I AM my brother's keeper.

By the time a man reaches the age of 57, he's most likely looking forward to retirement or at least easing back a bit on his workload.  But, what happens when this man finds himself laid off from his job, lost within a sea of others who comprise a (now) 30% unemployment rate in our community?  He becomes a statistic within the new generation of homeless in our country.  A generation that is growing at such a rapid rate that government agencies, faith-based and benevolent groups cannot keep up with.

Meet James.  He is not an alcoholic, not an addict, not a felon and does not suffer from mental illness.  If he fit into one of these "categories" it might be easier to understand his current situation.  James has worked hard his entire life, beginning as a child picking tobacco at the farm where he grew up.  As an adult, he worked at one of our local furniture manufacturers, ultimately becoming a supervisor.  When that company relocated overseas, James went to work for another manufacturer which, ultimately swept him out with dozens of other workers in one of its many layoffs.  That was a year and a half ago. 

When his unemployment compensation could no longer keep up with rent, utilities and other basic expenses, James found himself with barely more than the clothes on his back.  A local church paid for several nights in one of our low-cost motels which, is where I first met James.  The motel manager called my pastor because it was obvious to her that James was in need of assistance.  He was not expecting me, so when I met him sitting with his Bible open and TV tuned to a church service, I knew he was not setting a stage for my sake.  Rather, he was clinging to his faith while trying to wrap his mind around the circumstances that had now become his life.  A life that no longer supports a once hard-working man's basic needs of food, clothing and shelter. 

So what does the future hold for James?  The answer to that monumental question is not clear right now.  What is clear though - I AM my brother's keeper and so are you if we are followers of Christ.  

When you meet (a) James, and chances are you will, what will you do? 

1 John 3:17 "But if someone who is supposed to be a Christian has money enough to live well, and sees a brother in need, and won't help him--how can God's love be within him?"

1 John 3:18 "Little children, let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions." 

1 John 3:19 "Then we will know for sure, by our actions, that we are on God's side, and our consciences will be clear, even when we stand before the Lord."

My Brother’s Keeper Prayer

Lord . . .

When I have food, Help me to remember the hungry.

When I lie in my bed, Help me to remember those who sleep on the floor.

When I have a warm home, Help me to remember the homeless.

When I have work, Help me to remember those without jobs.

When I experience the joy of giving to my children, Help me to remember the agony of those who must watch their children go without.

By remembering, Help me to destroy my indifference and arouse my compassion.

Make me concerned enough to act in your name, to help those who cry out to you for that which I so often take for granted.

Amen  

(Prayer from www.mybrotherskeeper.org)


A portion of proceeds from every purchase you make from one of my Websites goes to help someone who is hungry, hurting or homeless.

www.LittleCherubsBoutique.com

www.InLovingMemoryGifts.com

www.InspirationalGiftsAndDecor.com

PLEASE, remember the forgotten at Christmas!

Stock photo, not necessarily depicting homeless in VA.

Dear Friends and Family,

It is hard to believe that 5 years have gone by since Tom and I moved to Martinsville, VA. Even harder to believe is the continual rise in unemployment and poverty in this area.

This region of VA has a rich history rooted in furniture manufacturing including such companies as Hooker, Bassett and Stanley. Martinsville was once known as The Sweatshirt Capital of the World, and was home to America's largest contract embroidery company. Sadly, these companies, along with many others, have either closed altogether or moved their plants out of our country. Martinsville and Henry County are now known for having the highest unemployment rate in the state, currently at 19.7 percent.

Adding to the struggles of the unemployed is the fact that many people have seen their electric bills double within the last 5 years due to Appalachian Power Co. rate hikes. Unemployed and underemployed people simply lack the funds to adequately heat their homes. Yet, they are the lucky ones – at least in the eyes of the homeless here; earlier this year, Martinsville’s homeless shelter closed its doors.

Though the facts of life are tough for so very many here, the people are some of the finest I’ve met in my life. There is a true sense of community here, the type I used to only here as elders spoke of, “the good old days

when neighbors helped neighbors.” I’ve seen time and time again, people willing to give to others in need when they had virtually nothing to give. You’ve heard of the type of folks who would give you the shirt off of

their backs? These are the type of people I’m proud to say live here.

Local churches and individuals are launching programs to do what they can to assist the people in Martinsville and Henry County. I’m excited to say that Tom and I will be helping as our church begins feeding the homeless and others in need in January. And, recently I began a blanket program to purchase washable wool blend, American made blankets for the homeless and those who cannot afford to adequately heat their homes.

Mother Teresa said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” It is with this philosophy in mind that I am asking those of you who can, to please consider making a donation of $12.66 to purchase one blanket. Should donations exceed the number of blankets needed, 100% of any remaining funds will be used for our church’s meal program.

This has been an extremely tough financial year for most of us. If you are not able to make a donation, would you please add the blanket and meal programs to your daily prayers? That would be a wonderful gift!

God bless,

Donna

Donations can be sent to:

Donna or Tom Pratt

P.O. Box 4669

Martinsville, VA 24115

Please make a notation on your check: Blanket Program

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He is in control of all situations.

