Another Day, Another Garden

Yesterday was a girl's day, my mom and I had the whole day to do whatever we wanted, we hit up a couple of yard sale, we went to the Friends of the Cromaine Library Book Sale, we grabbed lunch at El Patio, and then we drove into Milford for a visit to the Benson Street Co-op and CSA. It was awesome! Leah, Bob and Doug run stuff, and they have a great operation going. Leah is an instructor at Milford Music and she believes strongly in organic, sustainable and local produce. It was such fun hearing about how they do things. Benson Street, began as a CSA, but the neighbors began to catch the vision and donate stuff, like land and water pumps and time and a tractor, so it became a co-op. This is the kind of thing that happens when communities get together and share in the bounty of creation. It was inspirational to be on the land. I can not wait until I come back to Milford for my 10 year high school reunion, and see their harvest! Way to go Benson Street!

Central Detroit Christian

This morning I had the privilege of hanging out with my dad. So, I convinced him to go on an adventure, I love being on vacation. We hopped in the car and headed down to Detroit, more specifically, Central Detroit Christian (CDC) which is a Christian Community Development organization doing some amazing stuff in Detroit. I was so impressed. Mark VanAndel, the leadership and development coordinator, took us on a walking tour of the area, which included a stop at Peaches and Greens, the community grocer. He was a great guide and I left really amped about what the Lord is doing in Detroit. The CDC has community gardens, TUMI, tutoring, a new family restaurant called Cafe Sonshine, and several housing projects on its plate. Please pray for them, God is using them!

On the way home we drove by Hitsville USA, I had never been there before, it was fun. I really loved getting to hang out with my dad in Detroit. I also really love Detroit....

the Resurrection, Wheelbarrow thiefs, and Community Policing

Resurrection Sunday was a gorgeous day, not only was it sunny and warm, perfect for sun dresses and strolls in the park, it was full of newness. Life was sprouting in the garden, hope was taking root in Highland House members, and Christ had indeed defeated death. As I observed the garden, everything was in order, the compost brewing, the new fill pilled, the seeds germinating, and the wheelbarrows tucked away. Our little plot of land was ready for the spring break gardeners the following morning.

Monday morning came with sunshine and beauty. I did pick ups, four amazing teen girls, one young man, and Julie. We began to work, turning compost, seeding, moving fill, and wondering where our other wheelbarrow went. Who would steal a wheelbarrow? If they would have asked, they could have borrowed it, and we probably would have offered them some tomato plants. So, we put the word out on the street, if you know anything, let us know.

One of our neighbors, a real nice guy, just this last winter he helped us dig our cars out, was driving by, I let him know and he was upset. He thought he knew who it might be and told us he'd take care of it. We believed him. But thought that we we're out a wheelbarrow, worse things had happened, and this was not the end of civilization. We continued to work, while he tracked down what was ours.

Two nights ago there was a knock on the door. It was late, but I answered, and it was our neighbor, "I found your wheelbarrow, it will be back tomorrow, if it's not, let me know." He went on the talk about how our neighborhood is different, we do not take things from others, and we depend on each other.

Our wheelbarrow has yet to find its way home, but the accused did stop by and say he needed it a bit longer, but it would be back soon. He said we we not home, so he just took it. We know who has it, and where it is. Our neighbors love us and got our back.

Please pray for our neighbors, that as there is a shift in the age and race that the doors are open and welcoming. We were once the outsiders and now we are not, pray that we allow others in.

Blitzen Trapper

Check out this band, their Album comes out on June 8th, Heaven and Earth is the first single from Destroyer of the Void. I love these guys

Blitzen Trapper’s “Heaven and Earth” From Destroyer of the Void

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Fridays in Ascent

Last Friday night the teens and I began a pilgrimage. A journey that has been taken for thousands of years. We are learning to walk up the the mountain to to the Holy city, just as the Israelites have for generations. We are learning to sing the Psalms of Ascent, and seeking God's promises and comfort in the mists of struggle and weariness. I am so excited for my teens, the Psalms of Ascent expose us and allow us share in a common spirituality. Please pray for us on this journey. Psalm 120-134 are beautiful and show that God accepts any emotion we give Him, and will transform it into the emotion He wants.