Another Valuable Lesson

This weekend I had my food for thought in downtown Toledo. My daughter and her boyfriend came along and they told me “We are hooked” food for thought started out as me getting out of my comfort zone and truly loving my neighbor and has become meeting with friends. One thing I love about food for thought is you don’t know who is homeless and who is a helper, we are all equal and it is truly amazing. Some of the friends I talked with were:

Joan, the mom in the wheelchair gave me some real food for thought. In our conversation she said I like to give the Lord 10% of my time, I give him 2 1/2 hours each day. I have always thought and heard give the Lord 10%, but I never thought 2 1/2 hours of each day give to him. Last night, I was even dreaming about how this can be accomplished and I figured it out. Pray without ceasing 17 – 10 minute prayers throughout the day. I get up and pray in the mornings but not for 2 1/2 hours. I need to work on this. I was thinking all the adversity Joan has had and her faith is strong, what an inspiration! Joan also gave me a recipe for cake mix peanut butter cookies, I would like to try this week and she said the cheaper the cake mix the better, very frugal.

Lee the man with the great smile. I asked him how his week went and he told me he had been scraping a little He likes to scrap copper. I told him I collect cans and go when I have a car load. Lee told me he doesn’t have a car and walks and carries his scrap to the recycling yard. The things we take for granted!

Richard the man that I thought went to be with his children was there this week and I wonder if he is really going. Maybe it didn’t work out with the kids. Family is so important and I hope I always have them near.

There were so many little children this week. With the warmer weather  think we are getting more people. Homeless, low income and I know it is growing with the state of our economy. God’s Blessings on you all, Candy

Today, I went downtown for my food for thought. My husband Randy came with me today and he passed out the eggs and I passed out my candy. I have to say there was a sale on chocolate bars and my homeless friends love chocolate. I just had to smile when some would politely ask can I have a different kind or that’s my favorite. So grateful for a piece of chocolate.

When I arrived Joan the sweet  lady in the wheelchair, said “oh there is my Candy girl.” I finally got to meet her 8 year old son David. He told me he needed a sweatshirt. Joan told me she had told him it was chilly out and he should wear something warmer. He didn’t and now was cold. We found him a coat in the trailer.  When he put it on Joan giggled with excitement, of how nice a coat he received. Joan also told me I only have a few more days to get my Angel food order in. The very first time I met Joan we were talking about our growing boys and she asked if I had heard of Angel food. I thought how wonderful I had met a frugal friend.

Richard the man that is going back to Detroit wasn’t there today. His birthday is tomorrow and he is leaving on Monday. I wanted to say goodbye and Happy birthday, but it is wonderful he has moved on and is going to be with family. He told me last week he wasn’t going to stay with his children but with a friend. He said “Children are suppose to live with their parents not children taking care of their parents!”  When I watched Oprah’s homeless show last week, I did hear parents telling the reporter their children didn’t know they were homeless because “We don’t want to worry them” (their Children).

Jason a younger man that was full of the spirit had a psychedelic headband in his hair when Larry my friend that wears clown make up each week, told Jason he liked it and where did he get it?  Jason said he made it. He told how he cut a shirt sleeve off a t-shirt and now wears it. Very frugal, I thought. Well Larry told him “well, I like it and could you make me one?” Jason said “I can do that man!”

The homeless and less fortunate of Toledo are showing me the sense of community, I think we all have been needed. Working together, helping each other out to make a better day. If we all work together I think we can get through this!

Today’s lesson: Better days are coming, if we work together. Even in need we all have something to offer!

Have you ever received a gift with no strings attached? A gift just because someone wanted to give. This morning after baking cookies for cheerleading and boiling eggs for Food for Thought. My husband Randy and I went out to Bedford Christian Community Church in Temperance, Michigan. I read on Monroe on a Budget The church was to have a free box food give away for Monroe county and Lucas county. No proof of income just come and receive a free box of food. When I read the story my first thought was what’s the catch? I decided to make the drive and check it out. There were quite a few cars when we arrived at 9:04am everyone drove in and a box was loaded in the car and drove out.  The church’s mission

It was very refreshing to see so many in the church giving to so many others.That sense of community I think so many of us are looking for.  Giving with No Strings Attached Like a gift given for all  over 2000 years ago and that’s my food for thought today. God’s Blessings on you, Candy

Thank you to Bedford Christian Community Church for showing a light in this down time and Paula at Monroe on a Budget. If you live in the Monroe or Lucas county area, please check out her site. She finds the happenings and does all the work and we get to reap the benefits.

Last night, I was invited to a bible study at a woman’s shelter in Toledo. I met the leader Michelle, at her home and a few other ladies before, to ride together. Now mind you I really don’t know any of them. Michelle, I met at Food for Thought, my new Saturday routine with the homeless. Michelle invited me in and I sat with them for a few minutes. They were in the middle of a conversation when one said “Yeah, well my mom said her worst day was seeing me go to prison” I knew it was going to be a learning experience.

