Uphill idealist

The only kind of proverb or wisdom that I’m used to getting in addition to my Chinese food is the tiny paper that comes out of a fortune cookie. At the end of the meal we ceremoniously hold up the tray of cookies and carefully choose the cookie. We bite into the cookie to reveal the fortune that is tucked inside of it. Then we read our fortunes out loud and ponder how they could come true. Often we save each fortune to decorate the bulletin board at home. Wisdom - it seems, is something we all are hungry for. “You can be skinny and you can be pretty, but you have to feed a happy heart.” When I first heard these words, my first reaction was confusion. All I had been trying to do was pick up some Chinese food for dinner, but in addition to my order and fortune cookie, I had been given a personal proverb from the cook.  This conversation with the cook had started when I had asked specific questions about how the dish was prepared. “What sauce is it served with? Can yo...

Supplies: Square large sheet of card stock, scissors, glue stick, yarn or ribbon, Bible verse of choice, Valentine inspired artwork and markers. Build Valentine Pocket of Care: 1.Turn square card stock so points face N, S, E, W .  2. Fold South point up to create pocket base and west and east to the middle. 3.  Glue in place and then place pap er with text on top of the intersection. 4. With a hold punch make a hold at top to attach string to hang. 5.  On scrap paper, write ways to care for family and friends for the month. 6. Take one a day out and challenge each other to care of someone new! This project was made with our Family Devotions Group at First Lutheran Church in Jamestown NY. . If you need some inspiration for the caring "coupons", check out the Search Institute for more information or  reference the list provided below.  15 0 ways to show kids you care Notice them. Smile a lot. Acknowledge them. Learn their ...

Mohammad Goes to Surgery from Preemptive Love on Vimeo . How amazing that buying a shirt/shoes can make such a life-changing difference in an individual's life. Go to Relevant to learn more!

Image: Heartsong By khollandsblog Psalm 139:5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. You hem me in, you hold me close in moments I miss and fail to notice. Heavy my heart for the worries of the day, If I could grasp how you still try to light my way. You see and the corners I try to hide and still love who you see, no darkness can hide. Do I see me with your eyes or ones that only see shortfalls and lies. What do is see when I look at my face? A mirrored reflection with it all out of place or a life of hope, a mind to grasp it? Do I get it all or only catch a glimmer a glimpse of my place? Who I am and have been created to be. A vessel of eikon - built to hold love. Can I give it a try? I am a child of G-d, you made me to breathe - not limited gasping moments but deep breath full of life and possibility. Can I see what you see? A child made in love, and made to be free. T.L. Eastman 2009