Lost Mines and Buried Treasures

Challenge

2011-05-07T11:03:00.000-07:00

I have been challenged to start this up again . . and I will do so, if only for myself.    Not sure what my purpose for it is so at first it will be just to keep track of allthe crazy things that go on here . .

Yesterday . ..
Don's Painting Party has been going for a couple days now - goal is to finish the inside of the cathedral chapel ceilings (okay, inside our chapel) by Saturday afternoon so we can put together the chapel again before Sunday.

Our ladies group prepared lunch for the DHQ employee Appreciation Day at Camp - and we had a great time doing it!     Tostadas and all the fixins . . guess what we are having on Sunday after lunch?

Last night, our teen girls went to the Silver Ring Thing - a traveling show about purity and making good choices . . .it was good and five of the girls got rings . . .hope they stick by that covenant and commitment!  Very precious!

Busy weekend ahead - it's Mothers Day and we are starting our monthlong commitment to be involved in the 24/7 Prayer Focus of The Salvation Army - so Lord's Prayer is on the menu for Sunday "meat."

Fall Seasons

2010-09-26T00:19:00.000-07:00

The end of summer, the beginning of the new year.    Camp programs, WMI, WYI, vacations . . . we were kept so busy that we regretfully didn't post . . .my apologies.

However, we have started the new fall season . . .and it is exciting to already see what is happening.

We opened up a Day Drop In Center for homeless families and have been hosting the Homeless (Nomadic) Shelter for two days each week the last few weeks.    The church family has been great in helping!

More events coming up - we'll keep you posted!

The assembly . . .the called out ones . ..

2010-07-25T22:01:00.000-07:00

Amazing.   That's what God is.   And that's what church was this morning!   Good friends, good music, good WORD!    Visitors, altar calls, long talks afterwords, it was just a blessing.

HEART to God - Acts 2,3,4 - it all goes together so well.

The cycle of redemption is not new - it has been going on since Moses led the people out of Egypt.   They were called out of Egypt - just like we are called out of slavery - slavery to a life of sin, Peter calls it "this empty way of life".    They were redeemed before they ever came to worship him.  Peter also says, "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God."   (1 Peter 1:18-20)

We are saved by grace, too!    They were formed into a company of freed slaves - and we also are a rag-tag bunch of vagabonds, traveling together.    They came to a mountain and were faced with a choice - with God, or without God.  Thankfully, they chose Him.   We are saved and then faced with choices - the same choice - with God, or without God.   Hopefully, we choose to worship Him.

That means, serving Him.   Obeying Him. Following Him.   Looking to Him.   But it also means something else - Being His Light to the Nations.     Somehow they got off track here . . .

I hope that our line shines brighter every day.    Today was a pretty good flame!

Music Camp Final Concert - Del Oro

2010-07-25T01:23:00.000-07:00

It was so much fun today .. .all the kids did sooo great.    I loved, loved, LOVED the boys chorus and the girls chorus - so much energy!    Oh, and I loved the hula, and the timbrels and the guitar and the recorders.    Seriously, each number was too cute!

Afterwards, Don and I went to a prophecy seminar - very enlightening . . . actually, a little disturbing.    Syria is the place to watch ...

Tomorrow is church - can't wait.   Practice was FUN . . .

Mission Moment The stranger among us

2010-07-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

Adrian met him first.   Adrian meets all of them first, it seems.   Adrian talked to him for a while and then brought him to church to meet Captain Don . . .Adrian told me privately that he seemed "too nice" at first but he couldn't really understand why the guy was homeless.

The first day he was here, he swept the parking lot and helped move boxes.

Where he spent the night, we weren't sure but he was back the next day, hanging out and helping some more.   His background check came out squeaky clean so he went to church with us on Sunday up at camp.   He shared a little bit of his story, while soaking his feet in the lake.

By Tuesday, he had a job but still staying . . .someplace.   He would eat dinner with Adrian and Jessica and then find his place to sleep.

He is still here and I like him.    He has a good spirit and time will tell if God is calling him to be part of the family.

Welcome, Mike.

Music Camp Solo Night

2010-07-20T22:16:00.000-07:00

Just came back from Soloist Night at the Del Oro Music Camp 2010. I love going to it. It is not polished or professional and yet it is sincere, encouraging, and uplifting. The young people are nervous and yet do so well!

I am encouraged to see kids learning music - such a great way to worship God! In a day when professional musicians seem to be the only ones who can take the stage, it is good to know that everyone has to start someplace!

Go, Team Del ORO!

Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus

2010-07-19T21:02:00.000-07:00

What would you do if you found out you didn't know Jesus as well as you thought?    That's the question we all asked ourselves as we opened the pages of "Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus" by Anne Spangler.   It's our Bible Study on Tuesdays, at 1:00pm.

Many of us have been raised as Christians - we know the Bible stories - we know the old hymns - and yet each page seems to hold new ancient truths that we have never heard before . . .how does THAT happen?

Others are completely new to the faith and they sit enraptured by the stories that are woven into the pages.   Jesus is a man who is completely different from the surfer Jesus that they see on church walls (usually holding children), or the crucified Jesus that they see on the Dollar Store figurines, or even the revolutionary Guevara that becomes silkscreened on our shirts.

As we learn more and more, it seems as though our answer changes . . .and yet does it really?   Perhaps it will make us more loving (surfer jesus?), more giving (crucified jesus?), and more committed (guevara jesus?).

New Life

2010-07-18T20:34:00.000-07:00

. . . for Jessica.

Jessica - she's always been a believer. Since she was little girl. She knew God existed and she knew he was there and she knew he loved her. She just didn't know how to make him part of her life -

how to tap into the wisdom He had for life - the power He had for miracles - the love He had for her.

Sunday morning, we "crashed" the church service at Music Camp. Since half of our congregation was at camp already as staffers or campers, we took the rest to church in the mountains. We had ulterior motives, actually. We wanted those new people who had claimed us a church home to see another side of us - and they did. Great Army band music - great testimony - lots of uniforms (not just me and Don).

Major Colleen Riley gave a great sermon about being who you were called to be - and at the end of it, Jessica (along with many others) went forward. On her knees, she prayed the simple prayer of salvation! She had heard about it from Captain Don every Sunday, seen it exampled in the people at the corps, believed it from a child, but now it was hers for the taking. And she took it!

It was worth it all - even being called out for "crashing" the party! My profuse apologies to everyone for showing up un-invited . . . but the atmosphere was right for Jessica. What started as a child, sprouted at our Booth Family Center, was watered at the corps, loved and nurtured by church members, and came to fruition at a Music Camp church service.

That's what it's all about.

Mission Moment - Music Camp

2010-07-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

Not Jr. Music Camp like a couple weeks ago - now it's for the teens. Soon it will be for the Young Adults - Western Music Institute. But this week is about the teens . . .

They are eager, excited, and can't wait. There are so many different things offered that it is hard for them to choose their classes. They can't wait to see their friends . . .and hug old staff members who have returned to serve and teach another year!

Bethany will take guitar, drama, or maybe recorders. She's not sure. Kat loves to sing and is a great percussionist. I think timbrels will be a great match for her. Heather is not sure but she is delighted to be going back. She was a 49er and her session ended but camp is still drawing her.

Little Hank called this morning before they left - he says, maybe they need someone to play a small instrument? He LOVED, LOVED, LOVED camp when he went to Discovery Camp a few weeks ago. Next year, it will be Jr. Music Camp for that little guy!

Mission Moment: Don Brown

2010-06-28T23:12:00.000-07:00

Adrian brought a set of clippers for don Brown and the next thing you know, Don comes traipsing back in the office - head shaven. Right behind him is 8 year old Hank - head shaven. His son, James, 14 years old - head shaven. Thank goodness Mary still had her hair.

Anyway, he proceeds to tell me how much he appreciates being made to feel like part of the family and that he loves the way Don (my Don, Captain Don) opens up the word and makes it easy to understand. coming from Don Brown, that's a pretty big compliment.

The Family's growing!

mission moments: bug checks

2010-06-28T23:09:00.000-07:00

So one of the campers supposedly had llice today and yours truly got to do the "chore." We were banished to the outer reaches of the kingdom - which actually saved on the whole embarassment thing so it was ok - and given a little kit to work with. Actually, kind of cool but it would have been nice if it came with a radio and a bottle of water for each of us. It was 100 degrees outside - and we were in a small enclosed bathroom.

So, I don't think she really had lice but it gave us a little chance to bond - and talk about things . . .I may try to get her to teen sports camp - she loves the hikes the best!

I found out she has been to camp several years in a row and I'm wondering why we don't have her coming to any of our programs. we really have to follow up on these things . . .she's a great kid.

I'm glad i'm the officer and I get all the dirty jobs. It's worth it.

