The best thing is that we have been taught that washing our hands well with soap can help to keep us healthy.  We have access to soap and water on a regular basis.  Not everyone is so lucky.  What they don’t know and don’t have access to can harm them or kill them.  Soap and water save lives and there is a Global Soap Project that you may not be aware of to get soap into the hands of people who are in need of it, to stay well.

The Global Soap Project was started by Derreck Kayongo.  His father was a soap maker in Uganda.  When Derreck came to the United States, he was amazed to discover that hotels put fresh bars of soap in the hotel rooms every day; discarding the used soaps.  This began the idea of the Global Soap Project as Derreck knew the importance of having soap to help combat sickness and disease.  Just imagine the difference having plenty of soap and water would make in refugee camps.

It is costly to get soap, in many areas of the world, and poorer nations cannot afford the luxury of throwing away bars of soap that are barely used.  The Bible says to those whom much is given, much is expected in return; we have a responsibility to do what we can to help those that are less well off.   This is such a simple thing to do.

Derreck began to think of how to recycle the soap and distribute it to people in need.  He began to contact hotels about donating soaps to be recycled.  He has a website that encourages people to get involved in the donation, recycling and distribution of soap that has been cleaned, recycled and inspected for impurities.  This has the potential of helping to save and improve lives.

In America, we understand that it is important to use soap and water anytime we are handling food or drinks; or when working with people who are sick, after using the restroom, or changing diapers or bathing young children who have not been trained yet about sanitation.  The Centers for Disease Control has a wonderful article about hand washing and gives the particulars on how to do it properly to prevent the spread of diseases or illnesses. If people around the world could have access to the soap that is thrown away in landfills every year it could help millions of lives that die from contact with diseases and symptoms such as diarrhea.

This time of year families are traveling on vacations and day trips staying at hotels.  Why not spread the word at the hotels, about the Global Soap Project, that you are staying at or saving the soap that your family is given to use throughout your hotel stay.  The project is based in Atlanta, Georgia.  This is a worthwhile way of contributing to a betterment of the world.  If nothing else, think locally.

There are many homeless people that could use individual bars of soap to use.  Why not donate to a homeless shelter in your area?  This is such a great idea to bless others with the things that we take for granted, won’t you do what you can to help others less fortunate.  Won’t you help Derrick and others like him who have a goal to save lives by donating soap, money or your time?  Visit his site and see what you can do to lend some support, won’t you?

The truth of the matter is, that some marketers have really hurt the internet marketing industry by false claims and advertising gimmicks.  The Real Guys Real Money creators , these guys all have a solid track record of producing IM products and teaching courses that have helped people to earn consistent income online.  All three marketers are Christians and they believe in being genuine, trustworthy, and conducting themselves with integrity.

The lessons that they teach really are tried and true marketing practices that get results.  This particular course is a series of 17 videos on list building and getting traffic=.  There is also a bonus that teaches four different ways to make one thousand dollars.  How many people could benefit from learning how to that?

This course is called a shortcut because this course puts all of this information together to help individuals make money online.  This is also private label rights.  It can be re-branded and rename and sold as PLR.   If you have tried to make money online and see the value of having a truly effective course.  This is a true teaching course with power points, sales page, thank you page and a download page.  There is also a squeeze page, and squeeze page templates for your customers.  The video course, includes everything you need.  This course can then be turned around and sold to others to help them.  It will include non transferable Master Resell rights, only to you, the original purchaser.

Don’t pass up this opportunity to get this product of the highest possible quality available online.  You will NOT believe the price…trust me and click here on the Real Guys Real Money .

*Just so you know, if you were to click on my affiliate link and actually purchase this product, I would be financially compensated for referring you to them.  It is still a great product…go and see for yourself.

Mother Conni

I have to say that entering the fray in Babble’s Top 100 Food Mom Bloggers started out simply as a way of honoring my friend Mother Connie.  It has since become more about honoring her AND getting people aware of the impact she is making in the lives of the people who visit her Food Stamps Cooking Club Blog.  You see, Connie has always been about helping people be healthy (she teaches ways to eat healthier while on a tight budget) but she also truly loves connecting with people and encouraging them.

Her blog is one of community.  The people who visit there aren’t simply people who get their groceries from SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-food stamps)…even though that is the name of the blog.  It is also written for, and contributed to by, people who receive WIC  (Women, Infants, and Children), Angel Food Ministries, Commodities, Farmer’s Market coupons or groceries from local food pantries.  Connie encourages people to participate with their cooking tips, shopping or marketing tips, health information and to ask questions that she or her readers may have an answer to.

