Mother's Day 2013

Hi friend! So glad you've stopped by today.

Some thoughts on this Mother's Day 2013 .......

I've had a wonderful day and have been made to feel so special by my hubby, son and daughter-in-law. My mom came over to have dinner with us all. We had such a nice time and I'm blessed that we could all be together. A little later I'll go to visit our other son's memorial bench.

It's been a great Mother's Day!

And yet I can't help but think of the little ones who have no mommy to say "Happy Mother's Day" to.

There are three little ones who live half way around the world, who I have never met, that I am thinking of this year on Mother's Day. At one time or another I have thought that if my circumstances were different maybe I could have adopted one of these sweet ones.

Precious Miss Maribel was the first one. The first one to steal my heart. {can you tell? - this blog was named after her}

Yep! If I was younger and hubby didn't have the health problems he does, I would have seriously considered making her my own.

Thankfully, she was taken back by her biological mom and is no longer an orphan. Yay!


Then there was sweet pea Tobie.

Just this past Christmas we chose him as our angel to advocate for through RR's 2012 Christmas Angel Tree fundraiser.

Sadly, Tobie's birth country is no longer allowing adoptions from the US. It's a bunch of political poop and is only hurting these precious orphans. {Oh buddy! I could write a whole post about my feelings on this subject.}

Because it doesn't appear as if anything will change any time soon with that country's policy, we've re-gifted Tobie's 2012 Christmas Angel Tree grant money to Dane.

I had recently requested to be Dane's prayer warrior, but hadn't heard back. I guess it's because he is now listed on the MFFM {My Family Found Me}page.

He has a family that is in the process of adopting him! Doing a happy dance!!

They are the Breakfield family. I'd love for you to take a minute and hop over to his soon-to-be forever family's blog and follow their adoption journey. Go to: breakfields.blogspot.com

So friend,  I couldn't let this day go by without writing something for Mother's Day 2013. Just a few random thoughts and info. But, also a ton of happiness for the Breakfield family and sweet Dane.

Love ya,

Dusting Off The Cobwebs Here

Hi friend!

Here I am back at Miss Maribel's Place. I'm dusting off the cobwebs, looking around and thinking of using this place again.

You see I thought that starting a third blog to advocate for sweet Tobie during RR's 2012 Christmas Angel Tree was kinda crazy. And guess what!? It actually was.

So, I've imported those posts to my place here and closed that third blog. {Thank you Blogger for this tool for crazy people like me.} There were only eight posts and I've re-titled them with RR Angel Tree Post # .

What I've also done is create a tab at Finding Hope & Joy  for here at Miss Maribel's Place. FH&J  is my main home in bloggy land. So by clicking on that little tab you'll be able to hop over here to Miss Maribel's Place and peek in on what's new.

Other than that I'm not sure where I'm headed with my two place in bloggy land. But, it sure feels good. The upkeep on three places was too much for me.

Sometimes simple is better.

Love ya friend!

RR Angel Tree Post # 8: Giveaway Results - the good, bad & ugly

* Today is 12/31/12 
 I guess I'm kinda overdue to share about the giveaway. I needed to think through what I wanted to say. Since today is the day that RR's 2012 Christmas Angel Tree ends, I figured I'd better finally post something. 


Here is what I wrote the week of 12/10/12 (with a bit of editing):

Our 10 Day Giveaway is over and I wanted to share with you how it went.......

The good:
~  $125.00 was donated
~  more people are aware of Tobie and his need for a family
~  more people have been introduced to Reece's Rainbow and their ministry


The bad:
~  only two families donated
~  only four people shared on FB

The ugly:
~ me and my feelings in the aftermath of our giveaway


As always, when I blog, I like to be open and honest.
Soooooo, I'm gonna keep it real about how I'm feeling - bewildered, very disappointed and upset.

I wanted so much more...... from others, from my efforts and for Tobie.


What happened?

I had a good amount of views on our giveaway post. So I know people read about it.
I posted many, many times on Facebook.

I mean we didn't keep it a secret. Silly me - that sure would have been dumb. But, it's like it was a secret.