MIssion Moment: Alanna

2010-06-28T23:04:00.001-07:00

alanna - the camp cook who has to deal with all the problems that come with being the camp cook - (is that something like the lunch lady?). . . .

so me and patty are going to do our best this summer to help her out - maybe incognito, maybe not.

It might be a lot of mission moments.

UPDATE #1: We cleaned out the ovens for her. They needed it. But we needed it too. Just like that oven cleaner had to sit for a while before the baked on hardness would come off - we are like that - we have to bask in the fire of God's consuming love (okay, maybe baking not basking) in order for the hard edges of our hearts to come off. But come off it does.

Mission Moment: Cassey

2010-06-28T23:02:00.000-07:00

Cassie - she met her current "other" at a truck stop someplace in Oklahoma. I think he felt sorry for her and kind of adopted her like a puppy. He seems to be kind to her and they are a couple now. They live in a "safe" place - she can't tell me because she doesn't quite trust me yet - up on the hill (which means camping out).

Last week, I gave them an abandoned ice chest and stuffed it with leftovers from the corps refrigerator. They brought a friend with them to church and joined us for lunch. THIS week, Cassie looked completely different! She had gone to the thrift store and bought some "church" clothes - including some heels (big square ones but heels nonetheless). Again, joining us for lunch, working a little bit on their broken down car in the parking lot, and then taking off again.

In the time from last week and this week, she had called her mom, her husband (what??), and decided that going home wasn't a safe place for her to be - too many temptations, too many silly choices, too many whatevers . . .for whatever reason, she is going to stick around for a little bit . . .

I hope it's because she is supposed to find herself in God here . . .I like Cassie. As patty says, "faith like a child . . ."

UPDATE ON CASSEY: She was hitchhiking home to Oklahoma. I don't know why - I'm a little sad to hear it - but maybe she needed to stay here just long enough to hear that she was worth something to God and now she needs to go home and live her life.

mission moment: TJ at Jr. Music Camp

2010-06-28T22:56:00.000-07:00

TJ - which is for Timothy Jr., not timothy william, because "tj sounds better than tw," he says. TJ who desperately wanted to be in guitar class (he was crossing his fingers and praying against hope) but ended up in my class instead. TJ a chubby little kid who doesn't (can't) pay attention very well, has to be asked at least TEN times to do ANYthing, and doesn't have any friends he hangs around with (that I can tell).

Yup, TJ who gave me a hug at the end of camp. TJ who actually GOT IT when we played the devil sticks, TJ who said this was the best class he'd ever taken and he was going to teach his little brother how to do the devil sticks.

Mission Moment: TJ's mom.

my dogs

2010-06-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

My dogs - my poor dogs. They got out yesterday and they came back, of course. But the neighbor yelled at us and was not happy that they were running around. They don't get enough exercise because we don't take the time to walk them as much as we should. We should teach them how to play fetch with a ball or a frisbee, take them to the river, walk pleasantly on a leash, let them experience the joy of running free but no, we are too busy with other things.

The same thing happens to baby christians. They end up staying in the same pen, the same porch, the same church. They don't get out, don't get fresh air. Once in a while, the gate is left open (more often than we want to admit) and they bolt. FREEDOM! They run and run and run and then all of a sudden, it's time to go home. So they go home, and they might even try to hide it - but the tell tale signs of running amuck are evident (like the ticks, burrs, and mud on my dogs) to all who see them. They are welcomed home with mixed signs - happiness, relief, anger, and disappointment.

If we would just take the time to invest in our dogs/converts, we would see a pack a people (dogs) who know where they live, venture out with boldness but are more content to be at home, and are healthy because they are exercised/challenged regularly.

I think it's time to go walk my dogs. But I'll start with one at a time, so I can teach them submission to the leash. That's how it starts.

officers kids

2010-06-20T08:28:00.000-07:00

I love it when I see officers children who are officers. It shows me that the officers portrayed their life in such a way that their children want to follow in it.

I am also struck with my own mortality when I sit in front of the Territorial Youth Chorus and I recognize children (who are now young adults) of people that I once sang with (as a much younger adult). I love that about the Army - it is truly like a family that comes together for family reunions.

I think God's kingdom is like that. We are all part of the same family and when we come together, we have a common bond that supercedes the fact that we don't spend every day with each other. That bond is God.

Families of HOPE - Camping for Kids

2010-05-18T18:51:00.000-07:00

We held our first Families of HOPE event tonight and it was sooo awesome. More than 100 people showed up - thirty families and we signed up more than 30 children for summer camp. These are kids who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness - which means there is probably a lot of stress in their lives.

It is such a privilege to be part of this incredible program where we can offer kids a chance to see God in his own creation . . .

Camp Del Oro Rocks!

HOPE - Psalm 31:24

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

2010-05-16T19:02:00.000-07:00

1 Cor. 9:24 - Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Hebrews 12:1 “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Route/cities/nevada-city.html

The Amgen Tour of California passed right in front of the corps! It was a great reminder that we are in a great race but only one will get the prize. Fortunately, for us, we all get the prize if we finish the race.

Bible Bowl - Del Oro Champs

2010-05-08T18:45:00.000-07:00

I am so very proud of our teens - they have studied long and hard!     1 and 2 Corinthians will forever be a part of their life - and there is sooo much good stuff in those books.

Bethany's favorite memory verse:   2 Cor. 4:16-18   "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

It also has the infamous LOVE chapter . . .which is incredible when you apply to God himself and how he relates to us.    Oh, that we could be that way to those around us. . .

Pickups

2010-01-23T10:53:00.000-08:00

This is such a hard area. We pick up a few people right now - two stops which makes about six people - enough for our minivan. I could easily add about five people to the route but we don't have drivers for our large van (legally).

However, some of our young adults have been diligently taking the SA drivers training classes and we are goingto start getting there early enough to let them take the sedan as well.

I really would like to pick up Booth Clients as well - but first we probably need to go over and develop relationships with them.

Having said that in a meeting, several people have expressed an interest to go over there on a weekly basis, do dinner, meet them, help babysit, etc. I have thought this all along and we did this during the summer - with great results but it was too hard to do on our own.

Now God has sent people who are excited about being on the front lines - the forward edge of the battlefield area . ..

We'll keep you posted as this latest tactic develops . . . for now, let's move out.

army 101 - class 2 - Emergency Disaster Services (Haiti)

2010-01-20T21:50:00.000-08:00

Our second week of Army 101 happened right after the earthquakes in Haiti. It gave us a great opportunity to share with 15 people (Honor Jr. Soldiers, Recruits, and even a couple of interested employees who came to he meeting!) about our Emergency Disaster Services. We showed the video of Bob Pott, which was very touching and discussed what The Salvation Army is doing right now in Haiti.

I had people wanting to take Crisis Counseling Courses right then! Come on, Ken Cavallero - do some more training! Give us a canteen - we'll kick bum! (as Claire would say)

We prayed for Haiti and the darkness they are feeling - acknowledging that god is in control, even when we don't understand - or agree.

Windows of Hope

2010-01-20T21:45:00.000-08:00

H.O.P.E.

Happy, Healthy Families - Everyone deserves a safe place to live in - day and night. Everyone deserves to eat healthy food. Everyone deserves to celebrate the holidays with joy.

Opportunites for Wisdom and Learning - Family Issues, Relationship Problems, Life Skills, and Education are four common barriers and problems to successful living - let's address those issues Head ON!

Personal Spiritual Growth - is a key element to holy living and wholly loving.

Encouragement and Enrichment - Friends, music, and art should be part of every person's life.

I tried to list everything that is important to us (as a church) to do for the community - and they fell in these guidelines (above). Hmmmm, interesting.

About the Edge . . .

2010-01-20T21:40:00.000-08:00

I read this quote in one of my pages of notes:

If you aren't moving forward, then you are being left behind because society is moving at such a fast pace that it's hard to even keep up.

I really am excited about being on the Forward Edge - actually, I watch as the women around me are on the Forward Edge. They deal with people everyday who come in at the end of their rope (they think) and they deal with them kindly, gentleness, and sometimes firmness. I am glad when they feel as though they aren't doing enough because it keeps them on the compassionate side. It's easy to "harden" up in this business - you just have to say no because there isn't enough money.

But we have to remember that we may have to say "no" because OUR resources are limited but there is a God whose resources are NOT limited - and our NO is his opportunity to do wonderful things in their life.

I love to watch it happen ...it reminds me of his goodness.

Forward Edge

2010-01-09T07:39:00.000-08:00

so we are the move. A number of us are gathering together on Friday nights - open invitation - and moving forward in the Battle! We started soldiership classes on thursday (3 recruits) and Honor Jr. Soldiers - attended by two jr. soldiers and 6 others!

