Why the Joy of Giving is the Blessing You Need

11 / 27 / 1711 / 28 / 18

It was 1973. Rev was out making calls with an elder of our church as part of his seminary assignments. They were driving between visits when this older friend and mentor turned to my dear man and asked, “Do you tithe?”

Now, you have to know our income was very small even for the time. We were doing everything we could to pinch pennies and make ends meet. Things like getting 36 meals out of a canned ham or two meals out of a 99 cent frozen pizza. It wasn’t a problem though, we were newlyweds, happy, and we knew what we were signing up for when we accepted the call to ministry.

But when Harry asked his forthright question, Rev awkwardly answered, “We plan on it someday, as soon as we are able.”

Harry’s response, “No you won’t! You will never tithe if you wait to have ‘enough’ money. Tithing is not a matter of the wallet it’s a matter of the heart. You just do it and trust God will provide.”

As you might imagine, Rev was less than happy with their exchange at the moment but it stuck and by the next day we prayerfully made the decision to start tithing—setting aside our offering first rather than giving from what was left.

And it changed both our attitude and our lives.

First, it changed our attitude from “have to” to “get to” and that is huge! Giving has become one of our greatest joys in life.

Second, that short conversation and change in thinking started a passion for stewardship in our lives that added an element to Rev’s ministry career we never saw coming. You see, besides serving in congregations over the years, His primary ministry focus was helping Christian organizations connect with donors to have the funding they needed to spread the Gospel message.

Although Rev retired this year, we will continue to have a passion for stewardship and giving. Which is why I wanted to tell you about some of the things we’re doing for GIVING TUESDAY!

Why the Joy of Giving is the Blessing You Need

Oh, there’s one more family story I want to tell you…

In the Spring of 2011, I woke up to an email that said … “World Vision is looking for a blogger from our 5 Minutes for Faith Bloggers to go to Bolivia with the Bolivia Bloggers Team and write about the work they are doing there.”

Now, I am NOT an adventurer! But somehow I knew that email was God calling me to see the bigger picture … to look beyond my little world in Midwest America.

It’s so easy for you and me to get so caught up in what’s right under our noses that we fail to remember the huge world out there full of people with huge needs that we can’t even imagine until we see them with our eyes and feel them in our hearts.

I won’t share all the details here, but if you’d like to know more about the trip that gave our family the passion and joy we have in giving to our favorite global ministries, click here.

Our Favorite Ministries – Giving Tuesday and How You Can Help

We love both World Vision and Compassion International – in fact, we sponsor three children through the two ministries. And we love it because through child sponsorship your actually develop a relationship. There is great joy in actually connecting and seeing the way our small effort is making a difference in not only that child’s life but in ways that bless their family and their community. Click on the links my sidebar to sponsor a child today.

If you don’t feel you can commit to a monthly sponsorship, both ministries offer countless opportunities for one-time gifts.

World Vision Gift Catalog

Our personal favorites are:

The Clean Water Fund

Education Fund

Mother and New Baby Kit

Compassion International Gift Catalog

Our favorites are:

Emergency Food and Water

Children Waiting for a Sponsor

Bibles

And – Samaritan’s Purse

Our favorite – Operation Christmas Child

Collection week has passed,
but it’s not to late to build a shoebox online:

Build a Shoebox

Did you ever stop to think about what it takes to get all of those shoeboxes to their destinations? Well, it takes an average of $9 per box to transport a gift to it’s intended child. And the journeys are amazing.

You can adopt one or more shoeboxes and help them reach a waiting child – here.

One of the best parts of OCC is that for many children getting a shoebox is the first time they have ever received a gift. I’ve heard so many stories of how children will break down and cry because their gift contained something they have needed or wanted for a very long time. God’s personal appointment from one side of the world to another.

These are just a few ideas of ways you can enjoy the blessing of making a difference in someone’s life.

One more thing we’re doing this year is asking our children to choose a charity – and we’re making a donation in their honor. Whatever the age of your children this is a great way to include them and help them find the blessed joy of giving.

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 2 Corinthians 9:8–9,11 (NLT)

Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday!

Join the movement!
Help others through the gift of your time,
donations, goods or your voice.

