Living on Common Ground

Prayer Request and Story from BK

2011-04-29T15:07:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just LOVE how my husband is able to communicate things through his writing. He has a ministry blog, but instead of posting a link, I am going to copy and paste here for you to read. It was a shared experience one afternoon, and a lot of what he feels, I feel too. So here it is...

by: Bryan Kelly

I am at the end of myself.... again. I have been involved in some pretty big interactions lately where things didn't go the way I would have wanted them to go. People I am trying to love don't seem to see eye to eye with other people I am trying to love. I feel a little sorry for myself, sorry about myself... and tired. There seems to be a lot of loose ends, many that I have created, many that I haven't, and some that I can't even imagine what resolution looks like. I say that on this format mainly to try to figure out what's going on inside of me and to solicit any of those reading to pray for me.

I am asking the Lord to rescue me from many things. I need Him to rescue me from the place of shame and insecurity that I tend to stumble into. Also, I want Him to rescue me from the place of me playing the martyr... where i seek affirmation and people on 'my side' to the point of me not being honest about my addiction to and contribution towards the chaos around me and in me. I need to be rescued from my 'fix it yourself' mentality and my 'shut down and act paralyzed' mentality all at the same time!

Pray for me that I would find my affirmation in God, that I would trust Him, and that I would find true direction, take healthy responsibility, and live out of real repentance right now!

Now for an anecdotal story... I offer a situation I faced last week that seems to define how things are going.

I returned home the other day to see a lady resting on our porch and talking with my wife, Delta. We have had many interactions with her over the last 4 years. She is mentally ill and is the butt of many jokes as well as mistreatment in our neighborhood. She is highly emotional and suffers from many severe mood swings, often in the middle of the same conversation. We have never had any disagreements with her. We thought we had always treated her kind and with dignity.

The conversation started nice enough. We caught up a bit, Delta responded to her requests for food and some finger nail polish (don't ask, I couldn't do the scene justice!) then she looked at me and yelled, "Give me some money for a whopper!" It was kind of funny. I told her she was welcome to eat with us but that I didn't have any money on me for a whopper. She then said, "You never give out money!" That is actually kind of true. That's a long conversation on what actually helps and what doesn't. She then said, "You are supposed to give from the heart!" What a loaded accusation.... And according to who said it, what they meant, who received it, and what one might be thinking it is challenging! It's like throwing out a political talking point, or a racially charged statement that lands hard.

What can you do with a tough accusation like this? "You never give out money... And you are supposed to give from the heart?" It is connecting two truths... Yet can be true or not according to the day, the person, the motive, the situation, etc. It is complicated! As she made the accusation, I began to justify myself in my head, recounting all the things we had done for her, especially when all of her own family had not done so. I then thought about the people that I refuse money to EVERY day that ask for it up and down our community streets.

She then dropped her second bomb: " What you think I am going to do, smoke it up or drink it up?" That's exactly what I thought, honestly. There was good reason to think it. I had seen her at the crack houses on many occasions. It all comes flooding in... stereotypes, real life history, odds, prejudices, pride, confusion, frustration, inability to know what's right in the moment, more pride, selfishness, inconvenience, did I mention pride?

She then began to spew out rants as she made her way up the block. "y'all just think you can move into our neighborhood and post up on our block! Y'all wouldn't stand for us to come live in your neighborhoods! You are either a drug dealer or the police! We don't want y'all here. White people! Who you think you are?!?!"

In hindsight... it hit me.

I hate being accused of anything. I hate not knowing what to do. I hate defaulting into not doing anything while justifications flood my mind. I hate the feelings of frustration and insecurity. In those moments I really want to be sure, and to be affirmed. I often forget that God did not call me to Himself and here to feed off the reactions and opinions of others whether positive or negative. Events like this and the ones I have been going through lately really flush out my motives.

Frustration, for me, comes when things don't get fixed... when I don't get fixed. I have had to trust the Lord in the middle if my neighbors rants, in the middle of conflict among my brothers and sisters, and in the middle of my failures and tensions.

God must really love me to use these things to bring me back to this point: What does He really think about me, and why am I doing what I do?"

Am I his son, and am I doing this for the glory of God and for the love of people, or do I have other motives? I smiled yesterday and the weight lifted as I was enabled to remember the truth.

God is good!

(here is his blog address : http://web.me.com/cgmal/Site/Bryans_Blog/Bryans_Blog.html)

The Annex

2011-04-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

Our latest initiative as a ministry has been to create a very unique space with a building we acquired across the street from our current facility.

It will be an place with several functions, this is quoted from the sponsors press release:

"The Annex was created by renovating an existing 4,300-square-foot building adjacent to the CGM's main facility on Mobile Street in West Montgomery. The Annex will house the Urban SEED Xchange, a program that will provide entrepreneurial training for youngsters in grades 7-12, and space for the House 2 House program, which helps families achieve the dream of home ownership. The renovation project lasted 30 days and Beasley Allen donated $60,000 and many hours of sweat equity to help bring it to fruition."

Our ribbon cutting ceremony was very special and meaningful. I can't wait to report the ways God uses this building to extend His reign in our neighborhood!

Fixing my eyes

2011-04-27T07:41:00.001-07:00

Sometimes things seem hopeless.
There was a HUGE Easter party in our neighborhood park on Sunday, given by our "famous" local drug dealer. People come from all over the city, bringing their kids.
We drove past on our way home from my parents house and were amazed at the number of people! About ten minutes after getting home, we heard gunshots and saw people running down the street, toward our house. Somebody had fired shots into the crowd. For the next hour or so rumors flew. The final story is that 2 people were hit, but did not suffer life threatening injuries. (Thank you, Lord!)
Bk walked down there in the midst of it all to see if the people involved were any of "our" people :) I really do experience the peace of Christ in these situations, knowing that God and his angels are with Bk when he needs to do things like this.
I kept our kids inside, started the bedtime routine, and felt myself begin to feel overwhelmed. I take that feeling and transfer it to my parenting/ home, when in reality I believe it's a desire to control this community and protect it from evil.
But that's Gods responsibility.
HE IS here, and at work, and I need to trust Him and his timing.
But I also need to pray more. To fight this battle on a spiritual level. Fighting against the powers of darkness as I seek the Lord and His reign over this neighborhood.
I have tried to remember to FOCUS my thoughts on Jesus, eternity, souls of people and the sovereignty of God. This is a challenge for me, because apparently my thoughts are focused on cleaning my house, changing a paint color, yard-work, kids disobedience and disrespect, etc etc etc. As I take the initiative to refocus, I am experiencing grace.
Please pray for me! I want to truly experience victory in this!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Have you seen our garden?!

2011-04-17T15:53:00.001-07:00

We even have chickens!!

2011-04-16T11:15:00.001-07:00

I've been updating my blogs this weekend and I'm so glad I found an easy way to do it. This is a test to see if it will publish to Facebook :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Saturday fun

2011-04-16T10:46:00.001-07:00

There are now 5 boys that we know the Lord wants us to invest in- 3 from one family, 2 from another. We usually have some or all at some point on the weekends. They are wonderful- and wonderfully cute :)
They played outside all morning and now it's art time apparently.
Pray for these boys that God would use us to help them know Him and His love in deep and precious ways.

Bike shop in the backyard!

A party every Saturday

Deltas art class- haha - yeah right!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

maybe I can do this after all

2011-04-15T13:24:00.001-07:00

So I just figured out an app for my phone that allows me to blog from it... Yay !
I am sorry I have been a terrible blogger but this may help- no promises!
The picture below is from spring break and whats missing is my precious sister and her baby boy. It was a crazy week, but full of fun and adventures. I have been volunteering one afternoon a week at CGM and I really so love it. I have a table full of 5th graders!
I will do a post soon about some health scares I've had lately, but just know I really am fine.
My boys are great and I can't believe another school year is almost over.
Well, I'm going to post this now and check it out. Hopefully , more to come soon :)

Eternal Perspective

2010-11-17T07:51:00.000-08:00

BK sent me a text on Friday asking me if 3 little boys could spend the night that night... As usual it was a test of my spirit... and I pretty much failed.

I said yes, but really struggled with a bad attitude - just not wanting the extra work. The boys came and they were wonderful - so cute (they loved all of Ethan's costumes), and very well behaved.

I asked for prayer from Antoinette, and she was so great at speaking truth to me that has come up again and again all week in my heart. She reminded me that the Lord had ordained for those boys to come over and I could not know the eternal benefits that He could have planned just because of their time here. I had a quiet time on Saturday morning (the boys were all up at 6:15 am!), and the Lord really strengthened me and renewed my eternal perspective. Over the 7 bowls of cereal later that morning, I was truly thankful.

Later that week, as I was praying, I realized that really believing that God is weaving a beautiful story at ALL times gives ME purpose as well. I began praying that God would raise up my sons, my godson, and the children in our lives to be the next-generation leaders in His kingdom. I pray that I would be a faithful parent, wife and minister so that His story will be filled with people who stand for Christ because I truly loved the Lord and made Him known to them.

Finally - a picture of Demetrius Jamal Reynolds!

How this lifestyle is saving me #3

2010-11-10T10:05:00.000-08:00

"Let it GO!"

My family didn't have tons of money while I was growing up, but we always had everything we needed. One of my favorite memories is the day I was able to buy my grandmother's convertable from her for $900 - money I had saved from working at American Eagle in high school. I was a senior and it was a GREAT first car! I loved driving up and down Troy Highway on my way back and forth from Troy to Montgomery with the top down and music up. God provided scholarship money for college and my parents were able to cover my housing and meal plan costs. Life was SO good..... Except that my car broke down. a lot. And every time, I would PANIC. How was I going to pay for it? Even if I had the money, I didn't want to spend it on CAR PARTS! One of my sweet friends always suggested that I take it to her dad, a mechanic, and he would always fix it -s ometimes for free, but often I ended up paying something, and the Lord always provided. The main point is : even though God always provided and showed Himself faithful, I would still have that sick feeling in my stomach (fear, worry, anxiety, greed) every time the check engine light came on.

That pattern continued into my early years of marriage, ministry and child-raising. LOTS of anxiety of having to spend money I thought we just didn't have.

That feeling was still very much a part of my life even in the first year of living here in the hood... If I give away all my snacks, what will my kids eat? If I spend all my money on food for my family and countless neighbors, is that good stewardship? If I pay someone else's power bill, will I have enough money at the end of the month to make it?

Sometime as that first year came to a close, I began to hear the Holy Spirit, loud and clear : "Let it GO!"

He wanted me to STOP worrying and to give. He wanted me to stop being greedy and be generous. He wanted to prove to me that He would meet all of my needs, and that I needed to let go of some of my wants. It was an AMAZING freedom to really start to let go... even if it meant going BACK to the grocery store for the 3rd time that week. I was literally telling myself out loud to just let go.

And that was just the beginning of what God was wanting to do in my heart.

Over the last 2 years, He has been telling me other things I need to let go of...

*clean floors - sounds funny, but the more I held on to the idea that my floors had to be clean, the more unhappy I was!

* peace and quiet - now there is a time for that for sure, but PEOPLE (esp kids) make noise, and PEOPLE are the very heart of God!

*the things of this world - sound familiar ? - I think there are a few verses in the Bible about that :) - but I tell you, the more I pray to Love the Heart and purposes of God, the less room there is for selfish comforts and pleasures. Now THAT is cause for a whole seperate post!

I know He is not even close to finished working on the super-selfish heart of mine. I am so thankful for the growth I have seen in this area and hope to see even more as the years go by.

PS - did I tell you I am an official god-parent?! My godson was born on my birthday - Oct 12. I am so blessed! I would attach a pic, but my computer freezes every time I try :(

How this lifestyle is saving me #2

2010-10-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

This was the first song that came on my Pandora Radio this morning as I was doing some cardio, and I was loving it!

It paired perfectly with a quote from a sermon by Platt: "We don't come to God to get stuff - prosperity, blessings, etc - We come to God to get GOD!"

I have to check my heart almost every day on this issue and I fail often. But I do see a change in me and I know He is giving me more and more desire for HIM and not stuff. Living here has helped reshape my needs vs wants. I want to see my life as in the midst of a WAR for the kingdom, and this war requires the things God has entrusted me with - my time, possessions, gifts, and money.

I do want God - do you?!

Things Like You by Sanctus Real

Loving things like you has wrecked my life, made me cry
Loving things like you has made me lose my mind
And I can't figure out why I've been hanging on
To all these things I've tried to leave behind me for so long

And I think it's time to find a better way to live my life
Than loving all those things that keep me wrapped so tight

Everyone wants everyone else's eveything
Some time's the more we have the less we really gain
I'm tired of life and all that money has to buy
Get out of my heart, out of my mind, leaving you behind

Loving things like you has left me bruised, black and blue
Loving things like you has made me so confused
And I can't figure out what I've been waiting on
God I can't be living for things I know are wrong

Now I think it's time to write a better chapter in my life
Leaving all those things that keep me wrapped so tight

Why are we obsessed with possessions here on earth?
Go and take a look at the flowers and the birds
God is always taking care of nature's every need
And how much more important in The Father's eyes are we?
I said, how much more important in The Father's eyes are we?
He sees everything

I told you he says this all the time!

2010-09-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

I want to announce that our ministry website is fresh off the press! Newly renovated and wonderful!

Part of the new design is a "back-site" that includes lots of video, photos and blogs from each staff member. I have been so encouraged and blessed reading what our staff are learning. So, take a little time today to check it out. Also, I am putting a link to a specific blog entry my husband wrote, apparently at the same time I was writing the previous post here. Great minds think alike!

Common Ground Montgomery

Bryan's Blog Entry

How this lifestyle is saving me #1

2010-09-22T08:07:00.000-07:00

One of my husbands favorite things to say is, "We didn't come to save this neighborhood; in fact, this neighborhood is saving us." I've always felt like I understood what he meant by that, it's also been a tough pill to swallow. Because it means that we are weak. It means that we don't have all the "answers" and in fact, we have brought 6 more sinners to this neighborhood!! There are MANY ways that this way of life is "saving" us, and realizing this has been a little difficult. I honestly have felt so EXPOSED for who I really am.

Now at this point, some of you are thinking things like, "Yeah, but, I could NEVER do what you do! It's amazing!" "You and your family are Christian super-heros!" It sounds ridiculous, but I have actually heard people say it. several times. The problem is, it's just not true. We are Christians, saved by Jesus, who still need A LOT of sanctification! Choosing this path has been very revealing of the true condition of my heart, and I feel as though the Lord want me to share some of the ways He has broken me.

So the biggest issue of my heart has been an exposed lack of love for people. I've always been called tender-hearted and compassionate. So I think I really believed that I loved people. Honestly it was easy to believe that I loved people, because I hadn't been faced with loving people as a PRIORITY second only to my love for God. He really wants us to be "neighbors" to people that aren't very lovable, or simply seem to be too many to love. And to make it even harder, He doesn't want us to just be "casserole" neighbors (not knocking a good casserole!), but he want us to be "i'll walk through all your crap with you" kind of neighbors. NOW THAT IS HARD! It also means that we can't just see people on Sundays (like I like to believe) and have the same kind of impact that doing life with them though out the week can bring. SO what's my problem? People are MESSY and they break things! I will have to work harder because I've had them in my home. People are complicated, and it takes TIME to figure out relationships - time I just don't want to give. CAN YOU SEE THE IDOLS IN MY HEART?!?!

But God has been amazing to me. He has revealed all this in my heart and is slowly changing me. I am under MUCH conviction of the Holy Spirit, in ways I never had before. I have been encouraged by some amazing preaching that has shed even more light on these precious idols of my heart. But I am most amazed at GOD'S love for people and I want to obey and follow Jesus in how he wants us to do this. Most importantly, He is showing me the big picture of His kingdom - made up of the soul's of men and women - and it is going to take everything I've got to play my role as His ambassador. His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in my weakness! Praise HIM!

An Apology

2010-09-15T13:26:00.000-07:00

I dropped the ball.. Actually I threw it FAR FAR away from me!

I got a little overwhelmed by life and just quit blogging.

I am sorry.

I really want this to be a vehicle for people to stay connected to our ministry and our family.

So if there are any readers left out there... I will certainly try to do a better job. And thankfully, the Christmas banner at the top of the page is now gone, although I may as well have left it up for a few more months!

I leave you today with a quote from the book Radical by David Platt that has changed my life!

"...we are starting to redefine Christianity. We are giving in to the temptation to take the Jesus of the Bible and twist him into a version of Jesus we are more comfortable with.

A nice, middle-class, American Jesus. A Jesus who doesn't mind materialism and who would never call us to give away everything we have. A Jesus who would not expect us to forsake our closest relationships so that he receives all our affection. A Jesus who is fine with nominal devotion that does not infringe on out comforts, because, after all, he loves us just the way we are. A Jesus who wants us to be balanced, who wants us to avoid extremes, and who, for that matter, wants us to avoid danger all together. A Jesus who brings us comfort and prosperity as we live out our Christian spin on the American dream.

