A Covenant: Kids off the streets and filled with hope!

Delano's mom died when he was just 11. After living with his stepfather and then some relatives for a time, young Delano found himself on the street. He was just one of the over 5000 Michigan youths that sleep on the street on any given night. Yes 5000 in Michigan a night! For Delano now; however, thanks to Covenant House Michigan, not only is he off the streets-- but he assists Stephanie Taylor (they're pictured together below) in the Street Outreach Program to help get other kids get to a safe place and where they can get all the tools they need for a positive and productive future.

A visit to Covenant House in Detroit for my husband and I was emotional and inspiring. It's not hard to miss the compassion on the part of the staff and the inpiration all around, including scripture verses on the wall.  We met Anthony (center in the blue t-shrit), who after being a homeless youth himself, is now a vibrant and approachable young man who volunteers his time along with the other dedicated staff. We heard many stories of youth rescued from hopelessness: some escaping abuse or neglect, some abandoned, some aged out of the foster care system. But (as is Covenant House's Mission), all of God's children deserve unconditional love, respect and hope and they are given it there. Their vivacious Marketing Director, Melissa Golpe showed us around the the campus where the youth is housed, fed, educated and loved. She introduced us to a special group of kids who you see below. Once on the street, with Covenant House's assistance, they are all working hard to make their dreams come true.

 

Left to Right: Melissa--Covenant's marketing maven, Jonathan-- a WC3 Student and percussionist who wants to be a music teacher, Robyn-- who works at AMC Theatres now and is a future Interior Designer, Danielle- a business student who is currently getting a patent on a new kind of home key pad that (like your car key fob) will get you into your house (watch out Bill Gates!) and Lyiondra--a Nutrition major at Wayne State who is going to be a dermatologist.  Not long ago, these kids were homeless. Now, thanks to Covenant House, their lives have turned around and they are ready to change the world!

I hope you can support Covenant House and attend an incredible, once in a lifetime benefit May 25 at the Gem and Century Theatres. "A Night of Broadway Stars" features some of Broadway's biggest stars recreating their roles onstage...and a special performance by the Covenant House Youth! Check out this video for a glimpse of the evening Night of Broadway Stars Promo Video

Call 313-463-2005 or go to http://www.covenanthousemi.org/
 
 
And if you know someone who is in need of help, there is an easy to remember toll-free crisis line at 800-999-9999 (the Covenant House Nine Line). 
 
Please support Covenant House, it could be your neighbor, friend or your child on the street someday...and (as their flyer says) anything you can do helps, so: donate, volunteer, advocate or pray!

Two Things You Can Do to Increase Your Happiness

“Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.”

This is one of those great quotes that reminds us to do what our moms always told us to do, "count our blessings." It is human nature to quickly become unsatisfied with what we have and to always want more. If that means going out and bettering ourselves, then fine...but often it seems to just make us unsettled. Sometimes you'll hear someone say, "I'll be happy when (fill in the blank), I get married, I have kids, I get a new job, finish school, my kids are grown, I lose weight, I make more money -- and on and on.


But as the Daughtry song says, "what about now"? What do you really appreciate in your life? What makes you happy? Do you savor those times? Maybe it's just spending time with your family or that someone special, could be getting together with great friends, going somewhere new (across town or across the world), taking on a new challenge at work, participating in a club, your church, having a hobby, playing a sport, playing an instrument, going on a hike, climbing a mountain...or just reading a great book...where ever and what ever those happy times mean for you. So, that's #1--doing more of those things you love and appreciating all that you have. What about #2?

Well, now that we've counted our blessings, let's remember NOT to count those "imperfections" (otherwise known as annoyances or offenses). Did you have to wait in line a a grocery store, get caught behind a slow driver on the freeway, have to deal with a rude co-worker? Every day, there are many opportunities for things and people to steal our joy.  The more we can blow these things off, the happier we can stay. That takes practice and patience, which brings me to another one of those mom classics: "patience is a virtue".

Of course, no one is happy all the time--that might be a little weird, but if we keep these things in mind, we can increase our happiness. Who doesn't want that? And to quote another great song...don't worry...be happy!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9K4BKkLaCI

Show your love to hurting families!

Mothers Day is a special day, but something most of us take for granted. A gift for mom, maybe a nice lunch...and I've noticed Mothers Day is right up there with Christmas and Easter for church attendance. Admittedly it can also be a hard day for those of us who have lost our mom. Mine has been gone 16 years now, but I still get to experience it from the other angle: with my son.  It's from that angle the the ladies of Solstice Design are lending their hand again this year on Mother's Day. With Project Mothers Day, they are intervening for a special group of women. Women who wouldn't ordinarily have a chance to experience the joy of that wonderful day that honors moms--women in domestic violence shelters. Solstice's Sherry Duquet and Sandy Boulton are donating their unique and exquisite handcrafted jewelry pieces to shelters all over the country. These necklaces go to the kids as their gift to mom, so it's an important moment for the children too. Imagine the little faces lighting up when they can present mom with such an astounding gift.  And the necklaces all have great meaning for the women. This year's is called "Inner Strength"

You can purchase one as well for your mom, your wife,  yourself or any special woman in your life and proceeds will benefit the cause. Solstice wants to make 500 of these necklaces this year for little hands to give their moms.  You can support them by buying a necklace, by making a donation (even $1 helps), or if you are in the Detroit area, please come to their Champagne and Chocolate Fundraiser on March 24 at Dearborn Hills Golf Course. mmmm... Chocolate...and champagne, plus prizes, drink specials, a jewelry trunk show and more! Tickets are very reasonable at $20.  Find out more about it and everything else regarding Project Mothers Day at www.projectmothersday.com  

Project Mothers Day's goal is to nurture domestic violence survivors...and their precious little ones. I hope you have a chance to find out more about this great cause and maybe even get involved!

It will truly mean so very much to these families!