Do you have unused gift cards tucked away in your wallet or junk drawer at home?
Check out www.cardfunder.com
What a cool way to get rid of clutter and do some good.
Compassion CardFunder from Compassion International on Vimeo.
Saturday, May 14, 2016
$40 billion gone unused?!
Do you have unused gift cards tucked away in your wallet or junk drawer at home?
Check out www.cardfunder.com
What a cool way to get rid of clutter and do some good.
Compassion CardFunder from Compassion International on Vimeo.
Friday, January 1, 2016
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Mother's Day is a comin'
Just to let you know, I'm writing this while coming out of a 7 day fog. I caught a nasty virus from my foster grand baby and it put me under. She bounced right through it as all tinies should. If things seem a bit off, I blame the virus.
Four companies have come to my attention recently.
If a company catches my eye then that means they offer more than just a product.
The first one is Akola. I first heard of them from my cashier at Whole Foods. He admired my fair trade grocery basket and told me about his friend's company. I, then, found their shop in Deep Ellum and it is so beautiful. If you need a peaceful spot while your strolling through the neighborhood, then I highly suggest taking a look. You can also purchase online. The company has created a sustainable impact model for women living in extreme poverty in Uganda. Their US branch offers an economic alternative to sex trafficking victims through business training and employment.
100% of Akola profits invest in empowerment and wellness programs for 250 women impacting 2,500 lives.
And their jewelery is stunning.
While strolling through the Deep Ellum Arts Festival my friends and I came across the next company.
ellajude make such lovey stuff. They handcraft these chunky, funky, worn, bright pieces. And, of course, it has a reason for existing beyond just being lovely. Five percent of the purchase price of any piece goes to support Casa De Amor in Bolivia. I really liked the 3/4" Word Bracelets. I actually squealed when I saw the one that says "create" 'cause that's my word for the year. You can ask my friend, Jacqueline, about the excitement. Josh and April, the creative husband and wife team, were so sweet to chat with. And I'm thrilled they use their business to build others up.
A company I stumbled on this past week while sick is Sackcloth & Ashes. I'm so glad they really exist and I didn't just dream them up during the fever stages. You can find their blankets at Anthropologie, so many of you probably already know about them. They are ethically sourced and fair trade. I really like the red Socality one. The cool thing about this company is they give a blanket to one of your local homeless shelters for every blanket you purchase.
The last one is Tiny Bee Gift Co. For every book purchased they give a book to the library of your choice. So sweet. So easy. So cute!
Well, there you have it. Four companies that have caught my eye recently. Make your mom happy. Give her something that gives even more.
Four companies have come to my attention recently.
If a company catches my eye then that means they offer more than just a product.
The first one is Akola. I first heard of them from my cashier at Whole Foods. He admired my fair trade grocery basket and told me about his friend's company. I, then, found their shop in Deep Ellum and it is so beautiful. If you need a peaceful spot while your strolling through the neighborhood, then I highly suggest taking a look. You can also purchase online. The company has created a sustainable impact model for women living in extreme poverty in Uganda. Their US branch offers an economic alternative to sex trafficking victims through business training and employment.
100% of Akola profits invest in empowerment and wellness programs for 250 women impacting 2,500 lives.
And their jewelery is stunning.
While strolling through the Deep Ellum Arts Festival my friends and I came across the next company.
ellajude make such lovey stuff. They handcraft these chunky, funky, worn, bright pieces. And, of course, it has a reason for existing beyond just being lovely. Five percent of the purchase price of any piece goes to support Casa De Amor in Bolivia. I really liked the 3/4" Word Bracelets. I actually squealed when I saw the one that says "create" 'cause that's my word for the year. You can ask my friend, Jacqueline, about the excitement. Josh and April, the creative husband and wife team, were so sweet to chat with. And I'm thrilled they use their business to build others up.
A company I stumbled on this past week while sick is Sackcloth & Ashes. I'm so glad they really exist and I didn't just dream them up during the fever stages. You can find their blankets at Anthropologie, so many of you probably already know about them. They are ethically sourced and fair trade. I really like the red Socality one. The cool thing about this company is they give a blanket to one of your local homeless shelters for every blanket you purchase.
The last one is Tiny Bee Gift Co. For every book purchased they give a book to the library of your choice. So sweet. So easy. So cute!