But do you and I realize what we are doing at this point? We are molding Jesus into our image. He is beginning to look a lot like us, because, after all, that is whom we are most comfortable with. And the danger now is that when we gather in our church buildings to sing and lift up our hands in worship, we may not actually be worshipping the Jesus of the Bible. Instead we may be worshipping ourselves."

WHAT?!?!?! Yeah, he said it. And yeah, this blog may just have taken a turn for the RADICAL~~!

Common Ground Update 12/17/09

2009-12-17T13:30:00.000-08:00

A Year in review....

As I reflect on the last year I am extremely encouraged about the ways our ministry has grown. Some of the growth has been pretty drastic. Our team has grown from a staff of 3 to a staff of 9 (6 full time staff and 3 part time). We have staff focusing on men’s ministry, women’s ministry, biblical counseling (including family, marital, pre-marital, and abused and traumatized women and children), after school tutoring, bible studies, home building and renovation, college ministry at Alabama State, and other developmental areas of our community including job placement and financial crisis help. Last February we purchased an old building on 7 acres of land. We worked hard with folks all over the city to se e it renovated and begin to be used as our home base and a resource blessing to our community. It’s really amazing! Now, 100 kids show up daily during the week for our developing afterschool program. All of these kids stay for bible studies and dinner on Wednesday nights. Monday andTuesday nights we host women’s and men’s bible study. Also, thirty teenage and young adult drop outs come to our facility daily to work on their GED's and learn construction skills through the 'Youth Build' program. This year we have participated in an emergence of men being called out of gang and drug influences and into Kingdom living with Christ that has been a true demonstration of God's power. One is restoring his marriage, one got married a month ago, and two are pursuing marriage and look to be married over the next year! This is an incredible witness of God! God is truly using us together with the Montgomery Christian community as a light in this city. God is working! Thank yo u for joining in this effort at so many entrances!

a request.....

I am writing to request that you consider a year end gift to CGM. Like everyone, the economy has affected our giving. We still have $100,000.00 in renovation debt that we have 6 months to retire under a current loan. We also would love to start 2010 off in a position of strength as we forge ahead in new initiatives (and many creative ones are brewing!)

Thank you for prayerfully considering this. He is risen! I hope you enjoy and walk in that fact as we celebrate His birth over the holidays!

Common Ground Update

2009-12-09T07:19:00.000-08:00

Christmas Store 2009

Our store is next week. I thought I would take a minute to explain the store for you just in case you have missed our heart or have never heard the explanation of what the store is, and why we do it the way we do it. We chose the ‘store’ model rather than the ‘give away’ model because, for our context, we believe it is the most dignifying way to love our neighbors. We want to partner with parents and grandparents, rather than go around them by doing for their kids and grandkids. In our neighborhood we do have a high degree of households living below the poverty line. Our strategy is to provide a way for our neighbors to both contribute to their kids, AND be blessed by the opportunity the store offers to buy toys at reduced prices (30- 40% of the retail value). The discounts help tremendously. Last year, one of our neighbors was overjoyed as she shared that she was able to pay all her bills and buy Christmas presents for her children for the first year. We have learned a lot from the store and from our neighbors. When neighbors don’t feel like ‘charity cases’ they tend to be more open to real relationships. Many of the recipients of our store now volunteer at the store, doing everything from helping us purchase and price the toys, stock the shelves, wrap gifts, run the cash registers, and help with carrying the gifts to people’s cars. The atmosphere of the store is different also. Its fun… there is joy and real conversation and participation. It’s not an ‘us vs. them’ environment. It’s just us. Of course, we get taken advantage of. Some come to the store trying to ‘get over’ on us. Some have changed price tags out, lied, been rude and acted as if w e owed them something. But this is the exception, not the rule. The store is a blessing to our community. Last year over 300 kids received 3 presents apiece through our store. This year, we honestly anticipate over 600 kids to be bought for (if we have enough presents donated). Would you consider helping pull the store off this year? We really need toys, money, or gift cards to go towards the store.

Here are some quick helpful facts:

1. The dates of the store are December 14th-18th , from 4-7 p.m. daily. We will be accepting toys and money up until the night of the 17th.

2. The store will be held at our newly renovated building (1516 Mobile Rd.)

3. If you choose to buy baby dolls, please buy ‘brown skinned’ baby dolls.

4. You can serve with us by donating toys, helping us price toys, stock shelves, help with gift wrapping, and help carry out the loot to people’s cars.

5. If you buy toys, the age range is 1-15 years old, and you would help us tremendously if you would place a new price tag on the toy at 40% of the retail value. The price range is up to you.

6. Please call Kevin King 657-7049 if you can help.

Basketball Court

We are kicking back off our new basketball court fund raiser as well. Would you consider donating a few bucks to complete this court? Check out the following video to see if you would be interested in adopting a few feet of our court.www.6000feetaway.com Also, please send the link to anyone you think in your address book that could spare a few bucks.

Just Like Me...

2009-12-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

This is a blog post from my friend and staff partner, Nicole, that I wanted you to read:

"Did you know that there is FINALLY a Disney Princess who looks like all of the princesses in my neighborhood?! Imagine growing up and most of the stories you watch in the movies have heroines who don't look like you......"

One of my close friends( and staff family) sent the above statement out this week in an email to some of our supporters to help raise funds to send 25 of our young girls to viewDisneys The Princess and the Frog. I immediately began to weep in tears because she hit the heart of a issue that has been around in the black community for decades. Many of the little girls I talk with in our neighborhood and beyond have self image issues (including myself). It makes it difficult, and more of a challenge to ONLY see dolls, stories, and/or your positive role models to be of another race. In the African American community many times beauty is seen as having long straight hair, blue eyes, and lighter skin. I can remember growing up not wanting to play with dolls that looked like me, simply because it wasn't what was said to be "pretty". I cant even begin to imagine what a movie like this will do to many girls that have( or had) a mindset similar to mine. That my friends makes me excited!!

We( staff wives) are just overwhelmed with joy to take our girls to see this movie. Would you please pray for out time with these girls?? Pray that the LORD would make this such a precious time together, and as my friend says, pray that each girl will long to be princesses of the TRUE KING!

Conversation with Bryce

2009-12-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

I think that one of the biggest questions and concerns people have for us is about the influence of our community on our children. I agree that it is a bit scary, but we have a high commitment to be constantly processing life with our kids, and so far, I am pleased with the results. I thought I would share some encouraging moments with our oldest, who asks a lot of questions and is always paying attention... :)

Conversation #1: Bryce with a neighbor friend who was spending the night:

"Bryce, you wanna ... mom... dad..... sleep........?" (who knows what he wanted to do!)

(Looking at him very seriously,) "No, cause that would be disobeying."

Conversation #2: On the way home from school in the van:

"I am SO thankful that I get out of school at 12:30 instead of 3! I would have like 3 more hours of school today! And it's a christian school, so that's good. That is a long time for those kids to be under the influence."

"Under the influence of what, Bryce?"

"Sin! You know, the kids who get to go to bible study on Wednesday nights, that's all they get. Then they have to spend all those hours in school under the influence. Why don't they go to a christian school?"

How would YOU answer that question?!

Common Ground Update

2009-12-02T07:49:00.000-08:00

Real Men Rising Up From the Ashes & a Common Ground Christmas Store

December 2, 2009

Real Men Rising Up From the Ashes

Men, rising from the ashes…..

I would like to introduce you to 5 emerging leaders in our neighborhood. All five are fairly new Christians. One of them was shot in the stomach two years ago, and returned the favor shortly thereafter. Another was serving a life sentence in prison as a third strike offender before being released on parole. Another was shot in the chest a year ago while high on cocaine, lying in a pool of his own blood; he looked up and accepted that he was going to die as he blacked out with friends and family watching. A fourth man has opened up a barber shop across from our building and struggles to make ends meet with a legitimate business while many of his friends sell drugs. The fifth man is 19 years old , is a talented young artist, and is battling the temptations of the streets and the struggle of a past of abandonment, and the loss of his mother at a young age. All of these men have grown up on our streets. They have not had the experience of the presence of a father in their lives. The ‘odds’ aren’t stacked in favor of these men. They are not ‘qualified’ to do a lot of things. They have a history of pain, violence, destruction, abandonment, oppression; and yet…. God has redeemed them.

They have a hunger for God, a deep love for those who are deceived and broken in the community, and a passion to demonstrate God’s Kingdom. All of these men are involved in a bible study that Alonzo Brown, one of our staff, is leading on Tuesday nights across the street from our facility at a barber shop. They are recruiting other men from our streets to attend the bible study. It is real…. raw… and a beautiful expression of testimony, struggle, vulnerability, honesty, and a clear declaration of the Gospel every week. We are sharing life with these men. God is teaching us much through them and the wisdom he has granted them. We are coming alongside them to offer what we can to train and ‘disciple’ them in their walk with Christ. They are coming alongside us to do the same as they share their gifts, perspectives, experiences and wisdom with us.

We sat around our office the other day and talked of what God was doing in our lives and neighborhood. I listened as they shared how God was using them to talk with young boys who come in the shop. They spoke of deterring young kids from ‘gang’ fights, of destructive decisions, and hopeless behavior. Four of the five men are now standing up as the ‘first’ generation of fathers. They are accepting responsibility to raise their children ‘in Christ’ and be there for them. One of them recently lamented, “We have never seen what a father looks like. We are having to break these patterns and learn to father our kids.” When they speak of what God is doing on our streets their eyes light up. They dream of what can happen as we live out the Kingdom of God together. They are the rising leaders. I have never seen anything like watching them share their faith in the street. It is an extreme blessing to participate with them and to be used by God to invest in them. If you want to be encouraged, come over and visit these gifted andpassionate men of God. Please pray for Charles, Corey, Jeremy, Jermaine, and Irvin. It is powerful for our neighborhood kids to see these men begin to ‘stand in the gap’ and model what real men look like. Resurrection is a beautiful thing.

Common Ground Christmas Store

This year will be the third year that we will have our annual ‘Christmas Store’ in the neighborhood. Will you consider being a part of it? We took some wisdom from others who have gone before us in other urban contexts and decided that we would open up a Christmas ‘store’ rather than ‘give away’ free toys to kids. Rather than going around the parents for Christmas, we decided to allow parents in our neighborhood the same joy that you and I get when we get to see our children open the gifts that we were able to contribute towards for them. Knowing that many of our parents are not able to provide much and still pay the bills, we open up a store where toys are sold at 30 to 40 percent of the retail values. We take in donated toys, money, and toy store gift cards and set up our store in the ‘hood. The ages to be bought for are 1 year old through 15 year olds. This year it will be at our new building! You can help in a lot of ways. You, and any social or business group you are a part of, can either donate money, buy toys, or donate gift cards from Wal-Mart or Toys R Us, to Common Ground Montgomery and we can stock our shelves accordingly. You can also serve by helping stock and re-stock shelves, price toys, help us go and buy the toys, help us ‘gift wrap’ toys during the store after ‘check out’ and help carry the toys out to people’s cars. Sorry, but we already have two or three feisty neighborhood ladies who run the cash registers! Trust me… they are best suited for the job.

Christmas Store Quick Facts:

Store dates and hours: December 14th-18th from 4-7 P.M.

Location: 1516 Mobile Road, Montgomery, 36108.

Drop off dates: From now till the 17th of December (please call for coordination)

Number to call: 657-7049 Kevin King

Thank you for your prayer and partnership. I am humbled to be on your team.

Bryan Kelly Founder, Common Ground Montgomery

Common Ground Update

2009-11-25T07:18:00.000-08:00

A Holy Hangover and A Christmas Store Nov 2009

Holy Hangover

We have now had 4 days to consider the ‘hangover’ significance of our Grand Opening. I asked myself, “What happened? How important was it, really?” I am convinced that it was and is one of the most important milestones I have ever personally been a part of. The meaning, for me, lies in the fact that so many people, from different races, economic backgrounds, family backgrounds, and other life experiences came together on the property that itself was a picture of ‘resurrection’ to celebrate it’s opening. The presence of those who participated, though it was powerful and a beautiful picture of the Kingdom of God was even small compared to the actual amount of people who gave of themselves to see this building come together. So many people who reside inside and outside of our ‘hood gave of their abilities, sweat, blood, financial resources, leveraged their relationships, and kept showing up together time and time again over the last 9 months. We would pray, and the right people would continually ‘show up’. Some would come consistently and chip away, like small armies (Sunday School classes, fraternities and sororities, campus groups, singles groups, persistent individuals, youth groups, etc.) Others would show up with heavy artillery when needed. But, the constant theme was that God brought the right people, at the right time. He multiplied resources. We were able to celebrate what God was doing among us together. The building gives us the space to be creative and invest in our community in ways we had been dreaming of and in ways have yet to dream of. I look forward in the coming weeks to inform you of all the encouraging initiatives going on in the building daily. This week alone we will have just under 150 kids and young adults participating in bible studies, tutoring, and job skills training. The importance of our ‘party’ was that it represented all of our coming together to practice ’resurrection’. Nothing short of our coming together would have glorified God this way. I was able to look into the eyes of kids from all over our city and see joy. I was able to look into the eyes of so many adults from all over our city and see strength and excitement. Thank you for celebrating the opening with us, whether you were physically present or not, we know you celebrate together with us what our Father is doing among us.

Our Christmas Store

This year will be the third year that we will have our annual ‘Christmas Store’ in the neighborhood. Will you consider being a part of it? We took some wisdom from others who have gone before us in other urban contexts and decided that we would open up a Christmas ‘store’ rather than ‘give away’ free toys to kids. Rather than going around the parents forChristmas, we decided to allow parents in our neighborhood the same joy that you and I get when we get to see our children open the gifts that we were able to contribute towards for them. Knowing that many of our parents are not able to provide much and still pay the bills, we open up a store where toys are sold at 30 to 40 percent of the retail values. We take in donated toys, money, and toy store gift cards and set up our store in the ‘hood. The ages to be bought for are 1 year old through 15 year olds. This year it will be at our new building! You can help in a lot of ways. You, and any social or business group you are a part of, can either donate money, buy toys, or donate gift cards from Wal-Mart or Toys R Us, to Common Ground Montgomery and we can stock our shelves accordingly. You can also serve by helping stock and re-stock shelves, price toys, help us go and buy the toys, help us ‘gift wrap’ toys during the store after ‘check out’ and help carry the toys out to people’s cars. Sorry, but we already have two or three feisty neighborhood ladies who run the cash registers! Trust me… they are best suited for the job.

Christmas Store Quick Facts:

Store dates and hours: December 14th-18th from 4-7 P.M.

Location: 1516 Mobile Road, Montgomery, 36108.

Drop off dates: From now till the 17th of December (please call for coordination)

Number to call: 657-7049 Kevin King

Thank you for your prayer and partnership. I am humbled to be on your team.

Bryan Kelly Founder, Common Ground Montgomery

Party Over Here!

2009-11-19T06:06:00.000-08:00

I totally STOLE this post from Nicole, but I wanted you all to know about this and simply don't have the time to do my own post. (sorry, nic! love ya! lol)

Outside the gates of our ministry building is a huge sign my that reads:

Common Ground Montgomery Block Party
CELEBRATING THE OPENING OF OUR NEW MINISTRY BUILDING
Food * Games * Entertainment * Open House
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Tour of Building and Neighborhood Block Party!

I am sure I can speak for the entire staff when I say, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude to the LORD and all HE has done, is doing and will continue to do in our neighborhood! Its hard to believe just three years ago, we,(the Kellys and the Kings) were only thinking on such things to happen. We never imagined it would happen this fast. There has been a lot of trials, but the LORD has remained FAITHFUL, GOOD, and TRUSTWORTHY! What a honor and joy it has been to serve HIM!

Please pray for our time TODAY. Pray that many in our neighborhood will witness the glory of the LORD and long to have a relationship with Him. Pray as well that the LORD would bless our ministry financially so that we can continue to do the work of the KINGDOM!

Prayer requests

2009-11-15T15:16:00.000-08:00

It is very common in neighborhoods like mine for there to be homes with no electricity or water. I must confess that knowing that precious friends and their children are going without these basic things is VERY hard for me.

There are 4 children coming to my house tonight to bathe.

How did water become unaffordable?

I am sure there are many answers to that question. But regardless of your opinion, please pray for me that I will know how to help in these very difficult situations. I need wisdom and creative ideas!

Keeping the main thing, the main thing

2009-11-10T15:45:00.000-08:00

After attending our annual conference with our entire staff team, I came home so encouraged. One of the biggest encouragements was the extended time I got to spend with our staff - I really felt part of a team and was reminded that I am part of this amazing ministry. I know that sounds kind of funny, but when I am home all day with my boys and my house duties, it is easy to forget the big picture. My neighbors are my neighbors and the kids that come over are my boys friends. I have wonderful neighbors and my kids have great friends - so using the word ministry seems like work, when really I have been so blessed and ministered to by the people around me. Now, 85 kids in an after school program - that is WORK!!! Don't get me wrong, we are all called to be ministering to the people around us, no matter where we live. So I hope my neighbors sense the love of Christ, and his grace and mercy when they are around me. It's just that I hope those who are looking in from the outside can see how blessed I am, and that I am not just slaving away in a place I don't want to be.

