Thank you email!

Hello Friends,

    Well, I hope everyone enjoyed their break and spent some well needed family time together as we celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ and shared the gift of giving to others.  I love the feeling when giving of our selves.  I can only imagine the pride God had in his heart knowing he was giving us the greatest gift ever! 

I do believe this Christmas 2010 was the best ever.  I can not explain the gratitude I hold in my heart to all of you who took part in that.  I want to thank all of my friends for supporting and donating to our Santa mission this year.  The gifts donated to help some of our families in need blessed these children and parents more than you will ever know.  We collected enough presents for 16 children and 3 parents.  We fullfilled each child's complete Santa list.  That's a lot of presents.  These children received more than they ever thought they would.  A lot of them listed things they could have only dreamed about receiving or heard that kids at school had. To keep hope in the hearts of so many children and have the spirit of Christmas live in so many is the best gift ever. Some of the parents did not know how they were going to explain why Santa wasn't bringing them gifts this year. Thanks to all of us they didn't have to.   I hope to share pics with you all soon.  You all make me so proud to call you friends. 

May God shed more blessings on your household, relationships and family than you can ever imagine.

Thanks for making this a Christmas to remember!

Steph 

Christmas

Christmas, it has come and gone.  Soon we will all be back to work, back to school and back to the grind of it all.  Back to our own little world!  Why does it have to stop on the 26th?

Define Christmas:the annual festival of the Christian church commemorating the birth of Jesus: celebrated on December 25 and now generally observed as a legal holiday and an occasion for exchanging gifts.

To me: it s Acknowleding  a gift from God and accepting  the greatest gift in the world. Giving of our selves as three wise men gave gifts to our King. To bare others with gifts. To bring happiness to the hearts of others.

Let's not just give one month a year.  We should celebrate giving all year long. God gave to us his son for us to have for all eternity.Why should we stop?

My goal is to continue to share the love, wealth and good will of others and myself with all, for as long as I can.  A good friend of mine touched me this week my sending me a message.  It read;
 Merry Christmas Stephanie! I hope you and your family have a wonderfully happy and blessed Christmas. I admire all your help and caring for your neighbors in need. The world would be such a better place if your attitude toward mankind was contagious. Love you!

My goal in all this is to inspire others to do as I do and just spread good will.
My continued efforts I hope will do just that.  Spread like a contagious virus!  I must warn you....once you get this bug you will not want to shake it. There is no cure! Once you have it, it will stay with you and attack your heart.

Thanks for supporting me!
Gmomma Steph OUT!

Christmas Eve

Sign sealed and DELIVERED!  Now this Gmomma is kicking back with her family and enjoying the down time.  So excited about Christmas Service at Destiny Worship Center.  To all a good night...............

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. - Charles Dickens, Ebenezer Scrooge, A Christmas Carol

Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself...
- Norman Wesley Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976

I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month. - Harlan Miller

STEPH

Mission Accomplished

G MOMMA'S CHRISTMAS MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.........
Today I completed my last minute pick ups, wrapped some more gifts, sorted all the packages, bagged them up and Santa's gifts are now ready to deliver to Defuniak.  Together from so many wonderful hearts we collected enough gifts for 16 children and 3 single parents.  These 16 children will be having the best Christmas of their lives and it excites me so much!  We have touched a little community with our gift of giving that these families will never forget.  God has showed me my purpose and I put it to work by just asking for help and speaking up for these families that just needed a little break.  I can sleep much better now knowing that a few more kids will have a Christmas to remember!  I have been overwhelmed by the out pour and willingness of people to help us, so thank you from the bottom of my heart. 
I love our community!  Top of that list is my church, Destiny Worship.  Our Outreach Team headed by the amazing Santiago, started this month off with a Tree for our local foster children.  These are children who have been pulled from situations we could never imagine.  Destiny Worship, gave them hope, happiness and showed them that their destiny has such much more in it.  God bless our church and it's team.  Another shout out to our Freeport Fire Dept's. Chance and I got a few angels from their Angel Tree as well and I know that they had their hands full but they did a wonderful job too helping families in need that live within our surrounding communities.  What a wonderful group of people.  We are truly blessed to have such a giving and supportive community! 

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.  Let's celebrate the birth of Christ and give our God thanks for giving us the greatest gift of all, Jesus!  May he shed many blessing over your family and every one's life that you touch.  We do all of these things in his name, Jesus Christ!  May the new year be all you dream it to be!

Much Love,
G Momma Steph, and G Papa Chance!