Well, there you have it. Four companies that have caught my eye recently. Make your mom happy. Give her something that gives even more.
Monday, February 16, 2015
Compassion in the DR
Today is the beginning of a very exciting week for Compassion International. A team of bloggers are in the Dominican Republic ready to visit the child development centers and learn more about the work being done there.
I'm excited about this trip, because our two sponsored children reside in the Dominican Republic. So, I will be searching the pictures looking for our Gabby and Eury. I don't know if I'll recognize them. They're growing so fast and I've never seen a photo of them smiling. They're always so serious in their official Compassion pictures.
You can follow along on this trip by keeping tabs on these different blogs.
Faith Barista
Our Savory Life
Coffee For Your Heart
Journey With Me
Mike Varel
Living Well Spending Less
Or follow them here.
On Twitter? Follow this stream.
On Pinterest? Follow this board.
Share what touches you and moves your heart.
And consider sponsoring a child from the DR.
I'm excited about this trip, because our two sponsored children reside in the Dominican Republic. So, I will be searching the pictures looking for our Gabby and Eury. I don't know if I'll recognize them. They're growing so fast and I've never seen a photo of them smiling. They're always so serious in their official Compassion pictures.
You can follow along on this trip by keeping tabs on these different blogs.
Faith Barista
Our Savory Life
Coffee For Your Heart
Journey With Me
Mike Varel
Living Well Spending Less
Or follow them here.
On Twitter? Follow this stream.
On Pinterest? Follow this board.
Share what touches you and moves your heart.
And consider sponsoring a child from the DR.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Childhood memories
I've started this post more than once.
I've typed and deleted several things.
But, now, I've decided to share one of my fondest memories from my childhood.
I don't even know if the world today would allow this to happen.
Way back in the mid-seventies my family moved to far West Texas, true West Texas.
On our first Sunday in this tiny town we met a family.
They lived on a ranch 20 miles out of town.
We had Sunday lunch with them at the ranch.
It was decided my siblings and I would stay a couple of days while our parents settled into their new jobs.
The next day 8 kids, ages 15 through 6, climbed onto horses, bareback.
We only took 3 horses, which meant a pile of kids on each horse.
Thankfully, for the horses, we were all tiny.
We headed north through the desert scrub until the designated spot to tie-up the horses.
Then, we hiked to the Rio Grande (remember, true West Texas) and waded down the river in water barely covering our ankles.
Until we hit the mud.
Grey, slimy, glorious mud.
At this point in the river the water was about waist deep on me and the mud was knee high.
The mud fight was epic.
Every inch of us was covered in mud.
We got back to the house about the same time our parents drove up.
The mud was so thick they couldn't tell us apart at first.
My mom found a pebble in my little brother's ear.
I tell you, it was an epic fight.
What an amazing day.
8 kids.
Bareback on horses.
In far West Texas.
Screaming, yelling, and flinging mud in the Rio Grande.
Without an adult in sight.
Like I said, I don't know if the world we live in now would allow this to take place.
Those years in far West Texas opened up a whole new world to me. So much freedom to run around doing crazy things. A different culture, a different landscape. I'm extremely thankful for the time I had there.
You might not live in a place where your kids can experience different cultures first hand, but there is a nifty magazine that allows them to explore and a year subscription is free.
It's called Explorer and you can sign up for it here.
Compassion Explorer is full of crafts, games, recipes, devotionals, and stories from around the world.
When I was a kid, I loved reading books and magazines. I still love reading books and magazines. It's such a great way to explore without leaving home.
Explore getting Explorer for the kids you love. Introduce them to a whole new world. You've got nothing to lose and they've got a lot to gain.
I've typed and deleted several things.
But, now, I've decided to share one of my fondest memories from my childhood.
I don't even know if the world today would allow this to happen.
Way back in the mid-seventies my family moved to far West Texas, true West Texas.
On our first Sunday in this tiny town we met a family.
They lived on a ranch 20 miles out of town.
We had Sunday lunch with them at the ranch.
It was decided my siblings and I would stay a couple of days while our parents settled into their new jobs.
The next day 8 kids, ages 15 through 6, climbed onto horses, bareback.
We only took 3 horses, which meant a pile of kids on each horse.
Thankfully, for the horses, we were all tiny.
We headed north through the desert scrub until the designated spot to tie-up the horses.