I'm a pretty upbeat and positive person by nature but yesterday I found myself feeling a bit blue most of the day. Lingering within my thoughts was the fact that sales have dropped on my websites rather than increasing during what is typically known as the start of the Christmas shopping season. My desire for sales is truly not for personal income because I'm blessed to have a husband who provides very well in that area. But, I want to serve God by helping my church family provide food and blankets for the homeless in our community. God has clearly put in my heart to give 100% of all profits made from the sale of any cross pendant or cross necklace I sell to buy blankets. I am to give 10% of all other profits to help buy food.

Seeing no sales the past week, left me feeling discouraged. By the time I was ready to turn the computer off last night, my discouragement had turned to a low-grade anger. From the desktop view on my computer monitor, I saw the links to my two websites. I sat there looking at the links for a few moments, then decided to step out on faith, put my fingers on the screen, and pray. If this seems foreign to you, let me just say that touching the screen was simply a tangible point of contact for my prayers nothing more. I prayed that God would allow me to make a sale on both of my websites. This was truly stepping out in faith because I'm used to making a sale on one site or the other, not both in one day. I told God that I would give him the honor for the sales.

Well folks, this morning when I checked my e-mails, there were two sale notifications - one for each of my websites!!! My heart was so full that my eyes were flooding with tears. God was clearly reminding me that He is in control, that He hears my prayers, and that He knows the attitude of my heart.

I was also reminded that because I am obeying what God has directed me to do, I can rest in knowing that He will handle the outcome. I must trust in God's timing, not my own. I must trust, knowing that though I may not understand, HE does. I am simply a vessel doing what I am purposed to do. I am not responsible for anything other than that! Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust the Lord completely; don't ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success."

Father, I thank you for the lessons you continue to teach me as I struggle to remove my feelings and emotions from situations, to do what you have called me to do, and to turn the rest over to you. I thank you Lord for answering prayers and renewing the passion that is in my heart to help others. Thank you Lord for allowing me to be a vessel to show your love to others. Forgive my doubting heart and I thank you for for reminding me that your timing is perfect in all situations! Amen.




Please support our efforts to bring the gift of warmth and compassion to the homeless. Purchase ANY cross pendant or necklace from either of our websites and 100% of the profits go to buy Friendship Blankets for the homeless. If you'd prefer, for just $12.66, you can purchase a Friendship Blanket in honor or memory of someone special. We make NO monestary profit on the Friendship Blankets. Our profit is knowing that you and I are making a difference in people's lives. Please, open your hearts!
www.InspirationalGiftsAndDecor.com
www.LittleCherubsBoutique.com

Be careful what you pray for!

I've often heard pastors say, "Be careful what you pray for." Usually said with a bit of humor, but truly an admonition. If we open our hearts to God when we pray, asking Him to show us ways to serve others, it's going to cost us something. We may have to endure rejection and ridicule from those whom we usually expect to encourage us. We may find ourselves feeling the need to explain why and how we are involved in something that, viewed through human eyes, seems impossible.

Imagine that for this next week, you had to trade places with someone (other than Jesus) from the Bible. Whose shoes would you like to walk in for the next seven days? You're probably thinking, "Not Job!" What about Noah? Could you put aside the ridicule he endured and step out in faith doing what you knew God was calling you to do?

If we truly have a servant's heart, we'd better pray that God will allow us to develop thick skin. Thick enough so that the barbs of rejection and criticism cannot pierce us so deeply that our focus is on the pain rather than on doing what God is calling us to do.

Father, I pray that you will give me the strength and courage that Noah had as I follow the path you have laid on my heart. Help me to stay focused on you Lord, so that your directions resonate louder within me than anything negative the world may speak to me. Amen.



Please support our efforts to bring the gift of warmth and compassion to the homeless. Purchase ANY cross pendant or necklace from either of our websites and 100% of the profits go to buy Friendship Blankets for the homeless. If you'd prefer, for just $7.95, you can purchase a Friendship Blanket in honor or memory of someone special. We make NO profit on the Friendship Blankets. Every penny goes to help the homeless. Please, open your hearts!
www.InspirationalGiftsAndDecor.com
www.LittleCherubsBoutique.com

Friendship Blankets for the homeless

Matthew 25: 35-40

Too often, I think that most of us (myself included) feel that we can't possibly do anything to make a difference with situations as overwhelming as homelessness, so we choose to do nothing. We divert our eyes, avoiding personal contact with the homeless. After all, it is much easier for us that way. If we allow ourselves to look into their eyes, the image of the homeless may be etched in our minds so deeply that we are compelled to do something. And, that requires us to move out of our comfort zone. Are we really so selfish that we can continue to do nothing? God forgive me, because I have been.

If each of us did something for the homeless, our collective efforts could have a huge impact on their lives. God gives each of us different talents or gifts and if we could just realize that each of those talents fit together like puzzle pieces, we may catch a glimpse of God's plan.