All of this is done with the intention of helping people to stretch their food dollars and to shop, prepare and serve the healthiest meals that they can to their families.  Connie not only accomplishes this…she has been an inspiration to many.  For all of those reasons…I ask you to go here to Babble’s Top 100 Mom Food Bloggers and nominate her.  All you have to do is find her on page 1 or 2 and click on the “like” button to vote for her.   Thanks a lot.  Oh, and go visit her blog…and leave her a comment; she loves comments…tell her Write Where You Are sent you!

I believe that just being aware of the world around you and noticing where the acceptance of God is lacking and doing your best to be of service in some way; of bringing a light or help to those who are in need, is a ministry itself.  Some have a pull on their hearts to teach, preach, do missions work, or evangelize.  There are others who are drawn to a particular effort of outreach which may be to take Bibles into areas of the world which have little or no access to the word.  Then again, there are those with an online ministry to edify or build up disciples such as the Live Sticky movement which encourages people to spend a portion of their online time being dedicated to bringing awareness of God to those that they impact. These are all ministries that are needed.

A ministry might mean that you take meals to someone who is home-bound, lonely or spending time with someone who is depressed.  It might mean providing comfort and help to those in poverty, a hospital/jail setting; or it could be a position of raising funds for someone to go out and do missions work.   Some of those ministries can be dangerous; but still, God puts a calling on those individuals hearts.

Today in the news there is some sadness which highlights that statement.  In recent days, there have been four Americans held hostage, on a yacht, which were hi-jacked by Somali pirates allegedly.  It basically is a form of human trafficking…to hold humans against their will in the hopes of making money off of them.  There was a military warship that was tailing them and as the shots rang out, the Navy warship took action capturing and killing the pirates.

Today, unfortunately the news says that all four American hostages were murdered by the pirates.  The yacht was owned by Jean and Scott Adam and they had two passengers on board, Phyllis Macay and Bob Riggle.  Jean and Scott often traveled distributing Bibles around the world on their yacht.

They knew the risks of traveling this part of the world where pirates have been wreaking havoc on ships traveling through the area.  Still, they were committed to doing what they loved to do and felt called to do.  This required tremendous courage on their part.  They believed in more than just life here on Earth and it is a terrible loss to those who knew them and loved them.  May God comfort their friends and families during this time of grieving. They sacrificed their lives to do what they felt called to do; many people do not understand that kind of commitment.  It is a love that goes beyond the general human attitude of thinking only about oneself.

Did they want to die…no, I am sure they did not set out with the purpose of loosing their lives.  There are many examples of people who have lost their lives for Christ.  I believe that God has welcomed them home.  They faced this danger knowingly…but it is still a tragedy in human terms.  Spiritually, God will deal with those who took their lives.

There are many parts of the world which are hurting and struggling with war, with natural disasters, with political unrest and with spiritual warfare.  Those areas of the world have people in need; just as there are people suffering and hurting in your own local neighborhoods and countries.  Whether you feel the call to do missions work, teach/preach or evangelize in person or online…know that lives are being affected and changed for the good.

This is important work that you do, wherever God places you to do it. It is important to pray for those who set about doing the work of God…no matter where they do it.  There are forces at work intending to persuade Christians to stand back and let the world take care of itself.  That is not what God asks of us; be about the business of God.  Be an encourager, support ministry in any way that you can.  If it is working with children, in administration, or in actively pursuing those who don’t know Jesus…find a way to be in service.

I have friends and family who are doing amazing things because of their love of God.  There is Friends Like Us who work with children with cancer and their families.  They provide chemo bears to the pediatric patients that they work with…as well as providing gifts for the patients siblings.  They talk with and support parents of those patients.  They often send blankets from another organization called Layers of Love and a book on living with cancer from an author that they work with. Please visit them and support the work that they do.  These are all ministries at work, in my humble opinion, because they show love and help people who are hurting and in need of some sort.  This is just a small sample of people in my circle of influence.