And if you need more ideas, click on the #Giving Tuesday graphic above to find 100 Unique Fund-raising Ideas that Actually Work!

For more helpful tips on ways to bless others, check out – Giving back this holiday season: How to provide relief to those in need.

We’ve celebrated Thanksgiving, shopped Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Will you join me and participate for one more day and make a difference not only for someone in need but I promise you, it will make a difference for you by blessing you with joy!

Before you go … tell us your favorite place to give on Giving Tuesday or any other day of the year!

Blessings and big hugs! Deb

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You are Making a Difference in Ways You Do Not See

3 / 3 / 173 / 3 / 17

Do you ever wonder if you’re making a difference?

If your life really matters?

Somedays it feels like you’re just going through the motions . . . doing the same things again and again.

But what if…

You really were born for “such a time as this.”

Last month, I wrote that I believe we all share the same purpose. That “love” is our why!

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength, and love your neighbor as you love yourself. Mark 12:30–31

Created by God because of His love and created for God to love Him and love others.

It’s our why . . . to love.

But each of us has a unique why as well.

A God-given purpose to be used for Him in this time and place.

And that plan, that purpose, is as unique as our fingerprints.

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

Good to know. Right?!

But some days this plan feels so mundane. Each day filled with repetitive tasks that don’t feel very purposeful.

You know you feel it when the laundry is piled high, and the bathroom needs help, and you have no idea what you’re going to cook for dinner, and the older kids are fighting in the other room while your toddler is crying and clinging to your leg.

Yeah, then.

Stop and remember…

Nothing you do in love is ever wasted! Nothing!

Living out the life in front of you with love is your God-give purpose for today.

Because…

You are Making a Difference in Ways You Do Not See!

Much of what you do seems like it goes unnoticed and underappreciated.

But more often than you realize . . . those little things you’re doing are making a big difference.

A Surprise Letter from Kenya

The other day, Rev and I received a letter from World Vision, written for our sponsored child, Gilbert, in Kenya.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Wolf,

Gilbert is very happy for the gift you sent to him and the family. They purchased a goat, clothes, mattress and blankets. Gilbert is very happy for the goat because he will take good care of it. Gilbert has named it WOLF for your name. He is in the fourth grade and promises to work extra hard. God bless you.

There’s a goat named WOLF in Kenya!

That just makes me smile!

A small gift, given in love, will provide milk, cheese, and teach a boy important lessons about care and responsibility.

We’ve given other gifts and for whatever reason, we haven’t heard how they’ve been used. That’s okay! Because anything we do in love always makes a difference. If not for the recipient . . . for us.

Maybe we make this thing called “purpose” too complicated.

Maybe we’re just supposed to get out there and live with big love?

We do what we have to do today . . . like clean, wipe noses, cook, chauffeur, listen, teach, help, smile, hug, and anything else that falls on that long list of to-dos. Then climb into bed at the end of the day satisfied and grateful even though we know we have to get up and do it all again tomorrow.

Remembering on those days when it feels like every task is unimportant and unappreciated, you charge on with big love . . . because the truth is whether we see it or not we ARE making a difference.

Impacting lives in ways we’ll never know. By a…

A positive word shared.
A smile offered.
A student taught.
A coworker helped.
A friend encouraged.
A gift given.
LOVE OFFERED

Making a difference in ways perfectly planned for us by God, the One who has given each of us a uniquely personal purpose for “such a time as this.”

Now it’s time for…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I’m finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith ‘n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun!

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Deb Wolf
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I’m excited to share the following posts with you this week.

Have We All Turned into Jerks

by Julie Loos

@ Unmasking the Mess

and

God is Not Trying, He is Doing!

by Lisa Morris

@ Blessed Transgressions

Thank you, Julie and Theresa, for partying with us!

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above or link back to CMB.

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May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

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I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Are You Living with Eager Anticipation?

12 / 2 / 157 / 7 / 16

It’s so easy to get caught up in preparing for parties and presents we forget to prepare for Christmas. We focus on the stuff while the message gets blurred.

My friend Melanie Redd is running a series this year:

I was blessed to write a post on the way our family makes gift giving meaningful…

How to Simply Gift Giving and Enjoy Christmas More

Here at CMB we’re going to celebrate Jesus birth too.

