It is New Year's Eve. Happy New Year to one and all. May God's blessings richly rain on your heads today.
Just got an e-mail from Alexandra who is in London for the next two weeks. She's taking an Art & Theatre Appreciation course with Samford University. Her itinerary made me tired just reading it. It's great to be 21 and enthusiastic. Go Alexandra go! After London she and her friend Marie will be taking the train to France, Germany, Italy, and Austria. So if there are any people who would like to share suggestions on cheap eats or accommodations. Or would like to be a host please get back to me.
I'm filling out an application today to go on Medical Missions to Honduras in late February. I feel a pull to Honduras since I heard that soldiers were shooting at homeless children in the street.
Blessings upon blessings to you this last day of the year.
Love,
Misfit Mom
aka Mom Milner

Yesterday I spent the day in Charlotte, NC with Jessica. What a wonderful day. The sun was shining and the temperature was perfect. We were off to see John Kuhns glass at the Mint but it was closed. So we wondered through the lobbies of most of the tall skyscapers downtown and throughout the complicated mall mazes which connect the buildings to each other. This reminded me of downtown Cincinnati. We ended up seeing a fair amount of his art glass which is placed in many a lobby around Charlotte. I'm going to try to get to his studio here in Winston and find out how he produces such fantastic pieces of art.
Jessica and I caught up with each other which was great. It's like an old friend you just pick up where you leave off.
One thing that I'd like everyone to pray about is a trip to South Africa. We would both like to go there and work with the aids/orphaned children. Please pray for funds and for confirmation. I know what God wants you to do, He is able to work out each and every detail. So, lets lift it up to Him.

It's almost New Years Eve. What are my reflections for the past year? I learned to play bridge. Took a web design course. Posted my first item on e-Bay. Created a website http://www.fineartservices.org for Jan, my husband. Check it out and tell me what you think.
Went to Jamaica WI on medical missions, central Europe with frontier Fellowship, Prague with GOD, found out that sin is waiting on my shoulder like a cold ready to pounce in a moment of weakness.
Today I'm off to Charlotte to meet up with Jessica. What a joy that will be. I'll post later and tell you all about it.
Andrew Jones http://tallskinnykiwi.com is going to London with his family. I'm so excited for him. I'd love to plan my escape as well back to London.

It's Sunday morning and I'm off to church. One thing that's different today is that I will be babysitting with the infants during the service. It's amazing that even infants can praise GOD and be affected by GOD'S love. There's hope for each of us.
Anyone out there have any experience with any of the AIDS agencies that work with orphans in South Africa. I'm planning to go to SA in August God willing and would appreciate any contacts or information.
Have a blessed day.
Mom Milner

It's Saturday morning and I just came home from playing racketball with friends. I think it's very therapeutic in general for what disturbs you. After hitting that ball for an hour and running around you get all your stuff out. Three cheers for outlets.
Yesterday I successfully posted my first item on eBay. I was jumping for joy. I don't know if it will sell. If anyone has any eBay pointers please share. Do you want to know what I'm selling? Go to item 3648704902. It will be around for the next 6 days. A treasure hunt in the making.
How was everyone's Christmas? The next holiday coming up is New Years. Resolutions to be made. Contemplative thoughts of doing better or life changes that could be made.
Alexandra, my daughter is on her way back to Birmingham, AL. today. Tomorrow she flies off to London for a month. Two weeks as part of her college studies and two weeks traveling. Keep her in your prayers.
Have a blessed day.
Mom Milner

Firewalls are funny things. You want protection and sometimes you get more than you ask for. I have to turn off Zone alarm before I blog. Does anyone else have this problem?

I have great news Jessica is back in North Carolina. It's great news for me because I am going to see her next week.

I'm over Christmas now. Christmas is an interesting holiday. Filled with expectations most of which I don't accomplish. But some of which I do. The fantasy and the reality tend to be different. I want this Norman Rockwell Christmas and it never really happens like that. But it's over now and what's left undone is undone for another year. Hopefully there were some things done. We served almost 100 meals at the Salvation Army in the morning. Then I picked up 2 young international women who are at University here in Winston-Salem to spend Christmas with us along with someone from my Sunday School class who was going to be alone. We had a lovely meal together. Then we went off to a friend's house who has the gift of hospitality. There were about 50 people there of every age and description. Great eats and drink made some connections with old friends and new friends. Then I delivered everyone safely home.
I wonder if I made Jesus smile during the day?????????