Angels for our little Angels Tues 12/21/10

I am so thankful that this month, the month of giving, the month that God gave us his only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. What a gift!
My day was starting off to be pretty hectic.  First, I needed to email a updated list off all the gifts I was missing for our families we were helping this Christmas.  I was approx 10 gifts short.  Considering we had a total of 13+ kids that wasn't bad. I just wanted each of them to have enough.  I thought of how they would feel when they get back to school, as kids are bragging of all the things they got from "Santa"  they thought of why they only had a few.  My heart weighs so heavy!  I sent the email out and prayed that God would help me help these angels in need or that maybe I could help someone that was wanting to give but just hasn't stopped to do it. 
"Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me." Psalms 50:15
The email did not go out in enough time for everyone to read it and we got a response. I praise God!  One of our local community Angels, herself, Wendy Kotowske, emailed me asking me to call her asap!  I did.......she said "Steph, knock this off your worry list, I'll get it all!, move on to the next family and do not worry about these!" 
Boy does that work! Call upon his name and he will provide.  What a true blessing she is to me and all the kids she is providing for this Christmas.
With much relief, I still thought  "How am I to balance this day?"  My husband called and said he had to run  to Freeport to an auto part shop which is where I needed to head to drop off  Angels gifts from our family to the Freeport Fire Dept.  One thing knocked off the list.  Then off to the post office to mail my own families gifts. I can not wait until they get to open them. One more gift to buy for one of my own children and I'm done.  (I say "my own" to reference which are my actual family because I call all the families as if they are mine too. Make sense?)
As I'm shopping,  I got a call from a friend, Donna.  She had bags of clothing donations for me to pick up.  What a wonderful friends we have. This is only after I had to go by Prime Lending to pick up at least 20 bags of clothing donations from their office.(again, coordinated by Mrs.Wendy)  Load the car up, Drop loads off at my house, pick up a kid from a friends, stop by one of my friends to pick up gifts for our angels, back to the house for a quick diaper change!  WOW "God give me the strength to keep on keeping on!"

This was such a wonderful day with a purpose!  Every day I believe has a purpose wrapped up in it. Take time to see it!  This time of year especially we are all wrapped up in so much when really we should take time to un wrap ourselves.  Find our purpose in that day or that moment. Today evidently for me was to visit Angels for our little Angels. 
Love this......"~If you are all wrapped up in yourself you are overdressed."
Off to the barber shop with 3 of my own little Angels(no such much j/k).......Leave it to your imagination!
GMomma Out!
Steph

It' almost Christmas!

What a wonderful day! Today we would head out on yet another venture to Defuniak Springs to help our single mother of 7 get a new refrigerator.  She has been using a cooler of ice for all the food that had not spoiled and we knew we needed to find a fridge and deliver asap.  Well our wonderful networking GMOMMA, Linda and the LORD found the source.  Boy did they bless me by sending me to this home.  Who knew 2 angels were waiting for me.  There I met another Linda and her sweet teenage daughter.  I thought I was picking up a fridge that they were so gracious to donate but to my surprise those 2 had a lot more in store for me.  When I got there they opened their Expedition full of food and gifts for me to take and deliver.  I thought to myself, "Ok, God you sure know when and where I need you to come through."  I jumped around with excitement and held back my tears.  See, I was going to deliver a fridge, but I also needed to go buy a few groceries to replace the ones the mother just lost since her old fridge did not work.  My husband and I were stressed because providing for 6 kids of our own and trying to help buy for all these families in need as well, we were a little low on funds.   They were a answer to my prayer.  They provided milk, butter, eggs, bread a ham etc.  All the staples I was going to have to buy and then some.  I was amazed that this teen girl was taking time out of her busy teen life to do good for others.  She is an inspiration and gives me hope that there are young souls out in the world willing to think about others and prioritize her life with meaningful tasks and values.  What a wonderful job her mother has done.  I know she is so proud! I have now added another G Momma and a  G TEEN (Godly teen) to our crew! GOD IS SO GOOD!
Steph

WOW moment....cont part to last one

I had to make this another post because I got on my soap box and couldn't jump down until I got that last point out, but had to share this story.

My husband, Chance, and I had a WOW moment last night we must share.  My husband has been working really hard lately to try to save up to by him a truck for work because as you can imagine toting 5 kids here and there, me doing my side jobs and him trying to work with one vehicle is challenging.  However, were making it.  He went to look at a truck last night and test drove a few then came upon a much better deal on the side of the road in a parking lot.  They also came upon a mini van that looked to be in good condition considering it was $400.00. Justin our friend that is a mechanic told Chance that it was a great deal and he thought of getting it.  Chance didn't think anymore about it until he was looking on Craigslist late last night and ran across this.

