Inspirational Healing

For the time being...

My heart is full of love and concern for the children of the world. They're hurting in so many ways, but at the same time, are just so full of joy and possibility. I would like to try to tap into the positive energy they exude and foster and spread it around. One way I can do this to to write them stories. My plan is to take a break from this blog and concentrate on writing children's books. The goal is to have them puslished and read by children all over the globe to help them know of their own inner beauty and innate goodness.

I believe the future is in their hands and they need our helping hands to make this world a better place for everyone. My prayer is that my books will be a part of this process. You can help me by saying a prayer that I'm successful both in my writing and then in finding a publisher to get the books in their little hands and, hopefully, their hearts.

Feel free to 'pop in' anytime to re-read previous posts. You can still contact me by clicking on 'email me' (left side of page) or click 'comment' on any post.

I'll be back in a couple months with an update on my progress or a new post - thanks for your support and prayers.

Margaret

Hearts of the Children

I love the openness of little children. They see with purity and wide-eyed innocence, unfettered by the cloudiness that so often accompanies adult vision. This truth was shown to me once again when I asked the classmates of my two granddaughters to help me with a project idea I had.

There is a program though the website of Soldiers' Angels that is designed to collect handmade blankets and donate them to soldiers who have been injured while serving in the military. I thought it would be fun to have children be a part of making a couple blankets, so I asked my granddaughters what they thought of the idea. Morgan, a first grader, and Brooke, a second grader, quickly agreed that it would be a fun project. Their teachers agreed also, feeling the project would be a good way to carry through the idea of giving and community service that is part of the overall school ideology. So...we were off and running!

The concept of the blankets and what they represented was explained to them and, as only little children do best, they immediately opened their hearts to caring and compassion. Their desire was so simple - to make a blanket  "to make a soldier feel better". They expressed many times that it would be sad to be far from home and hurt and missing their families. They just wanted them to "feel better" - such an innocent intention unencumbered with all the 'stuff' that adults attach to it.

Each child was given a small square of fabric along with fabric markers and asked to draw a picture of whatever they wanted to say to the lucky soldier who would receive their blanket. Each design was original and a true expression of each heart. There were rainbows, hearts, tanks and helicopters. There were happy faces, flowers, flags and pictures of boys and girls. There were sentiments of "You're the best soldier ever" and "Get well soon". There were expressions of "Thanks" and "Come home soon"...and they were all adorable and precious! The squares were then sewn onto larger pieces of fabric with the end result of two beautiful expressions of their hearts, given to someone they would never meet.

But it didn't stop there. To share the gifts they made, they were asked to show the blankets at their all-school assembly in front of all the students and teachers. The project was explained to the assembly and each blanket was carried on stage by a couple of class representatives and unfolded in all their glory. I was invited to attend and it was very gratifying to see the pride and happiness expressed in the smiles of those little faces.

These children are not only the future of our country, but that of our world. Each one of them carries within them giving hearts and generous spirits. If we adults continue to feed and nurture these traits and care for these children, and all little children of the world, then we won't have anything to be concerned about - the world will be in good hands.

Click on the picture for a close-up view. (Being the proud Gamma...Brooke is on the left, front row, wearing a red shirt, brown pants and boots; Morgan in holding the blanket on the right, wearing a light blue shirt.)

Pajama Program

"Every child deserves to feel loved," says Genevieve Piturro. She learned first-hand while volunteering in a shelter that the children there had no one special to care for them. They didn't have someone to tuck them lovingly into bed at night or read them a story. Touching her heart even more, these children climbed into bed wearing the same clothes they wore all day, not having pajamas for bedtime. She remembered feeling loved when her mom tucked her into bed as a child, snuggling close and reading her a story as she slipped into sleep.

And so the Pajama Program was born. She began collecting pajamas and books for these children and the word spread. One pair led to another, then another. Before too long, a nationwide program of pj's, books and volunteers took off to great success. After eight years, it has now touched over 350,000 little hearts and spirits - all through providing such simple gifts of love and caring.

The sad fact is that there are too many children currently living in situations of upheaval, insecurity and broken hearts. Children waiting adoption, living in shelters or care centers and those affected by domestic or sexual abuse are some who've been helped through this program. It's amazing to think that a pair of comfy jammies and a good bedtime story lets these little ones know that someone cares and thinks they're special.

My women's group recently met and collected some pj's and books to donate to a woman's shelter in our community. It was fun to gather them together, all warm and cozy for the winter cold, and wrap them in curly ribbon. Our prayer is that the children who receive them will know that each pair includes our intentions for protection, safety, healing and hope...and certainly, sweet dreams!

You can read Genevieve's story and learn about the many ways you can help at www.pajamaprogram.org. She's right...every child does deserve to feel loved.

A Soldier's Thanks

My post entitled Soldier Support describes the wants and needs of our military soldiers presently serving in foreign countries. Many of their requests include items to share with the community of people in these areas. My family sent some packages to these men and women which included items for the local children. I'd like to share the response from one of these men so you can hear his feelings first-hand.

