Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Peppermint Hot Cocoa and Warm Friends on a Rainy Night

Does that sound cozy? Well, it was. Our Christian Market Writers group met last night at Starbucks, which seemed fitting during Christmas season. Five of us gathered in a corner in cushy armchairs and sipped our tea or cocoa or latte as we listened to one another's writing. We interjected suggestions and ahhed over the especially good stuff. Our fearless leader had even brought Christmas quizzes and sweet-treat prizes to end the evening.

Every time I remember to thank God for bringing me back to writing, I am most grateful for my Christian writer friends. They have so warmed my insides, that when I'm with them, the rainiest, darkest night can't dampen my spirits.

Friday, December 05, 2008

GIVE JOY WITH HANDS OF HOPE










Give the gift of life this Christmas.

Hands of Hope, a charity of Women Helping Women A World Away, is announcing that their Holiday Gift Cards are available for purchase. These cards provide food, income and water for impoverished women and children in Zambia, Uganda, and Southern Sudan. They can be purchased on the Hands of Hope website http://www.handsofhopeonline.org/ for $15.00, $30.00 and $50.00. Purchasing these cards will provide goats, chickens or wells to help change lives. What could be a more meaningful gift for holiday giving for family, friends, and customer appreciation?

Hands of Hope helps mobilize communities to respond to the needs of women and children
around the world. With an ever-expanding support base in the Chicago area, Hands of Hope
works to raise community awareness regarding poverty and HIV/AIDS in Africa and its relevance globally. We are confident in the integrity of the channels we have established so that
contributions provide the highest possible impact for the most critical needs.

A Chicken Card will purchase a gift of twelve chicks and be given to an impoverished family in
Africa. As the flock multiplies, a struggling family will be given the hope to survive. Your gift will
help those in need for generations to come.

A Goat Card represents an actual goat being purchased for a needy family. Beyond providing
much needed milk, a few goats can quickly become a herd, providing sustenance and additional
income that can make the difference between whether a child goes to school or not.

A Well Card will go toward funding a well in the Western Province of Zambia. Statistics show that nearly half of all people in developing countries suffer from health related problems caused by unsafe water. In addition, African women and children spend several hours every day collecting water.

Contact at Hands of Hope:
VickyWauterlek, Hands of Hope
VWAU@aol.com, 847-381-7367