Welcome, 2013!

Do You see things and say, “Why?”

Or dream things that aren’t and  say, “Why not?”

Let’s make 2013 a Why Not year instead of a Why Year!

Keep doing your bit to make a difference this coming year! You never know how far your good deed or kind words might go, or how many it might effect!

Happy New Year!

Free Inspirational Downloads of Christmas Songs & Stories

 Christmas is a time for giving and for sharing love, joy and peace. This Christmas I am happy to be able to give you, as a free gift, the following songs, stories and Powerpoint.  It is my wish that you get inspiration from them and share them with others too. If you enjoy this free gift from me, please click on the title of this post and leave a comment below . With best wishes for a heart warming holiday season.

Just right click on the files you want to download.

Christmas Songs

CHRISTMAS IN BETHLEHEM            CHRISTMAS PRAISES
CHRISTMAS TREASURES                 DECK THE HALLS
DING DONG DING                               SILENT NIGHT
GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN      HAPPY SINGING
LET THE WHOLE WORLD KNOW     NOEL
O HOLY NIGHT                                   DING DONG, MERRILY ON HIGH
THERE IS BORN A CHILD               UNTO YOU IS BORN THIS DAY
WE THREE KINGS                            WHAT WILL YOU GIVE ME

YOU ONLY LEFT HEAVEN FOR LOVE

Christmas Short Inspirational Stories

Forgiving Jimmy                           Calming the storm of Christmas
Gifts from Heaven                                        An African Queen
A boy learns a lesson                                  The Real Santa Claus
Dear Admiral                                                Ready for Christmas
Saint Francis & the First Manger Scene   Christmas Tree
My Christmas discovery                              Christmas is for love

 More Christmas Stories

A Christmas Dinner                                    A Christmas Love
What Goes Around Comes Around         The Student Teacher
The Lost Bowl                                           The Christmas Cookie Can
Tending the Home Fires                          Surprise Santa
Martha's Christmas Wonderland     I'm Not Scrooge I'm Just Broke
A Special Breakfast                                 A Timeless Gift

Christmas Power Point

Christmas Blessings Power Point

 Four Delightful Christmas Audio Dramas for Children 

Christmas Chums        The Christmas Chest      Christmas Cheer     Crew and Co's Christmas

Did Hurricane Sandy Have a Silver Lining?

Boat washed up onto the train tracks, photo courtesy of the BBC

I’m originally a Jersey Girl and although I moved away years ago, I have many friends and family still living on the East Coast of the US, especially New York and New Jersey. I also have many fond childhood memories of times spent at the Jersey shore, like most people from that area do.

So when Hurricane Sandy hit I was concerned for all those there and glued to my computer to catch all the latest news, photos and videos. Fortunately  I don’t personally know anyone who was hurt badly or who had very bad damage done to their home. Power off, yes. Trees down, and other damage done, yes. Traumatized from the fear and concerned about neighbors that weren't as fortunate as them, yes. That is difficult enough and costly and in many cases it took be a while before the power was back on, services like internet restored and the repairs will also take some time.

My heart goes out to all those who have lost loved ones to the storm and to those who have had considerable material loss. It’s not just a matter of the cost and time to rebuild, but many lost irreplaceable items that they will never be able to get back again. Some  old and much-loved landmarks from the Jersey Shore were destroyed which is heart breaking for  many people also.

Personally speaking, I feel very fortunate that my 91-year-old mom, who lives on the Jersey Shore was perfectly fine. The power didn’t even go off, although it flickered a few times. She told me that she didn’t see even one tree branch on the ground outside her house, even though there are many trees there. Other parts of her town was badly flooded so it was a relief to hear how well she fared. Another friend said the flood waters stopped 1/2 block away from her house which is very near the ocean at the Jersey Shore, in an area that was badly hit. She lost power and had some trees down, but that was the extent of it. My sister also lost power and had a couple of trees down. But she is thankful they missed the house, as she could have easily been killed. Her neighbor had a tree down on their house and she didn’t know yet if that person survived.

It was indeed a very traumatizing situation and will be for some time for those who were in the thick of it.

I have heard a saying: “When things go wrong will you be bitter or better?” Rather than get angry and bitter and moan about the terrible loss of material items,  those of us that are alive and have family still alive can be grateful for that.

