- This adorable young couple moved to AFRICA this week! Would you pray for them as they transition into their new life?
- How to make a skirt from a t-shirt (in 30 seconds)-I want to try this!
- Make a necklace from fabric scraps
- This post from Seth touched me deeply
Links I Love
11:12 pm
Make Yourself at Home
10:13 pm
We showed up at the Student Life Camp as they were unloading for their 9th week of camp. It was really amazing watching these college kids empty four large Penske rental trucks and set up for more than 1,000 kids. When I complimented one of them, they said, “Oh this is a small camp. This is easy.”
Compassion had agreed to let us visit with Maureen and even though she was free to let others do her setup work, she asked our family if we minded hanging around while she performed her duties. (A true example of her heart and work ethic!)
We were happy to just watch and thrilled when they let us help. My hubby did a little drilling:
My kids helped with the packets of the children needing sponsors:
Everyone pitched in and constructed a replica home you might see in the slum, where Maureen grew up.
After she gives her compelling and touching testimony, she stands in the doorway of this mock home and answers questions.
People are moved at the image of this beautiful girl who has been rescued from poverty.
As I helped Maureen hang some “fact cards” on the interior walls of the home, she said, “This would be a nice home in the slums of Africa.” I remembered Vincent’s home and I silently nodded my head.
Once the home was completed, our family of five gathered inside. The average size of a family in Africa is usually at least five and I wanted my kids to see what it felt like to live in such a small space:
As I sat there with my family squeezed into the small, one-room dwelling, the nicest home on the block, I thanked God once again for His gentle reminder, this tangible example of perspective.
I’m pretty sure my family will never forget it.
Our New Daughter
8:28 pm
When I met her in the slums of Mathare Valley, I knew Maureen was special. I watched her march into the heart of hell in her crisp, white satin blouse and heeled shoes and I didn’t doubt for a minute that she’d been rescued from poverty.
But I didn’t know that God would bind our hearts and our lives in such an unbelievable way. Just four short months after meeting in Kenya, our family drove to meet Maureen at a Student Life Camp while on vacation last week. Compassion and Student Life partner with the goal of child sponsorship and they invited her to the United States this summer to travel from camp to camp sharing her amazing testimony (and thousands of precious kids have been sponsored with Maureen’s help!)
Through Facebook and email, we have become dear friends. But I wanted my family to meet Maureen. They fell in love with her and understood immediately why I fell in love with her and Africa.
We spent 2 glorious days together, eating pancakes and bacon in our RV, italian food for dinner and a late shopping trip to WalMart. Maureen taught us a bit of Swahili, we taught her how to eat sunflower seeds. She called my children her siblings. She referred to me as Mom and we exchanged necklaces. She called my husband Dad. And I cried when I learned that this was her first hug from a “father”:
We laughed and prayed and enjoyed rich fellowship together with our new daughter.
God is slowly revealing a pretty amazing plan for our lives to be intertwined…
We will meet again.
*Updated to add: Maureen isn’t one of our sponsored children. She is actually about t0 graduate from Compassion’s Leadership Program and will graduating from the University in just a few short months.
WFMW: Buy in a Group and Save
6:46 pm
Have y’all heard of Groupon?
It’s pretty new to me, but I love the idea of getting a great deal on things!
How It Works:
- Each day Groupon features something cool to do/buy at an unbeatable price.
- You only get the deal if enough people join that day… so invite your friends!
- Check back the next day for another awesome Groupon!
You can sign up to get emails for deals in your local big city. I’ve been pretty impressed with what they’ve offered so far at deeply discounted rates for restaurants, services, stores, etc.
Occasionally there are online deals. I’ve only bought one thing and it was from the cute dress shop Shabby Apple. The deal: $100 gift certificate for $40! That’s a 60% savings!
*UPDATED TO ADD* Just learned that you can shop different cities and occasionally there are online deals! I actually found the Shabby Apple deal under the Baltimore if your interested, but hurry!
Have y’all tried it yet?
Groupon works for me!
Next week, there’s a themed edition of WFMW: Your best bathroom or kitchen tip (organizing, cleaning, etc.) Please remember that themes are just suggested and you’re always welcome to link up a helpful tip.
