Launch: New Website

From this point forward you will find me at my new address. Blog, Bible studies, and art studio - all under one roof, as they say. I'm so excited! It has been a long time coming, but well worth the wait. Thank you for your patience and support.

coffee, tea & Thee

See you there!

Hang in there with me

Just a little longer, about a week maybe, and you will be getting an email launching my new website and blog. I am over the moon about it! You simply will not believe what Adrianne Scott and Lindsey Bortner have done with my paintings. I have to pinch myself just looking at the mock ups. I never dreamt I would miss blogging so much! Usually I am frantically looking for topics; since my last post I have had so many topics running through my head I should have written them down. Maybe this is my first case of writer's block and I have learned how to move through it by taking a break. Stay with me, friends and readers... I sooooooo appreciate you!

Prayer for Jerry Bridges

Blog friends, I think I can safely say that Jerry Bridges is one of our most beloved authors and servants of the Lord. Please read below from John Piper's Desiring God blog...

April 12, 2012
Today Jerry Bridges (82) underwent a scheduled heart surgery in Colorado Springs.

He explained the procedure in an email last month. "I am scheduled to have heart surgery on April 12 to repair or replace the Mitral Valve. Ordinarily, this would be a fairly routine surgery involving a minimal invasive procedure on the right side. However, a CAT scan revealed a deformity in my breast bone that will prevent this procedure. The surgeon will have to open the breast bone to get access to the heart. Fortunately, no artery bypasses are needed."

A few days ago he followed with another email, saying, "The nurse warned me not to expect my hospital time to be a vacation. . . . This surgery and recovery is going to be a lot of work." Then he added two requests. "For prayer, first of all, of course, is a successful surgery without any complications. Then, that I would be diligent to do what I need to do during the recovery process."

Just a moment ago we received an update from Bridges’s daughter (5:00 EDT):

We are rejoicing that Dad’s surgery has been successful! Two valves were repaired – the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve and all went well. He is in ICU and will be here for the next 24 hours to ensure there is no leakage and that the heart patterns return to normal. Please continue to pray that he would remain stable.

Please take a moment to pray for our friend Jerry Bridges and his family.

My New Style

I am having fun trying out a new palette and new style! Here's my latest painting. It's big - the largest canvas I have ever painted. It is titled, God Will Get You There and the verse is Jeremiah 29: 11, For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Happy Birthday, Sarah & Molly!!!!

What a wonderful year! Here's to 29 - 59!

Easter Weekend

What a wonderful gorgeous Easter weekend with friends and family! And especially grandchildren!

April - Resurrection!

Our entire faith hinges on today. I love to think about Mary Magdelene waking up early and throwing on her clothes to get to the tomb. Passover is over. All she can think about is covering Jesus' body with ointments and spices to give him the respect he deserves and proper burial.

In a million years she could have never guessed what events would await her.
They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered... Luke 24: 2-8

The most glorious day in all eternity. Death is not the end. For those who believe, life swallows up death. Then they remembered... Let us remember today, He is Risen!

The Way of The Cross, Stations 13 & 14

13. Jesus dies on the cross
Read Luke 23: 44-46
This is the holiest of ground. I tread very slowly and softly today.
Six hours on the cross. After the first three hours there came a complete darkness over the land. It has been explained to me that the darkness was unlike any other. Penetrating darkness. The world completely stopped. Nobody could see a thing, not even their own hand in front of their face. I believe that it was during this time that sinless Jesus became our Savior. He not only took our sin, he became sin.
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5: 21
Jerry Bridges says that it is this verse he hopes have on his lips the day God ushers him into eternity. This is the verse that makes it Good Friday. He became sin so that we could become righteous. I will never be able to understand it. No one ever loved us enough to take on our sin. Thank you, Jesus, for enduring the cross for me.

14. Jesus is laid in the tomb
Read Matthew 27: 57-60
Quick. Passover is coming. Rest. Resurrection is coming. But nobody knew it.

References: Moments with the Savior by Ken Gire, ESV Study Bible

The Way of the Cross, Stations 10, 11 & 12

As we enter Holy Week, you may wish to print the entire Way of the Cross devotional and read it daily this week. It certainly is brief enough to do so. The Introduction is here, Part 1 here, Part 2 here, Part 3 here, and Part 4 below. Part 5 will be posted Good Friday.

