...and I hope you like jammin' too...

I find myself getting inspired by the smallest things I encounter. I wonder if I have always been like this and am just now more aware of it or if moments are beginning to force themselves on me so that I might wring them of every drop. I have been so busy and yet I feel I have so much to accomplish. It has been a while since I have gone to bed this exhausted. My little jam endeavor has been off the hook, crazy, wild. Never would I have imagined the response. It has been a blessing and it is something I really enjoy doing. I even ordered some cute little calling cards because I got tired of making them all by hand. Sadly, the kids have had to postpone their trip to Africa...too many things going on at once, but that's ok. I believe things happen for a reason. When they are able to go in a few months, they will be better prepared. Tomorrow, Susanna (my son's girlfriend) arrives back home from her trip to Kabale and we will have lots of pictures to soak in. Something tells me it's best for everyone to stay close to home for a few months....to better prepare, to pray, and to enjoy some family time together. As per a request or two I am putting the jam paypal option back up on my blog...for as long as jam is available. I thank (from the bottom of my tired little heart) those who have shown support by purchasing jam and/or left encouraging words. I think those of you who visit here are incredibly special and unique....just like some of the jam requests I've received!

fruits of the spirit

What a busy weekend...phew! I got this brilliant idea to help the kids with some revenue for their first upcoming trip to South Africa, but I had no idea the work I had in store for me. The things we do for our kids! They are traveling together in the early part of August, by themselves, without an organization, to explore something they've had on their hearts for some time. They would like to start up or take over an orphanage in the not-so-distant future. So they want to link up with some people who have done this and try to get as many of their friends (in the future) on board who can contribute their gifts and talents to help run the place (sporadically as time permits, interested?). I told them, "I'm in"...yes, I know...we are crazy, truly. I would only be able to spend my summers there, but I would, with a joyful heart...especially if I hadn't seen my own kids in a while. I've struggled with this dream of theirs, but purely for selfish reasons. Now I'm on the sidelines cheering them on, scraping together a few dollar bills that come my way. When I prayed about it, I received (much to my surprise) bags and bags full of freshly-picked apricots...and I was told peaches are next. Ask and you shall receive...so jam it is! Need a jar? Of course it's delicious, canned with TLC.
8 oz =$5, 4 oz=$3. Shipped anywhere in the U.S. for an additional, one-time charge of $5 or $3. (If you want more than one jar, I'll pay the difference). I dislike shipping charges, but otherwise it would defeat the purpose. I told the kids this is a bad time to be fundraising, but it's hard to set aside a God plan when things just seem to be coming together. The most important thing to me though are prayers for their safety and awareness. When I was raising my kids I never imagined such a trip would be in the making. They have a lot of big ideas for only being 19 and 22. My son's girlfriend, who I introduced some time ago, Susanna, is in Kabale right now for a few more weeks. If you read her blog, you might get a better idea of the love that is born from the African experience. More than anything, I understand...even when I don't want to. I could never ask them to ignore something God has placed in their hearts. If you would like to contribute to this crazy adventure, simply make your jam size selection, add the appropriate shipping charge and hit the "Donate" button on the left side bar and fill in the total amount. I would encourage you to pray about it before you make a spontaneous decision....and as always, I just appreciate you spending the time to read this far. I usually shy away from blogs that ask for money...especially in this economy, but this is for a really good cause and I feel it is more honorable to provide you with something in return. As this week kicks off, wish me luck in selling a bajillion jars of Apricot jam. After this week, I do not want to see another apricot for a long, long time.