I know we all try to be kind and not intentionally say hurtful things. What if we could see exactly how our words affect other people?
Lauren over at One Bright Corner wrote a beautiful story called "Fount of Fonts." In this story a gift was bestowed upon a village that enabled them to see their words. The story is a thought provoking piece about the power of our words.
I encourage you to visit Lauren's One Bright Corner and read "Fount of Fonts."
Have a great week!
Collecting Ebenezers as I travel through life. "Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12
Showing posts with label people making a difference. Show all posts
Showing posts with label people making a difference. Show all posts
Monday, February 6, 2012
Friday, December 9, 2011
Who Gives a Poop!?!
Did that get your attention? I thought it might.
So, why did I ask the question?
Because, quite frankly, it's not something we here in the first world think about. Indoor plumbing and bathrooms every are just part of life. In Haiti, though, not everyone has a latrine and that creates big problems.The lack of sanitary bathrooms causes health problems such as cholera, typhoid fever, worms, and hepatitis.
The answer to the question is Starfysh. This organization has been doing great things in Haiti. One of the things they have been doing is offering families who dig the hole they will provide the cement to create the base of a commode. They have had astounding response to this offer that will go a long way to bettering the conditions in Haiti.
You can read all about Starfysh's work in Haiti on their blog. And, if you feel so led, they could use some funds to help meet the need.
So, why did I ask the question?
Because, quite frankly, it's not something we here in the first world think about. Indoor plumbing and bathrooms every are just part of life. In Haiti, though, not everyone has a latrine and that creates big problems.The lack of sanitary bathrooms causes health problems such as cholera, typhoid fever, worms, and hepatitis.
The answer to the question is Starfysh. This organization has been doing great things in Haiti. One of the things they have been doing is offering families who dig the hole they will provide the cement to create the base of a commode. They have had astounding response to this offer that will go a long way to bettering the conditions in Haiti.
You can read all about Starfysh's work in Haiti on their blog. And, if you feel so led, they could use some funds to help meet the need.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
When God Calls, He Provides
The voice on the radio interview sounds young, but there is wisdom and strength in the woman behind that voice. NPR recently featured a story on Katie Davis. You may know Katie from previous posts I’ve written about her.
Katie’s heart is tuned to God. She gave up an easy life in the States to travel to Uganda after she fell in love with the people of the country. The children have stolen her heart and she is changing their lives.
This story on NPR didn’t turn out quite like Katie and Amazima Ministries had hoped. Instead of focusing on what the ministry is doing, it called into question the legality of her family. You see, Katie, at the mere age of 22 is the foster mom of 13 Ugandan children. Despite what her detractors think she has complied with Uganda law in seeking guardianship and adoption. From the start she has been forthright with the courts and they have thus far approved her guardianship requests.
Some say that she shouldn’t have so many children, but the future of these girls was dismal without Katie. They are orphans and children whose parents couldn’t take care of them. They faced a life in institutions full of other needy children. Or they faced life on the streets. Now they have a mother and siblings. They have a roof over their head and three meals a day. They are loved and cared for.
Yes, Katie faces many challenges. Yes, she is young. Yes, there are probably times when she wonders how much she can do. But, Katie loves God and she knows that her strength comes from Him. She knows that for some reason He has called her to this life. She has found joy in this calling. Even in the midst of the hard times she knows joy.
You can read or listen to the NPR story here.
Katie’s heart is tuned to God. She gave up an easy life in the States to travel to Uganda after she fell in love with the people of the country. The children have stolen her heart and she is changing their lives.
This story on NPR didn’t turn out quite like Katie and Amazima Ministries had hoped. Instead of focusing on what the ministry is doing, it called into question the legality of her family. You see, Katie, at the mere age of 22 is the foster mom of 13 Ugandan children. Despite what her detractors think she has complied with Uganda law in seeking guardianship and adoption. From the start she has been forthright with the courts and they have thus far approved her guardianship requests.
Some say that she shouldn’t have so many children, but the future of these girls was dismal without Katie. They are orphans and children whose parents couldn’t take care of them. They faced a life in institutions full of other needy children. Or they faced life on the streets. Now they have a mother and siblings. They have a roof over their head and three meals a day. They are loved and cared for.
Yes, Katie faces many challenges. Yes, she is young. Yes, there are probably times when she wonders how much she can do. But, Katie loves God and she knows that her strength comes from Him. She knows that for some reason He has called her to this life. She has found joy in this calling. Even in the midst of the hard times she knows joy.
You can read or listen to the NPR story here.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
15 Years, 17 Million Adoptions: Rescuing a Bundle of Joy
Hey! Have you heard? Petfinder is 15 years old and they have assisted in 17 million adoptions in those years. That's a whole lot of furry, wiggly, tail-wagging love being brought into existence.