The first lesson was about Doctrine #1 - and we played that matching game in the HJS book - which helped us to memorize the doctrine. We are already there!

Friday night, we (15 strong!) learned some of the history of The Salvation Army and what it is doing in the world - and watch the Hayesod intro video. We will be starting that in a couple weeks - just before BOOT CAMP 3.

Today we go for Voice Training - in case, we get called to the Frontlines of Jericho - HAHA. (meaning we are going to Divisional Youth Chorus and Band).

Connie

2010-01-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Connie - oh, my goodness, that woman is crazy! She talks all the time, and forgets what she is talking about sometimes (she says she suffers from dementia - could be), but she is the funniest person I've ever met.

Our family went to the local community Hanukkah party and we invited anyone from the church who wanted to go. Connie, not being one to miss a good time, went with us - and kept us in stitches. She participated in the hula hoop contest AND the line dance.

The other day, on Christmas, when I went to pick her up so she could be my "date" to the Booth Family Center Christmas Dinner, she was playing Mario Brothers. She is over 60 years old - she says it keeps her young! I guess so! I had to wait until she got to the next level before she could save. .. .

I am so glad that Connie is coming back to church. We got her a large print Bible so she could read along easier and she is good to ask questions and make her opinion known. Gotta love it!

Welcome, Connie!

Robbin

2010-01-02T07:55:00.000-08:00

Robbin came to work for us and run the Booth Family Center - our family emergency shelter. It's a re-modeled hotel that has operated in this town for over 10 years and now we run it. She relocated, leaving family and friends and her hometown for 40+ years, to set up camp in Grass Valley - looking for whatever it is that God has to give her.

She hopes to go to College for Officers Training at some time in the near future - a couple years - but is saving money and watching her nephew Tucker grow up before she goes. And he is definitely growing up before her very eyes - tall and goodlooking.

Christmas Day, Robbin cooked a turkey dinner at the Booth Family Center - which helped ease some of the loneliness she was feeling with her family all being SOMEPLACE ELSE. She is used to cooking and having everyone over and seeing the grandkids and lots of noise and fun. Two families stayed at the center over the holidays and we enjoyed the meal together, even inviting Connie to join us.

Tucker joined her this week - after staying in P.R. for the football season. He is going to start at the high school here and hopefully make a good transition.

It's been a stressful year for the two of them - his mother died in a car accident, both have relocated to a new house and a new life, Tucker has developed a new relationship with his dad, and other family transitions are taking place as well. Together they are going to forge a new life for themselves here - and we hope that we are part of that!

Welcome, Robbin - and Tucker!

Ernie and Sarah

2010-01-02T07:36:00.000-08:00

So, we have a great couple coming now - with the cutest little red-headed boy who is the smartest 2 year old I've ever seen. They both have ARmy background and I am so glad to have them here. She just had a baby and I'd love to be able to do something along the lines of Cradle Roll with them.

The cool thing is that they have friends who used to come - and they have invited THEM to come back as well. It's nice to see them all when they come - and they are bringing back their kids.

The problem is that we have nothing for kids right now. It's JUST them. IT's awkward when they come because I'm not always prepared for them. But I love it and I want to make sure we take the chances we get to share God's good news with those kids - while mom and dad are listening to Don.

I think I'll get Claire and we will develop four lessons that can be used at any time - ready in a box - so to speak. WE have Word Action so we can pick from there. But doggone it - claire is gone for a month! Who approved her vacation anyway?

A break for a while

2009-12-27T23:49:00.000-08:00

I stopped posting for a while because it was awkward writing about people - and yet, how can you write a bout a church that grows with people if you don't write about the people?

I am still figuring this out.

Immanuel

2009-12-26T07:44:00.000-08:00

I knew the minute Immanuel walked in and applied for bellringing, that he was on God's hit list. I don't know how I knew but I did. He was a great bellringer and ended up volunteering and helping in several different areas of Christmas.

He came to church one Sunday and he has been coming every since. He is hungry for the Word. the good thing is that he doesn't just accept what we tell him - he wants to look it up, see it for himself, make sure that it means what we say, and he prays about it.

He lives with family, although he is over 21 - and has been out on his own for a while. Living at home gives him a great opportunity to live out his faith in the face of family and friends, who know you best. I have a feeling that we are quickly becoming family, as well.

Welcome, Immanuel! (What a great name)

Christmas Kettles - is it all about the money?

2009-12-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

Some days it seems like it is. But we have really tried to make it be about the people - the people who give, the people who are ringing the bell, the people who are being helped.

Every morning, about 7:30am, somebody starts coffee (it takes forever in those big pots!), and then a while later, Kathleen shows up - she gets breakfast started and people start straggling in, briskly rubbing their hands together because of the cold. Bagged lunches get made and people start searching for their favorite bell in the pile.

After people eat, Don will go over the totals of yesterday, giving kudos where they need to be given, making changes in the schedule when people can't work the whole shift. He often gives a devotion which provides encouragement, sharing with the bellringers the hope and the reason that they are standing out there in the cold, asking people for money - a seemingly, thankless job.

Sometimes in the van on the way to the kettle site, a worker shares prayer requests that need to be prayed for. They ask if they can pick up their toys after the shift is over on distribution day so they can still work. They need off another day to go to their food stamps meeting or to go help their mom with a broken toilet. In short, we talk about life. The good times, the hard times, the mundane things.

We get called sometimes by the store manager for inappropriate behavior - the bell is too loud, the person can't sing as well as they think they can, it's possible they have been drinking (that's the worst), or they suspect the bellringer is taking money (okay, that one is pretty bad, too). It's not easy addressing these issues but we do it with love and kindness.

The days are long - and never ending. We go home, go to bed, and wake up and come back in, feeling as though we never left. We eat fast food (in the van! egads), microwavable food at the corps, and cereal at home because we are too tired to cook. (Frozen waffles are good at any time of day.) The only laundry we need to do is black andwhites because we don't really have time to wear anything else. Our kids have become experts at counting money and know exactly how to divide up the ones and fives.

Is it all worth it? When Gabe and his wife come to church and ask questions about what we believe . .. it's worth it. When Immanuel comes to church and then becomes a permanent fixture in the "family," it's worth it. When Mary May comes to church, and then realizes that she would like to help give music lessons at the Booth Family Center, it's worth it.

And worth is not all about money . . .

Hospitality House

2009-12-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

So the winter shelter in this community is a "nomadic" model - which means every night it goes to a different church and they feed and house the 20 to 30 men and women who need shelter.

We have done it twice now - and it has gone well. The first time another church prepared the food - and Don put on a movie on the chapel big screen and it was a quiet night. The secondnight, we prepared the food - nachos deluxe grande mucho - and did the same thing.

Addison and Don are the ones who have been elected to spend the night with the men - along with the HH employees - and it's been a good chance to talk with the men, learn their stories, and be able to share hope with them.

We don't do it again until next year. Too bad - it's what the Army should be doing on a regular basis.

We got the GRANT!

2009-09-21T21:28:00.000-07:00

I'm in shock - we got it - after a little bit of heart-stopping problems with a misunderstanding obout whether or not we had a Board Resolution . . .it was finally granted!

Lots of relief - partying - gasping - shock - numbness - excitement - high-fiving - happy dancing - shaking head in disbelief - and then a barrage of letters back and forth immediately to all the partner agencies who will also be part of helping the homeless.

Where to start? What to do? I think I'll just go home - and leave my computer at work.

Later.

Hospitality House

2009-09-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

Have I posted about the shelter that is done in this town yet? I'm too tired to go through the old posts .. .

Each night, homeless "guests" as they like to call them, meet at a day center by 4:00pm (opens at 1pm) and they can take showers and get signed in, etc. At 4pm, they get on a bus and they go to a local church -different each night. That night, the church hosts them - feeding them (perhaps with the help of another church), keeping them company, bedding them. The next morning, they feed them, put them all back on the bus, and then clean up after they leave.

The next night, its repeated. The community doesn't have to have a permanent building, the faith organization get to do what they are supposed to do, everyone plays a part, and it works. Wow - I've never seen anything like it. Well, I haven't seen it yet but it starts october 15 for the winter season.

I met with the pastor who organized the churches and he looked over our building to see if it would work. We are going to take every 5th Friday night and maybe a few of the hardtofill days. It won't be easy because we really don't have anybody to help us do it - it's just us right now. I'd like to say the church will help except there is only one other family. But we have several young adults - so maybe we can pull it off.

HMIS Meeting

2009-09-15T18:51:00.000-07:00

I am learning a whole new glossary of words - trying to wade through the murkey waters of HCD grants, HPRP funding, HMIS statistics (which by the way means Homeless Management Information System - or keeping track of the homeless).

