One year ago (at this time of year) KEEPERSKORNER had attained our license as a not for profit organization here in Missouri.  Once that license was hung on the wall of our studio, KK set out to seek our tax exempt status both on the state level and the federal level.  It was Nov. 19, 2007 when KK submitted our application to the state of Missouri requesting our tax exempt status.  However, we never heard a single word on whether the application had been received or, especially, if it was being considered.  Although, this was frustrating, it was also something JM and keepers took in stride knowing how antiquated and sluggish government processes can be.

Well, this morning, keepers went to check our mail box after we heard the postman outside.  Frustration was all we felt as we pulled a huge pile of envelopes out of the box.  It seems like all we ever receive is bills through our snail mail and those are especially unwelcome at this time of year since shopping for Christmas seems much more important than paying for gas and electricity right now.  But, as we sorted through the bills, we noticed that one was from the Department of Revenue in our state.  Actually, keepers figured it was our personal property tax receipt for this year which always comes in around this time.  But when I opened the envelope, I found the notification that a hearing is being held in Mid December to determine the tax exempt status of KEEPERSKORNER.  This letter also stated that JM and keepers are required to be present at the hearing to answer any questions the board may have concerning what KK does and how we operate.  So, keepers got on the phone to our JM and he sceduled a day off for the day of our hearing concerning KEPERSKORNER becoming tax exempt.

Keepers very often hear people say “Every little bit helps”.  Well, we always understood this statement but it has come to mean much more to us since we have been doing our ministry here at KEEPERSKORNER.  Doing KEEPERSKORNER has taught both JM and keepers how to wring everything we can out of each dollar.  In fact, we have gotten to the point where we sit in amazement of how far our funds go in terms of doing what needs to be done or offering what we think will make a difference.  Still, anything that helps us stretch our dollars a little bit further is very important to us and something both JM and keepers feel grateful to have.  Having this tax exempt status (even on the state level) will make quite a difference in how far our revenues will stretch.

Of course, we do not know for sure if we will be approved for our tax exempt status but something inside of us is very hopeful that our hearing will have a very positive outcome.  KEEPERSKORNER already has the respect and support of our local community.  We have the credibility of our license and we have the support of corporations like the one our JM works for.  And KEEPERSKORNER is well respected by the five different ministries that make up SAVE OUR WORLD MINISTRIES.  So, both JM and keepers will be walking into our hearing with confidence that KEEPESKORNER will gain the approval needed for us to have tax exempt status.

In doing our ministry, keepers have learned to ride the ebb and flow of good times and bad times.  It is isn’t always easy for us to believe we are truly on the right track.  In fact, there are many times when keepers get very discouraged and begin to lose hope or start thinking about what we are doing is not worth it.  Each time keepers fall into that type of negative thinking, something comes along from the outside world that gives us the realization that we are doing exactly what we are meant to do.

These last ten days or so have been really hard for keepers.  We have been walking through the dark days of doing our ministry for a couple of weeks now.  Much of our time has been spent reading and seeking inspiration from others who have been successful in their devotion to living a life of service.  Still, keepers have been oscillating between keeping on keeping on just as we have been and veering off in a totally different direction.  This has been a time when keepers have felt real hope for our ministry and yet felt discouraged beyond words.

But even as we have walked through our dark days, the universe has been sending us messages that we are on the right track and that we truly do need to keep going.  One of these messages was finding out our niece is depending on our website as a source of support for her as she begins her own healing path.  Another one of these messages has been in the form of our being able to afford doing our massive painting to rid KEEPERSKORNER of the influence of our abusive background.  Now, the third message is that the state of Missouri once again heard us and has scheduled a hearing where KK can present our case for becoming tax exempt.  So, keepers are now working on getting the negative messages out of our minds and replacing them with the hope and inspiration we are receiving from some very unusual sources.

For keepers, something very personal and quite awesome is happening as well.  It was not so long ago that keepers had no faith at all in the system. And it was not so long ago that keepers thought it would always be impossible for us to have the courage to attend hearings in court while actually speaking our piece with grace and dignity.  Yet, court hearings are becoming just another part of what keepers do.  We testified against our former therapist.  We are dealing with the upcoming hearing on disciplinary action against him and now we are dealing with the hearing on KEEPERSKORNER becoming tax exempt.  The truth is that doing things like this are becoming a natural part of keepers lives which means so much to us because it tells that we have truly grown beyond our living in complete seclusion.

Keepers can not even begin to explain why things happen the way they do.  We have no explanation of why our dear sweet niece would turn to KEEPERSKORNER in this–her hour of need.  Nor, do we understand why–after a year of waiting and hoping–this was the time when our hearing was scheduled.  We can not explain because we have no answer.  However, both JM and keepers have hearts very full of gratitude for all the wonderful things that happen here at KEEPERSKORNER.

Please keep a good thought (and maybe even say a prayer) that our tax exempt status is approved.

peace and blessings,

keepers