Monday, April 30, 2012

It Ain't Over Yet... But it Will Be Soon!

So if you all can deal with me for one more day, actually 17 more hours.


If you've been thinking about one of theses fabulous items on my giveaway , today would be the day to go for it. Just $5.00 gets you two entries. $10.00 or more gets you  entries , plus puts you in the drawing for a $10.00 Subway Gift Card! 


here it all is!


$  5 donation =   2 entries
$10.00 donation= 3 entries plus you will be put in a separate drawing for a $10,Subway GC
$ 15 donation =  5 entries +Subway GC
$ 25 donation = 10 entries + Subway GC
$ 50 donation = 20 entries +  Subway GC
$100 donation = 50 entries + Subway GC
Share on facebook/twitter = 1 entry
Post about Carina's Hope Giveaway on your blog = 2 entries

Please make all donations through Carina's donation box in my sidebar. Leave a comment telling me how many entries you have and what gift items you would like to use them for. All items are numbered. Example: You donated $25.00. You have 10 entries. Your comment should say" I have 10 entries. I want three on number 1, Two on number 5, And five on number 4.  OR  "I want them all on number 6.  
You can divide your entries up however you want.


Don't forget to tell me if you shared anywhere, that is one entry, and posting on your blog will get you two entries.

if you have ANY questions , please don't hesitate to contact me. my email, rarefindings@verizon.net

This giveaway will run until midnight on April 30th.



#1, A Jillian Raye Design. This was made just for Carina's giveaway!  This beautiful necklace and headband were designed by Jillian Raye. She was an absolute delight to work with, and I've been a fan for a while.This necklace and headband are beautifully hand crafted and of high quality. I know this because it is in my possession. It came beautifully wrapped but I had to peek. :)
















#2  Newborn hand smocked dress set,  Oh how I wish Emmie could fit in to this!!! Just in time for summer! And there are little panties to go with it!

Just beautiful!!! Donated by Heather Enger Brown, who may just love Carina as much as I do:)









#3. Meet Annie, Book!!!  Meet Annie! She is a special little girl that is just like you, but she has Down syndrome. Join Annie in her engaging story and learn how we accept who we are. Come on in and meet Annie. She can't wait to meet you!  Donated by author  Heather Scharlau- Hollis. Thank you Heather for being so easy to "talk" to, so generous and so kind! 
















#4.Set of three hair bows made by the fabulous Beth Cole. Who is adopting Nellie and Katelyn( and should be packing at this very moment to go meet them)  of course what else should she be thinking about but my giveaway when she is leaving to meet her daughters! Love you Beth!!! These bows are gorgeous!!!


















#5.Game Night Deluxe Edition!!!! You get them all!!!!Perfect for summer family nights and long car rides!! Also donated by Beth Cole. 












#6. Another beautiful piece made for this giveaway by the multi talented and beautiful Stacy Richard. She has a heart for the orphan that you can see shinning from miles away. She never ceases to amaze me. You can see more of her beautiful pieces here at Jubilee's Jewels.












#7. Mrs. Meyers Clean Day, "For Generations we’ve had to put up with harsh chemical smells to get a good clean. Enter Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day. A collection of household products with essential oils from flowers and herbs that smell nice, but really pack a punch against daily dirt and grime. Our garden fresh scents include Lavender, Lemon Verbena, Basil, and Geranium. All earth friendly, cruelty-free and not tested on animals". 

Donated by Robin E, A dear friend who I could definitely say is a kindred spirit.And always one prayer ahead of me;) Thank you!!



These are for you whether you love to clean or hate to clean. I've researched them and they rock! These are kitchen cleaners and liquid hand soap.


.  



#8.  Also donated by Robin E, this adorable dress! NWT. Size 4T. The retail price is $25.99 for this tulip skirt dress with hippos from  Flower Bazaar.






#9.  Love this waterfall ruffle dress with scallop embroidery. Size 4T, NWT.  The retail price is $34.95 The line it is from is Cape Cod Cutie. Also from Robin E.







#10. Searching for... The You We Adore, Book. Donated by Valerie Westfall. Children's picture book celebrating a parent's love searching the world for a special child they dream of adopting. On this heartwarming journey, love climbs trees with panda bears, splashes with elephants and swims with dolphins Searching for...The You We Adore.


Ask and you shall receive. That's all I can say about Valerie's generous donation. With out hesitation, she responded , YES! Thank you Valerie for this beautiful book. 









#11.  Bow holder with matching bow, donated by (The also should be packing right now to go meet her daughters) Jenn Abell. Jenn is adopting Olga and Vanessa and is leaving in like a second to go meet them!!! But of course she had time to whip up this gorgeous bow holder first! How do you even make something like this? Amazing!! You know I absolutely adore you Jenn!!!





