Having two little girls is definitely a challenge, but it's one that, I think, Jessamy and I are handling very well. Jessa Lynn seems to be the one who is a little (sometimes a lot) obnoxious like me and Jemma seems to be more cuddly and quiet like her mother. Potty training is going well with Jessa Lynn. Who knew that bribing with candy worked so well?! She's going in the toilet but may be on sugar overload. Her vocabulary at 2 1/2 is simply amazing. Jemma is crawling like crazy and balancing by herself from time to time. She's beginning to get into everything. Even though they are different it's neat to watch them go through the same stages in life. Like the stage where Jessamy folds the clothes and puts them in the basket only to have Jemma take them out and throw them on the floor. It's entertaining to watch, but probably not fun for Jessamy. During the frozen weeks we watched Frozen about a hundred times. I never thought I'd be able to quote any other movies in my life other than The Natural and Shawshank Redemption, but now I can quote Frozen (and sing all the songs) word-for-word. My favorite line in the "Let It Go" song is THE PAST IS IN THE PAST! Jessamy amazes me every day with her motherhood skills. I'm in awe. She's amazing.  

Third Saturday

This Saturday, March 21st is our monthly luncheon, 11am-1pm. Everyone is invited including the kids. (If you have kids please come in on the 9722 side.) We will cook up hamburgers and hot dogs and you just bring a side dish/dessert. We will celebrate March birthdays. Great time of food, fellowship and fun. Hope to see you here. 9722 and 9724 Summerwood Cir, Dallas, TX 75243

The House

Thank you to those who gave toward Joseph's admin fees. He was very excited to learn that he didn't have to pay all of it back. We are very appreciative as well because we didn't have to go into as much debt taking him in. We received a new guy in the day after last month's email. His name is Julian Bryant. Awesome guy and has been a real help around the house. All three of the latest men to come into our house have already found jobs and working hard. Thank you to all the local businesses who see potential in our residents and give them a chance at employment: Subway, Deep South Burger, and some others. You guys are an extension of God's grace, mercy, and love. 

We said goodbye to Ricky Brice last week as he found his own apartment. He's doing well. This is what it's all about. We gave him some extra hygiene, kitchen wares, and food to help him get started. 

One of the first things I tell the men when they get out is to write all of our numbers down on a piece of paper and stick it in their wallet. I've been telling them this for almost three years now. It didn't hit me until this last resident. THEY DON'T HAVE WALLETS WHEN THEY FIRST GET OUT. So I'm starting a wallet program. I think every guy should have a wallet. Will you donate a wallet? Buy one and bring Saturday to the luncheon. I'd like to stock up so we can give to each guy as they parole to our house. We will prophesy over those wallets that they will be filled with provision. If you'd like to donate towards our wallet program click here to visit our site and give from any donate button. The other thing we are in much need of is toilet paper. We provide for the men when they first get out or when they don't make enough to provide for themselves. So bring some toilet paper this Saturday or give towards toilet paper on our website. We are coming up on mowing season and really need a second set of lawn mowing equipment. We need a mower, weed eater, blower. Can you help? 

There's an old skating rink in DeSoto that hasn't been anything since the rink closed down. There's also a little house behind it. It's zoned for special use which is perfect for what we need. Please keep us in your prayers as we try different approaches to acquire this property. We are not really sure how, but Jess and I feel strongly about this property. Pray for direction for this and the ranch. 

Birthdays

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL OF OUR MARCH BIRTHDAYS:

Jennifer Weatherly, one of our board members Cindy Timmerman as well as her husband Nathan, Camella Binkley, Barbara Pugh (our house manager's mom), Jim Jones, Billy Ray Peters, and there's a bunch more I'm missing, I know. Happy birthday to all of you! 

Outreach

The ladies in the picture on the right (along with about 100 more) went inside the Crain unit to share Jesus last Saturday. Our ladies got to spend a little extra time with the women because their unit was very small. I can't share all their stories but I think our ladies were just as impacted as the inmates were. We are going back to Gatesville on May 16. You should join us next time. Jess and I will be leading a group again. You can sign up through pro-claim.tv but contact Jessamy at jessamygumm@gmail.com for caravan details. You won't regret it. Men, you can join me at the Connally unit April 11th. No caravan details, just get there. 

Girlfriends: 

Ladies you do not want to miss this Women's Conference. Christine Caine and Beth Moore will be there. You need to do whatever it takes to get there. May 27-29 for more details visit trinitychurch.org

Thank you to Highland Meadows Church for having us out for a great missions service. It's always fun there. The song the kids performed was awesome. 

Congratulations to our Pastors, Jim and Becky Hennesy for being awarded Man and Women of the Year for Cedar Hill. Their passion and commitment to serving the community and reaching the lost is unparalleled. Thank you for letting us serve alongside you. Pastor Becky used to take me to my probation meetings when she first came to Trinity almost 20 years ago. She believed in me. Thank You. 

We had a four year prayer answered a couple of weeks ago. We have been praying for my kidney stone to pass, go away, get frozen by Queen Elsa, something, anything but give me pain. I passed it and it wasn't that painful. Prayer answered, God is awesome. 

Our alma mater won state in basketball this year. It was fun to watch. Congrats to our friends who coach the team and to all the players. 

If you go to Trinity Church stop by the Porch Cafe and purchase something. And then tip really big. All the tips this month go to Forgiven Felons. Thank you Sam and the crew for working hard each week. They really have some great snacks there. 

 I was walking into Home Depot last week and this guy asked if I needed any help. I thought he was an employee. He was actually looking for work. He stopped mid sentence and said, "WAIT, I KNOW YOU, YOU'RE A PASTOR OR SOMETHING SPIRITUAL! You came and preached at the Sayle unit when I was in prison." We talked for a little bit, and exchanged info. It's always great to see them on the outside, making it. I love what we do. 
 

It seems like just yesterday I was asking my future father-in-law to marry his daughter (he had a chainsaw in his hand). Now after being in the Dallas area for over thirty years Lane and Sandy, my wonderful father and mother-in-law, have moved to the Tulsa, OK area. Jess and I helped pack them up and move. We love them, miss their company very much, but wish them well. 

DRAWING A BLANK

I shot a movie this summer with the crew from Southwestern Assemblies of God University. It'll be showing at Showbiz Theater next Mon-Tues March 23-24 at 6pm and 8:30pm. For tickets go here. You don't want to miss this movie. 

Thank you to all who give to this ministry. We couldn't do what we do without your prayers, encouragement, and generosity. You truly have a big part in us Helping people with a Past realize their Future. Please consider joining us as a financial partner. Any amount will help. You may give by clicking here. If you would like to make it a recurring monthly gift you may check the box on the paypal screen. We pray that this is a TURN AROUND year for you. Your gift is tax deductible as well.