Don't worry, I am getting to my point :)

I have a friend who offered to babysit for me on Tuesday mornings so I can attend the staff meetings ( and then run a few needed errands). I really think this will be a great way for me to weekly be reminded of the big picture. I was able to attend my first one today and I can already tell what a blessing it will be. My favorite part is the devotional time that Bryan leads at the beginning. Let me tell you, I was SO convicted! We read in Hebrews about the atoning sacrifice of Christ. Bryan wanted to remind us of this truth - the cross of Christ is our CENTER. It is what separates us from being just social services. There is no hope for redemption of souls or this neighborhood apart from His power and His work on the cross. Another main point, is that we can do all these wonderful, biblical things for all the wrong reasons. We can do them to boost our own egos. We can do them, but have no love. We can live each day without drawing on Christ's power, thinking we can do it in our own strength.

Will you please pray for us, that we would show Christ AND preach him? That our motives would be pure? That we would rely on Him alone? We would really appreciate it!

FYI

2009-11-09T18:15:00.001-08:00

Since I started my new memory blog about my boys, I am going to try to keep this blog more ministry specific. I know sometimes stories will overlap, but generally this will be about ministry, and the other blog will be for all the pictures, stories, and videos that involve my kids. Just so you know. :)

Common Ground Update

2009-11-04T07:59:00.000-08:00

We are in our new building!................

After over 11 years of dilapidation, abandonment, and literal darkness and inactivity there is ‘life’ on the corner of Mobile Road, Early Street, Terminal Road, and Hugh Street again. Our building, which has been a beautiful picture of resurrection, is teeming with children, volunteers, our staff, and teenagers and young adults. We finished most of the renovation and opened the doors a few weeks ago. Please come and visit us. We opened up our doors for after school tutoring and had over 100 kids show up the first day! We have now settled in with around 85 kids that are enrolled in tutoring Monday through Thursday (and Friday fun days!) and who participate in Wednesday night bible study after tutoring.

We have 5 different bible studiesthat the kids break up for by age and gender. The bible studies are going very well. Tutoring, on the other hand, needs some attention and help. We REALLY need you and/or others to come one day a week for an hour and a half or so. Engaging with our neighborhood kids will do a lot in you and to you. They are wonderful kids. Many of them are more than a couple grade levels behind in reading and math. Please consider this investment in our community and in their lives. We tutor from 3:30 to 5:30 Monday through Thursday.

The redemption of a young family………..

Charles and Yashika were deeply committed to and involved in gang-life for many years. I met Charles a few years ago and we began to get to know one another. A few months into our friendship he was shot in the stomach. He lived. Later I found out he had retaliated in like manner. Both Kevin and I have been involved in their lives for a few years now. Back in January, Both Charles and Yashika received Christ. It has been overwhelming to see their lives change in front of our eyes. They have been baptized, joined a church, and have led other family members to Christ. Charles is in incredible street evangelist. He is fearless. He recently told me, “I spent all of my life ‘going hard’ for the streets and have led many people the wrong way. Now I will lead them to God”. I have never seen anything like it. God has redeemed and gifted this man. After living together for years Charles and Yashika will be getting married this weekend! They are deeply committed to seeing their relationship continue to be redeemed as they seek God’s blessing in marriage. This marriage will be a powerful example and picture in our community. This is exactly what we have been praying for years. We are committed to andtrust God to raise-up leaders like Charles. Charles and Yashika’s reception will be held at our new building and we are going to celebrate this beautiful picture of restoration with our community!

Grand Opening………..

Our Grand opening for our new building will be held November 19th from 5-7 p.m. You will receive an invitation later this week. Please make plans to come celebrate this defining event with our staff family and neighbors. Danny Wuerfful (former Heisman Trophy winner) will be joining us as well as many others from around our city.

Did you know I prayed for BOYS?!

2009-10-28T19:20:00.000-07:00

I finally typed up a story I allude to often, but have never written down...

From the time I was very young, I wanted to be a wife and mother. I think it's because I know I have one of the most amazing mother's ever created.

I was in elementary school and I can remember hearing a missionary speak at a mission's conference at church. I was so young, but I remember tearing up, and knowing that the Holy Spirit was moving in my heart. I knew I was supposed to "go".

I went on several small trips with youth groups and then in college, my chance finally came. I was asked to be a part of a team of students going to Kazakhstan. At that time, I was dating Bryan (a college minister) and to tell the truth, when I got to KZ, I was pretty sure I was NOT going to be a missionary there! I don't think it was because I was hoping to marry BK and stay in the states. In fact, I knew he was open to going anywhere for the Lord. Turns out, the Lord just had other plans for me!

While in KZ, the missionaries asked that we pray for the local church there, specifically for there to be more men involved in those churches. As I prayed, I became overwhelmed by how many godly women seemed to be a part of my Christian circles, but how few truly godly men there were. It was during a prayer time reading in the Psalms that my heart was filled with a desire to be part of raising up godly men for the Kingdom of God here on earth ( i know that sounds weird!) I prayed for sons. For boys. And for our churches to be filled with men who would be leaders.

When I got back from that mission trip, that time of prayer stood out as a highlight of my summer. It was such an intense time with the Lord and I knew He had really spoken to my heart.

Bryan and I got engaged that fall and married in the spring. Though we were surprised to see a positive pregnancy test that summer after just 3 months of marriage - we were not surprised to see an ultrasound at 20 weeks that revealed a BOY!

Since then, everyone is always hoping that I will have a girl.... but I know better! This is my calling. And 4 sons later, I am amazed at how personal the Lord was that summer in KZ.

But it doesn't stop there! This is the part that gives me chills.

We knew our last year of seminary that the Lord wanted us to begin a work of Urban Ministry. It didn't take me long to see how much deeper this calling of raising up men for the Kingdom of God was going to go. Our streets are filled with boys. Young boys, who spend their free time outside on the street with no fathers in their homes. Their role models are the drug dealers who just so happen to be their cousins, uncles, or older brothers. They can't even imagine a life outside our neighborhood. There is no thought of college or marriage. No thought of growing old with the love of your life and playing with grandkids. There is such a need for a new generation of men in my neighborhood - men who love the Lord and who will stand for justice and righteousness, and then raise their family to do the same.

And the Lord has brought them to my house by the car full!!

In many ways, this has made my life so easy! I KNOW what I am supposed to do: Raise my own 4 sons to love the Lord and do whatever will help my husband as he shares his faith and life with the boys on my street. To open my home for snacks, school projects, sleepovers and video games. My prayer is that HERE, they will sense love, mercy, and acceptance, and that it will make them long for Jesus, who can give them all those things in abundance. I am constantly praying for God to show me what other ways He wants me to engage, but for now, this is enough.

The Lord is GREAT and GREATLY to be PRAISED!

More Building Pics and Updates

2009-10-08T06:35:00.000-07:00

Please click on over to Nicole's Blog for more fun stuff about the ministry! Oh, and Ben says, "GOOD MORNING!"

We are IN THE BUILDING!!

2009-10-06T09:42:00.000-07:00

The Common Ground Ministry Building is OPEN! We were able to start our tutoring program as well as our Wednesday night Bible Studies. I cannot tell you how amazing it feels to see this miracle in my neighborhood. Please pray that the children involved will know and love Jesus from a very early age and that the city will be changed because of them.

A Story of Redemption, to be continued

2009-09-26T08:39:00.000-07:00

This was written by my husband about the events of this week:

So we are in the last stages of getting our building done and it will be done this week. More than one thing has disappeared from the building over the last 6 months, but nothing too big until……….

Two days ago the cable folks came out to install our internet and phone. They informed me they needed a computer to check it out. I say ‘sure, use my laptop, but PLEASE hand to it our administrator who is doubling as a painter upstairs because if you don’t it will walk off!” They laughed…we laughed, and they said ok. Two hours later they leave. An hour after that I am giving a tour of the building and see my charger plug sticking out of the wall… and nothing else. After a search of the building and a quick interrogation of our Administrator/painter I realize I am in trouble.

I question about 10 kids standing out front of our building and realize there are two others who left ‘in a hurry with a bookbag’ and that it had to be them cause ‘those two steal all the time’. I pile some kids in my truck and go straight to the projects behind our building to the home of both boys. Only one mom is home. I explain to her that I got no proof who did it, that my computer was stolen, and that her son is one of two I haven’t gotten to question about it yet. She informs me that she is ‘gonna beat his ass if he took it’. I then come back toward our building and see this boy walking down the street. I pull him off to the side and tell him that my computer disappeared, that I really need it, tell him there is a reward for it, then ask if he will help me find it. He first tries to tell me he wasn’t in the building, then that he was for a minute, then that he will ‘help’ me.

That night three older friends tell me that they will get the word out and find that computer. It begins to get really funny to me cause I start to wonder if someone is really ‘gonna get a beat down’ or worse when someone discovers who did it. The ‘right’ people are now using some interesting avenues to look for this computer ( I would say ‘if you know what I mean’ but I am not sure I know what that means! ) Well, anyway, a 6 foot 4 dreadlocked ‘brother’ of mine goes up to the middle school and gets the word out to the principal also about what had happened who promises an interrogation of about 12 of the boys. So, at this point there are all types of various investigators, with various backgrounds and various sources of income all trying to get my laptop back.

Then at 3:30 a bunch of small children try to descend on the building to run around, beg for “fitty cents” and disobey all attempts of ours to keep them out of the building until its complete, etc, you know, like any other day. Well as we are ushering them out of the gate one of the guys working in the building tells them in passing ‘until you help get the computer that was stolen back you can’t come in’. Most start jabbering “I aint seen no computer”. But after begging for a peppermint from me, two of them say, “does it have an apple on it with a bite out of it?!” I say ‘yes, have you seen it?’ (dangling peppermints! Ha!) Then they say, “and some pictures of you and your kids at a birthday party on the screen?’ I am now stunned (and dispersing peppermints like there is no end). ‘Where did you see it?’ “It’s in my house right now. (I am now making it rain peppermints) My brother stole it! (The same boy I asked about it on the side of the road, and whose mom I had talked with). I load them up and return to the same projects again. We knock on the door and the mom answers. I say, “I know my computer is or at least was in your house, these boys just told me what pictures were on it”. She started to pace around talking about severely injuring the boy who stole it and saying that she was asleep when the 14 year-old got home last night and hadn’t spoken with him yet. As the cussing and fuming intensified I looked to the little boy and quietly tell him to go up to where he saw it hidden last and get it. He disappears. I wait while the mother is still expounding on how she is gonna woop the older boy in very creative terms. A minute later I hear ‘here dat man’s commuter!’ and the little boy comes running out with it! I told the mom, “I hope you don’t mind, but I am going to take care of these little dudes… can I do something nice for them?” She said yes.

On the way back, I see one of the thieves. I pulled over, held up the computer and said “look what I just found. You and me, we are going to talk later. You understand?” He just stood there, a little stunned.

Think and pray with me about how I am going to use this situation in a redemptive way with these 2 boys. I think that we have a golden opportunity here, and I don’t want to miss it.

P.S. this is the best thing I have ever typed on this computer! It feels that way anyway after having it back!

Group 2 and yesterday's events

2009-09-12T11:29:00.001-07:00

My mom calls these two, "Group 2"! They are 21 months apart, just like Bryce and Ethan are. I kinda think they will get along a little better than Group 1. I enjoy my mornings with them and laugh when I remember the days with Group 1 at this age. Bryan was in seminary and it was just so new to me to have 2 children. They are so sweet and even though Levi is into EVERYTHING, he is so funny and really does love his baby brother.

Yesterday, I offered to keep my friend Paula's 4 kids while she went to the consignment sale alone.... anyone hear the scary music in the background??? hahaha! Her boys are 7, 6, and 4 and a sweet little 4 month old girl. It was CrAZY!!! 8 children. wow. I think it confirmed that Benjamin is the LAST Kelly :) I couldn't have done it if Brittany (our roommate) and a teen girl hadn't been here to help. I am not kidding about the following events:

1. AC (baby girl) woke up as soon as her mom left and swore she had been abducted by aliens and refused to stop screaming.

2. Levi fell off the deck in the back and was showing signs of a mild concussion. (he is fine now)

3. The 2 oldest boys hit each other and BOTH noses started to bleed.

4. Bryce jumped off something and hurt his foot - we thought it was broken, but it's not.

5. BK called to tell me that someone had backed into his truck in the Regions parking lot, and could I bring the camera. Obviously I could not!

6. The only reason Ethan didn't make this list is because he was in his room ALL DAY for some bad behavior at school!

Amazingly, all survived and we even enjoyed a taco salad dinner together when Paula got back.

The crazy thing is, I am sure I will offer to do it again. :)

First Family Photo with all 4 boys!

2009-09-07T19:36:00.000-07:00

Look at this staff!

2009-08-30T16:55:00.000-07:00

The Lord has blessed us so much this year by multiplying our staff team! We have housing renovation staff, college campus staff, women's ministry staff, administration staff and a whole family who will live here and work with our adults and kids. I am so thankful for our team.

Neighborhood Fun

2009-08-24T12:03:00.001-07:00

Well, summer is over and school has started, but that doesn't mean the fun has to end! Our backyard and family room are pretty active these days after about 3:30. Our bible studies are starting up again and so will the tutoring program, once the building is finished. This weekend, I hope to have some of the middle school boys stay the night and go to church with us on Sunday. I have really been burdened for them especially and am praying that they are future leaders in the Kingdom of God and in this neighborhood and city. I hope to be posting pictures of a FINISHED ministry building soon. Until then, the backyard it is!

Ethan and Tomatos

2009-07-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

A great learning opportunity for Ethan happened last week. On one of his daily adventures in the neighborhood with Danny (his BFF) they decided to begin smashing tomatoes in a yard behind us. Obviously, this was a poor choice! Mr. Johnson was upset and he let us know it! Ethan is in the process of learning how to have fun WITHOUT being destructive, but it is a hard lesson for him to learn and definitely counter-cultural. The lesson was obviously for me in humility and the nail was driven in when Mr. Johnson brought me a bag of his beautiful tomatoes to enjoy. He forgave Ethan and showed me what being a neighbor is all about.

Birthdays and a Link

2009-07-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - To my precious Husband AND 3rd Son - they share a birthday, 33 years apart. BK is 35 and Levi is 2.

Also, please visit Nicole's blog to see a few pictures of the Girl's Program and a quick update.

6000 Feet Away

2009-07-22T06:05:00.001-07:00

Please check out this link and pray about helping make this happen! Be a small part of a big miracle for this precious neighborhood:)

http://www.6000feetaway.com

Common Ground Update

2009-07-21T13:17:00.001-07:00

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow” 1 Cor 3:6
Deliverance from the power of sin and a life of prostitution….

I came home one day and she was sitting on my porch. She was high, struggling to put sentences together, and hungry. She told me that another prostitute told her that we would give her something to eat. I noticed her walking the streets all day and night ‘working’ over the previous weeks. I had taken some food out to her friend one night while she was working the corner down the block from our house. We talked for a while, I told her who I was, and why I thought God would have me bring her the food. We had talked a few more times and she said ‘hi’ while passing the house on the way to ‘work’ a few times. That was the extent of our interactions, so it caught me off guard when her friend showed up on our porch. She came in and we fed her. This began a few weeks of her showing up, eating, and talking. She refused our efforts and trying to get her to a shelter and rehab, and most of our attempts at help. But, she kept coming by. Delta and I tried to treat her with dignity and respect. She was honest about the prostitution, the rapes and beatings she endured regularly, and the drug addiction. We talked with her about who God has designed her to be and about his love for her. Most of the time, she was too high, I suspected, to comprehend what we were saying. One day she just disappeared. I honestly wondered if she had been murdered. The other day she showed up on our doorstep again. It had been six months since we saw her last. She was in jail for that period. She was an entirely different person. She told Delta that she had gotten out of jail that day and made her mom drive her straight over to our house. Being out from under the power of drugs has changed her whole personality. She said she had received Christ while in jail, and that she felt like her life was in His hands now. She just had to come by and tell us what God had done for her and wanted to say ‘thank you’. She wanted us to pray for her and know that what we did for her mattered. Delta said that she had a deep confidence that “the Lord will provide a job” so she could take care of herself and her son. She has a hard road ahead of her now for sure, but it is a powerful thing to see that Kingdom of God show up in and through her. Redemption is a beautiful thing.

Tragedy strikes again...