"SINGLE MOM NEEDS HELP!" now this is in the "for sale" ad's  it goes .....

Hi, im a single mom of two kids with no vehicle.. Im in desperate need to find one..if anyone can help with something very very very cheap but runs..please email me. im not picky at all. just need a vehichle to get me from point A to B... i can not afford anything over 400....maybe even less but please let me know.. Chance shared with me and he replied to her asking her to call us!  As I darted off to get my phone he said "Babies so on it, ain't ya!"  We both freaked out and said "IT'S A SIGN!"  See I truly believe God leads people in and out of our lives, as I said before.  There are no mistakes.  The craziest thing is someone was referred to me just the night before that needed my help to find a family they could help and their budget was $1,000.  What a Christmas this mother could have,  a car and gifts for her babies.  We are awaiting her call.  I will fill you in on the outcome. GOD IS WORKING!

Share your Wow moments or how you helped someone out today! Together with a mission we can make a change an maybe  "Save a Life."

Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me into a level country and into the land of uprightness. Psalm 143: 10

To shine upon and give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct and guide our feet in a straight line into the way of peace. Luke 1: 79

In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Proverbs 3: 6

GMomma Out!

Lead me, teach me

 I am so empowered even more. I am truly amazed after watching 20/20 last night.  They aired a  special called Save a Life. It showed a few individuals and their quest to save a life and a part of our world.  It warmed my heart to see such awesome work being done by such generous minds and hearts.  It all has to start somewhere.  I believe if you have it in your heart, you can make it happen.  You can go to saveone.net and check it out.  For those of you that know me "I'm so on it!"  I want to contribute to each mission and hopefully I will before it's all over. See if one touches you!
I told my husband last night, "People want to complain about us helping other countries while our own needs help so bad and this is what I have to say to that.  In America we have each other, we have govmn't that helps, we have communities, churches, organizations etc.  In these 3rd world countries they have no one but themselves and others walking their same path.  They have no help.  When God created us, he didn't say "Here, I create America and these people take care of themselves, I create Africa, they help themselves, and so on.... He created EARTH. All the countries and people together on one big sphere.  His word says we are here to do good will for others.  This is not our life, it's God's life. He just wants to see what we do with it.  So next time you hear someone complaining about helping other countries, have them think of what resources we are blessed to have here in America and how these other countries truly have nothing in comparison.

God is GREAT!

Call upon him and he will come.  God is truly working through us and showing us G Momma's that our mission is so clear.  We have been blessed with so many wonderful hearts to share in our journey.  We are thankful for the generousity of our local community and their will to make a difference in "our part of the world."  Like I said in a previous blog, all we need to do is spread the word and speak up for those who can't or won't.  Be the voice for others.
This came to me to share;

• Luke 6:20-21. Blessed are you who are poor, for yours in the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.
• Ps. 140:12. I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor.
• Is. 25:4. For You have been a defense for the helpless, a defense for the needy in his distress.
• Ps. 10:14. The unfortunate commits himself to You; You have been the helper of the orphan... O LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear to vindicate the orphan and the oppressed.

I think it's fair to say that American attitudes toward the poor-- and perhaps not just in America-- are mostly disdain and fear. They're dangerous and different. Sometimes there's a suspicion that their condition is their own fault, that they're simply lazy or inferior. Other Americans are more kind-hearted, but prefer not to look at the poor too closely; it's depressing, and they're surely not fun people to be with.
These attitudes are a world away from God's attitudes, as described in these verses. Neediness arouses compassion in God-- and action.
We may think: "Of course God loves the poor; he loves everybody." But it's not so simple as that; God's character is presented as a model for our own. If God values the poor, we have to think about what that means for us. (quoted from a website that I was sent to)

May God bless all your generous, loving hearts.  May God speak to you and guide you to where he needs you!

Motivated, PUMPED UP GMomma ..out!

Busy Busy!

Well this G Momma has been so busy doing science fair projects, making cookies and brownies for school, Having dinner with Santa, planning a Christmas Party, deep cleaning, picking up after a 19month old and 5 others NON STOP, shopping for my kids, others kids, friends, family and still found time to deliver a load to Okaloosa Coalition on Homeless with my side kick G Momma, Court......BOY Tis the season! If it wasn't for her and her ride we wouldn't be able to do so much.  Thanks Court! Ur the bomb! 
This delivery helped a mother and father of 3 kids that lost everything after loosing their jobs. The Okaloosa Coalition on Homeless is an organization with transitional housing for homeless families.  They house 19 families at a time and every 9 months they rotate them out to the world again helping them get new housing etc. The ladies there are a true blessing. They also helped the parents get new jobs. From your donations we helped give them clothes to wear to those jobs and a case of diapers to cover their little babies bottom.  As James Brown sang....." Ahhhhh I feel good, nananana, I knew that I would, so good , so good...."