While the end result is fulfilling, the middle work is incredibly boring and stodgy. People have developed these systems and guidelines and a whole new language to deal with this stuff. Honestly, if they need something to do, I've got lots of things that need doing . . .

The best part about today's meeting about HMIS/HPRP was meeting the people who represent the different agencies. I've noticed that most of them are women . . .that is interesting. And they are busy.

I got to meet the director of Hospitality House today - I was so surprised to find out she was very similar to me. I like her! I'm looking forward to working together.

I wonder if her head swims when she starts getting into the grants and stuff. I hope I'm not the only one.

Helping Hands, Productive Lives

2009-09-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

I went to a Celebration of Life today for a man who died at an early age - 50 something - with Alzheimer's Disease. According to the people who were at his memorial service, he was an amazingly SMART man with a wicked sense of humor, a love for music, and sparkling eyes. His wife had spearheaded the foundation of the Helping Hands DropIn Center where he spent most of the last 10 years of his life. When funding for the Adult Drop In Center was cut, she found a place at the Seventh Day Adventist church where they could meet 3 days a week.

I loved the way it was decorated - and along each wall, there were posters with pictures so the "patients" could remember partsof their life - "people who love me" - and there were labeled pictures of people intheir life - and the person was in each one of them, too - so that they could see they were a real person, even if they couldn't remember it. Places they lived - with themselves in the pictures, pets, even things they like to do . .

It was a reminder to me - what will people say about me when I go? I've dealt with several funerals of late and the thought seems to be uppermost in my mind. I don't want to be known as the woman who always lost her keys. . . .(although that is true - and I think Don should bury me with my keys - LOL). I'm going to be thinking about this over the next few weeks - it is the season of "elul" a time of repentance. I don't have a lot of big sins in my life - I try to keep a short account with God - but it can be used as a time of introspection, reflecting, looking backwards, and forwards. I'll let you know what I come up with . . .

Now, where did I put my keys?

Car Shows & Duck Races

2009-09-12T06:24:00.000-07:00

what fun! We went to the Roamin Angels Antique Car Show - over 800 cars. Took the girls who didn't want to go . . but ended up having fun in spite of themselves. Our Advisory Board chairman is the President of this group - and our bookkeeper and her husband have a car they are working on bit by bit.

Earlier, we had gone to another community event - the Duck Races. The Rotary Club sponsors it each year in Nevada City and they literally have duck races. Okay, they are rubber ducks but there are probably 1000 of them - andthey are released about 1/4 mile upstream and we all watch as they make their way to the finish line. You buy tickets which represent a duck and if your duck wins, you get prizes. An advisory board had bought several tickets, turned them in with The Salvation Army name, andthen gave us the tickets. I went with the girls - they had mexican food, music, fun. it was neat but the girls got bored - that is, until we won $75!!!!

We strolled through Nevada City, meandered through the street farmers market, and tried pear balsamic vinaigrette, of all things. We passed the history Nevada City hotel where I meet for Rotary . . .all part of a life that sometimes seems unrelated to the population group that we serve. It seems like another world - that occasionally meets - at Duck Races and Antique Car Shows.

I think it is important to support the Advisory Board in their lives - just like we want them to support us in our life. They usually are the ones who have their finger on the pulse of the community - so if you attach yourself to their coat tails, you get to know the community - and you just might have fun along the way.

Goooooooooo, Ducks!
(Oh, wait - i'm in California now . . .darn!)

Disappointments can turn into blessings . . .

2009-09-07T08:01:00.000-07:00

So, today was our Fall Back to Normal Day - you know, Rally Day, Celebration Sunday, whatever you want to call it. Except our main church family - which has about 10 people in it - had to stay home because some of them were sick . . .and they were preparing for some new house members.

It was very disappointing (although I understand) because the only two kids were my two girls. We decided NOT to do the new programs because they were both sick, too - so they just slept on the pews. We didn't dismiss for junior church which meant that all of us kid leaders got to stay in for the sermon - the teens didn't wander out - and it was a great sermon about holiness!

And yet, we still had 21 people in church! 15 of them were young adults between the ages of 18 and 35! Wendy brought 2 new visitors and Sam was released from jail that morning so he got to come! We had Chinese Chicken Salad and saltine crackers for lunch and some wonderful garden fresh veggies that Laura brought in. Our dear friend, Captain Malone, was present so we had a very nice talk about upcoming events.

Came home to a PILE of dirty dishes but realized that tomorrow was another holiday so it wasn't so bad to do them.

All in all, I'd say it was a good Sunday. Now I have the whole day ahead of me to do whatever I darn well please! (as long as I add stats to the list, I'm good)

Shabbat Shalom!

2009-09-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

Dinner was great - dishes were left until Sunday - and Saturday was great!

I went to the park for a Gospel Concert - started at about 12noon and lasted until evening. . . .it was nice, great weather, took a walk by the river - put it on our list of places to go in the evening with the dogs.

Did the program for Sunday and going to bed! tomorrow is a busy day - the start of our kickoff day for the fall! We have lots planned.

the mundane . . .

2009-09-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

Spent the whole day making phone calls and catching up on office stuff. We are trying to hire a shelter director and not sure about whether or not we get this other grant - if we do, we may have to hire a few more people. I heard that the biggest roadblock to getting it was overcome so the chances have increased for us to get it.

But we need to work on the budget, interview people, clean up the building (the donations are STLL pouring in!), prepare for the fall startup of programs, keep intouch with all the Booth Families, still work with the fire survivors, and get ready for Sunday.

Oh, and enjoy a three day weekend. Right. LOL!

Loss

2009-09-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

Today I talked to a lady whose husband passed away - actually I've talked to several women who have lost their husband recently. It was so very recent and she was willing to donate his clothes to the fire survivors, as well as some furniture.

I was able to talk to her at length and I think I will go to the memorial - it's in the same town I live in. I know that in a month or two when people have gone back to their regular lives, her live will still be in turmoil - perhaps we can go to dinner or something.

I really don't want to lose her number - I feel as though God brought her into the office for a reason.

Mill Street Apartment Fires

2009-09-02T07:40:00.000-07:00

Life is distracting, isn't it? All week we have dealt with this fire - and it wasn't nearly as big as the one in Auburn, which is about 30 minutes from here.

They had 60 houses destroyed - that's 60 families displaced. I am praying for Ralph and Dianne!

The difference between our fire and their fire is that most of their homeowners (if not all) had homeowners insurance - none of ours did. It's been interesting - because people started donating household goods, clothing, furniture.

The first couple days we handed out clothing only because the survivors were in motel rooms or staying with friends and family. Then by Thursday, two or three came in needing dishes, pots andpans,etc.

Glenn and Lucy are looking for cast-iron cookware. They are staying with their three big dogs up in the mountains on a piece of land about an hour out of town - because it's hard to rent with three dogs. It was good to talk to them - I hope we meet up again. I think I have some cast-iron frying pans in the garage.

And the donors here - are so generous! We have so much furniture - we stopped accepting it - and just took people's names because the people aren't moved in yet - so next week, we will be busy connecting people and drivers and couches and beds . . .

We've developed a wonderful relationship with the Red Cross here - they are just some dedicated volunteers who want to help others, like us.

I think we have had more PR because of this unfortunate event than we have had in five years - people keep saying, oh, I forgot you were here! Well, now you know!

Tired and relieved that i have a house to go home to . . .

EDS in ACTION . . .

2009-08-31T21:57:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning while we were having church, an apartment building was burning down. 13 people - all seniors - were displaced out their homes, 2 or 3 hospitalized.

Monday morning, Don was on the phone with Red Cross, finding out how we could help. He went and met with each of the survivors (in EDS training, I learned we don't call them victims, they are survivors! I love that) and talked with them about what they needed.

Two of them had lost their dentures - but praise God - today they were both returned to them - unharmed from the fire (one had fallen into a bucket of water and was protected from the heat). Another man said that he was disoriented because he didn't have his reading glasses. Fortunately, he wore the same strength as Don does (it's the age thing . . .sigh) and so Don gave him his glasses . . .assuring him that he had another pair at home.

Tomorrow we will go to the hotel they are staying at, give them vouchers for the thrift store so they can get new clothes (well, new to them at least . . .LOL) and arrange rides for them and meals and prayer.

I think I will go see the lady in the hospital - she had several oxygen tanks blow up in her apartment. I'll be praying for her tonight.

Things can happen so quickly - one moment you are sleeping, the next someone is banging on your door - "GET out, get out, get out!" No time to get anything or even get dressed. Just get out.

Will I be ready when the time comes?

Emergency Disaster SErvices

2009-08-26T23:07:00.000-07:00

So, today was Day One of the Canteen Rally for Del Oro -meaning classes of training for Emergency Disaster Services - training in how to be a "social worker" and take applications and help people. Pretty interesting - met other Army die-hards who want to help others - Maxine Barr, you are one great social worker - and I learned more just by watching you handle our difficult "family" than I have in several years of actually doing it. (the whole role-playing thing, you know - where we have to give the social worker a hard time).