Today starting with Four Ways to Live with Eager Anticipation.

You and I know how to bake, shop, wrap, and plan parties . . . but how are we preparing for Jesus? How do we eagerly anticipate our celebration of our Savior’s birth?

Live with Eager Anticipation:

1. Live in humble repentance – Most of us want to believe that we’re basically good. We look around at other people and conclude we’re “not so bad.” However, “not so bad” isn’t good enough. We’re called by grace to a Savior who loves us and gave up everything to give us forgiveness. Humble repentance – forgiveness – healing grace = pure perfection.

2. Live in unity – We live in a world of differences. Economics. Religion. Race. Education. Politics. You and I are called by grace to a different standard. We are called to glorify and worship the Lord with one heart and one voice without prejudice or favoritism. We’re to honor His commands and live for His glory. Those common goals give us something in common that is greater than all our differences.

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6

3. Live in hope – The holidays are a very difficult time for those who are ill, impoverished, grieving, or lonely. So many are going through times of sadness and suffering, but Jesus promises to be with us. His promise is that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Jesus said, “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b

4. Live in love – This anonymous note was sent several years ago to the Advancement Department at the Seminary where Rev is on staff. (The following words were penned in what appeared to be a young woman’s handwriting.)

I recently celebrated my birthday. My parents, who have experienced severe financial setbacks, gave me money as a gift. It was difficult to accept, knowing that it is an extreme sacrifice for them but it would hurt them not to. So with great love, I forward the money to you to use for others. (smiley face) God is so good!

Inside the envelope was $50 cash, with no signature or return address.

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 (GW)

Going to Bolivia with a team for World Vision the summer of 2011, and continuing to read about crisis and famine around the world makes me passionate about sharing the blessings God has given. Blessing others is a great way to live God’s love “out-loud.”

Ministries like World Vision, Compassion Int., and many others take contributions and combine them to make a real difference for God’s children in need.

How do we live with eager anticipation?

Repentant, United, Hope-filled, and “Out Loud” Loving.

So are you living with eager anticipation?

May God by His grace grant it for Jesus sake. Amen.

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Why “Wait Right Here” Is a Terrible Idea

8 / 7 / 158 / 14 / 15

Years ago when our son was about three years old, I’d take him to the mall to burn off the fidgets on days he couldn’t run around outside. I remember one particular visit like it was yesterday…

We were enjoying our time together when he suddenly looked up at me and said, “Wait here Mommy, I’ll be right back.”

He took off—running across the mall-way; while I was left momentarily speechless.

Fortunately, I recovered quickly, shouted his name and ran after him.

I don’t remember what he wanted or where he was going. I just remember thinking how ridiculous it was that my three-year old thought he could manage the big mall-world full of strangers and unknowns all by himself.

I also remember being very thankful that at that point he was still unable to outrun me! (That probably changed a couple of weeks later.)

It’s a blessing to be able to look back with a smile.

I wonder how often the Lord sees the same foolishness in me.

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Here I am in a big world away from my heavenly home. A place where it’s easy to get lost. One full of strangers and unseen dangers . . . but I can still look up at my Savior and say, “Wait right here, I’ll be right back.”

As I leave church on Sunday. As I leave the house. As I head off to work or go out with friends….

Anytime, I lose sight of His presence and decide I can “go it alone,” I am really saying, “Wait right here, I’ll be right back.”

Anytime, I decide I’d prefer to ignore His commands to love, forgive, or serve others; I’m saying, “Wait here, I’ll be back.”

I’ll be back when I’m ready.
I’ll be back when I need You.
I’ll be back when I’m frightened, hurting, or sick, etc.

There’s a little prodigal in me! Is there a little prodigal in you too?

The good news—God never leaves. We may run off for a time, but He is always faithful.

I used to believe if X, Y, or Z happened . . . like Humpty Dumpty I’d be forever broken.

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By God’s grace, I learned the truth. God is the Great Healer. Forever and always able to restore His broken children.

That’s when I selected Psalm 73:26 as my life verse:

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the
strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Look at verse 28 of the same chapter:

But as for me, how good it is to be near God!
I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter,
and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

That’s where I want to be. Near my Father. Knowing He is watching and guiding, and telling everyone about the wonderful things He does.