Close up of pattern











#12. $50.00 Gift Card to Silpada! Donated by Tanya Robinson.













#13. Straight from Africa! This is gorgeous!!  Donated by Becki Little.






#14. Baby Doll. Guaranteed to be super soft and huggable. Donated by Robin E.







#15.  A $50.00 Gift card to Bee's Felt Market! Donated by Heidi Marie. Shop her beautiful Etsy store and stock up on her hand made felt food!! So realistic!!! Children will love playing and learning with her delicious food. Pictured here is a yummy pizza and veggies. You will have the chance to pick whatever you want.  





#16. Adorable Lisa Leonard necklace with "Feed Your Soul Charm. Donated by Lisa Leonard.

 Also comes with a 10% of your next purchase coupon.






#17. Soft, pink acrylic (non-allergenic/easy to hand-wash and lay flat to dry) full/gathered crochet cardigan with three pearly buttons. Size NB-3 months, approx.  Handmade by Heather Brown.








#18. Adorable blue and white print photo frames. Fits 2 1/2 X 2 1/2 photo. Value $20.00










There must be someone out there thinking about it. Come on ! It's the last day. Take a chance on one of these beauties and in turn you will be helping this Great Beauty!


Carina


Winners will be chosen by Random.org and announced tomorrow!!

Sunday, April 29, 2012

$5000.00

You did it!!!!!!



Oh Miss Carina if you only knew how many people love you!!!!


Come on Mama!! $5000.00 for you already!!! 


She's waiting for YOU!!








Please hurry!!!!


Her transfer is imminent!!






Carina needs to be rescued. She needs to go home. She's waited long enough.




Giveaway ends tomorrow!Let's keep it going !!! Donate , share and pray! Pray for the miracle... the family to come for her soon! 


Giveaway here!!



Saturday, April 28, 2012

The Hole in our Gospel

Richard Stearns, President of World Vision wrote a book, The Hole in our Gospel.  I won this book from a giveaway. There were two books up for grabs and I really wanted the other one. Although now, I can't even remember the name of it. I needed this one, and I'm sure God arranged it so I won it. 


I don't know what I thought this book was going to be about, but the title didn't spark an interest in me. But what it is, is an eye opener. 


In a nutshell, Richard Stearns, asks and answers some tough questions. 


Are you doing all that you can?


He himself was a model citizen. Pulling himself up from his bootstraps. Defying the odds and poverty and becoming one of the most successful business men in America. He was happily married, a good father and devout Christian. How could there be any room for improvement??


Well , there was. 


He left it all. The high paying job as CEO of Lenox, the big house the financial security....everything.


Why?


Because God asked him to.


He didn't leave immediately, mind you. God had a pretty tough job convincing Richard, but eventually he did listen.

He went from the corner office to the poverty stricken in Africa.

He admits to being completely out of his comfort zone.


From fine china to starving children.

As he was struggling with this decision, to leave Lenox and join World Vision, he had this thought:

"What if there are children who will suffer somehow because I failed to obey God? What if my cowardice costs even one child somewhere in the world his or her life"




That's a pretty bold question to ask yourself.

Most people would have a hard time answering honestly.

Richard answered that question. He left Lenox and followed God's call to World Vision

There are two days left in my giveaway. 

Now I'm not asking you to leave your job or your home or to sell off all your belongings. But by God I am asking you to search your hearts.And to seriously ask God where He wants you to go. Is He asking you to do something?  Can you give to Carina? Do you have $5.00? Do you have more?  Are you being called to adopt? Not just Carina, but any child? What is God asking of you??


I know what God is asking me to do. And honestly it is way out of my comfort zone.  I don't like fund raising. Not one bit.  And I'm not very good at it either. And I, also just like Richard, tried to deny what God was calling me to do. 

I was very content, to talk about the orphans, to share, to post. Even donate when I could. I did not have any intentions of being a Warrior or an advocate to this extent. I had all intentions of staying within my comfort zone. 


But I couldn't .


I always had this feeling that I could do more. That God wasn't quite as content with me as I was with myself. 
He wants more. He wants me to push myself. To be uncomfortable. To be more. To do more even when I am flustered and frustrated.Even when I am tired and stressed and honestly have my own problems and issues to deal with. Still He expects more from me. 



 

 Can you help Carina?




She will be transferred. She is four. She needs immediate help. Depending on our actions, Carina will either find a family and know happiness or waste away in an institution. 


It's pretty cut and dry.


What is God asking of you? 
Where is He asking you to go?











Friday, April 27, 2012

SHHHH, I'm Praying



"Prayer is not an old woman's idle amusement. Properly understood and applied, it is the most potent instrument of action."

Mahatma Gandhi

Carina
We are very close to $5000.00. 


Only $266.00 needed.


Just saying...