We paired off in two cars, I rode with Michelle. She asked me “What did you think when you heard prison?” she told me this lady was at the shelter when they started having the Bible study and now is one of the leaders. We didn’t talk about offenses, but she has had 20 years of struggle and is on her way out.

When we arrived the women were happy to see us and they were clearing off the table from dinner and then we could have our gathering. The lady with her 20 year struggle (I call her Lori) lead our study and it was on Deborah found in the book of Judges. Deborah was the only woman leader in the Bible. Lori asked the woman there how many of you think you need a man to get by? There is only one man you need right now and that is Jesus.

After our study we made a craft and had some dessert we brought and I listen to the conversations, I realized men our important to them and many of them have a love reality, which is if I am in love I will be happy.

About the woman in the shelter: When they arrive and change out of street clothes and put on pajamas. The ladies, can only sleep there for the night and in the morning the woman eat breakfast change back into their street clothes and leave. There is no staying in when it is cold or rainy. Relaxing with a cup of coffee. It’s back to the streets for another day. I used to always say I am lucky but have changed my words to I am blessed as I am sitting here writing this enjoying my coffee, warm home, a husband and family that loves me. I am so blessed that my mom raised me in the faith and I know God loves me and I hope these ladies grow to know God is there for them.

I appreciate how honest the women were with me and I will go back in a few weeks.

Today’s Lesson: We all have different walks in life and you may think you know another persons story, my mom also said “you don’t know someones story until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes and to always try to look at the other side of the story.”

It’s Saturday again and I got my Food for Thought! Today my niece Angie went with me and the temperature was awesome, no gloves today. I wanted to say Food for Thought isn’t just to feed some of Toledo’s homeless, I have it decided it’s for me too! When I got downtown I saw my homeless friend, Larry. I introduced my niece to him and he said she always talks about you all the time and Angie said What? I said he is kidding and he just started laughing I said he’s a character and he said yea that’s what they call me! Later Larry was in line for food and he said “what’s wrong with that guy on the phone he sounds crazy” (It was a teenager on a cell phone), I got a chuckle because this was coming from the guy with lipstick not just on this lips but on his cheeks too!

Some new friends I met this week;

Lee, I have seen him before but today I asked his name. Lee has a great smile.

Wayne, a man that stopped to tell me what a blessing it is (Food For Thought) We talked about how warm it is outside and a man named Jim chimed in and said but it’s windy! Wayne quickly said well thank the Lord it’s not below zero like last time. Jim told me of a local Pastor that gave him money to buy a backpack a few weeks ago and he bought one, He was very proud of it. Jim lives at the Cherry street Mission.

Richard, the man that finally reached his family is going home March 8th and his birthday is the March 9th. He told me he doesn’t have sugar and his foot should be fine. I told him I’ve been praying for him and he said “I don’t know how to pray!” I said I really don’t either I just talk to God and he said that’s what I do, just talk. I said well you are praying. He said some great things have been happening and this week he found $20 on the ground and no one was around and God must have known he needed it. Isn’t it funny how the Lord does take care of us,  I have been trying to say I am blessed instead of I am lucky!

Last week, I wrote the Mayor of Toledo about the amazing thing going on Saturday’s in front of the Toledo Library and He has invited me to meet with him Monday. Boy Mike,that young guy that told me to get out of my comfort zone would be proud, I am really getting out of it!

Today’s Lesson: Make your comfort zone more comfortable!

Today was my new Saturday routine, Food For Thought. I brought along some friends  with me to help Lyndsey, Shane  and my friend Katherine. Before we left my 16 year old came out with a small jacket telling me she is ready to go. I told her it is 9 degrees out, you need to wear a winter coat. Lyndsey thought it was dumb and wasn’t even cold. I made her wear it anyway.

This week I wanted to give out something special and share the love of Christ. I had little crosses that had written on them God Loves you.  The first one was given to Mike that young man that told me to get out of my comfort zone. He told me he has decided our church isn’t where he needs to be. He gets frustrated with the people in our church and it just stresses him out to much to try any longer. I have known for a little while I was holding him back but, I was too selfish to let him go. He started a great work getting us old folks out of our comfort zone and making it comfortable but, I guess the Lord has great things for him some where else.

Lyndsey was passing out the eggs and the girl that wasn’t cold needed to go warm up in the car because she was freezing and her little fingers were purple. Sometimes mom’s  are right and I just had to smile.

There was a young lady there without a coat and my homeless friends were worried and told me I needed to get her a coat. She had a sweat jacket on and the truck wasn’t there yet. She was shivering and when I approached her about a coat she told me she didn’t need one she was fine. I found out she is a 17 year old like Lyndsey there to help and isn’t cold. As I am writing this I am remembering how worried the homeless were for her and she was there for them.

Today was a great day of new beginnings:

I met a man name Benny.(I will always remember him because my youngest is named Benny)  He told me about a job is is trying to get and needs tokens for the bus. He is scared because if he doesn’t find some tokens he may lose his chance for his job. He is worried because his rent is due on the fifth. His housing is through HUD and is $25.