(in)Couraging Art {Giveaway}
8:31 pm
*UPDATED* Congrats to random number 35, Mrs. 007 is the winner! Don’t forget to shop Dayspring with the code THANKS2010 for 25% off anything and everything by July 31st!
Recently, I made the decision not to buy a single home decor item for my walls and shelves unless it meant something to me.
I took down about half of the stuff in my house and it was liberating. On my walls now: paintings and drawings from my children, pictures of Africa, heirloom linens from great greats, and art.
I call it Meaningful Decor. Or “Have I told you the story behind this?”
One of the perks of writing for (in)Courage is being paid in product-usually enough to buy a couple of small things or one bigger thing each month. (If you are related to me, you already know this since every gift I’ve given for the past year has been from DaySpring!)
I love LOVE LOVE the beautiful art infused with bright colors and scripture. If my walls are gonna talk, I want them to say something meaningful. I’m not kidding: this art (in)courages me:
DaySpring is giving away this beautiful gallery wrapped canvas -John 3:16 Heart & Globe (my very favorite) to one reader today:
Tell me where you’d put it as your entry. AND-DaySpring is doing a 25% anything and everything sale right now–coupon code THANKS2010, expires July 31st, so hurry!
This giveaway ends on Thursday.
Product Details:
*Size: 16″ W x 20″ H x 1.5″ D
*Made in the USA
*Product by Show Offs Art
$56.99
P.S. Want an extra entry? Answer this question in my Blog Frog Community: “What blogs inspire you?” and leave an extra comment here to let me know.
S’More, Please!
8:29 pm
Our RV vacation hit the spot (even with a nasty 24 hour bug that hit two of my kids!! It was bad. And I know bad.)
But before and after all the bad, there was hiking and swimming and creek-wading:
Chigger-scratching and geocaching:
And some serious mudpie-making (this alone won me the title VACATIONING MOTHER OF THE YEAR):
I hope you’ve had at least a day or two to stay(cation) or vacation….what did you/are you doing to “get away” this summer?
Tell me s’more, please!
P.S. Is there really anything better than campfire s’mores?
What I Want My Children to Know -A DIY Project
11:01 am
“I believe I am here for a special purpose and that God has given me all I need to carry out His plan for me.”
I can’t remember where I read these words. But they impacted me so much, I jotted them down on the back of a receipt and held them close.
To see the little DIY project I created with these words, visit me over at (in)courage.
P.S. I’m taking the rest of the weekend for family. See y’all on Monday!
Modern Family Fun: Geocaching
9:13 pm
Now, obviously I’m not in the know or up to speed on all things modern. Are you in doubt? Evidence: in 1999, I thought the Internet was a passing fad and possibly of the devil. Okay, I might have been partially right on the second one.
And we just started our first trial of Netflix.
Point made.
But, why am I just learning about Geocaching??
Oh my goodness, our family was created for this frugal treasure-hunting-through-the-thicket adventures! (In case your as behind-the-times as I am, here’s a brief definition: Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment. Search for a geocache below or learn more about getting started.
And it’s fun!
We had a GPS, Delilah was her name. She was a bossy gal until she was stolen from our car during church. (May the lost thief find their way. Amen). But you don’t have to have one to play this great family game! You can download an app off iTunes (the free trial lets you choose three hunts) for $9.99. There are also cool Geocaching devices for kids. I think my son wants to ask Santa for a child’s version. Anyway, there are many ways to play.
The iPhone app allows you to plan your road trips and it marks all the Geocaching spots. There are thousands and thousands, many that allow you to take a treasure/leave a treasure (just a small object).
This week we’ve been Geocaching in our recreational vehicle. We are official nerds.
Here’s our first Geocaching adventure:
The treasure:
There was a little trinket for us to take and we left one in it’s place. There are usually logs to where you can write a note, your name and date.
Have y’all gone geocaching before? Or even heard of it for that matter?
(P.S. There are hundreds of hidden treasures in the State Park we’re visiting!)
WFMW: Driving with Kids
10:22 pm
Last week, my ghetto mom van was in the shop for over a week. We had a few issues the dealership agreed to fix on our paid-for 2006 van and we weren’t about to turn them down. Because we like free. A lot. In exchange for my minivan, they gave us the tiniest car that seats 5 people.