Three years ago I used Petfinder to be united with my sweet Wilson. You can read about bringing home kitty here. You can also read Wilson's thoughts (as interpreted by his cat whisperer mommy - me!) in this post about the game of life. Wilson has been the joy of my life these last three years and I am so grateful for the role Petfinder played in helping me find him.
If you are thinking about adopting a pet you should check out Petfinder. They work with rescue organizations all over the country. All you have to do is visit the Petfinder web site and use their search feature. You choose the type of animal and breed, type in your zip code and it will bring up a list of pets in your area who are looking for forever homes.
Happy Birthday, Petfinder! Keep up the good work!
Three years ago I used Petfinder to be united with my sweet Wilson. You can read about bringing home kitty here. You can also read Wilson's thoughts (as interpreted by his cat whisperer mommy - me!) in this post about the game of life. Wilson has been the joy of my life these last three years and I am so grateful for the role Petfinder played in helping me find him.
If you are thinking about adopting a pet you should check out Petfinder. They work with rescue organizations all over the country. All you have to do is visit the Petfinder web site and use their search feature. You choose the type of animal and breed, type in your zip code and it will bring up a list of pets in your area who are looking for forever homes.
Happy Birthday, Petfinder! Keep up the good work!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Unshaken by Dan Woolley with Jennifer Schuchmann
Just over a year ago Dan Woolley and David Hames headed to Haiti. Their goal was to shoot video and photographic footage to highlight the work that Compassion International does in Haiti. Both men were passionate about that work. What started out as a beautiful, productive day ended in unspeakable tragedy.
At 4:53pm a 7.0 earthquake shook Haiti. Dan and David had just arrived back at the Hotel Montana where they were staying. The six story structure took just seconds to collapse and bury the two deep in the rubble.
Unshaken: Rising from the Ruins of Haiti’s Hotel Montana is Dan’s story. It is an open and emotional account of the hours that Dan spent buried.
Dan lived through the quake and was able to find a safe place in the rubble to wait for rescue. There in the bowels of a hellish situation he struggled with thoughts of his own death and what had happened to David. He worried about what would happen to his wife and two young boys if he wasn’t rescued in time. And in pitch black he met the God he had worshiped for years, but had grown lukewarm in the last few years.
In the darkness he heard other survivors near him and together they encouraged each other through the direst of circumstances. A young Haitian man in an elevator shaft next to Dan was one of those survivors. Through their hours in captivity Dan led this young man to a saving relationship with Christ.
When he was rescued 65 hours later he had a head wound, a broken leg, and was dehydrated. But he was also a new man in his faith, having experienced God in a profound way. He emerged from the rubble with a renewed zest for life and for his faith.
This book is more than Dan’s story. It is also his wife Christina’s story. It brings to light Christina’s struggle early in their marriage with clinical depression. In a brave step Christina has spoken out about her life and how depression has affected her and those around her. Many consider depression a weakness and not something a Christian should have a problem with. However, clinical depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain that can be treated with medication and therapy. It is not a failing of the person involved. Just as Dan met God in his darkest time, so did Christina.
Unshaken is brutally honest and at times heart wrenching. Despite knowing the outcome it had me on the edge of my seat and other times in tears. It is a story of tragic devastation and soaring hope; of life and death. More than that, it is a story of rebirth and renewal.
*Sadly, David Hames was killed instantly when the quake hit, but as a Christian we know that we will meet him again heaven.
*A portion of the proceeds of this book will go to Compassion International.
At 4:53pm a 7.0 earthquake shook Haiti. Dan and David had just arrived back at the Hotel Montana where they were staying. The six story structure took just seconds to collapse and bury the two deep in the rubble.
Unshaken: Rising from the Ruins of Haiti’s Hotel Montana is Dan’s story. It is an open and emotional account of the hours that Dan spent buried.
Dan lived through the quake and was able to find a safe place in the rubble to wait for rescue. There in the bowels of a hellish situation he struggled with thoughts of his own death and what had happened to David. He worried about what would happen to his wife and two young boys if he wasn’t rescued in time. And in pitch black he met the God he had worshiped for years, but had grown lukewarm in the last few years.
In the darkness he heard other survivors near him and together they encouraged each other through the direst of circumstances. A young Haitian man in an elevator shaft next to Dan was one of those survivors. Through their hours in captivity Dan led this young man to a saving relationship with Christ.
When he was rescued 65 hours later he had a head wound, a broken leg, and was dehydrated. But he was also a new man in his faith, having experienced God in a profound way. He emerged from the rubble with a renewed zest for life and for his faith.
