CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE GENESIS OF THE MOTHER LETTER PROJECT. By now you know the story. Instead of purchasing Christmas this year, our family created it and donated the "difference" to a small African village. To that end, I collected a series of open letters-the Mother Letters-for my wife's Christmas present. You may still submit a letter via email HERE, or COMMENT HERE. Please refer to the FAQs in the side bar for answers to more of your questions. They explain the project in greater detail.
UPDATE--LESSONS LEARNED
This week has been eventful. After the Big Reveal, life intervened. On December 26th, I received a somber telephone call. My dear uncle passed to the next life. He was 57.
I have listened to stories of his life-those discrete personal moments, shared by family over tears and pecan pie. Some shared stories to lighten the burden. Some shared stories of sorrow. The common thread, however, was time. Time is the essence of our lives.
We have been given but one span of time, marked with an unknown date of expiration. We move toward the spent column faster than we know. We move forward because of the requirement of accountability.
"Why such a somber post on the MLP," you ask? I have realized in reading your letters, in sharing your stories, and in talking to Amber, that each opportunity is most important. There is only one chance to love hard-your wife, you husband, and children. There is but one chance to reconcile-with your past, your family, and your friends. When viewed in the scope of eternity, that one brief moment is called "today." It is our life.
To those of you who have spouses-intention to love them well in 2009. For all with children and grandchildren-let your love be passed to them with creativity and gusto. To those with difficult pasts, the kinds that so easily entangle-cast them aside and press on reconciliation.
2009 is the year. It will only be lived once.
Here is to 2009!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
The Mother Letter Project Reveal--HOW'D IT ALL GO DOWN?
Update--HOW'D IT ALL GO DOWN?
I am officially back to the land of internet connectivity (please be patient as I sift through your emails related to the project). So, I thought I'd give you all my side of how it all went down.
On our way to Amber's Alabama home-place, I started to tell her that her present had not come together like I thought and that she probably wouldn't be receiving a gift on Christmas day. I told her that she could expect something later in December, or maybe January, or maybe... She hid her dissapointment well.
On Christmas Eve, I made my way to Huntsville in order to "pick up a few things." As you all know, my primary reason for traveling to Huntsville was to put the finishing touches on the project and send a mass email, which consequently caused my account to be temporarily suspended; I was tagged as a SPAMMER, you see.
I then made my way back to the homestead and informed Amber that, beyond a shadow of any doubt, her Christmas present was not going to work out. She didn't know that I had devised a tricky play with her sister.
On Christmas morning, I biffed. I totally forgot about her stocking. As a last minute filler, I stuffed it with toffee (which was really no surprise since we had already eaten a half-tin) and a partial roll of toilet paper. When she opened it, she didn't see the need for the toilet paper. I mean, the toffee was really good but it was nothing to cry about. Again, she hid her deflation--barely.
About ten minutes later, her brother-in-law called and asked me to help him put together a Christmas present. If you know me, this is laughable--I am the least handy man in America. However, I agreed and Amber's sister asked Amber to come along. So, early on Christmas morning, we loaded up and made our way to the sister's house.
Amber's sister has recently acquired the internet, so upon arrival the sis said "hey Amber, come and look at these new facebook pictures." They cruised through facebook for a few minutes and then Erin said "what I really want you to see is this." It was Shannon's post. You know the post--the reveal post.
At first, she smiled just a little. Then, a tear formed. Then, as she kept reading, she started giggling. Then, full on gut-laughter. Then a tearful breakdown with much fanning of the hands and covering of the eyes. She said "hold on, I'm repenting"--I knew the toilet paper filler was bad, but I didn't think it was that bad.
Over the next 30 minutes, I took her to the MLP site and then to your comments on her blog (remember how I hacked in and left a post for you guys to leave her some Christmas cheer?). She was absolutely beside herself.
And then, when the dust settled, we all made our way back to the homestead to eat our Christmas breakfast. And I think it was the best breakfast either of us had ever eaten.
Thank you again so much. Words can only go so far to express my grattitude. You are all heroes.
If you so desire, keep submitting your letters. We will read them all. And please feel free to work in the forum. It's your way to let the other mothers know how their letters touched you.
I am officially back to the land of internet connectivity (please be patient as I sift through your emails related to the project). So, I thought I'd give you all my side of how it all went down.
On our way to Amber's Alabama home-place, I started to tell her that her present had not come together like I thought and that she probably wouldn't be receiving a gift on Christmas day. I told her that she could expect something later in December, or maybe January, or maybe... She hid her dissapointment well.
On Christmas Eve, I made my way to Huntsville in order to "pick up a few things." As you all know, my primary reason for traveling to Huntsville was to put the finishing touches on the project and send a mass email, which consequently caused my account to be temporarily suspended; I was tagged as a SPAMMER, you see.
I then made my way back to the homestead and informed Amber that, beyond a shadow of any doubt, her Christmas present was not going to work out. She didn't know that I had devised a tricky play with her sister.