I wrote this wonderful Christmas letter to my daughter Alexandra. I thought wouldn't it be lovely to share with other daughters. Maybe others who do not have mothers living or are separated for one reason or another.
So here it is for all the beloved daughters of the world.
My dearly beloved daughter,
Another Christmas has arrived sooner than I expected. I wanted you to know how proud and grateful I am for having such a wonderful daughter. A daughter who delights in the LORD, a daughter who has a heart for the less fortunate, a daughter who has been a light to so many, a daughter who pursues excellence with all her might, a daughter who has a heart as pure as gold, a daughter who is one of the sweetest young women I know. Thank you for being you.
How many ways can I bless you? I want to bless you in every way I can. I wish I could speak in a prophetic way like Father Abraham, for I would bless you with every spiritual gift known to man. I would bless you with the desires of your heart. I would bless you with God's best. Thank you for being you.
You are so beloved not only by me but even more by GOD. Know your worth, know your value, know your purpose. There are things that only you can do that have been predestined before you where born.
You are so special.
You are so loved.
Mom
xoxoxoxo
This is for all you daughters you need a kind word.
May you hear God's voice this Christmas saying
"I LOVE YOU"

I just typed a huge Christmas Eve post and there was an error on the page which caused me not to be able to post it.
FRUSRATION CAN REIN..........
But let's no let it...................

ARE THERE ANY OTHER PEOPLE OUT THERE WITHOUT FAMILY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON? IF YOU'RE ALONE E-MAIL ME AT MILNERS@TRIAD.RR.COM
HAPPY HOLIDAYS ESPECIALLY TO THE ORPHANS.
I LOVE YOU.
MOM MILNER

Did anyone see Oprah yesterday? . Well if you didn't check out her website. If you did give me your thoughts. I was sobbing throughout the entire program. What can we do? Does anyone want to go to South Africa with me?

This is a postscript to this mornings blog. 35+ men and women accepted the LORD Saturday night. Some of the people where first timers and some rededicated their lives. But whatever their decision was please keep them uplifted in your prayers. For in the beginning of our spiritual journey we need all the help we can get.

On Saturday of this week I had an unexpected present. Our church decided to have a Luke 20 Banquet and invite every homeless and hungry person in Winston-Salem, NC that they could find to come. They worked on this program for months. They collected gifts and personal care items that they thought would be useful. The day arrived and bus loads of people came from all the shelters and beyond. The air was filled with excitement. There were about 175 men and women in addition to 50 plus volunteers who served. Serving where men women and children of every age. I think the youngest might have been three. Just shows you you're never too old or too young to be used of God. The youth group provided music, we passed out song sheets so that we could remember the words to our favorite hymns.
We sang, we ate, we heard the gospel message from one of the greatest women evangelists I've ever heard. Do you know what made her great? It was GOD! She had been a crack cocaine addict living in an abandoned building here in Winston-Salem, strung out on crack, absolutely hopeless then one day she cried out to JESUS. She simply said HELP ME JESUS. Do you know what happened? He did! Her excitement, her enthusiasm, her hopefulness where all contagious. She was so uplifting. She said "If He can do it for me, He can do it for you". Isn't that the GOOD NEWS? One sinner who has been saved telling another sinner that they can find a future, a hope, a new beginning in Jesus Christ. All they have to do is cry out.
It was an exceptional evening. Because Jesus was there. The Spirit was alive and well. There was appreciation for the littlest thing. A hug, a hot cup of coffee, a meal served with love, a place to fellowship, and God's grace. I know that that was a gift to me that I will not soon forget. I want to wish everyone a HAPPY CHRISTMAS and a hopeful New Year. Love, Mom Milner
aka Misfit Mom