This book is more than Dan’s story. It is also his wife Christina’s story. It brings to light Christina’s struggle early in their marriage with clinical depression. In a brave step Christina has spoken out about her life and how depression has affected her and those around her. Many consider depression a weakness and not something a Christian should have a problem with. However, clinical depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain that can be treated with medication and therapy. It is not a failing of the person involved. Just as Dan met God in his darkest time, so did Christina.
Unshaken is brutally honest and at times heart wrenching. Despite knowing the outcome it had me on the edge of my seat and other times in tears. It is a story of tragic devastation and soaring hope; of life and death. More than that, it is a story of rebirth and renewal.
*Sadly, David Hames was killed instantly when the quake hit, but as a Christian we know that we will meet him again heaven.
*A portion of the proceeds of this book will go to Compassion International.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Do You Know Lewy?
Do you know Lewy? It’s easy to think that dementia such as Lewy or Alzheimer’s affect older people. Truth is, though, that dementia has no age limit on either end of the spectrum. In fact, I am hearing of more people who are young with symptoms of Lewy.
I would like to give you a brief glimpse of Lewy.
Lewy is one of my Facebook friends who is in his mid 40s, just a few years older than me. He writes frequently on Facebook about his struggles. I admire his outlook on life and the desire to make a difference for other people even in the face of what having Lewy means.
Lewy is the husband of another friend I also met through cyberspace who is also my age. She blogs about how Lewy has changed their lives. She deals with some tough things in life right now. Through it all the love for her husband shines through. Years ago she promised to love him and that is exactly what she does. No matter how hard life is with Lewy she does what needs to be done to care for him.
Lewy is the woman who bravely nursed her father through his battle with the disease. Now she has been diagnosed with probably Lewy also. Still, she puts herself out there to give support and love to other Lewy caregivers because she’s been there. And she’s not afraid to speak out about how it is affecting her.
Lewy is the mother of a married daughter. Day in and day out she sees Lewy affecting her mother. She is doing everything she can to help make her mother’s life better. In her search to improve quality of life she isn’t afraid to try the unconventional therapies in addition to what little medicine has to offer.
No, dementia knows no boundaries. It doesn’t discriminate in regards to gender, age, or race. It can strike anyone. Please remember these and the millions of others who are walking every day in the shadow of Lewy. They need our love, support, and to know they are not alone.
I would like to give you a brief glimpse of Lewy.
Lewy is one of my Facebook friends who is in his mid 40s, just a few years older than me. He writes frequently on Facebook about his struggles. I admire his outlook on life and the desire to make a difference for other people even in the face of what having Lewy means.
Lewy is the husband of another friend I also met through cyberspace who is also my age. She blogs about how Lewy has changed their lives. She deals with some tough things in life right now. Through it all the love for her husband shines through. Years ago she promised to love him and that is exactly what she does. No matter how hard life is with Lewy she does what needs to be done to care for him.
Lewy is the woman who bravely nursed her father through his battle with the disease. Now she has been diagnosed with probably Lewy also. Still, she puts herself out there to give support and love to other Lewy caregivers because she’s been there. And she’s not afraid to speak out about how it is affecting her.
Lewy is the mother of a married daughter. Day in and day out she sees Lewy affecting her mother. She is doing everything she can to help make her mother’s life better. In her search to improve quality of life she isn’t afraid to try the unconventional therapies in addition to what little medicine has to offer.
No, dementia knows no boundaries. It doesn’t discriminate in regards to gender, age, or race. It can strike anyone. Please remember these and the millions of others who are walking every day in the shadow of Lewy. They need our love, support, and to know they are not alone.
Monday, July 19, 2010
One Girl
One girl, only 21 years old, left everything to go to Uganda. One girl, only 21 years old, has fallen in love with the country and the people of Uganda. One girl, only 21 years old, gave up her comfortable life in the United States to make the lives of others comfortable. One girl, only 21 years old, is the legal guardian of 14 beautiful Ugandan girls. One girl, only 21 years old, loves these children and all the children of Uganda. One girl, only 21 years old, is making a difference in so many lives because she is following her heart and the path God has put her on.
One girl, only 40 something years old, is humbled by the choices and the sacrifices another has made. One girl, only 40 something years old, is determined to follow her heart and walk the path God has put her on.
You are one girl or one boy. Will you follow your heart down your path?
Monday, May 31, 2010
In Flander's Field
In Flanders fields the poppies blow, Between the crosses, row on row, ~John McCrae, In Flander’s Field
Today is Memorial Day. A day for the working people to take a break. A day that signals for many the start of the summer season. Today the barbeques will be rolled out; pools will be filled. Today we will join our families and friends in celebration.