10. Jesus is crucified
Read Luke 23: 33-34
How can anything more happen to our Lord? Yet, the depth of the cross begins here. I am still thinking about what Simon of Cyrene witnessed following behind Jesus on that long walk to Golgatha, the Skull. Once there, was he still in earshot to hear Jesus ask the Father to forgive his executioners when they drove nails into his wrists? Did he watch Jesus pressed beyond human endurance? Did he note that when pressed what flowed out of Jesus was love? I keep remembering a few examples this past week of what came out of me when I was pressed... and pressed just a little bit. You?

11: Jesus promises His Kingdom to the repentant thief
Read Luke 23: 39-43
We do not know, but if Simon of Cyrene was eager to leave the Skull, another eyewitness takes over... the thief. At first he too joined in and hurled insults at Jesus. But sometime during the next few hours the insults stopped and out of his heart came amazingly truthful words. His words were both a plea and a statement of faith. What changed him?

12. Jesus entrusts Mary & John to each other
Read John 19: 25-27
Besides onlookers, we know standing at the foot of the cross was Jesus' mother, his mother's sister (possibly Salome), Mary wife of Clopas, Mary Magdelene, and John. We are told in Luke that Jesus' mother pondered many things of her firstborn and kept them in her heart. If you are a mother, you know this to be true. It is believed that much later she told her full story to Luke, the historian. I just wonder if, at the cross, she remembered the day Simeon told her, "a sword shall pierce your heart too." This was that day.

References: Moments with the Savior by Ken Gire, ESV Study Bible

The Way of the Cross, Stations 7, 8 & 9

7. Jesus takes up his cross
Read John 19: 6, 15-17
Only in John does it say that Jesus carried his own cross. Yes, he started out that way, but collapses.

8. Jesus is helped by Simon to carry his cross
Read Mark 15: 21
Matthew says forced to carry the cross. Mark says, forced. Luke says they seized Simon from Cyrene, on his way in from the country, put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. Point one: Simon was unsuspecting and possibly unwilling. Point two: Did you notice the one word Luke uses... made him carry it behind Jesus. I cannot quit thinking about this: What must Simon have seen walking behind Jesus as compared to what Pilate missed standing in front of Him. Good manna for today - feast on it, my dear friends. Last point: Simon must have gone home with a monumental witness. It is believed from Romans 16: 13 that his two sons, Rufus and Alexander, were staunch members of the early church, and his wife ministered to Paul.

9. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
Read Luke 23: 27-31
Only in Luke is it mentioned that Jesus turns to the grieving women following Him and speaks of the fate of Jerusalem. Here's one meaning of what He said: If God did not spare His innocent son (green wood), how much worse will it be when He allows the Romans to unleash His wrath upon a sinful nation (dry wood)? (ESV Study Notes)
In 70AD the temple was completely destroyed by raiding legions under Titus. Not one stone was left upon another.

References: Moments with the Savior by Ken Gire, ESV Study Bible

Girl Trip - Phoenix

The minute I got out of the airport I noticed the difference. The air. It was as light as a feather. Then the mountains. Rock mountains. Springing up out of flat desert. Then the desert. Scrub brush, faded colors, arid, dry, but alive. The Southwest. A great setting, great girl trip, great friends, great fun, even a divine appointment. the famed restaurant we never made it in
Friday night escapade hiking Pinnacle Point we thought we were in shape... not!
silly Sarah
shrimp tacos
at The Mission, Scottsdale looking for celebrities yes, we went to dry bar
a good time had by all - I miss us!

The Way of the Cross, Stations 4, 5, & 6

4. Jesus is denied by Peter
Read Matthew 26: 69-71 and don't miss Luke 22: 61
There is no way for us to deny Peter's denial. It was a full vehement denial only hours after a full exclamation of loyalty. How easily we fall.
How did Jesus 'look' at Peter? He was able to set his very eyes on the rock amongst his disciples because he was being led across the courtyard from Annas' quarters to Caiaphas. Jesus must have passed within yards of Peter when the rooster began to crow. The rock of a man was completely undone.

