Katie's Kudos

Thanks to Katie for her kudos in a recent post. Now that I've been tagged, I'm supposed to pass the honors on to 5 others who, I feel, blog with purpose. That's where I get stuck though; we all blog with some kind of purpose. Here are some of the many great 'reasons' I see amongst this blog community:

1. Because Grace transforms lives.
2. Because in loving 'the least of these', we're loving Him.
3. Because life offers moments to cherish.
4. Because there's so much to learn.
5. Because connecting with friends makes a difference.
6. Because breathing in and out the Gospel is a life-long pursuit.
7. Because true faith shines in questions, as well as knowing.
8. Because there's a link between Truth and right living.
9. Because joy spreads as families grow.
10. Because gratitude is limitless.
11. Because parenthood is not for wimps.
12. Because we grow as we grow our kids.
13. Because there is beauty in every moment.
14. Because the witty ones live happier.
15. Because a picture's worth a thousand laughs.
16. Because community transcends distance.
17. Because His daily gifts are worth celebrating.
18. Because kids do the darndest things!
19. Because good stories surround and support serving.
20. Because there's art in life - and love.
21. Because you're too cool to keep it all in your head.
22. Because laughter is the best medicine.
23. Because Proverbs 31 is worth living up to.
24. Because life is chock-full of intriguing mysteries.
25. Because each experience is part of the growing story.
26. Because it's good to stay in touch.
27. Because life is an adventure, meant to be shared.
28. Because, in loving nature, we learn to love God more deeply.
29. Because there's wild beauty in this song we sing together.
30. Because we're accountable for knowing and deciding.

Just realized that I read 30 blogs each day. Did you find your 'reason'? This is why you all are 'Inspiration'; not just a 'Blogroll'. Kudos to all of you for blogging with purpose; we all help each other remember 'why'...

Ready For Restoration

BEFORE CARE & SHARE
What moves you? What makes your insides say, almost audibly, "This just can't stay like this. God, please fix it! And please use me to help."





For a growing number of families all over the world, the needs of orphans in Andhra Pradesh, India, is an issue that requires movement. A program called 'Care and Share' offers authentic and effective opportunity to act.

Tomorrow, I have the pleasure of driving three of my closest friends to the airport, to begin their journey to visit these orphans living in Care and Share facilities. These dear sisters will go bearing suitcases bursting with gifts and medicines for children who are sponsored by the program. They will hold babies, hug teenagers, administer medicine, wash hair, meet childrens' needs for care: affection, attention, hope. Their visit will be remembered by these children, and will make a difference.

One of the gifts they bring with them is for our oldest daughter, adopted long-distance. Her name is Jaswanthi. Her mother died years ago; her remaining family is unable to support her. So she lives at Care and Share where she receives food, shelter and education. Jaswanthi still has family, but many children don't. Some are HIV-infected after having lost their parents to that disease. Some were abandoned by parents and extended family. At least one was pushed from a moving train and left. Kids come to these facilities faster than they can be sponsored... So much good has been done - yet, there is so much left to do!

One of my sister-friends, Lori, has started a blog where she will post about the trip, Care and Share's progress, and ongoing needs. You can find it, 'Be The Change' in the links to the right. If you haven't yet found something that 'moves' you, or have room for one more - and are interested in looking further into this, feel free to contact Lori anytime (or me if you need her info). Money goes further with Care and Share than with other sponsorship programs we're involved in - and contact with the children is personal and frequent. We can't all move in every available direction... but all of us can move. We CAN make a difference by sharing what we've so richly been given.

AFTER CARE & SHARE

Two Fer

It's two-fer-one blog post day for V... Hey, look who's joined 'the story'! Welcome sweet friend - SO excited to be in touch via blog! For those who don't know, this is the dear friend who will be Eva's special auntie and caregiver a couple times a week when I return to work after leave... She and her family have a big piece of our hearts, have for many, many years, and... always will. Welcome, Storygirl!

Welcome, 'P'!

It's not every day you get to welcome someone who's already part of your community, into your community... twice in one year. We love you, kj, and are SO excited you've started a blog!!

Boots 'n' Blogs

The closest I ever got to the military was my college combat boot stage. (Purchased from Fleet Farm. With my dad). I was militant about lots of things though: flannels (for), college curfews (against), peace signs (for), males (against).



One of the few people who knew me during those years, yet still - to this day - admits to having known me, is Rob Dannenberg. Rob worked with Ed and me at First Trust (now US Bank) a bunch of summers through high school and college, under the gracious reign of Jude (Ed's mom). And, in addition to keeping us all entertained with his witty sarcasm and insightful writing, he brought me to my very first Broadway production: The Phantom of the Opera. Then, as good friends are prone to do, put up with my listening to the soundtrack (and pretending I could sing opera along with it) OVER AND OVER each day at work. What a great guy!

Rob is in the U.S. Army now; he's currently stationed in Fayetteville, NC and, within the past year, has spent time in Afghanistan. I've enjoyed his authentic and down-to-earth email updates every few months, so recently insisted he start a blog. It's called 'Rubicon' (see link to the right).

Rob has chosen his blog title with intelligence, creativity and heart. The reference is loaded with military history, idiom imagery, and, of course, a touch of Phantom. I'll let you glean what you will from Wikipedia... ANYWAY... All this to say: now you know who Rob is if he leaves a comment on your blog. And, more importantly, now you can visit HIS blog and leave encouraging comments - which I sincerely hope you will. He's one of those rare individuals who has dared to make personal sacrifices in his life for the good of people he hasn't met and doesn't know. Let's get to know him and say thank you, k? Thank you, Rob!!