I can not believe it's been so long since I last blogged. It's been so long that I am embarrassed. Please forgive me. But the good news is that I'm on a journey. A spiritual journey of sorts. A physical journey of sorts. A geographical journey of sorts. An emotional journey of sorts and I want as many people to come with me as possible.
It started several months ago when GOD put on my heart Africa and the orphaned children who where both dying from AIDS and without parents because they had already passed away because of AIDS. There are millions of homeless, hungry, sick and generally very needed children out there. I thought to myself what can I do? This is a GOD SIZED problem. Can I do anything for anyone? Several thoughts passed through my mind. Maybe I could go there and be a mother to many. I thought I've traveled all over the world as a nurse missionary. Maybe I could travel there as a professional mother. Then I thought maybe there are other mothers who would like to be mothers to a couple of children. It could be full time or could be part time. I'm in the thinking and praying part of the journey. But if you have any thoughts tell me. I want to do something. I know I can do something for at least one other human being. I may not solve the entire problem but I can be a part of the solution no matter how small which is better than doing nothing.
Tell me your thoughts. Oprah went there and gave out gifts to 100,000's of orphans. She is also starting a school for orphaned children It was one of the happiest days of her life. Check out her site www.orprah.com. Her story made me cry and the pictures will definitely touch your heart. I need Andrew to tell me how to link pages. Sorry professional bloggers but you can find the information if your interested. It will require a couple of additional clicks.
Has any one heard of the European Betel Communities? If you have e-mail me back. That's another area of life I am interested in. These are communities for drug addicts, alcoholics, prostitutes, and worse. They a part of the biggest protestant church plant in Spain. They are also self sufficient. Do I have spell check on this baby? I found the spell check. Hurray for me!
Well I want to wish everyone a Happy Christmas. I was praying the other day with my prayer partner and I thought what present could I give GOD to make Him happy? He gave us all the best present in the world. What would He ask of me????????????????????????
What would He ask of you???????????????????????
Food for thought.
I'm sending you all peace, love, joy, satisfaction, and hope.
LOVE MOM MILNER

I can't believe it's been more than a month since I blogged. That's a shame. I'm praying for Jessica and her personal needs, body, soul, mind and finances. You should be at the finishing line now. Go Jessica, you go girl!
I've been thinking about creating a community. How does one do that? Is there anyone out there who has any success in forming an authenic community that is self sustaining and cares for the needs of their memberes as well as the outside world. The story of the Good Samaritan comes to mind. When God puts someone in our paths to help yet in seems in the process of helping we are helped ourselves. I have a deep desire to step out, to do something edgy, unpredicable, adventurous, meaningful, and creative. Is there anyone else who feels similiarly? Sometimes you need a project!!!!

It's been a while since I posted but here I am again. Just caught up with Jessica and Andrew via their blog site. Jan, my husband of many years needs prayer. This is an SOS for all those who have smoked and given it up. He's desparate to give it as he's having trouble breathing. Those lungs of his are making sounds that are frightening. Being a nurse this concerns me tremendously. Everytime I hear him choke it's like a knife going through my heart. Maybe I need prayer too. He's somewhat of a "bear" right now. A silent but one can feel the undercurrents of pain. So, please all you praying bloggers please pray for us.
Right now I'm may be getting involved with something very exciting, at least for me. A friend of mine is starting a school for last chance kids here in Winston. Our school "Independence" is closing this Fall so there is no place for these special kids to go. So, with that in mind my friend David Morgan is starting the Winston-Salem Street School. It's been modeled by an existing Street School out of Denver. I'm going to their site and will give you their address next time. My thing is feeding these kids, being their cheerleader, encourager, and nurse when necessary. It's still at the formative state. They have gotten their non profit incorporation and funding to the tune of 40K but another 200K is needed. If there are any non profit fund raisers out there with a heart for last chance high school students please contact me asap. David would love to have the school opened by the Fall. He just needs the $$$ and a couple of other things. So it is doable if GOD wants it done. So, join me in prayer about this one too. FOR PRAYER WORS WHEN EVERYTHING ELSE SEEMS HOPELESS. BELIEVE EVEN THOUGH THINGS HAVE NOT MATERIALIZED. ENVISION...................................
If there are any other bloggers out there say hello. I'm getting lonely.