I think I've come to realize that some people don't care, some don't have the money, some have other ministries and organizations they choose to give to.

And it's all good.

However, I thought this l0 day giveaway was easy, a great idea and had the potential to do so much more.

To be a part of our giveaway you could donate (any amount) to Tobie on RR's Christmas Angel Tree page.

Or you could share our Giveaway blog post on Facebook.

That. is. it.

I even gave links to RR's and Tobie's pages.
Easy peasy if you ask me.

And that's where my ugly starts to rise up. I mean even if you can't or don't want to donate how hard would it be to hit SHARE?

I mean really!?

How many times do we click on that SHARE button for funny, stupid, gross or inspiring things?

I'd say pretty often. And it doesn't cost you a thing.

Just shaking my head and praying for an answer.  I just don't understand.......


And so where do I go from here?

Keep sharing and praying and giving and .......... well, I'm not too sure what else I can do at this point.

It's all about a little six month old baby boy in an orphanage over in Eastern Europe.

Hopefully, before any long term harm is done his forever family will find him. I pray that will happen sooner rather than later. Because, later means that somewhere around the age of five he will very likely be transferred to an adult mental institution. Most children don't live past the first year after being transferred.

Breaks my heart that this could be a reality for sweet Tobie. Breaks my heart it is a reality for many orphans all over the world.

Why don't we care? And if we care, why don't we do more?
Especially when sometimes it's so easy peasy to do something.


So that's it......the good, bad & ugly.  There's more to share about helping sweet Tobie. And there are a few insights and lessons this Angel Warrior of his has learned.  But not today. 

Happy New Year friend!
May you be richly blessed throughout this coming year!

RR Angel Tree Post # 7: From Isabella's Mommy To You

Since I have never adopted, I've asked my friend, Dawn, if she would write something that I could share with you during our giveaway. Her and her husband recently adopted sweet Isabella. They found her on Reece's Rainbow!

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Dawn said:

If you had asked me this time last year - would I adopt. I think the answer would have been a resounding "NO, I'm done with raising kids". It wasn't until many scenarios came into play that led us to where we are now. 

We are home 2 months with our little "starfish" Isabella from the Ukraine. She is more than we ever dreamed of and envisioned her to be. 

Each day when we visited her in her orphanage the many children who waved and yelled "Mama! Papa!" to us broke our hearts and would stop us dead in our tracks. We would think, "There is SO MANY of them, how is this even helping?". Immediately, we would look at our soon to be daughter and look in her eyes, and know we were making a difference to HER! As sad as that was, we stayed focused on that one precious gem in our hands and rescued her! 

I know we are not all called to adopt, for different reasons. 
BUT, we are all called to DO SOMETHING! 

We must pray, advocate (share and help) those who are still waiting! We must pray and help those who are willing to go rescue a child! They can't do it alone, as I know all to well. We would have someone donate $5 and say to us, "I wish I could do more". But, believe me that $5 HELPED! 

Please, take it from someone who has seen the crisis first hand, who has seen the children screaming for help, and heard their cries - WE NEED YOU! WE need you to DO SOMETHING! Please don't just sit there and say you can't do anything. You can! You can pray, give $5, $10, or maybe you are blessed to give $100! I have seen that your money goes exactly where you wanted it to go! God will richly bless you, and that child you are helping! 

Isabella has flourished in the 2 months we have had her home. She is able to sit up on her own now, army crawl, say "dada" and know what it means, and she is taking a few steps holding our hands! That is what LOVE will do for a child, and that is what GOD can do when you just DO SOMETHING!

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*Dawn, thank you VERY much for sharing with us!*


So friend,  there are a couple things I want to mention that amaze me.....

.... how Dawn and her husband could be so selfless. It was not an easy task to raise the money needed, fill all the paperwork, etc and travel half way round the world to adopt.  They have two teenage daughters and soon could be enjoying their "empty nest". However, they heard the Lord speak to their hearts, they saw sweet Miss Isabella's picture and fell in love. Wow!

So they did what had to be done and now Isabella has a forever family - a mommy, daddy and two older sisters who adore her. And they'll tell you they are the blessed ones to have Isabella in their lives.

