Day 13: Send Ben Thomas A Note And Gift Card
Ben and Susie Thomas are friends we met through a mutual friend. They have already adopted a boy from Africa using the same adoption agency as we did. Ben loves sports and works at Athletes In Action, so we hit it off immediately. They have 3 great children in Ty, Talia, and Charlie, with their fourth, Annie, on the way.
The Thomas family found out in January 2012 that Susie, while 14 weeks pregnant, has a brain tumor. To date the tumor has not grown and baby Annie is doing well at 29 weeks. You can read all about their amazing faith through this journey on their blog: http://www.benandsusiethomas.com/.
Steph and I pray for them often. Almost everyday I’ve also specifically prayed for Ben on my way to work, that the Lord would give him wisdom and strength in leading his family.
Steph’s challenge was to send Ben a card of encouragement and small gift card, which I was excited to do.
The lesson I learned in this challenge is to TELL people you are praying for them. When I saw Steph’s challenge written on a piece of paper I was immediately convicted about the fact that I had never reached out and TOLD Ben I was praying for him. I know I am always surprised and encouraged when someone let’s me know they are praying for me.
Day 14: Give The Tomkinsons Packing Supplies And Invite Them To Dessert
Along with praying for Ben on my way to work, I also pray for Joel Tomkinson. Joel has been a long-time friend, confidant, and was even a roommate for about 5 months. He and his wife Allie are two of the most joyful, fun people you will ever meet.
Joel and Allie were married in June 2011. They found out in December of 2011 that Allie had Hodgkin’s lymphoma. And they will move in to a new home in June 2012. Needless to say the Lord has taken them on an adventurous roller coaster this past year. I have been encouraged by seeing their faith, joy, and love for others in the midst of this trial.
Steph packed up a few things to help them in the packing process for this move, so I dropped those off at Joel’s office. If you haven’t figured out yet, Steph is doing a lot more of the giving in my giving challenge! We also invited Joel and Allie over for dessert so we can get caught up and pray for them.
You can read more on their blog: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/allietomkinson/mystory
Day 15: Find Items In Our Home That Others Could Use
It’s amazing when you start looking around you house at how much stuff you have that you could give to others. Here were the 3 things I gave away on Day 15:
1. Four tickets to a Dayton Dragons baseball game
2. A coupon for a free coffee and bagel at Panera
3. Diapers, wipes, and other donations for the Miami Valley Woman’s Center.
I also have a gift certificate for anyone who wants a free night at the Hampton Inn in Springfield, OH. It has to be used by May 27th. Anyone want it?
In this vein, a good friend has set up a specific facebook page for posting and commiting to pray for others’ requests. As she notes, too often when we hear of a need, we say, “Oh, yes, I’ll pray for you,” and then promptly forget to do so. This fb page reminds us to actually do what we promise – often I pray immediately when I read a new request. It also gives an opportunity to post updates and answers to those prayers. Many times I’m praying for people I don’t know and may never meet, but they do the same for me, and ultimately, God is honored and we are blessed. (Your Mom woudl know this friend from Waterloo – kmkl.)