I never thought I’d say this: but I missed my big white stinky, crumb-filled automobile something fierce.
Because noise and smells are magnified in a small car and the little people are VERY close to you.
For a split second, I rethought the whole driving for days and miles in a recreational vehicle.
The tight space reminded me that I really needed to have some activities ready for the long drive (it also reminded me to wash my son’s shoes).
Moving on.
A couple of years ago, I wrote this mega post of travel tips while on-the-road with kids. I thought I’d share it again with y’all:
- Audio books (my library checks them out) or you can download them here
- Ice chest w/drinks
- DVD player, preferably with movies that haven’t been seen
- We’ve been driving our smaller less gas-consuming car that doesn’t have a built-in TV. So, we strap our laptop on an ice chest with a bungee, so the kids can watch a movie. (Yeah, we are THAT family).
- Bag or backpack with coloring books and small toys for each child.
- This site says pack a plastic box for kids personal things and then use the lid as a tray to eat on.
- Lap Desk for writing and drawing
- Headphones for MP3 players and/or DVD player
- Kid’s camera
- Sketch pad/pencil
- Extra change of clothes, separate from luggage. Because if it can happen, it probably will.
- If you’re traveling with a toddler, leave when they are tired. If you leave first thing in the morning, this is their active time and they don’t make the best travelers
- A package of pipe cleaners (to bend, twist and create)
- Pack paper towels, wipes, and a couple of blankets. Remember, we’re talking kids.
- Buy $5 Tape Recorder and ‘Read’ stories to your kids in your own voice
- Put a trash box in the back seat
- Travel Journal
- Sing silly road trip songs
- Travel games from the store (Target has some great ones in the stationary section that are cheap and magnetic!)
- Travel freebies-links to free stuff for traveling
- Play the I spy game with license plates
- Wipe-off white board/marker
- Magnetic sets (paper dolls, fire trucks, found in book sections)
- Snack bag filled with pre-portioned zip-lock bags of non-messy foods
- Kid’s music
- Tin foil for creations
- Play Go Fish
- Make string figures
- Check out these awesome games (like Noah’s Ark, Build a Story and Fooler, Fooler) to play in the car!
- Kids pillow and blanket
- Treasure Jar
- Rest Stop Box-stock with jump rope, frisbee, inflatable beach ball and Nerf ball, according to July’s issue of Parents Magazine.
- They also encourage travelers to ‘crank up the radio, open the doors and have an outdoor dance-a-thon).
- Printable Car Trip Check List
- Child-safety scissors and paper (it worked on a long flight w/my preschooler)
- Invisible markers/Magic paper
- Chalk Cloth Oil Mat
- Moon sand on a tray
- Post It Notes-draw on them, then decorate the car (Women’s Day, July Issue)
- Spill-proof Bubbles (yes, in the car. My toddler loves this).
- Printable Car Bingo
- Stickers
- Band-aids (again a toddler-pleaser)
- Leapster, DS Lite or hand-held game
- Magna Doodle
- Cookie sheet with magnetic alphabet letters
- The following incredible ideas came from MomsMinivan: travel tickets, surprise packages, and more (Actually EVERY idea on this site is amazing!)
- Printable Boredom Busters
- I spy bags/jars
- Ear plugs for when the “how much longer questions begin”
What works for you on road trips?
Thanks for joining in, you can read the WFMW guidelines here
The Lovely LaBella Jewels {Giveaway}
12:51 pm
*UPDATED with WINNERS* Congrats to Darla Baerg and Lindsey (Behind the Bur)!
La Bella Jewels has been one of my longest sponsors. She made a lovely necklace to memorialize my daughter’s water baptism and created a one-of-a-kind necklace for the work of Amazima (Kisses from Katie). My mom bought this one from her with her grandchildren’s names.
Her work is beautiful:
What do you like?
Please let me know and that will be your entry. Two winners will be chosen from the comments to win a $50 gift certificate!
This giveaway ends Thursday.
*Shop early for the holidays because Mrs. LaBella is closing shop from November to January to welcome her new baby bundle.
What I’m Learning in this Itty Bitty Living Space
7:30 am
They don’t call it a recreational vehicle for nothing! What I’ve learned the last couple of days:
- I love my family all the time.