Look for the Good

Duracell Distributing Free Batteries

I  believe that no matter how bad the situation there is always something good to be gleaned from it if we look for it. Without minimizing the horrible effects of Sandy, there are a few good aspects we can think about.

I can’t help but think about other parts of the world where disasters such as this are much more common than on the US East Coast and result with a much higher loss of  life, due to low safety precautions, sub-standard infrastructure, non-existent or few first responders and in general a low standard of education of what to do in a disaster. Other parts of the world have regular floods, horrible hurricanes or storms with loss of life and home. I have met and talked with many people who come from these places and have listened first hand to their accounts of repeated loss. Other countries suffer long-term wars and have gone through traumatic situations and sufferings. Listening to these accounts first hand, from those who have gone through it themselves really brings it home.

Some people live without electricity on a long-term basis. Or maybe they have power only part of the day. They regularly must depend on a personal generator or else do without. I have even visited schools where there was no electricity. If it was a very stormy day, and dark outside, the children were let out early, since they couldn’t do any work anyway.

Going through some of these heart wrenching experiences ourselves should give us a priceless understanding and empathy towards those that also suffer similar situations. We can truly understand what they go through because we have been there ourselves! Having compassion and empathy for others help us to be a more understanding and loving person all around and helps make the world a better place!

Sign in Front of Dr. Office for Free Medical Care for Victims of Hurricane Sandy

Back in the States in the aftermath of Sandy, one of the worst storms the East Coast has ever seen, political rivals  put aside their differences and  worked together shoulder to shoulder to rebuild communities, towns, states.

There were on a daily basis, acts of kindness that strangers were showing to  Hurricane Sandy victims, which are heart warming. Here are a few examples of  reports I have gleaned from the internet:

•     One man cycled to Uptown New York  to collect food for a neighbourhood barbecue in the darkened East Village where he lived.

•     Bars were  operating by candlelight and  they go Uptown for ice to keep the beer cold.

•     Free massages were offered to help ease some of the stress.

•     Two young boys in Texas raised $1000 in one day at their lemon-aid stand to donate to victims of Sandy.

•     The National Guard in Staten Island were giving out free gas.

•     A church was offering free showers.

•     Police were distributing free food and toiletries.

•      ”A random civilian just came to my building and dropped off donuts for my partner and me. He said, ‘Thank you for all you do.’  It’s little things like that, that make me love what I do. Everyone thank your local EMT, paramedics, firefighters and police officers today and show us you appreciate us! A simple thank you goes a long way..”  from Facebook.

•     A high level local Political leader in New Jersey was publicly giving out  his personal cell phone number so anyone can phone him. He was staying in a shelter with his family,  along with all the local people because his home was also damaged and unlivable.

•     A  man named Sam from Indiana loaded his truck with a huge grill  and drove to NJ with the hope of finding someone with a large yard and a few helpers. He found both a block down the street from me. With donations from Costco and Stop & Shop, they had a grill turning out food for all of us who lost our food and power! What a marvelous guy. Warms the heart and feeds the soul!-from Facebook

One of the best things we can do, after such a disaster, is to reach out to those around us, do our part to help in whatever way we can, and have faith that things will, eventually, get better again.

Victims of Hurricane Sandy Left Without Electricity Charge Phones and Laptops Thanks to a Neighbor’s Generosity

How to Follow Making a Difference

If you are enjoying this blog, please feel free to subscribe to updates by entering your email address at the top right of this page, under "Follow by Email".

This blog is  a part time venture and I don't have an attached twitter account. So the best way to keep in touch is to sign up, then you will get updates when they are posted.

I also am interested in any feedback you might want to share.

Meanwhile, I hope you are receiving inspiration and getting ideas of how you too can make a difference to those you come in contact with in your part of the globe!

Coincidence? Or Guardian Angel?

 

Do you believe you have a spiritual entity watching over you? I sure do. I have had endless manifestations of what some people might call “coincidences” but I know it’s my angels. Following is one small example.

I celebrated my birthday not too long ago and this caused me to reflect on past birthdays when I didn’t tell anyone that it was my special day, but someone wound up celebrating it anyway. Coincidence? Read on and draw your own conclusions.