Then, we hiked to the Rio Grande (remember, true West Texas) and waded down the river in water barely covering our ankles.
Until we hit the mud.
Grey, slimy, glorious mud.
At this point in the river the water was about waist deep on me and the mud was knee high.
The mud fight was epic.
Every inch of us was covered in mud.
We got back to the house about the same time our parents drove up.
The mud was so thick they couldn't tell us apart at first.
My mom found a pebble in my little brother's ear.
I tell you, it was an epic fight.
What an amazing day.
8 kids.
Bareback on horses.
In far West Texas.
Screaming, yelling, and flinging mud in the Rio Grande.
Without an adult in sight.
Like I said, I don't know if the world we live in now would allow this to take place.
Those years in far West Texas opened up a whole new world to me. So much freedom to run around doing crazy things. A different culture, a different landscape. I'm extremely thankful for the time I had there.
You might not live in a place where your kids can experience different cultures first hand, but there is a nifty magazine that allows them to explore and a year subscription is free.
It's called Explorer and you can sign up for it here.
Compassion Explorer is full of crafts, games, recipes, devotionals, and stories from around the world.
When I was a kid, I loved reading books and magazines. I still love reading books and magazines. It's such a great way to explore without leaving home.
Explore getting Explorer for the kids you love. Introduce them to a whole new world. You've got nothing to lose and they've got a lot to gain.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Back to school
Around here most of the kiddos have been in school for a week. Some private schools and states have been in session for a few weeks and some haven't started up yet. I guess we sort of fall in the middle. And, my guess is that the majority of us, no matter when we start, take education for granted.
In honor of education and its importance I give you some facts gathered by Compassion International.
These numbers are heartbreaking.
I looked up information about the education system in The Dominican Republic where our Compassion kiddos live. I found out it ranks as one of the worst in the world. Heartbreaking. The article by Katie Manning came out May 12, 2014 for Deutsche Welle and states extremely low pay makes it hard to get qualified teachers. Can you imagine trying to live on less than $350 a month? When I taught for a private school I only made about $6 an hour. Teachers there make even less. Hard to comprehend that's possible. Schools are also extremely overcrowded and dropout rates are high.
At least I know our kiddos are getting extra attention through the Compassion programs they attend. My hope is that education reform will truly take place in their country.
You can help a child/children reach for the stars and get the educational help needed by sponsoring he/she/them through Compassion.
In honor of education and its importance I give you some facts gathered by Compassion International.
- Worldwide, nearly 80 percent of primary-school-age children attend school. In least developed countries, this figure is around 66 percent.
- The largest out-of-school population is in sub-Saharan Africa, where around 45.5 million children of primary school age are out of school.
- Of the 67 million primary-school-age children who do not attend school, 53 percent are girls.
- Worldwide, only 49 percent of children of secondary school age actually attend secondary school.
- Of the 49 percent of secondary age students who do not attend school, 52 percent are girls.
- The world’s functional illiterates include more than 130 million children who do not attend school, 73 million of them girls.
These numbers are heartbreaking.
I looked up information about the education system in The Dominican Republic where our Compassion kiddos live. I found out it ranks as one of the worst in the world. Heartbreaking. The article by Katie Manning came out May 12, 2014 for Deutsche Welle and states extremely low pay makes it hard to get qualified teachers. Can you imagine trying to live on less than $350 a month? When I taught for a private school I only made about $6 an hour. Teachers there make even less. Hard to comprehend that's possible. Schools are also extremely overcrowded and dropout rates are high.
At least I know our kiddos are getting extra attention through the Compassion programs they attend. My hope is that education reform will truly take place in their country.
You can help a child/children reach for the stars and get the educational help needed by sponsoring he/she/them through Compassion.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Patricia Laura of Ten Thousand Homes
Back in July this list came out in The Huffington Post. I was THRILLED, GIDDY, ECSTATIC to see Ten Thousand Homes included.
I know Ten Thousand Homes is a remarkable place. It holds a part of my heart and because of this I've decided to "interview" the ladies of TTH and introduce them to you. These Q & A sessions are being posted in the order I receive them.
First up is Patricia Laura, originally from Brazil. You may have heard of that country. It had some kind of soccer thingy there recently.