- I like my family. Sometimes.
- My home (2,000 sq ft) is huge, luxuriously big.
- You really can’t have enough cans of air freshener in an RV.
- The big bed over the driver’s seat is totally worth fighting over.
- We don’t need half the stuff we think we need (we’re getting by on just the basics and doing fine!)
- That is one tiny shower.
- I might need a vacation to recover from my vacation.
- I rock at Uno (the Handy Mandy version).
- This is way more fun than I anticipated!
Does a vacation like this appeal to you or definitely not? People usually feel strongly either way. (I’ll let you know if I’d do it again!)
Blogging from a Recreational Vehicle
10:25 pm
We leave tomorrow for the next week of vacationing in an RV, while our friend house sits and takes care of pets. We will be traveling through Texas and stopping in Oklahoma to visit Maureen (who is speaking at Student Life Camps this summer). She and I have become very close thru Facebook and I can’t wait to hug her neck and introduce her to my family!
Then we’re off to Arkansas where we will camp a little and visit with Amber and Seth. I’m sure we’ll talk deep into the night about Africa. It’s sure to be a great getaway and we might even spend some time educating ourselves on the art of unclogging the commode in a recreational vehicle (since our 3 year old “can’t wait to go potty” in an “RB”).
And we’ll play Uno, lots of Uno.
I can already hear my children fighting over who gets the bed above the driver’s seat.
Awesome.
P.S. I won’t have my normal Links I Love post up this weekend. But I do have ONE LINK, I’d love everyone of you to read. THIS *THIS* is why I blog.
Winners, Winners, Panini Dinners
9:37 pm
Congrats to the random winners of the Panini Prize Packs!
- Tonya (Mama’s Life)
- Suzanne (Summer Living at It’s Best)
- Megan (no blog; meganwalk@gmail.com)
- Ashley
If you see your name above, please email me your address within the next 7 days to confirm.
For everyone else, make sure you visit Deli Deluxe for some great recipes and a coupon!
WFMW: Bulk Grilling
10:21 pm
I don’t know about y’all, but by the time dinner rolls around at my house in my part of Texas, it is hot outside. Like a million degrees, give or take one or two. The last thing I want to do, is bake at 350 (no offense, Bridget).
Here’s what we’ve been doing: bulk grilling.
I marinated a couple of pounds, seasoned another pound and put barbeque sauce on a couple of pounds. I grilled them (or my hubby did to be exact) and we just used the grilled meat in different recipes all week.
It works for me!
View WFMW guidelines here.
I Hosted the Ultimate Summer Sandwich Party! {Giveaway}
7:00 am
At our house….
We love summer. We love sandwiches. We love parties.
So, the other night, we hosted The Ultimate Summer Sandwich Party just because (see above).
To make the perfect sandwich (hot or cold), you need goodies, as my hubby would say:
The hit of the night was a little creation called The Avocado Bacon Panini on Rye. Oh. MY.
Recipe: The Avocado Bacon Panini on Rye
Rye Bread, cut into slices
Fresh tomatoes, onions, sliced avocado
Pancetta (it’s like a thin bacon, usually found in the deli dept) with choice of condiment (hot pepper relish and sweet and spicy mustered were a hit!)
and the secret ingredient……Deli Deluxe‘s new Bacon Cheddar slices.
Assemble:
Panini It (can I make that a verb?):
Serve:
Want to host your own party or just panini your way to a full stomach?
Tell me what ingredient you would add to the Deli Deluxe Bacon Cheddar, Jalapeno or Sharp Cheddar to make an ultimate sandwich and you’ll be entered to win one of the following FOUR prize packs including: a Panini grill, four (4) sandwich holders, Deli Deluxe aprons, three (3) Deli Deluxe product coupons : Approximate retail value: $125
Disclaimer: I was one of five bloggers selected by Deli Deluxe to host a “Ultimate Summer Sandwich” party and giveaway. I have been compensated for the materials needed for my “Ultimate Summer Sandwich” party. But as always, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments saying I love cheese. Because I do. Kraft Foods is providing the prizes for this giveaway at no cost to me. This giveaway is not administered or sponsored by Kraft Foods or its affiliates, but solely by Kristen Welch.