I'm starting to feel human again. Recieved a call from the Peach yesterday. Melissa who is there with several others informed me that the house phone was not working. I don't know what the problem is but let's hope she can sort it out. She also went through her "go" minutes at lightening speed. Seems something is wrong with her mobile phone as well. Then of course she can't get on the computer to send or receive e-mail. I pondered for a while and thought to myself. How blessed I am with the ease of life back home. The simpliest things I usually take for granted are major problems overseas.
I'm thinking of starting a house church here in Winston-Salem, NC. If there are people interested in forming this community please contact me with your thoughts.

Misfit Mom here from Winston-Salem, NC. I arrived home on Sunday night battle weary but so happy to be home. There are so many things I took for granted while I was away. The small things in life that I came to appreciate. The very small things in life that I saw with new opened eyes. I appreciate speaking English and having people understand me. All those traveling abroad and feeling like deaf mutes will understand that. I appreciate fruit, veggies, a car, the ease of life in the states v/s Central Europe, my family, the dog, and freedom jsut to mention a few. I'm back now and feeling a bit more human. Blogger has changed the front end. Anyone know how I view my previous blogs to see the comment section???? I still want to know any misfit ministries that are worth sharing? I know they are out there. Please share them with me so I can link up with them. Looking forward to continuing our journey on this side of the pond.

Misfit mom here. Had a great but exhausting day. I can still taste the sweat on my face and I wash it at least three times. Went off to a fabulous spa town about 2 1/2 hours outside Prague. This was the spa town that the King founded several hundred years ago so it's rather grand and royal. It was a marathon hike up and down those hills. I wanted a massage and a wirlpool but the timing was off. So, all I got was a nice lunch and tons of atmosphere. I meet a very nice Israeli woman coming out of the information center so we started talking and walking in the same direction. We ended up spending the day together and I've made another long lost friend. I'm at Peach all by myself. It's usually quiet. I lost my phone book this morning. In the midst of wirlwind packing and cleaning what was in my hand one moment was not to be found the next. It's a drag because I had some of my favorite pictures in the back of the book. Please pray that somehow I find it. I never underestimate the power of prayer.

Misfit mom here. Had a great but exhausting day. I can still taste the sweat on my face and I wash it at least three times. Went off to a fabulous spa town about 2 1/2 hours outside Prague. This was the spa town that the King founded several hundred years ago so it's rather grand and royal. It was a marathon hike up and down those hills. I wanted a massage and a wirlpool but the timing was off. So, all I got was a nice lunch and tons of atmosphere. I meet a very nice Israeli woman coming out of the information center so we started talking and walking in the same direction. We ended up spending the day together and I've made another long lost friend. I'm at Peach all by myself. It's usually quiet. I lost my phone book this morning. In the midst of wirlwind packing and cleaning what was in my hand one moment was not to be found the next. It's a drag because I had some of my favorite pictures in the back of the book. Please pray that somehow I find it. I never underestimate the power of prayer.

Tonight is the last day that the Andrew and the family will all be together before they hit the road. We had some marvelous Czech Chinese. It was a new experience definately not western but worth a try. Duck here in any form is not to be missed. I think the dish was called Duck with 8 delicious tastes. Or something to that end. It was pretty good.

Greetings to all misfits out there. Looking for some really fantastic misfit ministries to link to. If you are part of a ministry or have been helped by one I would love to hear from you. Have a great misfit day.

I'm going home. My work is finished in Prague and now I have the task in front of me of finding cheap flights back home. Keep me your prayers those who pray that I can find flights and be back home lickicdeequick.
Today I tried to take the bus from the airport to this Spa Town that is not too far from Prague. But the bus never arrived at 12:00 noon. It was reschuled for 3:30 pm and I thought I'm just going to go back into the city and use my time productively. I checked out cheap airlines on the web, e-mailed the family, and decided to tell you about my day so far. I'm off to the fairy tale castle on the top of the hill. No doubt Walt Disney got some inspiration here. It's worth the trip. The house will be empty this summer so if anyone is interested in rented it until September that might be a huge blessing for Andrew and Debbie. I'll keep you posted.......