On Christmas morning, I biffed. I totally forgot about her stocking. As a last minute filler, I stuffed it with toffee (which was really no surprise since we had already eaten a half-tin) and a partial roll of toilet paper. When she opened it, she didn't see the need for the toilet paper. I mean, the toffee was really good but it was nothing to cry about. Again, she hid her deflation--barely.
About ten minutes later, her brother-in-law called and asked me to help him put together a Christmas present. If you know me, this is laughable--I am the least handy man in America. However, I agreed and Amber's sister asked Amber to come along. So, early on Christmas morning, we loaded up and made our way to the sister's house.
Amber's sister has recently acquired the internet, so upon arrival the sis said "hey Amber, come and look at these new facebook pictures." They cruised through facebook for a few minutes and then Erin said "what I really want you to see is this." It was Shannon's post. You know the post--the reveal post.
At first, she smiled just a little. Then, a tear formed. Then, as she kept reading, she started giggling. Then, full on gut-laughter. Then a tearful breakdown with much fanning of the hands and covering of the eyes. She said "hold on, I'm repenting"--I knew the toilet paper filler was bad, but I didn't think it was that bad.
Over the next 30 minutes, I took her to the MLP site and then to your comments on her blog (remember how I hacked in and left a post for you guys to leave her some Christmas cheer?). She was absolutely beside herself.
And then, when the dust settled, we all made our way back to the homestead to eat our Christmas breakfast. And I think it was the best breakfast either of us had ever eaten.
Thank you again so much. Words can only go so far to express my grattitude. You are all heroes.
If you so desire, keep submitting your letters. We will read them all. And please feel free to work in the forum. It's your way to let the other mothers know how their letters touched you.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
WELCOME TO THE STABLE--A Christmas present from the MLP
Perhaps Mary would have said:
Video completed by Josh Graber
As I thought about a Christmas offering for those of you who gave of yourselves, I wondered what Mary would say if she could drop us into the narrative of her motherhood—the narrative of Christmas. A dear friend of mine gives this offering:
A Letter From Mary
Dear Mother,
As you celebrate this day,
when the baby savior came to be with us,
you may imagine what I must have thought
as God With Us was birthed into my arms.
Mother,
Both you and I
have opened to the immensity of his light.
Just as his Spirit overwhelmed me,
so you have let his lambent wings enfold you.
He made his flame unfurl its life in you,
and as you opened,
opened to the gifts in your arms,
He made his joy uncurl inside of you.
Both you and I
have been given the gift of Love.
Just as he made me to love this Jesus baby,
he let an ecstasy of love inside of you
fan out like leaves of joy before your sons.
Dear Beautiful Mother,
You have given all to him, have let yourself
be sifted clean, while daily you have sent
your heart surrendered trilling out before Him.
Your prayers flutter and unfold
like fronds of tender foliage for your sons.
Your open palms are ornaments of God.
Our Lord is glad.
Dear Tender Mother,
Do not be afraid of being less.
The God of Immeasurably More
has birthed his gifts in you, has shone
his light on you, unfurled
his brightness in you, birthed
in you these sons as gifts for the world.
And, yes,
His light is light in you.
Your sons are heirs of light.
Dear Mother,
day after day,
as you serve your little ones,
He is swarmed in love around you.
Dear mother,
He
Is
Swarmed
In
Love
Around
You.
Your sons are heirs of light.
Caroline Hruska
Video completed by Josh Graber
As I thought about a Christmas offering for those of you who gave of yourselves, I wondered what Mary would say if she could drop us into the narrative of her motherhood—the narrative of Christmas. A dear friend of mine gives this offering:
A Letter From Mary
Dear Mother,
As you celebrate this day,
when the baby savior came to be with us,
you may imagine what I must have thought
as God With Us was birthed into my arms.
Mother,
Both you and I
have opened to the immensity of his light.
Just as his Spirit overwhelmed me,
so you have let his lambent wings enfold you.
He made his flame unfurl its life in you,
and as you opened,
opened to the gifts in your arms,
He made his joy uncurl inside of you.
Both you and I
have been given the gift of Love.
Just as he made me to love this Jesus baby,
he let an ecstasy of love inside of you
fan out like leaves of joy before your sons.
Dear Beautiful Mother,
You have given all to him, have let yourself
be sifted clean, while daily you have sent
your heart surrendered trilling out before Him.
Your prayers flutter and unfold
like fronds of tender foliage for your sons.
Your open palms are ornaments of God.
Our Lord is glad.
Dear Tender Mother,
Do not be afraid of being less.
The God of Immeasurably More
has birthed his gifts in you, has shone
his light on you, unfurled
his brightness in you, birthed
in you these sons as gifts for the world.
And, yes,
His light is light in you.
Your sons are heirs of light.
Dear Mother,
day after day,
as you serve your little ones,
He is swarmed in love around you.
Dear mother,
He
Is
Swarmed
In
Love
Around
You.
Your sons are heirs of light.
Caroline Hruska
The Village--Mozambique, Africa
The African Village:
You know the story. I was affected greatly by a trip to Lichinga, Mozambique. I wanted make a little difference this Christmas, and donate it to that village. And here is your chance to do the same!
