I have mentioned before that my family sponsors a child through Compassion International. Her name is Ashwini, and she lives in India.

A couple of days ago, I received a plea from Compassion asking that I donate to their unsponsored children’s fund. I went to their website last night, and there were 2,214 photos of children waiting to be sponsored. Of the first 195 I looked at, 33 of the children lived in AIDS-affected areas and 6 of them had been waiting six months or longer for a sponsor. Mind you, that was just 195 out of 2,214.

I would like to introduce to you Souleymane Sanou. He is my new child. I saw his little face with a heart up in the corner of the photo representing that he was one of the children who had been waiting for six or more months, and the Lord spoke to my heart. I knew that he was mine.

God has really been speaking to me the past few years concerning the amount of money we spend on Christmas each year. I’m sure it is more than some people and less than others. Still, for me personally, I find myself looking at the gifts under the tree and thinking how I might have used that money to help people who have so much less than I do. I am so blessed. I posted a few days ago about My Ebenezer. It is just one example of the many ways God has faithfully provided for us.

And for those who wonder why God allows some to have so much while others live in utter poverty, I am afraid I cannot answer that question. I only know that God loves us all equally, and His heart breaks for the suffering of His children. I know that He is not the cause of the poverty.

What I also know is that He has called those of us for whom He has given much to bless those who have little.

As I sat there looking at the pictures of those precious little faces, I thought about the dinner out my family had enjoyed last evening. With tip, we spent approximately $26. Add another $6 to that total, and you have a monthly sponsorship of one child. Add to that the amount we spent on gas filling up our car on the way home, and you have the sponsorship of another child plus some.

In just a couple of hours, I spent more than it costs to sponsor two children. And I know beyond a shadow of a doubt what those children and their families receive from sponsorship means a heck of a lot more to them than dinner out and gas in my car meant to me. For me, it was business as usual. For them, it is their very survival. I think I may be taking too much for granted.

What about you? Can you give up one dinner out to sponsor one of those children? If so, please click on the link in my right sidebar. Even if you don’t feel you can afford to sponsor a child monthly, a one-time donation to the Unsponsored Children’s Fund will help the children who are registered but still awaiting sponsorship.

During this holiday season, as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving and the birth of the One who came to save us all, may we be His hands and feet to a child in need.

Sweet Blessings,

My buddy, Janel, over at Dandelion Dayz tagged me for this meme.

THE RULES:*** Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.***Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.*** Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their name as well as links to their blog.*** Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Seven random things about me…hmmm…

1. I really love cloudy, rainy days. That may actually be classified as a weird one.

2. Since we don’t have a wood-burning fireplace anymore, we sometimes roast marshmallows on our gas grill. I know that’s not about just me, but hey, it’s my party, right?

3. When I was growing up, my grandfather had a friend who used to sing the song, “Delta Dawn” every time he would see me. I am totally telling my age here. Anyone remember that song? Sing with me, “Delta Dawn, what’s that flower you have on? Could it be a painted rose from days gone by?” I heard you singing.

4. I totally heart the Jonas Brothers.

5. I usually am reading two or three or four books at the same time. Seriously.

6. I’m not a natural red-head. “What, you say?” I know, I know. You’re shocked. Truth is, my hair actually has four different colors on it at the same time. I’ve been going to the same hairstylist for 6 1/2 years, and she has filled up a card and started over with the colors of my hair. Yep, it’s true.

7. I’ll stick with my hairstylist for this last one. I drive 40 minutes one way to get my hair done. She moved, and I don’t trust anyone else with my hair.

So, there you have it. Seven totally random and probably weird things about me. I’m tagging:

Just Keep Praying
Positively Alene
Not Mine, But God’s Story
Ponderings From the Pathway
Sweet Tea for Surrendered Sisters

I realize that’s only five, but that’s all I have for now. Anyone else who wants to play along is welcome to join in.

Blessings,

On Friday, I posted about listening to the “quiet voice” when It insisted that I go downstairs instead of finishing my morning routine. Oh how I was rewarded for my obedience!

Today, I heard a story on the radio that went way beyond my experience of last Friday.

A man had used his cell phone at lunch and upon ending his call went to put the phone in his pants pocket as he always did. However, he felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to put his phone in his shirt pocket instead. While not understanding, he nevertheless obeyed.

Later that day, he was out mowing the grass when he was hit by a stray bullet from a hunter. Not knowing whether or not he had been injured, he took his cell phone out to call 911. His phone disintegrated in his hands. It had been hit by the bullet. His shirt pocket was located directly over his heart. The man was unharmed, but doctors said had it not been for the cell phone, he would have most certainly been dead.

I was covered in chills when I heard the story.

Oh Father God, please give me spiritual ears to hear when you speak and the faith to obey no matter what I may think about Your instruction. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Sweet Blessings,