This giveaway ends on Friday.
There was a need. You rallied. Thank you.
9:00 pm
“God doesn’t require that you succeed. He only requires that you try.” -Mother Teresa
And sometimes you do both.
I’ve never been so proud to be a blogger, but I couldn’t have done any of this alone. Thank you for giving, praying, sharing it with your friends, family and readers.
“The miracle is not that we do this work, but that we are happy to do it.”-Mother Teresa
More than 200 large cans of baby formula were committed (that’s more than $2000 in powder!), plus $2000 cash was given (to match your donations). There will always be a need, so feel free to continue to give if you feel led.
There are hungry orphans in Africa. We can help them.
4:26 pm
[Warning: There is a faith-put-into-action opportunity at the end of this post. PLEASE do not miss it!]
I believe in a Divine God that connects dots.
I’m a dot.
You’re a dot.
He draws a line between you and me and we are connected.
I can’t explain it, but I know in my heart that God wants to use my blog to mobilize mothers to do good things for Him. I don’t have time for a catchy logo or cute graphic-there are hungry babies in Ethiopia right now and there is a baby formula shortage.
My dot was connected with Dinah, one of America’s greatest pro-life leaders. Besides setting up more than 30 maternity homes in America and her first in Africa, she is using her pro-life warehouse to ship formula into the suitcases of people traveling into Africa. It is saving the lives of precious starving babies in four of Ethiopia’s orphanages, some in remote areas.
Dinah is running low on formula and that’s where your dot comes in: There are hungry babies in Africa and we can help them.
It is a fact that 30,000 (yes, you read that right: thirty-thousand) children die every day from hunger and preventable disease. That number is so large it’s hard to comprehend. But your donation will make a difference to one. Your gift of formula will save a life.
(the tiny faces of these babes have been covered to protect their future adoptions.)
Can you send formula? Will you connect your dot with ours?
For the next 30 hours, I will be pushing hard, updating, mobilizing and partnering with Into the Streets of Ethiopia to get cans of formula committed to send to Arizona (and then on to Ethiopia)!
TWO generous donors have offered to MATCH the first 100 200 cans that are donated (that’s $2000 in formula!) from my blog.
Please leave a comment with how many of the large cans of WalMart (milk based only, no soy), you can send to this address:
Heritage House ’76, Inc.
919 So. Main St.,
Snowflake, AZ 85937
If you do not have a WalMart near you, you can purchase a WalMart gift card online and have it sent directly to the address above. Please make sure you make a notation that it is for formula if you can. But they have been notified that all WalMart gift cards are designated for formula. You can also send a check for formula (for a tax deductible donation) to Living Hope Women’s Centers. Formula will be bought and sent.
[from Dinah: "We will send the formula with work crews and adoptive parents as they go over. We have shipped close to 400lbs since April but are running out. Check out the Post Office one price if it fits and see how many cans can fit in a box]
God connects dots.
Please leave a comment if you can send a can of formula.
*Update* As of 9 am CST on Monday morning, there have been 115 cans of formula donated!!! Let’s keep going!
*Updated Again* As of 2pm CST, there have been 156 cans of formula donated!!!
Links I Love
7:00 am
For the days when you are bone tired- I love Ann’s words
10 Little Ideas for Summer Bliss- I want to do every one of these
Leading Your Family in Worship-good stuff
DIY Sidewalk Chalk Paint-this looks like a fun summer activity
DIY: Make Beautiful Beads from Recycled Newspaper
10:12 pm
I saw these beautiful beads made from recycled newspaper and decided to try and make them. They reminded me of the lovely paper beads that Katie teaches Ugandan ladies to make and sell for sustainable living. I haven’t done anything creative in awhile and my daughter and I were itching to get our hands dirty.
This is a messy project that takes place over a couple of days, but I thought it was surprisingly easy, fun and creative.
Step 1: Shred newspaper and put it in a large stock pot.
Step 2: Cover the paper with boiling water and let it sit for one hour.
Step 3: Drain off extra water and stir with spatula to help aid the process of breaking up the paper.
Step 4: Stir in white Elmer’s glue (enough that pieces pulled off stick together).