Hopefully, today we will also remember the significance of this day; the real reason for the holiday. Memorial Day began its humble life not as a harbinger of summer, but as a time to honor those who have given their lives during the battles fought in wars, both domestic and foreign. As far back as the Civil War there have been days of remembrance for the soldiers who died.
War has always been a controversial subject. As with most of life, there will be those who support and those who decry the value of war. The men and women who join the armed forces take a vow to protect our country. They don’t get a big say in what that means. The Commander in Chief and the Congress ultimately make the decision to go to war. These men and women serve in the wars because that is what their job requires. They know when they take the vow that they may be asked to do these things. They know they may sacrifice their lives or their well being. They go because they promised they would. They go because they believe in this country.
We should honor them for their desire to protect and serve. We need to recognize that they are not the ones making the decisions that lead to war. Calling them names, offering derision for their service, or protesting at funerals is just not right. I know that the vast majority of people out there do appreciate all our vets do for the country. It is a minority who take out their frustrations of the war on the wrong segment of the population. The problem is the minority is very vocal. We who support the men and women of the armed forces need to be just as vocal to make sure they know they are appreciated.
Won’t you join me today in honoring those who have died in their service to the country and saluting those who are currently serving!?! And, won’t you also continue to join me each day in remembering their sacrifices?
Today is Memorial Day. A day for the working people to take a break. A day that signals for many the start of the summer season. Today the barbeques will be rolled out; pools will be filled. Today we will join our families and friends in celebration.
Hopefully, today we will also remember the significance of this day; the real reason for the holiday. Memorial Day began its humble life not as a harbinger of summer, but as a time to honor those who have given their lives during the battles fought in wars, both domestic and foreign. As far back as the Civil War there have been days of remembrance for the soldiers who died.
War has always been a controversial subject. As with most of life, there will be those who support and those who decry the value of war. The men and women who join the armed forces take a vow to protect our country. They don’t get a big say in what that means. The Commander in Chief and the Congress ultimately make the decision to go to war. These men and women serve in the wars because that is what their job requires. They know when they take the vow that they may be asked to do these things. They know they may sacrifice their lives or their well being. They go because they promised they would. They go because they believe in this country.
We should honor them for their desire to protect and serve. We need to recognize that they are not the ones making the decisions that lead to war. Calling them names, offering derision for their service, or protesting at funerals is just not right. I know that the vast majority of people out there do appreciate all our vets do for the country. It is a minority who take out their frustrations of the war on the wrong segment of the population. The problem is the minority is very vocal. We who support the men and women of the armed forces need to be just as vocal to make sure they know they are appreciated.
Won’t you join me today in honoring those who have died in their service to the country and saluting those who are currently serving!?! And, won’t you also continue to join me each day in remembering their sacrifices?
Copyright 2010 T M Via
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Song of Myself
"I sing a song of myself, as others have done for me, but none have sung a song quite like this because this one is mine, and there will never be any like me."
~Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass
I found this quote on Tea with McNair and liked it so well I had to share. If you haven't visited McNair's Tea Blog you really must take the time to stop by there soon. McNair lives his life with enthusiasm and his blog is so contagious it's hard not to want to join in. He believes that we are all created to play a role in creation and that if we don't step into that role creation is incomplete. His post on Monday, May 24 was short and sweet. It started with him sharing the words of Walt Whitman. To end this post he encourages his readers to "feel the warm embrace of your Creator who smiles each moment you are singing the song that is your life."
This post spoke straight to my heart. Recently I made changes in my life. I was pushed into these changes, but now that I am here I am choosing to step out in faith while actively pursuing my writing. It's a little scary out here on this limb, but I believe that it is time for me to sing the song of myself because this is what the Lord created me to do.
~Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass
I found this quote on Tea with McNair and liked it so well I had to share. If you haven't visited McNair's Tea Blog you really must take the time to stop by there soon. McNair lives his life with enthusiasm and his blog is so contagious it's hard not to want to join in. He believes that we are all created to play a role in creation and that if we don't step into that role creation is incomplete. His post on Monday, May 24 was short and sweet. It started with him sharing the words of Walt Whitman. To end this post he encourages his readers to "feel the warm embrace of your Creator who smiles each moment you are singing the song that is your life."
This post spoke straight to my heart. Recently I made changes in my life. I was pushed into these changes, but now that I am here I am choosing to step out in faith while actively pursuing my writing. It's a little scary out here on this limb, but I believe that it is time for me to sing the song of myself because this is what the Lord created me to do.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Joyful Journey
Today it has been four months since the earthquake in Haiti. In some ways it seems the time has gone so fast. But, then again I am not in David’s inner circle. I only “know” him through mutual friends. I can only imagine what the four months have been like for David’s family and close friends. Time changes in the months after the death of a loved one. It stretches and distorts and spins in crazy circles.