Anyway, tomorrow is Spiritual and Emotional Health care or something like that - I am excited about going. I always learn something good fromthese things . . .

like today, I also got the forms I was looking for - I am going to "copy" these EDS application forms and use them for our homeless program forms. Aahhh, I love the fact that in the Army, everything is "public domain" - well, sort of.

We have another young man living at our house . . .this should be interesting. . . welcome to the family, Addison.

Nobody's as hip as we are.

2009-08-13T10:49:00.001-07:00

(Taken from an ad series that ran several years ago - my mom kept it in her "treasure" box because she says that, to her, it represents what the Army stands for)

What do you want to know about the drug scene? The counter culture? Street people? And street talk?

Your friends like to wear old clothes from our thrift shops? Our friends have to. Your friends into alcohol AND drugs? Our are dying from it. You have pals who are always broke, bummed out and up-to-here with society? Ours are destitute, schizophrenic and suicidal. Pregnant teenagers? Tell us about it.

And all too often we're the only thing standing betweenour friends and real tragedy. Us in our dowdy unfiorms and old-fashioned attitudes.

Yes somehow we do it.

Author Peter Drucker says, "The Salvaiton Army probably does a better job with the poor than anyone else."

"And frugally," adds Fortune (11/9/87), "Of each dollar it receives, 86 cents goes to the needy." In a business where 50 or 60 cents is good enough.

Yeah, we're religious. But we're no fanatics. You can't do what we do and be a pollyanna, a goody-goody or holier-than-thou.

but hipper-than-thou? Probably.

Places you wouldn't venture into,we live and work. People you wouldn't touch, we embrace. Scenes you couldn't look at, we live with. And deal with. Every day.

So go ahead and kids us all you want to about "saving souls." But for God's sake, help us save lives.

WE'RE FIGHTING FOR YOU.

(My mom's favorite line - People you wouldn't touch, we embrace.)

Back to School Party

2009-08-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

So inthe past this corps has always done a Tools for School Backpack Drive - with help from the rotary clubs and people who respond to a Mail Appeal - and it helps kids with the much needed school supplies, in anticipation of that first day of school.

Well, this year, I decided to also partner with the Women of Worth who also do a drive. They take applications - as do we - and put out the barrels at local places, provide volunteers for sorting, and pack the bags individually. They get a little crazy and even sometimes try to coordinate the bags - one teenage girl who likes purple got everything purple!

We had a Back to School Block Party - with a BBQ going on outside. We had a table filled with After School Snacks, jumprope, balls, chalk for Recess Games, andloon a table where they could sign up for thrift-store vouchers for school clothes.

It was very sucessful but I'm disappointed that i wasn't able to plan for it better. I would have had helium balloons out on the street (our corps is in a neighborhood), music from a loudspeaker with some good kids disney songs or something, even a table where we play "Are you smarter than a 5th grader?" I wanted to do teacher's appreciation bags and bus driver survival bags (with Hallmark of course).

Yes, I have lots of ideas. Some happen - some don't. Most of these didn't - but it was still good - you should have seen the kids faces looking through the supplies. There's nothing like a new pack of crayons, new notebooks, sharpened pencils, folders with pictures of Hannah Montana or Spiderman.

Unless it's a smell of a new backpack!

Joseph ben Jacob

2009-08-07T07:58:00.000-07:00

Joseph was a slave who served someone in a foreign land. He later became a employee/manager who was in charge of the IRS and the national Social Services Department. He collected money for this foreign king, and then later helped these foreign people to have houses and food (HUD housing, and Food Boxes! LOL). I'm sure that he reflected God in his work ethics, his language, his behavior, his fair treatment of others, his lifestyle. I find it hard to believe that he compromised on anything he knew to be true or reflective of God. And yet, he didn't run away, he didn't leave on the midnight train, he served with his whole heart, even though his work benefitted a foreign people who didn't believe in the God he served. He made sure that this group of people who believed in every other god (except the God of his fathers) had food, a place to live, hope for the future. He met the needs of humans, without discrimination. While serving the one true God. In total obedience.

Wow. We are Joseph.

Grants, schmants . . .

2009-08-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

So, if I'm going to write about a new corps and all that things that contribute to it's growth, or lack thereof (god forbid), then I suppose I should write about things that distract us as well.

One such area was a grant that I have been writing. I actually didn't write most of it . . .well, here's how it started. Within a week or two of being here, we had to go to a meeting at the Capital Bldg in Sac (which took a whole day) and they told about funds being released by HUD to help the homeless. You could apply separately or as a group – since we didn't know anybody, we just thought we would apply separately. However, that day, we found another group of people from our county and they talked us into joining their group because it would add much more money to the table and . . .well, anyway, we said okay, let's try. It didn't require much from us except agreeing to be part of it and referring people to another group who would administer the money.

However, that group couldn't be the lead agency (for whatever reasons) and they asked us to be. Nah. We weren't really thinking we could handle it .. .new to the area . .too little staff . . etc. Howver, the grant covers hiring people, it would provide the county with a MUCH-needed HMIS system (a way to track the homeless population and provide stats so we can get more money) and help get the continuum of care off the ground. We agreed to do it and then for the next week, my life was taken over by this “effort.”

In the middle of it, I got sick – but thanks to miracle of modern day medicine, I just kept going. By the end of it, I didn't even need to recuperate because I was done being sick – so I felt great! Don, however, was sicker than a dog and he had to be the one to deliver it for me - by 4:00pm at the Capital Blgd. He did though with an hour to spare - LOL!

But the interesting thing is that even though we didn't do much in the way of church growth, we are meeting all kinds of agencies, their directors, their staff – it seems like everyone in the whole county is pulling together to make this happen. Even if we don't get the money, it was amazing to see everyone go get the signatures, write the different parts of the grant, proofread what I put together, come up with statistics for a county I have never lived in before, design a budget – wow, what a process it was and what a TEAM EFFORT. Not to mention the fact that everyone had vacations scheduled before this came out so key people kept leaving on vacation - but everyone did their part before leaving! So it happened.

If we get it, it will mean a LOT of work, though – and so I'm not so sure that I care to actually get it. Even if it means helping the homeless, it might mean the end of sanity as I know it. Wait, I'm not sure that I actually live a sane life right now . . .

well, all I know is that my big sister writes grants so that she can keep her Drug Court program going in the county she lives in – she's the administrator for it – and I have a whole lot more respect for what she does. I think I should get paid if I have to do anymore of these!

Sigh – but as I said before, it's out of my hands. And I feel good about that! Let somebody else decide – we did what we could. And we will do what needs to be done, regardless.

Now, on to more important things . . .like the Back to School Party scheduled for all the kiddos who need school supplies – that's tomorrow – YIKES!!!!

I'm outta here - and on to something else.

Back to School Reality Hits the Sheppard Family

2009-08-06T15:00:00.000-07:00

While Don was delivering the precious grant to the powers that be, Bethany and I went out looking at schools. It's so hard – because we live so far away from where we work – so do we get a transfer to where we work so it's easier to pick them up for afternoon/evening programs? Do we stop in the middle of the day to go get them from school – which essentially ends the day of work. . .

and Grace is in high school – so her school is where we work – so that means we have to be in two places at one time – unless there is a bus system . . IS there a bus system?

What about charter schools? I know they focus in different areas - how do we know which one will be best for our kids? So many questions . . .

I have very strong convictions about education . ..and I don't want to ever think I have compromised on what God has made very clear to us . ..

So, what we found was a very small school one mile away from us for grades 4 – 8. It is the one that the kids in our neighborhood will go too – and there is a bus that comes to the neighborhood which will solve the problem of having to go get them. At their age, the girls can be home alone until we get there and pick them up for Troops or whatever.

Grace – there lies the other problem. We are still exploring options – she is so musically minded right now - there is a charter school for arts (wonder if it includes music?). The high school is absolutely huge – every small district for miles goes to the same high school – and it will be quite a culture shock for someone who has had 8-10 kids in her class.

The real problem lies in the fact that school starts 3 days after we get back from vacation – picking everyone up from their various locations around the world. Not much time to decompress from summer living to school life. I'm thinking they will enjoy the weekends!

Manicured Lawns, and Trailer Parks

2009-08-02T21:20:00.000-07:00

On the way to my new neighborhood, I pass a gated community. It looks very nice from the outside and I can see cultured lawns, as I drive by – neatly mowed and edges looking trim and uniform. It tries to give the appearance of being “natural” so they don’t allow shaped hedges, annuals or gawdy flowers, like petunias (too bad, my favorite!) or pansies. I don’t even see evidence of any bulbs of any kind – the colors are all very “earthy” – although there are LOTS and LOTS of oleander bushes. But it’s very manicured – and I’m sure they all like it that way.