One of the boys attending our camp last week lost his mother and aunt in the city’s latest double murder. He is 11 years old. His uncle was in the car when the women were ambushed on the edge of our neighborhood. His uncle was shot multiple times, but lived. The uncle is also the stepfather of a 5th grader that has been faithfully involved with our tutoring and bible studies over the last year. Please pray for this family and for us as we seek to minister to them. After the man was released from the hospital, he and some of the kids came over to Kevin and Nicole’s house for prayer. They have a long road ahead. Eight children have lost their mother between the two murders. They really don’t know what to do with the children who have lost their mother. Please pray with us as we seek the Lord’s face as to how He would have us to love them.

Summer Camp…

We have just begun week 7 of our summer camp. This week the 70-80 kids are participating in a backyard bible club at Washington Park in the mornings till lunch, and then will be bowling, skating, swimming, and fine tuning the drama presentation (girls) for this Friday.

Camp Blue Lake…

Next week we will be taking most of those kids away on a camping adventure! Last year Kevin and I did this with 19 boys and it was a tiring but powerful experience for us, and the boys. This year we are headed to Andalusia with 70 kids for 5 days and 4 nights. Please prayer for us concerning this trip. We anticipate it will be powerful for the kids and it will give us a concentrated opportunity to meet with most, if not all, of the kids in a one on one setting to follow up on all the evangelistic opportunities we have had with them throughout the summer. They will be staying with us (5 staff and 7 summer interns) in camp cabins at a fun retreat center. Please pray for all of the above. We are heartbroken for the losses in our community but we have the God-given ability to walk in peace and joy in the midst of such pain and we know that the hope of the transforming ability of the Gospel can and WILL make a difference.

Thank you so much for your needed partnership.

Psalm 34:3,

Bryan Kelly

A few more Ben Pictures

2009-05-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't see all my pictures on Facebook, I decided to do another post. I feel like he has already changed so much in just 2 and 1/2 weeks. He really is a good baby and is slowly figuring out his days and nights! The Lord has continually provided me SO much help during the daytime and I am so thankful. Thank you mom, claire, nicole, jordan, and antoinette. You have all served me so selflessly. I am also SO thankful for all the people who have provided food for us - such a blessing!

Benjamin Lee Kelly

2009-04-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

He's Here!

Our 4th boy arrived on Easter evening, as many predicted he would!

He is a great combo of so many features of his parents and his brothers.

The labor and delivery was so fast and easy (of course there was some pain involved!) but absolutely NO complications - I am so very thankful!

I don't have any hospital pictures of my own to publish today (a friend took them for me on her camera), but I will post a few once I have them. So here he is, 5 days old:

Benjamin Lee Kelly

April 12, 2009

8:10 p.m.

7lbs 14 oz

20 in.

Ideas and apology

2009-03-06T11:36:00.000-08:00

Let me just start by saying that I am the WORST blogger in the blog-world. I know that there are several of you out there who really do want to know what is going on in our ministry especially and rely on this for your information. So let me apologize for being so terrible at keeping this up-to-date. You can always check Nicole's Blog for some Great stuff about what we do - like this post she did today on Why we do what we do. It speaks my heart and I am going to print it up to help ME remember why I am here:)

So for today's post I thought I would ask you all for ideas...

Each weekend there is a strong possibility that we will be having a small group of middle-school age boys spend the night at our house (anywhere from 3-7). It has been overwhelming in the past, but I really think that it is because I have not been prepared. I have learned that they don't care where they sleep... on the floor, on the pull out couch, in the bunk beds - with my boys:) So I have stopped worrying about "guest space" for this crowd. I am trying to really be more prepared in the food and drink category. My goal is to go each Friday to Sam's or Wal-mart and just stock-up on some really easy, yet filling, (we are talking about BOYS!) foods to have on hand. We have spent way too much money on pizza and McDonalds. Cooking is NOT my strength. So I am asking for ideas! Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack ideas. Hurry up! IT"S FRIDAY!!!

PLEASE PRAY!!

2009-01-30T07:11:00.000-08:00

Today is a VERY big day! We have a closing set today for the building that we hope to renovate for ministry space. The closing is at 2 pm. Please pray that all will go smoothly if this is really the building that the Lord wants us to have. We need SPACE!!

It has been a LONG road to get to this point, and we are so thankful for all He has done so far. I will let you know the results!

A Long Weekend

2009-01-19T18:59:00.000-08:00

Our sectional sofa easily sleeps 5 young boys!

Levi is checking out all the leftover pizza the next morning!

I have discovered that while much of the country sees "the weekend" as a time to relax and unwind, the weekends at our house can be the busiest times of the week. Especially if it happens to be a LONG weekend, like the one that is just ending.

By Friday afternoon of each week, after the kids get back from the "fun" activity that Bryan and Kevin take them to (as a reward for a week of tutoring) our street is filled with kids playing basketball out front or just hanging out on the porch.

Saturdays are filled with sports events - our own kids games as well as several of the boys that we have grown to love. They love knowing that "coach Kelly" will be there watching their games. Bryan also gets at least 10 phone calls (I am not kidding) from kids who just want a ride to the games, then to be able to come hang out when they are all over. Those same kids all want to come to church with us the next morning, so the phone calls continue Sat night and Sunday mornings.

Sunday mornings are spent picking up kids for church, attending a church and then lunch afterward. I have not gotten good enough to have a huge home-cooked meal available for Sunday dinner, so usually we end up at CiCi's or even just picking up Su

bway!

It never fails that IF there is a school holiday on Monday morning, there are at least 5 boys who ask to spend the night at our house. And that's exactly what happened yesterday! So after night church, we pulled out the sofa bed and found all our extra blankets and 5 precious boys and my oldest 2 , stayed up late watching cartoons and playing video games. This morning they were all up by 7:45 (thanks to Levi) and ready for breakfast and a day of basketball, more video games, and a civil rights celebration ceremony downtown. It was 5:30 this evening when Bryan finally took everyone home.

"Why?" you may be asking yourself, "would you choose a lifestyle like that?" "How can you be o.k. with SO many people needing your husbands attention and time, and taking over your home like that?"

Well, to tell you the truth, I have to be reminded time and time again. And on Sunday night, as Bryan spoke to a bible study about our ministry, I was reminded and refueled, and ready to come home to all those children. During that bible study, Bryan spoke about these boys who are now in middle school and involved in weekly bible studies. He talked about the change that may happen at our local high school in just a few years if these boys continue to walk with God and grow in their relationship with Him. Can you imagine???! A group of 20 or so males in the High school who love Jesus and who are willing to stand against their culture??? What will the girls think? What will the teachers think? What will this CITY think??

I think I am witnessing a MIRACLE of God slowly unfolding right before my very eyes.

That's exactly why I wanted to be here, and it stands as my foundation when the waves of chaos wash over me. It's exactly what I prayed for in 2000 as a single woman on a mission trip to Kazakhstan that the Lord would "give me boys" to raise up to be leaders and warriors in the Kingdom of God for the next generation. He has answered that prayer 10-fold - way more than I could have ever imagined.

So stay tuned, because Lord willing, you will also see this miracle-in-progress and be able to say with me, even before we get to Heaven: "I have SEEN GOD!"

27 weeks and a new hair cut

2009-01-16T09:30:00.001-08:00

I'm Coming Back... I promise!

2009-01-13T08:02:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics of Levi to tide you over until I can actually decide what to write about! I will also begin actually looking at other peoples blogs again, so here come the comments!

Great Ideas

2008-11-27T07:28:00.000-08:00

What to do at 9:30 am with that half-a-cup-of-coffee that you forgot about:

Step 1: Fill it to the top with milk

Step 2: Heat it up in your microwave

Step 3: Add a pack of Hot Chocolate

Presto~ you saved yourself $5 at Starbucks and it is DELICIOUS!

Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy!

2008-11-25T15:52:00.000-08:00

That's right people! We had a "sneak peek" ultrasound today and I am proud to announce that we only make one gender!!! In April, we will be "that family" with all the boys! Wow. It feels funny to even type this. I will have to share my story soon about how I prayed for boys - even before I was engaged! I am so thankful that everything appears to be normal and healthy. Sure do wish I had a picture, but maybe I will have one after my "real" ultrasound on Tuesday of next week!

This is a pic of Levi with Great-Grandmommy's glasses on... the things you do while waiting!

Me and mom in the waiting room..

This was my Grandmommy's FIRST time to ever see an ultrasound!

Common Ground Video Link

2008-11-24T14:14:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to our friend, Matt Wolfe, for this amazing video of our ministry!

Please click on the link and then let me know your donation amount!!! Just kidding, but it is really powerful. To GOD BE THE GLORY!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZI7AA_gz2 c

Common Ground Update

2008-11-24T12:21:00.000-08:00

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDIES

We are having a blast with our Wednesday night neighborhood bible studies. We now have three separate studies happening simultaneously in three different locations. Kevin and I now have 27 boys mostly middle school age involved in our study. We have moved our meeting to our YMCA because we outgrew our house. Delta and Nicole still have 8 young women between 16 and 20 years old attending a study at Nicole’s house, and we are excited to announce that a new bible study began this past week with 8 young girls age 8-12.

Middle SCHOOL BOYS

This week we had 22 boys attend and we discussed the question “Who are you becoming?” I contrasted this with the normal question they hear of ‘what do you want to be when you grow up.’ It is a question that has everything to do with character and growth, rather than some occupation. It anticipates that they are constantly becoming something. IF we as Christians are to be ‘transformed’ into the image of Christ then it is extremely important to ask if Christ is being formed in us. I asked the boys what they thought being a ‘real’ man meant. I asked them if they had ever really seen one.
A ‘real man’ in our neighborhood would probably brag about what gang he is in, his ability to beat up other guys, his physical relationships with girls, about the money he has, about the car he drives, and the rims he has on it, according to the boys. We looked at how Jesus was the only ‘real’ man that has ever existed, as the one who was truly fully human and walked with the Father the way we were intended too. If we were truly united with Christ and ‘re-born’ according to the bible, then we should be engaged in the process of growing to be more and more like Jesus in our character and actions. I kept asking them throughout the night, ‘who are you becoming like’. They kept saying, ‘Jesus’. I asked them if this was possible in their own strength, if they could somehow make this happen by their own effort. It was a springboard to continue to teach them about the need for God’s grace and about the choices they need to make on a daily basis.

DAY ONE WITH THE YOUNG GIRLS

I think some of the younger girls involved in our tutoring program were considering putting out a ‘hit’ on me if I didn’t follow through with finding someone to begin a bible study with them. I kept hearing week in and week out “ya’ll do all this stuff with the boys and have bible study and ya’ll don’t ever do one with us!” Seriously, it was getting a little hostile! I asked them one day who they would like to teach for them. Two of the girls told me that they wanted Abbey and Mrs. Leigh, a mother and daughter who had been coming over and tutoring them. I went to them and asked them if they would consider taking on this challenge. They were humbled by the trust these girls had granted them and said they would pray about it. Long story short, they did the first one Wednesday night. They young girls LOVED it! I took the girls home at the end of the bible study and the entire way they kept singing the song they had learned (at the top of their lungs with the windows down through Gibbs Village Housing Projects), “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father, BUT THROUGH ME! John 14:6!” It was beautiful.

ALL IN A NIGHT'S WORK!!
I think you will be at least be interested by the night we experienced this past Saturday........
Teaser Hint: A wedding, A party, and time with prostitutes?

We  (the  Kelly’s  and  the  King’s)  had  the  privilege  of  being  a part  of  a  wedding  of  some  friends  of  ours  that  live  in  the  Gibbs Village  housing  projects.  Kevin  was  a  groomsman,  Nicole  was  the  wedding  coordinator , my  4  year‐old  son  Ethan  was  a  bible toter/ring bearer,  Kaiya  was  a  ﬂower girl,  and  I  had  the  honor  of  co‐oﬃciating  it  with the  pastor  of  the  church  they  had  recently joined  (a HUGE  life  change! )  We  have  known  this  family  for  over  2  years  now  and  love  them  dearly.   I  have  had  the  joy  of  doing some  marriage  and  personal  counseling  with  the m over  the  years .  It  is  a  blessing  that  they  have  granted  us  such  a  place  in  their  lives.  We  have  seen  God  do  amazing  things  with  them. We  had a  blast  at  the  wedding  and  reception.

INVITED TO A PARTY

…. Kevin and I left the reception to go to a birthday party in the neighborhood of the mother of two of the boys that have been involved with us for a couple years now. The mother of these boys made a big deal about wanting to see us at her party. The invite was really important to her. Now would be a good time to confess that Kevin and I often go places that are questionable at best, for us to go. We like to hold onto the fact that Jesus went places oftentimes that caused him to be criticized and called a drunkard and sinner (can you imagine where this might be going?)
We showed up at the ‘party’ and were immediately patted down by an extremely drunk and over protective brother of the birthday girl. We walked in to a smoky packed room with uncomfortable stares from many interesting looking men who were wondering who we were and why we were there. Loud music with extreme profanities rang in our ears. I have to mention that Kevin still had his tux on from the wedding and stood out almost as much as my white complexion…. Almost. The two young boys (8 and 7 years old) came flying through the crowd and jumped on us with wild hugs. The birthday girl ran out and hugged us, thrilled that we showed up. One of the men wasn’t sure he wanted us at that party so I told her that I just wanted to stop by and say happy birthday, that we weren’t there to start or cause any trouble, and that we would be leaving. She would hear nothing of it. She looked at us and loudly announced, “These are my people and my family, and you are my people and my family! You belong here.”
She then proceeded to tell everyone in the apartment what we mean to her, what we have done for her kids over the last two years, and how much she appreciates the role we play in their lives and in the lives of the other boys and girls in the neighborhood. It was incredible. The tension faded away, and men and women began to ask us questions and say how much they admired what we were doing and how they had seen us loving the kids over the last year. One father pulled us outside and poured his heart out to us about how we were an inspiration to him and how he wanted to round up some other fathers in the housing project he lived in to come get involved with us in our community. It was unbelievable.

When we came back in, the mother pulled the little boys over and told everyone in the room how much her sons had learned about God and about the bible and dared anyone to ask them what they had learned. I cannot do justice to the story in my attempt to explain to you what a truly humbling experience it was for us to be given this place of honor at such a ‘party’. As we were leaving I was fighting back tears of appreciation to God for the favor He has granted us in the lives of families like this one.

TIME WITH PROSTITUTES

…. It was now about 11 o’clock and I turned down the block towards my home. A prostitute that I have recently been getting to know (in healthy ways, I promise!) didn’t recognize my wife’s van that I was driving and tried to solicit her services to me. It was very cold out, so I went home and warmed up some chili and other leftovers to take back to her. I returned to the corner where she was and we talked for a while. I have spent other nights recently on that corner just getting to know her and two others who work that same corner at night. I introduced myself as a minister who lives around the corner. I have brought food to them multiple times now and continued a conversation with them little by little over time. This particular girl wouldn’t take any food from me before. This time, she was happy to take it. She talked with me for a while and remembered my name, where I lived, and some of the things we had discussed previously. She told me about herself, which house she was staying in, and about the other two girls she ‘worked’ with. They all looked out for one another.
I told her again that I wasn’t out to judge her and that I was just trying to get to know my neighbors. We talked about some of the dangers and struggles she is experiencing. She thanked me for the food and I left and prayed for her on the way home. The next day after we returned from church, I came home to one of the other girls sitting on my doorstep. She said, “‘S B’ gave me some of the chili you gave her last night and told me to come see ya’ll because you might be able to help me. I am really hungry.” Delta made her some food, and we sat on the porch and she poured out her heart to me for a half hour. She just told me her story. She wept as she recounted how men had beaten her, raped her, and even left her for dead. Two of her friends have been murdered in the last few months while working the streets. I told her to come back and see us anytime. She has a few times since. Please pray for A, S, and K as we love these ‘neighbors’.

God has granted us many open doors in our community. The boys and girls involved in our bible studies and tutoring are recruiting other kids to come and we anticipate a lot more kids getting involved. Please pray for us as we are making HUGE and fast-paced decisions on our future ministry space over the next few weeks. Thank you so much for your prayer and support!

Psalm 34:3,
The Kellys and The Kings

My Little Studly man

2008-11-17T13:42:00.000-08:00

Ethan was in a wedding this past weekend. And not just any wedding.... a real "hood" wedding!

He was asked to be the Bible Carrier in our friend's ceremony - they have actually been married 15 years, but never had a ceremony. This couple is the first couple we met from our neighborhood when we started CGM. Bryan was asked to say a prayer during the ceremony, so he got to stand up in the front as well. We are praying for the Lord's blessing over this couple, and that they would truly love Him and be a light to their community.

So, as Ethan was getting dressed up (you know he LOVES costumes!), he looked at me and said, "This is what a REAL man wears, right mom?" I must say, I agree:) He especially loved the shiny shoes!

