JanineThrossel.com

Just have a moment today, but wanted to share this with you: "That's why we put on the uniform every day." http://www.wfmynews2.com/story/news/2015/01/30/toopers-brave-fire-save-toddler/22595811/

Remember awhile back that I wrote about Operation Christmas Child and packing shoeboxes for children around the world? ( http://www.janinethrossel.com/2014/11/focus-fridays.html ) Well, I wanted to share with you a glimpse of what that operation looks like when seen from the other side, when those boxes are received. Our heavenly Father is so much better than Santa Claus. . . he truly knows the desires of our hearts. ***BE SURE TO READ THE AMAZING STORIES BELOW THE VIDEO!** Enjoy.   Stories from the Philippines You Make Me So Happy “I am Mency, 8 years of age. Thank you for the shoes and socks that I received. Please know that there is a hole in the sole of my shoes that I was using every day. I prayed that Jesus will replace my worn out shoes. I was overjoyed when I opened the gifts box, I found a beautiful pair of shoes that fit exactly to my feet. Not only that, it also contained socks, toys, etc. Thank you very much, you make me so happy.” The Whisper...

And the winner is Philip! Congrats on your new Everfound CD!

Did you ever participate in a science fair?  Or maybe your kids did? I remember my first science fair; I was in sixth grade. I don't remember my hypothesis--if I even had one.  But I remember my sister coaching me and I remember my project was on non-web-weaving spiders.  I studied lasso (bolas) spiders and trapdoor spiders. . . and brought in a big terrarium full of arachnids we'd caught.  Good times.   Cute or creepy? After that, I turned my attention from biology to the study of light.  One year, I used steel wool to make a fluorescent tube glow.  Another year, I used milk, a projector and probably that same big terrarium to create artificial sunsets. My experiments were more about discovery than invention.  But there is another kid from my great golden state who invented something for his science fair that wasn't just cool, but life-changing. He invented a lower cost Braille printer for the blind. . . using Lego parts. ...

Did you think I forgot Focus Fridays?  Not at all. :) This story tells of a ring bearer and a flower girl, and their second walk down the aisle--twenty years later. So sweet. :) http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/01/13/ring-bearer-flower-girl-married/21695911/

I have an exciting giveaway for you this month. . . with choices! :) If you are the winner, you can choose one of three CDs!  All are musical groups that pleasantly surprised me and my family members.  They are from very distinct genres, so hopefully you will find one that is just right for you. Ready to see who they are?  I'll give you a hint. . . they are all trios! First up is the Hanneke Cassel Trio.  We were given tickets to see her trio live and we were so blown away.  Amazing musical talent. She plays fiddle, what the Scots would call "pure dead brilliant" fiddle.  And beyond her skill, artistry, original compositions, and on-stage charisma, I felt within moments that she was worshiping God with each note. Does that sound funny?  Because I had no knowledge of who she was.  But when I read the liner notes from her CD "Dot the Dragon's Eyes," it made sense.  She really goes beyond just playing to pouring her heart out when sh...

Do you like to sing? A few days ago, I was reading in the Psalms and came across something very interesting.  Psalm 59 ends with David saying that he will sing to God of God's strength and lovingkindness. One of the things that makes that passage of the Bible remarkable is because Psalm 59 is actually a prayer for deliverance from his enemies.  People wanted to murder King David.  This chapter talks about fierce men launching an attack against him, laying an ambush.  He was praying earnestly for God to deliver him and he compared his attackers to dogs, saying, "They return at evening, they howl like a dog; and go around the city.  They wander about for food and growl if they are not satisfied." Then, the next verse reads, "But as for me, I shall sing. . . ." Sing?  Really?  That's your battle plan? Actually, the Bible shows in several places that music can be a very powerful link in our relationship with God.  Perhaps, part of th...

By the way, we do have a winner of the beautiful Royal Apothic perfume, "Noble Carnation!"  In the midst of the holidays, I didn't post the winner's first name, but one was pulled as promised and the perfume was given away.  You made it way too easy for me this time. Winner is Audrey. . . who was the only one who commented on the blog.  What?!  So, congratulations, Audrey! :) As we head into a new year, what kind of giveaways would you all like to see this year? Leave a comment! :)

For this week's Focus Friday, I want to share this amazing video from Francis and Lisa Chan. Some of you may recognize those names:  Francis is a best-selling author who gives away something like 90% of his income.  He has given away millions of dollars to charities, especially focusing in on organizations that feed hungry children and rescue and minister to sex slaves.  Super cool. Check out this video and be inspired.  Maybe you can't fly to Africa this year to do what he and his wife have done.  But maybe it will encourage you to dig deep and do more where you are.  Either way, rejoice in seeing some fellow human beings on this planet making a difference! Some GOOD news is just one click away! Happy Friday. Janine Click here: http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=WPDGLGNX