Simple Blessings and a Happy Thanksgiving

Good afternoon!

It's the day before Thanksgiving, and I have two things on the brain:

Cranberry sauce and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade!

I am so excited about nestling on the couch with a cup of coffee and watching dancers dance and Snoopy float by. Awwwwwww...Thanksgiving.

But, I'm reminded of something this year that I haven't been in a long time. Maybe if ever during Thanksgiving. For so long it was just a holiday with turkey and dressing to me. But this year, something has changed.

I truly have gratitude. Gratitude to God.

Gratitude that God has blessed me with a wonderful husband, cherished family and friends, and a church family that I truly adore and honor. God is so good and I am so thankful. Without Him, I am nothing and nothing matters. Thank you, Father, for delivering me and seeing me through everything. You are AWESOME!

May each of you have a joy-filled Thanksgiving full of God's blessings and thankfulness in serving the One True God.

Take care and God bless! Gobble Gobble. Or, in my case tofu, tofu!

Chelle and Be a Barnabas :o)

First Be a Barnabas Lunch a Total Blessing

It finally happened...

Yes, on Sunday, November 16, we enjoyed Free Food, Fun and Fellowship at our first Be a Barnabas Single Parent Lunch and Fellowship at VLC Waco. I was so blessed. Meeting all the parents and their children touched my heart. Everyone has a story. And, I am so glad that I had the chance to sit and listen to them all.

I would not have had the chance to sit and meet everyone without the help of my "Barnabas's" (or would that be Barnabi? LOL) who brought food, washed dishes and put all those tables up (Thank you, Hubby!) What a blessing you are to me and to the single parents of Central Texas!

This is only the beginning. Our next Be a Barnabas lunch will be on December 21 immediately following our 10 a.m. worship service. For more info and directions, visit www.vlcwaco.com and click on the Be a Barnabas link. If you do not have a church home, we would love for you to come and visit and enjoy lunch.

That's all I have for now. Stay tuned for articles, tips and other odds and ends that God lays on my heart to share. Until then, be blessed, be encouraged and be loved by God.

To be used by Him,

Chelle and Be a Barnabas

At BaB, We Salute Our Veterans

Today is one of those days. It's one of those holidays that is so good yet so sad to me at the same time.

We salute you. The brave men and women who serve our country preserving our founding values and keep us safe. A heartfelt THANK YOU! goes out to all of you.

And to those who stay behind raising children alone while your spouse is preserving our liberties, I know it is hard, being a single parent who technically isn't "single." But, you are still holding down the fort alone and we honor you as well. Thank you for YOUR sacrifice, your loyalty and love for your spouse, your children and our country. May God bless you and your family.

With much love,

Be a Barnabas @ VLC Waco

It's Finally Happened!!! Be a Barnabas is now at VLC Waco!

I am still in shock and awe. To see God working still amazes me no matter how many times I see it.

With great joy, I want to share with you the latest news from Be a Barnabas.

We are now a real, live ministry encouraging single moms, dads and their children in Central Texas!

God is so good! Be a Barnabas is now a ministry of VLC Waco.

We are here to support, encourage and love God's children. If you are a single parent from any background and any circumstance, please join us at VLC Waco the third Saturday of each month in the gym behind the church for Free Food, Fun and Fellowship. Let's get to know each other and see what God has in store.

If you have any questions, please e-mail us at BeaBarnabas@gmail.com or call the church office at (254) 662-5552.

And, please know, we understand that life brings about seasons. And, just because you are married doesn't mean you're not raising children alone. Spouses go to war. Spouses go the jail. Spouses work too often, or simply aren't there. We love you whatever season you are in. And, we would love to meet you.

If you are in the area, and you would like to serve in the ministry. Please e-mail us.

What we need:

Spiritual moms and dads to serve as mentors
Food provided for our meetings
Food servers and clean-up angels
Monetary donations for emergencies (tax-deductible)
Car and home repair specialists
So much more, I can't even think of them all.

Again, I am so grateful of our Father who put this all in to place. Praise Him!

Encouraging God's children in a discouraging world,

Be a Barnabas