Recently while searching the Web, I came across this Link: www.my.goodoldayswantads.com While there I found a section that requested that people shower Shut Ins and Elderly People they know with Cards.  I thought this was a great idea! Thus I consider this to be a Link Worth Mentioning.   Here is an example:  of one of the pages at their Forum.

As one of the Servers of "Feed My Sheep" a Local Community of Volunteers who help those in need, one of my Roles is to help people find potential Resources.  A Community Group I refer others to is 'Angel Food Ministry', a Nationwide Group which hopes to help save on the cost of Groceries.  This Service is Available to Anyone ... and you can Order with others in mind.  Check around to see if your Local Community has a Branch and if not ... perhaps you could bring Angel Food Ministry to the attention of Local Volunteer Groups, as they may be delighted to become a Host Site.  If Angel Food Ministry is not in your area, 'Great Food For All'  a similar Ministry may have a Host Site nearby. UPDATE: A Reader suggested this Link: www.FoodShareAmerica.com  


Have you seen this editorial in the New York Times? Hunger in America is growing. 37 million people, about one in eight Americans, knocked on a door of a hunger relief organization ? that?s 46 % higher than three years ago. In an article in Thursday?s Times, it talks of the stigma of SNAP (Food Stamps) being lifted, and people who once would not seek them, now rely heavily on the resource.

Why is this important? America needs help. we need an answer for the vexing problems facing our own ? and government has yet to offer to the solutions. Yet, for 15 years, Angel Food Ministries has found a way to help people buy wholesome food for far less than they?d pay elsewhere, and it has also pumped needed funds ? some $26 million ? back into local home-grown organizations in over 6000 communities across 44 states.

It feeds people for less; gives money back and never seeks donations itself ? that is the model of a hunger relief organization on the cutting edge, ready to take on the challenges to meet the demands for those 37 million Americans seeking help.

Take a look at Angel Food Ministries; review our February menu; order for yourself or order for someone you know today.

Signature Box Balanced nutrition and variety with enough food to assist in feeding a family of four for a week. 1.5 lb. Top Sirloin Steaks (4 x 6 oz.) 1.5 lb. Boneless Pork Roast 2 lb. IQF Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breast 2 lb. Lasagna with Meat Sauce 1.5 lb. Fully Cooked Boneless Chicken Drumsticks (Brand New Item! Exclusive to AFM) 1 lb. Lean Ground Beef 1 lb. Frozen Baby Limas 1 lb. Frozen Green Beans 1 lb. Broccoli Florets 1 lb. Rice 1 lb. Pasta 28 oz. Pasta Sauce 1 lb. Fresh Carrots 4 ct. Large Baking Potatoes 32 oz. 2% Shelf Stable Milk Dozen Eggs Dessert 5 LB. ALLERGEN-FREE FOOD BOX Processed to eliminate the eight top serious allergens: Peanuts, Soybeans, Milk, Eggs, Fish, Crustacea, Tree Nuts and Gluten (wheat, rye and barley). Great for children and adults! 1 lb. Breaded Chicken Fillet Patties 1 lb. Breaded Chicken Tenders 1 lb. Breaded Chicken Nuggets 1 lb. Breaded Steak Fingers 1 lb. Breaded Chicken Wings Battered/Breaded with water, white rice, brown rice, modified tapioca starch, flax seed, sugar, salt, spices, dehydrated garlic, spice extractives and oleoresin paprika. Breading is pre-browned in Canola oil.

SENIOR & CONVENIENCE MEALS For Seniors or People on the Go! Ten perfectly seasoned, nutritionally balanced, fully cooked meals?just heat and serve. Each meal has been developed with the dietary needs of senior citizens in mind, and contains 3 oz. of protein, a starch & two vegetables or fruit. Chicken Parmesan with Brussels sprouts & zucchini Charbroiled Beef Patty with mashed potatoes, carrots & corn blend Macaroni & Beef with noodles, carrots & zucchini blend Lemon Pepper Fish with rice, peas & zucchini blend Mesquite Chicken with rice, carrots & green beans Spaghetti & Meatballs with corn, peas & carrots Boneless Pork Patty with roasted sweet potatoes, sugar snap peas & broccoli/cauliflower Cheese Manicotti with green beans, peas & carrots Chicken & Rice with Mushroom Sauce, green beans, corn blend Macaroni & Cheese with broccoli & lima beans Desserts: Assorted Cookies, Mixed Fruit Cup, Fig Bar, Strawberry Applesauce, Grape Juice, Apple Juice 6 LB. PREMIUM SEAFOOD VARIETY BOX Six pounds of the finest quality seafood assortment available. 2 lbs. Alaskan Snow Crab Legs 1 lb. Large EZ Peel Shrimp 2 lbs. Oven Ready Popcorn Shrimp 1 lb. Stuffed Crab in Natural Shell (8 ct.)

