Friday, August 26, 2011

LOVING AND CARING

Are you familiar with the little book entitled A Touch of Wonder by Arthur Gordon? It contains a collection of heart warming experiences. It is a little paper back book that we have had at our house for years but I just recently discovered it. 

In Arthur Gordon's book he recalls an occasion when he and his siblings were going through the attic of the home where his family had lived for generations. They were to clean it out and get rid of a lot of stuff that had collected there through the years. He thought there might be some treasures there that were very valuable but it turned out to be a lot of junk. He did, however, find value in some old letters he found there. That value was value of the heart which is the best kind. He describes so much better than I ever could, so I'll use his words here.

Speaking of value, he says, "I found it in the letters, a whole trunkful of them. Most of them were written in faded ink and grimy with the dust of decades. . . .  It was like listening to voices, faint and far away, echoing down the corridor of time. The letters were never about great historical events. They weren't passionate love letters either. They simply chronicled the lives of ordinary people. . . . The people of those generations cared about one another, enormously and intimately. . . . In a hundred different ways they spoke of their love and admiration for one another, and you could feel their sincerity warm on the brittle paper:

You don't know how much your visit meant to each of us! When you left I felt as if the sun had stopped shining.

The courage with which you are facing your difficulties is an inspiration to all of us. We haven't the slightest doubt that in the end you will triumph over all of them.
Have I told you lately what a wonderful person you are? Never forget how much your friends and family admire you.
 I'm afraid that in our hurry up, hustle bustle, TV, internet, etc. etc. etc. world today that we have lost some of the "caring" that former generations demonstrated. I'm happy to find that a lot of that warmth and caring is demonstrated here in blogland. This was especially evident in the interest that was shown in Charlie and the Miracle Makeover blog party. I was really touched by all the wonderful comments that were made.
We know how important love is to God. These are just a few of the scriptures pointing out that fact.
  1. John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
    John 13:33-35 (in Context) John 13 (Whole Chapter)
  2. John 13:35
    By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
    John 13:34-36 (in Context) John 13 (Whole Chapter)
  3. Romans 12:10
    Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
    Romans 12:9-11 (in Context) Romans 12 (Whole Chapter)
  4. Romans 13:8
    Love Fulfills the Law ] Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.
    Romans 13:7-9 (in Context) Romans 13 (Whole Chapter)
Please click HERE to go to the Spiritual Sundays blog. It continues to be a blessing to many. I'm happy that so many are sharing there.


Sunday, August 21, 2011

BLOG ENHANCEMENT

I'm sure some if not most of you know about Shabby Blogs where you can go to get cool backgrounds for your blogs. Did you know you can also find tutorials there for how to customize your headers, add page dividers, and more. I customize my headers a different way, but if I didn't, I'd definitely do it the way she suggests. I did follow her instructions for adding my post dividers which I've been trying to figure out for months.

When I figure out how to make my blogs better, I like to share it with my friends, so that's why I'm posting this info. I hope it will be helpful to someone. (You can click on the Tutorials graphic to go there.)

Happy Blogging.


Friday, August 19, 2011

MIRACLE MAKEOVER UPDATE ! ! !

A note from Kelee Katillac:
Comments Closed: WE ARE THERE!
Thank-you to each and every one of you that commented, posted on Facebook, wrote a blog story or added a link. Maybe you clicked "like", emailed a friend, or embedded the video. We thank-you for helping with this heart-felt effort. It is because of these kindnesses that we can report that we received over 5,450 responses to Charlie's MiracleMakeovertm video and story, in just a few days time. Isn't that fantastic?! See what you accomplished! (Cue jumping-up and down! Go ahead and whoo-hoo!) Congratulations and thank-you, thank-you! Team Design Gives Back has triumphed and each of you played a valuable role.
A few interesting facts: That total included 150-plus blog stories averaging 20-60 comments each. Each blogger also earned a $5 donation (5 comment equivalent) for creating the post. There were over 550 Facebook page posts and"likes", over 200 side comments, other assorted responses we are still counting. The DGB team will have a final total next week on Friday, August 26; and, also announce our giveaway winners in that same post. You will want to stop by and pick-up your blog badge signifying your participation in this great event.
Our four MiracleMakeovertm blog hosts pulled in hundreds of comments each. They averaged 200-400 comments and some went way beyond. They were tireless! Be sure and thank them, too. One passionate and big hearted blogger, Marydon of the Blushing Rose Blog brought in nearly 700 comments! Bless you Marydon. I know how hard you worked for this. Thank-you.
Because Design Gives Back committed to donate $1  per comment from you, Friends of Kids with Cancer will be receiving a check to help serve families with seriously ill kids.  Also, another Miracle Makeover for someone in-need now has the wings to take flight. 
Thank-you to all of our sponsors. Most of which we have featured previously. Especially, though, thank-you to Guideposts Magazine that brought Charlie's story  to eight million readers in the August issue. For the past 50 years Guideposts has been committed to publishing  true stories of hope and inspiration. At www.guideposts.org you can now see inspirational video stories, as well.  
                                        Approximately 5,450!
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

I want to add my "Thank You" to all who participated. You're the greatest! And thank you Kelee for initiating this wonderful occasion and for all your encouragement.
P.S. I'm sharing this for Pink Saturday. I changed my blog to feature even more pink. I do love that color you know. I want to also acknowledge Beverly and the wonderful job she did encouraging and commenting on the Miracle Makeover. Beverly is such a blessing to so many who share on Pink Saturday and also Spiritual Sundays

Thursday, August 11, 2011

MIRACLE MAKEOVER FOR CHARLIE

The big day we've been waiting for has arrived!!! We can now share the wonderful makeover video featuring Charlie Grady. Please take a few moments to view it here if you haven't seen it elsewhere. It will make your day.


Please click HERE to go to Design Gives Back  to learn more about the makeover and find out how you can earn money for the next makeover just by commenting.

 Design Gives Back will donate $1.00 for each comment on the following blogs between August 12 - 18. 

Pink Saturday @ at How Sweet the Sound/ Beverly 
         Spiritual Sunday  @ Spiritual Sunday /Charlotte & Ginger
      Country Wings in Phoenix @ Country Wings in Phoenix/Sherry

   Metamorphosis Monday  comments on Monday Only   

If you are a blogger, find out how you can make extra money for the next project by posting about this on your own blog. Design Gives Back will give you the information .

As Christians we are told to love your neighbor as yourself. I believe Design Gives Back is doing a very good job of doing just that. 

Friday, August 5, 2011

Miracle Makeover

I posted about the Miracle Makeover for Charlie Grady on my other blog and wrote about it on the Spiritual Sundays blog. The makeover is featured in this month's issue of Guidepost Magazine. Click HERE to see that article.

We're trying to get the word out to all of blogland to participate in the Miracle Makeover party the week of August 12-18. And --- that is coming up in just a few days. Be sure to visit the Spiritual Sundays blog and make a comment that weekend. Each comment will be worth $1.00 toward the next makeover. Kelee is making such a difference in many lives with the makeovers she does. Her website is called Design Gives Back. Her latest post tells how you can contribute up to $5.00 for the next makeover and it won't cost you a penny. Plus, you will be entered in a fantastic giveaway and who knows, you may be a winner.  Read all about it at Design Gives Back. Ginger and I are featured on the latest post along with others who are participating in this wonderful event. Be sure to check it out.