I picked up flowers today for the Easter Sunday worship service. I of course didn't think ahead and as they were bringing out our carts of flowers I realized that I only had Jim's car ;) We managed to get them all in the car though.

As we were taking the flowers into the corps we were bombarded with homeless people. We didn't have our soup kitchen today because the entire Area Services was closed. We have had signs posted for a few weeks, but obviously not everyone got the message. I scrambled around the corps trying to find food for these folks. One of the guys asked me why we were closed. I of course explained that it was Good Friday and that our staff was all off for the weekend. As he took the bagged lunch I had made up for him I couldn't help but ask myself: WHY are WE closed today? I of course want to reflect on the sacrifice made for me today, however, it would probably be more fitting for me to share and sacrifice for my neighbor.

This winter an email conversation circulated around our division's area coordinators discussing when it was appropriate to close our facilities due to weather... How bad does the weather have to be for The Salvation Army to close?... that was the big question. I understand the need to care for our staff and keep them safe. At the same time, we are an organization and a ministry who is called to help those in need. Even in the worst weather, there are people who need a hot meal, a warm building to sit in, a hot shower, a hot drink, a safe place to relax.... I could go on forever here. In a lot of cases, The Salvation Army serves as a "home" to the homeless. They need these services even more in that really bad weather and on the holidays. So what do we do?

We do close for holidays. We rarely close for weather. I don't know the answer.... but will ponder and figure out how to be there for our homeless brothers and sisters even in the midst of holiday celebrations.

Wow... I didn't realize how long it had been since I wrote last! I really don't have much time to keep up with this blog anymore. I enjoy reading the thoughts of others (at least most of the time), but I really don't spend much time doing that either. I do have a few moments now though and thought I'd jot down some info. on my exciting week.

I have been working like crazy. I learned how to write for a grant over the course of the last month. The preliminary part of the grant was approved and permission was given to continue on in the process and submit a full grant application. I was very excited about that one. New things!! New things!! That is due in two weeks.

I also have an inspection coming up that could provide our preschool with a lot of money! That happens on March 25th so please pray. There is a lot involved in that but I don't feel like discussing it further. I have been really working hard on our learning center and child care programs though over the course of the last six months and I am seeing the results. Praise God!

This was an exciting week.... not "good" exciting, but "uncomfortable/scary" exciting. Jim was in D.C. again and I was home for a week alone with the kids. Early Friday morning someone broke into our garage (which is attached to the house). It has been a long day with much running and by the time I got home around 9:00pm that evening I was shot. I accidently left my purse in my car.

I woke very early on Friday because I had to go and purchase milk for breakfast. That is when I found my car absolutely ransacked. The thief took my camera out of the car, which I had used that evening to film my son's baseball lesson, and my wallet. Papers, receipts, everything was thrown everywhere.

I was so freaked when I realized what had happened. I was even more freaked when it hit me that someone had been in my house while my children and I slept. Someone could have walked another 5 feet to the door that separates my garage and kitchen and done who knows what....

It has been a complete hassle. My ss card was in my wallet (yes I know it wasn't supposed to be but I had used it). So now my ss card and my license are gone, along with all my credit cards, (personal and business )and literally about 20 receipts I was to give to the Army for either gas charges or reimbursements. Big pain!

I don't have a copy of my birth certificate (my parents kept that and who knows where that ended up). I need that to get my license in order to have id to get my ss. card. Vicious cycle!

That isn't even the worst part... I am psychologically freaked out. I didn't sleep much at all and when I did, I of course had nightmares. It is just so scary to think about the fact that someone came into our home and we didn't know it.

I have to stop thinking about it for a bit. Pray for my peace of mind.



Well... I'm off for now. Be safe and stay close to our Lord.