My mom reminded me of a song I used to play on the piano when I was a little girl and later when I became an adult, we used to sing it together. As I read the words again, I thought how appropriate it went with pictures I have from the last two years of our blanket ministry. . .
Thought I would put the two together and share as I am thinking about starting the 3rd year and the new people I might meet and reflecting on the ones I have met. These are just a few of them. If you happen to meet someone new, or old, think about this song and "Reach Out and Touch"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reach out and touch a soul that is hungry,
Reach out and touch a spirit in despair.
Reach out and touch a
Reach out and touch a spirit in despair.
Reach out and touch a
life torn and dirty,
A man who is lonely, if you care.
Reach out and touch that neighbor who hates you,
Reach out and touch that neighbor who hates you,
Reach out and touch that stranger who meets you,
Reach out and touch the brother who needs you,
Reach out and let the smile of God touch through you.
Reach out and touch the brother who needs you,
Reach out and let the smile of God touch through you.
Reach out and touch a friend who is weary,
Reach out and touch a seeker unaware.
Reach out and touch, though touching means losing
Reach out and touch, though touching means losing
A part of your own self, if you dare.
Reach out and give your love to the loveless,
Reach out and give your love to the loveless,
Reach out and make a home for the homeless,
Reach out and shed God's light in the darkness,
Reach out and let the smile of God touch through you.
Reach out and let the smile of God touch through you.
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessons and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
1 John 3:16-18
Reach out and touch someone
( if you live in or near the Bowling Green Area, please start to pray about donating blankets and sleeping bags for this coming winter. I will begin to take them at anytime. New or GENTLY used ones are welcome.
Not only do these go to the homeless but the very needy. Schools and hospitals have called me asking for blankets and we have been able to give to everyone who called because of the generous donations in the past.)
Not only do these go to the homeless but the very needy. Schools and hospitals have called me asking for blankets and we have been able to give to everyone who called because of the generous donations in the past.)
THANK YOU!
The composer of the music and the words is Charles F. Brown.
Copyright 1971 by Word, Inc.
continuing the counting of eucharisteo
roof over my head
walls around mecontinuing the counting of eucharisteo
roof over my head
heat for the winter
air conditioning for the summer
plenty of food
family around me
soap for my body and hair
toothpaste and toothbrush
shoes for my feet
clean clothes
car to get me around
comfortable bed to sleep in
blankets to snuggle in
church home to gather with others in
people who care about me
mercy
love from my Lord
(P.S. For those of you following, my husband found Greg! I have an appointment with him next week-end)
linking with
and
33 comments:
You and your ministry are AWESOME !! Go Kris and GO GOD! Your post charged me for another week!
PS: I added your RSS feed to my blog...just in case you get one of those emails saying somebody linked you. Only lil' ol' me...LOL :)
Beautiful words and beautiful pictures. This is what it's all about. Thanks.
Kristin, your words just tugged and pulled at my heart today. Add to that, the pictures. . .
Beyond beautiful!!!!!! Your ministry, your life, and your testimony have changed me so much, and I can't say thank you enough times. You have such a beautiful heart, Kristin!!!!!
Popped over.....I love the mats for the homeless....my daughter can crochet, but I never learned more than a chain stitch....I could make balls though....I love this idea....do you know if anyone does this in the Nashville area? I would love to help with this in my area.
Blessings~
What a touching post--literally using your hands and Jesus' hands. Thank you for giving, and for your sweet words on my blog today!
Seeing your ministry in action through these pictures, accompanied with the verse...such power and overwhelming love flood my soul.
That is beyond beautiful. It seems most people reach out and text today instead of touch! I love this poem.
Wishing you a happy Monday, Kristin!
P.S.- Know anyone who would like a FREE blog makeover? I'm hosting a giveaway on my blog!
Powerful photos - what a lovely way to extend Jesus' love. I've started collecting plastic grocery bags to make plarn balls with my three girls. And I watched the video for making the mats. This will be our year-long community service and I thank you for sharing it on your site.
What a beautiful song and you've illustrated it so appropriately in photos. There's a song we sing in church that goes 'Reach out and touch somebody's hand, make this world a better place if you can'. You are making the world a better place, my friend, you reach out and touch so many.. not just the homeless but via your blog as well. So glad you found Greg.. looking forward to the rest of his story.
Wish that I lived close by so I could help out. My husband and I are actually thinking of trying to get this ministry introduced in our parish.. maybe God will open the right doors.
Love from Hugs from overseas
I love how you wrote:
"Reach out and let the smile of God touch through you."
That is what I hope to do. No matter where God calls us I pray that we would allow Him to work in us and through us. You certainly are doing that!
