**MISSING PERSON** PLEASE HELP & SHARE POST!

Today I got home to see a post on my good friend Renae's Facebook...her stepson, Jack Culolias a student at ASU is missing. This family has been through so much lately with the recent passing of  her husband/his dad due to lung cancer. She is currently in Tempe, Arizona helping a search party look for him. He was last seen at the Cadillac Ranch Restaurant on Friday November 30th at 11:00 pm. It's been reported that his wallet and cell phone were left at the restaurant. They need your prayers and help. Please share this blog post with anyone you know. Please pray for a hedge of protection around him and that the search party will have the Lord's wisdom and guidance on where to look for him and that he is found unharmed. Please contact the Tempe, AZ Police Dept. (480) 350-8311 with ANY info you may have!! Thank you. 
 
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BE THE DIFFERENCE!

After receiving a prayer request for a young, 13 year old, Pop Warner Football player, Donnovan Hill, who fractured his spine last Sunday in the Orange Bowl Championship game, I felt like I needed to do something. I have a little talent...not something most people would consider anything special, but it has served me well in a number of situations. I often refer to myself as the research queen. I can hunt down information, find email addresses, names, companies, whatever it may be...I'm persistent. I decided that this family needed some hope, guidance, and direction in the days, weeks, and months ahead. I can't begin to imagine, nor would I want to, what this family and boy will be having to deal with. BUT...I wanted to do something.

I had five boys play Pop Warner Football and thank the Lord, nothing serious ever happened. But it touched my heart & I started looking for help. I came across an amazing, incredible man, Eddie Canales & his son, Chris, who started the non-profit organization, Gridiron Heroes, after Chris was paralyzed in the last game of his high school season. They had nowhere to turn. There wasn't any help out there. Most people wanted to sweep the 'ugly side' of contact sports under the rug. So instead of sitting in their sorrow, they decided to make a difference. Eddie Canales & his son, Chris have made such an incredible impact on the lives of so many athletes seriously injured in sports. Eddie is one of CNN's Top 10 Hero's & is up for the CNN HERO OF THE YEAR AWARD (PLEASE VOTE FOR HIM HERE-he'll win money for his charity!) He also was featured on HBO, the Today Show & several news feature stories such as MYFOX Houston.

I sent an email to Eddie & that very same day he called me back. He wants to help this family. He's lived it. He is someone who can make a difference in this young boys life. He didn't hesitate...he stepped forward and offered his assistance, all the way from Texas. He has now been in touch with the Pop Warner Organization & will be contacting the family as well.

I'm not sharing this with you for a pat on the back or an 'atta girl.' It's to remind each of you, when you have an ability, no matter how small or insignificant it may be...please, take a step out of your comfort zone and do whatever you can to help someone in need. You never know the difference one small act can make in someone's life. BE THE DIFFERENCE!

*If you'd like to help Donnovan Hill & his family, send Donations to:

Orange Empire Conference

c/o Donnovan Hill

PO Box 7652

Huntington Beach, CA 92615

Please keep him & his family in your prayers!

Memories & Love

Yesterday was a tough day. However, Stacy's Memorial Service was beautiful. I was amazed that her husband Nick found the strength to speak, just as he did for his son. He shared some special memories of their dating years and the fun moments they had together.

I often wonder, how can you sum up someone's life, your love for them and also honor them in an hour or two?

I guess you never really can, you can only take all of your special memories, hold them close to you and during the tough days ahead, draw on them to fill your heart with the love that they gave you.

Please continue to remember Nick and Justin in your prayers...they will need it.

Accepting Changes

Life is constantly changing...just when you think everything is going along smoothly...BAM something happens. I look at all the families in our neighborhood who are financially secure and seem to "have it all." Then I get a slap in the face from one of our friends...while having a conversation about this subject. He said, "My friend had it all, money, nice house, car, toys, perfect little family...then tragedy struck. His daughter is now paralyzed, she is working everyday to try and walk again. The family has good days and bad days. He sees his daughter crying, hurting and praying to be healed. He agonizes over this and says he would give up everything just to see his daughter, playing softball, running, and being a normal teenager again."

My son's friend, Luke Gane's life changed in the matter of one month. He just started chemo for his blood disease. I'm sure his parents would give up everything to have him out on that football field with his team mates, playing the sport he loves. Now he will go through the battle of his life, while his parents stand beside him encouraging, loving and supporting him.

I needed to be reminded of this...our struggles are helping us to grow. I have learned how to be "calm in the midst of the storm." My trials are minor compared to our friends. Find the good in your situation, accept the changes, become who you were meant to be. Every struggle produces growth in your life. Focus on whatever is good, (faith, love, health) whatever it may be. You may not be where you want to be...but you're growing and changing, heading toward where you're supposed to be!

Life changes in an instant...all of our planning, collecting, trying to get bigger and better homes, cars, boats, building bigger barns to put our "stuff" in ...can all be taken in an instant. Things do not matter! Focus on making a difference, reaching out to others, doing what you can with whatever talents and abilities you have (cooking, writing, sharing, volunteering your time, comforting). Accept the changes and use your life experiences to help others. Stop waiting for your problems to be over...you can be the answer to someone's prayers!

Romans 1:17

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."