What should we do?

This past monday afternoon I picked up my kids and we drove to Lexington, KY in order for me to make a deposit at a local credit union. On our way there we saw a homeless man holding a sign that said, "Will work for food". My heart was torn. Should we go and get this man a sandwich? Should I give him a few dollars? Was he for real? What to do?

I thought about praying for someone to help him. That didn't seem right. I have been so torn up by this I have not really been sleeping very well. I really did not know what to do. Part of me wanted to help him immediately. Part of me was angry at the very thought that he may be doing this because he is lazy, or doesn't really want help. As the tears streamed down my face last night I decided I would take this delimna to my faithful readers...all 3 of you...who I know will help me to know what I, or we, should do.

There are several factors that kept me from helping this man. I had my kids in the car. I was scared. I wasn't sure that he actually needed the help. If we did stop would he hurt me or my children? If I gave him money would he waste it on booze or drugs and not the food he was asking for? I didn't have a job that he could do...but would he work for me if I did?

The first excuse is the one that really makes me shutter. I did have my kids with me...but would that not have been an awesome opportunity to show them that we, as Christians, are called to help one another? Why was I scared? I don't really know. I didn't see any places on him that suggested he was carrying a weapon of some kind. He was dirty, but, quite frankly, so was Joe after a day at school.

I have been wondering what would Jesus want me to do? There have been SO many clips on the news and other TV programs that warn us against helping these people. I have never been homeless and without food, but what would I do if I were? If I was starving or if my child were hungry...where would I draw the line? Should I be giving this man something that he apparently needs with strings attached...like, you can't buy drugs with this...make sure you spend it on food. Who am I to make that decision for him?

I feel awful for having not helped this man...is that a sign right there that I should have helped? If anyone out there has any help for me...please share.

Promised photos

I promised photos of my girl. She was gorgeous. I have also posted one of the cute couple. Enjoy!!

Belle of the Ball

Tonight was the big night. Nele was the most beautiful girl at the prom. Hands down. Sorry if that upsets any other mothers or fathers out there, but honestly, I don't care...she absolutely was the prettiest. Actually, there are no adequate words to describe how gorgeous she was. It was like watching a princess. Derek was handsome as well...they were the best looking couple...hands down. They both looked very happy...well, Derek wasn't happy when I was taking all the pictures...but the rest of the time was good. I am glad that he put up with me enough to get some great shots. They arrived to prom in a horse drawn carriage...very fitting for the theme which was "A Fairy Tale Ending". I will try my best to get some pictures posted tomorrow.

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks

As many of you know I have recently started a new job as the Program Assistant for 4-H Youth and Development in Franklin County. If it sounds important...that's just because the title is long. Jennifer, the 4-H agent, would say that she can't live without me, but I know that she could...she would just be very tired all the time. Anyway, I am learning all sorts of new things. I spent two days last week at 4-H Environmental Camp and that was actually a lot of fun. I basically followed Jen around like a little puppy trying to learn the workings of the camp. I did get to sit in on several classes where I held a Black King snake, a Spotted salamander, a Brown Wart toad, a 10 year old female Box turtle, and an Eastern Corn snake. Yes, there are pictures to prove this actually happened, and they have not been doctored on photo shop...just ask Jennifer. I also learned some basics of building a rock wall, like the 1,000s of rock walls found in Kentucky. I would love to try building one for real. It is complicated, but I think I have most of it figured out. It was a fun time and well worth the trip. I hope that when I have to be in charge of an Environmental Camp I will remember all the Jennifer taught me, but hopefully that won't happen for a long time.