"I just want to start off by saying thank you for what you've done. It may not seem like much to you but to myself and the rest of the U.S. Army it means the world. Not only did you take the time out of your day to send us items we can hand out to the local children of Afghanistan, but you also showed that you support us. Knowing that there are folks back home that are keeping us in their hearts and minds is the best thing we could hope for. With all the talk on the news these days of whether or not we belong here or there, one can easily be at odds with them self on what's right or wrong. I'll tell you one thing though, all that doesn't matter as long as there are still soldiers serving all of the world in areas where life and death go hand in hand, day in and day out. There are only two things that matter to the soldier; his brothers in arms and the folks back home. We don't choose where we go or when we go there, but know this, wherever we go we will serve with honor and represent the American people to the utmost of our ability. I could never express in words what it means to have a total stranger take the time to let you know they care. It's one thing to get something from loved ones you always know will support you, but to have someone you have never met send you a care package or just say hello is something truly work fighting for. This is the exact reason I joined the Army. I believe our country to be the greatest on this earth. Although it may not be perfect, we strive to do what is right and to uphold a standard which all others aim to achieve. We soldiers represent the interest of the American people. As long as you stand behind us, there isn't a newspaper, television show, or country that can stand in our way.

I also want to thank you on behalf of the Afghan citizens of Khowst province. Khowst is located in Eastern Afghanistan right along the border of Pakistan. I received your package several weeks ago. I think it took about 2 or 3 weeks to get here. We've handed out the items you sent and the children were overjoyed to receive them. The rural areas of Afghanistan are very poor and lack solid government support, but that's what we're working on changing. What you've sent does wonders for the relationships we are building between the Afghan people and their local government. We gave most items to the local police to hand out to help boost this relationship. Rather than having Afghans see Americans handing out aid, they now see their own government handing these items out. Our goal is to help establish this government  all over Afghanistan so they can someday enjoy the things in their country that makes our so great. Although it may take years for this to happen, we work hard every day to push this in the right direction. Someday we hope to see in Afghanistan where the citizens can make decisions that are best for the country. As you know, in years past radical Muslims like the Taliban and Al Qaida have made life very difficult here, and on September 11, 2001, brought their hate for freedom and democracy to our own people. Afghanistan may never be like America, but we can definitely improve the lives of the people and you are a factor in this. Thanks again for your support.

Sincerely, Corporal Crone Bco. 2/151 Infantry.

I can't help but be amazed...to think that a box of coloring books, crayons, school supplies and candy can have such an impact and bring so much healing. It's the children of the world who will determine its future and decide the way to peace and unity between nations. If we let them know we care, they will carry this feeling with them and someday bring us all closer to the world we envision. Yes, packages of desired items to our soldiers definitely lends support and are important, but items for the native children have greater and longer lasting results. A simple thing that brings so much possibility to the world - a possibility that brings benefit and enjoyment for us and our future children as well. What could be better?

Partner in Hope

My husband and I have watched several friends and neighbors fight the devastating disease of cancer in the past few years. Some have found healing and regained their life with renewed spirit and others have transitioned to a place of peace, wholeness and comfort with the Creator. As difficult as it is to watch the process of disease in adults, it's even harder to be a part of it when it concerns children.

The children of the world hold a special place in my heart. These bright and innocent lights give to humanity all that is pure and perfect about them. The hope and happiness that they so naturally embrace is a gift to all of us and one that makes the promise of tomorrow so real and fun and laughter so easy. It hurts to see any child in pain, even for a moment, much less one who suffers the onslaught that comes with injury or illness.

I was flipping through the TV channels last night and came across a commercial for St. Jude Hospital, the internationally known and respected organization dedicated to helping children fight life threatening disease. It depicted stories of several young patients and their families illustrating the personal side of the serious diseases and illnesses these precious children endure. It was also a plea for support in the continuing battle to fund research to treat and cure these little ones. It offered a plan called "Partner in Hope" which allows for the small amount of $19 to be donated monthly to ensure the continuation of their work and provide that no child be turned away. The donation can be set up to be automatically deducted each month by enrolling with a charge card. (It also provides information to donate by check.)

There are many, many worthwhile causes that need monetary help, but if those concerning children touch your heart, you might consider clicking on the address below to learn more about becoming a Partner in Hope with the work of St.Jude Hospital. It's a beautiful way to express gratitude for the healthy children in our lives and, at the same time, offer compassion and love to those who suffer.

The world needs the children of tomorrow. Maybe our donation is all that's needed for one little child to be here tomorrow, enriching the world with it's grace.

www.stjude.tv

Project Linus

There is a beautiful program designed to "provide security through blankets" for seriously ill or traumatized children. Well over two million handmade blankets have been donated and distributed for the benefit of these children. Who better to name this project after than Linus? He knew the pure joy and value of his own security blanket and this program endeavors to give that same feeling to other children.

I invite you to visit their website at www.projectlinus.org for more information and details. You may be inspired to enrich a little child's life.

Valentine's Day

You might want to check out the Save The Children website and take a look at Julianne Moore's Valentine's Day program. It's designed to raise awareness of U.S. children living in poverty. Who knows - you just might be inspired to make a purchase or donation. Click on www.savethechildren.org