Today we are heading back out to Ft Walton to drop another load we couldn't fit in the car the other day , then off to Defuniak Springs to drop off a load for a very pregnant teen mom,  She is in need of maternity clothes, baby necessities such as blankets, sleepers, clothing, diapers etc.  This mom has only a bassinet for her baby that is soon to be born.  The local organizations where she lives gave her what they had in stock which was only a few pair of pants, a top or two, a handful of diapers and 1 receiving blanket.  THIS IS WHERE GMOMMAS come in. We are asking for all this help so we can help these people when they are limited on help through our state funded agencies or other local organizations  because they also help so many people. 
Each day we get new families, new scenarios, new needs! We go with the flow and reach out in our community for support.  All we have to do is clean out a closet and/or challenge our friends and family to do the same.  We're not asking for brand new items or for anyone to go out and buy things. A lot of times we can collect it from people just spreading the word of our need.

SPECIAL THANKS TO A DEAR FRIEND LINDA BOSWELL aka (GMOMMAS NETWORKER), she used her gift of gab and God put the right person in front of her yesterday and WE RECIEVED HELP, for our mother of 7 that we've been helping. Now we can give her kids a great Christmas. Many blessings to all of our friends and our friends friends for supporting us!

"For when I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."

Matthew 25:35-36

Do your part. Find your purpose! God created you for a reason.
Much love to all of our followers for your support.
God Bless you and your families.

Just Ask!

My beautiful, like a sister,cousin, Anie, and I were talking the other day about what this mission is about and how our hearts weigh heavy for those in need.  I filled her in on some things we had done and plan to do. We agreed how hard it was right now for everyone to help out and give to those in need because so many of us are having to adjust to this new way of living with less.  It made me think. As I pondered on the thought of our economy and how things have been effected, I just thought of God and how this all may be a part of his plan to make us step back and see how we were living shouldn't have been like so. It shouldn't have to be such a huge adjustment if we were living as he asked. We all would not be hurting so bad if we had made wiser decisions, gave more, spent less, wanted less, "Needed" less.  I guess what I'm trying to say is, we all have been living way over our means and have been wrapped up in material things for way to long.Our focus has been on what we need, and I believe he decided to show us after all is said and done, after we've lost everything, with no pot to tinkle in, WHAT DO WE HAVE? Our family and friends.  The bodies and souls he has created.  These man made things that we idolize and feed for should have never been our focus. You will learn, As I feel it, I will say it. Sorry! I say all of this because I'm guilty, my families guilty of it.  We all are. The thing I want more out of all of this is to inspire others to do a little and make a difference in someones life.
We can all sit around and say we don't have time. The truth is we don't have time to not do something. If we all stop and think with an open heart and open mind you can find a little time to allocate.  Everyday more people are being kicked to the streets, evicted from their homes.  I have 5 kids in our home. One being 19 months. Since I can't afford to pay daycare,Londyn and I must be together everyday, so I decided  I might as well do something with my time for the good of others. So together we hit the streets.
We can all say I don't have a dime. Well some days I don't even have that but I can still find a way to help.  I just ask! I told my cousin. I have no shame and my pride is out the window.  I need and want to be the voice for these that can't speak up or wont because they are ashamed.  So I will just ask for them.  I will speak up for these people in need because that's what we all need to do!  I'm hounding ELLEN everyday, like I said I have no shame.  By the way if you don't watch Ellen, Tvo it.  She is a prime example of what I speak of. She is always helping others, standing up for others, and is a wonderful role model for this world.  I know she's loaded but she could do things different if she choose to and that's my point.  We all are giving a purpose and it's all about if we do what we are suppose to with it.  She's a voice, I'm a voice and you can be too. Speak up. Stand up! I'm focus on homelessness and families in need.  I'd love to do more but I feel this is my calling.  There are so many things that need our attention out there; abuse of children, drugs and alcohol addictions, bullying, foster kids, kids in need of mentoring, finding cures for cancer and other diseases. This brings me to another I must share and then I will step down from my soapbox!
If you haven't seen these, get kleenex, get in a room by yourself and watch. Visit www.matthewwest.com. click on "One Last Christmas" video.  It will hurt but we must share and spread the word. Together we can all make a difference in "Our own little part of the world."

