Compassion Connection

We are fortunate enough to attend a church where our pastor has allowed us to set up a Compassion table in our lobby.

Compassion display at our church

On the display table, I try to change things up at least once a month as I think of things that might be helpful for the sponsors at our church. We used to have monthly letter writing nights, but everyone seems to be so busy these days, so we are looking at holding more of a sponsor appreciation night twice a year instead.

In the meantime, I was wanting to create something to encourage sponsors to write to their sponsored children in between our get togethers. So here is what I came up with:

Compassion Connection

I put together this half page printable (which you are welcome to print for yourself and share!), printed them on colored paper, and put them on the display table yesterday at church. We had to leave early for my daughter's drama performance, so I not sure how they went over. I hope to put these together each month and share them here on my blog.

What do you do to encourage sponsors at your church to write to their sponsored children?

Tackle It on Tuesday: 1000 Piece Puzzle

Last week, the focus of my 'Tackle It on Tuesday' post was this:

1000 piece panoramic puzzle

If you recall from that post, we had just started two weeks of everyday rehearsals for the upcoming play my daughter will be performing in. Last week, three of the rehearsals were at night, which meant that we didn't really see my husband or my son for three days! 

The puzzle ended up being a fun way that we could work on a project together, even though we really didn't work on the puzzle 'together'. 

So, I know you are all just waiting to find out if we finished the puzzle...

Completed puzzle!

Yes, we did!! And it was a tough one! Which is why you see two magnifying glasses on the table (homeschool science kits do come in handy!) We all enjoyed working on the puzzle so much that we are actually thinking of finding another one to work on.

Now that that project is completed, what is going to be my next Tackle It on Tuesday project?

Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson

Last year, I really enjoyed taking a photography class and working through the Capture Your 365 daily prompts. However, once we got to the holidays, then my Mexico trip, then our crazy schedule right now with the play, I just knew I would not be able to commit the time to take on a daily photography project. What I would like to do though, is take some time this year to work through a couple of photography books that I have on hand, and work through some online tutorials to help me improve my photography.

So for this next week, I am going to start out small and just read through the first chapter of this book, Understanding Exposure, by Bryan Peterson. It is one book that my photography teacher had recommended and I haven't made time to read through it before now. 

What are you hoping to tackle this upcoming week?

February Compassion Share &Tell

It is really hard for me to believe that it has been over a month now since my Compassion trip to Mexico! But it is time to share with you what I have put together to send to my sponsored kids this month. Because I like to send more than a letter, my daughter helped me with this video to share what I am mailing to Felix this month:

Did you enjoy the video? I sure hope you did!

So, here is what I wrote to Felix this month:

Dear Felix,

I was so excited to receive your first letter last month! In fact, I am enclosing a photo of me holding your letter. I love your drawings! In your letter, you asked me to pray for your family, so they will know Jesus. I want you to know that I have been praying for you and your family. I still remember that special time I was able to spend with you at your home on my visit to Mexico. You and your family are very special to me, and I want you to know that Jesus loves you and He is watching over you and your family.

In the Bible, in the book of John, there is a verse which says, "I am the resurrection and the life." - John 11:25. This verse is talking about Jesus and how He dies for us, because of our sin. But each one of us can have a new life in Him! He wants us to know Him and believe in Him. Do you believe in Jesus? Do you believe that He died for you and that He is your Lord and Savior? I pray that you do!

Right now, it is still winter where I live, but our very first daffodil bulb bloomed! These are plants that we put in the soil of our garden in the fall. Then in the spring time, we are blessed with these cheerful, yellow flowers that let us know spring is on its way! Are there any yellow flowers where you live?

Felix, I pray that you will continue to learn more about God, do well in school, and help your mom around your home. I love you and am looking forward to receiving your next letter!

In the video above, you can see some of the items I have included in the mailing this month. The photo idea of me with the letters came from a fellow Compassion advocate. She shared the idea on her Facebook page recently. The Easter coloring page and the Learn to Draw a Daffodil page are just a couple of items you can find on my Pinterest page or Compassion's Pinterest page.

I would love to read what you have written to your Compassion sponsored child lately. If you have a blog post to share, be sure to link up below

Tackle It on Tuesday: Pants for Mr. Tumnus

Last week, I shared that my task I was hoping to tackle of the past week was to complete the furry legs for Kelsey's costume. Was I successful?

Kelsey with her Mr. Tumnus furry legs

Task tackled!! And I have to say, I am so happy that this task is complete. We have just started two weeks of every day rehearsals and I keep reminding myself, 'this is just a season'. We are generally not this busy. In addition to the play, I have been helping to plan and prepare for an upcoming conference. So needless to say, there are some tasks around my home that are not getting done right now. Again, I remind myself, 'this is just a season'.

So during this busy season, what am I hoping to tackle this next week?

1000 piece panoramic puzzle in progress

Last week, I pulled out this puzzle that had been unopened for quite some time. I thought it might be a great way to reduce a little of the stress that comes with a very busy schedule. My husband and I worked on the outside edges, then Kelsey has spent a bit of time on it. Then, last night, Matthew started in on it. Think we can finish this by next Tuesday? Come back next week and find out!

Do you have a project you would like to tackle in the next week? I would love for you to join me! Let's help keep each other accountable as we tackle projects around our home, so here are the rules:

1. Below is the link up. Please share the URL for your specific blog post. (Makes it easier for us all to find it.)
2. Once your post is up, visit the other bloggers. Comment on their post and give them some encouragement to make progress on their project for the week.
3. Come back next week so we can share our progress. And hey, some projects might take longer than a week! So don't be discouraged if your project is not finished yet. Let's celebrate the step-by-step progress we are making!

Tackle It on Tuesday: My Desk

Last week, I shared with you my idea of doing a weekly link up where we share something we would like to tackle over the upcoming week. My project this past week was my desk.

My messy desk

With being out of town for three days over the last week, I wasn't sure if I was going to have a chance to tackle this one project. But Mondays are usually one day out of the week that we are home. So, even though there are still some piles on my desk, I believe it looks a whole lot better than it did the week before!

My desk with less clutter!

So what am I planning on tackling this upcoming week?

Mr. Tumnus costume!

Back in September, my daughter enrolled in a drama class with a local homeschool group. In just two and a half weeks, they will be performing 'The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe'. Kelsey is playing the part of Mr. Tumnus! (She is really excited about this part!) Well, Mr. Tumnus needs some furry legs. So I will be attempting to take these two yards of furry material and turning them into furry leg pants for Kelsey to wear as part of her costume. Sounds like fun, doesn't it?!? Wish me luck!!

Do you have a project you would like to tackle in the next week? I would love for you to join me! Let's help keep each other accountable as we tackle projects around our home, so here are the rules:

1. Below is the link up. Please share the URL for your specific blog post. (Makes it easier for us all to find it.)
2. Once your post is up, visit the other bloggers. Comment on their post and give them some encouragement to make progress on their project for the week.
3. Come back next week so we can share our progress. And hey, some projects might take longer than a week! So don't be discouraged if your project is not finished yet. Let's celebrate the step-by-step progress we are making!