Misfit Mom here in Central Prague again. I'm on a treasure hunt today to all the hip places that English speaking tourist hang out. Do you want to know the list? Well here it is in case you come and visit me. Red Hot and Bues, U Maleho Glena, Kava Kava, Video to Go, The Globe, J.J. Murphys, and Jama. Not bad for a white girl that's been here for two weeks. I'm a woman on a mission. I'm posting brochures for the Prague Christian Fellowship (www.praguefellowship.cz) they are a haven for English speaking young people who want to get some spiritual food as well as good local food afterwards on Sundays while they are here in Prague.

Abuse, abandonment, divorce and death all before my 10th birthday. It left a wound, a deep crevice in my soul. Then there was 30 years of darkness before the light came. Journeying backwards right now in hope that one day the past and the present will intersect.

I twice please forgive me. I thought I lost the first one. Then preso changeo it appears.........

Misfit mom blogging from Prague. If Art Nouveau is your thing then the Mocha Museum is a must see. Located at Panska 7, 110 00 Prague 1, tel 420 22145 1333. Unfortunately they do not have a website so there is no link available. I spent this afternoon wandering around the museum. Saw a great film in section seven on his life. His first poster for Sarah Bernhardt was absolutely fabulous. People used to go out in the middle of the night with razorblades and scratch the posters off the wall. They were even a collectors item hot off the press. Don't miss the museum the next time you're in Prague. As a matter of fact I need visitors this summer so anyone coming to Prague please let me know and we'll hook up.
Now down to business. It looks like Jessica is leaving the homefront tomorrow. I am so sad. I hate goodbyes. It must be an abandonment issue. She's leaving, then later on this week Andrew, Debbie and the kids are leaving for their summer ministry and Pilgrimage in Europe. There is a great need that Andrew has and I'd like to share it with all you fellow bloggers. He needs additional funds for this summer. So any help you can offer would be gratefully received. This is an SOS and time critical. He's helped so many of you and now it's your time to bless him back.
I also want to tell you about Boaz Productions. He is producting netfilms and he will do it for you. The unbelievable part is that he can have it on the web within seven days of receiving the film. That is awesome. He is sooooooooooo talented, especially filming "events". So, keep that in mind. It's only $1,000 bucks per film and it's helping a worthy cause.
Tell me what you think. Any other ideas you have would be wonderful. Thanks for hearing my heart. I want to hear yours too.

It's misfit mom blogging from Prague. "Getting to know you, getting to know all about you". Words from a song decases ago. But the thought is still relevant. I don't remember the show but it was a Broadway blockbuster. That's the essence of what todays blog is all about. A little bit about who is misfit mom and where did she come from?
Pictures are popping up in my mind from the past. I'll share a collection of them with you in hopes that you will get to know me better. Playing stoopball on Saratoga Avenue in Brooklyn. Sneaking out of the house at midnight to go to the Murray the K Show at the Fox in order to get first row center seats. Being one of the half million strong at Woodstock (the original). Living on East Third Street climbing up those five flights of stairs each day. What a "schelp"when you're bringing home heavy groceries. Then there was that tub in the kitchen..........
Well that's a beginning and if any other misfits remember any of those memories please add your comments to the site.
I'll be adding past as well as present thoughts along the way. Looking forward to a journey together.
Oh! Just wanted to say a short movie is coming of Saturday.

We are still thinking about Randy and his crew who rocked our kitchen yesterday. Their music is filling our house and making us happy in our spirits. Check out the movie (Sozo Rocks Our Kitchen) and smile. If you CAN, come to the Sozo Festival in Hungary.

Today was awesome. Just returned from kid's day here in Prague Central where there were about a hundred plus kids with their parents in tow. I had the opportunity the share the Wordless Book with those children with the help of an interpreter. At the end I was blessed by a handful of kids saying yes to Jesus.
Tonight we're looking forward to meat pies and fries courtesy of Andrew Jones. That's a tasty morsel so far from home. Missing the kids and the home fires but there are many misfits to minister to. Looking forward to hearing from many.....