My dear friends Kyle, Ginger, Rusty, and Ann serve a people group called the Yao. They teach them how to find reconciliation—reconcilliation with both the land and the Creator. For a people with relatively little agricultural knowledge, Rusty, Kyle, and the gang bring a store-house of wisdom. They bring change, and hopefully, they sow seeds of justice and salvation.
You know the story. I was affected greatly by a trip to Lichinga, Mozambique. I wanted make a little difference this Christmas, and donate it to that village. And here is your chance to do the same!
My dear friends Kyle, Ginger, Rusty, and Ann serve a people group called the Yao. They teach them how to find reconciliation—reconcilliation with both the land and the Creator. For a people with relatively little agricultural knowledge, Rusty, Kyle, and the gang bring a store-house of wisdom. They bring change, and hopefully, they sow seeds of justice and salvation.
These guys are my heroes. I hope you get to know them.
Please visit their website to learn more about them and their projects. If you would like to donate a little Christmas “difference” to them this year, you may send your check to:
Covenant Fellowship Church
801 S Elm StSearcy, AR 72143
Please note Mozambique in the memo line. We hope to have online donation set up soon. If we can get it set up, you will start to see the above button used quite a bit. Keep checking the site!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
WHO I AM!
Please allow me to introduce myself.
My name—my real name—is Seth. I am the husband to the love of my life, Amber, and father to my three sons Isaac (4), Jude (2), and Ian (1). We live our lives and make our home in Arkansas, U.S.A.
I will not belabor the point—by now you know the story. But let me take this opportunity to thank you. Over the course of the last month, you have submitted quite an awe-inpsiring collection of letters. You shared your hopes, fears, losses, and wisdom; you shared your mother story.
You have authored a project that reached farther than I could have ever imagined—all seven continents are represented. I am truly grateful for your response, and know that Amber will be also!
I also want to say a special thanks to Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer. Many of you know how she assisted in spreading the word. I am awestruck by her response to a single email that she very well could have deleted. Thanks forever, Shannon.
Thanks also to Ann and Ann, who also took the time to respond to an email from a random strangers in middle-America. Thank you Robin for your PR tips and the endless publicity. Thank you to the rest of you who gave of yourself this Christmas so that you could affect the life of a complete stranger.
Please stop by the sites of Sarah, Cindy, and Nicole and thank them for helping me put this project together!
For a while, I am without internet access. Today’s posts were authored and scheduled well before I left for my Christmas trip. As a result, it will be a few days before I can post Amber’s reaction. Until then, you can get to know her through her musings at her Blog.
For those of you who have posted in the last few days, be looking for the post-Christmas supplement that will include your letters.
My name—my real name—is Seth. I am the husband to the love of my life, Amber, and father to my three sons Isaac (4), Jude (2), and Ian (1). We live our lives and make our home in Arkansas, U.S.A.
I will not belabor the point—by now you know the story. But let me take this opportunity to thank you. Over the course of the last month, you have submitted quite an awe-inpsiring collection of letters. You shared your hopes, fears, losses, and wisdom; you shared your mother story.
You have authored a project that reached farther than I could have ever imagined—all seven continents are represented. I am truly grateful for your response, and know that Amber will be also!
I also want to say a special thanks to Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer. Many of you know how she assisted in spreading the word. I am awestruck by her response to a single email that she very well could have deleted. Thanks forever, Shannon.
Thanks also to Ann and Ann, who also took the time to respond to an email from a random strangers in middle-America. Thank you Robin for your PR tips and the endless publicity. Thank you to the rest of you who gave of yourself this Christmas so that you could affect the life of a complete stranger.
Please stop by the sites of Sarah, Cindy, and Nicole and thank them for helping me put this project together!
For a while, I am without internet access. Today’s posts were authored and scheduled well before I left for my Christmas trip. As a result, it will be a few days before I can post Amber’s reaction. Until then, you can get to know her through her musings at her Blog.
For those of you who have posted in the last few days, be looking for the post-Christmas supplement that will include your letters.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
The Mother Letter Project--CHRISTMAS DAY SURPRISE!
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE GENESIS OF THE MOTHER LETTER PROJECT.
By now you know the story. Instead of purchasing Christmas this year, our family is "creating" Christmas and donating the "difference" to a small African village. To that end, I am collecting a series of open letters-the Mother Letters-for my wife's Christmas present. How do I leave a letter, you inquire? Email HERE, or comment HERE. Please refer to the FAQs in the side bar for answers to more of your questions. They explain the project in greater detail.
A CHRISTMAS PRESENT?
The project has hit 500! "Too late to submit," you ask? The answer is, simply, "no." KEEP 'EM COMING! There is always room for one more at the stable.
A couple of "heads up" items. On Christmas Eve (around noon), Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer will have a special story on the MLP. I won't divulge too many details, but she will have a major scoop! Please take a break from the Christmas preparations to visit her site for some real insider information.
In addition, take a bit of time out of your Christmas Day to visit the Mother Letter Project. I'll be posting a little something for those of you who have found your way to this corner of the Internet. A "thank you" of sorts. And, I will reveal my true identity and leave you instructions for donating to that little African village (if interested).
