Let the children come...

 This was shared with me and I wanted to take the time to share it with you.

Matthew 19:14. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"come now my children, let me show you around."
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA


This hit me so close to home, being a first grade teacher myself. I just can't imagine what the families of those who were lost feel. I believe and trust in God's authority over all things - including anything that the enemy tries to throw at us. The children were ready now to go to what will be our heavenly home. Though I do not believe in the hype about 12/21/12, I also have no doubt that the end times are coming.

As the day of our Savior's birth draws near, you can help save a young life and get some last minutes gifts taken care of now! Please join me in prayer for all those lost and left behind in Newtown, CT. Consider donating to Compassion International in honor of the 26 lives lost there and the countless other children living in poverty that are lost daily to preventable diseases. I encourage each of you to pray on what and how God wants you to answer His call to bring others the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Compassion International Gift Catalog 2012 

Rescue Babies and Mothers - Child Survival Program 

Sponsor a Child Today - Child Sponsorship Program 

Develop a Future Leader - Leadership Development Program 

Meet Critical Needs - Health & Medical Needs, Educational Needs, and Disaster Reliever & Stability 

Giving Tuesday

Black Friday was days ago, Cyber Monday is behind us.... it is time for Giving Tuesday!

What better way to give than giving the love of Christ! The past 2 years I have gotten my family and friends items from the Compassion Gift Catalog. It is the best because it not only shares Christ's love to the receiver, but the children and families living in poverty too!

What I have done is choose one of the inexpensive gifts and get about 2 dozen of them to give to co-workers and to "add-on" to gifts I've already gotten for that person. Then there are a few of the bigger gifts on the catalog that I get in honor of someone. Last year, I chose a few gifts in honor of my Compassion children that I sponsor!

If you haven't already, check out this years catalog and spread the word to others!

Happy "belated" Universal Children's Day

I know that this is a day late, but I wanted to share this amazing video that was share on yesterday's Compassion Blog for Universal Children's day... November 20th.

Take a moment to pray for the children we love so dearly.


Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

World Poverty Day

Thank you Lord that I was born in the time and the place that I was. It is hard for me to imagine what my life would be like if I were like my sponsored children... yet I find myself needing to remind myself not to take things for granted. Things such as being able to shower everyday, being able to turn on the heat when it gets cold or turn on the air-conditioning when it is too hot. What is normal to us everyday is a luxury to have. 

Let's remember in prayer our sponsored children and all families who live in poverty. Please read more on the Compassion Blog about World Poverty Day.

Biblical vs. Political.... I vote for Christ!

It is so hard these past several months to avoid all the political media surrounding our nation. There are issues that I stand with whole-heartedly, while others it is a hit or miss. There is not perfect plan that any politician can offer us. The only one who can offer a perfect plan is Christ Jesus. (Amen to that!!)

One thing I do know in addition to God's perfect plan for us, is His divine appointment in all things. Jesus has authority over heaven and earth, and under the earth. Whatever happens I know God has authority over and will work everything out for His glory. I encourage everyone to be in prayer for our nation's leaders and future leaders.

Speaking of future leaders, I am always in awe of the letters I read from my sponsored children. I often wonder who they will grow up to be because of "divine intervention" from Christ. Thank you Lord for using me to do Your good works.

In the midst of all the political yard signs out there, why not get a yard sign from Compassion? Please visit my former blog-post, Campaigning For Compassion, where you will find a link to the yard sign and many other free resources to add some bibilically correct support to all the politics.

Triple Mail Call!

I love this time when I get a letter from all of my kids!!! Here they are!!

The first is from Chatchai from Thailand - Dated May 2, 2012:

Dear Maria,

I'm writing on behalf of Chatchai because he is unable to write by himself. He is wondering how you and your family are right now. Are you keeping very well? He and his family are very fine. Again, he is wondering how the weather in your country is right now. Is it so hot or not? He can go to Church sometimes and he can join in the Christmas celebration with the project. He says he is very glad and very happy on Christmas Day recently. He says he prefers both Christmas Day and Easter Day. He says right now his family is preparing for growing corn crops. He says he can join in his birthday party in the project because the project has arranged for him and many other friends. Also, the Easter celebration has been arranged in the project as well. He asks you to take good care of your health because right now the weather is very hot. He asks you to say a prayer for him in coming to learn in the project and for his preparation for learning in a new grade, and for his parents in their work also. He prays the blessing of the Lord to stay with you and your family.

Love in Christ and With love and highly respect,

Chatchai and child worker on his behalf

Even though someone at the project is writing for him... I imagine my little guy saying "And tell her this... and this... and this...!!!" :) How I love his letters! So much detail from such a little tike!