Then you have our neighborhood, which is just a step down from that . . .much more earthy – a little more wild, sort of rogue-ish looking, lots of deer friendly bushes because they live in our back yards (no, literally), and again, no loud colors of plants or flowers. I have to admit – I like it. It’s clean enough to walk in – I don’t feel like there might be spiders or snakes but it’s still pretty managed.

I drive down an old country road to get to my house – and I’m struck by the difference. It’s aged – trees cover over the road, providing shade on a bright, day. The weeds on the side of the road might have been mowed down by the Road Dept. earlier in the season but they have sprung back to life with renewed vengeance. An abandoned car peeks out from underneath a blackberry bush – and a board with words spray-painted on it “Weed-Eating! Call . . .” can be seen leaning up against an old Ford Truck. The houses are different - some are old trailers – they have character (if that's what you call an old couch sitting out front) – and flowers. Lots of colors, here – in fact, I am suspicious that some might even be plastic. But they have the freedom of taste – and they probably like it that way.

So different, yet still the same in some ways.

Why the comparison? Well, this week, I went to meetings with very cultured people – people who have degrees with lots of letters behind their names, I went to lunch with others who are not so refined but they have definitely made a place for themselves, and I went to dinner with people who went to sleep in a bed that wasn’t theirs.

So different, and yet so much the same.

Churches are like that – some people dress up on Sundays and like to sing songs that bring on a spirit of worship and awe. They have respectable jobs and they expect other people to show up to work to get a pay check, too. Nothing wrong with that. Others like to kick up their heels a little bit (not too much, though) and show that they don’t have to dress so fancy and yet they can still be worshipful when they need to be. They are a little more accepting of those who don’t have, especially because right now, they themselves are okay but they know it might change. That’s all right too.

Then there is The Salvation Army . . .what a mix of people you can find there . . .rather like the country road I drive down. We have people who want to help others, people who need a family, people who are mental patients (or should be), people who are recovering from drugs, people who are STILL using drugs, teens who need parents, parents who need parents, homeless people, crazy people, we’ve even got British people! (hahaha, Claire)

So different, and yet so much the same.

Just for the record – 42 this week! BAM!

Mercy . . .

2009-07-31T21:19:00.000-07:00

I saw a great example of a Father’s Love and Grace and Mercy to a Wayward Son this week. Wow. Way to go, Don – for not picking up that 4X4 like you originally planned . . .

Things that consume me . . .

2009-07-29T21:17:00.000-07:00

Things which consume my mind . . .

Grants . . .agencies . . .meetings . . people who can’t obey rules . . .people who can’t get PAST rules . . .same grant . . more agencies . . .another meeting . . .which building is this?? . . .people who can’t move past the PAST and want to hold it against people . . .paperwork . . .reports . . .dates . . calendars. . .names . . what was yours again? . . faces . . .. . have we met? . . . choices made . . .discipline and consequences . . . oh, did I mention, grant?

They consume my days and even my nights - and my mind . . .but I want to be consumed by His Mind . . . which has touched me at times this week . . .

Loving others . . forgiveness . . .family . . . holding my kids . . . Shabbat meals with my beloved . . .holiness . . .others . . . mercy . . .truth . . .loving others . . .

Just a taste of what is to come. consume me.

Fun theme park - actually has a sad theme . . .

2009-07-27T08:38:00.001-07:00

I went to a water park with my kids yesterday - had a great time. I loved the wave machine and some of the extreme rides but I hated the lines . . LOL. . .thank goodness I had Bethany to stand in line with.

I think though, that our family will pick up extreme sports that require clothes. There was just too much immodesty for me to deal with - I am sad in my spirit that we teach girls (and guys) to become so comfortable with their bodies that there is very little separating their skin from a guys imagination.

I know it was supposedly harmless fun in the sun and that most people's minds were on the rides and the water but my spirit is still troubled . . .there are three young girls (all under 12) at our corps that have already been molested by men and teenage boys and I don't see how we can say that we aren't contributing to the problem when we encourage such immodesty at all times. I heard a guy actually say that "this was better than a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition!"

As a pastor, Don says that he counsels 2 out of 3 men who have problems with pornography. Well, yesterday would have been a playground for these men.

I think that in view of the fact that we are supposed to be examples for these men (and their families) that Don has to work with, sledding, snow skiing, snowboarding, hiking, even LAKE swimming will be our choices for corps programming and family sports.

I really tried to stress modesty at our last corps and it was very difficult when the accepted shirt for young ladies is spaghetti straps with bra straps as part of the decor. I was glad to hear that the officers who followed us shared the same concern when people told me that they weren't supposed to wear tank tops to church any more. Good for them!

Such a sticky subject . . .nobody wants to touch it . . "you are just taking things to the extreme" . . well, for someone who loves extreme sports and extreme thrills, I guess it's true to course.

ttfn

Whirlwind hits town . . .takes officer for wild ride .. . .

2009-07-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

Friday morning in the wee hours of the morning, I boarded a completely full plane and headed back to P'ton! Within a few minutes, all three of us (in the row) took out our blackberries! too funny! The second jaunt put me right smack in the middle of a team of college football players - rowdy bunch! It was fun - but I'm glad the trip was short.

I got there finally and spent the rest of the day with emily and chris, mostly sleeping. It was so odd being a guest in my own daughers house . . .and I was so happy that my daugher ended up with a good man. LOL chris may not like this but she sure ended with a man like dear old dad. We enjoyed Friday night dinner and then Grace came, too!!! Yay!

we looked at camp pics and finally fell asleep, after finishing my homily for Hope.

I'm wondering if it's terrible to say I had a great time at Hope's funeral??? Because it really wasn't a funeral - it really was the promotion of glory that she always wanted - the send-off, the bon voyage party! The video was absolutely incredible, the songs were rockin' "Off the chart!!!," and it was great to see the people. I couldn't stay for more than five minutes afterwards because I had to catch the plane back.

I love the people there - I would have wished for a different reason to go back but it is what is and now it's over. Except for Hope - and it's just beginning. Good for her.

A month of Sundays . . .

2009-07-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

so we've been here almost a month now . . .four Sundays worth . . .and we are seeing good stuff happening. . .

Yesterday, we had to send a 15 passenger van to the Booth Family Center and we didn't have enough room. We crammed them in but we will definitely have to send another vehicle over.

the cool thing is that we didn't really even ask these families to come but we have developed relationships with them. I think the key is to meet people where they are . . one lady told me she wasn't into church but she would help me come and make the meal afterwards. Her son didn't want to go to church AT ALL so he was promptly enlisted to help mom. Both of them thoroughly enjoyed themselves!

It was a little tough with two babies but I've got some daughters coming that I hope will be willing to rotate nursery duty! Yay for family to help . . .we do believe and teach ministry is as a family and everyone helps out.

I think that next week, we will tell them that we will pick them up at 10 instead of 9 and they can come to church instead of both Sunday School and church - because it was a little intense for people who aren't used to coming to church at all. So we will work on growing Sunday School later and just get them used to talking about God for now.

Anyway, total count:34 (15 new people)

God's Guest List . . .

2009-07-23T07:21:00.000-07:00

Before becoming officers, we worked at a corps as assistants - like many do. We had two different sets of officers and both taught us so much - learning that we continue to apply today as officers and ministers of the gospel. I told about the Nunes' earlier - but I'm remembering the Loomis' as well.

Ed is a great businessman and Joyce has a soft, gentle spirit. Ed disliked boxes sitting in a hallway, stuff on the counters, and unclean bathrooms - among other things, I'm sure. My husband hates these things as well. While we didn't work for them for very long, it was enough to ensure that we always reflected the Army well and we should take pride in who we are.

Don has spent the last two weeks working with some men from the Booth Center - fixing, cleaning, and repairing stuff at the corps and at Booth. They have to do "grant time" (like Community Service, I guess) and so they have willingly been helping with painting, wall repairs, yard work, and other minor repairs. He buys them lunch - usually a sandwich and a soda - and they sit around and talk about whatever comes to mind, eventually turning into a discussion about God. Never once do we ask them to come to church - because we don't want them to think that it's about a one-day-a-week proposition - God is an everyday matter.

But . . . last Sunday, two of those guys came to church. We didn't invite them but obviously God did. He brings whom he chooses and his guest list is often different than ours.

Temptations . . . our weakness, God's strength

2009-07-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

So, along with a transitional housing program, comes the opportunity to case manage some of the cases. Traditionally, case management is the responsibility of the case manager - right? Well, our cm only works ten hours week and she is only responsible for five of them - so I am taking on the others (4). Today I had my initial interview with three of them.