Richard the man I met a few weeks ago that got a hold of his daughter on My Space. Helped a man repair some truck windows got a permanent job and it’s $8.25 an hour he is thrilled.

Todd the familiar face I saw a few weeks ago. Found an apartment and is looking for furniture. He looked so happy and told me he is on his way. I am on the look out for some things for his new place.

John came up to me and said thanks for what you are doing and I won’t be seeing you, I got called back to work and I start Monday. He works for a greenhouse and had been laid off and is called back, another happy face.

New beginnings for my dear friend Mike and the men and women at Food For Thought.

Yesterday, I made my way downtown. I was early and I waited with those in line. The host group is there prompt at 10:15.  This week there were more people then usually, typically the last Saturday of the month of the busiest with money tighter at the end.

Derek, the man I meant the first week was there. I told him I missed him the last few weeks and he said he had been ill but, is feeling better.

Jim the business man I met a few weeks back remembered my name and I gave him a few bags for his goodies. He wanted two of the same color to keep things organized.

Richard the man without his cell phone. I asked if he talked to his family he smiled and said Yes. He looked so relieved from last week.

I talked to a man I see every week. I think he is in charge because he gets all the people lined up on one side or the other. He asked me about the candy I was passing out, he likes to take something home to his daughter. I didn’t ask his name, I should have.  During our conversation I found out he is out of work like my husband. Here is one who works so hard to make sure others are not wanting is out of work himself.  We all our struggling from those we serve to us that are serving. I guess it shows we don’t know a persons struggles until we stop and talk with them. I need to do more!

Today’s lesson: Take the time to hear someones story, you just may learn something!

Food for thought yesterday, the temperature was 7 degrees when we made our way downtown. The temperature did not stop Toledo’s homeless from their weekly food for thought. This week our group made eggs again and I think we could have made a few more dozen. I realized  this week it isn’t just the food they receive it the conversation and fellowship between friends. Some of those I got to talk with were;

Richard, from Detroit and has been in Toledo since the beginning of December. Richard told me of a bad sore he has on his foot and he can’t wear boots because they hurt so bad. Richard has 5 children ranging in ages 31- 10. He can’t get a hold of his family to tell them he needed help because he had a prepaid cell phone that was stolen and all his numbers were in it. I had learned a valuable lesson from him- I have so many number in my phone that I don’t have written in a phone book and just like that they can be gone. He is going to try  to connect with his daughter by using the Library computers.

I talked with Jim I met last week for a few minutes and I said Hello and he said “Hi Candy” I thought it was cute since he insisted on calling me Candace last week.

David had a been in the hospital with heart problems. He told me years of alcohol and drug abuse had done a number on this heart and he needed to go back this week. I asked what day he was going back and he wasn’t sure. I wonder if he will go back. I told him he needed to take care of himself and he said he would. I hope he does.

My cousin, Susie sent me a touching story of a lady that loved and gave to those that others thought were untouchable. How God works through people to show his love and a smile can speak volumes to those around you. Remember those who are homeless are just like us and most American’s are just a few paychecks or one bad decision from being right next to them in line for some of our own food for thought.

Even with the snow, very little traffic and gloomy sky our downtown friends came. The snow didn’t dampen spirits or change the need for food and warming supplies. Everyone was patient and pitch in to get things set up. I always like to pass out candy, I have always used the line “my mama didn’t name me Candy for nothing!” This way I get to talk with my new friends ( talking is another thing I like to do and My Grandpa Caughhorn used to call me Windy)  Jason in our group thought candy wasn’t the best thing to pass out, how about boiled eggs, so this week we also brought boiled eggs and they were a big hit. Our groups new goal is to provide boiled eggs each week and I think if we all work together this can be accomplished and me ,I will still bring my bag of candy.

Some of the friends I met: Joan a mother of 2 boys ages 8 and 10. She said her children like to stay in the library and read. She was in a wheel chair tracking through the snow when I met her and gave her some lunches. She thanked us and said things are tight but she tried to stock up some for the winter. I told her I know things are so tight for a lot of people when she said “Have you ever heard of Angel food?”  I told her I love angel food, but what stuck me – she  just like me,is  a mom trying to provide for her family.

Todd a man I met last week that had a familiar face, I remembered he worked at a fast food restaurant in my town and had for a long time, he  was always in the money booth. I asked him how he was and he said “rough, things have been really rough” I said keep your chin up, better days are coming  (A  line my Grandma Young would always tell me – I have to believe she was right) He said “I hope so!”

Jim, a man that reminds me of a computer expert, a professional. I gave him some eggs and he asked me my name I said Candy, he said “Candace?” I said yes and he said “pleased to meet you, Candace”  We talked  about the weather but next week maybe I can get the courage to find out more about his story.

Everyone has a story and I think that story makes us who we are. Those who run Food For Thought change the lives of those they serve and in return those who were served change the lives of those who serve. That’s some real food for thought!

Have a blessed weekend and God’s blessings on you!