My daughter recently went to Haiti and worked in an orphanage where the love of God is at work trying to improve the lives of those they touch.  I intend to do a series of blog posts soon about some of the work being done there.  Here is a link to the Haiti Foundation Against Poverty through which she felt called to work on a recent missions trip. http://haitipoverty.org/Updates.aspx

I just want to recognize those who are about the business of doing the work of the Lord.  Thank you for the sacrifices of your time, your money, and your efforts. Never forget that the time is short and that God is coming soon.  He alone knows the day and the hour…so when you get weary or feel burdened; remember that the life that you connect to God will have the opportunity to go to Heaven rather than the destination of Hell, a place of eternal suffering. This reason alone is why God gave us his word in John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life”.

What type of work do you do for the kingdom of God?  What do you feel called to do or share?  Are you actively involved in some kind of outreach ministry? Have you ever felt in danger while doing your ministry work?  Will you tell us about it here? What do you do for the love of God?

     Most people are familiar with mint in the form of a tasty tidbit whether it be a breath freshner, toothpaste, candy or maybe even their favorite herbal tea.  However, once you know about some of the healing properties of mint you begin to understand that mint matters are so much important than a person realizes.  For a person who has seen or felt it’s healing power…they know the value of keeping pure mint oil on hand!

        For instance, did you know that mint (be it spearmint or peppermint) has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-spasmodic, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, and is an analgesic?  That covers many ailments that a human being can experience.  Wow, can you think of any other product that has any kind of equal healing power in it?  It is amazing.  It also is a very tasty product and one that is fairly reasonable to purchase or to grow in your own backyard. 

        As some of my regular readers know, I supported a very special group of people who produce mint oil right here in Michigan.  It is the Crosby Mint Farm in St. Johns, Michigan.  It is a family owned business and it has just celebrated their 99 harvest of mint oil this past weekend.  My family and I got to go on a tour of the farm with some very dear friends of ours this past weekend.  What a joy to see this farm that is a source of healing power for so many people around the world. 

       There is Peppermint Jim and his sister Linette who are the owners/operators.   Both of whom are knowledgable and very genuine personalities.   They have a wonderous staff of mint aficionados.  Their small, on farm, store is stocked with products sure to please.  From candles, to body spritz, to honey subtly flavored with mint, to bath salts and various sizes of bottles of pure essential mint oils to choose from; a person could surely find a way to utilize the products that they produce.

         If you have followed their story you know that they struggled in the last few years with a foreclosure and “lost” their farm to an auction.  The farm’s motto is “expect miracles” and through a very interesting turn of events they were able to buy back most of the farm and their family’s home which is a huge part of their legacy of producing mint for 99 harvests.   Their faith and the support of customers, media and community have come full circle which is going to allow for a great celebration next year of their 100th harvest. 

        I have seen the healing power of the pure mint oil that they produce; as my very own mother was relieved of  painful shingle sores in her mouth that prevented her from speaking and eating normally, for a period of time last winter.  When medicines perscribed for her, by her physician, failed to give her relief…I recommended the mint oil.  She applied the mint oil and in a matter of a few days she was finally free from the pain and inflammation in her mouth around her tongue and gums.  It was miraculous.  It was well worth the small cost of the bottle of oil to see her out of the pain and discomfort she had been in.

       There is also the story on Peppermint Jim’s website about a medical mission team that went to Nigeria and helped over 800 people there with mint oil that was donated from the Crosby Mint Farm.  You should find that story here: http://www.peppermintjim.com/mint-oil-across-the-world/  That is powerful to me.  Now understand, this is pure mint oil not imitation oil.  This is oil produced by plants designed and put on the Earth by the master physician himself, God.  Why aren’t we using this valuable product more in medicinal ways to promote health and well-being; as opposed to manufactured medications that have so many harmful side-effects? 

         One of the big things that we heard alot during our day spent at the mint festival is how the Crosbys want to help people.  By producing the best quality oil, they can help people to live healthier and enjoy their lives more when they are using the oil to live with less pain, less infection, less inflammation and so much more. 

       I have to tell you that the people who work on the farm from Carol, to Lori and her sister Kelly, to all of the others we met this weekend at the mint festival; both on the farm and at the booth at the festival, they know their stuff.  We went on a wonderful tour and gained so much information that I could have spent a week there, just asking questions and absorbing knowledge from these wonderful people.   They were gracious and allowed us to take pictures with them. 

       Did you know that it takes 1 acre of plant material (mint), or 4 tons, to fill the distillery equipment to make a batch of oil; which can yield as much as 35-40 lbs.  This is produced without chemicals or pesticides…and in fact, the Crosby Mint Farm is proud of the farming practices that they use, which are earth friendly.

