Random Thought: Heaven

Has anyone seen those Dannon Greek yogurt commercials?  The ones where they say that yogurt is a little piece of Heaven on Earth?

Look, I'm pretty sure that yogurt is NOT Heaven.  And if it is, I'm not entirely sure I'm ready for that.

For Making Me, Me

I remember growing up, NO ONE could say my name correctly.  When we got to the point where teachers (mainly new and substitute) would get to my name and pause.  Everyone knew it was me.  Since I went to a small school, all the other kids would yell out, "DANAE!"

I was never a popular kid either.  Ugh.  I was the opposite.  I got made fun of and teased constantly.  I even remember a teacher who made my life miserable!  I was always a little bit different.  Sometimes, it was more than a little bit.

(My brother and I in Hong Kong, wearing our Beard Heads)

But I grew up...maybe got a little bit weirder.  And one of the best times in college was when we were discussing names and, if everyone could have a different name, what would it be.  Finally, my friend turned to me and said, "You couldn't be anything other than a "Danae."

Yes, I do go to the mall food court to hunt spare change that people have dropped.  I eat with utensils that are shaped like construction tools (because they're awesome) and I still sing songs that I taught at Vacation Bible School when I'm walking down the street.  But I wouldn't have it any other way.

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.” -Isaiah 43:1

If I Were A Butterfly

If I were a butterfly, I’d thank you Lord for giving me wings
If I were a robin in a tree, I’d thank you Lord that I could sing
If I were a fish in the sea, I’d wiggle my tail and I’d giggle with glee
But I just thank you Father for making me, me   

For you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Christ Jesus and you made me your child
And I just thank you Father for making me, me 

If I were an elephant, I’d thank you Lord by raising my trunk
If I were a kangaroo, You know I’d hop right up to you
If I were an octopus, I’d thank you Lord for my good looks
But I just thank you Father for making me, me

For you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Christ Jesus and you made me your child
And I just thank you Father for making me, me 

If I were a wiggly worm, I’d thank you Lord that I could squirm
If I were a fuzzy wuzzy bear, I’d thank you Lord for my fuzzy, wuzzy hair
If I were a crocodile, I’d thank you Lord for my big smile
But I just thank you Father for making me, me 

For you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Christ Jesus and you made me your child
And I just thank you Father for making me, me

Of all the preposterous assumptions of humanity over humanity, nothing exceeds most of the criticisms made on the habits of the poor by the well-housed, well-warmed, and well-fed. -Herman Melville, novelist and poet (1819-1891)

Update: Souper Bowl Sunday

I had mentioned that our church youth were trying to raise money for the Souper Bowl Day of Caring on Sunday and their goal was $450.

I talked to our church secretary today and she said that they ended up raising over $1,000!  The money will be going to the ELCA World Hunger Fund.  God is good and so are the people in and around our church building!

What Are You Thankful For?

So I was just thinking about how excited I am that Steve said I could go to El Salvador with our church this year.  I've been saving the money for it and I am so excited.  I get to go to England (for a wedding), El Salvador and Hong Kong (to visit my family) this year!  I am so thankful for these opportunities!

Those are big things.  But they don't happen often.

I want to think about the little things.

I have a friend who asks me every day we e-mail, "What are your three things?"  And she's asking about the three things that have made my day a good day.  They're always small.

So here are mine for today:
1) I found 75 cents today.  75 CENTS!!  I even found a quarter!
2) Our kids did the Souper Bowl of Caring today and last year they raised $450.  This year, they raised $450 after our 9am service (we have two services)!!
3) I get to meet my friend Jane for coffee on Tuesday, I get to finally pay for her (she always pays for me) AND she may even be going to El Salvador during the time I'm going.
4) I'm feeling a little bit better today.  I was sick all weekend and on Friday, but I'm feeling better.
5) Our church sermon was really good today.  It made me smile.
6) I get to see my friend Laura in two weeks.  I haven't seen her since my wedding.

Do you have anything that you're thankful for?

Don't try to reach God with your understanding; that is impossible.  Reach him in love; that is possible.
~Carlo Carretto

Tomorrow: One Day/One Lunch

"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love."
~ Mother Teresa

If you would like to read the full post, please go here: http://buildingtheblocks.blogspot.com/2011/01/one-dayone-lunch.html

Amy from Building The Blocks is doing One Day/One Lunch tomorrow.  The average American spends between $2-$8 for lunch (and I can tell you, in NYC, it's more like $15-$20!) and she's asking that you donate your lunch money for one day to help an orphan in Ethiopia eat.

If you would like to donate your lunch money tomorrow, February 3rd, here's the information:
Online donations: http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/donation.html
**indicate for the Adami Tulu Preschool.

Mail checks to:
Lifesong for Orphans
PO Box 40
Gridley, IL 61744
For the Adami Tulu Preschool