Parker's Heart for the Homeless

Living in New Orleans it is a sad and unfortunate reality that there are many homeless in our city. It is not uncommon to see someone on the side of the road just off an interstate exit holding a sign asking for help. I hate it. Not because I'm bothered by their looks, but I hate that I feel so helpless in helping them. I know the solution to get these people off the street and into a stable lifestyle can be a complicated matter. But that said when possible, I can do a little something to help.
Like I said pretty much anytime we get off the interstate their is someone there asking for help and this hasn't gone unnoticed by Parker. The other day we had this conversation.

Parker: What's that man doing?
Me: He's asking people for help because he doesn't have a place to live or food to eat.
Parker: Why?
Me: I don't know exactly, but sometimes people have things that happen to them and they end up without a way to take care of themselves.
Parker: We could give him our old home.
Me: I wish it was that easy, Bud, but we can pray for him. (Then we said a prayer for him.)

Last night as we laid in his bed and talked about how blessed we were to have such a nice, warm place to sleep in since the weather outside was so cold and wet. Parker doesn't usually like to pray out loud, but last night he wanted to, and he said such a sweet prayer praying for the people who don't have places to live. It just melted my heart. I pray that his desire to help others only grows as he gets older. I know the Lord will be able to do a mighty work through him.

Camp Family Update

 I have been such a terrible blogger lately. I hope to do a better job, but I'm not making any promises. I wanted to give a little update on what is going on in our life.
As of January 2, 2014, we have been in New Orleans for a whole year. This past year has flown by. Sometimes I am just overwhelmed at the fact that we are here. It's amazing to see God working in our lives. It hasn't been easy, but we have sure been blessed through all the hardships and adjustments. God is good.
Paul just began his third semester working on his M.Div. in Counseling.  He is still working as a manager at Chick-fil-a and as the youth pastor at our church, FBC Norco. Yes, he's a very busy man. I am so proud of him. Getting his M.Div. has been something that he has wanted to do since I have known him. Of course, he originally thought he would pursue his master degree right after he graduated from college, but God had different plans. It would have been less stress to not have to worry about providing for a wife and 3 children if he had gone straight from college. He sacrifices so much for us, and we are so grateful for all he does.
The kids and I are enjoying our time at home together. Baby #3 is due February 14 but could come anytime now. We are so excited about adding this precious baby girl to our family.
Parker and Ellis are growing up too fast. They are learning so much. They are best friends and enjoy playing together. Of course, they have their moments where they aggravate each other, but they really enjoy each others company.
I'm going to try to do a better job of blogging. Of course, I can't wait to make the announcement that baby girl has arrived.

Ellis's Prayers

Ellis is our little prayer warrior. She wants to pray a lot which is not a bad thing at all. I just love to hear her little prayers. They mostly consist of the same pattern.

"Thank You so much for Daddy at Chick-fil-a.
Thank You so much for Daddy at church.
Thank You so much for Daddy at the mall (I have know idea where this one came from.)
Thank You so much for Daddy taking a shower.
Thank You so much for Daddy wonnerware (underware).
Thank You so much for Daddy shirt.
Aaaaamen!"

Daddy gets prayed for a lot. I hope her desire to pray never wanes but continues to grow.