Thank you so much. You have blessed me more than you will ever know. I am sure my wife will say the same on Christmas day.
Merry Christmas!
By now you know the story. Instead of purchasing Christmas this year, our family is "creating" Christmas and donating the "difference" to a small African village. To that end, I am collecting a series of open letters-the Mother Letters-for my wife's Christmas present. How do I leave a letter, you inquire? Email HERE, or comment HERE. Please refer to the FAQs in the side bar for answers to more of your questions. They explain the project in greater detail.
A CHRISTMAS PRESENT?
The project has hit 500! "Too late to submit," you ask? The answer is, simply, "no." KEEP 'EM COMING! There is always room for one more at the stable.
A couple of "heads up" items. On Christmas Eve (around noon), Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer will have a special story on the MLP. I won't divulge too many details, but she will have a major scoop! Please take a break from the Christmas preparations to visit her site for some real insider information.
In addition, take a bit of time out of your Christmas Day to visit the Mother Letter Project. I'll be posting a little something for those of you who have found your way to this corner of the Internet. A "thank you" of sorts. And, I will reveal my true identity and leave you instructions for donating to that little African village (if interested).
Thank you so much. You have blessed me more than you will ever know. I am sure my wife will say the same on Christmas day.
Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 12, 2008
The Mother Letter Project--The Five Days of Christmas Recap
THE FIVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS... CHARITY NAME DROPPING CONTINUED
In the spirit of the Mother Letter Project, I encouraged you to pick a charity and donate a little "difference" this Christmas season. To that end, I promoted 5 charities over 5 days. Read here for the charities I recommended, including Living Water, Compassion, The Luke Sponberg Foundation, Heifer International, and the entire continent of Africa.
At the end of the post for day 5, I left an auto-link segment so that you could recommend charities for Mother Letter readers to support and many of you participated. In fact, I even discovered a cause or two I would like to support, for instance this particular cause (I understand that religious affiliations differ on this site, and I welcome charitable causes with any or no religious affiliation). Although I would love for you to save a bit of Christmas "change" for my friends in that small African village, I understand if you want to give your Christmas "difference" to another cause. With that in mind, tell us who you would like to see supported this Christmas? Use the box below to tell us. Give us a list. After all, it is Christmas.
Let's do some work.
In the spirit of the Mother Letter Project, I encouraged you to pick a charity and donate a little "difference" this Christmas season. To that end, I promoted 5 charities over 5 days. Read here for the charities I recommended, including Living Water, Compassion, The Luke Sponberg Foundation, Heifer International, and the entire continent of Africa.
At the end of the post for day 5, I left an auto-link segment so that you could recommend charities for Mother Letter readers to support and many of you participated. In fact, I even discovered a cause or two I would like to support, for instance this particular cause (I understand that religious affiliations differ on this site, and I welcome charitable causes with any or no religious affiliation). Although I would love for you to save a bit of Christmas "change" for my friends in that small African village, I understand if you want to give your Christmas "difference" to another cause. With that in mind, tell us who you would like to see supported this Christmas? Use the box below to tell us. Give us a list. After all, it is Christmas.
Let's do some work.
Friday, December 5, 2008
The MLP Music Extravaganza
FREE CHRISTMAS MUSIC?
The response to this project has been amazing! As I read all of these letters, written by so many amazing mothers, I wonder if there is not an entire group of mothers who have been unintentionally left out of this project? I think about my grandmother, and the amazing stories she would have of raising a child while her husband was fighting Nazis in Europe. Where is her story?
So, here is the challenge. Collect some letters from mothers who are not connected to the information super-highway. Collect handwritten submissions and scan them or retype them. Just send them my way. Then, put the challenge out on your blogs. She who collects the most letters from non-net-connected mothers will receive a free copy of Sarah Groves' new Christmas album (and if you know her, ask her to write a letter ;)). In the event of a tie? We'll settle this the old fashioned way--drawing names from Santa's hat.
Who doesn't like free music?
Have fun; be encouraged. Merry Christmas.
The response to this project has been amazing! As I read all of these letters, written by so many amazing mothers, I wonder if there is not an entire group of mothers who have been unintentionally left out of this project? I think about my grandmother, and the amazing stories she would have of raising a child while her husband was fighting Nazis in Europe. Where is her story?
So, here is the challenge. Collect some letters from mothers who are not connected to the information super-highway. Collect handwritten submissions and scan them or retype them. Just send them my way. Then, put the challenge out on your blogs. She who collects the most letters from non-net-connected mothers will receive a free copy of Sarah Groves' new Christmas album (and if you know her, ask her to write a letter ;)). In the event of a tie? We'll settle this the old fashioned way--drawing names from Santa's hat.
Who doesn't like free music?
Have fun; be encouraged. Merry Christmas.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The 5 Days of Christmas
ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS... LIVING WATER!
In the spirit of the Mother Letter Project, I am respectfully asking you to pick a charity to donate a little "difference" to this Christmas. Need a charitable cause? You are in luck. This week, I will be featuring 5 charities in 5 days; pick one and make a difference.