Was it an easy decision to join the staff? No. I had a ticket to go back to Brazil after finishing the school and God spoke to me clearly to stay. The hardest part was telling my parents and friends that I would not return to Brazil soon.
What is your role at Ten Thousand Homes? I have been added to the Community Development team and help in all that is necessary. I keep praying to God to tell me exactly what to do.
I know Ten Thousand Homes is a remarkable place. It holds a part of my heart and because of this I've decided to "interview" the ladies of TTH and introduce them to you. These Q & A sessions are being posted in the order I receive them.
First up is Patricia Laura, originally from Brazil. You may have heard of that country. It had some kind of soccer thingy there recently.
How did you come to be part of Ten Thousand Homes? In 2012, God had revived in my heart the dream of being a missionary and a friend showed me a website with information about TTH. Then in 2013 I came to Africa and had been serving for only 1 month and here God told me that I should return full-time. I was invited to come back and do the YWAM DTS. I came back two months later.
Was it an easy decision to join the staff? No. I had a ticket to go back to Brazil after finishing the school and God spoke to me clearly to stay. The hardest part was telling my parents and friends that I would not return to Brazil soon.
How long have you been on staff? 6 months
What is your role at Ten Thousand Homes? I have been added to the Community Development team and help in all that is necessary. I keep praying to God to tell me exactly what to do.
How do you describe hope? For me HOPE is to see and believe that the situation can change in spite of circumstances.
Why is hope important to you? HOPE brings joy, faith and truth.
What is a dream you have for Ten Thousand Homes or yourself? I have a dream of seeing God's love changing this nation through the TTH family. For myself I have a dream to have my own family.
What is one thing you want people to know about Ten Thousand Homes? TTH is not about food or a house, it is about Love, Hope and Relationship with God and people.
Thank you, Patricia, for sharing. You are so beautiful. I love your heart. I need to hug your neck.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Extend
I've been thinking about my word for 2014 for a couple of weeks now.
Three words kept bouncing around:
Extend
Expand
Embrace
There wasn't a particular order and sometimes I would completely forget one of them and have to rack my brain for the missing word.
Extend was always there.
When I think of the word I picture my hands stretching out from my body and my fingers spreading wide - expanding, ready to embrace.
I want to extend, reach out to friends I haven't seen for some time, even though we live in the same city.
I want to extend, explore areas of creativity that I've shut down in the past.
I want to extend, stretch my comfort zone.
This year I want to always be extending my hands, reaching out for and with grace and mercy.
Three words kept bouncing around:
Extend
Expand
Embrace
There wasn't a particular order and sometimes I would completely forget one of them and have to rack my brain for the missing word.
Extend was always there.
When I think of the word I picture my hands stretching out from my body and my fingers spreading wide - expanding, ready to embrace.
I want to extend, reach out to friends I haven't seen for some time, even though we live in the same city.
I want to extend, explore areas of creativity that I've shut down in the past.
I want to extend, stretch my comfort zone.
This year I want to always be extending my hands, reaching out for and with grace and mercy.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Sometimes things get lost in translation
Yesterday we received a letter from one of our Compassion kids.
These letters always make me smile.
This one also made me confused.
Gabriela is from The Dominican Republic and writes in Spanish, so after looking over her drawing and the cute little form sheet she filled out, I went to the English translation that's always provided.
"I thank you for the photo in front of the cannon."
Huh? Cannon? I'm pretty sure I didn't send a photo with a cannon in it. I'm not known for taking photographs of instruments of war.
At 1:30 a.m I woke up and realized it was suppose to say "canyon." I had sent a picture of my kids at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
And sure enough, I went to read the original Spanish and there it was. She had written "gran cañon."
Now that that is cleared up, Gabriela, I'm so glad you liked it.
These letters always make me smile.
This one also made me confused.
Gabriela is from The Dominican Republic and writes in Spanish, so after looking over her drawing and the cute little form sheet she filled out, I went to the English translation that's always provided.
"I thank you for the photo in front of the cannon."
Huh? Cannon? I'm pretty sure I didn't send a photo with a cannon in it. I'm not known for taking photographs of instruments of war.
At 1:30 a.m I woke up and realized it was suppose to say "canyon." I had sent a picture of my kids at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
And sure enough, I went to read the original Spanish and there it was. She had written "gran cañon."
