REACH 2011

Once again we were blessed by the musical talents and the efforts of an awesome group of dedicated servants of God in their 2nd annual organized youth outreach. Blessed really does not do justice to the experience we had yesterday. First of all, we were hanging out in an awesome location (one I am sure to visit again soon)--the Depot in Adel, GA. I didn't realize we had such a fantastic Christian hang-out so nearby--they have a Daylight Donut shop, a game room, a Christian book and accessory store, and even a stage where they regularly have music. It is an awesome place for children and teens so hang out during their down time. If you live nearby, I definitely recommend a visit! If that wasn't good enough, we got front row seats to some of the most gifted musicians around! We were blessed by the musical talents of Alacia Reynolds (check out her websites and new CD) and AfterLife, among others. As die-hard AfterLife fans already, they alone would have been worth the journey we took to get there. The kids were jumping up and down, fist-pumping, and praising for all they were worth! (I have to admit, I was right there jumping with them!) It is such an awesome thing to witness people of God, fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, using their giftings for HIS glory! Lots of people can sing and play instruments, and very well. All of them were gifted with those abilities by our Creator, but a select few of them use those abilities to glorify and praise Him. I believe a mighty reward awaits those that do! We were so blessed yesterday by His presence, and by the awesome praise music we experienced. I have to give credit to Pastor Andy Cortez, too, because it was his enthusiasm that first got us up on our feet dancing around--thank you, Pastor Andy, for a wonderful time of praise! :) Thanks to all who helped coordinate and put the REACH event together, to all the musicians who shared their talents with us, and to all who helped me be able to take the AWO kids along. God moved mightily in our midst! To Mrs. Whittaker, AfterLife's lead singer, thank you for the word you gave in between songs--it was a word of God specifically for one of our girls--she knows who she is!!! Thank you for allowing God to speak through you, and for all you shared from your platform yesterday!

True Beauty

Today some of our girls received an awesome gift--a priceless one! Thanks to Dana Ellis (Through His Light Photography) and the True Beauty Modeling program, six of our most active girls got to have a modeling experience today. They received a free makeover, professional photography session, catered lunch, and a "personal assistant" for the day. They felt so special! They were nervous at first, not knowing what to expect, but as the day wore on they became more excited. They looked in the mirror after the makeover and said, "I didn't know I could look this pretty." They got a much-needed boost to their self-esteem. All of the girls are as beautiful as can be, to me, and I tell them that, but this experience allowed them to see themselves in God's light a little more clearly. I am so grateful to Dana and her girls for all they did for us today--this is truly a priceless experience!

After they were finished modeling, I took them to the mall (one of our girls had never been to the mall) and we just strolled around, browsed, (showed off their new looks!), and enjoyed a freshly baked cookie. We were all tired at the end of the day, but it a wonderful experience we wouldn't trade for anything! Today I am grateful to God for the people He places in our lives, for the kids He allows me to minister to, for a supportive church family, and for the provision He continually pours out to allow us to do more and more. Thank you, God, for the opportunities which are new each day!