i had this post and that post but no post seemed right today.

yesterday, as i drove to ikea, in a giant white pick up truck, to buy patio furniture for my husband to put together, other peoples lives were being pulled apart.  i’m sure your heart is aching with each sound of the newscasters reports.  and the ache of those who have lost loved ones can’t be put to words.  i haven’t even been able to turn the tv on, other than a blaring episode of peppa pig, as i sometimes just can’t take the visuals of devastation.

how to do you handle hard times?  do you hide out?  do you take action?  do you divert your attention?  i sometimes do a little of each.  i hug my loved ones a little tighter and pray throughout the day.

 

hug your babies today.  squeeze your loved ones.  take a deep breathe.  whisper  prayers.  pay attention to the little things.  give however you are able and take courage.

sometimes we just have to take it.

take it for yourself and whatever trial you are facing.  take it for a friend who can’t find it for themselves.  take it for today, because today is really all we are promised.  take it for your little ones so they know it is there for the taking and where to find it.

and, once you take courage you can take action.  that’s how it works.  whether that is saying a prayer.  giving a donation.  making a meal.  taking someone in.  or whispering words of encouragement.

so lovelies, take courage and take action.

i’d love to hear how you do your taking.

a few ways to take action to help the victims in OKC, even from a distance, are through these wonderful organizations :

American Red Cross– Text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief, donate online, or donate by phone at 1-800-RED CROSS.If you’re searching for a missing relative, check Red Cross Safe & Well site. And please register if you’re within the disaster region. The site is designed to make communication easier after a tragedy like this.

Salvation Army– Donate online or text STORM to 80888 to contribute $10 to the Salvation Army’s relief efforts or make a donation by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY. If you’re sending a check make sure you put the words “Oklahoma Tornado Relief” on the check, and mail it to: The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 12600, Oklahoma City, OK., 73157.

Operation USA– Donate online, by phone at 1-800-678-7255, or by check made out to Operation USA, 7421 Beverly Blvd., PH, Los Angeles, CA 90036. You can also donate $10 by texting AID to 50555. Corporate donations of bulk quantities of disaster-appropriate supplies are also being requested.

Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief– This organization says donations will “go straight to help those in need providing tree removal services, laundry services and meals to victims of disasters.”  It is requesting monetary donations (It says clothing is NOT needed).  Send checks to: BGCO, Attn: Disaster Relief, 3800 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK., 73112.

image : artwork by landon metz (if you are in need of some beauty today his artwork is gorgeous + soothing).