I was single, living far from home in the days before email or iPhones. Contact with my family was limited to occasional snail mail. I didn’t mind. That was my life  and I was happy.

When my birthday rolled around I didn’t feel like telling those around me that it was my birthday. I didn’t mind if they knew, but just didn’t want to be the one telling them myself. But it was a bit lonely when no one knew and therefore my birthday wasn’t celebrated in any way.

I suppose it might help if I explain that I traveled a lot and therefore those around me were not always very acquainted with some details of my life such as when I was born. Birthdays had never been  really a big deal for me so I didn’t announce it to my friends. But if the day went by with not one person at least wishing me a happy birthday, it made me feel very lonely indeed.

So the following true stories really made me happy and loved:

One year I received a long distance phone call from a business associate. She called to discuss business but during the conversation asked:
“Aren’t you a Leo like me?”
“Yes”, I replied, pleased that she remembered.
“When is your birthday?–It must be soon.” She asked next.
“Today!” I told her.
“Wow! Happy Birthday!” she exclaimed.
My day was complete. Someone wished me a happy birthday!

Another year my boyfriend (not knowing it was my birthday) surprised me when he came to pick me up by bringing me a large bouquet (for the first time). I then told him it was my birthday and we had a nice evening celebrating.

Yet another year my flat mate’s mom paid us a surprise visit. I opened the door to her and she was holding a cake that she had made for us. I then told her it was my birthday! My flat mates found some birthday candles and we had a nice celebration–cake and all!

Three different years, three different true events when my birthday was celebrated in some way on the day, without those around me knowing at first it was my special day. The result was extreme happiness on my part. I was able to celebrate after all, without feeling that I was hinting for recognition!

Say its coincidence if you must, I know I have Guardian Angels watching over me who not only help keep me safe, but help keep me happy!
Do you have a similar story?

Making a Difference During London 2012

London is ELECTRIC with Olympic activity. The mood is optimistic & supportive. The worries that we heard before the Opening Ceremony such as transportation chaos, bad weather and even terrorist attacks is all fading into the background as Team GB breaks records and glories in it's accomplishments.

Along with some friends, I wanted to use this time to try to "Make a Difference" in people's lives. We decided to get special T-shirts printed with the cover illustration of an inspirational poster. The picture shows a large heart with a globe in the middle and people from all countries holding hands around it. On the back we had printed the title: "What Everybody Needs is Love". You can download this inspiring illustration here. And an inspirational message to go with it here.

We also had short inspirational leaflets printed entitled: Play to Win. (download here).

We then ventured out to places in London with a large population of sports fans engaging with the visitors and passing out the leaflets.

So far it has been great fun and we have gotten a good reception. Often people would come up to us, requesting a leaflet.

I happened to meet  former Harlem Globetrotter Andre Bryant, who said he loved my T-shirt and wanted one like it! He took a leaflet and a few more for his friends.

We have our contact information on the leaflets so if anyone wants to find out more and get back in touch with us they can.

We are not done yet, so if you are out in London during the Olympics, maybe you will see us!

Here I am with former Globetrotter Andre Bryant.

Points to Ponder

True Values

Nothing truly valuable arises from ambition or from a mere sense of duty; it stems rather from love and devotion towards men.

        -Albert Einstein

Mahatma Gandhi identified the seven sins in the world as wealth without work, pleasure before conscience, knowledge without character, commerce without morality, science without humanity, worship without sacrifice, and politics without principle.

We must understand spiritual truths and apply them to our modern life. We must draw strength from the
almost forgotten virtues of simplicity, humility, contemplation, and prayer. It requires a dedication beyond science, beyond self, but the rewards are great and it is our only hope.
                                                           -Charles Lindbergh

The person who tries to live alone will not succeed as a human being. His heart withers if it does not answer another heart. His mind shrinks away if he hears only the echoes of his own thoughts and finds no other inspiration.

                      -Pearl S. Buck

Measure wealth not by the things you have, but by the things you have that you wouldn’t sell for money.
         -Author unknown

An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.
                  -Martin Luther King Jr.

