Habitat for Humanity

Homelessness.  Forget the stereotype in America.  A good many homeless people are families.  Some are veterans who put their lives on the line for us.  How do you keep your children safe on the streets?  How do you look for work if you can't bring your children with you to interviews?  What if you do have benefits, but they run out? 
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What if you rent?  My husband was unemployed for over a year and we found out the hard way you're out on the streets a lot faster when you rent instead of own your house.  Thankfully, we had family with an extra trailer on the ol' homestead.  A lot of families don't.
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Families become homeless for many reasons, most of them are not their fault.  In some places, the housing market is so expensive their children would be grown and gone before they could afford a warm, safe place of their own.  Learned that the hard way too.
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Enter:   Habitat for Humanity
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They're the good folks who come in when a family needs and is ready to move into their own home, but can't quite make it for a variety of reasons.  You can volunteer to help build or renovate a home for them, or donate, or buy donated building products from their stores.
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They help out after disasters, like Hurricane Katrina too.
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Children who grow up in warm, safe homes and see love and generosity turn out to be some pretty outstanding adults. 
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Check out Habitat for Humanity.

Vader's Fist 501st Legion

This started out as a group of fans who liked to get together and create really authentic Star Wars costumes, but then they made it into something much more.  They dress up and bring awareness to charities.  They never charge a fee, but ask that people donate to charities in their name.  They're from all over the world and have the blessing of George Lucas.  Instead of selfishly enjoying a common interest, they've taken what they love and found a way to use it to help others.  Way to go, 501st!  Let that be a lesson to us all.   http://www.501st.com/charity.php

Honor Flight

November 11th is Veterans' Day.  For Living It, I'd like to bring your attention to a charitable organization called Honor Flight.   http://www.honorflight.org/

This organization was set up to provide free travel to World War II veterans so they could visit the memorials set up for them one last time before they pass away.  For some, this is even the only time in their lives they could visit.  These are the heroes from the Greatest Generation, the generation which literally saved the world.  There are very few of them left.

Sixty-eight years ago, they were just terrified young people going to do what needed to be done to save their friends and family.  They knew they would probably died a horrible death, split apart by bullets.  But, they went anyway.  This is true love and courage.

Some of these young people survived to tell us the incredible tale.

***Study this picture carefully.  That's a sunken ship under there, the USS Arizona.***

If you're so unfamiliar with the history that you just don't get it, try watching this Steven Spielberg movie, Saving Private Ryan.

I've spoken to vets.  They say the landing is the most accurately portrayed they've ever seen.  Here's a movie clip-   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqSg7WO4tT4

And they went through this hell on earth so that you could have the chance to Live Happily Ever After.  Don't let them down.  Now, shake a vet's hand and say thank you for your freedom, 'kay?

^"13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." John 15:13 The Bible

Much love, Blog Buds.

Family Promise Matsu

Welcome to 'Living It!'  Sundays is when I showcase people, organizations, and books who inspire and can help the rest of us really live the values of generosity, hospitality, compassion, and authenticity. 
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The Matsu Valley, where former Governor Sarah Palin is from, had a high population of homeless families.  So, the churches got together and formed Family Promise Matsu.  Each church hosts homeless families while helping them find adequate housing.  One of the challenges of Alaska is the housing.  There's not enough and it's outrageously expensive.  So, a mom and/or dad loses his and/or her job and the entire family can be out in very short with no place to sleep and shower while trying to find new jobs. 
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So, check Family Promise Matsu and learn how different churches can unite in love and help those in need.

"Living It" on Sundays

On Sundays, I will be reviewing or showcasing books, films, and organizations which might help us by being an example of living the Christian values of compassion, generosity, hospitality, humility and authentic faith.  One of my favorite books along this line of thinking is ALMOST AMISH by Nancy Sleeth.   http://nancysleeth.com/

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A good example of an organization is Kids' Kitchen in Anchorage, Alaska which was started by a man who woke up to the words 'Feed the Children!'  http://www.kidskitchenak.com/

As a side note, I'm more inclined to believe in the authenticity of the spiritual experience if it brings glory to God, not the person who experienced it, and benefits other people. 
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I believe God is Love and Love is about Giving.  Not getting. 
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Lovely Sunday, Blog Buds!