This next one is Nury from Mexico - Dated July 9, 2012.

Hello Sponsor Maria!

How is your health? I am fine. My holidays are Christmas, Easter, and New Year's Eve. On my birthday, my grandmother cooked tamales. I had a great time! Ho has everything gone with your students. What grade will you be teaching in? I am going to have a female teacher. I am passing onto 5th grade meanwhile my sister is moving onto 8th grade. We are doing good in school. Thanks for the letter you sent me, it is very pretty and the drawings were nice. I wish you could pray for my family. I am about to get out on vacation, and when  that happens, I am going to attend the Vacation Bible School, both at church and at Compassion. I hope you have a good time. God Bless you.

Nury

Oh Nury, you are growing beautifully into the woman God has created you to be!

Last but not least is Yamairy from Dominican Republic - Dated June 19, 2012.

Dear Maria,

How are you? The child and her mother send warm regards and blessings to you. The child says she did well in school because she got promoted to 4th grade! The child thanks you for the letter, stickers, and for the pictures. The child wants to know, do you like bread with salami? She asks for prayers for her whole family and for you. May God bless you.

With love and affection,

Yamairy and Compassion tutor

Hooray!! I love getting updates on my little ones! I need to write them another letter!! Please share your letters as well! Provide the links in your comments. I would love to hear how your kids are doing!

Planting seeds & playing catch up....

 

Wow, it has been such a long time since I have posted last! This has proven to be a very busy, emotional, and God-fearing summer! I hope to get back into the groove as another school year comes close.

Couple of updates, have continued to get my wonderful letters coming in from Nury, Chatchai, and Yamairy. I received birthday "thank yous" from all three of them. If there has one thing that has been consistent this summer, it has been my daily prayers for them, striving to write to them each month, and thanking God that I continue to have the ability to sponsor them.

On the Compassion front, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Joyful Noise concert in June. I was unable to attend the entire event, but I was able to see Mandisa, Peter Fuler, and TobyMac! When I left for the evening, we had between 35-40 sponsored children!



I was also successful in recruiting a new sponsor at my church! I haven't been able to do a Compassion Sunday presentation for the past 2 years. Surprisingly, one of our church members remembered the presentation and came up to me one weekend as said, " I want to sponsor a child through Compassion." Whoo-hoo! That was a "Praise God" moment. It just made me think about the seeds that are planted. God calls us to plant the seeds and to be in prayer. As time goes on, the seed gets water and sun and grows. You never know when God allows something like this to flourish!!

As summer comes to an end, what seeds have you planted? How have you seen how God has been watering the seed you planted?

 

Team Up To Support Compassion

Compassion International and the Minnesota Twins have teamed up for “The Compassion Pitch,” a unique opportunity to join other Compassion supporters at magnificent Target Field to enjoy Major League baseball while raising funds for Compassion’s programs. For this occasion the Twins will be hosting the Seattle Mariners, Monday, Aug. 27. Here is how it works: Between today and July 30, call (800) 33-TWINS, press “0” to speak to an attendant, and mention you are purchasing tickets as a part of the Compassion International promotion for the 7:10 p.m. game on Monday, Aug. 27. For every $25 ticket you purchase, $6 goes to Compassion’s Unsponsored Children’s Fund. A limited number of tickets are available, and if demand exceeds supply, the Twins will provide additional game date options in September. Major credit cards are accepted, and a $5 one-time service fee is added to each order for any number of seats. The tickets will be mailed directly to the person placing the order. This is a great opportunity to show your team support and to tell your friends about Compassion. Consider purchasing extra tickets to treat your pastor, a neighbor or friend and you could use this baseball game as a fun outing for church, family or business. Join us to cheer on your favorite team while supporting a ministry that is close to your heart.

National Day of Prayer - May 3, 2012

 

The National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance held on the first Thursday of May, designated by the United States Congress, when people are asked "to turn to God in prayer and meditation". Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day.

According to dictionary.com

prayer: (noun)

1. a devout petition to God or an object of worship.

2.a spiritual communion with God or an object of worship, as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession.

Today was an amazing day with my first graders. Though, it wasn't exactly the perfect day by any means - because we all know the enemy will try to throw anything at you when a strong number of people gather in prayer - it has been a day filled with prayer, praise, worship, and complete devotion to my Savior. 

Here are a couple of my favorite verses on prayer.

Matthew 21:22
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

James 5:13, 15-16
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

What are your favorite verses on prayer? 

How did you spend your National Day of Prayer day today? 

Also, if you haven't yet, please check out the Compassion Blog about this special day!