.... you have to realize that Isabella just turned one. She is only now sitting up on her own, army crawling, and says "dada". She didn't have the interaction, nurturing or love in the orphanage to develop what we think of as normal baby skills. How could she when so much of her time was spent in a crib?!

Because Isabella has a forever family, she is learning new things all the time and making amazing progress. There is now hope for her future.

This is what a family can do! This is what love can do!

Do you see now friend - "why"?
Why I am Tobie's warrior?
Why I keep sharing on Facebook?
Why I give $$ when I can?
Why I donate quilts and pillows I make instead of sell them?

And why I pray a whole lot.... for these little ones, for the families who are adopting and for the families who will be adopting.

And why I believe we can and should all do something?!


I hope Isabella's Mommy's words have stirred something in you to consider what you can do and what you should do to help.

RR Angel Tree Post # 6: A Starfish for Christmas??

Hi there friend!

It's day 3 of our 10 Day Giveaway and I'm overjoyed to see Tobie's amount climb closer to our goal. 

But, I've been wondering why Reece's Rainbow chose a starfish design this year for their Christmas Angel Tree ornaments and blog buttons.  I loved the RR rainbow logo they've used the last couple of years. 

A starfish? 
Really?  

Sorry, RR, but I think it's kinda an odd choice. But, than again who asked me. 

It was odd until...........

I saw why they have chosen it. Duh! 
Makes perfect sense now. 

In fact - 
I.
love.
it. 

And I'm embarrassed to say I didn't realize (hanging my head) it goes right along with their It Makes A Difference To This One campaign.  

So anyways, maybe you've read The Starfish Story. Or maybe, like me, you're not sure and it sounds somewhat familiar.


The Starfish Story
Original Story by: Loren Eisley

One day a man was walking
along the beach when he noticed
a boy picking something up and
gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked,
“What are you doing?”

The boy replied, “Throwing starfish
back into the ocean. The surf is up
and the tide is going out. If I don’t
throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man replied, “don’t you
realize there are miles and miles of
beach and hundreds of starfish?
You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy
bent down, picked up another starfish
and threw it back into the surf.

Then, smiling at the man, he said,
“I made a difference for that one.”


Perfect! 
Right?

Perhaps you were thinking - 
"Why give to Tobie's adoption grant?" 
"How can only a few dollars matter?" 
"Sharing on Facebook doesn't do a thing for him."
"But, there are thousands of orphans that need to be rescued." 

Do you see it friend? It does matter. You can help make a difference to this one!  
And if you still aren't convinced I hope to explain a bit more in my next post. 

I personally believe it so much that I've made magnet cards with The Starfish Story printed on them. 
If you'd like one please email me at: findinghopeandjoy@gmail.com and I'll be very happy to send you one. 

Also, if you didn't see that you were invited to the 10 Day Giveway for Tobie -
you are invited!
 
You can click HERE  to check out all the fun and facts of our giveaway.

RR Angel Tree Post # 5 : You Are Invited

Today's the day! Yay!

I'm so excited about starting our Giveaway for Tobie. And you, my friend, are invited!

Here is all the info you'll need to participate and help us get to our Angel Tree goal of $1000:

Dates: 12/01/12 (around 6:00 am EST)  through 12/10/12 (at midnight EST)

How to  put your name "in the hat" for the random drawing:
(I may just use one of hubby's Notre Dame hats)

I'm giving you TWO ways to enter ..... do one or the other. Or BOTH would be really, really, really great. And yes, by doing both your name goes in the hat twice.