One of the interviews was with the couple that had been put on probation last week. We had prayed at the end of that previous meeting that temptation would not come into their path and that if it did, they would have the strength (from God) to be able to resist it. She shared with me that the same day we prayed that prayer, somebody offered them both beers and they both said no very quickly. That weekend, they helped someone move and the person bought a case of beer. She said they were both surprised at how easy it was to say no and grab the sodas instead. In her mind, that would not have been the case a week earlier - and in fact, it was not (hence, the probation).

But she said that the prayer and knowing that someone else cares about what happens to them made all the difference in the world. They are very interested in going to Celebrate Recovery at a nearby church and working God into their life of recovery and change. That's how it is supposed to work!!! I love it when a plan comes together.

Advisory Boards

2009-07-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

Today was our first Advisory board meeting. We have four men on it - and two came. However, I understand the other two are very active - just couldn't make it today. Both the men there were encouraging - and wanted to be involved in something that makes a difference.

We were fortunate enough to have two guests from our headquarters there - fundraisers for us who already knew the Advisory Board members and fit right in.

We talked about the plans for the future, how we felt the Army should be standing at the threshold of the world with and the world without, and they responded with - "we want to be part of that!"

So, in figuring out how to use Advisory Boards effectively, first we will educate them (and ourselves) on the local Army programs - sending them victory blurbs with statements and testimonies. Ryan (one of the guys from DHQ) challenged them to make The Salvation Army one of the three things that they talk about all the time - one, being their work perhaps, two being their family, and three being The Salvation Army. They really liked that idea!

They are eager to add people on board - we just have to find the right people. Because we have nothing else to do . . .LOL

It was a good meeting.

People do this for a living????

2009-07-20T18:55:00.000-07:00

I worked all morning in the office and then in the afternoon went to a meeting about a grant - a rather large grant which requires the cooperation of several different agencies and the adherence to several rigid guidelines. We talked about information systems (tracking the homeless), collaboration of services, combining money into one big pot, and so on and so on and so on. It made my head swim.

See, as I understand it, Obama released a bunch of money to help the homeless - either preventing them from becoming homeless or speeding up the process to getting them into a house. Their idea is to put all the money into one pot (over a million dollars) and help the families one or two months worth of rent, help with utilities, having one social worker to deal with all of it.

MY idea for our share of the money is to extend our transitional homeless program - helping them with rent as long as they continue in the "treatment" program, going to classes, paying off fines, dealing with all the things that prevent them from following budgets that others are able to adher to, for a few more months AFTER they get out of our transitional housing. so they have 3-6 months in a transitional house (Booth Center) and 3-6 months living in the real world - all the while, working with us and the available agencies, groups, and teachers who can help them learn to make better choices.

To me, the first way is like going to Urgent Care - a bandaid until you can see a real doctor. It's much cost effective to look at the whole person and see what is causing the problem - instead of treating the symptoms.

Decisions, decisions. It's like playing God. I would hate to get paid to do this.

Oh, wait, I do.

Lord, I believe - help my unbelief! (Mark 9:24)

2009-07-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

saturday we were preparing for sunday morning - looking forward to a day of harvest after a refreshing day of sabbath rest. However, thinking that the harvest had barely gotten into the ground, I only made 10 bulletin covers for church.

Thirty people came to church - 15 adults and 15 kids. Add that to the nine who are at camp and places elsewhere - and well, that's not a bad number for a day's work. The Word was shared, bread was broken, and love was felt. (and we even mopped the floor . . .)

I am humbled by God yet again - who does the planting, the nurturing, the watering, the sowing and the reaping - in spite of us.

Hope's Alive.

2009-07-16T23:26:00.000-07:00

Now it's official – I'm officially sad. Hope is gone to be with her “true love” - her husband, the one who loves Hope more than himself. The one who couldn't stand to be without her so he prepared a place for her and took her there. The one who gave HOPE new life - both here on earth and there with Him.

I think about how Hope used to “cut” - and it really was an addiction with her. When she came to The Salvation Army, it was like coming home, she used to say. It had all the warmth and laughter and hugs that she used to dream about . . . It gave her hope and something to live for – promise of new life – in fact, her user name was always the same “htnewlife07” – 07 because that's when she “woke up” she said (after Marge's testimony, she loved that phrase).

My heart is heavy – Hope was truly a friend to me. At first, I was just there for her, helping her, being nice to her but I realized after about a year, that it had changed – and we were truly friends. When I called her one day just to call her, I knew that we had past the point of me being the bossy mom – I had become her friend. She was there for me, helping me, telling me when I needed to change. When I would face road trip by myself, I always called up Hope – and she always brought CD's and stuff to talk about.

If I ever start a ministry for young girls who need hope – I think I'm going to call it, “Hope's Alive.”

Because she is.

Cha-Ching!

2009-07-16T23:22:00.000-07:00

'm sitting in a room surrounded by people who are here to get money – money for the program that they do to help people. I'm sure it's as hard for them as it is for us – they aren't here because they are get rich quickers – they want to help people as much as they can and here is some free money to do that – except it's not free.

It costs money to prepare, money to track, money to report, time to do all that as well – time and money that could be given to someone who needs it.

But it's big money so with that comes responsibility, accountability, stewardship, project management, time management – not to mention staffing issues, reporting guidelines, lead agency, partnerships, collaborations, and a million acronym that all stand for something – RFP, NOFA, HPRP, EFSG, CDGD, and a myriad of others that keep getting mixed up with THQ, DHQ, TEAM, etc etc etc My head is swimming . . .

but I keep thinking of the people this could help and that helps me stay afloat.

Hope

2009-07-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

My friend, Hope, is in the hospital – and I'm torn. One part of me wants her to come visit me in September so she can see my dream house. I have a chair that I was so excited about – in my mind, when I first saw it, I thought – now Hope could sit in that chair and LOVE it! But now she may not be able to come sit in it - or see how we turned our castle room into a study. The other part of me says that Gram and Jesus are waiting on the other side of the Jordan River and they keep waiting for her to join them. How selfish of me to keep her from that . . .well, it's a good thing i'm not god.
Today was a little crazy. My daughters went to camp – amid the turmoil of tryng to finish a grant. I was on the phone most of the day, trying to get numbers, statistics, information and etc for the grant from yesterday. Not to mention that I got several phone calls from my “plants” who are staying with Hope . . .her brain activity is almost gone and they are going to take her off life-support at 3:00pm.

I am sad.

The start of something new . . .

2009-07-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

We had a really productive corps Council meeting. We brainstormed about the values of each person present – what is really important TO YOU in a church? Then we asked for thrills (what do you LOVE about this church)and chills (what really bothers you). It was interesting but over and over again the warm welcome, the friendliness the acceptance shown – those things kept coming up. Good foundation!

Then we talked about five purposes of the church (there might be more) and we saw how each of the values that they had all listed fit within five purposes – evangelism, fellowship, discipleship, worship, and ministry. We presented in a new light – HEART to God, Hand To Man. H – Harvesting Lost Souls, Encouraging Others, Adoring Him, Remaining in Him, Training for Service. Easy to remember, something to hold on to.

We talked especially about the idea that if we want to invite friends to church, we need to have something that will grab them and bring them back. So we are going to work on a Celebration Sunday in the fall – gearing up with attention-getting music, building & property repairs (it's an OLD building – over 100 years old), times of the service (changing it to earlier so we can get out earlier), adding a sunday meal to follow the service on Sunday.

I think it went well – they seem excited – I don't think we picked too many goals – one or two from each area – and we will try to highlight them in a program bulletin insert to keep the fire going.

It's always fun to be around when a woman is pregnant and ready to give birth . . . . .This church just got pregnant!

Battle on the Frontline!

2009-07-14T15:15:00.001-07:00

Our dogs have ticks - that is disgusting! We didn't get them in Colorado - too high altitude - we didn't get them in Eastern Oregon - for whatever reason. But we have them here - and they swell up and engorge themselves on the blood of the poor puppies. We have to be careful when pulling them out because if you pull them out the wrong way, they leave body parts (like heads and pincer pieces) in their skin and germs and diseases and all things bad can happen . .. ewwww. If you burn it with hot tweezers, you take the risk of burning the dog. If you smother it with vaseline, they will regurgitate their poison into the skin of the dog . . .so gross.

It's like our life - and sin - and people . . .sin engorges itself with our life, our emotions, our thoughts, our actions. When we try to disengage ourselves from negative people or negative things (okay, just say it, sin), little bits and pieces end up sticking with us - making it hard to get rid of completely. You risk taking the chance of the person getting mad and regurgitating their poison into your life - it's just not easy.

the best offense is a good defense. There is a product called Frontline which when applied to the dog keeps fleas from even coming close to the dog. I want to apply Jesus to my life and keep the enemy away . . .

