Responding

Good Sunday afternoon, in this season of Easter.

I have a confession to make.  I am a news junkie.

In college I had nearly half a dozen newspapers that I would read through every day, thanks to our library.  In addition to watching the local and national news.  I barely glanced at the sports section (oh the horrors!) and it was a quick glance at the business section as well, so I didn't spend hours each day, but I stayed informed on much of the going ons.

Over the years things have changed.  Not my wanting to get the news, however, I have changed mediums.  The Internet. It's everywhere! It is nearly instant and I can take a look when I have time.  I no longer have time each and every day.  Also, there are many images and news stories that I would like to keep from the kids.

The first four months of this year has been FILLED with news, much of it tragic, scary and even horrific.

As a news junkie I would like to put it out there, I have had my fill, I'm good, things could settle down and I would be okay with that.

I heard today that Albuquerque NM has snow today and North Dakota would like its snow to melt before graduation.  Snow right now, on May First may not be what people wanted to see, but those affected can count their blessings that it is merely snow.

I do like to take action, when it is appropriate and when I can.  Right now with three young children in tow is not the time for me to help on the clean up crew in the south, or in Japan, or to join in one of any 100 protests going on near or far.  That doesn't mean I can sit by and doing nothing either.

It is an opportunity to respond, through prayer, supporting each other and if possible, a gift of money.  I am going to include a link, that if you are moved to give a donation, consider going through this organization.  Manly because 100% of your donation will go where YOU direct it to.  There are many worthy organizations out there, and I understand that there is a cost to everything, but when I can give money and know that 100% goes to the place it is needed, that overhead and staff are not paid through my donation, I prefer to do it that way.


Disaster Response

You can choose domestic or global, choose the amount you are most comfortable with.  Take care of everything online and save your receipt for next year's taxes.

Of course there are food drives, clothing drives and many other ways you can give.  As this Easter season continues and I consider Jesus' Resurrection and forgiveness of my sins, how the Gospels are filled with grace, mercy and love at every turn, I will respond in kind, with grace, mercy and love at each opportunity I am given.  That will be my goal, I am human, I am not perfect, I am a sinner in need of forgiveness, and thank you Jesus for giving each of us just what we needed.

Our individual response to any given situation is our choice.  I can choose to be angry, or I can choose something else.

I am grateful that my house is still standing and not flooded.  I am grateful for our health. I am grateful for all that we have.  Events have impacted our life here in the sun and we choose to look forward and count our blessings, reaching out to others who need a hand.  How do you respond?