5. Jesus us judged by Pilate
Read Mark 15: 1-5, 15 and the full account in Luke 23
The Roman trials:
1st trial - with Pilate
2nd trial - with Herod
3rd trial - again with Pilate and before the people
To Pilate, Jesus says, "It is as you say". To Herod Jesus says nothing at all. Again with Pilate, Jesus says...
Why did Jesus come to earth? He tells us clearly. We must all read and commit to memory John 18: 37-38. He came to testify to the truth. The Truth came to reveal truth. Pilate flippantly answers, "What is truth?"
Oh, dear Jesus, have mercy on us.

6. Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns
Read John 19: 1-3
Pilate sent Jesus to be flogged in hopes that the scourging would satisfy the people. It didn't. No one was kind to Him, no one defended Him, no one was for Him.
Dear God, Open our eyes. Help us to see what Pilate failed to see. Amen.

References: Moments with the Savior by Ken Gire, ESV Study Bible

The Way of the Cross, Stations 1, 2 & 3

If you have been looking for a simple devotional these few weeks leading to Easter, feel free to join me on the blog and explore the fourteen 'stations', or the Way of the Cross. Anytime you and I draw near to the cross, we are in close proximity to the very heart of our God and our Savior.

1. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
Read Matthew 26: 36-41
Don't miss the additional information in Luke 22: 39-44
Gethsemane means 'oil press' and it is believed that Jesus and his disciples frequented Gethsemane often. This late night visit is different and is referred to as the 'dark night of the soul'. The place where there is no place to go, but God.
Do you believe this to be Christ's weakest moment? Why or why not?
What has been the time in your life when there was no place to go but God?
Jesus was in deep anguish during this visit to Gethsemane, but he left focused, resilient, and committed to the cross. What was it that strengthened Him?

2. Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested
Read Mark 14: 43-46 and John 18: 1-9
A rough battalion of soldiers step back and all fall to the ground when Jesus says, "I am he".
Why? What biblical significance of "I AM" can you think of?

3. Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin
Read Luke 22: 66-71
There were three religious trials and three Roman trials. Six trials in all. It is helpful to put the facts in some kind of order. Use your devotional time at this 'station' to set the stage for all six trials.
Time of day - before daylight, continuing into daylight
Place - High Priest's quarters and the courtyard outside
High Priest Annas - actually the former High Priest, and the father-in-law of Caiaphas
Caiaphas - the ruling High Priest that year
Jesus - bound
The religious trials:
1st trial - with Annas
2nd trial - with Caiaphas
3rd trail - the Sanhedrin was called in to meet and vote
Ken Gire says, the first had to strike the Savior was a religious hand.

References: Moments with the Savior by Ken Gire, ESV Study Bible

The Way of the Cross

My Sunday School class is studying The Way of the Cross during Lent. I don't think I have ever studied the road to the cross quite like this. Here's a little background. In later posts I will give the readings and a related question to ponder as we approach Easter.

Stations of the Cross (or Way of the Cross; in Latin, Via Crucis; also called the Via Dolorosa or Way of Sorrows, or simply, The Way) is a series of artistic representations, very often sculptural, depicting Christ carrying the cross to his crucifixion in his final hours. The vast majority of Roman Catholic churches now contain such a series, typically placed at intervals along the side walls of the nave. The tradition as chapel devotion began with St. Francis of Assisi and extended throughout the Roman Catholic Church in the medieval period.

Originally fourteen 'stations' were adopted: 1.Jesus is condemned to death; 2.Jesus accepts the cross; 3.Jesus falls the first time; 4.Jesus meets His Mother; 5.Simon of Cyrene carries the cross; 6.Veronica wipes the face of Jesus; 7.Jesus falls the second time; 8.Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem; 9.Jesus falls the third time; 10.Jesus is stripped of His garments; 11.Crucifixion: Jesus is nailed to the cross; 12.Jesus dies on the cross; 13.Jesus' body is removed from the cross; 14.Jesus is laid in the tomb and covered in incense.

Of the fourteen traditional Stations of the Cross, only eight have clear scriptural foundation. Stations 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9 are not specifically attested to in the gospels. To provide a version of this devotion more closely aligned with the biblical accounts, Pope John Paul II introduced a new form of devotion, called the Scriptural Way of the Cross on Good Friday 1991. (Wikipedia)

These are the fourteen we are studying: 1.Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane; 2.Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested; 3.Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin; 4.Jesus is denied by Peter; 5.Jesus is judged by Pilate; 6.Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns; 7.Jesus takes up His cross; 8.Jesus is helped by Simon to carry His cross; 9.Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem; 10.Jesus is crucified; 11.Jesus promises His kingdom to the repentant thief; 12.Jesus entrusts Mary and John to each other; 13.Jesus dies on the cross; 14.Jesus is laid in the tomb.

