Lots of people I LOVE

I LOVE these critters!

 

But let's face it...

 

 

 

 



THIS is much more realistic!

Life together

Life together has been...

 

 

 

...fun and playful a lot this year.

 

 

 Having a seven year old with a most creative, very busy imagination keeps things interesting at the Powell household.

 

There have certainly been some tough moments in our lives together these last few months. Some of our busiest and toughest yet, in a way.

 

But even those have made me appreciate the shout for joy moments we can find in life if we are willing to look. 

 

 Every week it seems I get taught the lesson not to take this...

 ...for granted.

 

Time won't slow down, so that means I have to.

 Really, life is a blessed gift and I am grateful.

Especially for these two stinkers!  ;)



You've Challenged me!

What a couple days it has been!

The generosity of my friends and family--and even strangers, as we pursue helping Serving His Children fund the salary of a doctor they desperately need, has challenged me!  So many people have united for this that I've seen the reality growing closer, have read the gratitude of Renee and those that work with her when they discovered our Project 40, and I want to make these last few hours count even more!

When I woke up this morning to two more generous donations--one of them being from one of those strangers I mentioned--I was determined to put more skin in the game and go BIGGER!

Because some of the donations have been by

 cash and check, the total is now at $5875!

My sweet hubby Mark had already made a nice donation on behalf of my birthday present, but here's the deal.  I had a little "extra" set aside for something I was planning and realize I don't need that now like SHC needs a doctor. I mean, I can have fun without that I was holding onto. 

So.....here's the plan:  


1. I am donating $250 today toward my own birthday present to Serving His Children and....


2.  I will match 50% of today's contributions up to me donating another $250.


The math could look like this: $250 (me)  $500 (others)  $250 (match from me) = $1000!!

At the very least, I am putting in another $250 because that feels like it really will cost something.  Things that are worth it usually do!  I am deciding to give up something to do that. If I end up having to match most or all of my matching offer, I will really feel it.  And that's how should be, right?

"To ease another's heartache is to forget one's own."  Abraham Lincoln

 
My heartache in the life compared to many has been pretty light.  Friends, help me make the sacrifice that costs me something!  Donate on the chip in box on the top right corner of the blog.  Thank you....I think.  ;)   We only have a few hours before this is wrapped up and sent away. I invite you to be a part of something special, too.

My little faith

Yes, you read the title of that post correctly.  My faith is too small.  At Catalyst a couple weeks ago, I was struck by Jud Wilhite's statement that God is not at all intimidated by our big prayers, but is more likely annoyed by our small ones.  I didn't want to be one of those pesky thinkers annoying God with my small faith.

So...it seemed like a great idea to dedicate my upcoming (now here!) 40th birthday to a cause much bigger than myself.  And when I read Renee's plea for a doctor for Serving His Children at a cost of $15,000 a year, I was set. A rebel with a cause! 

Hmmm.....$15,000 for the doctor.  Should I try to raise $1000?  It was actually my first goal and I changed it thinking why don't I go for $1500.  That would be a whole 10% of the first year's salary--just from little ol' me and friends.  That's BIG, right?

Wrong!

As I write this update, it's 11:00 a.m. and our total donatations for Serving His Children currently stands at $3290!!

Two things I'm thinking at this point:
1)  I am so grateful for some very generous souls I know!  You have made me stop in my tracks and one of you literally made me almost choke as I saw your donation come through while I was taking a bite of bagel. 

2)  Sorry, God, for my small prayer requests. I know you're growing me here and I am getting used to being stretched in my faith. Thanks.

If this is all news to you, please read this post here.  And thank you!

What a start!

Wow, if I had any doubts about whether or not this was a good idea for my 40th birthday, they are all gone.  It's still an hour away from officially being my birthday and I am so touched! I am completely aware that there are many great causes vying for our hearts and our dollars these days, so I want to share carefully.  In the case of Serving His Children, I have found a place I am perfectly comfortable advocating for.

First, there is a real need.  They need a doctor.  While SHC is already very viable and doing great work as they are, they are not in a position where donations or new donors don't matter.  I believe they do.

However, need alone doesn't constitute a reason to give.  People want to know they are going to give to something that is really going to make a big difference. I know I want to give where I believe the donated resources will be used wisely and make a lasting impact.

I've got some friends who really believe in this effort!



This check above was given by some dear and compassionate friends.  I know them well and well enough to know that this kind of check represents a stretch and sacrifice because they believe in the efforts of saving lives in Jesus name.  I am just so honored that they are sharing it as part of our group gift for my birthday.  I know a doctor is a reality for Serving His Children!  Thank you to ALL my friends (and any strangers!) who are deciding to give. Much love!