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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We are Christ's "body" on earth

"Christ has no body now on earth but yours,
no hands but yours, no feet but yours.

Yours are the eyes through which to look at Christ's
compassion to the world.

Yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good.

And yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now."
~St. Teresa of Avila 1515-1582

Though these words were penned in the 1500's, they are SO very true today. As followers of Christ, we are commanded to love our fellow man as He would. We are to do the work that He began here so long ago. As individuals, we fall short of the ability to change a nation but, as individuals, we can each do something to make someone's life better. If each of us do something our community will be a better place.

Today, pray asking God what He would have YOU do. Then, open your heart, your eyes and your spirit for the answer.

Father, open my eyes, my spirit and my heart today and show me what I can do to help even one person. Help me to be sensitive to your Holy Spirit's leading so that I don't miss an opportunity to serve others for you. Amen

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18



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!
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Hope is not a denial of reality.

I've always found it just short of offensive when I hear a nonbeliever refer to Christians as not living in reality or, that we walk around with our head in the clouds. No..... we just have a different way of facing reality. It's called "HOPE" and I cannot imagine life without it.

Pastoral counselor Andrew D Lester writes, "Hope does not function as an opiate that causes people to deny reality. In fact, hope provides the courage to face whatever chaos and trauma life throws at us. Hope does not try to avoid the pain of finite existence nor is it naive about suffering."

There are many scriptures about hope and one that I love is found in 1 Thessalonians 1:3 "We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." "...endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." What beautiful words!

Last week, I heard a pastor on the radio make this statement, "Hope is not about denying reality. It is about coping with reality." 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."

"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."

Remembering 9/11

Ground Zero.......let us NEVER forget to pray for the men and women who lost their lives during this tragic day in our country's history. Let us also pray for the families left behind.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

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

You are a light.

This will be my last post until Labor Day. Heading out for vacation!
May God bless each of you!

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5: 14-16

How brightly are you shining the love of Christ to a needy world? Everyone is going through difficulties and the light and love of God that shines through your spirit may be just what someone needs! If you are letting God's spirit shine from within you, people will notice and be drawn to you. In turn, you will be able to help them with a word of encouragement, prayer, hug, etc.
I encourage you today to greet everyone whom you come in contact with, with a sincere smile & open heart. Let your life reflect the light from within you!

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

Going through the motions?

Have you ever found yourself growing complacent in your walk with God? When things are going easily in life, it's easy to find ourselves simply going through the motions. This is a dangerous place to be. Not only can we be caught off guard and end up in situations that are detrimental to us but also we can so easily miss God's blessings.

Life is short; this is not a dress-rehearsal. Let's purpose to not allow ourselves to simply go through the motions in life. Seek God's direction, get excited about life and live each day with His perfect passion!

Let the words of Matthew West's song, The Motions, really sink into your heart.

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! ¹⁶So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. ~Revelation 3:15-16


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

Inspiration for the week

Walking along the paths of life, there are level, smooth paths and there are those that are uneven, steep or rocky; the later requires more attention than the first. We must carefully choose our steps, mindful of our footing so we don't veer off into a ditch, turn an ankle or stumble and fall.

The older I get the more I've come to realize that my walk with Christ is often on the challenging path. I need to stay focused, be mindful of my steps, careful not to veer off.

Smooth paths are easily forgotten as we walk aimlessly along, our thoughts drifting. The challenging paths are the ones we remember and often take us to places the smooth ones cannot, where the view is spectacular!

"My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped."
~Psalm 17:5

Daily inspiration

"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Galatians 5:6

"As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person."

~ Paul Shane Spear

Part of my morning prayer is, "...Lord, help me be a better person today than I was yesterday." As heartfelt as my words are when I make this daily request, I sure can fall short of recognizing some opportunities that are right in front of me. I can get so tangled up in my own thoughts that I can trot right through a day without seeing those around me who could use a kind word, a compassionate shoulder or a patient ear. Those are such small expressions of love but they can make a huge difference in someone's life.
Beginning today, when I pray I'll be adding, " Lord, help me to see those around me whose needs I can meet. Help me to demonstrate my faith in you by expressing your love to others."



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

Daily inspiration

Turn to Him

by Tanya Staggs

If you’re looking for something that you can’t seem to find and negative thoughts keep running thru your mind,
just turn to Him.

If nothing seems to work for you, but you just keep on trying and you have a smile on your face when instead you feel like crying,
just turn to Him.

If the road you are taking seems like it’s all uphill and you’re running out of strength, but you keep on travelling still,
just turn to Him.

If it seems as if all’s against you and you have nowhere to turn and life’s lessons get you down because you never seem to learn,
just turn to Him.

If troubles keep on coming and there seems to be no end and you feel as if you’re all alone and haven’t got a friend,
just turn to Him.

If you feel your strength slipping and you seem to lose the fight, keep your eyes upon Him, He’ll turn your darkness into light,
just turn to Him.

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" ~1Peter 5:7
Poem found @ http://www.thechristianwoman.com

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

Daily inspiration

I'm sure you know what it's like to suddenly realize that you are driving in the wrong direction. With some sense of urgency, you look for the first, safe place to make a u-turn. Wouldn't want to waste any more time going in the opposite direction of our destination now, would we?

Life is this way. We're human and as such, we often fall short of who we would like to be - more importantly, who God wants us to be. We find ourselves clearly heading in the opposite direction of our destination to be more Christ-like.

We've all found ourselves regretting something we've said or done, wishing we could take it back, wipe our slate clean and start over again.
I sure have. Truth be told, I find myself in that situation more often than I'd like to admit. But, I'm grateful that God allows u-turns. The bible says in 1John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

Through God's grace and mercy, we are given the opportunity to make a u-turn and get back on the path He has laid for us. We don't have to wait for a pastoral invitation to kneel at a church altar. We can ask God for forgiveness right this moment, right where we are. Why not take a minute right now and ask God to point your life back in the right direction? His direction.