Now that that is cleared up, Gabriela, I'm so glad you liked it.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Help Children Affected by Typhoon in Philippines
It's hard to read about the horrors the typhoon has churned up in the Philippines.
It's very frustrating to know there are evil people that will try to take advantage of the crisis to make money and hurt already hurting people.
Here is a safe donation choice.
Compassion had people in the Philippines long before the massive storm hit. They've been helping struggling families and children for a long time and will continue.
Check here for how you can give to help people in the Philippines.
Your gift makes possible interventions such as:
It's very frustrating to know there are evil people that will try to take advantage of the crisis to make money and hurt already hurting people.
Here is a safe donation choice.
Compassion had people in the Philippines long before the massive storm hit. They've been helping struggling families and children for a long time and will continue.
Check here for how you can give to help people in the Philippines.
Your gift makes possible interventions such as:
- emergency food and water, temporary shelters, personal items, cooking utensils, trauma counseling and spiritual support
- replacing clothing, school supplies and household items
- restoring supplies a family needs for earning income
- providing continued counseling and support as needed
Monday, October 28, 2013
For Freedom - A Covers EP
One of the things I really love about this album is that they stayed faithful to the original works. Their talent shines through, but they didn't do away with the strong frame that had already been created. I don't believe any of the original artists would be offended by these covers. It comes across, to me, as a lovely gift, honoring the creativity of the originals.
I've been a little surprised at my favorite song. For a couple of days I simply could not make up my mind, but I've found myself returning to We Will Become Silhouettes. I haven't really put my finger on why. It just grabs me. I thought it would be I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For because I'm a huge U2 fan and Sara Groves does an excellent job with Jenny and Tyler and a gigantic virtual choir. And, JJ Heller nails Dreams. All the songs are exquisite.
Here's the list:
Tonight, Tonight (feat. Levi Weaver)
The Scientist
Dreams (feat. JJ Heller)
We Will Become Silhouettes (Remastered)
The Sound of Silence (Remastered)
What A Wonderful World
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For (feat. Sara Groves)
I first met Jenny and Tyler a little over a year ago. I wasn't familiar with their music, hadn't seen them perform, but we had a short conversation and I was very impressed with their kindness and sincerity. Immediately, I checked out their music and then saw them in concert a month or so later. I found them to be delightful in recordings, on stage, and in person. And, their passion for the hurting touches me greatly.
So, when For Freedom comes out on 11/12/13, I encourage you to purchase it. You won't be disappointed.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Her letters make me smile
Her letters always make us smile.
This one made me realize I've never sent her a picture of my husband and me together, just the two of us, with an explanation that we are husband and wife.
Oops!
Look through the different countries and ages.
Look at the children that have been waiting a long time to be sponsored.
Look through the blog posts of the Nicaragua team. Have tissue handy.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
A Contest and Compassion
This is an exciting day for Compassion. A group of bloggers are taking Nicaragua by storm. Well, I hope there are no storms, but you know what I mean.
Follow their adventures.
And, an extra bonus for this Compassion blog trip:
A CONTEST!
You can win books! I LOVE books.
Nine books make up the prize package:
Follow their adventures.
And, an extra bonus for this Compassion blog trip:
A CONTEST!
You can win books! I LOVE books.
Nine books make up the prize package:
- Southern Plate: Classic Comfort Food That Makes Everyone Feel Like Family by Christy Jordan
- The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food from My Frontier by Ree Drummond
- Saving Savvy: Smart and Easy Ways to Cut Your Spending in Half and Raise Your Standard of Living…and Giving by Kelly Hancock
- A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet: Southern Stories of Faith, Family, and Fifteen Pounds of Bacon by Sophie Hudson
- Mended by Angie Smith
- One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp
- Plan B: What Do You Do When God Doesn’t Show Up the Way You Thought He Would? by Pete Wilson
- Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional Living by Tsh Oxenreider
- Sparkly Green Earrings: Catching the Light at Every Turn by Melanie Shankle
Monday, May 13, 2013
You can't take it with you
Last night I picked up a copy of FD Luxe, a free fashion magazine. They often have interesting articles and sometimes a friend has photography featured, so I always grab a copy when I run across one. The story catching my eye this time was about the renowned opera singer, Lily Pons.
It's made up of bits and pieces from news stories written across the years about Pons. She apparently knew everyone in the entertainment world and beyond. Her Dallas home was filled with great works of art and cultured friends.