Today's charity is Living Water International, the charity supported by the folks at the Advent Conspiracy. According to the Advent Conspiracy website, the lack of clean water is the leading cause of death in under-resourced countries. Moreover, 1.8 million people die every year from water born illnesses, including 3,900 children a day. What's the solution?
"Drilling a fresh water well is a relatively inexpensive, yet permanent solution to this epidemic. $10 will give a child clean water for life. That's not an estimate. It's a fact. And here's another fact: Solving this water problem once and for all will cost about $10 billion. Not bad considering Americans spent $450 billion on Christmas last year. Our hope is that, by celebrating Christ in a new way at Christmas, the church can serve as the leading movement behind ending the water crisis once and for all."
-http://www.adventconspiracy.org/water/
Please visit the websites of Advent Conspiracy and Living Waters. Tell 'em Danny from the Mother Letter Project sent you. And donate a little loose change; after all, it is Christmas!
----------------------------------
ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS... COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL!
--------------------------
ON THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS... GIVE A PIG
In the spirit of the Mother Letter Project, I am respectfully asking you to pick a charity to donate a little "difference" to this Christmas. Need a charitable cause? You are in luck. This week, I will be featuring 5 charities in 5 days; pick one and make a difference.
Today's charity is Living Water International, the charity supported by the folks at the Advent Conspiracy. According to the Advent Conspiracy website, the lack of clean water is the leading cause of death in under-resourced countries. Moreover, 1.8 million people die every year from water born illnesses, including 3,900 children a day. What's the solution?
"Drilling a fresh water well is a relatively inexpensive, yet permanent solution to this epidemic. $10 will give a child clean water for life. That's not an estimate. It's a fact. And here's another fact: Solving this water problem once and for all will cost about $10 billion. Not bad considering Americans spent $450 billion on Christmas last year. Our hope is that, by celebrating Christ in a new way at Christmas, the church can serve as the leading movement behind ending the water crisis once and for all."
-http://www.adventconspiracy.org/water/
Please visit the websites of Advent Conspiracy and Living Waters. Tell 'em Danny from the Mother Letter Project sent you. And donate a little loose change; after all, it is Christmas!
----------------------------------
ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS... COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL!
In the spirit of the Mother Letter Project, I am respectfully asking you to pick a charity to donate a little "difference" to this Christmas. Need a charitable cause? You are in luck. This week, I will be featuring 5 charities in 5 days; pick one and make a difference. Note: to read about the previous charities, click here.
Today's charity is Compassion International. In their words: "Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults. ... Today, Compassion helps more than 1 million children in 25 countries."
So many good people have blogged about Compassion, but none better than Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer. Read her post about Compassion and read her Africa story. Then, sit down with your family and decide whether you will donate some "difference" this year by adopting a child. After all, it is Christmas!
------------------------------
ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS... THE LUKE SPONBERG FOUNDATION
(click here to see previous charities posted)
Let’s bring it back to the grass roots. I know; I know. The above badge is not that of the Luke Sponberg Foundation. Bear with me, this charity post takes some ‘splainin.
I have been reading blogs lately—a pastime in which I previously was not engaged. Moreover, I have been reading your blogs. In so doing I stumbled across Angie’s blog (Bring the Rain), and was absolutely inspired by the grace that oozed from her story of personal loss. Read the story here. I wrote her and asked her whether we could donate to a foundation she supported—perhaps one that touched on the discrete issues with which she has dealt. Do you know what she did?
She directed me to her brother’s site—The Luke Sponberg Foundation. And that story was also moving. The Sponberg’s lost a son to SIDS earlier this year. Many of you know the story better than I, but needless to say, the grace with which they write inspires me to reexamine my trappings. It is humbling.
So here’s what I’m asking you to do today. If you are moved by these stories, please purpose to donate a little of your Christmas “difference” to the Luke Sponberg Foundation. A little "change" from a lot of us would go a long way. To donate directly to the foundation, email Greg Sponberg, or visit the website and ask how you can make a donation.
Many of you know these people, whether in person or in blog-land. Perhaps your connection with them individually will inspire you to make a difference today. And if you do, please, oh please, comment below. You may do it anonymously if you wish. Just remember that you can make a difference. After all, it is Christmas.
Thank you so much for helping me build this collection. Have fun; be encouraged. And, as always, merry Christmas!
Today's charity is Compassion International. In their words: "Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults. ... Today, Compassion helps more than 1 million children in 25 countries."
So many good people have blogged about Compassion, but none better than Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer. Read her post about Compassion and read her Africa story. Then, sit down with your family and decide whether you will donate some "difference" this year by adopting a child. After all, it is Christmas!
------------------------------
ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS... THE LUKE SPONBERG FOUNDATION
(click here to see previous charities posted)
Let’s bring it back to the grass roots. I know; I know. The above badge is not that of the Luke Sponberg Foundation. Bear with me, this charity post takes some ‘splainin.
