Sacrifice...

When Mandy and I started on this Restoration House journey back in August of 2005 we knew it wouldn’t be easy.  I have asked myself over and over again why does this feel so hard.  It is during those times of questioning that God reminds me why we are in this to begin with.  He desires for single mothers and their children to be restored back to all the goodness God intended from the beginning.  God actually desires this for everyone but He has called us to specifically care for this often overlooked group of families.  What Mandy and I have been experiencing to a large degree is sacrifice but our sacrifice is nothing compared to the sacrifice single mothers have to make every day on behalf of their family.  These women often struggle to make ends meet, to provide for their children’s future, and for having the time to care for their children the way they truly desire.  If we can encourage these families toward the wholeness and restoration God can bring through supporting them with love and resources then all of our sacrifice is worth it.

Form 1023...

Ok.  I’m sure the title has you intrigued.  Form 1023 is the 60 page application that has to be turned in with $750 to the IRS in order to gain 501©3 tax exempt status.  You would think after paying $750 they would just turn around and deem you exempt, but no; after they receive the application you don’t hear anything for 6 to 8 months.  Anybody know a good lawyer?

The Pizza Guy...

Today I had a meeting with Doug Harris.  Doug owns more Papa John ’s pizza stores than anyone else.  When meeting with him today he said,"I use pizza to the grow the Kingdom".  Over the years Doug has lived out that statement over and over again.  He helped start the Compassion Coalition, he serves on the board of Knoxville Leadership Foundation, he has given money to Project Grad, and a host of other Kingdom growing activities.  Doug really gets God’s vision for community and Kingdom growth.  He is totally in support of The Restoration House.  In our meeting I was really encouraged by everything he had to say.

So next time you have a warm slice of sausage pizza, think of Doug, the pizza guy and how you can use what God has given you to grow the Kingdom.

City Council...

Well tomorrow is a big day.  Mandy and I are having lunch with Steve Hall, the city councilman for the third district in Knoxville.  The Pine Bluff apartments we are looking at purchasing and renovating are in Steve’s district.  In May he will be voting on a CDBG grant we turned into the city for part of the acquistion costs.  If the Pine Bluff project is ever going to work out we will need his support.  If anybody has any tips for approaching city council feel free to post them.  Other than that your prayers concerning tomorrow are greatly appreciated.

The New Blog

Well it’s time.  I’m entering the world of blogging.  Let’s see how I do.  This blog is going to be for all those who believe in the vision of The Restoration House.  Check back here and we’ll keep you up to date on what’s been going in the life of TRH.