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

Daily Inspiration

Back in the '70s, when I first came to know the Lord, Christian bumper stickers were very popular. One that sticks in my mind said, "God is not concerned with our ability, rather our availability." So many times, because of our personal insecurities, it's easy to dodge the leading of the Holy Spirit urging us into a new area of serving others or our church. We buy into the lies entering our thoughts; "Oh, that must just be my imagination and not God calling me." "I can't do that!" "I could never volunteer for that project. What do I know about that!"

Well, I'm not quite as old as dirt yet, but I am old enough to know that my life is most fulfilled when I listen to the Holy Spirit's leading, step over any doubts and insecurities that enter my thoughts, recognize them as my thoughts, not His, plow forward, yielding to His direction.

Yielding requires faith; faith requires trust; trust requires belief that God's word is true. The next time you feel that God is leading you into an area that is outside of your comfort zone - yield to His calling, have faith and trust that He who calls you will provide you with the tools and knowledge to serve in that area. Remember: "God is not concerned with our ability, rather our availability." Make yourself available and HE will make the way possible.

Today, go confidently in the direction God is leading you!
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13

Inspiration for the week

"Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat." ~Mother Teresa

Before you can love others, you must receive God's love for yourself, because you cannot give away something you don't have.

John 15:12 "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."

Our church was a big ball of wonderful chaos yesterday. Partnering with www.SamaritansFeet.org we were able to provide socks and shoes for local children. The Samaritan's servants who came to our church are a young, newlywed couple, Patrick & Kessid (forgive me because I know I'm not spelling Patrick's wife's name correctly). These precious young people have been married less than 3 months and are working as a team to present the story of the founder of Samaritan's Feet, Manny, to the children (and adults who accompany them) who come to receive new shoes. (I encourage you to go to www.SamaritansFeet.org to learn about Manny's story!) I am grateful for Patrick & Kessid for selflessly giving of themselves, pouring the love of Jesus into so many hearts. I know that God will continue to bless them. I look forward to seeing them next year and watching God work through them and Samaritan's Feet.

Many lives were touched yesterday, some changed, because of yesterday's experience. I know that I will never be the same.

I volunteered as one of the "foot washers" and WHAT a blessing! We washed the children's feet, put lotion on, all while talking to them about their goals in life, etc., put new socks on them, and new shoes. To see these precious children who so greatly needed the items...just a blessing. I wasn't sure what to expect when washing the kids' feet...not sure how they would react. The little ones exploded with joy at the sight of their new shoes and when they were on their feet, they just danced around. Let me tell you, some of these precious children will stay in my heart forever. One particular 16 year old girl (her friend was also there in the chair next to hers) has really made an impact on me. She looked like a tough street kid.....tatoos all over her arms, legs - skulls, etc., Ring in her bottom lip....well, you get the picture. She didn't want her feet washed....well, through a bit of talking with her (I ADORE teens) she allowed me to wash her feet. I was able to "love on her a bit" with words, and she brightened up and we shared a few laughs, then I asked if I could say a quick prayer with her. She said, "Sure." Her friend was finished at about the same time, and the gal who had cared for her led us all in prayer. A quick hug and this young girl was on her way. A brief encounter that has left a permanent mark on my heart.

I wonder how many hugs or words of encouragement and kindness this girl has had in her life? How many people would look at this child with disgust instead of compassion? I'm sure I've been guilty of such thoughts in the past; judging someone's appearance rather than their heart. Looking at the external through my own eyes rather than looking at their soul through Christ's eyes.

God wants us to love the unlovely, to show compassion and love to everyone, not just the "pretty people" of this world.

Today, start becoming aware of the unlovely people you encounter. Offer them a smile, a touch, a compassionate hug. I promise that not only will the recipient be changed, so will you.

Daily inspiration

"Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake."
~Victor Hugo

"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to to his life?" ~Matthew 6:25

On sale this week, beautiful inspirational jewelry by Deborah J. Birdoes.
www.InspirationalGiftsAndDecor.com
"Meaningful gifts that warm the heart, encourage
the spirit and add a little inspiration to life."

Inspiration for the week.

What is your "life song"? Whether you realize it or not, your life, lifestyle, attitudes, actions & words speak (or sing) volumes to others. Is your life the beautiful symphony it is supposed to be or are you living a life that is out of tune?
It's been said, "Life is God's gift to us. What we do with our lives is our gift back to God." Does your "life song" send a beautiful melody up to Heaven or do you need a little fine tuning?
After watching the video below, why not play it a second time with your eyes closed and your heart open.








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

Daily inspiration

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."
~ I John 3


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

Daily inspiration

"We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop."


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

Daily inspiration

“Where there is devotional music, God is always at hand with His gracious presence.”

~Johann Sebastian Bach


"Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp."
Psalms 149:1,3



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

Daily inspiration

"The more we express our gratitude to God for our blessings,
the more he will bring to our mind other blessings. The more
we are aware of to be grateful for, the happier we become."
~Ezra Taft Benson

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice. Let all know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you." -Phillipians 4:4-9

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

Daily inspiration

"It is amazing what can happen when you simply make the decision to do what God tells you to do, not BECAUSE of your feelings but despite your feelings. When you step out in faith in that way, God will take your decision and build on it."
~Karen Wolff Author of, A Change Of Heart (Making changes that live up to God's plans.)

"Every individual has a place to fill in the world, and is important in some respect, whether he chooses to be so or not."
~Nathaniel Hawthorne


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