I will be back soon with the readings and brief commentary.
Learn to know Christ and him crucified. Learn to sing to him, and say, "Lord Jesus, you are my righteousness, I am your sin. You have taken upon yourself what is mine and given me what is yours. You have become what you were not so that I might become what I was not." Martin Luther

Hudson Alpha Double Helix Run

Attention all you runners, walkers, fitness fiends... and moms of runners, walkers, and fitness fiends, Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology is sponsoring a 5K and 1-mile Twilight Run on Tuesday, April 10, 5:30 PM. What better to do on a nice spring afternoon!

The Double Helix Dash is for serious runners as well as those just wanting to get out, get healthier, and experience a run through Research Park. The run begins at Genome Way, does a u-turn at Explorer, and ends back at Genome Way's entrance to McMillian Park. Awards will be given to the top male and female runners in eight age categories. Here is the registration form.

Spread the word! I will see you there and have some water for you at one of the stations.

Studio Hours

Beginning Monday, March 12, I will keep studio hours every Monday, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM. My studio is located at Matheny Goldmon Architect offices, 108 Woodson Street, Huntsville 35801. I love visitors, so come by and see what is on my easel. No telling. I am so easy to find - Woodson is that little street just past the Post Office on Clinton, and runs by the railroad tracks over to Holmes. Pull into the Matheny Goldmon parking lot and you will see a blue awning marked entrance. It would be best to call 256.503.9389 before you come just to make sure my schedule has not gone bonkers, and so I can alert the receptionist. Come see me!

Tailored for Education in the News

Megan Kelly and Jess Roy, founders of Tailored for Education

People are beginning to hear! And give! You may remember my posts in December about Megan and her missions venture giving uniforms to the needy children in Haiti. Their story has now been picked up by Huff Post's Internet Blog and here it is...

Give a Uniform, Change a Life
By Katy Kelleher

Here in America, school uniforms are viewed as something of an anachronism. Most schools no longer require uniforms, and the ones that do often come with a hefty price tag. However, things are a little different in places like Tanzania and Haiti, where uniforms are required even at public schools, and children who can't afford uniforms can be severely punished, which only discourages attendance.

Fortunately, there is a solution from this problem -- though it comes from a rather surprising sector. Last year, Megan Kelly and Jessica Roy, two Boston-based ladies who work in finance, were alerted to the issue by a friend. Neither was previously aware of the uniform problem, but once they began researching it, they realized that there was a need, one that no nonprofits currently met. They decided to start their own organization, and thus Tailored for Education was born.

We were able to talk to Jess and Megan a bit about their amazing project. Below, they discuss the genesis of the idea, give advice to any philanthropically-minded individuals, and shed a little light on the significance of a new uniform.

How did you end up starting a nonprofit?
Megan: I had a group of girlfriends over for dinner, and one of my friends had volunteered at an orphanage in Tanzania a couple years ago. We were talking about her experience, and she casually mentioned that to provide a school uniform for a child in Tanzania only cost $17. The next day, I went into work and started researching it. I went to Catholic school myself, so I grew up wearing uniforms, but I never thought that the lack of uniforms would be a major problem. I found that there were no nonprofits that addressed the issue. We didn't find anything that was dedicated just to providing uniforms, so we decided to do something about it.

Can you guys tell us a bit more about why uniforms are so essential? Can the kids go to school without uniforms?
Megan: We hear different stories. In some cases, the teacher will let it slide if the colors are similar. But we've also heard stories from Ghana where the children who don't wear uniforms are whipped every day -- but they still go to school, which I think is so amazing. It's definitely one of the barriers that keep kids from going to school. From everything we've learned, school uniforms have deep cultural roots. They also put all the kids on the same playing field; some of these kids don't have clothes to wear around, and it makes it so no one has to know that they're the poor kid in the class.

Jess: It also gives a huge sense of pride. To be able to wear something that is new, something that is your own -- it makes you stand out. The kids that go to school are the kids who wear uniforms... We've heard some amazing stories from our partners about the impact of these clothes. After the earthquake in Haiti, we were told about kids coming out of the rubble and out of destruction in their freshly-pressed uniforms. The surrounding environment was a disaster, but they were able to look like nothing had happened. It gave everyone a sense of normalcy.