1. Donate $5.00 or more to Tobie's Angel Tree account.
 - to make it easy peasy:  just click right HERE to get to RR's 2012 Christmas Angel Tree page
 - now scroll down until you find the cutest little sweet pea dressed in yellow. Yep, that would be Tobie! 
 - click on the DONATE button under his name and follow the directions they give from there
 - come back here and leave a comment that you donated

2. Share on Facebook about our Giveaway and Tobie. And invite your FB friends to join the fun.
 - real easy as well..... go to bottom of this post and click on that little "f" (Facebook icon).
 - sign on to your FB page.
 - write a comment to invite your friends. Hit SHARE
 - come back here and leave a comment that you've shared this post and invited your friends

* Why you need to leave a comment is obvious, but please don't leave an anonymous one. Gotta know who you are so if your name is picked I can let you know so we can arrange to send you your gift.
** If you have any questions or would like to contact me other than by leaving a comment you can email me at: findinghopeandjoy.gmail.com

Gifts:

"Times of Joy" Platter

Measures 13" x 13" and is dishwasher and microwave safe. From Blessings Unlimited. Donated by Mom

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Crosswords & Swirls Tote

Quilted tote, fully lined. Measures 14.5" tall; 12" wide; with 11" straps. Has a covered button & loop closure. The squares are solids, a swirly design, lines & dashes and crosswords puzzles. Machine washable. Made by me.

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"Faith-Family-Friends" Pillow

Decorative and cute pillow made from 100% cotton material. Faith - Family- Friends.... what is more precious in life?!  The backing is the same fabric as the bottom strip. Measures 12" x 13". Made by me.

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Chic Denim Tote

This quilted tote is made from denim and 100% cotton material. Fully lined. Two 10"straps. Measures 12" tall; 11.5" wide. Covered button & loop closure. It even has a cute fabric flower that adds to the cuteness. Made by me.

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"Choose Joy" Pillow

Made from 100% cotton fabrics. Solid color backing in an off white. Super soft, cuddly and stylish, while making a statement we need to always remember - Choose Joy. Measures 15.5" x 14". Made by me.

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Wooden Stationery Box & Cards

Beautifully constructed and designed. This wooden box is from Blessings Unlimited. A pretty dark teal ribbon holds the sliding top panels secure. Pretty painted flowers and Bible verse on the top. Writing: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace. Romans 15:13". Measures 11" x 7.5" x 2". Inside are two packs of blank cards with envelopes. After the cards are used, this adorable box would make a wonderful box for jewelery, small keepsakes or love notes. *wink*  Donated by Mom.

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"Special Days" Calendar

This cute and handy calendar is spiral bound on the top. Measures 10.5" x 7". Each month has a different design and Bible verse. Great way to keep track of the special dates year after year. Made by Blessings Unlimited. Donated by Mom. 

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Announcing the Winners: 
On 12/11/12 I'll randomly draw seven names one by one.  
7 gifts = 7 winners!
I'll  contact the first person who's name is picked to get their mailing info and choice of gift. Than I'll contact the second person who's name is drawn and so on.
I should have everything mailed out on 12/15 or 12/17 at the latest. 

A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who participates.... whether by donating or sharing - it all helps!

RR Angel Tree Post # 4: 5 + 1 + 7 + 10 + 2 = 891

Hi there!

I was thinking, planning and adding some stuff up very early this morning and here
is what I've calculated:

 5 + 1 + 7 + 10 + 2 = 891

Hmmmm... I guess you may be asking - "What kind of crazy math are you doing?!"
or "Maybe you should go back to bed cause you're obviously not awake." or
"Please have your morning coffee, re-add those number and try again."

Hmmmm... I'm wondering - "How many of you just added it up for yourselves?" *giggle* 

Ok, so it's not really math. It's more like a puzzle or hint for what's about to happen
here on "Helping This One".

Are you ready for this?!

In 5 days
I'm having 1 huge giveaway
and there will be 7 gifts I'm giving away.
It will last for 10 days and
I'll be giving you 2 different ways to enter
(cause it's Christmas time and I'm really nice like that).

When this event is all said and done
it will {hopefully} all add up to 891 dollars for Tobie.
He has $109 so far and this will get us to our Angel Christmas Tree goal of $1000.

YAY!! FUN!!

I realize I had said that I was gonna have two giveaways, but this will be way better.

So friend be ready because in just 5 days this fun and important giveaway for Tobie will begin!

RR Angel Tree Post # 3:You Are Not Alone Little One

Huummm ... you are not alone ..... and I'm gonna fight for you ..... la la la.....

