Great is Thy Faithfulness

Botanical Gardens; Fort Worth, Texas

This is the time of year that we're all reminded to be more observant of how much we have....or don't have....and how much others need. We are encouraged to be generous, to share, and to open our hearts and minds to the needs of those living without.

One of my favorite hymns is Great is Thy Faithfulness. It just pops in my head randomly.  But of course it isn't random; it's a reminder.  A reminder that He is always faithful to us and one way He shows it is by the blessings He provides that are all around us, every day, 24/7.  (for example, see the photo above)

It's a much longer song than this, but in the United Methodist Church we often sing only the refrain:

Great is thy faithfulness
Great is thy Faithfulness!
Morning by morning, new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided....
Great is Thy faithfulness,  Lord unto me!
  
The phrase "Great is Thy faithfulness" comes from the Old Testament Book of Lamentations 3:23.
It was first a poem, then was set to music and published in 1923.

Thanksgiving and Christmas provide more opportunities to share your time and treasure than the entire year combined.  We all have something to give that will bless those that have less than you.  

And no matter how little you have, there is always someone in worse shape.  Always.

Wishes Big and Small

Max was diagnosed with Wilm's Tumor, a rare kidney 

What were you doing when you were 17?

 Most likely starting a 501(c)3 organization 

wasn't high on your list.

Liz Niemiec is a senior at Butler University in Indianpolis, Indiana.  She has been granting wishes through her Little Wish Foundation for children battling cancer.  Liz was touched by the illness of a 7-year-old friend named Max that lost his battle with a rare kidney cancer.  She was compelled to make a difference in the lives of other children going through similar circumstances.  Max's wish was to have a puppy, and despite his doctor's misgivings his parents agreed.  Liz saw how happy this made him and the idea led to the Creation of the Little Wish Foundation.  The "little wishes" that have been granted offer hope and inspiration to the children and their families.

The Little Wish Foundation

    www.littlewishfoundation.org

"To serve pediatric oncology patients by providing a little wish 

that would bring hope, comfort and joy."

Some of the wishes granted have been laptop computers and other electronics, Xbox gaming systems, spa treatments, concert tickets, blu-ray DVD players and movies, and many other things to brighten a child's life. 

If children with serious illnesses tugs at your heart and you're looking for a way to help, 

check out their web site and get involved!

Comfy Cozys for Chemo T-Shirts   www.comfycozys.com

Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels is a nonprofit support and education organization based in Phoenix, AZ.  Founded in 2013, it's named after Amanda who lost her battle with Leukemia.  Her dream was to one day be able to design a line of fun children's clothing for those in a similar situation to hers.  The clothing would be comfortable but provide dignity during treatment.

Mission:

To bring dignity and comfort into the 
harsh world of childhood cancer 

and other life-threatening diseases.

The web site shows brightly colored t-shirts for both adults and children going through chemo.  The shirts have a seam on both shoulders that runs diagonally from the top of the shoulder down under the arm.  There are zippers or buttons that provide easier access to a port.  

For anyone dealing with cancer, especially children, a product like this would really be helpful to just make the chemo process easier and more comfortable.  And the bright tie-dye pattern will surely brighten someone's day!

The products are available on the web site, or this 501(c)3 takes donations so you can help make someone's life be just a little more "comfy cozy".