Family Update

2008-11-11T17:19:00.001-08:00

I know, I know! It has been forever since I have posted... I wish I could blame it on something crazy, but really it's mostly because I have been going to sleep at about 9 every night. I thought I would just give a quick update on how we are and throw in a few bits about the ministry as well - we shall see how this goes:)

Bryan is SUPER busy these days. He has tons of speaking engagements and lots of things "in the works" as far as ministry goes. There is some REALLY cool stuff going on that I can't wait to share, when the time is right. So many people have given space heaters and blankets to aid the families in our neighborhood through this winter - it has been such a blessing for me to see all the generosity of the Church when they spring into action! He and Kevin are busy with preparations for the Christmas store again this year - here is a pic from last year, followed by the middle school boys bible study:

This store is also supported by the generosity of the Church - and was a huge success last year. Parents and grandparents get to buy brand new gifts at reduced rates and give them to their children THEMSELVES!!! The tutoring program is going great- please pray for these children to be able to excel in their studies as a result of this effort. I really do believe that education is a HUGE step to breaking SO many destructive cycles that we see in our neighborhood.

I am still involved in helping Nicole with a teen girl's bible study that averages about 8 -10 girls each week. Nicole does an amazing job preparing the lesson for each week and then hosting it in her home. We have had several amazing people bring us dinner to serve the girls, and I can't even begin to tell you what a blessing that has been! Since the girls are all hanging out starting at about 3 pm on bible study day, it can be a bit challenging to get everything done. But truly God is blessing these girls in SO many ways. Please see this blog entry that Nicole wrote recently and be greatly encouraged. There is even a cute picture of all the girls on our day trip to Birmingham.
Personally, I am into the "honeymoon phase" of this pregnancy - the second trimester - you know, the time where you aren't sick, have a lot more energy, and eat every hour! We will be finding out who this baby is on December 2ND, so you can be sure there will be a post about that! I must say that I am getting excited more and more each day!

I am doing a wonderful bible study on "contentment"that I hope to be sharing quotes from soon - it has been a HUGE help to me the past few weeks.

All the boys are doing great!

Bryce just finished his first season of football. He did a great job and seemed to enjoy all the hitting and blocking!

Ethan is about to be 5!!! I really can't stand that! He is doing really well in his PreK-4 class and is finally learning all his letters. I seriously wondered if they would ever stick in his little brain. He is really loving and thoughtful and ALL BOY!
Levi is 15 months old and HILARIOUS!! He keeps us laughing with his open mouth grin and all his attempts at communication with us.

And I will leave you today with this:

Way before celebrating our one-year anniversary in this home, our brand new doorbell gave out. I wonder how many rings make up the life of a doorbell???

Neighborhood News

2008-09-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't read Nicole's blog or get the e-mail updates that Bryan and Kevin send out, I want to post the exciting story from last week!

We have been praying (so have many of you) that God would open up the door for us to build a ministry facility around the corner from our homes. Below is the account of how we ‘heard’ His answer.

A Quick history lesson: First of all, we spent the better part of a year trying to acquire enough land to build on. Property after property became ‘available’ only to become ‘unavailable’ again due to title problems. Finally, a mother of a teenager who had been introduced to Jesus through our ministry, donated an empty lot to us because ‘she wanted something good for the kids in our neighborhood.’ The home she owned on the lot was lost to a house fire years ago. She now lives with her mom 2 houses down. We were able to buy the adjoining lot from a wonderful family who had moved away from the community. When they become aware of what we were doing in the neighborhood they were happy to sell the lot to us. We were committed also to getting overwhelming neighborhood support for such a facility.

We have spent the better part of 2 years building relationships with and serving the precious people in and around our neighborhood. He are some examples: We have provided volunteer coaching for the football and baseball teams at Carver High School and held bible studies and meals for as many as 60 students weekly. We have provided recreational ‘fun’ for the kids wandering our streets, having baseball camps, paintball outings, a summer boy’s camp, a trip to the mountains of North Carolina for camping, a girls camp, and various other excursions. We now have after school tutoring to what has grown to 35 kids. A year ago we relocated our families into the Washington Park neighborhood and have opened up our homes to many kids and families who have become like family to us. We have had various ‘sleep over’s’ in our homes with kids we are getting to know and support our local YMCA by transporting and signing up kids for sports teams with our own children. We have also provided Christian counseling to families and kids, and starting a local Christmas store that allowed for neighborhood parents and grandparents to buy discounted new toys for 165 children. We also have begun doing housing renovations for families who could not afford to make the potentially expensive repairs to leaking roofs, dangerously faulty wiring, and bad plumbing and now hold bible studies for boys and girls age 6-19 in our homes through out the week. We have worked hard to live with and listen the desires and needs of our neighborhood. The next step was to have the property rezoned to allow us to build on it.

God ‘shows up’ through our community! We went before the city Board of Adjustment yesterday evening to plead our case to be able to build the building in a residential area, and to ask for variances on some of the ‘set backs’ and parking regulations for such a facility. Our argument was that we have a major need for such a community space, that our community wants and needs it, that our families and kids walk to the facility, or that we pick them up and bring them, and that our proposed set backs would match what is already existing in the neighborhood.
We spent the last week or so getting the word out that we needed community support to come with us to the meeting. I learned a lot about the mistrust of government as so many people told us they would sign anything we produced in support, but that they do not go to ‘meetings’! Also, we saw a number of folks tell us all along they were ‘coming’ and then not show up. As I reflected on this with one 74 year old resident, he told me that people all over this neighborhood talk about how bad it is, but that they have resigned themselves to doing nothing more. This may come as a result of the hopelessness that has set in over time. He looked at me and said, “You come by to get me and I will be here! I won’t let you down.”
We made calls all day yesterday and personal visits to remind folks about the meeting. Kevin and I drove two vans around and picked up those who said they had no way of getting to the meeting. As time got closer, I realized that some of the ‘key’ people that I thought would and should come would not be showing up. I prayed that God would bring the ones he desired to work and speak through. I called a grandmother who has care of her two grandsons due to some very sad and devastating circumstances and she said this to me. “Don’t you worry, I have already prayed and God says it will be done! You just pick-up me and my boys and we will come and do what needs to be done! This is a done deal! “
I stopped by the house of the woman who donated the land and she said, “Oh, don’t you worry, I will be there, just pick me up… and I will bring some others. That land is just sitting there and our kids need somewhere like this! Ya’ll are doing too much good in this neighborhood for them to say No!” I then called our neighborhood watch/association president and she said, “I will be there… let me make some calls and get some others there as well.”
We showed up at city hall with 22 people from the ‘hood. Kevin led us in prayer before we walked in. They Board leader called our petition to be discussed. Our architect argued our case and then they had me come to the front to answer questions. It was a little grueling, and we were challenged with a good bit of concerns the board had. One board member seemed very displeased with our request and presentation and at one point even said it seemed as if we were trying to ‘sideswipe’ them by saying we were a ‘church’, which had to do with the type of zoning we were requesting. I explained that we, as a ministry, saw ourselves as the ‘church’ in that we care about the various needs of our community, not just that which is considered spiritual only. I also explained that the very nature of our ministry was to unite the various congregations in Montgomery to serve those living on the west side of the city. They then opened the door for those from our community to speak. That is when I saw God ‘show up!’
Before the leader could even finish getting the phrase “is their anyone that would like to comment on this…” out of his mouth Mrs. Punkin was already walking up to the front!....“Yes I got some things to say!” She introduced herself rather clearly and emphatically and said, “I donated this land to them for this building and this is our neighborhood… and these are our children… this is our community, and we need something positive, and we want to build! And our kids need something like this! Bryan and Kevin having been doing a good thing in this community and our kids need a way of staying out of all the trouble”. As she turned to walk back, there were “Yes’s!” and “Uh Huh!s” and “Amen’s” and “That’s right!’s” from our crowd. Then, Mrs. Rice walked up.
“I am the Grandmother of two boys and these guys are mentoring and tutoring my grandsons. They are positive role models and doing great things for our community. Everyone is always looking down on the west side and focusing on all the negative stuff… and this is some thing positive that is going on. We need this, and we want this. “Again, came the crowd responses, maybe even louder, during and after her testimony. Then, came Mrs. Harris.
“I am the head of the neighborhood association and watch committee and we are very much behind what these young men and this organization are doing. We have seen some great things happen in our community through this ministry and wish to show our support for this facility.”
Three more people raised their hands and were on the way up to the front to talk when one of the board members said, “I make a motion to grant the request to build and allow the variances,” and then there was an “I second” and a vote was held…. A unanimous vote in our favor! I could hardly hold back the tears. Our families applauded and we walked out overjoyed! Please celebrate with us over this and praise and thank our great God who opens doors like these.

Now, please pray for us and there is the SMALL matter of raising the $350,000 to build the facility over the next 5 months! Praise God from whom all blessings flow! May He ‘show up’ again through the generosity of His people!

Announcing....

2008-09-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

You may think that Bryan and I are flashing up the latest gang signs.... but actually this is our way of announcing that the Lord has blessed us with another child! That's right, we will be having our 4th child in April of next year.

Am I a little overwhelmed? YES!! But I am Oh so grateful for this precious blessing!

We have known for a while - actually while visiting our amazing friends, The Bruners, while in Orlando. As you can see from the plates, we were having our traditional meal with Sarah and Stephen, a HUGE mexican spread. It has to go down as one of my favorite moments of all time.

Please be in prayer for this baby and for me as well, as I have been having terrible "morning sickness" ALL DAY LONG!!! I already know what you are thinking.... "that means it's a GIRL!"... well, let's just say I won't be at all surprised if this baby is a boy:)

My baby's first time in the news!

2008-09-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful day this past Saturday when a local church put on a fun even in the park in our neighborhood. They provided a bounce house, snow-cones, hotdogs, cookies, drinks, and serving spirits. A separate group also helped with clearing a lot we plan on renovating for the ministry.

All my boys had a great time, and even Levi is old enough to know a party when he sees one! The photographer loved him, and this online article featured a sweet picture of him. There were even more on a slide show! The link for that is right below the picture in the article. Ethan and Kaiya are also in the slideshow:)

I am so thankful for the city-wide effort that the Lord is beginning to start here in my 'hood. There are so many people in this city who love God and want all people to know Him and love Him as well. I believe so strongly that the Lord has called and blessed my husband and Kevin in an amazing way.... as Nicole would say: "Look at the Lord!" He continues to do SO much that we don't deserve. He truly is concerned for this part of the city.

My boys, my heart

2008-08-31T11:46:00.000-07:00

This is another picture from Natalie. I absolutely love it. I think I will be buying this camera! Don't worry, i know that I won't get pictures like this just because I have the camera, but maybe I can learn.

Bryce is 6 and loves First grade. He is still adjusting to sitting down a lot more than he had to in Kindergarden, but his grades are good and he seems to be making friends. He has typical boy humor and a compassionate heart, but is generally kind of a serious kid. He is out by 12:30 everyday and I actually really like it. We are all home everyday by 1:00, which means some down time before all the neighborhood kids get home from school, and it also means I don't have to interrupt Levi's afternoon nap to do a school pick-up.

Ethan will start his pre-K class on Tuesday and he will go M-TH from 9-1. He had a blast at his Open House this past week and is looking forward to school starting back up again. His personality is definitely "Life is FUN all the time" and I love watching him go through his days.

Levi is changing each day. He is walking all over the place and into EVERYthing! I just looked down the hallway and I see him eating an oatmeal bar he just found in a cabinet... don't ask why there was an open bar in the cabinet... I am pretty sure it's Ethan's fault. :)

I promise to do a ministry update soon - thank you for your prayers for our family and all these precious people the Lord has brought into our lives.

So perfect

2008-08-28T06:16:00.000-07:00

I spent the afternoon with my sweet friend, Natalie. She has a son right between Bryce and Ethan that my boys adore. They love to go to their house to swim, climb trees, find bugs and just run crazy! I love to go because Natalie is someone I really connect with. She loves to talk about the Lord and what He is teaching her through each phase of life. I learn so much from her honesty. I am so thankful that the Lord has brought us together as friends.

Yesterday, as the boys played, Nat decided to try out her new camera... and I LOVE the results! I only have this one picture of Ethan now and I can't wait for all the others. When I say she captured the spirit of this kid, I mean she did it perfectly! She was standing right in front of him asking him things like, "What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you? Who is the funniest person you know?" And it really worked. He just cracked up.

Thank you, Natalie, for you friendship and for trying out your new hobby on my kids! love you!

The Reality of Life with Boys

2008-08-27T06:44:00.000-07:00

I've read a few posts lately where people feel that they may be posting "too much information", so I thought I would join the crowd... for the sake of remembering all the hilarious things that go on in my house each day.

This particular story is about Ethan:

The latest "thing" at my house, is that several of our neighbor boys have taught Bryce how to do the "underarm poot" - you know, the thing where you put your hand under your armpit and pump your arm thus producing a noise that makes everyone laugh. It took Bryce a while to get it, but now he is a professional. Just what I wanted in my house.

Well, it wasn't long before I saw Ethan attempting to learn the same trick. Then one day, I heard it. He was SO proud. He would pump his little arm, and out would come THE NOISE. Then I happened to notice that THE NOISE was a little bit delayed... the arm would stop pumping and out would come a little....pfft.

"ETHAN!!! Are you REALLY pooting????"

"NO mommy!"

"Are you sure? "

Turns out, Ethan is able to pass gas, for real, on demand. Just what I wanted in my house.

"Ethan, How are you able to have that much gas???"

"Cause God made me that way!"

enough said.

Back to Reality

2008-08-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

We are safely home!

I really do like being here, but considering that we rolled in last night at 2 am and Bryce had his first day of 1st Grade... I am a little pooped.

I am trying out the slideshow feature at the top of my blog, but it is really small. I am using Picasa, so if you just click on the slide show, you can view them on their website where they are bigger.

I sure did have a fun summer, and kind of hate that it's over. But I REALLY love the Fall... so part of me is excited.

Please continue to pray for all the relationships that were deepened through all the Bible Studies and hang-out time. Pray as Nicole and I talk through the next steps and as the Lord continues to surprise us with His agenda! Two of our girls in the study are having babies this month, so keep them in your prayers as well.

On Vacation

2008-08-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to announce that we are ON VACATION and have been for a week now!

We will return home on Wednesday, and real life will SLAM me in the face after so much leisure time. The day after we get home will be Bryce's first day of school, so I am pretty nervous about that.

Today, I am actually in Orlando, without kids! Bryan's family is keeping them until tomorrow morning so we could come visit old friends and rest a little bit. It has been a precious 24 hours so far, for so many reasons. :)

I will blog again, probably this weekend, with some awesome vacation pics.

My heros

2008-07-25T09:10:00.001-07:00

SUPER-HEROS that is! And yes, this is all before 8:00 in the morning! hahahahaha

He gives VISION to the BLIND!

2008-07-25T08:59:00.001-07:00

I am so happy right now, I can hardly stand it!

I just returned from my post-op visit and my eyes are healing wonderfully and I have 20/15 vision.

The surgery went so very well. The only time I was really nervous was a point that they put a suction on my eye and that eye goes completely blind.... I just prayed and prayed that I would see again! It only lasted a few seconds, but seemed like an eternity. Other than that, it was amazing. My doctor was so reassuring the whole time and each eye was under the laser for less than a minute. I really do see this as a modern day miracle.

I have SO many things to post, but just wanted to thank the Lord publically for such a wonderful outcome and for providing this special treat for me. Jesus, thank you for the amazing blessings you give that I clearly don't deserve. I feel so loved by your tender care of me.

Good bye old friend

2008-07-23T21:02:00.000-07:00

Well, by this time tomorrow night, I will be sleeping away my final pill that will help me recover from my Lasik surgery.

I must admit I am quite nervous (considering this is ELECTIVE surgery!) but am trusting the Lord to get me through it.

So, here's to you, oldest pair of glasses ever... may I never need you again!!! (until i am 40 and need you to read!)

Girls Ministry Update

2008-07-15T05:44:00.000-07:00

I just want to thank my friend, Nicole, for a few things. She is an amazing friend and ministry partner. She is so faithful to speak truth and encourage me. She is committed to loving on the girls around us - even when she is SO tired!

Also, she has done an amazing job writing about her/our experiences during this first year of intense learning about urban ministry. She just wrote an incredible update about our teenage girl's Bible Study, so please click here to read it!

Getting up in the morning

2008-07-14T07:43:00.000-07:00

This was just TOO good to not pass on:

"Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders and says..

"Oh no, she's awake."

---Unknown

All Smiles

2008-07-10T06:34:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just get a really good smiley picture, and have to share!

Within the last several weeks, Levi has FINALLY:

*sprouted 3 teeth

*takes about 3-5 steps (then gets so excited that he sprawls out onto his face)

*wears a size "4" diaper, and as you can see below, he is quickly catching up to Ethan's height!

*said his first word...."Hec-tor".... one of his 2 favorite teenagers - also seen below!

I can't believe he will be "1" in just two weeks.

A Safe Place to Play!