        An interesting day it was for myself and my family.  Our friends were just as thrilled with all that we learned.  We were priveledged to be present for the filming of a television interview with chanel 6 in Lansing, Michigan, which has been a strong supporter of this farms efforts to not only stay in business; but, to continue the legacy that was started so long ago by Peppermint Jim and his wonderful sister Linette’s great grandfather, J.E. Crosby, Sr; way back in 1912.

        If you would like to learn more about the Crosby Mint Farm or the products that they produce you can go to their website here:  http://crosbymintfarm.com/ .  If you go there, do yourself a favor and purchase some of their products…trust me you wont be sorry.  I don’t have an affiliate link to them or any of their products…I just believe in what they do and why they do it.  I really believe you will too once you’ve tried some of it!

       In any case, Jessica Angelique who is on Twitter as @DefinitveVoices and as @Jesicaangelique is a person who shines a light on organizations and non-profits that help people better the world through better living conditions, better self-esteem, and through building people up, one person at a time.  She is a strong voice for cancer-livestrong organization, for children, clean water, self-esteem & empowerment, and for foster care.  She is an author and a speaker; and, she is not afraid to connect to people who are in the position to effectively make changes that open the doorway to a better life for thousands of people everyday.   She puts her money where her mouth is and donates money to help children in foster care.

        She needs your help to win this grant.  Pepsi is running a voting contest and you can go here to register and vote to help her to implement her vision in a large way; should she win the vote.  http://www.refresheverything.com/definitivevoices  Once you arrive there, at the bottom of the screen there will be a sign in spot.  Sign in by entering an email and create a password.   She is entered to win the $250,000 category to educate.  Please help.  Lives will be changed and improved and children will especially be blessed. 

        Jessica has connections with people from all over the globe who are like minded; it will be a powerful television show.  Again I say, why can’t television be used to build people up instead of tearing them down?  Be a vessel of empowerment…please register and vote daily until the 28th of February, 2010.  It is very important to do this; you won’t be sorry that you took the time to do so!

          However, if they become disillusioned/free of that belief or stand; they have in other words switched sides and are convinced that they were wrong in their original position of belief.  For every argument or discussion, they have a response to their opposition’s point of view because they have defended or stood up for each point of discussion on the other side.   It is sort of like arguing with yourself, inside your head when you are weighing a decision.    When you finally decide what is the correct point of view, it becomes the one that you most effectively communicate to others because you have DECIDED the issue in your own mind first! 

          So, for those who have been a strong, vocal voice say in the realm of spiritual discussions such as atheism over a belief in God and have switched sides; they are much more persuasive in their discussions with other atheists.   Or, say for example a political representative for one party over another suddenly switches sides…they become a powerful tool to their former political opponents because they have inside information on how the other party approached certain issues or subjects and even how they operated as an organization.   Even the media sits up and takes notice if a politician switches sides on an issue or political affiliation.

         Now this morning I read, with interest, a news item about a woman who worked for eight years as a director for a Planned Parenthood clinic.  She for years defended the right of women to seek services at her clinic and to even have abortions if it was the decision that they made that was considered to be in their best interest.  She was a very strong voice for pro-choice issues.    She hinted that while Planned Parenthood is a multi-service organization which helps families to handle their reproductive health and educates them, there is not much money in the education portion of the business.

         The lucrative side of the business comes from performing abortions, according to Abby Johnson’s statements.  She said she was getting internal, personal pressure to increase the clinics profitability.   What seemed to change her opinion on pro-choice beliefs to one of  a vocal stance of  pro-life  is when she witnessed, for the first time the actual death of a fetus on an ultra sound monitor as the baby was vacuumed out of it’s mother’s body. 

        It doesn’t get any more real than watching a baby’s body dissolve into pieces when it was moments before a connected living creature inside of it’s mother’s womb.  Abortion is destructive to the life of the child as well as potentially destructive to the emotional, physical and spiritual well-being of the mother.  Often the opinion of fathers of babies who lives hang in the balance while a woman considers her “option” of abortion, are not considered because the child is encased inside of the woman’s body.  It is somehow “her decision”.   The decision to abort a fetus/child is one that will impact the individuals involved for the rest of their lives.  Relationships can be forever destroyed by the decision to abort a baby.  Trust, respect and responsibility are all tightly woven into people’s opinions on the subject.

