming to Florida for the winter. It is not a necessity to come here, but I certainly do not miss the cold weather and the snow.

We have friendships here, very special friendships, a wonderful church, and we keep busy with our church activities and working with the homeless. But we miss "home".

You see, our children and grand children are now close to 1200 miles from us rather than less than a 100. That is hard. Separation from loved ones is hard. Especially this time of year - Christmas. Mama and I will miss all of our children and we pray that the Christmas Season will go well for them. We also will pray that you will make sure that your family relationships are stronger this year than ever before.

We have arrived!!

We are in Florida! When are you all coming to visit?? We love it here - busy already!! We worked for the shelter today. We took two nice ladies out looking for jobs. Pray for them.

We love our trailer down here!! It is just the ticket for us. We have two bedrooms and two baths - works out great.

You all have a great day!! Stop by!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is the time of year we give thanks for many things. I want to use this post on my blog today to give God thanks for friends like you. Thank you for your kind words throughout the year. Some of you I got to meet for the first time this year. That was special.

I want to encourage each of you that stop by this blog to be a friend to someone during this Thanksgiving Season. Our relationships need to be cherished - work on them.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!!

GOD BLESS!!

INDIAN LAKE PAPA AND MAMA

Paul

Tonight, Wednesday, is our prayer service time. We sing a few songs from the hymnal, then the pastor gives a devotional and then we have a prayer time.

Tonight during the devotional I glanced at Paul sitting across the aisle from me. I had my Bible out with my pen and highlighter and noticed Paul was doing the same - although he seemed more intense than me. Paul was definitely paying closer attention to the pastor than I was.

The topic was Thanksgiving, a typical topic for this time of year. I am thankful for sure, but I admit, I wasn't into it as much as Paul.

I wonder if Paul was more in-tune than I was because he has terminal cancer and has been given literally a few more weeks to live unless God chooses to intervene? I wonder ?

Good Morning Jesus!

Papa is slightly weeping now. I am not sure why God has blessed us so much - why does he do that?

The picture was taken last February at the Great Wall of China - that is my daughter and her hub. They were there to bring home our 3rd grandchild Sara. She was made in China! LOL

Life has been so special the last 9 months getting to watch Sara grow.

But what I want you to think about - is how God provides. In 1991 our family was going through great turmoil - my prayers to God were basic - for survival as a family. God answered those prayers above and beyond - now I weep again.

Thank you Jesus! I am so ever grateful.

Follow me!

As most of you know I love to ride horseback. This picture was taken the other day as Susan and I were trail riding in a forest area of southern Michigan. It was a beautiful late fall day. Susan took the picture of me leading us on the trail. Amos likes to lead. He does not like to follow - his walk is a little faster than most other horses, so we lead and they stay with us. The important thing is - I had better know where we are going and keep my eyes open for "surprises". Amos does not like to be startled. So I try to stay alert!

I Corinthians 11:1 basically says. "... follow me as I follow Christ." Sooooo, if you want to know how to follow Christ, you should be able to follow me as Paul was implying and I should be able to be your example. If you are following me, I will really try to do my best, and if I screw up, please forgive me!