2008-07-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

When we first moved in back in November, I really wanted a playground for my kids and those around us to have a safe place to play. I decided to just pray and ask the Lord to provide one, in His timing. I didn't even tell people - except for Nicole and Bryan and maybe one other person.

Then, a few months ago, the lady who was in charge of Eastwood Church's Vacation Bible School called. She wanted to know if I would want them to contribute and build a playset in our backyard as part of their missions emphasis for the week. I was speechless and teary eyed. I think she thought I didn't like the idea because it took me so long to respond! Well, a few weeks ago, the 6th grade boys came to my house to help some of the volunteer men from the church build this amazing playset.

It has become THE place to be every afternoon. Ethan and Bryce go out there as soon as their breakfast is finished in the mornings. From the picture you can tell it was even turned into a water slide! (we put a stop to that quick-like!)

I am so thankful to to Lord for ministering to my heart in such an unexpected way. I am so thankful to Eastwood VBS and all the men who sacrificed HOURS of their time to make this possible. FUN, FUN, FUN!

Pictures Galore!

2008-07-03T16:56:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord - I found my camera! So in celebration, here are some pics that were on the camera!!

Sweet Brothers! This was taken at my Grandma's house during my cousin's wedding in May.
Backyard fun - playing in a mud puddle!
Just a word - if you aren't having a date night with your spouse - start this week! It has been so wonderful for us! Thank you, Nic and Kev!
Just wanted you to see a "before" pic of my house (when it's clean)in the mornings. See the next pic for 5 pm on a Friday afternoon!Don't you just love a full house!! I wish the picture of the tile floor had been more clear so you could see it,....
And now, just some favorite pics of the boys fishin in the mountains:

Night and Day

2008-06-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

I have been so encouraged in my faith this year as I have really meditated on Heaven and read several books on the subject. One of the truths about heaven is that we will no longer need a sun because the Glory of our Lord will provide all the light we will need. It is very strange to think about an alternate universe, where things will be so different, but trying to imagine it has made me long for it even more. I was thinking the other day about how even most literature uses day/night as symbolism for good/bad, righteousness/evil, etc. , and I think the Bible does that as well. I believe this world has been set up by the Creator to teach us so many things about Him and the way He wants us to think.

So my big revelation the other day, is that I think we have Day and Night consistently every day to remind us of the inevitable good and evil that we must deal with in every 24 hour period. We cannot escape it. Just as sure as the sun will rise in the morning and then set, and night will fall, we are promised the blessings of the Lord as well His grace in the midst of this sin/curse-saturated world.
So, I long for Heaven, where the sun will never set, for His presence will not only bring light, but fullness of JOY.
I do believe, most assuredly, that I can experience Him here, even though night still exists. In fact, when I walk with Him, sometimes it is in the night that He shines the brightest.
His love, His wisdom, and His sovereignty all work together perfectly - ALL THE TIME, so that NO circumstance is void of any of those attributes. I believe that is what it means that God is Good.
So last week,
When I was in a small accident that did mucho damage to Bryan's truck - He is still good.
When Bryan can't find his wallet - He is still good.
When the digital camera and i-pod are both missing - He is still good.
When Levi has a high tepmperature and is very fussy - He is still good.
When there are mustard stains on my new couch after a "sleep-over" - He is still good.
When a sweet woman down the street is in tears over her son in jail - He is still good.
When children are left to fend for themselves most of the day - He is still good.

Lord, You are Good, and your mercy endures FOREVER! Remind me each day to long for Heaven and to remember that my life is but a mist that will vanish like the shadows. I can't wait to see you and know finally the FULL story!

Proverbs Study

2008-06-24T11:48:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a resource with all you busy women out there!

A counselor at Eastwood Presbyterian Church, Brenda Payne, has been sending out a printable study for the book of Proverbs that is so simple, yet such a great plan for busy women. It gets you in the Word everyday, using a lot of the principles that Campus Outreach taught me/us. It is especially wonderful for me during this high-training time with my young kids.

If you are interested, please e-mail me and I would be happy to send you the e-mail with the attached study. deltakelly78 at yahoo dot com

Please do this if you have been putting off time alone in the Word~ I know I have!

Common Ground Ministry Update June 23

2008-06-23T18:29:00.000-07:00

WHAT’S IN A NAME? Camp “Washington Park” has just completed its 4th full week! The boys decided we should have a name for our summer adventure, so this is the name they chose. Washington Park is the unofficial name of our neighborhood. It is home to the “Washington Park Gangsters”, a loose neighborhood gang. Many of our young boys and older teenagers derive much of their identity from being associated with this neighborhood and this gang even if they aren’t really involved. I have learned much about the ‘loyalty’ of such identity from those in our neighborhood. It is remarkable to me that people can pride-fully claim and defend a territory and yet care very little about the people who suffer in that territory. We wanted to continue to give the boys ownership of the camp and neighborhood through naming the camp and creating their own ways to serve those who live in it. But, our deep desire is that these boys eventually identify with Christ and his ‘body’ above all other ties. What an amazing grip Satan holds when he can deceive many to love and defend a neighborhood (through violent gang fights, drive by shootings, and vandalism) but not the very ‘image of God’ living in that neighborhood. As you know, our vision is to see this grip broken and see the Kingdom of God demonstrated through our boys and girls being redeemed and becoming transformative leaders in our community and in others like ours.

CAMP LIFE!!!We have settled in with 30 boys from our neighborhood from age 6-12. We plan to continue the camp for 6 more weeks, with the last week being a full week of camping at Arrowhead in the mountains of North Carolina. We have five components to our camp: Fun, Food, Bible Study, Community service, and character development. Throughout the week we do a LOT of fun things (skating, swimming, sports, movies, interact with church youth groups, and go on various other field trips). We have become a usual fixture at Ryan’s, Ci Cis, McDonalds, and other kid friendly restaurants during the week. Our bible studies focus on the Creation Story, how sin has affected our neighborhood, families, world, and us personally, and Jesus’ place as Lord and Savior. We split the boys up into two groups for the bible studies (age 6-9, and 10-12).

HERE COMES THE GIRLS!!“Camp Washington Park” just extended to include the girls. As I write this there are 8 young girls back in my living room participating in bible study and some creative arts with Nicole and Delta. They went to the Zoo and to the Planetarium over the last two days. The girls are learning about the creation story in the bible, so they visited these places to help spur their imaginations about God! They have planned two days a week with the girls as a starting point for this phase of our ministry. Please pray for these girls and for Delta and Nicole. They are also beginning a teenage girls and women’s bible study next week.

TRANSPORTATION AND VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED!!We still need to find access to another 12 passenger (or more) van. We are willing to rent a van from someone who has one to spare. We also need drivers and help in the camp. If you have some spare time throughout the week and want to come help us, please let us know…

Lessons I am Learning

2008-06-13T12:50:00.000-07:00

“Transcendent living is Christ-centered living. Living for Christ is the only way you will ever be liberated from your bondage to the overwhelming tendency to shrink the size of your life to the size of your life. The only way to spin free of the narrow confines of your little cubicle kingdom is to live in the big sky country of Christ-centered living. You will never win the battle with yourself simply by saying ‘no’ to yourself. The battle only begins to be won when you say ‘yes’ to the call of your King, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
- Paul David Tripp, A Quest for More (Greensboro, NC: New Growth Press, 2007), 99.

“Only love for Christ has the power to incapacitate the sturdy love for self that is the bane of every sinner, and only the grace of Christ has the power to produce that love.”
- Paul David Tripp, A Quest for More (Greensboro, NC; New Growth Press, 2007), 105.

"So remember that whatever evil surfaces in this world and in your life—in your world, in your workplace, in your home, in your school—remember whatever evil it is—against God, against His people, against you—you may be sure that not only does God know it before it happens, but He has ready the instruments to overrule that evil in His way and in His time.
So ask yourself, as a servant of God, “For what purpose has God placed me here in this position at this time?” God may have you in a classroom with godless professors, or in a workplace with profane co-workers, or in a home with an ungodly husband.
Ask yourself, “What is God’s purpose? Why has God positioned me in this place, at this gate, in this palace, in this circumstance, at this time?” "
Nancy Leigh DeMoss http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/roh/today.php

A Summer Day in the Life

2008-06-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

A Day in the Life of Yours Truly

I thought a few of you may appreciate what a typical summer day for me looks like these days. Although many days are not this dramatic, most of them are!! I think I will go hour by hour to give you a little glimpse into my life.

6:30 am – What is that noise? Oh no. It’s the baby. I really should put up the block-out shades in his room! A bottle for him in bed buys me a few minutes to read my daily reading from my One Year Bible. Of course I am wishing I was already on my second cup of coffee with hours of prayer behind me. Oh well. Time to get this day started.

7:00 am – Breakfast for all my precious boys, and finally a cup of coffee and bowl of cereal for me!

7:30 am – Doorbell. A little boy is here hoping that coach won’t forget to pick him up for their day-camp today. Don’t worry, they don’t leave until about 10:30. Ok. He’ll be back!

8:00 am – you all know the drill… have kids make beds, clean kitchen, spank a child for fighting, laundry, get baby out of the light socket, get everyone dressed, spank a child for not obeying the first time, wipe down the bathrooms, put child in time out for anger…

9:00 am – I am already exhausted. Time for Levi’s nap, thank goodness!

10:00 am - The doorbell has been ringing consistently now through out the morning. All 30 of the boys who participate in the day-camp will gather at my home until all have been picked up. They love the computer and playroom. I see some of them eating a bag of chips or a handful of “chewies” (candy) and I wonder if that is their breakfast.

11:00 am – By this time Bryan and Kevin have taken everyone in the ministry van and my or Nicole’s minivan for a day of fun, food and bible study. They have been swimming, golfing, skating, bowling and so much more!! What a wonderful experience for these kids.

11:30 am – Baby Levi is ready for lunch and so am I! On an ideal day, Nicole and Kaiya have made their way down here to “chill at the crib” with me and my boys. Oh how I love those days! My doorbell may also ring because one of the little girls in the neighborhood is bored. I can’t wait until we start our own little 2 day/week camp for these precious girls. It is so sweet to see Kaiya befriend these girls and to watch them begin to learn from Nicole what it means to be obedient and respectful and not manipulate to get what they want. Absolutely precious.

1:00 pm – After spending the last couple of hours being housekeeper, disciplinarian, judge, and secretary it is finally time for rest time!!!

1:15 pm – all kids are finally down and Nicole and I are able to start talking through the bible study we are starting next week for the teenage girls we have built relationships with.

1:20 pm – Doorbell. The man down the street wants to know if he can fill up his water bottle since he doesn’t have utilities. Of course. No question. It is a direct command from Jesus. Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to live here. The lessons I am learning are so simple and yet so deep.

2:00 pm – Finally a time to read, and perhaps to shower!

3:00 pm – Everyone up from naps!! The Party Starts once again!!! See the entry from 8 am for details.

4:00 pm – Kevin and Bryan have dropped everyone off at their houses, but within 30 minutes a handful will have walked all the way back over to play basketball outside or hang out in our cool home. The teenagers are all home from Job Corp and have decided they need to check their MySpace account – guess where?? Nicole and I put a big pot of gumbo on the stove because Kevin and Bryan are supposed to have bible study with the teenage guys tonight.

4:30 pm – A HUGE thunderstorm hits. It is hailing and so a group of about 4 more kids run in the house because they had gotten caught in the storm. (So much for my swept floor –ha ha!!)

4:45 pm – Power goes out! Guess we won’t be having Gumbo.

5:00 pm – Conversation with the teenagers about why it’s wrong to call the power company and tell them Levi is on a breathing machine and needs his oxygen just to make them come faster to fix our power lines. That would be a lie. No, really, please don’t call them!

6-8 pm – Bryan and Kevin are outside after the storm surveying the damage and enjoying the hangout time since no one has power. Everyone is outside and the air is relatively cool. Ethan is dressed in his Power Ranger suit and having the time of his life in the muddy yard with Kaiya and many other kids. Bryce is playing basketball with the older kids. Levi is being held by the grandmother across the street who simply adores him.

Nicole and I just take it all in and can’t believe we have the privilege of living here.

I guess we’ll be ordering Pizza. Then going to pick it up - since they won't deliver to my neighborhood after 5. :)

Family Happenings

2008-05-28T19:48:00.001-07:00

We have had so much going on over the past month - So i thought i would do a few pictures to catch you all up on our lives.

So, first you must meet the newest member of our family... Glory Reese Kelly. Little did we know how special it would be to have another female in the house. When we were at the pet store, this hamster kept running up to BK and climbing into his hand. She won Bryan's heart and he brought her home to our boys. She was a hit with Bryce and Ethan and then one day...

...She gave birth to 10 squirmy baby hamsters! Yes, I did say 10. As Bryan would say, Glory knew she was pregnant when she left the pet store and wanted out of the "hamster ghetto". He thinks she knew it was no place to raise a family. It really has been such a fun experience for the boys, but now I must figure out what to do with these babies!!

As for me, I had a fun girls night out last night to celebrate the birthday of one our new friends from across the street. We laughed all night and I really enjoyed just getting time with her and her family and friends. Nicole and I have been praying hard for opportunities to love on women around us, and the Lord continues to bless our efforts.

Ethan just finished his preschool year and did a great job during the program - He LOVES to sing and doesn't even get really shy in front of people. He also learned to ride his bike with no training wheels. He is such a big boy. Today when Bryan left for the "day camp" they are doing this summer, he told Ethan that he could go with them. Ethan came up to me and said: "Well, mom, I am so sorry that you won't have a big boy to snuggle with today, but at least Levi wil be here with you. Bye!"
Bryce graduated from Kindergarden and I couldn't be more proud. He is really reading well and he just seems so OLD!
Levi turned 10 months old this week - time is just flying by with him! He is such a joyful baby and as you can see, still doesn't even have one tooth. I love his chunky belly and great big blue eyes. His hair is finally coming in and he is completely blonde - SO PRECIOUS! He seems to be taking after his Grandma Tressie and Aunt Amber!.

This weekend we are off to a family wedding (Bryan is officiating!) and to see my grandma who has been really sick. I'm sure I will have plenty of stories to tell again soon.

Quotes from our hood this week

2008-05-26T20:46:00.000-07:00

Please know that while these quotes ARE funny, they are also very serious! Please take some time to pray for people who don't know Jesus,the poor and also for racial reconcilation and what the Lord wants YOU to do about these serious areas of our lives!

After coming back from Wal-Mart, a little girl ran in the kitchen and said:

"oooh! yall musta got yo food stamps today!!"

On the front porch, "K" looked at Levi and said:

"Levi must have his contacts in today - his eyes so blue!"

A little boy ran up to BK very concerned:

"One of those boys playing basketball said that you were White!"

"Do you think I'm white?"

"No - you Brown!

Then he ran off

As I was walking back to my house from across the street, a car slowly pulled up, rolled down his window and the guy said:

"Yall runnin a daycare here?"

There were at least 10 kids in and out of my front door that day - and it really did look like one!

Finally, this conversation took place with a 6 year old little girl, again on my front porch:

K: “You are light-skinned, right? I mean you aren’t white, right?”

Delta: “Actually, we are white.”
K: “You are? I thought you’d be offended because people keep telling me you are white, but I was telling them you are light-skinned.”
Delta: “Well, I am not offended! Cause we are white! (K crinkles her nose) What does “white” mean to you?”
K: “All white people hate black people. White people are rich. White people get whatever they want. Is your dad (talking about BK) rich?”
Delta: (trying not to laugh at the fact that she thinks BK is my dad!) “First of all, ALL white people don’t hate black people. We are white and we don’t hate black people. Do you know who made you?”
K: “God?”
Delta: “That’s right! And because God made ALL of us in His image, we are ALL equally special and wonderful. We all, no matter what our skin color, are a reflection of God!”
“And second of all, my HUSBAND is not ‘rich’!” ( But we are very blessed, and if I had to be honest, we get almost everything we want.)

Summer Scheduling

2008-05-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

I thought I would quickly share an idea for summer scheduling since, as of this next week, I will have all 3 of my boys here with me all day.

I had a friend suggest a solution to reduce the sibling rivalry between my two oldest (I doubt any of you have this problem!)

Her suggestion is to direct them to seperate activities for a specific amount of time - a Timer comes in really handy for this. I tested this out this afternoon, and it worked wonderfully! Basically they each do an activity for 30 min and then they switch. (And what do you know, an hour has gone by and NO FIGHTING!!)

Here are the activities they do and then switch:

Art (coloring, playdough, etc.)/Favorite TV show

Computer/Special Toys (toys reserved for this time that are not available other times like Leggos)

Playroom free play/ Workbook pages

Audio Books/ Learing Video

I would love suggestions on other activities to use - esp for rainy days!

A life of Worship and Mercy

2008-05-05T09:16:00.000-07:00

I have decided to memorize Romans 12 this month and I was so encouraged by a sermon by John Piper on this passage. I have been reminded that all acts of service, without love for God or the other people, are just in vain. Here is a clip from the sermon.

"Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This is your spiritual act of worship." Romans 12:1

"We must never let the Christian life drift into a mere social agenda. I use the word “mere” carefully, because if God is left out, our mercy will be mere social agenda. We do no one good in the end if we are not worshipping and leading them to worship in the acts of mercy that we do. If our good deeds are not expressing the worth of God, then our deeds are not worship, and in the end will not be merciful. Making people comfortable or helping them feel good on the way to everlasting punishment, without the hope and the design that they see Christ in your good deeds, is not mercy. Mercy must aim to make much of Christ. For no one is saved who doesn't meet and make much of Christ. And not to care about saving is not merciful." - John Piper

(see www.desiringgod.org for the rest of the sermon)

*the above picture was taken on Sunday afternoon - we walked outside to go to our church picnic, and these were most of the kids that were on our porch or in our front yard. Thank you, Lord for this special time and place that you have called me and my family!

T-Ball Season Begins!

2008-04-23T18:38:00.000-07:00

I have been looking forward to this for so long now! I really think that the ballpark is one of my favorite places - I have so many wonderful memories of my own games as well as my cousins and friends and my sisters. We got there at 9:30 in the morning and I immediately went to the concession stand and bought nachos and a coke. The weather was PERFECT and there is just a feeling I get when I am there that feels so good!

I am SO thankful that the YMCA put my two boys on the same team - even if it is just for one year. This makes things MUCH easier. I wish I could play a video of them on the field and in the dugout. Bryce is getting better at the game each time he plays. He takes it very seriously and also has lots of fun at the same time. Ethan, on the other hand, is so clueless, but everyone's favorite to watch. His very first at bat, he hit the ball and while everyone cheered, he ran straight to the 3rd base coach (who happened to be BK!). He is constantly distracted by bugs in the air and on the ground. When he actually does pay attention, he will run halfway across the field to try to get a ball- so the coach as been working with him on staying in his position!!

Common Ground Ministry Update

2008-04-14T16:13:00.000-07:00

Ministry space…. Ahead with the building

Please pray for us as we seek to move ahead on the building of our new ministry house in our neighborhood. This house will provide space we need desperately. The ministry house will allow us to reach out to our community through bible studies, tutoring programs, computer literacy programs, jobs training, back yard basketball, batting cage training, summer camps, and crisis housing, etc. Please pray specifically for the land that we are seeking to build on. The state owns two lots a few houses down from my home. The land purchasing process can take up to six or seven months. Please pray that we will be able to purchase the land within a two month time-period. Also, if you understand the ‘state’ process, if you know anyone who works in this area of the ‘state’, or if you know how to sneak into the ‘state’ while they are out for lunch and make this happen quicker, please let us know. (Please avoid getting caught… or we don’t know you!) Also, please praise God with us for the provision of a builder who has agreed to build the house at cost. This will save us a lot of money. Lastly, please pray with us as we begin to raise the money for this project. We anticipate that the project will cost between $200,000 and $225,000.

Baseball season will end this week

We finally approach the end of a very tough baseball season. Wins were rare and conflict and frustration were not. Please keep praying for the boys who participated this year. I plan to conduct individual follow-up time with these guys over the next few weeks. Hopefully, this will be a good time to collectively interpret everything that has happened this spring, and follow-up on a bible study we did together. I am asking the Lord to open their hearts as I seek to clearly share the gospel with them. We will take a few of the baseball players and other teenagers to Camp Arrowhead in North Carolina at the end of the summer.

Focus in the coming months of summer

Coaching baseball was a great way to serve at the high school. While coaching gave us credibility in the community in many ways, I am very thrilled about the opportunity to primarily work with our neighborhood kids this summer. We have a lot of ideas about how we can connect with them during their summer break. Summers can be a dangerous and destructive time for our neighborhood. The teenagers have told us countless stories of the violence that tends to happen in the summer. Pray for us and for them as we work hard to create gospel and fun-driven ways reach them. We are planning another baseball camp this summer, some short-term local camping opportunities, one week-long camp in North Carolina , an academic summer-enrichment day camp, and many other activities. All of the above will include bible study exposure and exposure to the wonderful news of what God has done for us in Jesus.

Our focus is not just on the kids. We will be using the activities to help us get to know the parents and extended family as well. God has also brought some young men into our lives recently. Some of these men have been involved in various stages of gang activity and have spent some time in jail or prison. We will seek to use the rapport we have built with these guys to share our faith with them. Interestingly enough, it is our time with the younger kids that has drawn the older guys to us. They feel like we are doing something positive for the younger kids; something they didn’t see when they were younger and seem to appreciate our efforts. May the Lord bless this.

-Bryan Kelly

Family Fun Pics

2008-04-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

I figured I would add some recent kid pics - we've been up to some fun stuff lately!

Levi is 8 months old this month and is crawling everywhere and pulling up on everything. Time to "babyproof!" Do you think it's gross that Judah (the dog) likes to lick his little hands?!

We signed the older 2 up for T-ball and the practices have been so fun. Bryce is really good and E is hysterically funny. All the moms call him "busy" - that is a nice way of saying "doesn't pay attention well"! Their first game is tomorrow - you can be sure I'll post some pics of that soon.

My mom got us tickets to the Circus - SO FUN!!
I love this weather lately and I love all the playing outside. This is in our backyard, but my favorite is putting Levi in the exersaucer on our front porch and watching up to 20 kids playing basketball, football and curb ball right in front of me. I really do love our street. Please pray that these boys would know Jesus soon!

Encouragment for Moms - 1

2008-04-09T07:45:00.001-07:00

"Whoever would be great among you, must be your servant." Matt 20:26

"The world may not applaud us for wiping runny noses, driving in carpools, or talking with our teenager into the wee hours of the morning. And until they are trained, our children might not thank us either. But as we set aside our own selfish desires and glorify God by joyfully serving our children, we are pursuing true greatness according to the Bible. Let us do so with tenderness, affection and with a smile!"
"But what if you have lost your smile? How do you find renewed joy to sacrificially serve and tenderly love your children? Our only genuine source of refreshment comes from God. In Him alone do we acquire fresh strength to carry out this enormous task of mothering."

-Carolyn Mahanney The Feminine Appeal

A must read!

2008-04-07T09:57:00.000-07:00

If you want to be challenged and encouraged today, please read Nicole's Blog entry about this past Sunday. This girl is so humble and challenges me daily with TRUTH! Thank you, Nicole, for making much of Christ, in our neighborhood, in our friendship, and on your blog! Thank you, Jesus, for putting Nicole in my life and for how I know you so much better because her.

Dealing with Anger

2008-04-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share a very helpful list I am currently meditating on - it is called "25 Ways that parents provoke their children to anger." The list is based off the verses in Eph and Col that speak of NOT provoking your children to anger.
I have realized that there are major anger problems in my two oldest boys, and that the first place I must look for answers is in my OWN life and how i am handling the day to day situations.
This list is taken from Lou Priolo's book, The Heart of Anger. It is a TON of information and to be honest, I got overwhelmed with how much work I am going to have to do to really address this anger issue. So I decided that the first thing that has to change is me. All I have to say is that I am SO thankful that the Lord's mercies are new every morning and that He who started a good work in me will be faitful to complete it. So instead of trying to be perfect (which is a major problem of mine), I will choose to walk in each moment, and WHEN I fail, to seek the Lord and His forgiveness, and then to GET BACK UP and TRY AGAIN!!! Modeling this in front of my children will be the first step up this MOUNTAIN. So I hope this encourages you and if any of you have kids with anger issues, maybe this will be helpful for you as well. I encourage you to get the book because there are verses and wonderful explainations that go along with each thought.

25 Ways that Parents Provoke their Children to Anger

Lack of Marital Harmony
Establishing and Maintaining a child-centered home
Modeling Sinful Anger
Habitually Disciplining while angry
Scolding
Being inconsistent with Discipline
Having double standards
Being Legalistic
Not admitting you’re wrong and not asking for forgiveness
Constantly finding fault
Parents reversing God-given roles
Not listening to your child’s opinion or taking his side of the story seriously
Comparing them to others
Not making time “just to talk”
Not praising or encouraging your child
Failing to keep your promises
Chastening them in front of others
Not allowing enough freedom
Allowing too much freedom
Mocking your child
Abusing them physically
Ridiculing or name-calling
Unrealistic expectations
Practicing Favoritism
Child training with worldly methodologies inconsistent with God’s word

Common Ground Ministry Update

2008-04-02T13:27:00.000-07:00

Here is some of the e-mail update that bryan sent out this week:

Ministry space… direction!

Thank you for praying diligently with us about some very needed ministry space for us. As you may remember, we were considering two options: One was a 4-acre piece of land the other was some land we already own that was considerably smaller. We have been praying about building some sort of community center. We are thrilled to announce that we believe the Lord has led us to a decision on some ministry space… a decision that includes neither of the previous two options we and you were praying about! We have decided to build a large house in our neighborhood a few houses down from ours. This house will be a neighborhood community house. It will possibly be used for after school tutoring, neighborhood bible studies, job development training, community meetings, summer intern housing, arts initiatives, neighborhood movie nights, dance classes, “hood aerobics (yea, you read it right!)”, and many other neighborhood inspired and created ideas. We have been asking neighbors for their ideas about what such space could be used for. The point is to have a house that would provide some smaller, less expensive, and easier managed space (than a community center). We do not want to build a big central structure that would take so many resources to build, staff, and maintain right now. Our hope is to create some space that would not be a burden to the neighborhood and that would allow for some spiritual and recreational development. The back yard of the house will contain an abbreviated full court basketball area, some swing sets, and a small batting cage net for baseball hitting instruction. We are in the process of acquiring two lots for this project. Please pray for us in this decision and in the initial planning stages. We have been talking to many neighbors about this and we have had a lot of support and excitement about the idea.

Carver Baseball update….

We’ve seen one level of adversity after another with the Carver Baseball team this year. The school did not give us any start up money to get the program going this year. Common Ground Montgomery was able to buy a good bit of game and practice gear for the kids this year. We have come to expect tough situations and self-destructive patterns among our players. God taught me a lot about that last year. I try hard not to be caught off guard by the extra challenges that come with coaching kids that grow up in dysfunctional home environments and peer groups. I felt pretty good about my expectations and hopes heading into my second season of coaching.
Two weeks before our first game our batting cage net was stolen. A generous donor provided money for a new batting cage, but there was a significant wait time. We missed three weeks of much needed batting practice because of the theft. When we were about to reorder the new net, we were hit with another blow. We found out that Carver was destroying our field within days of the notice. They wanted to begin to store trailers and equipment on our field for summer school renovations. We not only lost a batting cage, but we lost a practice field. The school promised an alternative playing field and transportation, but didn’t deliver on either. Our kids don’t have cars, and travel to distant fields to practice is not a great option. Nevertheless, we have been using our ministry van and another coach’s car to transport the 16 kids to various places to get a short practice in.
Honestly, it has been a little demoralizing to the guys on the team. We don’t get to work on and practice the things we need to compete with other teams. We had one team bible study a few weeks ago and most of the kids came. They asked sincere questions about what it meant to be ‘an enemy of God’ according to the scriptures and about the significance of Jesus’ work for and our need for reconciliation. Other than this one bible study and a few conversations we have had in the van during late evening drop offs to their homes I have wrestled with feeling like I personally haven’t been that active in sharing my faith with them. I have been so overwhelmed with rescheduling baseball games, finding practice locations, dealing with administration, and other stuff that I found myself just trying to make it through the day, honestly. This is on top of family responsibilities, fundraising, speaking at churches, studying for ordination exams, general CGM responsibilities. Throw in a steady diet of neighborhood crisis! I simply had slipped into survival mode, rather than intentional living for God’s Kingdom.

I am sure we all continually find ourselves here. Going through the motions is a tough and yet natural place to be. The problem for me is that I forgot the end goal and the power available for me in the process. Delta and I were deeply encouraged and refreshed this weekend as one of my mentors preached at a local mission’s conference. I was reminded again, at just the right time that the message of the Gospel has real power bound up in the story of Christ. I was renewed in my desire to be intentional in my efforts to further God’s Kingdom in all that I do. We are actually told that the spiritual forces at work in the world cannot prevail against OUR attacks. This means that the gates of Hades can not prevail against the church. In short, I was renewed in my desire to use this whole baseball experience, in the midst of the adversity, for the greater purpose of demonstrating and sharing the Kingdom of God with these kids. Please pray for me over the next two and a half weeks concerning these 16 boys. I want to use the time wisely for our Lord, and not get caught up in the other stuff. What an incredible privilege I have to be around these guys like this. How easy it is to forget and just exist.

Kevin and Nicole, and Delta and I greatly appreciate your support of CGM. We are able to live in the neighborhood and share God’s love with your support. Please respond with questions you may have about our activities in the neighborhood.

Psalm 34:3:
Bryan Kelly
Common Ground Montgomery

Catching the Vision

2008-03-28T19:38:00.000-07:00

Every holiday, we all get a card from my grandmother with $5 per kid and $10 per adult - It has been this way for so many years and now my kids look forward to the cards just like i do!! This past Easter was no exception. Bryce was so excited, I could see the wheels of his mind turning as he asked this question:

"Mom, is everything at the Dollar Store $1?"

"Yes, Bryce, i think so."

"So that means I can get FIVE new toys?!! When can we go? Can we go today?"

"No, we can't go today, but maybe we can go soon."

Well, it is missions week at our church and Bryce really didn't want to go tonight, but he ended up having a really wonderful time and his whole attitude was so different tonight after we got home. I wish you could hear his voice when he is really considering how to help people- he has such a compassionate heart... but this is what he said when he came home:

"Mom, is there any way I can give my $5 to the Ministry?"

"What ministry,Bryce?"

"Our ministry - you know, to people who don't have a lot."

"Oh, I am SURE you can! I love it that you want to do that! But I thought you wanted to spend that money at the Dollar Store?"

***Pause***

"well, the Dollar Store is just going to have to wait!"

More photo booth fun!

2008-03-18T18:19:00.000-07:00

We have WAY too much fun with our computer! The kids will sit in front of the camera for SO long and i have literally deleted over 100 pictures off the roll!! Everyone gets in on the fun -kids and adults. Some are so funny, I just had to share!

Common Ground Weekly Update

2008-03-15T18:22:00.000-07:00

This is the latest update the Bryan sent out about the ministry, for those of you who don't get the e-mail updates.

Vision trip to Chattanooga …

This past weekend we took a vision trip to Chattanooga , Tennessee . We had the opportunity to visit an exciting multicultural church and an established ministry that had been doing the same type of work (for over 30 years now!) that we are trying to do. It was an eye-opening experience for me and for Kevin. But, it was a very important trip for two of the teenagers from our neighborhood that came along also. One of them had never stayed in a hotel room before… and really hadn’t ventured out of Montgomery . For them to be able to see a Church where whites, blacks, and Latinos lived, loved, and ministered together was a very positive thing. They were able to drive around the ghetto’s and stressed neighborhoods of Chattanooga and to hear the different types of transformation ministry outreaches that were taking place there. We were well loved on and taken care of by dear brothers and sisters there. We also had a whole lot of fun! We laughed and dreamed together. We went up on a mountain, went to a movie, toured the city and enjoyed our time away together. The trip went a long way for our relationship with these young men. Please continue to pray for these and other young men that God has brought into our lives. Please pray that the Lord would raise up these and other young men and women as leaders in our community.

Volunteers needed for academic and arts enrichment!...

Would you consider coming over to our neighborhood one or twice a week to tutor kids and/or provide some sort of arts enrichment experience? We have recently secured access to some space at a neighborhood community center for a tutoring and arts program. We would love for our kids to have the opportunity to become familiar with various arts experiences as well as get homework help, remedial help, and also some pre-school reading development. We will include bible study as well. We are in the process of developing an enrichment program that helps us serve our kids in a very meaningful and developmental way. If you have any creative ideas in the arts arenas, or if you are interesting in volunteer tutoring, please contact Kevin King (657-7049).

Neighborhood Statistics…

Kevin King has been investigating our neighborhood in order to help us understand how we can pursue the transformation necessary to build a healthy community. We have begun by looking at the 8 blocks surrounding our homes. Here are some interesting statistics. In those 8 blocks there are 183 properties. 46 properties or 38% of all the properties in those 8 blocks are empty lots or vacant or condemned houses. Around half of houses that are occupied are occupied by the owner and the others are rentals. Many of those rentals are in very poor condition. These 8 blocks may very well be the most in tact eight blocks in the neighborhood. In other words, the blocks surrounding these are in worse condition. On some of those streets, 1 in 2 properties are empty or condemned. We are praying about creating some type of sub ministry of CGM that will look to purchase many of those empty lots and vacant houses. We would love to be able to build and remodel homes. Our goal would be to provide a good housing stock to see our neighborhood repopulated by in tact families again. We believe that we need three things to happen. First, we would love some of YOU to consider if the Lord might be leading you to come live in community with us. Second, we would love to be able to provide some home ownership opportunities for current renters. Third, we want to create the kind of community that our young emerging leaders will want to stay in and raise their families in one day. As marriages are formed (and as they become the rule and not the exception again!) we want to see our culture transformed as Christian families begin to have a powerful influence over the current strongholds of our neighborhood. Please pray for us as we seek the Lord’s will on how we might best do Christian Neighborhood community development.

