Dec-20:   Friday Fast.   Today was my last day of Fasting for the Philippines disaster relief efforts.  My total today was $18.23.  I had a wonderful experience today, in the form of a headache.  I woke up feeling poorly but knew that God would see me through the day.  When one focuses on others, then our trials become less.  We receive so much more in return than expected. 

My contribution made to UMCOR for Friday Fasting in December totals $75.00.   I am so very blessed.

Dear Lord, Thank you for this day.  Fill my heart with abundance, open my heart for caring, and let me share a smile of hope each and every day.  Father, please wrap those in need with your love and grace, and bless them with a seed of hope.   In your name Father we pray, Amen.

Dec-13:  Friday Fast.   Today was an overcast day with cool temperatures of 55 degrees Farenheit. This is the type of day one might wake up feeling hungry for a hot breakfast, but not today.  I am focused on the Philippines and those in dire need of fundamentals, ie, food, shelter, medicine, & any assistance possible.  Three Navy ships with 9000 Marines responded to the relief efforts.  CNN is reporting today that the death toll has risen to 6000 since typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines on November 8, with 1800 still missing.  Let us not forget the least of these at this Christmas time.
My contribution today is $27.33.

Dec-6:  Total donation on this Friday Fast was $24.00.  After early morning prayer I felt prepared for almost anything.  Today's Friday Fast was a blessing spent in local community service, assisting one Boy Scout "Scott" working on his Community Service badge. We stood outdoors in the freezing cold with a few drops of sleet too!  Other senior volunteers (indoors) organized the collection of non-perishables at the library for the local Food Drive.  This food drive was held for approx 72 families in need.

Nov-30:   I received a new email from Rubylin (Dr Angie's team) re Harris Meml College students' food drive for PHI relief efforts. The repackaged the food items coillected and then traveled to
the communities of Tibiao, Barbaza and Culasi in Antique province, to distribute them to 1000 families.  God bless the students and their community work. 

Nov-29:  This 'Friday Fast' was a blessing, without the sense of needing food.  I was relaxed and confident.  I spent most of the day with family and friends, staying active.  It is interesting that people will choose not to eat in front of you while you are Fasting, even though one is comfortable.  The total donation for today was $26.33. 

Nov-23 AM:   Received email from Harris Memorial College Community Service Development team (Rubylin, Tonette, Olive, Eduardo, Ted, plus Dr Angie).  Harris College held a food drive to contribute to the PHI relief efforts.  The team wiht Harris students and Harris' Chaplain, Rev Charles Mendoza, packaged food items in preparation for the long transport, picture attached.  Some students joined the caravan for delivery to the impacted area of eastern Visayas, approx 13-1/2 hour drive, or 839 km (521 miles).

Harris Memorial College students food-drive 

 

Map of Philippines from Manilla area to eastern Visayas

Nov-22 Evening:   The amount saved in today's two meals for the "Friday Fast" total $13.66.  

Now, here is the rest of the story:   I woke up feeling terrific Friday morning, great attitude and energy.  After volunteering in the morning, I stopped for a late-lunch, and after praying over the food I was receiving, a light-bulb went off.   It's Friday, and I had taken several bites of sandwich already.  I asked the Lord for forgiveness towards the Friday Fast.  I have been focused on serving 3 local communities which lead me to forget my Fast commitment.  

Dear Lord;  Please help me stay on track for the Friday Fasts and to serve as you would have me.  Let me be a blessing to those in need in the near and far communities and in the Philippines. These things I ask each and every day in Jesus name. Amen.