I have been reading blogs lately—a pastime in which I previously was not engaged. Moreover, I have been reading your blogs. In so doing I stumbled across Angie’s blog (Bring the Rain), and was absolutely inspired by the grace that oozed from her story of personal loss. Read the story here. I wrote her and asked her whether we could donate to a foundation she supported—perhaps one that touched on the discrete issues with which she has dealt. Do you know what she did?
She directed me to her brother’s site—The Luke Sponberg Foundation. And that story was also moving. The Sponberg’s lost a son to SIDS earlier this year. Many of you know the story better than I, but needless to say, the grace with which they write inspires me to reexamine my trappings. It is humbling.
So here’s what I’m asking you to do today. If you are moved by these stories, please purpose to donate a little of your Christmas “difference” to the Luke Sponberg Foundation. A little "change" from a lot of us would go a long way. To donate directly to the foundation, email Greg Sponberg, or visit the website and ask how you can make a donation.
Many of you know these people, whether in person or in blog-land. Perhaps your connection with them individually will inspire you to make a difference today. And if you do, please, oh please, comment below. You may do it anonymously if you wish. Just remember that you can make a difference. After all, it is Christmas.
Thank you so much for helping me build this collection. Have fun; be encouraged. And, as always, merry Christmas!
--------------------------
ON THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS... GIVE A PIG
In the spirit of the Mother Letter Project, I am encouraging you to pick a charity and donate a little "difference" this Christmas season. To that end, I have been running 5 charities in 5 days. Read here for previous charity posts.
Many of you know much about Heifer International. Heifer International is a group dedicated to using a "holistic approach... to build sustainable communities." What does that mean, you ask? The good people at Heifer are attempting to end "world hunger and poverty...." Simple as that.
The idea is timeless. You have all heard the saying before. Give a man a pig, and he'll eat for several days. And if that man knows how to smoke and salt some bacon, perhaps he'll eat for a month. But teach a man to raise pigs and... well... he can sell some of those pigs at the market place so he can purchase milk, honey, and perhaps pair of shoes or two. Moreover, that man can teach a neighbor to raise pigs and so on, and so on.
I have seen their methods used on the field and it is positively enlightening.
How can you help? Visit Heifer International's donation page. Or, visit their online catalogue and give a man a flock of ducks or geese. Or, get a group together (your family perhaps) and donate a water buffalo.
How can you pass on donating some "difference" to purchase a smelly water buffalo? Come on. After all, it is Christmas.
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ON THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS... THE AFRICAN MYSTERY AND OTHER RANDOM LINKS
In the spirit of the Mother Letter Project, I am encouraging you to pick a charity and donate a little "difference" this Christmas season. To that end, I have promoting 5 charities over the last 5 days. Read here for previous charity posts.
Today is the day I have been anticipating. It is the day to plant seeds of mystery. Today I am asking you to consider that small, unnamed village in Africa. My wife and I are.
It is a dark village--one without electricity, modern plumbing, adequate housing, or means of food production. It is a village whose opportunity has been stripped by years of governmental corruption and oppression. It is a village unreached by hope.
Unfortunately, this little village is one of millions that pock-mark the continental country side.
Unfortunately, my family cannot help every African village. But, with your help, we can help one. So we (although she doesn't know it yet) are asking you to consider Africa; consider this village. On Christmas day, I will disclose the village, the people group, and the workers trying to make a difference. On Christmas day, I will have a place for you to donate the "difference"--$3, $4, $5. It is up to you.
Please plan to visit this site on Christmas day (I'll also have a little surprise for you). After the wrappings, trappings, and forgotten batteries, fire up that new laptop and stop by this speck of cyberspace. Do for others what they cannot do for themselves--this was the original divine plan of Christmas. Please remember that.
I know, I know. You wanted a charity and I gave you mystery. Perhaps you would rather donate some of your "difference" to disclosed charitable entity. I understand that. So, in an effort to give you a more exhaustive list of charitable entities or individuals involved in relief work, I have provided an auto-link box for your use. What charitable organizations, relief workers, missionaries, or foundations would you like to see supported this Christmas? Use the box below to tell us. Give us a list. After all, it is Christmas.
Let's do some work.
The MLP On The Kindness of Strangers
I have been reflecting on this project. I have been really reflecting.
Over the last 12 days I have received letters—letters of joy, wisdom, sorrow, and ultimately, of love. There have been stories from expecting mothers—one may be in the delivery room as we speak and one just had an Ethiopian court approve her adoption (please drop by and share you joy with her). And its not just the stories; some of you have written prayers over my wife and my children, and in effect, written prayers over each woman and children who will ultimately receive a copy of this project.
It is amazing.
How did we get here? Simply, this place has been created by the kindness of strangers. It is truly mind-blowing.
Shannon did not know me when I sent a random email to her. She did not have to respond. She did not have to post about it on her blog. But she did. And when you all read it, you did not have to pass it along to your friends. You could have slept on it. You could have passed on by. But you stopped, and thought, and offered your stories. And then, you passed the site along (see the ever growing blogroll and visit one or two).
