Meet Our Compassion Kids Monday: Abner

This week I would like to introduce you to Abner. He is my second correspondent child. Abner lives in Colombia with both of his parents as well as 4 sisters and 1 brother. He loves to play soccer, loves horses, and likes the color green.

In his first letter to us, he told us about his parrot Rebeca. He says she is 'so fun and I love her a lot.' I asked him to draw me a picture of Rebeca. The verse he shared with me was 1 Timothy 4:12 - "Always act in a manner pleasing to God and you may win people over to believe in Christ."

Favorite Photo of the Week

When I became an advocate with Compassion this past fall, I made it a goal to set up a Compassion Sunday at another church in town. Because we live in somewhat of a small town still, I know a couple of pastors at other churches and have friends who attend still other churches.

After working through the details, we set up this past Sunday for me to do my first Compassion presentation outside of my own church. I was so nervous and excited! I used the presentation builder which is available for free on the Compassion Sunday web site. I modified it a little bit and showed the 'Grace Finds Hope' video during the presentation. The week before the presentation, I read about each of the 10 children whose packets I had on hand. I prayed for them each day.

Matthew came with me and help me set up the table before the presentation. I had just found a blue tablecloth at Target the night before on clearance which fit the table beautifully. After the service was over, God provided sponsors for 7 of the children!

The Joy Dare #64 - 80

64. first bulbs blooming
65. smelling homemade apple pie baking in the oven
66. hand stitching a quilt binding
67. listening to worship songs during my walk
68. musical sounds of wind chimes
69. willing clean up crew after my afternoon of baking
70. sharing about Compassion at another church in town
71. seven more children sponsored through Compassion!
72. popcorn and a movie at home with my family
73. sending welcome letters to new Compassion sponsors
74. making paper beads from an old catalog with my kids
75. knowing that I have enough

76. box of freshly picked oranges from a neighbor
77.being able to visit with a friend
78. found out a letter from Lina is on its way here!
79. Compassion magazine in the mail
80. lazy day at home

WIP Projects #4-6

Yesterday was a day filled with lots of paperwork, so I am hoping that today I will be able to find some time to work on some craft projects!

I am happy to report that all three of my last projects I posted about have been completed!

For this next week, I have 3 more WIPs that I would like to complete.

4. BOM quilt block - this is the third year that I have joined our 'local' (half hour away) quilt store for their once a month quilt block project. Back in August, they started a new series of blocks using Thimbleberry fabrics. Basically, we paid $5 for the first quilt block. Then when we finish the block and bring it to the next meeting, we get the fabric and the pattern to make the block for free. Over the course of the year, you have the potential to get the fabric and patterns for 12 blocks and pay only $5. I need to finish this block by Saturday morning in order to get the next one for free.

5. Valentine banner - this is a project I found on Pinterest. Since today is the first day of February, I would like to put away all my snowmen decorations and put up my Valentine decorations. I have pinned a few Valentine projects using book pages and thought this one would be quick and easy to make. I didn't want to use just any old book for these projects, so I went to the used book store and found a used copy of 'Persuasion', my favorite Jane Austen book.

6. Prayer Board - this is another Pinterest inspired project. I wanted a place where we could put prayer requests so that as we walk by the board, we remember to pray for those who are on our prayer board. I also found the bible verse on Pinterest, printed it out, colored in the words and hearts, then mounted it on some cardstock. Now I just need to attach the bible verse and set up an area with cards, push pins, and pens.

What projects will you be working on this week?

Meet Our Compassion Kids Monday: Mamata

Kelsey was really excited when she learned that she could be a correspondent sponsor with Compassion. At first, we requested one child for her to correspond with. In September, she was notified that she would be a correspondent sponsor with Mamata in India.

Mamata is 13 years old and lives with her father, mother, little brother and little sister. She likes the color pink and likes to sing songs in Sunday School. Mamata asks for prayers for her studies because she would like to be a nurse one day.

Favorite Photo of the Week

Matthew and Kelsey just before our Annual Civil War Ball.

For those of you who don't know, our family has been participating in Civil War reenacting for the past four years. One of the highlights of the year for me is the annual Civil War Ball. I love dressing up in my fancy ball gown and dancing the old english country dances. The Virginia Reel, the Gay Gordon, the Quadrilles, such fun dances!

Since photography is something that I enjoy, on Fridays, I would love to post my favorite photo of the week.

The Joy Dare #43 - 63

43. hearing my kids laugh together
44. homemade chicken noodle soup
45. remembering how amazing the Gospel is
46. watching a little bird find food after the rain
47. paper napkin fight and laughing with my kids
48. sound of heavy rain
49. finished many sewing projects
50. wearing my Civil War ball gown
51. dancing the Virginia Reel
52. Matthew playing with the worship band
53. Kelsey's little note
54. dinner and conversation with friends
55. homeschooling my children
56. time for quiet afternoon reading
57. blue sky peeking through a cloud-filled sky
58. a clean desk
59. In 'n Out burger and fries
60. flannel sheets
61. old books
62. pictures of my family
63. morning sky outside my kitchen window

How is your Joy Dare list coming along?