Who likes gardening? … After all, it’s a lot of work!

On the surface of things, gardening sounds appealing, doesn’t it? That is, the idea of picking lettuce from the back yard for a fresh garden salad, or slicing a vine-ripened tomato to add flavor to a hamburger is inviting. In gardening or in spiritual life, enjoying the blessings of abundance is always welcome!

Pastor Doug Waltar, his family and congregation helped to plant the 'Earl Kendle Family Promise Garden' last June.

Yet gardening is not without its price. Few, at this point, are eager to dig in! What I mean is doing the work. Turning the soil. Adding manure. Picking out rocks. Planting. And then regular watering, pulling weeds, and keeping watch (all of this meaningful, yet difficult). Finally, one day, a harvest begins. I’m discovering most things of value – gardening or growing spiritually – require getting our hands dirty. Some days it would be nice to take a break. Occasionally this is needed. Yet unless weeds are pulled they keep on growing. Unless healthy plants are watered, they wither. Unless we participate in the work God is doing in us, the garden of spiritual growth becomes a mess. By design, maybe God intends it this way.

For those of us who have already put seeds in the ground, we’re now into it for at least the season! Some days I ask myself “Who likes gardening? After all, it’s a lot of work!” But most days my response is different. I like gardening. Why? It changes me for good.

Our life with God is much like gardening. God has planted seeds within us, which intend to mature to the fullness of life and bear fruit. The soil (let’s assume) is good. So God waters and shines the sun and brings the harvest. Even so, on our part there are stubborn sins to remove, scriptures to read, prayers to pray, people to love. God gives the growth, yet we’re invited to participate in the work.

Don’t mishear me on this. Salvation is of God, alone. Yet becoming gardeners (in Hebrew, “stewards”) of the earth is what we’re called to be. And as we grow as people of faith, we become participants in shaping life as God intends.

FPNI Director Cindy Wood accepts a check for $15,000 from Caryl Johnston, United Way Executive Director

Family Promise Received $15,000 from United Way

Fpni staff and board members attended a recent grant awards presentation for United Way agencies where it was announced that Family Promise of North Idaho will receive a 2009 United Way Community Care Grant in the amount of $15,000!

Congratulations to all who worked on this year's grant, in particular Lynne Downs and Melinda Butler. And a BIG THANK YOU to the United Way funding committee. We know that there are a lot of wonderful programs applying for US funding in a very tough economic climate. We appreciate your on-going support.

FPNI is grateful to be a United Way Partner Agency!

Be A Bed Buddy!

Family Promise of North Idaho has replaced its old inflatable beds which were going flat after a year of use. We now have the same roll-away beds being used throughout the country by other Family Promise networks. They are light-weight, folding beds; with mattress and shipping they cost $290.

We have received donations to cover 11 of the 18 beds. Can you or your family or business help us pay for these last seven beds?

Call Cindy Wood today for more information at 777-4190.

Come on… be a Bed Buddy!

Have you seen our Family Promise Garden at the Day Center? The garden is dedicated to the glory of God in honor of Earl Kendle for his work in founding the local Family Promise chapter.

As we reach mid-summer, the garden is flourishing!  We have tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, zucchini, pumpkins, radishes, onions and corn.  So far  they have been a delight to eat.  Guests and staff have begun embellishing their salads!  The runt tomato plant that Cody planted has 14 tomatoes on it. Crystal waters the produce each morning.  Her family has been weeding the garden “religiously”. 

Last week the Boise 1st Presbyterian Church youth group spent the day with Family Promise.  They gave the garden a huge weeding boost (and thoroughly cleaned and organized the Day Center). As each of us walk by it each day, we are reminded of the care involved in every morsel of food we eat.  Gardens take love and attention to thrive as do each of our families.  What a joy to see both blossom!

The Middle School Youth Group at 1st Presbyterian Church of Boise worked VERY hard one entire day in July at the Family Promise of North Idaho Day Center & Office. They cleaned and organized and weeded the FPNI garden. That evening they shared dinner and games at the host church with our families. These youngsters were so energetic and fun! Thanks to Pastor Joanna Dunn and her crew. We think you ROCK!!!!

FPNI Host Churches for August and September

Eat at Applebees and Help Family Promise of North Idaho! Every Sunday throughout the month of August, when you eat at Applebee's on Hanley Avenue in Coeur d'Alene, 10 percent of your bill will be donated to Family Promise of North Idaho. (All Applebee's in Spokane will do the same for our sister affiliate Interfaith Hospitality Network in Spokane during this same period.) Why not take your family out for a treat and support the organizations providing a 'hand up' to families in crisis? How's that for a 'Win-Win' proposition? Click on the advertisement on the left and a printable flyer will be generated. You should take this coupon into Applebee's to turn in when you visit there this month. Thank you for 'Dining to Donate' to Family Promise of North Idaho and the Interfaith Hospital Network!