FEBRUARY SPECIAL #1    $23.00 6.5 lb. Assorted Meat Grill Box 1.5 lb. T-Bone Steaks (2 x 12 oz.) 2 lb. Boneless Pork Chops (4 x 8 oz.) 1.5 lb. Lean Hamburger Patties (4 x 6 oz.) 1.5 lb. Mild Italian Sausage Links with Cheese FEBRUARY SPECIAL #2    $22.00 5 lb. Assorted Meat & Chicken Combo 1.5 lb. Kansas City Strips (2 x 12 oz.) 1.5 lb. Prime Rib Steak (2 x 12 oz.) 2 lb. Gourmet Flavored Boneless Chicken Breast Mesquite (4 x 4 oz.) & Lemon Herb (4 x 4 oz.) FEBRUARY SPECIAL #3    $18.00 Stuffed Chicken Variety Pack $18.00 1.5 lb. Chicken Cordon Bleu (4 x 6 oz.) 1.5 lb. Broccoli & Cheese (4 x 6 oz.) 1.5 lb. Chicken Kiev (4 x 6 oz.)

FEBRUARY SPECIAL #4    $21.00 Super Value Fajita Kit (5+ lbs.) 2 lb. Steak Fajita Strip Packs (2 x 1 lb.) 2 lb. Chicken Breast Fajita Strip Packs (2 x 1 lb.) 1 lb. Onions & Bell Peppers 20 ct. 8? Flour Tortillas FEBRUARY SPECIAL #5    $22.00 Premium Fresh Fruit and Veggie Box 3 lbs. Tree-Ripened Oranges 2 lbs. Premium Red Delicious Apples 1 lb. New Crop Chilean Plums 4 Washington State Anjou Pears 4 Washington State Fuji Apples 4 Tree Ripened Tangerines 2 Tree Ripened Red Grapefruit 6 pack 1 oz. Boxes Premium Sun Dried Raisins 3 lbs. Premium Red A-Size Potatoes 2 lbs. Premium Yellow Onions 1 head Premium Leafy Green Cabbage

3 lbs. Tree-Ripened Oranges 2 lbs. Premium Red Delicious Apples 1 lb. New Crop Chilean Plums 4 Washington State Anjou Pears 4 Washington State Fuji Apples 4 Tree Ripened Tangerines 2 Tree Ripened Red Grapefruit 6 pack 1 oz. Boxes Premium Sun Dried Raisins 3 lbs. Premium Red A-Size Potatoes 2 lbs. Premium Yellow Onions 1 head Premium Leafy Green Cabbage 1 lb. Premium Whole-Peeled Baby Carrots 1 lb. Dried Pinto Beans

FOOD STAMPS ACCEPTED   AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE 

Dial 211 if you need help ... they recommend you call them with your list and if it's in their data base, they will refer you to one of their Resources.  www.211.org has a Data Base filled with Resources for those in need Nation Wide and Canada. Some of the Resources Registered are Government based the rest are Privately Run, Non Profit or Volunteer Groups and Clubs ... there are thousands.

Two examples of how they helped the day I discovered them and referred them via Feed My Sheep a local Volunteer Group I serve with are: Family #1 was in need of Gas money. Family #2 was a 65 year old Single Mom in need of Financial Aid so she could keep her Electric on. Family#1 a Truck Driver lost their job. Family #2 a long time Self Employed Pet Groomer was loosing Clients due to cut backs. Both are seeking employment. Family #1 just lost their home. Family #2 is in danger of loosing hers.  UPDATE: Family #1 was also about to get a grant so she could continue her education and they are helping her to get her vehicle back on the road. They also put her in their data base for employment opportunities.

211 knows of Agencies who help with Vehicles for those in need of getting to work. They also help with Repairs of all kinds as well as......... well I won't list that here. If your in need... remember, they suggest you make a list and call them to see if they can help .... it's what they are there for.

They'd appreciate it if you'd tell others.... so if your so inclined, due share this Blog Link... remember they are Nation Wide and in Canada.  Just dial 211 and you will automatically be connected to the nearest 211 in your local area.