An opportunity from the Lord…

This past week two young teenage girls in our neighborhood had miscarriages. Teenage pregnancy is the norm in our community. Both of the girls have been in our home on different occasions. They have also been in our home since losing their babies. Below are some of Nicole King’s (Our Executive Director’s wife) thoughts concerning her experience with one of the girls last week (taken from her blog: http://kingdombusiness07.blogspot.com).

. . . . . . “My LORD!!!!! And what a providentially hindered day it has been. I would have never thought when I awoke this morning that Delta and I would be sitting in the hall way of her home waiting for an ambulance to pick up an 16 yr old whom we believe had a miscarriage in her bathroom. Earlier today, Delta and I were hanging out at a neighbor’s house that lives a couple of doors down from me. We said our good-byes and decided to return to her house to see the guys off. As we approached her home her husband tells her that there are two girls inside from across the street. We go in and meet girl #1. Girl #2 is in D's bathroom. As we sat there, we were engaged into some fun conversation with the young girl about who she is, what school she attends, and were they live. We found out that the girl in the bathroom has an uncle who lives across the street from the Kelly’s. The two girls arrived at the uncle’s house to find themselves locked out. Girl#1’s stomach begins to cramp so they decided to walk over to the Kelly’s to use their bathroom. After 20 min or so the girl is still in the bath room so Delta (WHOM I MUST SAY HANDLED THIS SITUATION LIKE....A PRO …SHE DID ALOT OF COMMUNICATING WITH THIS GIRL) begins to talk to her from outside of the door. We found out that she was bleeding heavily and that there was a possibility that she might be pregnant. We do all we can to keep her calm and relaxed: we began to pray over her, give her towels to bathe with and just offer a little bit of humor to take the edge off of the "what if" situation. As we helped the young lady to get into the shower we hear a knock at the door. She tells us from inside the bathroom that the pain is getting worse and that something is wrong... All I hear next is a loud fall and I look up into Delta face to hear her say..." um, ok, sweetie you may want to dial 911"..... the girl had fallen out due to the amount of blood she had lost.

The night ends with Delta and I at the hospital with her mom, grandmother, sister and two friends. We sat in that emergency room for about 5 hours. Still no word on whether or not she was pregnant, still pregnant, or if she had suffered a miscarriage. We returned to the Kelly’s to joyfully before the LORD clean up the blood that was left from earlier that day

All I can think about in my heart right now is "why LORD"? ..."why Delta’s house"? ...."Why were we involved"? "What are your plans with this family and us"????? "What is there to do after all of this"???

And then it was clear to me, it's all for the sake of the GOSPEL…this is what it is all about…This is why we(Kelly's and King's) were called to this neighborhood for such a time as this. We are to look at every circumstance, and take everyday as an opportunity to preach the GOSPEL through WORD AND DEED to those around us.
Before we left the hospital, we found out that this sweet girl's grandmother and sister will be moving in RIGHT across the street from the Kelly’s this month~~ This journey with them has just begun… what an introduction.

Would you please keep this young girl and her family in your prayers? While in the hospital as well as back at Delta’s house this younger girl made it clear that she didn’t want her mom to know that she might be pregnant ( it seems that the sister who is 18 now went through the SAME EXACT situation a while back and the mom did not take it well).” (Nicole King)

(The next night after Nicole wrote this post the same two girls came back over to the house. She had a miscarriage, and had to go through the sad and excruciating health procedure of surgery after the miscarriage. The girls came back by that night to hang out with Delta and Nicole. May God bless these new relationships!)

We hope this gives you some things to think about and pray about on our behalf. Thank you for your love and encouragement.

Psalm 34:3,

Bryan Kelly

Common Ground Montgomery

Quote of the Day

2008-03-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

"We trust in His character, not in His answer."

Happy Birthday, Bryce!

2008-03-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

I can't believe our oldest is 6 years old! Bryce is so precious to us and I am so thankful for his sweet life.

He is so artistic - even asking me recently when he would be old enough to teach an art class!! He has such a compassionate heart, always concerned for the hurting and wanting to share whatever he has with people who don't have any.

Now I must admit, he is SO silly and really into the potty humor (no big surprise!).

His birthday party this year was at our local Skate Rink - and it was a BLAST!!!

Fighting for Contentment

2008-03-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

I ran across a passage this week that has really convicted my heart and I thought I’d share!

The context of the story is the beginning of the Israelites in exile, after leaving Egypt where they were in slavery, and into the wilderness, being led by Moses and ultimately God Himself.

“Now the Lord sent a wind that brought quail from the sea and let them fall into the camp and all around it! … So the people went out and caught quail all day and throughout the night and all the next day too. … But while they were still eating the meat, the anger of the Lord burned against the people, and he caused a severe plague to break out among them. So that place was called Kibroth-hattaavah – “the graves of craving” – because they buried the people there who had craved meat from Egypt.” Numbers 11:31-35

If you just meditate for a minute on this passage you will be convicted just like I was!!

My first observation was that it was the Lord who brought the quail to the camp. The quail were not the issue… His anger began to burn when the people began to wish for the things they had back in Egypt (while they were in SLAVERY!) rather than to be thankful for what the Lord was doing for them right then.

This has really challenged me in my Fight for Contentment. I long to be satisfied by the Lord alone, and not chase the things of this world. If I am to do this, it means taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, including thoughts like these:

“I wish my life was more like it was in high school, college, before I was married, before I had kids… etc.!”

“I wish (that thing I used to do _____ ) weren’t a sin ~ it sure did bring temporary satisfaction!”

“I wish my life looked more like hers!”

“My life would be better if ____”

Really trusting the Lord means believing in His wonderful plan for my life TODAY. I want to learn from my past, but really be captivated by the Lord’s hand on my life Today and what He is faithfully accomplishing.

Here is a quote or two from "Idols of the Heart" by Elise Fitzpatrick

"What must I have for life to be meaningful or happy? If I answer that question with anything other than God Himself, then that's what functions as a god for me. Idols aren't just stone statues. No, idols are the thoughts, desires, longings, and expectations that we worship in the place of the true God. Idols cause us to ignore the true God in search of what we think we need."

I really believe that is what made God so angry at the Israelites in the above passage. They were "craving the meat from Egypt"... They needed it in order to be happy. I rejoice in the fact that my God is truly a JEALOUS God and will not stand for me bowing to other idols.

Lord, help me to be content today and not wish again for a yoke of slavery. Help me to not Crave the things of this world, but to truly long for You today, my heavenly home with you.

I would love your comments of further observation and encouragment!

For Aunt Sarah

2008-03-04T15:57:00.001-08:00

Ahhhh, a few moments this afternoon were spent with just me and Levi!! Bryan took Bryce to baseball practice and then a game, and my Mom took E to get his hair cut (sob, sob! - well not really, though I will miss the curls!)

So, I got to FINALLY talk to my dearest friend, Sarah, and then Levi actually got a much needed bath - something that is a rare occurance I embarrassingly admit, and then it was time for the photo shoot. Sarah gave him this towel, so I lovingly dedicated this post to "Aunt Sarah"!

Oh yeah, he is finally sitting up really well on his own. All in his own timing, of course.

Last night...

2008-03-01T05:50:00.000-08:00

We had a "providentially hindered" day yesterday, as Nicole puts it... in fact she and I were fighting yesterday about who would actually write about the events of the day and who would get to put a "click here"

Well, guess who won???

Please read her entry using the above link and pray that we will both be diligent in following up with the people we met yesterday, both in prayer and in deed. This was truly part of what I believe will be ways that I am going to be "seeing God" over the years to come.

Oh and by the way, this is what we looked like all evening at the hospital:

lets just say it was a good lesson about getting ready in the morning!!!!!!!

For my sake... and yours

2008-02-27T09:42:00.000-08:00

Here begins a new section to share things I have learned in my personal time with the Lord that I hope will encourage those who read. I know most people are just interested in pictures of the family, but I hope this will build you up as well.

I spent the morning reading radio transcripts on reviveourhearts.com. Today I focused on marriage, as I have been really convicted to truly live out my priorities, day by day. I happen to believe that my marriage should be my second priority - second only to the Lord.

Today was a great reminder to "tend to the Garden" of my relationship with Bryan. Romans 12:1-2 tells us to not conform to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. I don't know about you, but if I am not careful, there are many "weeds" that grow up in my thought life - especially concerning my marriage. I was challenged to PULL THOSE WEEDS!!!! Identify the wrong thoughts and replace them with TRUTH!!! I think we are all a little scared to read the Song Of Solomon, but it is FULL of verses that can transform our thoughts about our spouses and our marriages. For example:

Song of Solomon 5:16 "His mouth is full of sweetness and he is wholly desirable. This is my lover, this is my friend."

It is only by memorizing and meditating on the Word of God that our minds be transformed. I was amazed by all the sweet thoughts I had about my husband as I meditated on this verse this morning.

Let's go to war against satan and FIGHT for our marriages. Will you join me??

Levi 7 month pics

2008-02-25T17:30:00.001-08:00

Levi is back to his normal, cheerful self! Thanks to all who may have prayed - it is so difficult when they can't tell you what is wrong.

He is 7 months old today and I am so thankful for this growing blessing in our family. As you can see, he has several new "tricks"!! So very cute!

This last picture is of Bryce on his first birthday... I think Levi really favors this brother!

A Beautiful Day

2008-02-25T13:52:00.001-08:00

Sunday was a beautiful day, and after Bryan was finished speaking at Frazer, we took advantage of being dressed up and posed for a family pic!

A beautiful day, means some outside play!!

Bryce is really starting to get good!

And finally a view of the front of my new house with my brand new (old) porch furniture - I specifically prayed for some like this and a sweet friend gave it to me a couple of weeks ago. I think that I will spray paint it this spring, but until then, lime green it is!!!

Random things in my Living room part 3

2008-02-21T14:24:00.000-08:00

Guess what season it is around here??!! Yes, that's a baseball tee in my living room. Thankfully there are no bats laying around!

Oh yeah - and we are all better from the flu! yea! The colds still linger on, but at least there are no more fevers.

Levi has been especially fussy the past week (possibly from thrush) but it has been a very draining time. He is typically such a happy baby and this is so difficult for me! We even went in to the Dr office to check for ear infections - it is that bad. When the Dr looked in one ear and it was clear, he said "Your other ear better look bad or you are going to be in real trouble!" Well, it was clear as well.... and yes, he is now grounded! If you think of it, say a little prayer that whatever is ailing him will GO AWAY!!!

Quote Of the Day

2008-02-18T10:51:00.000-08:00

Over the last few years, I have had an increasing awareness of anxiety, fear and worry in my life. I am blessed to be able to walk through it with a very close friend and we are always finding new quotes and verses to encourage one another in this battle for FAITH! So here is the latest:

"There is nothing - no circumstance, no trouble, no testing - that can ever touch me until, first of all, it has gone past God and past Christ right through to me. If it has come that far, it has come with a great purpose, which I may not understand at that moment. But as I refuse to become panicky, as I lift up my eyes to HIm and accept it as coming from the throne of God for some great purpose of blessing to my own heart, no sorrow will ever disturb me, no trial will ever disarm me, no circumstance will ever cause me to fret - for I shall rest in the joy of what my Lord is! - That is the rest of victory!"

-Alan Redpath

The FLU!

2008-02-15T12:29:00.000-08:00

Well, we didn't make it thru this season without a week knocked out by the flu. Bryce had it first, then me. Of course it happened during Valentine's week! I am so thankful for the medicine though and am happy to report that as of today, no one else has gotten it. Levi does have a bad cold, but no fever. I am also thankful for that. This is why I have not blogged, called anyone, or emailed. Sorry!

Levi 6 month Stats

2008-02-09T07:12:00.000-08:00

For all you Grandmothers and Best Friends out there who actually care about this kind of thing.. here are Levi's Numbers from his checkup yesterday:

Weight: 16 lbs 12 oz (30%)

Height: 27 1/4 in (80%)

Other points of interest:

He still can't sit up and is not even attempting to crawl
There are absolutely no teeth in sight!
He is Truly such a combo of B and E - especially in his stats.

Common Ground Weekly Update

2008-02-08T14:34:00.000-08:00

Two Special Observations

I thought I would share two things I saw this week that burdened my heart.

First, I was driving down our street one day at about 2:30 in the afternoon and saw seven neighborhood kids playing in the street. I knew all of them so I stopped to talk. After I realized that school hadn’t let out yet, I asked them why they were home. Five of the seven kids had been separately suspended from the middle and high schools. The other two kids were ‘sick’, so they stayed home and played outside all day. The kids were between five and fifteen in age. I’ve also seen another fifteen year-old walking our streets all day long for about two months. He comes by my house in the afternoons to play basketball. He flashed a pistol at one of our neighbors last week when she told him he needed to quit walking the streets and go to school. As mentioned before, a recent national study gave our high school the name of ‘drop out factory’.

The second thing I witnessed occurred during our baseball practice earlier this week. We watched a police car come barreling around the outside of the center-field fence while we were batting. As the policeman parked and jumped out of his car, at least 20 youth came running from behind a building. Some of them jumped the fence and came running through the middle of our practice, and some ran away in other directions. They were gambling and smoking marijuana. During our practice times in the course of the last year we have witnessed gangs initiate their prospects (other teens) by coming together in groups of 25 and beating them. We’ve seen kids smoke marijuana on many occasions. Just yesterday, one of the guys we are mentoring told me about the aftermath of a stabbing that happened at school that day.

Our kids seem to be on a crash course with destruction. Please pray for us and the other churches in our neighborhood as we seek to see the Kingdom of God manifested in our midst. Unless godly families are raised up as light in our community…unless a new culture begins to replace the old one as we participate in the new creation in the Gospel of the Kingdom of God … it will only get worse. Obviously, I believe there is real hope for transformation. Please pray for our community.

Will you pray for our next potential decisions on a facility?

I was deeply convicted of something while attending a missions conference one night this week. I feel like I have strayed off course in some of our planning towards some ministry ‘space’ to carry out various outreach, recreational, and development initiatives. We have been thinking hard about finances, about locations, strategy, and what to include in building or renovating a facility, etc. These are all necessary and are a part of good stewardship. But, something else happened in my heart. I believe that God moved us to actually seek Him earnestly in prayer over these upcoming decisions. I am asking you to consider doing this with us. Will you seek His face with us about the timing, location, type of space, and resources toward a ministry facility with us? Many of you tell me constantly that you pray for us. I believe it, because so many doors have opened for us over the last year and a half. Now, I am asking you to commit to doing it daily with us over the next two months. We have two potential options.

Our first potential option is to build on some land we already own at the front of our neighborhood. It would require rezoning, and the city would have to relax some set-back rules for this type of building. We could build office space, a full size basketball gym size floor we could use for a number of things, a kitchen, a few small classrooms, and a small computer lab. The location is great, but parking would be very limited, and we will have used all the space available. It would be new, nice, and an easier and much quicker ordeal than our second option.

The second potential option is on the west side of the neighborhood. I love the location because it’s three blocks from my house and sits between both housing projects and Washington Park . It has a number of old buildings on the property, sits on 5 acres, and is connected to 10 more acres of vacant land that is also for sale. It’s next door to the neighborhood middle school. It would be a renovation nightmare, but it has tremendous space for any future growth of our work. It obviously would be more expensive. Please consider committing to pray for us in these decisions.

We hope that God will clarify the best decision as we pray. I am so grateful for your friendship and support of our ministry. We could not do what we do without your prayers, help, and support. May God bless you and keep you until I speak to you again.

Psalm 34:3, Bryan Kelly

A sad Heart

2008-02-04T19:23:00.000-08:00

I have been so sad this week after finding out last Saturday that the husband of my best friend in high school died suddenly and unexpectedly of meningitis . We were in each-other's weddings, and I wish I had a picture of us from high school to post here - we had such good times together. I was able to go to the visitation and was amazed by my friend's strength and spirit. I should have remembered, she has always been that way.

I felt like my heart was leaping out of my chest when I first walked in the church. I knew she was there, and there was absolutely nothing i could do to help her. I felt 20 lbs lighter after finally giving her a hug, but I won't even pretend to think that my hug helped her feel any better. I promised her I would be here for her, just to listen and offer a shoulder to cry on, whenever she wanted... Lord, help me be a faithful friend.

If you read this, please say a prayer for her and her 2 1/2 year old son. Her husband died at such a young age, and they have a long road ahead of them without him. Pray that her church will really step up to care for her when she returns home, and that she will listen as the Lord leads her in the next few months as she has to make difficult decisions.