Many of you have offered to help the project. Robin wrote about it on this incredible site (Blissfully Domestic-go check it out). She sponsored the badge-creating project. There were four awesome submissions, one which I accidentally forgot to send Robin’s way (so sorry). Lisa (see above) ultimately won the tied-up-contest, but man-oh-man were the other submissions top-notch! Please visit Blissfully Domestic to see the other submissions and visit their respective blogs and websites.
Others of you have offered encouragement to me, ideas (for presentation of the gift or otherwise), and general wisdom on how this blog-world works. Thank you so much! Please keep it coming. I could use a good idea now and then.
All of your letters and kind words have already blessed me. I cannot wait to see how it will bless my wife. As I have told most of you, I am humbled that you have chosen to share your stories. Please help me continue to gather them.
And if you find yourself in this little corner of the Internet, take some time to offer thanks for the kindness of strangers. And then, go find another stranger in need of a bit of encouragement and offer them the same hospitality. After all, it is Christmas.
Thanks again!
Over the last 12 days I have received letters—letters of joy, wisdom, sorrow, and ultimately, of love. There have been stories from expecting mothers—one may be in the delivery room as we speak and one just had an Ethiopian court approve her adoption (please drop by and share you joy with her). And its not just the stories; some of you have written prayers over my wife and my children, and in effect, written prayers over each woman and children who will ultimately receive a copy of this project.
It is amazing.
How did we get here? Simply, this place has been created by the kindness of strangers. It is truly mind-blowing.
Shannon did not know me when I sent a random email to her. She did not have to respond. She did not have to post about it on her blog. But she did. And when you all read it, you did not have to pass it along to your friends. You could have slept on it. You could have passed on by. But you stopped, and thought, and offered your stories. And then, you passed the site along (see the ever growing blogroll and visit one or two).
Many of you have offered to help the project. Robin wrote about it on this incredible site (Blissfully Domestic-go check it out). She sponsored the badge-creating project. There were four awesome submissions, one which I accidentally forgot to send Robin’s way (so sorry). Lisa (see above) ultimately won the tied-up-contest, but man-oh-man were the other submissions top-notch! Please visit Blissfully Domestic to see the other submissions and visit their respective blogs and websites.
Others of you have offered encouragement to me, ideas (for presentation of the gift or otherwise), and general wisdom on how this blog-world works. Thank you so much! Please keep it coming. I could use a good idea now and then.
All of your letters and kind words have already blessed me. I cannot wait to see how it will bless my wife. As I have told most of you, I am humbled that you have chosen to share your stories. Please help me continue to gather them.
And if you find yourself in this little corner of the Internet, take some time to offer thanks for the kindness of strangers. And then, go find another stranger in need of a bit of encouragement and offer them the same hospitality. After all, it is Christmas.
Thanks again!
I Twitter, Therefore I Am
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The Mother Letter--5 Charities in 5 Days!
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE GENESIS OF THE MOTHER LETTER PROJECT.
By now you know the story. Instead of purchasing Christmas this year, our family is "creating" Christmas and donating the "difference" to a small African village. To that end, I am collecting a series of open letters-the Mother Letters-for my wife's Christmas present. How do I leave a letter, you inquire? Email HERE, or comment HERE. Please refer to the FAQs in the side bar for answers to more of your questions. They explain the project in greater detail.
ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS... COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL!
By now you know the story. Instead of purchasing Christmas this year, our family is "creating" Christmas and donating the "difference" to a small African village. To that end, I am collecting a series of open letters-the Mother Letters-for my wife's Christmas present. How do I leave a letter, you inquire? Email HERE, or comment HERE. Please refer to the FAQs in the side bar for answers to more of your questions. They explain the project in greater detail.
ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS... COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL!
In the spirit of the Mother Letter Project, I am respectfully asking you to pick a charity to donate a little "difference" to this Christmas. Need a charitable cause? You are in luck. This week, I will be featuring 5 charities in 5 days; pick one and make a difference. Note: to read about the previous charities, click here.
Today's charity is Compassion International. In their words: "Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults. ... Today, Compassion helps more than 1 million children in 25 countries."
So many good people have blogged about Compassion, but none better than Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer. Read her post about Compassion and read her Africa story. Then, sit down with your family and decide whether you will donate some "difference" this year by adopting a child. After all, it is Christmas!
Thank you so much for helping me build this collection. Have fun; be encouraged. And, as always, merry Christmas!
Today's charity is Compassion International. In their words: "Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults. ... Today, Compassion helps more than 1 million children in 25 countries."
So many good people have blogged about Compassion, but none better than Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer. Read her post about Compassion and read her Africa story. Then, sit down with your family and decide whether you will donate some "difference" this year by adopting a child. After all, it is Christmas!
Thank you so much for helping me build this collection. Have fun; be encouraged. And, as always, merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Mother Letter Update-Lisa Makes The Official MLP Badge
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE GENESIS OF THE MOTHER LETTER PROJECT.
By now you know the story. I am collecting a series of open letters-the Mother Letters-for my wife's Christmas present. How do I leave a letter, you inquire? Email HERE, or comment HERE. Please refer to the FAQs in the side bar for answers to more of your questions. They explain the project in greater detail.