Gmomma out!

Back in action.

Thanksgiving has came and gone and it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.  Ok, well maybe not here in Florida but I can feel it coming anyways.  I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I enjoyed much needed time with my family.  I thank God for getting us to and from safe on our trip to Memphis, I thank him for providing us so much wonderful grub, and for allowing me to spend time with my family.  It s because of him I have so much to be thankful for.
G Momma's are back in the FLA and ready to move on to our next mission.  I received quite a few emails this morning for request of needed help so emailing and posting I go.  I'd like to share a few stories I found through one of the organizations we are helping with our donations.  Like I said before everyone has a story and if we all just take time to stop and listen instead of judging the world would be such a better place. Enjoy!

• A 53 yr old truck driver suffered a brain injury after an accident during heavy rains.  He exhausted his money from paying co pays and deductibles and can no longer drive due to seizures relating to the injury.  The medication he needs is to expensive so he doesn't buy it.  He has applied for SS and disability which is a long process and they will only pay him $550 a month.  He's living on the streets.
• A 20 yr old women who works at a fast food restaurant at min wage, who for the last few months has been living in a vacant parking lot, hiding among bushes and tall grasses.  She has worked the 6am to 2pm shift for the past year and a half and has not missed a day.  As long as she had a roommate she was making ends meet.  Her roommate found a job in another state and move on.  She hung on for 3 months but could not afford it all and was evicted.  Her last personal items she had were also confiscated.

This is just a few stories.  Unfortunately there are so many more. Let's help our neighbors and make a difference in these individuals lives.  Wouldn't you want someone to do the same for you??? Most of us like myself are one paycheck from being in the same shoes.  Let's not make them walk in them alone.
The 2010 Point in Time Survey results show that there are 2,262 homeless persons in Okaloosa and Walton counties.  This is astounding to me.

GMomma FIRED UP AND READY TO ROLL!

Excitement

The last few days we have laid a little low preparing for our big weekend.  I have been scurrying around town picking up Thanksgiving bags that have been donated by generous folks in our local community.  Although I could not get around to everyone who wanted to help, it sure made me feel awesome knowing how many were willing to step up and help when we just ask.  Trust me you will all have your turn because my missions have just began.  I know it takes a lot to ask for help because we do not want to be a nuisance or a bother, but that's wrong.  We should not be made to feel like that.  We should all stand up for each other, swallow our pride and ask.  Think if you were homeless, you could not feed your family, Imagine you were a parent that could not provide shelter for your babies, or you had to skip on necessities for medication, medical equipment or diapers for your baby.  You would have enough to worry about, why should anyone have to worry about where help will come from??
I know times are hard for most of us but I challenge everyone to just ask for help on behalf of all those out there struggling worse than you.
It's a beautiful relaxing day.  I Thought I would share some of my favorite quotes or thoughts.

• "A problem not worth praying about, is not worth worrying about."
• "The harder we fall, the higher we bounce."
• "Be faithful in small things, it is in them that your strength lies." Mother Teresa
• How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.  ~Anne Frank
• Live simply that others might simply live.  ~Elizabeth Seaton

G Momma out.......

Sharing this road....

I am very thankful to be sharing this path with my newest friend Stephanie! She is truly inspiring and her passion for people is so touching! I love being able to help people with what little I have. I have found that there is power in numbers. So many people have busy lives and work very hard but when you tell them what you are needing for a family they get right on it and pull all the resources they have. I am so appreciative to everyone who donates and helps us with our "mission". I have found that so many people really care but they just do not know exactly how to get involved well...neither did we! We just started calling around and before you know it we had a mission....people needed clothing so thanks to all our friends and neighbors...we were able to help provide that. This holiday season I am very thankful for the blessings in my life!
I am also thankful to see so many good hearts in a world that can be cruel at times! We truly have love all around us when we look in the right places!

That The GRACE that is reaching more and more people may cause Thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of GOD! 2 Corinthians 4:15

Sincerely,
Courtney

On the Road Again...