Megan: And I think this is something we can all identify with. I have to admit I've gone shopping on a Sunday to buy a dress for work on Monday -- it brightens my day a little bit. On a very vain level, I think everyone can identify with the desire to look good in something new, something that is yours. It makes you feel more confident.

What has been the most exciting part so far about working with Tailored for Education?
Jess: I think the best part is having it be ours. It is something we started ourselves, something we can take credit for. We can mold it into what we want it to be. We've also had a really eye-opening learning experience, thanks to all the people we've talked to and all the work we've done along the way. I, for one, didn't know that all of these amazing organizations existed. I had no idea how many people devoted their lives to philanthropic living. You just don't realize how many people are able to drop everything, pick up their lives, and devote all their time to helping other people. I also found that everybody in the nonprofit world is just so kind. Everyone is so open and friendly and willing to help -- and that's very different from certain aspects of the business world.

Megan: In addition to everything Jess said, I think it's really exciting when we're talking to someone and getting a new organization involved. It's great when we get the final number of uniforms that we can provide, when we see what change we can make. To be able to help these children, to give them something that they can wear to school with pride and that is just theirs, I think that's the most exciting part.

Jess: We had a call last week with an organization and it was our first call with them, and when we told them what we could contribute, you could just hear her smiling through the phone. For me, it was that moment. We could hear the whole office cheering and clapping. She said to us: "You have no idea how many children this is going to help, or how far it is going to go." That just makes your day.

Megan: Another thing I love is when we get $15 donations from strangers. It was one thing when my parents did it, or my grandparents donated. I was so grateful but I knew they were doing it because of me. When we started getting donations from strangers, we were so excited. A $20 donation from a stranger really does help, because the average cost of a uniform is $16 to $20. So when you see a donation like that, you know there is a total stranger out there who believes in what you are doing, and who really wants to help.

How can the average reader help with the cause?
Megan: I think that's one of the thing that sets up apart from other organizations, that a $15 donation can really make a difference for a child.

Jess: In addition, anything you can do to get the word out is amazing. Tweeting, posting about it on Facebook, sending it to friends and family... anything you can do to raise the word about the cause. We didn't know this was an issue last May, so just letting people know that this is a problem -- and one that they can easily help with --is a great start.

What would your advice be to someone who wanted to start a charitable project?
Jess: My advice would be that you need to work with other organizations. It's a much more efficient system if you build upon what others are doing. We have teamed up with many organizations who are working to rebuild schools or provide teacher training or school supplies. We can come in and compliment their efforts and provide the one thing that they're not. It's a really nice way to collaborate.

Megan: I think the other thing is to think about what aid means. Not only are we giving these children uniforms, but we're also having them made locally, which provides jobs for members of the community. We've been learning a lot about microfinance, and we've realized how important it is to help provide jobs and help the economy. The idea is not to constantly give to these developing nations -- it's to find a way to help them become sustainable.

Katy Kelleher is the Global Editor of Milkshake. For more good news, sign up for our daily emails at GetMilkshake.com, http://www.getmilkshake.com/.

Note to Megan and Jess: So very proud of you and love you both! Suzanne~

March - Repentance

We are in the season of Lent. Lent comes from the Latin word, Quaresma, meaning 'forty'. There are quite a few time periods of forty in the Bible: the duration of the flood rains for forty days and forty nights in Genesis; Moses' forty days on the mountain with God in Exodus; forty years spend in the wilderness; the forty day journey of Elijah as he fled Jezebel; Jonah's forty day preaching in Ninevah; and our Lord's forty days of temptation before He began His ministry. One other I just heard recently - forty hours Jesus spent in the tomb. It is not in the Bible but it is traditionally thought.

Many Christians celebrate Lent - the forty days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. Celebrate may not be the right word... or maybe it is. During the season of Lent, Christians are to examine their hearts and turn to God in humility and repentance. Some give up something during Lent to mark Christ's full surrender of Himself on the cross. Others add something to their lives such as a time of fasting each week or a specific prayer and study. The goal overall is to approach the cross each year with submission, a clean heart, deeper love for Christ, and hope.

