MY PLANS HAVE CHANGED

I want to give my hidden child a family gift by Christmas, and Emmanuel a gift for my birthday in January.  These two are the next two in line.  I first gave to Eugene, then to Niphaporn, then to Anabell.  It is my hidden child's turn now.  Well, it was.

The Lord has changed my plans, as usual, I might add.  Today, in the mail, I received a letter from Compassion.  When I read it, my heart broke.  Worry for Nixon is clouding my vision right now.  This is going to be a long weekend, for I cannot call Compassion until Monday.

Here is the letter that I received;

Dear Stacey,

Because I know you care about Nixon Alce, I want to keep you informed about an urgent situation situation in Haiti.

Hurricane Sandy swept through the country and has destroyed or caused damage to many homes.  Families have also lost animals, gardens, and personal belongings have been damaged or lost.  From what we know, your other Compassion child living in Haiti has not been affected.

Please know that Compassion is addressing this situation and our staff members are doing their best to ensure the safety of all the children.  I know your child and his family will appreciate your prayers during this difficult time.  Please pray for God's peace and provision for all families affected.

For more detailed information on your child's situation or to give a gift to your child's family, please call (800) 336-7676, Monday through Friday, 7 am to 5:30 pm.  MT.  You may also give online by logging on to "My Account" at compassion.com.   Another way you can help is to write a special letter to Nixon (already done).  Your words of encouragement will give your child hope and strength.

As always, thank you for your heart for children in need.  May God bless you beyond measure for your faithfulness to His children.

Nixon is my correspondent from Haiti.  He will be 16 on December 1.

This young man looks really tough, doesn't he?  He reminds me of my cousin.  Tough exterior, soft interior.    

Those who know my cousin will agree that he has a sensitive heart. 

As Nixon writes to me, I am seeing his soft interior, one that loves other people and is extremely grateful to the Lord.  I cannot judge him by his appearance.  Just like I can't judge my cousin by his tough appearance.

Nixon, the young man who holds a special place in my heart, will now receive the next family gift.  Even though I do not know yet how he has been affected, I know he is crying out for help, and I am going to respond.

DAILY GIFTS

DAILY GIFTS

Ephesians 5:20

giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving is quickly drawing near.  Families will gather around a table filled with food and celebrate God's goodness.  For others, it is a time of hardship and loneliness. Yet, there is always an opportunity for which to be grateful.

Recently, I kept a journal of my daily blessings.  The experience has kept me ever mindful of the Lord's gifts.

When I find myself complaining or I just have a bad day, the Spirit reminds me to look for the blessings.  Sometimes it's as easy as being able to finally go home.  Or it is as humbling as knowing others across the world are praying for my country.  When I take the time to look, I can find something for which I am grateful.

For this month of Thanksgiving, I am going to return to my grateful journal and write down one gift every day.  And I will thank the Lord for that gift.

Will you join me?  Will you commit to one month of thanking the Lord for your daily gift?

Jesus, thank You for saving me, for loving me, for never giving up on me.  Forgive me for complaining when things don't go my way.  Give me a grateful heart.  Open my eyes to see Your daily gifts.  In Your name, Amen.

HALF-FULL VERSUS HALF-EMPTY

This glass is half full.  Or is it half empty?  What would you say?

If you say half full, you're an optimist.  If you say half empty, you're a pessimist.

Yet, I wonder. . .

What is the story behind this glass of water?  I need more information before I say whether it's half full or half empty.

HALF FULL

Did someone fill it to half way?  For instance, when I get a drink of water, sometimes I don't want a full glass. But yet, I don't want a small drink either.  Half full is perfect.  So, I fill my glass half way with water.  So, if the person behind the glass wanted the glass half full, then I will say this glass is half full.


HALF EMPTY

Did someone drink from it?  Just today, I drank a glass of water.  And I left it half empty.  So, if the person drank from it, then I will say this glass is half empty.


So, now that you know my view, what would you call me?  An optimist?  A pessimist?  Or someone who is somewhere in between?