Last night was awesome, as a group of volunteers geared up for Destiny Worships,Thanksgiving Outreach Program for this Saturday.  We will set out to deliver bags of Thanksgiving dinner to families in our area that are in need.  My husband, our kids and myself challenged neighbors, some local business owners and friends to fill bags for us.  We are proud to say we collected approx 25.  Thanks to everyone who helped us help others.  These bags are going to bless so many families.  I can't wait to share our stories. 
I got some awesome news yesterday I'd love to share.  This makes it so evident that God is working through us.  All you have to do is call his name, call upon him and he will answer.  So if you've read our past blogs you know we have been visiting a single mother of 7 kids and helping her get some things she was in need of.  Well, on my last visit she had asked me for work.  She was very motivated and just needed an opportunity.  I promised her when our business picked up I would call on her.  Unfortunately, things are still very slow for us, so I was very disappointed I couldn't help her immediately.  It weighed heavy on my heart all day.  I prayed about it, asking God to guide us and help me show her there is hope & a light at the end of the tunnel.  As I did that, Stephanie Bailey came to mind.  I knew she could possibly have the outlet we needed.  I ran it by her and she promised to look into it.  She emailed me back and said there was an opening for a cleaning job at...GET THIS her children's school.  I just cried as I thanked God!  There was a catch, the deadline for the position was the next day.  Stephanie took her the application for the position. The mother got it turned in before the deadline. I was so proud that she was fired up about this and took initiative.  I will continue to pray her this mother and her kids that this opportunity works out for her and if this door closes, another will open.  I pray she keeps the hope in her heart and the strength to climb this mountain before her. We should not judge others and assume a situation.  A lot of these families just need the right person to reach out to them.  Most, if giving the opportunity will take it and run!  Open your minds up and see what you can do for another.  You may have the opportunity for them right in front of you.
Thanks for your support.
Today's Mission: Courtney, lil Londyn and I are, as Willie Nelson sang, "We're on the Road Again!"
"There ain't no stoppin us, we're on the road again."  Ok, so we are heading to Defuniak Springs to help out our local Kidz Closet, organize and sort clothing donations.  Kidz Closet is ran by an AWESOME women Stephanie Bailey.  Kidz closet is through our Walton County School system and helps local needy families with clothing and other necessities.  A lot of our collections go here, so we are excited to help. They give things out first hand working with each family.  They ask for NO MONEY.  They give and that's what were all about. 
G MOMMA OUTTTTTTTTT!

Word of mouth

As I sat in church yesterday listening to Pastor Steve, I felt as if his message was speaking directly to me and what our mission is all about.  He spoke about Stewardship, to take responsibility for another's possession for which they entrusted you with. It made so much sense.  All we have is because of Jesus Christ.  Jesus sacrified his life, for us to have life and what are we doing with it?  Are we living purposely?  It all became so clear to me that what I was doing was my purpose.  He went on to talk about how everything we have is God's.  We own nothing.  We've always used the term "We came into this world with nothing and we will leave it with nothing."  Think about it.  We all consume and consume for our pleasure but for what purpose?  Our society is all about wants and desires but how many actually stop to think what God desires? Trust me I understand.  We use to drive the Mercedes and Lexus.  We had a gorgeous house on 2 acres and all the toys you could want, but for what?  In the end all we have is eachother and the bare necessities to live.  For that we are more thankful for than any of the material things we use to have.

We take for granted the things we have when so many out there think it's a distant dream!  Some may think, "Well I work hard and work 50 hours a week to make my paycheck.  I deserve material things." or "People need to work and they can have these things too."  That is a shallow way of thinking.  I don't believe Jesus asked us for explanation of our sins before he was hung on a cross with nails in his hands and feet.

Have you ever stopped to just why they are in the situation they are in?  Have you asked their story?  Everyone has a story.  Most were just like us and just had a tragedy that lead them down  a bad road, maybe they served our country and have feel no support from us or maybe they made some bad decisions.  Haven't we all.  It does not make them less than any of us.  It makes me stop and think of a scene in "A Family that Preys" by Tyler Perry.  This women would feed this homeless man that had been coming into her diner for years. She never harrassed him with questions or lectured him. She justlet him clean up in the bathroom, providing him a clean outfit each day, taking his dirty one with her to wash.  One day her daughters asked "Mom why do you help this man?"  She replied "Everyone has a story.  He lost his daughter and his wife in an accident which drove him to the edge.  He lost his everything."  I won't spoil the movie. Watch it.
My point is.....All it takes is for us to stop and understand there is a reason why these people are in need.  If we open our hearts and open our ears it could change God's world. We are no one to judge.  That is God's job. We are here for a purpose.  Find yours.
  I believe if we all just do a little, together we will make a huge impact.  

