Writing From Home

News from Across the Web: Baby Stellan, Montana Plane Crash, Red Envelope Abortion Protest, Tea Party Rallies, and a Luscious Lemon Pie

I've been a busy girl this week and have so much to share with you that I thought it best to condense it into one quick post. You can learn more about each item by visiting the links.

Please pray for baby Stellan and his precious family.

Here's the side of the Montana plane crash story you won't see on network news or in the newspapers. I hope it spurs you to prayer like it did me.

And while we're talking about abortion, have you purchased red envelopes for the abortion protest yet? I found some at Tuesday Morning (yes, real cheap!) They are also available at Kinko's and craft or stamp stores. Check here for more info. Then mail out those envelopes on March 31^st.

And since we're in the mood to protest, why not participate in a national tea party (Taxed Enough Already) protesting our government's economic stimulus plan, the mounting national debt and the forced redistribution of wealth. The Tea Party Rallies will take place on Wednesday, April 15, in cities all across the country. You can find out details for the rally in your area here: http://www.teapartyday.com/

Okay, I know these are all heavy issues. Once you've followed those links and learned what you can do about some of the more serious things going on around us, stop by 4 Reluctant Entertainers and be encouraged to open your home and your heart to others during this beautiful Spring season. Sandy provides great entertaining advice and delicious recipes like this one for Creamy Lemon Pie. Yum!

Okay, that's enough information for today. I hope you will join me in prayer for Stellan and for our nation. I also hope you will stand up for the unborn, and for the next generations, who will bear the consequences of decisions made in our generation.

Have a blessed Sunday.

Gratefully,

Beth

First-time Contest Winner!

And the Winner Is...

Elizabeth M. Thompson

 

What a fun surprise! This morning I was making my blog rounds when I discovered I won a contest at Refresh Moments. I'll be receiving a copy of Donna Partow's book, Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be. Sounds like a perfect book for me.

 

I enjoy Refresh Moments because Mary encourages me, through her writing, to slow down, sip a cup of tea and ponder my role as a Christian wife and mother.

 

Be sure to check out her blog. And while you are there, consider joining her "Ruby Tuesday" events.

 

This is my first time to win a blog contest and I'm pretty excited about it. So excited, that I am inspired to host a contest at Writing From Home. Watch for details. There's a contest coming.

 

Gratefully,

 

Beth

 

Grief Devotional “No Shrinking Back” at Comfort Cafe

Have you ever grieved the loss of a loved one? Or do you know someone who is grieving today?

If so, head over to Comfort Café to read my devotional, "No Shrinking Back."

For more grief devotionals and other resources, visit www.FaithandGrief.com.

Gratefully,

Beth

Pulled from the Web

I am going through my emails and peeking at websites others have alerted me to. I wanted to share some of the fun things I've found with you.

 

Here they are:

 

What is your Birth Verse? Find out at www.birthverse.com/mybirthverse.cfm

 

Want to know how your state ranks on religion? Find out at USA Today

 

Would you like to see a really cool birthday surprise? Check out What's in the Box.

 

Enjoy!

Beth

How Many People Share Your Name?

There are 305,704,433 people in the U.S.
Ever wonder how many of them share your name?

Now you can find out at HowManyofMe.com

Just so you know, there are 3853 Elizabeth Thompsons in the U.S. But there is only one me!

So, how many people share your name? Let me know.

Enjoy,

Beth

To the Rescue?

What would you do if a family you knew suddenly became homeless? It is a question requiring some prayer, some thought and some action.

It is a question I was confronted with this past week when Brandilyn Collins posted an urgent prayer request on Facebook for Liz and Katy (a widowed mom and her 16 year old daughter) who had just been evicted from their home and were living in their car. The story captivated my attention. Liz and Katy put names and faces to the fears we have for ourselves and our loved ones in these painful economic times.

I prayed immediately for Liz and Katy while my husband searched the internet for support organizations in their area. They live in Campbell, CA. I forwarded the information, but knew that wasn't enough and continued to pray.

About the same time, Brandilyn began using her PayPal account for donations to help Liz and Katy. Money started to trickle in. I knew that would help, but only until the funds run out. I continued to pray. I know from reading Brandilyn's blog and Facebook page that many, many people are also praying.

Through Brandilyn's PR connections, the media became involved. ABC and NBC both interviewed Liz and Katy. CNN picked up the story and now Good Morning America will interview them next week.

Liz and Katy will get the help they need, but that's still not enough. Many others are teetering on the brink of homelessness. So, I continue to pray.

I believe that as the Body of Christ we are charged with the responsibility and privilege to help those who are in need. We cannot wait for the government to step in, or for someone else to help them. It is our job!

Now back to my original question: What will you do if a family you know suddenly becomes homeless?

I hope we will all follow Brandilyn's example and use our networks, our influence, our finances, and our prayers to help those in need.

We must jump in and take hold of those who are swimming in the dangerous waters of homelessness and help them to shore.

 

If you want to help Liz and Katy or learn more about their story, go to Anywhere but Here. To help others in distress, pray for a sensitive heart and I'm sure God will provide opportunities.

Thomas Nelson Launches Book Review Bloggers

Thomas Nelson Publishers is looking for 10,000 bloggers to review some of their latest titles. If you love reading and enjoy sharing your opinion about what you read—here is a great opportunity. Sign up to select your first book and it will be sent to you without charge. After you post a 200-word review on Amazon and your blog, you can choose a second book.

To get started, click here.