Jesus . . .my offense . . my defense . . my Frontline.

the God of Second Chances . . .

2009-07-13T15:04:00.000-07:00

today we had our first crisis conference with a couple at our booth shelter - meaning they were getting kicked out but we had to meet with them first. We put them on probation and allowed them to stay - it sounds so simple but it was such a good meeting. People really do want to change - but sometimes they just don't know how - or they don't have the tools. It was funny - I was just telling Don that I think this couple has such great potential and then we were disappointed to hear this . . .but the outcome of the meeting was so positive that I have renewed hope for them.

I want to lift them up to you, God!

we learn from those who go before us . . .

2009-07-12T00:22:00.000-07:00

I remember when Ben and Marti Nunes were my corps officers. They always had young people at their house and they were the alternative parents for many of them. We watched and . . .
we learned.

Yesterday, five young men descended upon our house . .. when I went to bed, they were all sitting on couches with various wireless technology instruments - phones, ipods, laptops (mine included). when I woke up this morning, bodies were spread throughout the house - thank goodness half our kids aren't here - there were extra beds and couches.

They stayed for our church service, helped with the music (thanks, guys!), and then headed off for parts undetermined - with the midnight destination being our couches and beds again for the camp break.

Late night dicussions ensued about things spiritual and we have just thoroughly enjoyed them. we do need to get a TV hooked up .. .

I hope we are half the people the Nunes are . . .gracious. welcoming, hospitable. We thank you, Ben and Marti and so do the boys sleeping on our couches.

Repentance and Accountability should start young.

2009-07-11T12:30:00.000-07:00

Campers came home today and we had report of four of our girls terrorizing the cabin they were in and making the counselor's life miserable.

After arriving at the corps, we had a "come to Jesus" meeting with the girls and the parents . . .it was interesting to say the least . . .the final ruling being that their "reign of terror" had come to an end.

Funny thing is, these are great girls! They both have history that makes them a little insecure and maybe it's a defense mechanism to be mean to others before they can be mean to them.

I explained that The Salvation Army is a safe place to come to and I would absolutely not allow any name calling of any kind, any hate talk, any teasing that could be taken wrong, any disrepect. If anyone called them names, I wanted to know about it - and in turn, they could not call other people names either. Everyone is made to feel welcome here.

I also explained that we were going to be bringing other children into our group who did not KNOW these rules and that it was so important that they, the leaders of the group, know and respect these rules before these new children get here.

The meeting went well, we prayed with each other, and I think we really made some progress. Time will tell.

The new old Home League

2009-07-10T00:13:00.000-07:00

I went to a TOPS meeting today - they meet here weekly - and it was such a surprise! It was 30 older women - who knew how to laugh, sing, cheer, and have fun. They did a fashion show from thrift stores (because as you lose weight, you hve to get new clothes) and it was a hoot! Took pics and made new friends right away.

Definitely what the Home League should be like - in fact, it is probably what all those ladies are looking for when they are remembering the "old days" - when Home League was up and running. Of course, the Home League was LITERALLY up and running - now they are much less mobile . . . seriously.

This was the funnest time I've had - since the river a few days ago! I will go back for sure!

Meeting the matriarch

2009-07-10T00:11:00.000-07:00

There is a lady who has been coming to this corps for about 10 years and her names comes up over andover again. she had knee surgery the day before our first Sunday so I have not been able to meet her. I finally picked up some cases of soda (she has tons of kids) and went to her house.

Welcomed warmly, invited in, and had a wonderful conversation about God, the work he has done in her life, and what she would like to see happen in the corps. She spoke warmly of the previous corps officers (always a plus in my eyes), and was looking forward to the future.

I LIKE HER!

Homeless Shelter for Families

2009-07-09T14:30:00.000-07:00

I met with the day worker at the booth Family Shelter. I like her! She loves the people! She is enthusiastic. She is excited about doing things for these people. I think we will start some day classes on site so that the families will get some training on how to live "whole" lives.

The afternoon/evening guy also seems to be a great guy - got some recovery time in so he can recognize signs of problems and need. He is interested in getting some recovery meetings going at the shelter and I think this is a great idea.

The outside needs to be kept up a little better - if people are going to donate money to a facility, they want it to look nice. so we will begin watering the lawn - and buy a sprinkler that the kids can play in at the same time.

BBQ in a couple days!

community action

2009-07-08T14:14:00.000-07:00

There is already a good solid community foundation of the need to help others. The churches contribute money to one "agency" and it distributes the money out to those who need it. Recently, the reponsibility for giving it out has been given to the county workers.

Meeting today about this whole change in process - lots of people who are interested in helping OTHERS.

Birthday Party

2009-07-07T21:47:00.000-07:00

Went to a birthday party for a man who is held in high regard . . .terry winters. he was the officer/pastor here about 10 years ago and we heard so many nice tributes to him from people. Good to be referred to in "spiritual" terms - that's what I want.

Terry is 55, and a very active leader in this community. He's recently been diagnosed with cancer and is agressively treating it with various ways - among them prayer.

I very much enjoyed myself tonight. It is good to be around good people.

Camp

2009-07-06T21:54:00.000-07:00

Today we took 15 kids to camp - only 6 of them go to our church. What can we do to connect with these families?

The girls get to go to Teen Camp - they are excited to finally "graduate" to teen-hood.

A week of us and the dogs - it will definitely be quiet.

Opening Sunday

2009-07-05T21:51:00.000-07:00

Not a bad number in attendance - about 40. We had a BBQ afterwards - talked a lot to the people - and got to know everyone's name.

Don's sermon - How to Handle the Impossible - one that he really has applied to his own life and loves to share with others.

church services should always be followed by naps. yes, it's true.

Diving in . . .

2009-07-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

so our first social event - at the local swimming hole - bridgeport - where food and medical supplies were taken across the covered bridge loated here . . .not sure why that is so exciting .. .

the river on the other hand .. .fun was to be had by all .. .

Bethany was fearless - being the first to jump off the big rock, followed by the others who didn't want to appear fearful. A couple of them, after feeling the exhilaration of the jump, went over and over and over again.

This new move is like that - we have felt the exhilaration of watching God grow his church and we want to do it again!

Steven Curtis Chapman's song says it well:
I'm diving in, I'm going deep, In over my head I wanna be
Caught in the rush, Lost in the flow, In over my head I wanna go
The river's deep, The river's wide, The river's water is alive
So sink or swim, I'm diving in, I'm diving in

There is a supernatural power in this mighty river's flow
It can bring the dead to life, and it can fill an empty soul
And give a heart the only thing worth livin' and worth dyin' for, yeah
But we will never know the awesome power of the grace of God
Until we let ourselves get swept away into this holy flood
So if you'll take my hand, we'll close our eyes and count to three
And take the leap of faith
Come on let's go

Outside Groups

2009-07-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

We have a lot of groups using our building - wondering how we can "reach" each of these groups .. .
Roamin Angels - this group of classic car owners helps us at christmas and meets in our building on a monthly basis. They also meet at IHOP for breakfast each friday morning and would enjoy our presence once in a while.

TOPS - a weightloss group - each friday.

Two quilting groups - One is for teenagers.

Remote control airplanes group - how fun would that be to be part of???

Radio club - I assuming a ham operators club (is that even kosher?)

A public school branch of alternative schooling for kids in trouble (high school age)

We met the neighbors . . .

2009-07-01T20:21:00.000-07:00

Jeremy is the worship leader at Calvary bible church. Katie stays at home with her three small children - Andrew, Hannah, Titus. They have a fence around their yard and they said they had no problem getting it approved by "the committee."

We'll have to meet the other neighbors soon.

The new digs . . .

2009-07-01T17:14:00.000-07:00

Wow - that is all I can say. I hve died and gone to heaven. My last quarters was due for a major remodel and I was looking forward to having cabets with doors that didn't fall off . . .among other things. guess what - I got everything that I gave up. Big tub, big closet (not that we have any clothes - we purged pretty well before moving).

The kids will all have to share bedrooms but that is nothing new. We will become much more involved with the dogs since there is no fence so we have to go outside with them.

We are so not worthy.

Lots of possibilites!

2009-07-01T14:00:00.000-07:00

We got the tour - met DeeAnn, who works in the office and Claire, who is our Youth Worker. There are lots of opportunities that we hope to take advantage of. A transtitional housing shelter, a huge parking lot next to a park, and so close to camp. A beautiful chapel! A school that rents three rooms from us. Who knows what the future holds - gonna have to buy a notebook to hold all the ideas coming. ..

Grass Valley - Waiting to Be Discovered . . .

2009-07-01T00:04:00.000-07:00

So here we are . . .wondering how a person goes about finding hidden treasure.

We'll try to blog our progress.