Heavenly Father You say because you love us unconditionally You rain on the just and the unjust ... thank You for meeting our needs through those You've prepared in advance ... Bless You for empowering those Called to such, to 'Feed Your Sheep' ... be it Spirit, Soul or Bodily.

"Brendi...." began my Dad a CPA, when I entered High School in 1964, "you and I both know you're not College material even if I can afford to send you 3 girls and more importantly your 3 brothers when the time comes.... it's best for you to learn Secretarial Skills so you can take care of yourself until you marry. When you get married your Husband will take care of you, so you can stay home like your Mom and take care of your Husband and your Home and raise your Children together."



These were the words which came to mind when my first Husband could not find, to quote his mother 'a decent job'.  He along with other Soldiers who were leaving Military Service at the end of the Vietnam War in the 70's were flooding the Employment Market. 


It had been our desire that I be a stay at home Mom and Wife but his Mother was putting pressure on us for the opposite to take place.



His Mother never wanting to be ignored, and not afraid to show her disappointment screamed at us more than once words such as these, "I did not send my only child to College so you could become a Debit Collector, you need to find a Career worthy of you." and "You need to hold out for a decent job. You were an Officer in the Marine Corps and should be looking for a Career not just a Job." "You need to get a real Job, I don't care how long it takes, you hear me? "You need to make her go find the menial job, while you look for a Career. No son of mine........"



As one with a desire to be a decent Wife and Mother, I took it upon myself to find several part time jobs working from Home after my Husband quit his menial job so he could find a Professional one. The thought to take up my initial line of work, as a Professional Secretary never entered my mind, because I wanted to Parent our Children during the day.  The reality of seeking out someone one else to raise them was something my conscience could not allow. When the Eviction Notices began to come in, fear was added to my feeling like a failure. So even though I hated leaving my Husband, Baby and Toddler, I took a job away from Home in the evening as well, because he refused to do so. Inwardly I carried a lot of anxiety and the emotional pain of shame which ultimately began to overwhelm me when my first Husband turned to drinking and blaming me for our problems.  His mother added fuel to his fire by agreeing with him on one hand and berating him on another. Their words added insult to injury adding to the weight of the sense of responsibility I was carrying alone.


Years later I was able to look back with compassion, as I remembered being very exhausted and depressed during that season of my life. By the time my breaking point arrived, I was in the habit of drawing the drapes once the children went down for their naps so I could sit in the darkness and wrap myself up in my own arms while I rocked my body to and fro to soothe myself as I cried.  Finally I got to the place where I knew I could no longer live like this, if not for my sake, then for the sake of our Children. Even though I knew Jesus as my Savior, I had never been taught I could reach out to God as my Father for guidance or help ... but in desperation, I finally did ... it seemed like the right thing to do.

Praying and asking for my Heavenly Father's help gave me strength and a sense of direction and hope. On the heels of praying I heard about Government Subsidized Housing and a Government Program designed to help single Moms with Children under the age of 6, stay at home and raise their own Children with Public Assistance. Remembering how I was raised to be a stay at home Mom, my conscience led me in this direction. I was now of a mind that our children needed the security of my mothering influence at their stage of development more than things, so I decided to apply for this Program to see what might happen. 


I was amazed as to how the doors quickly opened up for me to move into Section 8 Housing once I sensed this was the wisest choice for now. I was told there was a 2 year waiting list, but the Rental Manager called me, (after I prayed for Father's will) informing me she had decided to put me on top of her list. 


At this point I fought back the shame and finally told my parents what was taking place. My Dad was furious when he discovered my Husband was not willing to take any job he could find to support his family. He didn't care what his mother expected of us and felt strongly that a man was created to take care of his family however he can, while his partner supports him.  Dan agreed it was wise that I leave and offered to pay the Deposit and help in any way he could.