Thank you for stopping by and visiting me at Heart Choices.
blessings and love,
Debbie
Thank you so much for your kind words at my blog earlier today, and also for adding my button to your sidebar! I'm honored to be included.... I look forward to getting to "know" you here in the blog world... God bless.
Kristin, I think that song was ingrained in your soul and led the way to your ministry. How awesome! Beautiful and touching photos! Thank you!
Kristin, the poetry and the pictures are heartwarming. God bless you and this wonderful ministry.
Oh, this is beautiful! What an amazing sacrifice.
Kristen, isn't God just incredible? As a child you were playing a song that speaks to your ministry as an adult. Amazing! Beautiful pictures and beautiful words. Love your list of blessings too.
What an inspiring post! Thank you for sharing these photos and lyrics. I know there is more that I can do in my hometown. Praying God's blessings and provisions over your ministry.
Thank you for directing me back here. I am a follower but haven't been following many people lately as I've been busy. I look forward to reading about the blankets. My husband is the Outreach Director at our church and have been working with several, getting them into hotels till they get on their feet. But they are a different level than some of these. WE are actually starting a bible study and meal thing on Wednesdays. Can't wait to read more of your stuff.
This is outstanding. Each of us being an intersection of Heaven and Earth builds the Kingdom of God "on earth as it is in Heaven." I presented a talk on this subject at http://thirdwayliving.org/2011/07/intersections-of-heaven-and-earth/.
Thanks for sharing your story.
I have always loved this song and the practicalness of it. Your pictures are beautiful. I can only imagine the joy you have brought by being the hands of Jesus delivering a blanket.
Fondly,
Glenda
What a blessing you are to so many. Love the title, "Ponderings From the Pond."
Thank you for this reminder to reach out and touch ... thank you for sharing the photos too.
This is beautiful, and I really love the way your gratitude list goes with it so well. So many simple things that we can take for granted.
I live in a rural area. It's so much harder for us to find those in need because if we have homeless, they are out in the country somewhere hidden from view. I pray for the eyes to find them.
Thank you everyone!!! God is so faithful and good! I'm so excited for all the ones who want to start this in your own communities. The statistices show the number of homeless is huge all over and it is growing. They need tangibles, but they also need love poured out to them and to be shown that they are cared about. The one thing I hear all the time is that no one wants to look at them or talk to them. They have lost a lot of self-respect and dignity and confidence. I want them to know there are people out there who do care and more importantly, that there is a Savior who cares!
Debbie, I had no idea my town had homeless until someone told me. I live outside of the town, in the country. But when I purposely went looking, I found. Or really, God led. I was totally surprised just how many we had here. And everyone of them has been very nice and polite with me and I have enjoyed talking with them. My prayer is that I can begin to write their stories and share them however God leads.
Thank you everyone for coming by and leaving your sweet comments, it means a lot!
These pictures are so powerful. Our family just began working as missionaries in an inner city church (we live in the country too - it's about an hour from our home). Last night we handed out flyers and your pictures reminded me of the faces I saw yesterday. God is so in love with each and every one of us, regardless of our homes or our looks or status. So glad to serve alongside you even if we are states away! :)
You inspire, and challenge me. Thank you for your example and for "just being you".
Kristin,
Your pictures said it all...letting people know that they are valuable and precious. Thank you for what you do and for writing about it. It blessed me!
~Erin
www.mynuggetsoftruth.blogspot.com
Kristin, This touched my heart so deeply! Thank you for sharing this! You are such a blessing!
This post was truly humbling, yet heart-warming and inspiring all at the same time. I felt very moved inside my heart as I read this post.
Thank you for sharing this! Also, I thank the people who allowed themselves to be photographed in this sensitive matter.
Yes Ms. Wildflower Cottage,
We are also thankful to them and very appreciative of their cooperation. We always ask their permission before bringing the camera out. We always want them to maintain their dignity and feel comfortable with us. We would never do anything to make them uncomfortable. And no one has ever said no to us. In fact, some come to us when they see the camera for others and ask to have their picture taken.
Thanks for stopping by my corner of the world. What a blessing this post is because it is a reminder that we should all be grateful for everything we have. A friend here in Kuwait started Operation Hope many years ago; she collects blankets, clothing and toiletries for the third country nationals who work in this country. My kids and I have been fortunate to help with packing bags for distribution and the school we are at is big on community service so there is always some sort of fundraising going on. Anyone who has a roof over their heads, food in their cupboards, a bed to sleep in at night and choices in life should never, ever grumble or complain. Wishing you a wonderful day! :) Tammy
So wonderful and totally what jesus would do! Bless you!
What beautiful words and inspiring pictures. You have a precious ministry going, and have such a beautiful soul and passion to share and love all of God's children! :) What a delightful post to start my day! :)
Denise
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