Today I was reminded once again just how acutely that quake really shook the world. I pray for the Hames family frequently and I am grateful they have people around them who love them; those friends who come in during the tough times and don’t go back out. One of those friends writes a blog called Joyful Journey.
Joy wrote a beautiful blog post called The Price of Friendship today. She has been called to love Renee through this loss. This is something she would have done anyway because of their friendship, but she has found out what it means to lay down her life for a friend.
I admire Joy and this post is just one of the reasons for that admiration. Joy writes from the heart. Her blog isn’t about being fancy or grabbing attention. It is about her living her life, her joyful journey.
At times like this her journey isn’t necessarily joyful, but she is faithful. She will walk this road with Renee until they reach the end. She will continue to listen to the call and do the things that are being asked of her. She will lay down her life for her friend as many times as it takes.
The second post she wrote today included the words of a song she wrote for Renee. It is a testament of Joy’s love for the Lord and her friend. She sang this song for Renee and I can only imagine how it touched Renee’s heart. It touched mine and brought tears to my eyes. I encourage you to visit Joy’s blog and read her post and the words of her song.
Today I was reminded once again just how acutely that quake really shook the world. I pray for the Hames family frequently and I am grateful they have people around them who love them; those friends who come in during the tough times and don’t go back out. One of those friends writes a blog called Joyful Journey.
Joy wrote a beautiful blog post called The Price of Friendship today. She has been called to love Renee through this loss. This is something she would have done anyway because of their friendship, but she has found out what it means to lay down her life for a friend.
I admire Joy and this post is just one of the reasons for that admiration. Joy writes from the heart. Her blog isn’t about being fancy or grabbing attention. It is about her living her life, her joyful journey.
At times like this her journey isn’t necessarily joyful, but she is faithful. She will walk this road with Renee until they reach the end. She will continue to listen to the call and do the things that are being asked of her. She will lay down her life for her friend as many times as it takes.
The second post she wrote today included the words of a song she wrote for Renee. It is a testament of Joy’s love for the Lord and her friend. She sang this song for Renee and I can only imagine how it touched Renee’s heart. It touched mine and brought tears to my eyes. I encourage you to visit Joy’s blog and read her post and the words of her song.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Starfysh
Monday, April 12 marks the 3 month mark from the life changing earthquake in Haiti. Remember the earthquake? Life has gone on for most of us. Life goes on in Haiti, also. But it goes on differently; in some ways, less than before. There are still millions of people who are homeless. There are still orphans who need love and caring. There are still people who are unemployed and unable to put food on the table for their families. Yet as life goes on the people of Port-au-Prince are surrounded by rubble, destruction, death and missing family members. Remember Haiti? Haiti needs us now more than ever.
So much needs to be done; where do you start? You start where you are and help who you can. I have come across a blog called Culture and Sensitivity in the days since the earthquake. The blog is written by a man named Steve Edmondson who made trips to Haiti before the earthquake to help out. Since the earthquake he has stepped up his efforts. When he realized the people needed tarps to help cover their camps during the rainy season he put out a request on his blog for help and the response was amazing.
Despite all that Steve does he felt the need to do more. In a recent post he wrote of The Story of the Star Thrower. You may have heard this story.
Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, so he walked faster to catch up.
As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects and throwing them into the ocean.
He came closer still and called out, “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”
The young man paused, looked up and replied, “Throwing starfish into the ocean.” “I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” asked the somewhat startled wise man.
To this the young man replied, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they’ll die.”
Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, “But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!”
As if he hadn’t heard, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he turned, smiled and said, “Yes, but I just made a big difference to that one!”
Steve has decided to do something more. He has decided to start picking up starfish and throwing them into the ocean. Steve has been touched by the people of Haiti and he has in the last few months set in motion the creation of an organization to offer “Compassion. Dignity. Hope….one life at a time.” This tag line for his organization says it all. More information will be coming about the organization details and a few of their first projects. I am in awe of Steve’s efforts and am humbled by his story.
I encourage you to visit Steve’s web site and read about his time in Haiti. He brings the stories of the people to light and shows the need as well as the hope that is found in Haiti. He is making changes, one Haitian at a time.
So much needs to be done; where do you start? You start where you are and help who you can. I have come across a blog called Culture and Sensitivity in the days since the earthquake. The blog is written by a man named Steve Edmondson who made trips to Haiti before the earthquake to help out. Since the earthquake he has stepped up his efforts. When he realized the people needed tarps to help cover their camps during the rainy season he put out a request on his blog for help and the response was amazing.
Despite all that Steve does he felt the need to do more. In a recent post he wrote of The Story of the Star Thrower. You may have heard this story.
Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, so he walked faster to catch up.
As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects and throwing them into the ocean.
He came closer still and called out, “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”
The young man paused, looked up and replied, “Throwing starfish into the ocean.” “I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” asked the somewhat startled wise man.
To this the young man replied, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they’ll die.”
Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, “But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!”
As if he hadn’t heard, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he turned, smiled and said, “Yes, but I just made a big difference to that one!”
Steve has decided to do something more. He has decided to start picking up starfish and throwing them into the ocean. Steve has been touched by the people of Haiti and he has in the last few months set in motion the creation of an organization to offer “Compassion. Dignity. Hope….one life at a time.” This tag line for his organization says it all. More information will be coming about the organization details and a few of their first projects. I am in awe of Steve’s efforts and am humbled by his story.
I encourage you to visit Steve’s web site and read about his time in Haiti. He brings the stories of the people to light and shows the need as well as the hope that is found in Haiti. He is making changes, one Haitian at a time.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Let's Put Our Brains Together and Support Brain Research
Barbara Hutchinson's husband, Bill had Parkinson's Disease with Lewy Bodies. During the last years of his life she decided to quit her job and take him out of the assisted living facility to care for him herself. They set out across the country in an RV to spread the word about Lewy Body Dementia.
She created the film Living With Lewy for the 2010 Neurofilm Festival. She tells viewers that the film was created while they lived their life. This film shows some of the progression of Lewy in her husband. It also gives a clear picture of some of the obstacles caregivers face day to day such as helping their loved ones move from wheelchair to chair, bed, etc.
Barbara is working to encourage people to get involved in the fight against brain disorders. In the film she says, "Let's put our brains together and support brain research." I second that!
Thank you, Barbara for sharing yours and Bill's journey.
Voting for the Neurofilm Festival closes on March 17, 2010. You can help us bring attention to this horrendous disease by viewing and ranking this film and the film What I See.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
What I See
The 2010 Neuro Flim Festival is going on now through March 17, 2010. The contest, held by the American Academy of Neurology Foundation, is an effort to bring awareness to neurological disorders. The films are created by people who have been affected in one way or another by neurological disease.
This film gives a sobering look at the way Lewy Body Dementia devastates families. I have watched this film and it is heartbreaking and hard to watch. Still, I encourage you to watch this film and then visit YouTube to rate the film.
A selection of films from this contest will be shown at the Neuro Film Festival in Toronto in April. Even amongst the specialists Lewy needs to be more prominent so this an opportunity to bring much needed attention to this disease.
For more information visit the 2010 Neuro Film Festival page at the American Academy of Neurology Foundation web site.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Monkey Bars for the Brain
In honor of the amazing things David Hames contributed to this world I wanted to share this video. David was working on a series of DVDs for toddlers and preschoolers. As Captain Cranium, the captain of Cranium's Ark, he taught important skills for life like counting and relying on God. I couldn't help but smile and foot tap along while Word the Bible rapped Philippians 4:13. Enjoy!
Cranium's Ark Web Site
Cranium's Ark Web Site
Monday, February 8, 2010
Big Kenny Making a Difference
If you have been visiting my blog in the last month you know that Port-au-Prince and the earthquake have been constantly on my mind. This tragedy has touched my heart in ways I cannot fully explain. Prior to the quake I knew about Haiti. I had a friend who was a missionary in the Dominican Republic whose heart was set on seeing the island of Hispaniola reunited into one country. I understood some of the politics and history of the area. Still, when the quake hit that was as far as my connection went until I heard of David Hames.
I have never met David or his family, but I have friends who are his friends. My life has been tied up in the search of the Hotel Montana for him and the rest of the people who are still missing there. I am learning about community through this experience and that will be the subject of another blog post. As I have watched this unfold there have been people who have moved onto the stage as heroes in this story. One of those people is Big Kenny Alphin.
I didn’t know much about Big Kenny prior to this. He is half of the country duo Big and Rich and is now working on his career as a solo artist. When the earthquake occurred a good friend of BK’s was in the Hotel Montana. Walt Ratterman was there working on a project involving renewable sources of energy for rural hospitals. BK put his life hold and flew down to Haiti.
Over the course of the last few weeks Kenny has been at the site of the Montana and has been involved in many aspects of the rescue including digging alongside the Search and Recovery teams. He did whatever needed to be done. He offered his celebrity if you will to bring attention to the plight of those waiting. When supplies were needed or word needed to get out he was there to trumpet the request. He gave everything he had while there.
Big Kenny has returned home to his family, but he hasn’t given up the fight. From stateside he is still working his magic to keep the attention on the areas that need it. He won’t give up until Walt and the other missing at the Montana are found and brought home to their families. But, as I visited his web site I see that he is also committed to Haiti and helping them rebuild. He will continue to help long into the future.