Step 5: Pull off small pieces (however big you want the beads to be) and roll them in the palm of your hand to form a ball. Squeeze out any excess water. Set on a cookie sheet to dry (for at least a day and a half or until hard).
Step 6: The balls need holes to make them beads. There are two ways to do this. You can poke a toothpick thru them while they are wet. I didn’t like this way very much. I chose to wait until they were dry and drill a small hole thru each ball.
Step 7: I used finger nail clippers to trim away the edges created around the drilled hole. You can sand the beads to make them smoother, but I didn’t.
Step 8: Paint your beads. I love the way these beads turned out with marble-effect. But I couldn’t quite master it. I tried a lot of different colors, using a sponge brush.
Step 9: Once your beads are dry, (you may have to poke a safety pin thru to unclog the hole) they are ready to be strung. I used an old ball chain necklace I had for one and heaving fishing line for another.
Step 10: Once the beads are strung, hold one end and dip the entire strand in a can of clear varnish. This final step seals the paper-mache like beads and gives them the pretty shiny-look. I used heavy duct tape to hold the strand on my kitchen cabinet and let a paper plate catch the excess varnish.
Once they dry, they are ready to wear!
When Jesus Isn’t Enough
11:09 pm
When I sat in his closet-sized home in the middle of Africa, I couldn’t take my eyes off the pathetic interior or ignore the dripping rain on my head.
I tried not to imagine the “community toilet” he shared with neighbors adjoined by paper-thin walls or how far he walked each way to school everyday, in the dark, both ways.
The peace on his face was undeniable and the light that radiated from his eyes filled the dark room of his orphan-led home.
I didn’t understand how he could be so content with so little. And I couldn’t stop the question, “Why are you so happy? Why aren’t you afraid?”
He looked at me as if I’d missed it entirely and said, “Because I have Jesus.”
He didn’t say anything else. It was a heavy statement. It was enough.
He was right, I had missed it. Entirely.
I equate Jesus to comfort and blessings. And when I sat in a hovel, a young boy called home, void of every comfort, I was envious of his contentment.
I returned to a lifestyle with every blessing, only wanting more.
I add Jesus like salt and pepper to a tasteless dish.
He isn’t the main course, just an extra on the side.
Jesus isn’t enough for me.
I think about my happiness that is clouded with every storm that blows into my life. I think about my happiness that is contingent upon what I have versus what I want. I think about my happiness and the strings I attach to it.
I think about a young boy who taught me more about Jesus and myself in a single sentence than my entire Bible College degree and 37 years of living.
One of the great lessons I learned in Africa: When Jesus isn’t enough, something is wrong.
I’m on a quest to make it all about Jesus. It’s easy surrounded by the comforts of my American life to melt back into the The American Way-bigger is better, more is what matters.
This is a painful journey, but more than anything, I want Him to be enough for me.
Is Jesus enough for you? If your happiness, like mine, is determined by how much or how little you have or the next exciting thing in your life, can I gently remind you to return to Him? He is waiting to be enough.
WFMW: Look! A Summer Recipe
1:37 pm
This is my favorite summer dish! It’s delicious and yummy and terribly good. Did I mention that I love it?
It’s easy to make too!
Baked Zucchini Tomato Pie
Ingredients:
2 zucchini, sliced
2 garden fresh tomatoes, sliced
6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
Sprig of Basil, chopped
1/2 Cup of mayonnaise
1/2 Cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Lightly saute 2 chopped zucchinis in a dab of olive oil. Salt and pepper.
Cover the bottom of a pie shell with the sauteed zucchini. And cover with fresh tomato slices.
Mix parmesan cheese, mayo, bacon and basil:
Spread over the fresh veggies:
Sometimes I make enough for two!
Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
Can’t wait to drool thru your recipes (or use your helpful tips!)
What works for you? View WFMW guidelines here.
[Proverbs] Thirty-One {Giveaway}
9:18 pm
*UPDATED* with a Winner! Congrats to reader Linsay -no blog listed (Ljaecocker@hotmail.com).
Everyone else. Now you know where to Christmas shop!!
Warning: Really cute bags ahead.
This company was created by a woman for women with a mission to celebrate, encourage and reward (the name Thirty One is based on the familiar Proverbs).
Thirty-One has some darling bags! I love the versatility and the personalization:
This is just a small sampling!