I keep humming Kathy Troccoli's song -
"I'm Gonna Fight For You" from her Sounds of Heaven CD.

You are not alone. He is here.
You know you're dear to His heart.

I wouldn't lie to you. O He'll come.
He has known the pain you're going through.

And faithful is the Lord.
In the darkest hours of night.
To keep the flame of hope alive.  

And I'm gonna fight for you. 
Lay down my life for you. 
Cause His love never dies. 

And I'll get down on my knees for you. 
I will believe for you. 
Oh I'm right by your side. 
I'm gonna fight for you. 

I wish I could hold Tobie and sing to him.
Let him know people are praying for him,
Jesus loves him,
and that he is not alone.

Well, I can't. In reality I'll probably never meet Tobie. And that's OK.

But I can, and I will, keep praying and telling and fighting for him.
I'm his WARRIOR after all. And a warrior's gotta do what a warrior's gotta do.*wink*

Don't you agree?

RR Angel Tree Post # 2: A Warrior Is......

Hi friend,

Since signing up with hubby to be Tobie's Christmas Tree Warrior I've been thinking that I won't make a very good warrior.

You see the definition for warrior is: 
1. One who is engaged in or experienced in battle. 
2. One who is engaged aggressively or energetically in an activity, cause, or conflict.


Hmmmm. Nope that's not really me. Not really at all.

I hate conflict. Although, I can be pretty darn sarcastic. 
I'm not aggressive. Yet, I don't easily give up. 
I'm not very opinionated. But, I will stand up for what is right. 

I'm thinking a warrior is..... not me. 

All of this presents a bit of a problem with being an Angel Tree Warrior. 

As I sit here and contemplate all this I realize that ....
.... I'm stubborn
.... I don't quit
.... I can be strong even in the most stressful of situations {but, I might collapse into a puddle after}

And most importantly....
.... I believe that every child deserves to be loved and part of a family.  

 So I guess it means warrior princess or not I will fight for Tobie. 

I will "engage aggressively and energetically in any activity" I can think of to help make our Angel Tree goal by December 31st!

Even if it makes me uncomfortable asking people to chip in -  I have to do it. 
You know friend, I can't help but think that life is not very comfortable for Tobie. 

One other way I will be his warrior is to pray daily for his safety, well-being and that his "forever family" finds him. In fact, my prayer is that next year he will be home for Christmas. Wouldn't that be wonderful?! 

Friend, this timid warrior is asking you to please consider giving. And please pray. 

Click HERE to go to Reece's Rainbow.
Click HERE to go to RR's 2012 Christmas Angel Tree page, scroll down until you see sweet Tobie. 
Click HERE to go to Tobie's  RR page.

Easy peasy! 

Thank you and love ya friend, 

RR Angel Tree Post # 1: Is This Kinda crazy??

Hi friend!

Is this kinda crazy or what?

"Helping This One" is my third blog!

CRAZY ?- Well, maybe it is and maybe it isn't, but it's the best way I know of to connect and get the message out that hubby and I are Angel Tree Warriors. Yay!!
Reece's Rainbow has an annual event they call their Christmas Angel Tree. It's their most important fundraiser of the year. It runs from November 1 - December 31.

The angel we chose to help is Tobie {not his real name - kinda his RR "screen name"}. Oh my he is such a cutie!!!  And he needs a forever family.

So, anyways, I may truly  be a little crazy. However, I'm thinking it's a good kind of crazy.

Crazy to love the unloved.
Crazy to speak out about things a lot of people would rather not hear.
Crazy to take the time and effort being an Angel Tree Warrior will require.

It's only for 61 days of "crazy" for me.
But you see, if Tobie doesn't ever have the gift of a family, than it's a lot more days than that for him.
Days spent in an orphanage and perhaps in a few years the rest of his days in an adult mental institution.

So yea - I'll be a little crazy for Tobie!

Another crazy thing -  I'm gonna be having two giveaways that you won't want to miss. One this month and one next month.

Ya know friend, I really do believe we can't change the world, but we can help change the world for one orphan.

Who wants to be a little crazy with me? Come on it'll be fun!