Weekend Mission; Friday we deliverd a refridgerator to a family in need.  It was sitting in our garage collecting dust.  Now she can save the little food she has for her 7 babies. 
Saturday morning our kids went knocking on doors asking if anyone would like to help us with a Thanksgiving Outreach program we are doing with Destiny to feed families that are in need.  I know some thought, isn't Halloween over?  These kids are still trying to Trick or Treat."
Im proud to say they gave 6 bags out to be filled.  When we were at church Sunday and Pastor Steve starting talking about the bags collected so far the kids sat there with pride and a huge smile as I looked down to them with a thumbs up!  They could then see that they were a part of it and felt important.  It was awesome. 
Thanks for taking time to read my thoughts.
GMomma out.....

Define G Momma

FYI- If you are wondering what Courtney and I mean when we say G Momma or GG Momma's. I know most of my friends from the Mtown were thinking Gangsta Momma or like what up G (homie or friend) but not so much!   It stands for Gorgeous Godly Momma's. So hands up to all my G Momma's!

Enjoy this Veterans day and remember why we get off school and work today and say thank you!

Thank you to all the men and women who serve our country and sacrifice their lives and their time with their own families so we can enjoy ours.
God Bless you, your families and America!

G Momma out!

GMomma's hitting the streets

This morning we hit the road to deliver some clothing and a twin mattress to the mom of 7 children.  Thanks to Stephanie with Kidz Closet, where we send some of our donations, for letting us rummage through her shelves to provide warm clothing for this family.  Our donations help keep her shelves full so when a child comes to school in dirty or torn clothing or we find families in need we can provide.  It's truly a blessing!

Tired G Momma's out for the day!

First venture out

Nov 9, 2010-I knew this day would be a blessed day as I started collecting 3 bags of donations from a friend Sally in Seaside.  It's support from our community like her that will make this ongoing effort work.  Today was the day to set out on our first delivery mission to help a few organizations.  First, we headed to FWB to the Okaloosa Coalition on Homeless.  This organization has transitional housing for homeless families which helps them get back on their feet.  They house 13 families every 9 months.  Right now they have 20 children and 19 adults residing in their housing.  We dropped off approx 10 bags of clothing for all ages and a few boxes of household items they needed.  Our wonderful friends there were so excited about receiving the items we brought, especially being a night where all residents were meeting and they were going to get to go through and pick out whatever they wanted.  It was really neat.  If you are interested in helping I have a list of items they need on a regular basis.
 Next we headed to fill Courtney's Thanksgiving Bag for church, then to every thrift store on Hwy 98 looking for size 14 shoe for a father in need.  No luck on that, but another pray was answered when Courtney called a friend to borrow a trailer. Not only did he have a trailer, he had the mattress I had prayed would come across my path before 3 oclock.  My wonderful friend Courtney helped me coordinate a trailer and get items to be donated.  Chance and I headed out this evening to visit the Single father of 6 boys that I have been posting about on my Facebook. When we pulled up with bags of clothing, a dresser, mattress etc. the kids ran to our car jumping on the trailer with excitement. I pulled out a bag of snacks which were gone in seconds.Unloading the mattress, we all realized it was a queen and it would not fit on the bunk bed they had, he needed a full.We put the mattress back on trailer and promised to bring the right size in a day or so.  Meanwhile, the boys were digging through the bags of clothing with excitement claiming their finds.  I noticed we were missing the 6th boy! Just as I stood back thinking, wow this single dad is doing this on his own, he explained the mom left a year ago and the child  missing was his boy with Down Syndrome which stays in a hospital bed and has a traq in his throat.  It took all I had not to break down.  Not only was this a single father raising 6 boys; ages 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, he had one with special needs.  This is why I say "There is always someone out there dealing with worse things than you."  I gave credit to the father and told him what a wonderful man he was.  My husband and I struggle every day with 5 kids in our household, I can't imagine having 6 with just one of us and one being physically and mentally challenged.  I got in the car and began to cry.
Quickly I dried my eyes, as Chance decided to pull up to a little boy standing in front of his trailer. Chance said, "Let's stop here and see if they could use a mattress."  I got out to ask the little boy if his parents were home and  if they could use this mattress.  The mother ran out, "Yes, yes, for sure, we could definitely use a mattress."  She then explained she was a single mother of 7(SEVEN) kids.  Her children age from 3 months to 8 years old.  I asked what all she needed and she replied, "A few more mattresses.  All I have is 2 twin mattress and the new queen you gave me."  I wanted to make sure I heard her clearly, "You mean you have ONLY 2 twin mattresses in your home for you and 7 kids?"  "Yes" she said.  "We were in a fire and lost it all." I continued to make notes of things she needed as she went into detail on how 2 of the kids are needing surgery for different things and that Medicaid would pay for it but she doesn't have gas to get to the hospital.  We took care of that.  She then looked up and said "God, I can't believe you all are here and just out of no where!"  I replied "Your right it is God that is at work and we are going to help you."  I gave her a big hug and told her she was not alone.  As a few of the little boys stood around me I asked "Can you think of anything else you need right now?"  The little 4 yr old tugged on my shirt as he looked up at me and said "Can you bring me another bed?"  I almost fell to my knees "Yes, baby boy, I will bring you another bed."
I was shocked that here I asked to bring them anything and he asked for a bed.  We all daily want this and that and we all talk about what we DONT HAVE, when we should look at what we do have.  It's really not that bad if you step back and look at what you do have!  As you get in or out of your bed each day remember what a blessing that mattress is and how many are sleeping on floors.  Maybe in 3rd world countries we could understand how but here in American I can not fathom.

