I had an awesome, fun morning,  women’s bible study started at church! I am so ready to get back into routine and study God’s word together.   We are doing the study, Experiencing God, which is said to be the best life changing bible study around.  It was so much fun to be reunited with sisters in Christ.  It is a wonderful celebration and it will be an adventure. 

I am sure your heart is as heavy as mine!  The devastation in Haiti is horrific.  Please, please be on your knees praying for this country.  They need so much help and hope.  I heard today on the radio that witnesses have seen groups of Haitians on hillsides singing hymns…praise Jesus!  In times of economic struggle it is easy to ask how you can help, what can I do?  Pray and ask God to show you how to serve these people.  One way you can is to text “disaster” to 90999 to give $10 to Compassion’s disaster relief program. They will be working directly with the local churches who know where these families live and will be providing immediate relief to them.  You can also click HERE to donate. 

Psalm 46: 1-7
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

Hebrews 10:24 

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds

I wanted to share with you two wonderful opportunities to give. 

To the right is a link to Compassion International.  Our family has sponsored an adorable girl from the Dominican Republic and it has been such a blessing to us.  We have received letters and have enjoyed getting to know her.  To see the children that live in poverty is disheartening.  Please take a look at their site and pray about sponsoring a child.  Make a difference in another’s life!  

Another organization that is really close to our hearts is The Ronald McDonald House Charity.  When Natalie suffered her injury she was in ICU for 2 weeks.  They then sent her to a step down unit and only one parent could stay in the room.  You couldreserve these small rooms on the same floor that had two twin beds and a phone in them, but they were first come first serve.  There was a week were it was really busy in the hospital and we couldn’t get a room on the floor.  We needed our rest, so my dad paid for us to stay at the local Ronald McDonald house.  The rates were really cheap and the accommodations were wonderful.  They were so hospitable,  we had treats on our beds, shampoo, soap, laundry facilities.  It had a huge kitchen with multiple refrigerators.  Churches and other groups volunteered nightly to bring in dinner or come and cook.  There is a game room, TV room, library, playground.  Remember,  this is a place for families that have children at the hospital receiving care.  They try to make it a home away from home.  It was a huge help to us.  Very safe and truly a blessing.  We were able to get good meals, shower and much needed rest.  

Here is one way you can help Ronald McDonald House:

For the eighth year, McDonald’s restaurants across the country will be donating $1 from the sale of select menu items sold on November 20 to Ronald McDonald House Charities.  Customers in the U.S. could also support RMHC through the Give A Hand in-restaurant program.  For each hand sold at participating McDonald’s restaurants, $1 will be given to support RMHC.

So on November 20 have breakfast, lunch or dinner at McDonald’s and support a great charity.  Set an example for your children and take the opportunity to teach them about giving to others. 

Giving to others causes your heart to SMILE!!