Nothing Special

Our family went on a mission trip this past week to Kentucky. I served in a homeless shelter. Actually, I felt so at home in the homeless shelter.

The first day, I cried through our praise songs. I couldn't believe God's sweet Spirit showed up in a dingy bleak room. His love was so heavy I coudn't open my mouth.

I still cry when I think about this lady I met. She'd just left her abusive husband for the third time. She says this time she's going to stay away and get help. We prayed and talked. I asked her what she liked to do--if she had any hobbies. She said she loved to crochet.

I didn't think it was anything special. No big deal. I ran to Wal-Mart before we left and got her red yarn (God's love) and a crochet needle. I spent about $6.You'd have thought I'd given her a million dollars. She's making a blanket for the winter. I said, "As you crochet, pray. Keep your mind on God's love for you." She nodded and promised she would. Her name is Christy. Maybe you'll say a prayer for her.

I didn't realize that when you show His love even in the SIMPLEST ways, He totally fills you.

Changed,
Julie

Homeless

As a writer, inspiration comes easily. Daily. Writing and publication can take years.

When I feel an idea coming on, it's as though I've eaten an entire bag of Hershey's Kisses. This sweetness settles down inside me and takes up residence. I can't rest until I've written the experience--what moved my heart.

There's a women's homeless shelter in Georgia that gave me the Hershey's Kiss feeling. I couldn't/can't forget about the shelter and the ladies. They reached out to one of my family members. You don't forget kindness like that.

I ghosted an article in Guideposts magazine coming out this May. It's about a local hairdresser who spent a Saturday cutting/styling/coloring the ladies' hair from the shelter. You can access it by going to the www.guidepostsmag.com link through the personal change section or picking up the May issue.

I also have an article coming in May/June of Today's Christian about the manager who runs the shelter.

My Sister's Place, I won't forget you. The sweetness lingers.

Love,
Julie