January 26, 2010

A Little of This...

I’ve become a neglectful blog parent (and blog friend) in the past few weeks…“Sorry!” I really hope to get back into more regular posting and visiting. For today I lots of little things to share—some newsy, some prayerful, some celebratory and some just plain silly.



Haiti Relief
It’s been over a week since the devastating earthquake hit Haiti. As relief pours in from all over the world, even in such a tragedy God’s love is boldly visible. The Foundation for Peace, the organization that sponsored our mission trip to the Dominican Republic last summer, is actively providing food and medical assistance to Haitian earthquake survivors at the border in Jimani.

Two of my friends are in-country now working with the FFP. And several folks from our church—including my husband—are planning to travel there in the next few weeks to help. In addition to the many prayers being offered for Haiti, please pray for their safety, for the myriad details that need to fall into place, and for God’s strength and provision for those offering care.


Welcome and Thank You
I’m so appreciative for every single one of you, my readers. Your encouragement, comments and support are the fuel that keeps me going. Just knowing I’m not writing into the ethers of cyberspace provides great comfort! Recently several new readers have subscribed. I want to say, “Welcome,” and let you know how thankful I am to have you reading. Please leave a comment and say, “Hi.”


Hot off the Press
I just received my very own copy of Faith and Finances: In God We Trust — A Journey to Financial Dependence. This wonderful devotional provides spiritual insight and practical advice on how to let go of the very thing we cling so tightly to—our money. Besides featuring award-winning and best-selling authors, this book features a devotional written by me! I'm still new to formal publishing and it’s exciting to see my name in print.

Read more about Faith and Finances, here 



Must Read Book 
Like many of you, I read a lot of books. At Christmastime I won the book Scared by Tom Davis, from Julie Gillies. Julie said it was the best book she read in 2009. Well, I just finished it and whole-heartedly agree! Even though Scared is a work of fiction, the world and life stories described in the book are based on the real life stories of the book’s author. From page one Scared grabbed my interest, heart and emotions, and didn’t let go.

I was transported into a starved, war-torn, desperate Africa with photojournalist, Stuart Daniels. It’s there he meets Adanna, a young girl whose twelve years have held more hunger and suffering one should experience in a dozen lifetimes. Set amid the AIDS epidemic, crippling poverty and unending starvation, Scared tells a sobering and often difficult-to-read tale of love and hope and redemption. By the end of the book it was clear that Tom Davis didn’t set out to entertain with his debut novel, he set out to change lives—both the readers’ and the orphans he’s written about.

I highly, highly recommend you beg, borrow or buy your own copy of Scared today!   


And Now for Something Silly…
For a long time I was app-rehensive about all the chatter about "apps." Now that my family has gone iTouch/iPhone crazy I'm an "app" convert. The latest addition in our house is the free app  called the Moron Test and we've all spent far too long playing it. If you want to entertain/frustrate yourself for hours, I highly recommend it. (The good news is that I’ve determined I’m not quite a moron. And I think I rejuvenated a few brain cells in the process.)


"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men." (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)




11 comments:

Kathleen said...

You've been busy, girl!

Our church has been involved in the Haiti relief efforts too. We sent over 2200 pairs of shoes last week, along with nearly two containers full of med supplies. In April, we're sponsoring a group of docs, engineers & contractors to help with the aftermath.

My heart still breaks every time I see the devastation there, but it also rejoices. The church has come alongside in a HUGE way, and something tells me that bodes well for the Haitians, and God's glory!

Blessings,
Kathleen

Terri Tiffany said...

Congrats for being in another book! Way to go! You are doing awesome:)) Will pray for safety for your husband as he travels there.

Sue J. said...

Our church sends folks at least twice a year. The buildings that we have been constructing down there have been demolished. Also, I learned yesterday that one of the missionaries we support down there had to be airlifted from the building she was in, because she was badly injured. It is very difficult to see what has happened.

But God will arise from Haiti, and we will see miracles there. And I'm praying for boundaries to be broken--that supplies and food get to where they need to be; that friends who are hoping to serve as foster parents for Haitian orphans will receive their new children; that He will reign in Haiti and that the world will acknowledge His presence!

Prayers for Dan and those who will join him in supporting this rebirth of a country.

It is always good to hear your voice! As for gadgets, joining Facebook was a huge step for me. It is fascinating! I have experienced the pluses and minuses in a very short time. (I'm probably still at the FB Moron stage myself!)

Congrats on the book placement, Kelli, that's so awesome!

Tom Harsha said...

I am enjoying the blog Kelli! It's awesome to see your thoughts broadcast over the interwaves. Keep up the great work. See you soon but not Friday...I'm being educated by high schoolers.

Lynne is going down the 7th through the 13th. Safe travels and God's mercy to Dan!

Sarah (GenMom) said...

Lots of good info. here! Thanks for sharing. And, congrats on getting the devotional on finances included in that book.

Hope your new year is off to a great start.

Carmen said...

Congratulations on getting published again, Kelli! Very exciting! The situation in Haiti is heartbreaking! We have quite a few friends who have adopted children from Haiti and who are still in contact with their birth parents, so it's devastating for them on a personal level. Keep us posted on how your hubby does while there!

Karen Hossink said...

Yay for the book! It is so fun to see your name in print, isn't it???

And the moron test? Well, I'm glad to hear you aren't quite a moron. I think I'll forgo the test. Not sure I'd like the results. LOL!

Cheryl Barker said...

Congrats, Kelli, on being included in the Faith & Finances book! Exciting stuff. And I think I would be afraid to take the moron test myself :)

Julie Gillies said...

Hi Kelli,

You aren't the only one with a neglected blog, my friend. I went two weeks between posts thanks to an unexpected trip to visit my grandbabies for a week. Oh well! We can only do so much, right?

I'm so glad you liked "Scared", by Tom Davis. I think everyone should read it!

And congrats on yet another devo book accomplishment. I'm so excited for you, Kelli. God is really opening doors for you! *big smile*

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Recently someone posed the question regarding the reasons behind our purchasing certain books. Hands down, I purchase books based on recommendations from friends. Now I have a new one to add to my list. Thanks.

Have a good rest of the week; I'll see you on the flip side.

peace~elaine

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Just ordered it; I'll let you know how I like it.

~elaine