December news

Dec. 2013   

 The holiday season is upon us, and as usual, this time of year leaves me feeling pretty melancholy.  There is so much about this season that makes me extra joyful and thankful. I have been blessed with so much! It also brings to the forefront that there are many people out there without the basic comforts that I take for granted each day.  Sometimes, the needs seem so overwhelming that it’s easy to just walk away, or ignore the situation in front of you, feeling like the little bit that you can do wouldn’t really make a big difference anyway.  I’ve definitely been guilty of that in the past…. But no more.  I’ve been praying for the Good Lord to convict my heart when there is a need around me that I can meet no matter how big or small.   And if you are looking for something that you can do to make a difference for someone this year, please take a moment and consider a few of these needs that have been tugging on my heart lately.

1.) Matteo Chavez – You can help this family help their sweet little boy. (I blogged about Mateo recently here.) On DEC. 2^nd, from midnight to midnight, you can text to donate a $5 donation to help them get an Autism Service Dog that he desperately needs! 


Please consider doing this….

$5.00 is donated per text you can do it up to 5 times , you have to reply ,yes when you get a confirmation text back! 

That’s giving up one Starbucks Latte to help someone in need!  Please don’t think “My $5 won’t really make a difference”, because IT WILL!!  If you miss this opportunity on Dec. 2^nd, the family has a FirstGiving.com page set up so you can donate to Mateo’s fund anytime! 


“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”

2.)Beautiful Feet Global Outreach – I’m on the Board of Directors for this wonderful organization and we could REALLY use your help!  There are many different ways you can help us.  A one time donation, helping with our Chicken Project, becoming a regular monthly giver, or joining our “Adopt A Child” program.  Everything is tax deductible, so if you are looking for a tax break before the end of the year hits… please consider our worthy organization!   You can also donate just by shopping online at Amazon by using THIS LINK to our Lambshops site.  All you have to do is SHOP.... it will cost you NOTHING and a percentage of everything you purchase will be donated towards BFGO!  

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”

3.)Alive Hospice – When I lost my dear Mother this year, we were so lucky to get to spend her last few days at Alive Hospice.  This is an amazing place, helping so many transition with dignity and grace.  When Mother passed, I asked people to donate to Alive Hospice in lieu of flowers, and I would still ask anyone who might be willing to donate in her name, or in the name of another loved one to do that before the end of the year.  It’s truly a special, special place.

“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.”
  
Ok… down to business…. Only one show this month, but it’s a BIG ONE!   The annual “Twelve Against Nature/Make Me Smile” Supershow is Saturday, Dec. 7^th at 3^rd and Lindsley.  Come early, have dinner, and enjoy the music of “Chicago” and “Steely Dan” performed by some of Nashville’s top musicians.  It’s always a fantastic evening!


As each year comes to a close, I always look back with a grateful heart that God has gifted me with such amazing friends and family.  Thank you all for being a part of my 2013.  I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and all-around wonderful holiday season. 

"If you wait until you can do everything for everybody, instead of something for somebody, you’ll end up not doing nothing for nobody.”

Let the season of giving begin!! 

Love y’all….. M

A dog for sweet Matteo....

This is Matteo....

...and Matteo needs your help!!

Here is a message from Matteo's family:

Our son Matteo Chavez has autism, a disorder involving a spectrum of symptoms causing
impaired and delayed learning, and difficulties with impulse control and social skills. We are seeking a service
dog for Matteo, The service dog agency, Autism Service Dogs of America is a non profit
organization located just outside Portland, Oregon. The donation level required for the dog is $13,500. Our
family kindly asks that you help us in raising funds to provide Matteo with an ASDA service dog
specifically trained to assist children with autism.

An ASDA service dog will assist Matteo by helping us assure Matteo is safe when we leave
our home. It is difficult to have Matteo in public, he has no sense of danger and often darts into
streets, parking lots and has been known to run away. Having a service dog with Matteo will help keep
Matteo safe while we are out in public. Also the dog will serve as an emotional anchor calming Matteo
 in public. Other families who have received these dogs report an increase in speech because the child
talks to the dog as if he were a friend. Families that have received these type of dogs also report their child’s
classroom learning and on task behavior improves with the presence of the service dog. While the benefits of
service dogs for children with autism vary from child to child, early results indicate that children served by a
trained service dog demonstrate marked improvement in mood, socialization, learning and general psychological
and sociological development.
To learn more about autism service dogs and Autism Service Dogs of America, please visit the website,
www.autismservicedogsofamerica.org. We appreciate your generosity and support in our fund raising efforts.
Please write Matteos name in the memo section of your check or money order so your donation will be
credited to the account of our son,Matteo , Your donation is greatly
appreciated. Please make your check payable to ASDA and mail it to our address or ASDA directly as listed
below.
Thank you,

Kelly Barriga Chavez

Please consider making a donation to this wonderful family!   For donation information, go here:

https://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/Matteosworld/asda

I was reading this morning in Philippians 4 that "blessings are issued to you when you are generous.".... so it's a win/win!   You will be blessed and The Chavez Family will be blessed as well if you can take a moment to give today.  No amount is too small... every little bit will help this sweet boy!!

Thanks friends!

Have a blessed day..... Love y'all..... M