I want to stay in His presence . . . trusting His love and knowing His will is best always.

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The First Week in August 2015

My friend, Ceil Ryan, inspires her readers at
Surrounded by the Spirit
– Connecting the Everyday to the Divine.

I love that Ceil says on her About Me Page:
“No matter how different our individual lives are,
we still face the same issues, the same blocks and blessings.
After all, we are family! We have the same Father.”

Her post, Transformed Into a New Creation is about
a beautiful piece of art that lead to a beautiful analogy.

Christy Mobley writes Joying in the Journey
She invites readers to…
look forward, press on and seek God
in every bump and turn in the road.

Christy wrote the following on her About Page:
“For more than half my life I was plagued with anxiety
and bouts of panic attacks. A few years ago God
lead me down the road to freedom. He then gave me a
desire to share that road with other women.”

Her post, Who Am I Really? fits perfectly with our topic this week.
And just what I needed.

Linda Perkins is discoverer and motivator at
Spring Sight – Hope for those struggling to
find faith in the midst of pain.

She describes herself as:
“a self-proclaimed Starbucks coffee addict, shutter bug,
and (much to her husband’s chagrin) a lover of “selfies.”

Her post, Midlife: Crisis or Opportunity? will make
you want to celebrate every stage of your life journey.

Top Pic from Compassion International Blog
Why Your Sponsored Child is a Hero
by Katie Unger.

Every child is the main character in their own hero story.
A really fabulous post!

It’s Time for Blessing Counters Link Party – Spread the Word!

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Why Pigs Are Our Favorite Gift

11 / 20 / 149 / 28 / 15

I’m blessed to be featured on the World Vision Blog . . . where I wrote about why pigs are our favorite gift.

Give the Gift of a Pig – One Pig $205 or a Share of a Pig $25!

Give the gift of a pig today to boost family incomes and provide plenty of protein for undernourished children. One sow can produce 20 babies a year, and within six months a piglet can weigh 200 pounds — and fetch a hefty price at the market.

See why pigs are this family’s favorite gift!

***
5 out of 5 stars

Our favorite gift! Cute! Pink! Curly tail! And it can take a family from extreme poverty to sufficiency. I know. I’ve seen it first-hand …

In early August 2011, I was blessed to travel to Cochabamba, Bolivia with World Vision’s Bolivia Bloggers Team. Eight bloggers and a photographer spent eight days visiting World Vision communities to experience first-hand how Child Sponsorship improves the lives of children, their families, and their communities.

It was my first time to see this kind of extreme poverty.

My worldview changed that week, because of moments like this:

Please go to World Vision to read the rest of the story.

Make a Wish Without Shoes

4 / 29 / 142 / 27 / 16

Our family has been the beneficiary of Make a Wish. Years ago they made it possible for my brother and his family to spend a blessed few days away from doctors and hospitals and enjoy time laughing and making memories at Disney World.

Today is World Wish Day – We grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.

About Make a Wish –

Founded in Phoenix, Arizona in 1980, when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer.After the start of Make-A-Wish in the United States, interest in granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions quickly spread to other nations. In 1993, Make-A-Wish International was officially formed to serve the five countries outside the U.S. – and now helps to serve children outside the United States in nearly 50 countries on five continents through its 37 affiliates. With the help of generous donors and over 32,000 volunteers, Make-A-Wish has collectively granted approximately more than 334,000 wishes worldwide since 1980.

Read more about World Wish Day and Stories of Wishes Around the World by click the links.

One Day Without Shoes –

About One Day Without Shoes –

One Day Without Shoes is the annual day when we take off our shoes to raise global awareness for children’s health and education.Start a conversation for change by going without shoes and sharing what you’re doing, outside or online.

Read more about One Day Without Shoes click the link.

The word for the day is compassion. We can’t do everything, but we can do something. When we work together we can change and improve the lives of children, their families, and communities.

Quotes that Inspire –

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” ~Anne Frank

“Love is not patronizing and charity isn’t about pity, it is about love. Charity and love are the same — with charity you give love, so don’t just give money but reach out your hand instead.” ~Mother Teresa

I cannot do all the good that the world needs. But the world needs all the good that I can do.” ~Jana Stanfield

“Wherever a man turns he can find someone who needs him.” ~Albert Schweitzer

A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 1 Corinthians 12:7

It’s in our selfish nature to want more. We focus on what we don’t have. We envy those who have more and ignore those who do without. Jesus invites us to pay attention and act.

