Blessed by Giving

Ok, I never REALLY told about the 11889 Elizabeth Ridge Shelter. For those of you who don't know that's my lovely almost 4000 square foot, 2 story home on 1.3 acres in a gated subdivision. It's the house that 'giving' built. Just as we were about to close on the house the Lord impressed Kent to give $10,000 to a visiting minister. Yes, this was our closing money. I must admit I felt a little frustrated with Kent's move but knew it must be right. At close we had more than double that amount for a down payment in fact if memory serves correctly we had almost triple our offering. Plus some dear saint gave me $7000 to buy window treatments, blinds, and decor for the home.

The shelter was not just a shelter for family and friends but was also the dining hall for family that stayed at my Mom's. I grilled hot dogs, prepared sloppy joes, cookies, candies, and whatever else anyone wanted. One would expect a shelter to serve food but if you recall one of the chief complaints from evacuees from Katrina was pets were not allowed. Apparently some of the residents of 'my shelter' felt the same way. They would not evacuate without their pets. Following is a list of animals that I sheltered: 2 tea cup poodles, 1 boxer, 2 labs, and 2 bunnies. There were a few children that may classify, too! lol

After I decided to close the shelter due to lack of services we discovered we had lost an animal - Skittles or M&M. It was one of Kyleigh's bunnies. At the point we discovered the loss Kyleigh really didn't care because she was running around the yard in search of displaced frogs. She is quite a 2 year old!

Last night I wanted to go by the abandoned shelter and check for 'ammenities'. Of course there was no power, water, or sewage. After coming out of the house I looked out across the front yard in disgust and saw what I thought was a dead animal. As I moved closer I realized it was not dead. It was Skittles! Kent and I caught the little bunny and decided to take it 30 minutes to Miss. Kyleigh.

On our way to deliver the bunny we found a much needed supply, fuel! We waited in line and was able to fill our tank. Again, we were giving and were blessed with more than we were giving...bunny vs. fuel...fuel any day!!! Upon arrival at my brother's home, we found a jumping bouncing two year old. She immediately started squealing, "Uncle Kent Uncle Kent". When Kent put the generator box down Kyleigh jumped in the box with her bunny. She was so happy. Kyleigh wanted me to see her bunny hatch and her lab, Chocey, named after chocolate milk. She ran around the yard squealing, "Uncle Kent, come here. Come see."

Today we will prepare for our Praise in the Parking Lot service. I know we will again be blessed. I hope each of you, my blogging friends, are blessed today! Remember blessings come in many ways. You may find it through a strange door or unusual circumstance. Don't be afraid to take a different path, give in a different way, or consider others. God really does know what we need and blesses us accordingly. You may be the hands God chooses to bless someone else! It really is more blessed to give than to receive. Today I pray I will be an encouragement to someone in dispair.