BADGE UPDATE
Congratulations to Lisa, who has officially created the Mother Letter Project badge! She is currently helping me code the badge (as previously stated, this mysterious blog-land is new to me). She is the feature post for today (at least) and I am donating $25 to that little African village on her behalf!
A little about Lisa in her own words:
I'm Lisa from Crazy Adventures in Parenting. I'm a military wife with six children, who, as I'm sure you can tell, is super busy! We have three boys and three girls. When I'm not finding humor and craziness to blog about in changing diapers, playing referee or taxi, kissing boo boos, baking from scratch or simmering down teenage hormones, I'm the Big Families editor at TypeAMom.net, a contributing vlogger at NewBaby.com and beginning the new year, I will be a contributing writer for the topic "Parenting/Military Life" at Happy To Be At Home. As a chemically sensitive family, I'm a big advocate for living naturally and huge organic nut. I love to bake and cook from scratch, do arts and crafts with the kids, I also love giving and helping others. You'll often find me blogging somewhere about recipes, budgeting, kid humor and tips and tricks to make parenting that much easier, or at least a little funnier.
Thanks again, Lisa!
Have fun; be encouraged. Merry Christmas
Monday, December 1, 2008
The Mother Letter Project--The 3rd Day of Christmas
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE GENESIS OF THE MOTHER LETTER PROJECT.
By now you know the story. Instead of purchasing Christmas this year, our family is "creating" Christmas and donating the "difference" to a small African village. To that end, I am collecting a series of open letters-the Mother Letters-for my wife's Christmas present. How do I leave a letter, you inquire? Email HERE, or comment HERE. Please refer to the FAQs in the side bar for answers to more of your questions. They explain the project in greater detail.
ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS... THE LUKE SPONBERG FOUNDATION
(click here to see previous charities posted)
Let’s bring it back to the grass roots. I know; I know. The above badge is not that of the Luke Sponberg Foundation. Bear with me, this charity post takes some ‘splainin.
I have been reading blogs lately—a pastime in which I previously was not engaged. Moreover, I have been reading your blogs. In so doing I stumbled across Angie’s blog (Bring the Rain), and was absolutely inspired by the grace that oozed from her story of personal loss. Read the story here. I wrote her and asked her whether we could donate to a foundation she supported—perhaps one that touched on the discrete issues with which she has dealt. Do you know what she did?
She directed me to her brother’s site—The Luke Sponberg Foundation. And that story was also moving. The Sponberg’s lost a son to SIDS earlier this year. Many of you know the story better than I, but needless to say, the grace with which they write inspires me to reexamine my trappings. It is humbling.
So here’s what I’m asking you to do today. If you are moved by these stories, please purpose to donate a little of your Christmas “difference” to the Luke Sponberg Foundation. A little "change" from a lot of us would go a long way. To donate directly to the foundation, email Greg Sponberg, or visit the website and ask how you can make a donation.
Many of you know these people, whether in person or in blog-land. Perhaps your connection with them individually will inspire you to make a difference today. And if you do, please, oh please, comment below. You may do it anonymously if you wish. Just remember that you can make a difference. After all, it is Christmas.
Thank you so much for helping me build this collection. Have fun; be encouraged. And, as always, merry Christmas!
By now you know the story. Instead of purchasing Christmas this year, our family is "creating" Christmas and donating the "difference" to a small African village. To that end, I am collecting a series of open letters-the Mother Letters-for my wife's Christmas present. How do I leave a letter, you inquire? Email HERE, or comment HERE. Please refer to the FAQs in the side bar for answers to more of your questions. They explain the project in greater detail.
ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS... THE LUKE SPONBERG FOUNDATION
(click here to see previous charities posted)
Let’s bring it back to the grass roots. I know; I know. The above badge is not that of the Luke Sponberg Foundation. Bear with me, this charity post takes some ‘splainin.
I have been reading blogs lately—a pastime in which I previously was not engaged. Moreover, I have been reading your blogs. In so doing I stumbled across Angie’s blog (Bring the Rain), and was absolutely inspired by the grace that oozed from her story of personal loss. Read the story here. I wrote her and asked her whether we could donate to a foundation she supported—perhaps one that touched on the discrete issues with which she has dealt. Do you know what she did?
She directed me to her brother’s site—The Luke Sponberg Foundation. And that story was also moving. The Sponberg’s lost a son to SIDS earlier this year. Many of you know the story better than I, but needless to say, the grace with which they write inspires me to reexamine my trappings. It is humbling.
So here’s what I’m asking you to do today. If you are moved by these stories, please purpose to donate a little of your Christmas “difference” to the Luke Sponberg Foundation. A little "change" from a lot of us would go a long way. To donate directly to the foundation, email Greg Sponberg, or visit the website and ask how you can make a donation.
Many of you know these people, whether in person or in blog-land. Perhaps your connection with them individually will inspire you to make a difference today. And if you do, please, oh please, comment below. You may do it anonymously if you wish. Just remember that you can make a difference. After all, it is Christmas.
Thank you so much for helping me build this collection. Have fun; be encouraged. And, as always, merry Christmas!
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