Michelle - 3/153 - By Quiet Waters

Sponsor Selfie Day 2018, Why Sponsor a Child?

September 15, 2018 By Michelle

Sponsor Selfie Day

Maybe you’ve seen a lot about Sponsorship through Compassion International on social media lately. Maybe you’ve seen the tag “sponsor selfie day” and wondered what it’s all about. I want to share what sponsor selfie day means to me, a little about my 24 years of experience sponsoring children.

Long Term Commitment

I first started sponsoring a child in 1994. As a young single mom, I just felt a tug to do something. I realized that some might not have even the basics that I was able provide for my daughter. At the time, I didn’t realize that I had made a long term commitment. When I married my husband, he joined me in the sponsorship of Edgar, until Edgar graduated from school and the Compassion program. And then we sponsored more children.

Now more than 20 years later I’ve seen sponsorship in action. A couple of my daughters and I have traveled to meet our sponsored children. I have seen what sponsoring a child does for a child, a family and a community. And with amazement and joy, I can see what involving ourselves in the lives of these kids has begun to do in each member of my family.

It is pure joy to sponsor Alys, pictured here, and Alisson, in the picture at the top of the page. Despite the difficulties these girls and their mommas face daily, sponsorship means they are not alone. I have linked arms with these mothers, the teachers, and the pastor of their local church. Together we each do our part to give Alys and Alisson, the opportunity to each reach her God ordained potential, to walk out of poverty and to fully live.

If you are interested in linking arms with a family and a church for a child growing up in poverty, please check out Compassion International , comment below, or email me at michelle at byquietwaters.com

I am happy to answer questions or help you sponsor a child, in Jesus name.

How to Tell a Great Story, by Guideposts

September 14, 2018 By Michelle

Do any of my readers currently read, or remember Guideposts? Guidepost publications were always at the home of one of my grandmothers, and from time to time my mother had them in our home. Occasionally I would pick up one and always enjoyed the stories.

How to Write a Great Story

Recently I became aware that Guideposts is still around, and that they offer a master class in writing a great story! The instructors of this master class are Edward Grinnan, Colleen Hughes, Amy Wong, Rick Hamlin, and Jim Hinch. These are Guideposts top editors, with many years of experience between them.

Each video lesson builds up on the previous lesson. The lessons cover the structure of a story, the elements of a story, and so much more, including my particular need…. “just start writing”. The lessons also go indepth in character development, developing a reliable narrator and technical specifics.

My Thoughts

It is with great appreciation that I write about this course. As one who loves to write and wants to offer encouragement and hope through writing, I know I have much need to grow in skill and technique. I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to participate in this class, and to even be in place of considering to offer a story for publication in the future. That may be the best I can say about the course, it has given me tools to improve, and inspiration to dream.

You can read what others are saying about this class, here.

If you are interested in the Guideposts Master Class “How to Write a Great Story”, here is a link to the details.

This course was originally offered to me for review, and in exchange for this blog post. There are no other affiliate connections in this post.

A Well Nourished Lunchbox

September 8, 2018 By Michelle

Meal planning for a Cross Country runner can feel like a marathon! As my daughter’s cross country career takes on a greater role in her life this year, I am learning more about what it takes to not only prepare healthy meals, but to create a well nourished lunchbox.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Runner Girl’s weight began dropping in recent weeks, so she downloaded an app to track her food and nutrition intake. It has been a surprise to find out that she isn’t getting nearly enough protein nor carbs. We had a good conversation on the way to school one morning this week. It was decided that I need to go back to making her breakfast and packing her lunches. This shift will actually allow Runner Girl more time to eat in the morning, and help her focus on the more necessary things in her life (like school and lowering her 5K time) while I research and correct the nutritional deficiencies in her diet.

Gluten Free Kids in the Kitchen

September 8, 2018 By Michelle

Kids in the Kitchen

Having our kids in the kitchen has been a normal part of family life. My husband is a great cook and an excellent teacher. From the time the kids hung out in backpacks while we cooked, until now, Builder has been teaching them how to cook all the favorites. Builder loves to cook big meals, with Thanksgiving being at the top of his favorites. So you can imagine making sure the kids know how to prepare not just any meal, but the Thanksgiving feast is high on his priority list.

Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance

As the years have passed, some challenges arose to the way we’ve always prepared food. First was the lactose intolerance that caused us to sideline some family favorites like lasagna. Then a gluten intolerance issue that got worse, and celiac disease entered our vocabulary. Add some food allergies and meal time became more of a challenge than a delight.

My Bonuses from the UHLB

September 5, 2018 By Michelle

Readers, for the next few days I’ll be talking to you about the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle, and telling you why I am happy to have purchased it.

With every Ultimate Bundle there are amazing ebooks, ecourses, printables AND bonus products. It has been enjoyable to explore the bundle and immediately find several ebooks, and a subscription that immediately caught my attention. In addition, there are some fabulous bonus items.

The bonus items are special offers that are curated for each bundle. I was so excited about the bonus items in this bundle that I made a video to tell you about them. This is the first video I’ve ever done. Surprisingly, it was fun!

So these are a few of the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle Bonus Items.