May God bless Big Kenny in the love he has for his fellow man.
I wrote this post on Saturday, but this morning a Facebook friend posted a link to an article. I wanted to share the article about Walt and Kenny's friendship with you.
I have never met David or his family, but I have friends who are his friends. My life has been tied up in the search of the Hotel Montana for him and the rest of the people who are still missing there. I am learning about community through this experience and that will be the subject of another blog post. As I have watched this unfold there have been people who have moved onto the stage as heroes in this story. One of those people is Big Kenny Alphin.
I didn’t know much about Big Kenny prior to this. He is half of the country duo Big and Rich and is now working on his career as a solo artist. When the earthquake occurred a good friend of BK’s was in the Hotel Montana. Walt Ratterman was there working on a project involving renewable sources of energy for rural hospitals. BK put his life hold and flew down to Haiti.
Over the course of the last few weeks Kenny has been at the site of the Montana and has been involved in many aspects of the rescue including digging alongside the Search and Recovery teams. He did whatever needed to be done. He offered his celebrity if you will to bring attention to the plight of those waiting. When supplies were needed or word needed to get out he was there to trumpet the request. He gave everything he had while there.
Big Kenny has returned home to his family, but he hasn’t given up the fight. From stateside he is still working his magic to keep the attention on the areas that need it. He won’t give up until Walt and the other missing at the Montana are found and brought home to their families. But, as I visited his web site I see that he is also committed to Haiti and helping them rebuild. He will continue to help long into the future.
May God bless Big Kenny in the love he has for his fellow man.
I wrote this post on Saturday, but this morning a Facebook friend posted a link to an article. I wanted to share the article about Walt and Kenny's friendship with you.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Haiti Update
It has been 23 days since the earth shook. Life has moved on. The news value seems to have faded as people have to look deep in their papers and surf the channels to find any information on what is happening.
But, for the people who are still waiting for their loved ones to be found the world has stopped. They still wait for any bit of news.
David is still missing and his family is missing him. There are still many people who were in the Hotel Montana at the time of the quake that haven't been found. The teams from Haiti, Canada, France, Mexico, US, and other countries continue working side by side on the recovery. They often have to dig and move rubble by hand. The areas left to search are unstable and the progress is slow. I imagine it must be excrutiating for them as they are eager to find news for the waiting. They go about their work with the utmost respect and concern.
Elsewhere in Port-au-Prince people from all over the world are working to distribute food and other necessary items. They work everyday to make sure the Haitian people are taken care of so they can start rebuidling their lives, but there is so much to do.
Please remember to keep the missing, their families, and all of the Haitian people in your prayers.
But, for the people who are still waiting for their loved ones to be found the world has stopped. They still wait for any bit of news.
David is still missing and his family is missing him. There are still many people who were in the Hotel Montana at the time of the quake that haven't been found. The teams from Haiti, Canada, France, Mexico, US, and other countries continue working side by side on the recovery. They often have to dig and move rubble by hand. The areas left to search are unstable and the progress is slow. I imagine it must be excrutiating for them as they are eager to find news for the waiting. They go about their work with the utmost respect and concern.
Elsewhere in Port-au-Prince people from all over the world are working to distribute food and other necessary items. They work everyday to make sure the Haitian people are taken care of so they can start rebuidling their lives, but there is so much to do.
Please remember to keep the missing, their families, and all of the Haitian people in your prayers.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Conscious Change
As the families and friends of the lost at the Hotel Montana prayed and waited for word, information coming out of Haiti was spotty and often old or simply inaccurate. It was a heartbreaking process of trying to figure out what was really happening and what was truth. Then came Gretchen Wallace twittering as Conscious Change. Suddenly there was someone connecting through Twitter and Facebook that was there at the Montana. She was sifting the wheat from the chaff. She was an angel.
Who, you may ask, is Gretchen Wallace? According to the Global Grassroots web site she is one woman who has a dream of helping other women. She formed the non-profit organization in 2004. The mission is to unite, empower and support relief of poor, distressed and underprivileged women worldwide. Over the six years since its inception Global Grassroots has helped over 8,000 individuals per year and touched over 40,000 through the changes they are helping underprivileged women work in their own lives.
How Gretchen ended up at the Hotel Montana is not clear to me, but she clearly has been a God send to thousands. Over the last two weeks Gretchen and her brother Brian have been onsite and around the area doing whatever needs to be done. They have helped with the physical work. They have tracked down resources. Gretchen has worked to build a database of information on the missing to assist with locating these people. Sadly, much of her information will also be used to identify the dead as they are recovered from the rubble.