“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ Matthew 25:40

May we pray for eyes to see, hearts to care, and willingness to do by God’s grace as we are gifted by Him.

Many of you know Rev and I have hearts the ministries of World Vision and Compassion International. You can learn more about ways you can help them make a difference in the lives of children around the world by clicking on the links in the side-bar.

We are blessed! May we joyfully bless each other.

Jeremia – A Story of Faith, Hope, and Love

2 / 17 / 142 / 20 / 14

In the “love chapter” of the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13 – Paul wrote, “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.“

While everyone was talking about love, Rev and I are clinging to all three . . . faith and hope and love.

The phone rang Friday morning. Caller ID read, World Vision. A Child Sponsorship Representative on the other end of the line began:

My name is Debbie, and I’m calling about your sponsored child, Jeremia. I’m so sorry to have to tell you that he was playing with friends at the river when he was caught by the current and drowned before help could arrive.

Today I’m asking you to join me in Faith, Hope, and Love action. Please don’t allow Jeremia to be just another little boy in a Kenyan village who didn’t get to grow up. His little life was so important . . . to the God who created him, to his family who loved and cared for him, to the World Vision staff who taught him and helped him, and to Rev and me who prayed for him, sent him little notes and gifts, and helped to provide for him. I’m praying his life will brome important to you too.

Jeremia – Love

His mother said in a note:

He is very active in the family and this has made every family member love him so much.

Jeremia drew this at the top of the page:

Jeremia – Faith

This was the Christmas Card Jeremia sent us this year:

I picture him sitting in a little chair at a low table getting a little help from his siblings and encouragement from a World Vision staff member. But he was a five-year old little boy who probably would have preferred playing with his friends and chasing the wind.

A little information about Kenya.

World Vision is partnering with Kenyans to help enact sustainable solutions for the future of their children, families, and communities. World Vision’s child sponsorship program plays a vital role in this partnership with donors from the United States sponsoring more than 41,300 girls and boys. In addition to sponsorship, World Vision operates other programs that benefit communities in Kenya. Their efforts include:

Providing emergency supplies to 600,000 of the most vulnerable people affected by the African drought.
Fighting malaria by distributing bed nets.
Helping children go to school by removing them from child labor situations.
Providing life-skills training to those affected by HIV and AIDS.
Increasing access to improved water supply, sanitation facilities and training on hygiene practices to benefit children’s health.
Improving the growth and development of boys and girls and the care of pregnant women.

Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day – a perfect day for us to give hope for the future to a child, and to their family and community.

Jeremia – Hope

By God’s grace:

I have a confident hope that I will give Jeremia a hug when I greet him in heaven.
I hope that you will join me in prayer for Jeremia’s family and the ministry of World Vision.

Father, please hold Jeremia’s family close to You. Comfort their hurting hearts. Give them a vision of their son and brother running, playing, and sitting at the feet of Jesus. Please meet their needs . . . physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional. Father, give them hope, fill them with faith, and surround them with Your love. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

I hope that you will look into Jeremia’s face and honor him by sponsoring a child through World Vision.

For only $35 a month you can change a child’s life . . . you can offer faith, hope, and love. You can choose a child who shares a birthday with your child or grandchild or one from a specific country. Pray and ask God to connect you with the child He wants for you.

Please visit my World Vision Page – you will learn why this ministry is so important to Rev and me and sponsor a child if you choose. If 10 children are sponsored Rev and I will add another child to our little group. It would be a blessing to add a photo to our bulletin board and name to our prayers.

If you’d like more details about my travels with the World Vision Bolivia Bloggers in 2011 click here.

One last thing . . . would you please share this with your friends and family to help me spread the word about Jeremia, a precious five little boy who touched our lives with faith, hope, and love.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

A Great Way to Celebrate World Children’s Day

11 / 20 / 1311 / 24 / 13

Children’s Day is recognized on various days in many places around the world, to honor children globally. It was first proclaimed by the World Conference for the Well-being of Children in 1925.