This is the bit that jumped out at me:
I don't know if she died surround by loved ones and friends. But, it does look as if no one claimed her stuff. Was her stuff important to her? She held onto it until the end. Maybe she had it tucked away and never thought about it. She did keep it though. It was, in some sort of fashion, still in her possession.
And, she didn't take it with her.
No matter how much you have of anything (insert what you wish here), when you die, it doesn't go with you.
And, collecting and keeping doesn't hold you here.
You still go.
I've been thinking a lot lately about not wanting to burden my children with stuff they have to get rid of when I die. I want to pare down what I have to be only things I absolutely love and/or use. If I can combine them be things I love and use, then great!
Lily Pons might have done all that before she died and the stuff in the little blurb might have been all that was left. If so, bully for her.
Or, whatever the French equivalent is for "bully for her."
It's made up of bits and pieces from news stories written across the years about Pons. She apparently knew everyone in the entertainment world and beyond. Her Dallas home was filled with great works of art and cultured friends.
This is the bit that jumped out at me:
SEPTEMBER 1985“In her day, Pons had been a major international celebrity. She ate barbecue with Dwight Eisenhower in the White House. She was presented the French Legion of Honor by Charles de Gaulle. When she died, mementos of her glamorous life were disposed of in a giant estate sale that was open to the public. A picture of her partying with actor Humphrey Bogart went for 50 cents. Chatty letters from Princess Grace and Prince Rainier went for $5, as did a personal note from Princess Elizabeth thanking Pons for a wedding present.” — The Dallas Morning News
I don't know if she died surround by loved ones and friends. But, it does look as if no one claimed her stuff. Was her stuff important to her? She held onto it until the end. Maybe she had it tucked away and never thought about it. She did keep it though. It was, in some sort of fashion, still in her possession.
And, she didn't take it with her.
No matter how much you have of anything (insert what you wish here), when you die, it doesn't go with you.
And, collecting and keeping doesn't hold you here.
You still go.
I've been thinking a lot lately about not wanting to burden my children with stuff they have to get rid of when I die. I want to pare down what I have to be only things I absolutely love and/or use. If I can combine them be things I love and use, then great!
Lily Pons might have done all that before she died and the stuff in the little blurb might have been all that was left. If so, bully for her.
Or, whatever the French equivalent is for "bully for her."
Thursday, April 25, 2013
So, I carry this disease
I carry this disease called Malaria.
I didn't ask to have it or have the ability to pass it on to others.
But, the fact is I do.
You see, I'm a female mosquito with protists running through my tiny little body.
A bite from me could be deadly.
I start getting hungry around dusk and hunt for food until I'm all full with somebody's blood.
It's getting a little trickier to find a meal in my neck of the woods.
People are starting to get these net thingies to hang over their beds. Makes it harder for me to eat.
I've heard the nets are provided by a special fund at Compassion.
I have no I idea what Compassion is, that's just what I've heard.
I do know that because of these nets fewer people are getting sick.
And, I've heard there are a lot of homes without nets, a lot of kids unprotected from me feeding on them.
I'm headed there now.
I didn't ask to have it or have the ability to pass it on to others.
But, the fact is I do.
You see, I'm a female mosquito with protists running through my tiny little body.
A bite from me could be deadly.
I start getting hungry around dusk and hunt for food until I'm all full with somebody's blood.
It's getting a little trickier to find a meal in my neck of the woods.
People are starting to get these net thingies to hang over their beds. Makes it harder for me to eat.
I've heard the nets are provided by a special fund at Compassion.
I have no I idea what Compassion is, that's just what I've heard.
I do know that because of these nets fewer people are getting sick.
And, I've heard there are a lot of homes without nets, a lot of kids unprotected from me feeding on them.
I'm headed there now.
Monday, April 15, 2013
These Children Are A Most Wonderful Thing
I have this thing for people with special needs. I like them. I've always found myself drawn to them.
Not sure why.
When I was growing up, long, long ago...people with special needs were tucked away and not seen out in public very much. They were never in any of my classes. Now, I did grow up in very small towns, so my public was always very limited. I might have been exposed to more if I had been in a large city or large school system. I don't know.
Maybe, when I was younger, it was the novelty of being in their presence.
