Wonderful Wednesday

So I am doing something new, something I haven't wanted to really do, something that I am a little afraid of doing, but something that I have really felt led to do. Make sense. No probably not, and it doesn't really make sense to me neither. These last few months have been the hardest months that we have ever had to endure. So many struggles on so many levels. However, it is also during these times that we have also had the most growth and learning (I know so cliche, but the Bible does talk of this and it really isn't that easy when we are in the midst of it).

One of the biggest struggles I have had is my want, my desire, my need to get more involved in the Ministry somehow, in serving the Lord. I have come to recognize through a lot of prayer and discussions with the Lord, that my most important Ministry right now is my family. I cherish that, I love that, but I also want to do more. I have been broken, brought to tears, cried out because of the brutality and brokenness of this fallen world. I want to "do something" and not just cry, pray, talk about it, but really make a difference. BUT HOW?? That has been my question. We are poor, lowly students, struggling to just stay afloat. There is zero time left for anything in our busy, busy schedules right now as we struggle to stay 'afloat', but I (ok we) have heard the Lord speak to us about this pretty loud, pretty clear.

I got the idea to do something on my blog a couple of months ago. Honestly though, I have been a big fat chicken! Fear has gripped me. WHY, because it is not like I have a huge following on my blog and what if I do a give-away and nobody comments--who would I pick for the give-away? See, FEAR!! I know that this is not the voice or the way of the Lord, I know where this fear is coming from. Let me make this clear as well, I am not doing this so that I can get more comments on my blog, so that it is some type of popularity contest, or self seeking righteous act. I am doing this because I love the Lord so much and I know that I need to be obedient and serve HIM. I am doing this because I want to somehow make a difference, even if it is the smallest, slightest difference, it is better than sitting back and doing nothing. I need to do this because there are so many wonderful people that need, no deserve to be honoured and yes even recognized for the sacrifices they make and the differences they are making in this world. I am doing this because, most importantly it is Biblical.

James 1:27

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Matthew 25:40

The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

So let the Wonderful Wednesday begin. The first Wednesday of every month I will be doing a 'giveaway' that will honour and bring awareness to either an organization that I have been touched by or a person/people that are seeking support and making a difference.

The first giveaway is from an amazing Organization called 'Samaritans Purse'. Every year we partake in the Operation Christmas Child boxes. We just finished our boxes on the weekend. They have been opened, repacked and sought after so much these last few days, that I had to hide them. The kids boths really got into them! If you have never done the 'Christmas shoe boxes' before, I really encourage you to. It is such an amazing way to give and spread the joy of Christmas to those less fortunate. Every time I watch the videos I tear up. A good friend of mine (Heather) also had the privilege of handing out these amazing boxes in Mexico one year. What an incredible experience, which I wish I could have her share with us on this blog!

With that being said, Samaritans Purse also sends out an 'International Relief Gift Catalog' with some pretty incredible gifts. "In the pages of this Gift Catalog, you will find gifts that will honor your family and friends by touching the lives of people struggling in the developing world." I have went through the catalog and picked out a few that I would like to honor to one of my lucky readers. I will pay for the gift, but put it in the lucky readers name.

Here are the choices:

1. Provide Water in an Emergency - helps distribute water purification kits or set up community water filters.
Value: $35

2. Give Hope to a Child - will help provide a child with life's necessities in dire circumstances.
Value: $45

3. Help a Farmer Increase Production - provides a farmer with training to increase crop and herb yields.
Value: $40

Please leave a comment stating which gift you would chose and why. I would also like to know of any organizations or people that you support or would love to support.

Comments will be open until next Wednesday, with the winner announced on Thursday (Remembrance Day).


God Bless!

Sneak Peak for next month.....

An amazing woman, organization that has brought me to tears on her blog so many times!!