Recently, God placed in my heart a very clear direction to buy blankets for the homeless. He pointed me to a wonderful American blanket manufacturer, Northwest Woolen Mills in RI, that has a program in place that allows the general public and advocates to purchase blankets for the homeless. I am excited to now partner with the program, Friendship Blankets, by selling the blankets on my websites. For a very modest fee of just $7.95 - $12.66, you can purchase one or more blankets and offer hope and warmth to someone who lacks in so many of life's basic comforts that we take for granted. I make no monetary profit on these blankets but the profit in my heart, knowing that you and I can make a difference, is priceless.

Please, follow the links to one of my websites, open your heart and purchase a blanket.
www.InspirationalGiftsAndDecor.com
www.LittleCherubsBoutique.com







www.LittleCherubsBoutique.com
"Quality clothing & gifts for your little cherubs!"

www.InspirationalGiftsAndDecor.com
"Meaningful gifts that warm the heart, encourage
the spirit and add a little inspiration to life."

"There but by the grace of God, go I."

I love fall. It's always been my very favorite time of the year. There's always a sense of anticipation in the air for me during this time. I'm a true "nester" and fall ignites my senses and I'm flooded with wonderful memories of home from the first crisp days of this season. It's a time of making homemade comfort foods like chili, stew and vegetable soup, smelling and hearing a fire in the fireplace and feeling the warmth of a snuggly blanket or down comforter. A perfect day to me is to have a fire in the fireplace, something wonderful in the crockpot sending inviting aromas through the house, snuggled up in a throw, watching snow falling outside.

This year, I'm finding my thoughts turning more and more to those who may be dreading this time of year. Their anticipation is not of the blessings of this season, but of the added burdens it brings. For many, there is no warmth, no shelter, no food. Others aren't sure from week to week if they will have to choose between shelter or food because their funds are so limited that they cannot afford both. Food and shelter should not be considered luxury items and yet it seems they've become so for many precious souls. "There but by the grace of God, go I."

As I enjoy the beauty of this fall season and the comforts I have, I pray that God shows me many ways in which I can share these comforts with folks who otherwise wouldn't have them. I pray that He will open my eyes to all opportunities where I can serve Him by serving others.

Father, let my eyes, my heart and my spirit be open to see others as you do. Let me not pass by a single person with a need that I can meet either in part or in whole. Lord, as I enjoy the comforts of home and food in this season, let my thoughts and prayers turn to those dear people who have so much less and move me to action. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.




TEN PERCENT OF ALL PROFIT MADE ON MY WEBSITES (LISTED BELOW) GOES TO HELP FEED THOSE IN NEED IN OUR AREA. PLEASE, do what you
can to serve the hungry and homeless in your community.


www.LittleCherubsBoutique.com
"Quality clothing & gifts for your little cherubs!"

www.InspirationalGiftsAndDecor.com
"Meaningful gifts that warm the heart, encourage
the spirit and add a little inspiration to life."

The HHH people.

For far too many years, there have been Homeless, Hungry and Hurting people living among us. The numbers of these precious HHH (Homeless, Hungry and Hurting) people is now staggering! Except by the grace of God, you and I could find ourselves among the HHH. If you think otherwise, then you need a reality check.

I was born in Washington, DC and spent the first 14+ years of my life in the Alexandria, VA area. I clearly remember the first time I saw a homeless man - literally laying in the gutter of a side street in DC. My mother's explanation of this man's situation seemed reasonable and acceptable to me as a young teen.

Gone are the days of seeing an occasional alcoholic laying in an alley or street gutter. Gone are the days in which any halfway intelligent person can steriotype the HHH as "bums" or "alcoholics". (Reality check here: "Homelessness in suburbs, rural areas increases" Read: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-07-09-homeless_N.htm And, GONE are the days of there being ANY 'reasonable and acceptable' explanation that makes sense to me. There is NOTHING acceptable about anyone being Homeless, Hungry or Hurting in America.

Gone also are the days of sitting back and waiting for our government to solve the problems of the HHH. It is time for the collective church to roll up their sleeves, dig their heels in and commit to helping the HHH in our communities for the long haul. It is wonderful to feed the HHH on holidays, but we need to feed their bellies and their souls every day.

I am grateful beyond words that God has recently led my husband and me to The Community Fellowship in Collinsville, VA. *Pastor Michael, TCF's leadership and the congregation have true hearts to serve the HHH in our community and beyond. They may be a relatively small congregation but there is nothing small about their vision and there is nothing small about the impact that these precious people have already made in our community (and beyond).

One of the members of The Community Fellowship who has a God-driven passion for helping the HHH in our community is Vicky English. You can read as Vicky shares her heart and vision on her blog, Serving With All My Heart: http://vickysheart.blogspot.com/

If every church in America put faith into action to help the HHH in their communities, the impact would be a tidal wave of hope for the Hurting, housing for the Homeless and food for the Hungry across our country.
In a matter of days, we could be reading of the "staggering" drop in the number of the HHH instead of the "staggering" acceleration we now have!

Matthew 25:40 "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
* Follow Pastor Michael Harrison's blog: http://e-devotion.blogspot.com/





www.InspirationalGiftsAndDecor.com
"Meaningful gifts that warm the heart, encourage
the spirit and add a little inspiration to life."