Life in time remains without meaning if it does not find its meaning in eternity.
     -Nicolas Berdyaew


The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts it.
                                                                              -William James

Happiness is not so much in having as sharing. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what
we give.
             -Norman MacEwan


If life be short, then moderate your worldly cares and projects; do not cumber yourselves with too much
provision for a short voyage.
                                                         -Author unknown

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt within
the heart.
                   -Helen Keller

Life becomes harder for us when we live for others, but it also becomes richer and happier.
                                                                         -Albert Schweitzer

March News from Ecuador

Excerpts of End of March 2012 News from Gonzalo and Jenny in Ecuador:

Old Part of the City of Cuenca

We were able to go on two trips to two cities. Cuenca is the 3rd largest city and a 10 to 11 hour bus ride through the mountains is required to reach it.  Here we were able to do personal visitation to various families we have been visiting. We revisited a school who use our Christian educational materials and another school whose order of nuns have dedicated themselves to help educated children from marginised areas. They have asked us to consider helping to give various workshops to the parents about the parenting role later this year.

Inspirational Reading with Gonzalo

In Ibarra, a city nearer to Quito where we live, our Hotel hostess, has asked us to consider giving talks to a group of ladies.

In Quito I,Jenny gave a workshop called POSITIVE PROGRAMING. This was in an educational institution run by the government and the event was for a group of 16 daycare and preschool teachers, all women except for one.

We noticed that their faces were radiant and there was a new energy in the group as they departed. They had arrived rather restless being the last hour of their long working day and having just sat through a work meeting which ran overtime! They have asked for more talks!!
                      
Thanks to all who  contribute towards our support here. As well as some donations covering our part of our trips, at last, we are able to start on our household list of needs and begin by investing in a  second hand fridge and get foam  and material to make cushions for some chairs and sofa!!

From Ecuador with Love

Rain Forest Town

Here is an update from Jenny and Gonzalo in Ecuador:

Our January Events in Ecuador:

A trip to the rain forest towns of Shell and neighbouring Puyo. This was a trip of much bus hopping and we were kindly received without cost for 3 nights in a friend's hostel there, behind which was a marvellous scene of rain forest vegetation.
We were able to distribute 600 gospel tracts and pray with 12 people to receive Jesus into their hearts as their Saviour. Two were originally from the Woadani tribes, (but now living in the town) and others from surrounding areas. As much as we wanted to do so, we did not take photos of these indigenous people as it can appear offensive and of “touristic-only” interest with which many of our indigenous people are now bombarded.

A military base there in which we were given permission to enter has asked us to give their volunteer section a Christian based motivational talk on values which will be held on the 24th Feb.

Beautiful Rainforest Vegetation

We visited and fellow-shipped with the Director of the Christian mission school of Nate ( Nathaneal) Saint, gleaning ideas and tips on how to start such a school. It started with just 2 rooms many years ago and teaches the children of missionaries. We then spent some time with an American missionary jungle nurse, Miriam, who has been in Ecuador for 33 years and will go on to Brazil this year. She is flown in and out of the jungle to help minister treatment and fly the sick back to the mission hospital. She has some interesting out –of- print articles and records of the situation of the Aucan Indians and the event of the death of the 5 missionary men, in 1956, with an ear and eye witness of voices singing hymns and white robed figures at the scene of the death, which frightened the Aucas who had killed the 5 men. The circumstances around these deaths were that there was mistrust of foreigners who, whilst on their quest for oil, had previously entered and killed members of their tribe. Steve Saint, son of Nate Saint who had been killed, followed his father and father’s sister’s footprints into the jungle to live with this tribe. He has his father’s love for them. He later formed the I-TEC project which the then converted Aucas had asked for a project to teach them how to pull out teeth, how to make and pilot airplanes and other mechanical and technical skills. Steve Saint, it is said, will be in Ecuador this year to supervise this ongoing project.

Some of the Ladies from the Monthly Tea Group

Back in the in the capital city, Quito, our local projects of the weekly less fortunate kids event as well as group and individual Bible studies and ministering continue. Our team held the monthly ladies tea group and the weekly Saturday house fellowship open to all interested. With our dentist, also attending the bible group, on Feb 11th we will accompany and assist with 120 children and a dental program. She is appealing for a dental mobile unit.

We continually think and pray for you as well as miss you.

Gonzalo and Jenny

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Gonzalo with Pre-teens