         Abby Johnson now stands outside of the very clinic and protests with an anti-abortion group.  To me, this kind of critic is way more powerful than a person who has always believed that it was wrong.  It is not to say that those people aren’t as convicted about their beliefs because obviously they are if they live their lives supporting that belief; however, a person who now stands toe- to -toe against their formally declared opinion or stance is what I call an effective critic. 

          When they declare that they have decided that their previous belief was wrong and take action to correct their actions from before…I find that persuasive and potentially, life changing for their circle of influence. 

           I would like to add a link, with permission granted, to an interesting article written by @mommyperks from my Twitter stream.  I think she has written a wonderful article with an interesting personal interview with a young woman, regarding her regret over having an abortion.  Please read:  http://www.mommyperks.com/vip/?p=3427 .  Thank you!

           This leaves many people without the healthy foods that their families need to survive.  It used to be that America was the country that everyone else came to help supplement their food supply…now we must create an awareness for those with plenty that there are  many in our own nation who struggle to feed themselves or family members with three healthy well balanced meals a day. 

           Did you know that 1 out of 8 people are at risk for hunger in this country?   This includes, children, working men and women, the elderly…hunger doesn’t know any boundaries.   Chances are that you know someone who has struggled with feeding themselves or their families.  Please, wont you go to www.welchs.com/harvest and click…it wont cost you anything but a moment of your time.  Please, let others know to support both Feeding America and Welch’s.   They are doing good things!

           So, today it is my pleasure to tell you about a movement or a joining of two forces , Feeding America-which was formerly known as America’s Second Harvest and a company that has produced quality grape juice for generations of American families-Welch’s, to provide 100% grape juice from their harvest of concord grapes.  They are teaming up to help donate food to food banks to help those who are struggling.

        This program is free for you the reader…and is a wonderful way to do something that can make an impact on the hungry.  Welch’s and Feeding America have a link that when clicked will donate 8 eight ounce glasses of 100% grape juice to families who are in need.  This program is being called a Harvest of Help: www.welchs.com/harvest .  Please click and spread the word.  I want to thank both Welch’s and Feeding America for caring enough about hunger here at home to begin making a difference. 

          If you read my previous post, you know that my son and I recently harvested our own fruit of the vine.  We picked and canned 70lbs of grapes.  Can I just tell you that once processed, those 70 lbs of juice provided us with 9 quart jars of juice and 7 pint sized jars of jelly.   http://www.writewhereyouareblog.com/?p=2468

         Now think, about what Welch’s is doing…they are providing 8-80z glasses of juice, rich in nutrition, every time someone clicks on that link… up to 1 million servings; that is outstanding!  Please, outside of clicking…can you make an effort to purchase Welch’s products when you are shopping for your own family?  Any company that goes to this extreme to help attempt to feed America’s hungry deserves to be supported by as many people as possible.  I am going to do my best to support their continued efforts. 

       Recent weeks have seen green beans, green peppers, tomatoes, parsley, zucchini, peaches, blueberries, blackberries, pears, currants, raspberries, squash, and a slew of other items, come to maturity.   Tomorrow we will be picking apples to be turned into a variety of treats such as apple pies, and applesauce.   Yesterday, we picked 70 lbs of purple grapes.  I have washed, crushed, strained and canned grape juice and even canned some of the grapes into jelly.  The smell as the grapes heat throughly and are processed is amazing.  So much work though ….it is a bit frustrating to think about how fast this will disappear.  On the other hand, it is joyful to teach my children and watch them learn to appreciate all that goes into capturing the produce and knowing that it is something that they can do in the future for their families.

        I have to admit, it is both amusing and annoying to hear them react to the natural trespassers on the produce.  They didn’t like the bugs on the plants or hidden in the baskets of the items as they came into the house to get cleaned before being used.  I was reminded how spoiled American children are when it comes to understanding how food is planted, harvested and preserved for families across the nation.  Are all children this naive about how food ends up on their table?

       My son is probably the most involved in the process here at home.  He helped me plant the seeds, he has helped weed, fertilize, and rototill the garden and helped to harvest it as well as preserve it.  Out of all of my children…he will have the best practical knowledge of the gift of growing your own food and putting it on the table.  It is not only useful information…it may be a necessity someday!  I am thankful that I grew up in a home where we knew how to grow what we needed as a family and more importantly knew what to do with it when it was in season and ready to be preserved.  Do you freeze, can or dry any food items for your family?  When did you learn how it was done…who taught you?