Blessing Bags revisited.

Have you ever come across a homeless individual and felt totally uncomfortable?


You see them and you know they are in need, but you are not sure what to do. You know that handing them money is not the best thing. But, you also see that they clearly have some needs. Their lips are chapped. They are hungry. They are thirsty. They are asking for help.


How can you help?


Here is a simple idea - blessing bags.


This was such an easy project. We are now going to keep a few "Blessing Bags" in our car so that when we do happen to see someone on the streets who is homeless, we can hand them a Blessing Bag. I first learned of these bags from my friend, Julie. I am using the picture of her bags (see above) because the ones we took were taken in horrible lighting and turned out really grainy and hard to see what is inside of them.


If you'd like to make your own Blessing Bags, this is what you would need:


Gallon size Ziplock bags
items to go in the bags, such as:
chap stick
packages of tissues
toothbrush and toothpaste
comb
soap
trail mix
granola bars
crackers
pack of gum
band aids
mouthwash
coins (could be used to make a phone call, or purchase a food item)
hand wipes
you could also put in a warm pair of socks, and maybe a Starbucks gift card


Assemble all the items in the bags, and maybe throw in a note of encouragement. Seal the bags and stow in your car for a moment of providence.


This would be a great activity to do with some other families. Each family could bring one of the items going into the bags (ex: toothbrushes). Set up all the items around a table and walk around it with the ziplocks and fill the bags.

source: http://kwavs.blogspot.com/2011/05/blessing-bags-how-to.html

God Provides

Hannah, Jeff and I went to garage sales today. We were able to buy a really nice mattress for the trundle/couch bed in the girls place. Now we have a bed for Joy when she moves down here in August. The nice mattress only cost $15.00. We had priced new ones and the cheapest one we found was at Sam's Club for $99.00 and it was pretty thin.

We still need another mattress for the trundle part of the bed but at least we now have a bed for the top part. The girls were having to lay a blanket down and sit on that.

We were also able to buy a new to us microwave to replace the one in their camper that came with it that did not work.

So today we spent $20.00 and got a twin mattress and a microwave. Not too bad.

Now we need a good refrigerator for their place and a few small things and then we should be set. Their freezer works but the fridge lets meat and cheese get moldy so we cant use that part. We are praying for the Lord to show us where a reasonably priced refrigerator can be found. I have no doubt He will provide.

Prepare to be blessed

Click here: AMAZING GRACE sang beautifully by four Tenors!

If this doesnt bless you than I dont know what will.

Taking a shower~taking it for granted

Taking a shower~taking it for granted.
Is humbling to realize how much we take for granted. I always took having water for granted. The last few days have made me realize how blessed we are. I know much of the world does not have clean water and I complain because I cant take a shower whenever the mood strikes.

We have had both hot and cold water, then just cold water but not draining, now hot and cold water but not draining. We are hoping the drain thaws today. The black tank is about full. We have been bailing the water out of the sinks and tub and using buckets to wash in and tossing the water out on the trees. Makes me think of the old days when the ladies had to do that every day.

We had not had a shower since the day before yesterday. Not that long but long enough. It was such a blessing to shower at Kristy's today. I am amazed at what water and clean clothes can do for a person.

It makes me think of homeless folks. I had made beans and cornbread for lunch yesterday so I took some to a guy who lives in his truck. I also took some soap and lotion. He was happy to get them. I asked him if he knew where to get a free shower and he said he did, that's when I gave him the soap and lotion. I also had some hats I had made so I put one of them in there too.

I want to make some hygiene packs. I can put my homemade soap and things like that in there. It would be good to have in each vehicle to give when I see someone who can use them. Here are a few things I would try to put in a hygiene pack. You can also make a meal kit.
1. soap
2. lotion
3. wash cloth
4. comb
5. clean socks
6. deodorant
7. Q-tips
8. toothbrush
9. toothpaste
10. bandanna
11. small hand towell (suggestion from Yolanda)

Can any of you think of other things that would be good to put in? I would try to get this all into a gallon zip lock type bag.

Have a blessed day everyone.

We made it home

We are safely home now. It was a long drive and we are tired.

When we checked the mail we were surprised to find a check from a church way down in Alvin Texas for a Christmas gift. How nice. When we delivered the pastors 5th wheel they also gave us a check then to help with the gas. I am amazed that they still remembered us and that Jeff is still unemployed. I am so thankful to them. What precious souls to think of us.