G Momma's Inspiration

How it first came about.  Courtney and I are Seahawk moms.  Our girl's cheer for the South Walton Seahawks.  We also both attend Destiny Worship Center in Destin Fl.  Together we decided to attend a conference for "Women of Destiny" where Lisa Bevere was speaking.  She is a powerhouse and rocked our world.  Her powerful speaking gave us the motivation and inspiration we needed to actually get out and make one our dreams of helping others happen.  We left that night fired up ready to do something.  We had discussed starting a food pantry then said we really wanted to do more than just provide canned goods etc, so we decided to sleep on it.  Soon after I was watching Ellen and came to a new revelation after seeing her and Ellen Pompeo speak and promote "Every Little Bottoms".  This is a wonderful new promotion by Huggies that is speaking out on behalf of all the mothers and fathers who can not afford diapers.  This hit home.  Being a mom at the age of 16 and now a 32 yr old mom of 6 (modern day yours, mine and ours) I know the struggles and strain it puts on you to provide for children.  Government agencies can help with WIC, Food stamps and insurance but no one helps with DIAPERS.  1 out of every 3 mothers do not have diapers. Ok, Ok so I'll get back on my soap box soon about that.  Moving on, I decided to go for it and sign up as a Diaper Bank.  Courtney and my husband, Chance, thought it was a great idea and said go for it. As a part of the steps in establishing our diaper bank, I had to call around to local organizations and agencies to request they be a donation center, accepting diapers on behalf of our bank.  WELL I opened a can of worms that my heart just feed on.  In talking to them I found out that Walton County had approx 81 homeless families in need.  Now these are the only ones reporting from your 1st of the year census card.  I knew there were others that had not come forward.  All of these organizations or agencies I spoke with were so excited they may be receiving diapers for the families in need.  I could not believe the demand.  Now this next story will get you.  I called upon one local agency and after explaining our goal she said, "Stephanie you just don't know how your an answer to a pray and how bad we need this." she went on to explain that just the day before she visited a home of a family in need.  As she was holding the newborn and getting a list of things mom could use she noticed the baby had soiled through it's blanket it was wrapped in.  She ask the mother to go get a change of clothes and diaper so she may change the baby.  The mom came back with an outfit but NO DIAPER.  The representative asked the mother, "Mam, do you have diapers?" The mother replied "Si, yes I have diapers but we only have 5 and we are saving those for when we go out."  "Here at home we let the baby go without."  The representative could not believe it.  She and her assistant went out to get mom some diapers from our local Caring and Sharing.  Now Caring and Sharing is a local agency we will be helping regularly.  They go through at least 50 packs a month and need to give out more but just haven't had the resources to do so.
Hang on, I'm almost done with the beginning of our story.  Anyways, I knew at that point this was something that would weigh on my heart and I had to make happen.  Each organization expressed how important donations of every type would help them and how each hurting in providing for families in need since the numbers have increased.  I knew at this point diapers would be collected but we needed to first get some warm clothing for the kids that have none in our area.  I decided to start getting all the organizations to email me a list of what they were in severe need of.  This began our journey.  I could not believe just the demand for clothing and necessities they we all take for granted each day.  This is when Courtney and I started begging and pleading for all clothing donations as we started a clothing drive.  Now realize I am talking about families that can not go to Goodwill and spend $4.99 on a 10 yr old shirt or $250.00 for a couch.  I am not trying to knock Goodwill but this is reality.  These organizations depend on our community to help families in need where they can GIVE these things away.  There is nothing more gratifying than to give to families less fortunate than you.
 As I explain daily to my kids and friends, most of us including myself are 1 (ONE) paycheck from being in any of these families shoes.  Without the support of our neighbors they can not help those in need and trust me, you never know when you may be one of them.    
This is the road that God has lead us down and we are walking it.  Please walk with us!!!!
G Momma out!