The Kirby House!

Have you ever been a part of something that you know might change the world? A couple of blogs ago I spoke about my story and how I was wanting to be a part of something like this. I always thought that it would be in church that I would affect the world. But God is showing me more and more serving out in the world is where he wants me. I have been asked by one of my newest friends to be a board member of a soon to be homeless shelter. Me a board member! I feel slightly underdressed in my pajamas as I reply yes that it would be an honor. I had to give it some thought though. The codependent in me wanted to join right away, because it would be something new exciting and I would feel a part of something. And I do, but that isn't why I joined. There is a deep desire in me to make a difference for God's kingdom and how better to do that then take it to the homeless. This place is even more special than that. It is going to be one of 3 homeless shelters in America that accept pets too. There is one in California and one in Florida. So here is a place that I can use my love of people, animals and those who are hurting. This wonderful place is called The Kirby House. It is just in it's beginning phases. The idea was started by my friend Tiffany, who wanted to create a place where families (whole families) could live while in transition. Many of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. I know that John and I do. What if you were layed off from your job or fired and had no place to go. What if you found a place to spend the night but you had to leave your dog on the street to survive on his own. What if the dog that protected you and comforted you had to be left behind because you couldn't afford rent anymore. During Hurricane Katrina, many animals got abandoned because the help that came weren't equiped to handle animals. Some people love their animals so much they would rather face a storm with deadly consequences than leave their animals abandoned. God put a responsiblility on us to protect and care for those who could not care for themselves. This is my goal in becoming a board member. I hope that I can always do the right thing. Thank You God for giving me an opportunity to be a part of this. I know that your hand is on this project. Help me to do your will and guide me in your path. Also, help me to be bolder in speaking for those who can't speak for themselves. 

So one last thing. I have never asked for money in this blog before. I don't like to solicit people for money even if it is a good cause. But, I do think that I need to put it out there. God gives us everything we have. Our ability to work, our health, our friends our family, even our animals. He wants us to trust in Him to give some of it back to Him; with the realization that He can do great things with it. If you find it in your heart that you are wanting to give some money; would you consider the Kirby House? We are in the of raising $850.00 to get our 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. After we raise that money we will be able to get corporate funding, until then we are solely relying on private donations. Please click here if you would like to donate. Also, I am putting call out there to all my friends to please spread the word about The Kirby House. This place is only going to be built if we can put the word out there. Will you help us? Thank you for listening!

Zoobulation!

So yesterday we took Joslyn to the zoo. I have been craving a zoo trip. Finally with much anticipation we drive the hour it takes to get there. The last time I got to go to the zoo was when Joslyn was about 6 months old. She was standing but not walking and she didn't respond much to the animals as she did to the people. Well this time was much different. I was super excited that we got to go with her daddy. My hubby works very hard to support us and as a result misses a lot of his daughter's achievements. Not the big stuff, but the day to day litlle stuff that makes her uniquely her. John also hasn't been to the Oklahoma City zoo since the new childrens zoo has been erected. And that was the first place we went. John took Joslyn into the petting zoo where she got to pet goats and pigs and donkeys. I stayed with the stroller, but I watched from a far as she gently went up to the goats and petted them like we have taught her to pet the dogs. Gently! She did so good. Then we took her to the Lorikeet exhibit and I think I had more fun watching John with the birds then Joslyn. John was covered in them and was the most popular guy there. The birds were landing on his head and arms and Joslyn was watching the whole thing with wonder. It was hilarious. Then my friend Amey and her son showed up and we got to enjoy good company as we walked through the different exhibits. Walked is the word. John was so good with Joslyn as he walked with her most of the day and was patient. Letting her lead the way sometimes as I just wanted to get to the next exhibit. It was an eye opener to me how sometimes I didn't stop and smell the roses, because they have been there a while. It is good to stop and admire the little steps that she is taking, not just sometimes but all the time. And sometimes it takes someone else realizing it before you can see yourself from a different view. I am grateful that I have a husband that is opposite from me especially when I need it most.

When the day was done, we were all exhausted; but it was a beautiful day in more ways then one. Thank you God for giving me these little moments in life. Thank you that I get to revel in the wonders that you have made like the animals and the trees. Thank you that when I don't always take care of the animals or the Earth that you always do. Thank you for showing me your wonder in the little things in life like through my family and friends.

Be an animal hero!

Do you love animals? My family does. We don't just want a dog that is going to look pretty in pictures. My husband and I love animals! I believe that a love for animals is Biblical! God first made the animals and then when he made Adam he gave him dominion over them. Adam's first children where animals! Now this isn't a blog about not hunting, or breeding or anything like that. But how often do you teach your children love of animals? In our house loving the animals comes naturally, but I know this is not true for all houses. I want Joslyn to love animals! Not so that she will have a dog later in life, but a life long yearning to take care of the animals. The birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and all around us are animals that God has placed in our care. But so often, like the starving people under the highway, we chose to not subject our children to the sorrow, and pass them by. I want Joslyn to grow up with that need to serve the world. The people and the animals. Feeding the birds, walking the dogs, and even taking the kiddos to the zoo, are good ways to get them started! I can't wait to see what her passion is going to be. But my heart will always have room for the animals. Maybe she will too!

Our lives have been so enriched by our animals. And seeing Joslyn react to them and them react to her has been such a blessing. We currently have two old cocker spaniels that are more family to us then some of our relatives. Nickie- our old grey-haired 11 year old male, we call him the Grumpy old man. And Jinger, who is 6 years old and loves to play fetch with tennis balls. We also have two foster dogs right now, Jazzmine and Piper. Jazzmine is a great dane/pointer mix that is probably the sweetest dog imaginable. She is about a year old and very playful, curious and cuddly. Piper is a husky mix and is new to the household. We don't know much about her yet except that she has been kept in a cage most of her life. So we are having fun watching her run and play out here in the country.

I have met many animal heroes lately, and most of them have foster dogs and cats from Best Friends of Pets. Are you looking for an animal? Check out http://www.bestfriendsokc.org/ for your next friend. There are so many animals looking for a home. Please remember that you don't have to have an animal in your home to be an animal hero. Donating to one of the thousand of animal rescue web sites, one of my favorites is http://www.rescueink.com/ . They are motorcycle riding tough guys that rescue abused animals and do everything in their powers to get the abusers convicted and put away!

What can you do to be an animal hero?