playing Chopsticks

 

I'm sick in bed (with some kind of virus, but not THAT one), binge-watching the final season of This Is Us. That part when they teach little Jack how to play chopsticks on the piano... it really got to me. 

 

My grandma gave each of us piano lessons (my siblings and I, as well as quite a few of my cousins). Ironically, my grandpa was once a concert pianist, but in my younh eyes he was too busy. too serious, and too impatient  to play the piano with us children. Grandma loved loved loved music, and she passed that love of music on to her children and grand-children, and subsequently, great-grandkids too. Grandma also had a deep love for the Lord and for people. She was generous to a fault, always optimistic and looking on the bright side. I pray that she would be proud of the lives we are living now. 

 

I miss you this week, Grandma. Thank you for being an example of God's love in my life, and for being a strong prayer warrior for so many others.

Upcycled, handmade artisan ornaments!

ViBella means "beautiful life" in Haitian Creole, and it is a life-changing job creation ministry that  gives hope, encouragement, education and employment to artisans and their families.

I made this cutesy video to showcase some of their handmade Christmas ornaments. Please take 10 seconds, and tell me which decoration you like best. 

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=276325479606547&id=158073581431738

Im Back. And How YOU Can Help End Human Trafficking

Hey Blog World. I haven't been very active on the blog over the last year or so. Life got I'm the way, plus I forgot my password and couldn't access this account. However, now I'm back!

I'm passionate about helping others, and just stumbled across this great cause.

Modern day slavery is no joke. If you'd like to help END human trafficking, please help with a small donation. For the next 12 hours or so (there's a timer on the website) all donations will be matched x4! AND you'll get exclusive discounts and promo codes to dozens of ethical, fair-trade companies who are employing at-risk women! It's a win-win for everyone. You can choose to donate to a specific organization, or donate to "everyone" who is working together to end human trafficking.

Please go to https://www.charidy.com/unitedforfreedom for more info.
Thanks for considering this worthy cause.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss

1 in 4 women experience pregnancy and/or infant loss. It is a sad but true reality of our broken world.

It's been over 10 years since my own miscarriages, but I would not wish that pain and heartbreak on anyone.

Tonight there will be a "wave of light", when people all over the world light candles at 7pm local time, to honor those born too early and children gone too soon.

Today I am especially remembering 3 babies who were gone far too soon: 1. my infant brother Daniel, 2. Baby Benjamin, born still and into the arms of Jesus, and 3. Baby Amber, who went to sleep one night, and woke up in heaven.

If you or someone you love has experienced a similar loss, please don't keep your grief bottled up inside. Find support and encouragement in the fact that you are NOT alone, and remember that every life is important.

Kindness

My husband is a very private person. He does not like to call attention to himself. He often does nice things "in secret", as it says in Matthew 6:3-4. Today, in a situation at work, he demonstrated this very well. I am proud of him.

"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Here's to all the "secret Santas" who continue to spread the message of God's abundant love and mercy, during this Christmas season and throughout the year.