When I felt I had no other choice, I received the nerve to call my Husbands Mother and blurted out something like this, "I know you think your only child needs to hold out for a Career, but when I walked in the door around 2:30 AM from working at Pizza Hut and found your son passed out drunk, our son and daughter crying, she still in the same diaper she was in when I left at 4:45 pm, laying on drenched sheets, her clothes and blanket soaked all of the way through, I made some tough decisions you may not like. I've found your son a job as a Photographer in a Studio. In order for him to take it he needs new glasses, as he broke his in a drunken stupor and we can't afford to replace them. If you want to help him find him better employment, that's up to you. I just got us caught up on paying off our 3rd Eviction Notice... our Landlord has been working with me and she has agreed to let us out of our Rental Agreement without penalty. I am leaving our Vehicle with your son, so he can go to work. I have found Subsidized Housing within walking distance of everything we need. Your son can visit our children, but he can't come with us, because I am going on Public Assistance so I can raise our babies, rather than have someone else do it. I think being raised with a full time Mother is more important than things at their age! Your son has given up on looking for a career, in an effort to please you and meet your expectations. He spends his days and nights drinking now. We tried to work things out, but he says his Therapy Group says he drinks to much because of me and you say you agree with him. As his Mom perhaps it's better that you be the one to try to get his thinking right, so he can support his family someday. He refuses to listen to me.  So... my mind is made up ... I won't allow our children to live like this any longer! If you don't take your son in, he has no place to go."


The Housing I found in Reston VA was an Apt, if I remember correctly my share was $225.00 a month. It was a new Government Planned Community and rents were determined by our income. We had air conditioning, dishwashers, basic cable, pool privileges, on site play grounds, our nearest neighbor was the Elementary School.  Being able to provide my children with this sense of security made my heart sing with joy... such helped to soothe the grief I felt, as I knew my decisions were going to be hard on them.


Once I started this new beginning... with a budget of $400.00 a month, plus medical care for the Children and Food Stamps, I knew I needed to become ingenious and take advantage of practical resources I was discovering were available to those who have a low income in a Wealthy County ... for our Children's well being and my own sense of self worth as a Mom.  


Almost immediately I heard about the Fairfax VA County Home Extension Service, which had literature on Frugal Shopping and Cooking and Living on a Budget. While reading, I was inspired to teach myself how to make all our food from scratch to include baby food and decided to apply the Frugal Techniques that had come across my path.



As our Children grew I took advantage of our Apt Community Center which did fun things, like Kiddy Parades and Costume Contests at Halloween, Easter Egg Hunts and the like. My Children's Costumes were Homemade and I found great pleasure in further developing my creative side. I also took advantage of Community Scholarships for our children like Free Swimming Lessons, Art Lessons and Ballet Lessons, which were made available for Families with a low income. Thank You Father for Generous Hearts...


It was during this new beginning, that I eventually turned my life completely over to Father God for His will to come into being and learned to hear His voice and follow His leadings and apply His daily guidance as a child born of His Spirit. Almost immediately Father revealed HimSelf to me as our Supernatural Provider and Healer and proved HimSelf as He answered prayers .... healing me spirit, soul and bodily.... teaching me and training me in the way HE knew was best as He set me free from a victim mentality, debilitating shame and more ... replacing it with a deep sense of joy, even in the midst of life's storms. 



When friends in our small Community would mention their need, I'd pray for them... to my delight someone would offer me just what was needed and I'd pass it along, praising Father for HIS faithfulness. Being in similar circumstances, as friends and neighbors we took turns baby sitting for one another... giving us Mom's the opportunity to have some times of refreshing. We shared meals and passed along toys and clothing and ultimately spiritual insights, as we matured and became like an extended family, enabling what we had to work with, to stretch further than it would have otherwise.


In order to live within our means, sometimes I washed our clothes in the tub and hung them around the Apt to dry. Back then when one bought food with Food Stamps, we would get change ... I would save it up to buy toilet paper and the like, as funds were very tight. I walked back and forth to the store with a pull cart while a friend watched our Children and I did the same for her. As our children grew I worked hard to make their lives better and to move us to a better environment.  I understand what it is to struggle with oppression and am pleased those days are behind us, but know I am a better person because of them in many ways and do not regret them.  Ultimately the hardships of life have been a blessing in that they enable me to appreciate the joys of life more fully. Father has used them to make me aware of  who I am Being ... my Attitudes in the midst of Trials and Opportunities is equally as important as what I am doing to get through them. His Spirit has made me more conscious of my daily choices and habits as I have matured Spiritually; making me more aware of not only how my choices affect me, but others.


Please know, I have shared the details above, with the hopes it will encourage those who find themselves in a place in life that they never expected to be... to reach out to God our Loving Father for His Wisdom, Provision, Guidance, Restorative Power and more  if they have not done so already ... and to open a window into the life of one who was on Public Assistance for a Season; to show how beneficial it can be in times of crisis and need ... until such a one is strong enough to move on and upward. 


As it is In Heaven may it be So on Earth