World Children’s Day is not simply a day to celebrate children for who they are, but to bring awareness to children around the globe that have succumbed to violence in forms of abuse, exploitation and discrimination. ~ Wikipedia

That makes today the perfect day to invite you to join me in sponsoring a child through World Vision.

“I know my sponsor,” says Solange, an 11-year-old sponsored girl from Rwanda. “She writes me letters. I love her very much. She sponsors me because she loves me . . . it’s good to be sponsored.

Rev and I received several letters from the families of our sponsored children.

Our Favorite Catalog is Here!

11 / 14 / 1311 / 24 / 13

Can you guess our favorite catalog?

It’s not for clothing, shoes, or bags . . . although those are fun.
It’s not for furniture, accessories, or garden helps . . . although we like those, too.

Our favorite catalog gives us joy not stuff.

Our favorite catalog – The World Vision Gift Catalog.

Why?

Because the items in this catalog really change lives.

Rev’s mom lived most of her life with very little. One Christmas all she could give her children was a home made beanbag. Another year she gave them each one filled book of green stamps (remember those?) and asked them to choose what they would like from the redemption book.

Kings and Queens – Love the Least of These

4 / 12 / 134 / 15 / 13

Kings and Queens by Audio Adrenaline

Little hands, shoeless feet, lonely eyes looking back at me
Will we leave behind the innocent too brief
On their own, on the run when their lives have only begun
These could be our daughters and our sons
And just like a drum I can hear their hearts beating
I know my God won’t let them be defeated
Every child has a dream to belong and be loved

[Chorus:]
Boys become kings, girls will be queens
Wrapped in Your majesty
When we love, when we love the least of these
Then they will be brave and free
Shout your name in victory
When we love when we love the least of these
When we love the least of these

You Need to Read – Orphan Justice

2 / 28 / 133 / 2 / 13

Orphan Justice – How to Care for Orphans Beyond Adopting

Not everyone is called to adopt, but everyone is called to love.

Orphan Justice begins with these words:

“Imagine children lined up shoulder to shoulder all the way around the earth’s equator. Now consider that all of the orphaned kids in the world would not fit in that line. There are too many of them.”

UNICEF estimates that there are more than 153 million orphans and vulnerable children in the world today. Don’t read over that number quickly . . . 153 million children have lost one or both parents.

5 Ways to Love Our International Neighbors

2 / 27 / 1312 / 27 / 13

I remember each precious face from the week I spent in Bolivia as a Blogger for World Vision.

That trip increased my awareness of the importance of loving my international neighbor.
Many governments around the world are either unable or unwilling to help the
“least of these” living among them.

For the past year and a half, I’ve made it my goal to find ministries that
change lives around the world.

Here are my 5 favorites:

World Vision

Arminda, in the top left corner, who captured our hearts with her winsome smile.
Abigail, second from right on the bottom, our sponsored child, gave me a hug I will never forget.

Many of these children live in one room huts without doors, windows or floors.
Others like the young boy holding the puppy lives in a house with those provisions,
because World Vision Staff helped his parents learn a skill to earn an income.

Click here to read more stories from our trip.
And consider joining us in sponsoring a child through . . .

World Vision – Sponsor a Child

I promise you . . . you will be blessed more than you know.

Thankful Hearts Give – My Top Five Charity Choices for 2012

11 / 21 / 1211 / 25 / 12

Most of you reading this post, perhaps all of you, live in a warm home with clean running water.
You enjoy healthy foods to eat, and are blessed with healthy children and grandchildren.

As you prepare to celebrate tomorrow, and praise God for all of His countless blessings . . .
please take a moment to click on the banners for these ministries and
consider gifting them before the end of the year.

These are my – Top Five Charity Choices for 2012

Thank you and God bless you!!

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The Gift Guaranteed to Give Joy

11 / 7 / 1211 / 9 / 12

How would you like to give a Christmas gift that won’t get returned, tossed aside, or broken?

Guaranteed.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-AVlRm0r9g&feature=player_embedded

World Vision is helping children and families around the world.

In Niger, Mariama used to spend more than two hours every day fetching unsafe water located a mile from her home. Now she is able to fetch clean water at the well close to her home. For $25 you can give to the Clean Water Fund.