What I do know is I never felt fear or disgust. I always felt drawn by love.
All these years later, I have a special needs daughter (by way of China) and a special needs nephew and special needs cousins and special needs friends.
So, when the latest Compassion Magazine arrived I was excited to see the cover story Highly Vulnerable Highly Valued.
Watch Erick's story:
One in 10 children worldwide has special needs, while one in 5 of the world's poorest has special needs.
Interested in sponsoring a child with special needs? Click here.
Not sure why.
When I was growing up, long, long ago...people with special needs were tucked away and not seen out in public very much. They were never in any of my classes. Now, I did grow up in very small towns, so my public was always very limited. I might have been exposed to more if I had been in a large city or large school system. I don't know.
Maybe, when I was younger, it was the novelty of being in their presence.
What I do know is I never felt fear or disgust. I always felt drawn by love.
All these years later, I have a special needs daughter (by way of China) and a special needs nephew and special needs cousins and special needs friends.
So, when the latest Compassion Magazine arrived I was excited to see the cover story Highly Vulnerable Highly Valued.
Watch Erick's story:
One in 10 children worldwide has special needs, while one in 5 of the world's poorest has special needs.
Interested in sponsoring a child with special needs? Click here.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Change a life today
Some people think changing a life for the good is a very hard process. Sometimes it is and if you have the capacity to go through the very hard process then you should. Sometimes, though, it is very easy to change a life.
I've (and Compassion) made it very easy for you.
Change the life of a little girl.
Change the life of someone in poverty.
Change the life, because you can.
You might find this interesting, especially if questions are bouncing around in your head.
So, go ahead.
Take a peek.
Change a life.
I've (and Compassion) made it very easy for you.
Change the life of a little girl.
Change the life of someone in poverty.
Change the life, because you can.
You might find this interesting, especially if questions are bouncing around in your head.
Research on the outcome of child sponsorship will be published in the April 2013 issue of the Journal of Political Economy. Research that was conducted by Dr. Bruce Wydick, professor for the Department of Economics at the University of San Francisco.
This independent research shows that children who participated in Compassion's holistic child development through the sponsorship program stayed in school longer, were more likely to have salaried or white-collar employment and were more likely to be leaders in their communities and churches than their peers who did not participate in our program.
So, go ahead.
Take a peek.
Change a life.
Friday, March 1, 2013
I'm leaving on a jet plane
Today is the day the 2013 South Africa journey begins.
On Sunday evening we'll arrive at the Ten Thousand Homes property. I'm looking forward to hugging some necks!
Here are some blogs that have ties with Ten Thousand Homes.
KNOWN
Hearts For South Africa
i believe in love
A Journey of Hope
I suggest you check them out to learn more about what's happening in their neck of the woods.
What will I be doing there? I'll be working with the team at the feeding programs and teaching at the Compassion Discipleship School and whatever else comes up.
And, now, I'm trying to get excited about a really LOOOOOOONG flight or two.
On Sunday evening we'll arrive at the Ten Thousand Homes property. I'm looking forward to hugging some necks!
Here are some blogs that have ties with Ten Thousand Homes.
KNOWN
Hearts For South Africa
i believe in love
A Journey of Hope
I suggest you check them out to learn more about what's happening in their neck of the woods.
What will I be doing there? I'll be working with the team at the feeding programs and teaching at the Compassion Discipleship School and whatever else comes up.
And, now, I'm trying to get excited about a really LOOOOOOONG flight or two.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
What Prompts and Guides You To Serve Others?
And, now that it has me by the throat, I'm not sure how anyone can casually read it, which is judgmental of me, I know.
If you want to see it in something besides the King's English:
"...I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me." The Message.
There are so many different ways to do the above. Even if you live in a remote place with only the internet to keep you company you can participate in doing some of the above. Compassion International is only a click away. Look at all of those faces needing someone to "feed" them. Compassion does a lot more beyond providing physical food.
If you are looking for something to do in the DFW area let me know. There are plenty of places and ways to help.
Another verse that is almost constantly on my mind is Micah 6:8. I love it so much I made my daughter marry a guy named Micah. Not really. She did that all on her own.
He's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don't take yourself too seriously - take God seriously.
Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly. I repeat that in my head...often. Especially the walk humbly part. Especially when those judgmental thoughts start pushing in.
Check out what prompts and guides others:
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