Thirty-One is giving away a $50 gift certificate to one lucky reader! Take a look at the catalog (click here to access the free catalog) and tell me your favorite!
This giveaway ends on Thursday.
She Can Bring Home the Bacon
11:09 pm
I hope you had all the ingredients you needed for an awesome holiday weekend.
Our new favorite recipe from this weekend: Ice cream sandwich cake. More, please.
P.S. The chocolate syrup is not optional.
What did you eat?
Links I Love
6:43 am
- Beautiful stories of hope from Honduras-please take a minute to read
- Why Christians are Jerks Online-funny and honest
- Don’t forget to wear red, white and blue and grab your free Spicy Chick Fil A Sandwich, July 3! (no coupon needed)
- Support Mom’s who make/sell things-Kelly’s Korner
- Please consider sending something to support a wounded soldier
- I love this video-everyone has a story:
Every Life Has A Story – Chick-fil-A from Dan T. Cathy on Vimeo.
Red, White and Do (July: DIFO Project)
10:14 pm
Over dinner, when we pray for a different country from the book, Window On The World
They may not understand politics or the reason we have troops stationed all over the world, but they know freedom.
My kids understand that we have freedom to speak and worship as we please because we are Americans.
And while I might not agree with our current government, I’m proud to be an American and I thank God for our service men and women.
Can I encourage you to remember them this weekend?
Buy a special edition military Bible for $4.99, write a personal note of thanks and Lifeway Bible bookstore will get it into the hands of a US soldier. Don’t have a Lifeway near you? Order a military Bible online.
Red
White
And Do.
July Do-It-For-Other Project: Help Wounded American Soldiers
This is from the wife of a wounded soldier:
“My husband was wounded in Iraq on January 26, 2005. He sustained permanent shrapnel injuries to his face, right leg and knee, leftshoulder and arm, and right hand. He also has a traumatic brain injury from the blast and post-traumatic stress disorder from the ordeal.
Wounded veterans leaving the current theaters of operation in Iraq and Afghanistan are evacuated to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. This hospital is the first landing place where they are operated on and begin their treatment and rehabilitation. Many are brought there with literally nothing. The clothes that were on their backs were cut off in the theater to check for wounds before they were evacuated first by helicopter and then by plane. Their gear often fails to make the trip with them or was so badly damaged it is no longer able to be used.
Imagine that is your husband, your brother, your son. Imagine that’s someone YOU loved sitting in that hospital room alone. If he has a buddy there, he wishes he didn’t, because they’re both there for the same reason. For his family to arrive, it’s an 8+ hour flight from America and many can’t afford to make the trip or aren’t prepared for it. He’s as alone as he’ll ever be in his life at a time when he should never have to feel alone.
Granted, we can’t just reach out and give him a hug but we CAN make a difference. When my husband arrived at Landstuhl the generosity of strangers made that wait until I could get there so much easier. He was given clothes that had been donated, model cars to put together and paint, and cards from across the country of people showing their support and telling him that his sacrifice was appreciated.”
Here’s what WE can DO (send the following items):
Burger King Gift Certificates
International Calling Cards
Sweatsuits (small to x-large)
Athletic Shoes (men’s 9-12, women’s 6-9)
Men’s and Women’s fall and winter jackets (med to x-large)
Backpacks, Gym Bags, and Small Suitcases (something to store their
clothes in)
DVDs to put in the hospital wards for them to watch
If you don’t know what to send but want to do more, checks are also accepted made out to: IMA-E CTOF-WW
Mail ANY of this to:
Landstuhl Regional Medical center
Wounded Warrior Ministry Center
CMR 402
APO AE 09180
Please note that shipping to an APO AE address is IDENTICAL to shipping rates for New York. You can use flat rate packages to ship large amounts of cards.
Leave a comment ONLY if you are able to send something during the month of July to support our American soldiers, wounded in battle, keeping us FREE.
P.S. I’m sending out hundreds of pillowcases to seamstresses early next week! I will update y’all with the totals on dresses in early August-I think we might be close to 300!! We aren’t collecting supplies anymore, but we are accepting completed dresses until the end of July. You can get more details about that project here.
(Have a safe and happy 4th of July…I’ll see y’all on Monday!)
