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!