The Blessing In Blessing Others

To see the one without a home, laying on a curb with nothing but a newspaper as their blanket is pain in my heart just enough.

But thankfully we can change that.

Every once a month, my family, the keith family and a bunch of other families get together down town to bless the homeless. We don't get to attend every month, but we try our best!
Before we even set up the lines start to form. There is a breakfast table, a hygiene table and cars filled with clothing, blankets and other things.

It amazes me how much these people depend on us to be there, to serve them. And they are so grateful! I love seeing their faces light up when you tell them that "yes, we have underarm". Simple things like that, that we take for granted everyday, they get excited about!
To hear their stories, how they got in the place they are. Where they came from. Some of them you might say, well, you don't look like you don't have a home! Thats because maybe they just lost their job, or whatever the case may be. What hurts real bad is seeing a young person just like myself out on the street, without a home, without a family, its sad to see anyone in that situation but especially a teen because they have their whole life ahead of them, yet their without a home.

And when your done giving them all you have, the greatest feeling is leaving and seeing them sitting on the curb eating the very same pb&j that you made. Or maybe wearing the socks, sweater or even gloves that you gave them, its such a wonderful thing!
Its wonderful because you know your doing what God wants. If someone asks for your coat give also your shirt. We do that.
What I love is when they tell you that you look like your having way too much fun, or so I was informed!

Just like we depend on God to get us through the day, to wake us up in the morning, to provide for us what we need, they sort of really depend on us to be there every month.
What breaks my heart is hearing them say that "Jesus loves me so much" and yet, their on the street.

The blessing is knowing that you provided for them, and just getting to see their faces light up.
And even tho its not what its all about, but you definitely feel good about it afterwards, it makes you so happy! And it makes Jesus happy too.

God Bless
Mandie

Happy New Year?

Happy New Year, Everyone!
As I look back and reflect on the things of 2010 I see, the good, the bad, the regret, the happiness, the sadness, the pain etc. You can't hide it. If you asked me what the #1highlight of 2010 was, I would not be able to answer. Because it was really good overall, but hard at the same time.

I could elaborate for hours on the year(esp. Dec!;) but instead Ill just share some pictures of us bringing in the new year, at the Keith home. Enjoy. :)
Joah and Stephen on wii dance.

Just a taste of the firework show that Nate and Cameron put on...I think we must have had at least 200 all together if not more! lol
Joah and Stephen, best buds when they're together! ;)
I decided it would be best to wear a wig to bring in the new year. ;)
All of us girls. Freezing. :)
It was a happy moment. And if your wondering whom the young man in the pink wig, crown, tutu and lab coat is, that's Dominic, what a character! haha
And last one, josh. :)
It was definitely a good night.

I'm not one for new year resolutions but, this year I pray that God will bless it for you all and that there will be joy in your heart and no regret.
I plan on having more patience, love in my heart and to grow more and more in love with God everyday.

Random fact: I don't feel like it feels like a new year at all...

Verse : "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17

Mandie