DANCE!

We had a wonderful opportunity to attend the ballet with some of our moms and children. We saw a performance of Sleeping Beauty performed by Stages in Folsom. After a false start caused by birds in the lobby setting off the fire alarm, we were able to experience the joy and wonder of dance.

Three year old Dream was so impressed that she called out, “Ooooooooo! Good jumping!” I am sure this was an encouragement to the dancers after their earlier interruption of the fire alarm. She loved the kitties, Puss in Boots and his friend, who were wedding attendees in the ballet, but did not like the witch’s scary monsters at all.

Myra, who is seven years old thought it was beautiful (sigh!) especially the part where the boy prince, kissed the girl, Sleeping Beauty and awoke her from her sleep. Please picture Myra fluttering her eye lashes and you’ll get a pretty good idea of how she feels.

Marshall, age eight, liked all of the singing (huh?) and dancing, but most of all liked the free food at intermission.

It was such a joyful evening and a wonderful adventure for all of us into the magical world of classical music and dance.

FAITHFULNESS.

This week in class our residents studied the God Centered Curriculum, learning about the attributes, names and characteristics of God.  In the class, the women were asked which two of names of God as you know Him to be to you right now, would you choose? They talked about their answers, “Jehovah Jireh, God who sees and provides”, “Jehovah Shalom, God of Peace”, “Jehovah Rophe, God who heals” were just a few. This went on for a few moments as the women recounted who God had revealed Himself to be in their lives. When asked, “How else would you like God to reveal Himself to you?” Brienne answered, “El Ha Ne’eman, The Faithful God” and “Elohay Misphat, God of Justice”

The next day Brienne headed into court. She was feeling a little nervous…okay, a lot nervous, and understandably so.  This was the hearing where she would find out if they were going to put her child up for adoption, or give her another chance.  Prior to going into the courtroom, the attorney spoke words of hope to her.

Amazingly, the judge, the attorneys for herself, the county, her child and CPS were all in agreement.  Brienne would receive a second chance!  Everyone recognized her willingness to change and Brie sat in court and wept. Her attorney reminded her after court that “this never happens”. On our way out of the courthouse, Brie whispered through her tears, “I now know God as The Faithful and Just God”.

This was a life changing moment in this young mother’s life as well as for her child. She is not only on the way to having her son back, but even that process is on the fast track. She should be reunited with him full time, in mid-July. God continues to prove His faithfulness and mercy at Acres of Hope.  Brienne, Gavin and many others in the program are full recipients of these good gifts because of your support and care.  Thank you for all you do in the lives of our families!

We’d like to welcome Kathleen Reese, a long time and very faithful volunteer at ReNew Boutique to our management staff for the stores.  Kathleen will be managing Urban ReNew, our newest upscale furniture, household and sporting goods thrift store, located in Roseville!

Kathleen brings a knowledge of display, leadership and team development.  If you’re interested in volunteering for either one of our stores, we’d love to have you!

At Urban ReNew, we’d also love to have your furniture donations!  Simply contact the store for more information.  916.782.5777

Approximately three hundred people attended the Taste for Hope event at the Rocklin Mercedes Benz on March 24th.  It was a successful and elegant evening featuring a fashion show of beautiful clothing from ReNew Boutique, modeled by the moms of Acres of Hope!  We are so grateful to all the supporters of the event….our volunteers, the food and beverage sponsors, silent auction and raffle donors, and of course, our incredible sponsors!  Thank you!