Repentance is not just asking for forgiveness. It is a deep desire of the heart to return to God and an action that accompanies the desire of the heart. Peter said, The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
Jesus spoke consistently of repentance to John in Revelation. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Revelation 3: 3, 19

It is not too late to begin your celebration of Lent. I anticipate many blessings to follow.

Lorraine Christie's Workshop

I told you I needed to be stretched. Well, I was. It was the hardest worshop I've ever attended; but good. Intense. Lorraine did a demo each morning for about two hours, then we took a break for lunch and came back to paint all afternoon. Her palette and style is so unique, that in itself was a stretch. My brain is tired and I have lots to process.

Here is the progression of her demo painting:
just getting started - she tones her canvas with orange
her very limited palette
getting in the background and blending it all together
boxing in a few figures and yes, she uses jet black
working on the lamp post
pulling together or 'marrying' the foreground
putting in the last figure and almost finished - isn't she incredible!
This is a previous painting of Lorraine's which Nancy and I used as our guide
Nancy's...
mine... obviously a long way to go
I will hang it in my studio and just live with it for awhile. Nancy and I both made quite a few notes of what to do to finish, along with Lorraine's suggestions. She was most kind. When we both finish, I will post a before and after.

Knock me out... Lorraine Christie

Lorraine Christie knocks me out. Her style, her colors, her freedom, her apparent joy. I've heard that when she is in love her paintings come alive!

I have the wonderful privilege of traveling to Atlanta to attend her 2-day oil painting workshop. The icing on the cake is that I will be spending the long weekend with my fellow artist and most fun college roommate. I am so excited!

I so need to take it all in. And more. Although I now have a painting and writing studio, I do not have a style, or a palette, or anything really I can call my own. I am putting quite a bit of stock in this workshop to push me to a new place - a place I so want to be. And need to be.

I hope Miss Lorraine is in love!

Baby Teresa

Isn't she a darling!

In keeping with our ongoing blog education regarding the many companies worldwide which are supporting the underserved, Baby Teresa was named in a Top Ten web list. Baby Teresa gives you an opportunity to Buy Once, Share Twice. When you purchase a Baby Teresa onesie, the baby you purchase it for gets a gorgeous outfit and so does another baby, one you don't know, but one in need. That other baby could be anywhere in the world from an orphanage in Vietnam, a small village in Africa or a family in need in Australia. Baby Teresa allows you to feel twice as good about the one gift.

In this day and age, dollars can be scarce, but the desire to make a greater impact on the world around us is as strong as ever. Launched in September, 2009 Baby Teresa’s first charitable all-in-one baby outfit donations were completed in the founder’s home state of Tasmania to benevolent organizations assisting mother’s with newborns in need. From there, the donations have continued to Egypt, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, the Philippines, Jordan and more with Sammie and Kirsty’s goal being to clothe a baby in every country in the world!

The 100% cotton baby outfits come in either a long ($34.95) or short ($29.95) version. Although they are in Australia, postage is just $5.00 and they ship all over the world. The color combos are precious. Shop Baby Teresa!

In Times of Grief

Are you always wondering what would be the really good thing to give someone who is grieving? Me too. From experience in the getting and in the giving, I have to say that a book is right at the top of my list. Why? Because there is something comforting about having a good book on your bedside table to look forward to come nightfall... or in the case of grief, whenever you find yourself inching toward the bed. Over the years I have come up with my favorites to read, re-read, and give. Thought you might like this list for yourself...

This tiny little book explains the stages of grief and every page is filled with life building facts. A must!

The classic of all classics. C. S. Lewis delves into his own grief after the death of his beloved wife, Joy.
Since this book helps me on a daily basis, along with many friends and family members, I am confident that Sarah Young's words of wisdom will deliver the balm of Gilead to the hurting.
A favorite devotional. Ken Gire is masterful at making you feel as if you are walking right beside Jesus. Also monumental leading up to Easter.

An unlikely choice, but my most favorite grief book of all. Joan Didion gives the most honest assessment of her first year of grief after the shocking death of her husband. This books makes you feel as if you are not crazy after all - someone else has felt the exact same way!

I have not actually read this book, but have given it several times. Each time I've been told that Dr. Wright has written a book that is read and re-read and brings healing and hope.

I hope these help you, sweet friends, as they have helped me.