These last two weeks Gretchen has put her money where her mouth is so to speak. She has given up the comforts of home to sleep on the ground in the parking lot of the destroyed hotel. She has forgone showers and other conveniences of daily life just to be there for others. She is truly a person who is making a difference for others.
Thanks to Gretchen those of us following the work around the world have reliable information. She posts only that which she can verify and she is very cognizant of how one small incorrect post can devastate a loved one. Her heart is obviously full of compassion and caring. Gretchen has been a gift to many.
Thank you, Gretchen, for all you are doing!
Who, you may ask, is Gretchen Wallace? According to the Global Grassroots web site she is one woman who has a dream of helping other women. She formed the non-profit organization in 2004. The mission is to unite, empower and support relief of poor, distressed and underprivileged women worldwide. Over the six years since its inception Global Grassroots has helped over 8,000 individuals per year and touched over 40,000 through the changes they are helping underprivileged women work in their own lives.
How Gretchen ended up at the Hotel Montana is not clear to me, but she clearly has been a God send to thousands. Over the last two weeks Gretchen and her brother Brian have been onsite and around the area doing whatever needs to be done. They have helped with the physical work. They have tracked down resources. Gretchen has worked to build a database of information on the missing to assist with locating these people. Sadly, much of her information will also be used to identify the dead as they are recovered from the rubble.
These last two weeks Gretchen has put her money where her mouth is so to speak. She has given up the comforts of home to sleep on the ground in the parking lot of the destroyed hotel. She has forgone showers and other conveniences of daily life just to be there for others. She is truly a person who is making a difference for others.
Thanks to Gretchen those of us following the work around the world have reliable information. She posts only that which she can verify and she is very cognizant of how one small incorrect post can devastate a loved one. Her heart is obviously full of compassion and caring. Gretchen has been a gift to many.
Thank you, Gretchen, for all you are doing!
Friday, January 29, 2010
LBDA Volunteer of the Year Award - 2009
The Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) thrives in large part because of the work of dedicated volunteers around the country. On February 5, 2010, Ronnie Gensler will be honored as the 2009 Volunteer of the Year.
Ronnie heads up the LBD Support Groups and tirelessly works to help bring new support groups into the organization. You can read more about Ronnie by visiting the LBDA Web Site.
Thanks, Ronnie, for all you do!
Ronnie heads up the LBD Support Groups and tirelessly works to help bring new support groups into the organization. You can read more about Ronnie by visiting the LBDA Web Site.
Thanks, Ronnie, for all you do!
Monday, January 11, 2010
The Real McCoy
Four minutes into the biggest game of his football career things went drastically wrong. A hard hit left him with a pinched nerve and no feeling in his arm. He came out of the game and his backup, a first year quarterback who had little playing time, was sent in. The backup played hard, but the game was lost. It was a true story of disappointment and loss. No one would have faulted him for being bitter, but Colt McCoy rose to the occasion and displayed a humility and graciousness that is not often seen in our world today.
I have not been a football fan and I didn’t watch the game. I would have never known about Colt except for the fact that what he did after the game was exceptional and caught the attention of news people around the country. I heard it on the radio the next day.
You see, in the aftermath of the game when the other team was celebrating and being interviewed about their win a reporter talked to Colt and asked him how he felt. He was obviously broken up as he responded. He said it was unfortunate that he didn’t get to play. He congratulated Alabama and went on to say his team fought well and that Garry Gilbert stepped in and played the best he could. Then he gave glory to God.
You can watch his interview here.
This young man is a class act. He has his priorities straight. He was a gracious loser. Colt has been tagged as a promising player in the NFL draft. That future is somewhat uncertain as he recovers from this injury. I can tell you, though, that regardless of what he does in the future he will be a success. And, I can guarantee my readers that if Colt recovers and joins an NFL team I will be a football fan next season!
I have not been a football fan and I didn’t watch the game. I would have never known about Colt except for the fact that what he did after the game was exceptional and caught the attention of news people around the country. I heard it on the radio the next day.
You see, in the aftermath of the game when the other team was celebrating and being interviewed about their win a reporter talked to Colt and asked him how he felt. He was obviously broken up as he responded. He said it was unfortunate that he didn’t get to play. He congratulated Alabama and went on to say his team fought well and that Garry Gilbert stepped in and played the best he could. Then he gave glory to God.
You can watch his interview here.
This young man is a class act. He has his priorities straight. He was a gracious loser. Colt has been tagged as a promising player in the NFL draft. That future is somewhat uncertain as he recovers from this injury. I can tell you, though, that regardless of what he does in the future he will be a success. And, I can guarantee my readers that if Colt recovers and joins an NFL team I will be a football fan next season!
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