2009, Here we GO, 2008 is History

OK, what a Blur....Our "Countdown for the Cause" Fundraiser was a TOTAL Blast as expected. Someone at church said today " I am amazed on how much fun we had" Isn't that CRAZY we forget to HAVE FUN along the way? Man our employees Danced ALL Night, along with my Sara who stayed on the dance floor until WAY After 1AM.

We had SO many silent auction items. THANKS to all the local businesses that gave to the cause. We raised a few more dollars for the Arc of Williamson County and our GEAR Foundation which IS the frosting on the cake. I ABSOLUTELY Have to Thank my fund raising committee - Angela and David, Tina and Don Tackett, and Sandy my ANCHOR Wife. They pulled off bringing a TON of Silent and LIVE Auction Items to the event.

All was going just fine, until I was told there was a bidding WAR going on.Surprisingly NOT for the Week stay in the Cayman Islands (Sunshine Suites) or the Aqua Marine 14kt Gold Ring (Walton's Antique Jewelry) BUT with the "Cake a Month Certificate" This was 1 Cake or Pie a Month for 12 Months and MAN these Pies and Cakes are OUT OF THIS WORLD. We LIVE auctioned this one to settle to WAR- We sold these for a touch under $200.00 when all was Said & Done. Debbie Gerstenberger started a business dong these and she is UNBELIEVABLE. The Apple Pie that she brought by the store was VIOLENTLY attacked until every crumb was eaten like a HOOVER Vacuum Cleaner. If YOU EVER wanted something Special for someone that is a Gift of LOVE, email Debbie at pastorbob@crossgenerations.org

We are now celebrating our 5th Year serving young adults with disabilities in both our businesses - Our Thrift Store and Our Fulfillment Center. I could not be ore blessed to DO what I DO for these young adults in creating jobs for them in a safe and caring environment.

BIG PLANS for 2009

1. PLEASE pray as we STEP out in Faith Again on Two New Businesses that I believe with ALL my heart the Lord wants us to start that will allow us to SERVE even more young adults with disabilities. We will talk SOON about these as soon as the doors open on these opportunities.

2. I can't WAIT to introduce you to our newest Hire Ashley. Ashley is a spectacular writer and does not fit real well in the working world because of her vision problems. Ashley will be helping me make THIS a Fantastic place to visit every week. We have a STORY to tell and Ashley was brought to us to help tell it. The Lord Knows I can't write.

3. YOUR Homework... Read Proverbs 3:27 - We MUST fulfill this scripture in our lives. THIS year we will ALLOW the Lord to POUR MORE thru us.

We can't look forward without saying goodbye to 2008 and the Blessings we particpated in, can I brag a Little on God?

Last Year we:

- Gave over 50,000 pieces of clothing AWAY
- Supported 7 different minsitries with STUFF they needed WE had
- Processed enough STUFF to support 30 employees

God is Faithful. I pray he shows you "What he has set aside for YOU" in 2009

What are you doing New Years Eve?

Well have we got a invite for you!! What better way to ring in the New Year than with dancing, great food, a silent and live auction and all proceeds going to a great cause! The Gear Foundation and Williamson County ARC celebrates another successful year with our Annual Fundraiser called "Countdown for the Cause" New Years Eve at the Embassy Suites Hotel. Tickets are $100.00 each or $175.00 per couple and includes Food, Alcohol, and a Champagne Toast at Midnight. Tickets can be purchased at "Our Thrift Store" Tuesday through Saturday from 10AM to 6PM or by visiting http://www.franklinis.com/ to purchase online. Come join the fun! You'll be glad you did.

"Our Thrift Store" Launches A Blog...

OK, so here we go. Blogging 101..This will be my first of many apologies, because I do not write, and I have terrible grammar.I use run on sentences, poor pronunciation,And I need spell check ALL THE TIME, etc etc. BUT...I have a need to tell the story of ALL that God has done thru Prov 3:27, Yes, Scripture. It all Started when my wife Sandy and I tried to find a job for our autistic daughter Sara. Sara was graduating from High School and looking for a job, ANY job. We found out that Sara was 1 of 750 disabled UNEMPLOYED young adults in Williamson County out of 1400 total. That is a 50% unemployment rate. Unfortunately Tennessee is #50 out of all 50 States in services for adults with disabilities. So We prayed........"Lord, what are we going to do?" We needed to help Sara become dependent and have a real job, and one day even live on her own.Wow God answered! God dropped a bombshell on me almost 5 years ago. I was, for the first time out of a job. I could NOT find a job for anything. Months went by. I have ALWAYS been able to find a job, I have had plenty of options, but NOT THIS TIME. I believe God cleared my plate for a reason. After many months, I asked the question "Alright Lord, what IS my Purpose?" and what I heard changed my life ! FOREVER. What I heard was, "I want you to Create jobs not just for YOUR Sara, but for ALL the Sara's". This is our story....and the chapters are still being written.All that God has done needs to be shared for His glory.We now employ many wonderful kids and have been amazed to see all that God has done to answer our prayer. This blog will be the place to share our news! Please keep our ministry in prayer. And if you are in the neighborhood of our Franklin location please stop by! You will leave with a heart for the kids, and maybe even a few great treasures!