www.benandkatieinhaiti.com

I read about these two newlyweds who packed up and went to Haiti from the Dallas area on Dec 29, 2009 to teach in a Christian school there. I just got through reading their blog, and was thrilled to find a personal way to donate to the people of Haiti. Ben and Katie are volunteering to help the wounded. They are helping take care of 30 children from the Three Angels orphanage. The picture of the kids was heart wrenching. They were so small. So precious. To think they have no parents to care for them at such a frightening, tragic time. I donated $100 via paypal, and asked Katie to use it for the orphanage. I hope to find out more about these two young people, and can't wait to follow their blog.

Guess what???? My daughter just came over and we started talking about Haiti. She mentioned her roommate had a good friend in Haiti. I asked if her name was Katie, and she said, "Yes, Ben & Katie in Haiti." Katie was a Pi Phi at Baylor with my daughter and her roommate. Now that's a small world. Actually, that's a God thing. I laughed as I told her I just found their blog and donated some money, but felt funny sending more because I didn't know anything about them. Now I feel like I know them personally in some small way, and can't wait to support them financially and with lots of prayer. Isn't God so funny???? What are the odds?

I need a place to stay....

Well once again, God sent someone my way. I can't remember a time that I was approached in West Plano for money, but today was the day. As me and a friend headed to our cars in the parking lot of DSW, a young girl, probably 24 or so, came up to us and said... "I'm so embarrassed to ask you this, but I'm trying to get enough money for a place to stay. I don't do drugs or drink alcohol, I really need the money for somewhere to stay." I just laughed to myself, because I had just gone to the bank, so of course the good Lord sent someone my way. I handed her $30 and a small bible. She took the bible reluctantly, and I asked her to read it. As I drove off, I was mad at myself for not taking the time to share the gospel. It's easy to give a tract or a bible, but much more difficult to share your faith. Next time God gives me the opportunity, I'm determined to be more bold. My friend laughed when I gave her money so willingly, and I told her that it was my resolution to have money in hand, ready to give when asked or needed, and it didn't surprise me at all that God had sent another one of his children my way. God bless you whoever you were. I pray you open the Word.....

I'm hungry...

I went to Waco on Jan. 5th with my daughter to help clean the house before the new school year began. She had a list of errands for me to run, so I set out for the afternoon. When I left Mardel's, I was dragging 10 poster boards and a huge roll of butcher paper. I was miserable. A lady walked up to me in the parking lot, and I thought to myself..... here it goes.... She said she was hungry, and that she hadn't been able to get any money all day long, and did I have any to spare? Knowing I had the money to give in my purse, I said if she could wait a minute, I'd give her some. She realized my situation, and offered to help. She carried my bag for me and helped me get them in the car. I debated whether to give her the $20 or $50, but I was so afraid she was going to use the money for alcohol, I went with the $20. I handed her the bill and a tract. She happily said thank you and ran off, looking at the tract I had given her. She met up with a friend, and they took off across the street. I don't have any idea where the money went, but I just pray she took the time to read the tract, and maybe realized that God loves her. I also laughed at God for putting me in the exact place at that exact moment to give the money, knowing that was my resolution.... not to turn anyone away, and to search out people in need. God always provides.

New Year's Eve

We went out to eat with two other couples on New Year's Eve. Both couples had had an extra hard year in 2009, either financially or circumstances. My husband decided to pick up the bill at the end of the evening. On the way home, he just said that he felt led to buy dinner for them because of the year they had had. I ate lunch with one of the women yesterday, and here is what she told me. God is so funny, by the way, in case you haven't figured that out....

Her and her husband go to a charismatic church in town, and at the New Year's Eve service (that they had gone to before dinner) they were challenged to give their last fruits of the year and their first fruits of the year to the church. They made a donation that night, and planned on sending another one the next day. On the way home, they realized by going to dinner that it would not be their last fruits going to the church, but decided they didn't want to miss out on the fun of the evening. On the way to their car after dinner, her husband realized that by my husband buying dinner, their last fruits still went to the church. I explained to her that this was no coincidence. God uses each of us all the time if you just sit back and realize it. Because of their faithfulness to Him and to the church, He provided a way for them to be obedient. And in the process, my husband got the joy of knowing he was used by God. Isn't He Awesome????

Be Available

My Pastor challenged us during the Christmas season, to carry around some extra money in your pocket and be available to give it when you feel the Holy Spirit telling you to. There were some fascinating stories told by many of the members of how God used them to be available to help someone in need, and how many times the blessings were a 2-way street. I have made a resolution for 2010 to keep a $20 and a $50 bill in my purse at all times, and to be available to the Holy Spirit, to see and hear when I am being called to give to someone in need. I plan to post how God uses my money this year on this site. First, let me tell you of a neat story that happened New Year's Eve.