Giveaway is  here:)

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Give $10.00 Get 10

Yes! I'm back, Yes! it's about Carina, and Yes! I'm still determined. 




WAIT!!!   DON'T RUN AWAY!!


My generous friend Melissa M has donated a $10.00 Subway card.  


So donate $10.00 and you get 3 entries towards the giveaway to put on the items of your choice , plus a chance to win a $10.00 Subway gift card! as always just leave me a comment, telling me where to put your entries, and you will also be entered for the Subway card.

Not only will you have a really good chance of receiving one of the giveaway items, all worth well over $10.00, but you'll be in the running for the gift card too.

It's simple and easy and could bring this girl home.

 



  They say the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Well, I want I don't want the oil, I want the child to live!


 Carina's Hope Giveaway
 



Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Determined!




I'm absolutely determined to have Carina's account reach $5000.00(or more) by April 30th.


$333.50 is all that is needed to make that happen and in five days that is so possible.It can happen in five minutes. That's about $66.00 a day. 

carina

 It has to happen. Because she is four! And she will be transferred. And she still needs a mama!


Look at her face. She is perfect in every way. Yet she will be transferred to an institution. 

I am hell bent on  reaching a goal. I will not stop. I will continue to fight for Carina until she is home. 


She has no one else but us to be her voice. 


So I will continue to scream for her.


Because if I am silent, and you are silent , then her light goes out forever.


And I know God wants more for Carina. There is a sparkle in those blue eyes that if given the chance will dazzle, everyone. And I know she has a giggle that would be simply contagious, if she let it out. 


Please help me reach this goal. I know you have all done so much already. But if you haven't entered Carina's Hope Giveaway yet and you can, please do. Even a few dollars will make a difference. Please share and pray! 

I will stick by my belief that "sharing" will find her mama! 

My greatest fear, is one day soon I'm going to go to Reece's Rainbow and see that dreaded red print saying "ALREADY TRANSFERRED" on her bio. 

 I may not be able to stop a transfer but I have to do everything possible to reduce her time in hell!

 And I just really want to say thanks for all the support! I know there is a lot going on out here. So many fund raisers, and every one of them trying to raise a ransom for some child. And so many of them are families trying to get fully funded! I know that so many of you are trying to support as many as possible and I also realize it is impossible to support everyone.  So I know how hard it is, and I appreciate every single penny, every single share and every single prayer!

 To see the Giveaway click here, and don't forget to leave a comment telling me which item/items you want your entries on.  It doesn't matter which post, (this one or the giveaway one) you leave comments on, I'll get them.


Thank you!
 

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

The Final Week

I asked God, "How much time do I have before I die?"
He replied, "Enough to make a difference"................
--- Unknown



There is still time to enter Carina's Hope Giveaway, still time to share and pray. Still time for her mama to find her.

Let us not waste a second! 

 I had hoped to have her account hit $5000,00 during this giveaway and I believe that it's close enough now to make by April 30th.


There is still time to make a difference...

Carina is waiting.




 
$  5 donation =   2 entries
$ 15 donation =  5 entries 
$ 25 donation = 10 entries
$ 50 donation = 20 entries
$100 donation = 50 entries
Share on facebook/twitter = 1 entry
Post about Carina's Hope Giveaway on your blog = 2 entries

Please make all donations through Carina's donation box in my sidebar. Leave a comment telling me how many entries you have and what gift items you would like to use them for. All items are numbered. Example: You donated $25.00. You have 10 entries. Your comment should say" I have 10 entries. I want three on number 1, Two on number 5, And five on number 4.  OR  "I want them all on number 6.  
You can divide your entries up however you want.


Don't forget to tell me if you shared anywhere, that is one entry, and posting on your blog will get you two entries.
if you have ANY questions , please don't hesitate to contact me. my email, rarefindings@verizon.net
This giveaway will run until midnight on April 30th.


#1, A Jillian Raye Design. This was made just for Carina's giveaway!  This beautiful necklace and headband were designed by Jillian Raye. She was an absolute delight to work with, and I've been a fan for a while.This necklace and headband are beautifully hand crafted and of high quality. I know this because it is in my possession. It came beautifully wrapped but I had to peek. :)
















#2  Newborn hand smocked dress set,  Oh how I wish Emmie could fit in to this!!! Just in time for summer! And there are little panties to go with it!
Just beautiful!!! Donated by Heather Enger Brown, who may just love Carina as much as I do:)










#3. Meet Annie, Book!!!  Meet Annie! She is a special little girl that is just like you, but she has Down syndrome. Join Annie in her engaging story and learn how we accept who we are. Come on in and meet Annie. She can't wait to meet you!  Donated by author  Heather Scharlau- Hollis. Thank you Heather for being so easy to "talk" to, so generous and so kind! 
















#4.Set of three hair bows made by the fabulous Beth Cole. Who is adopting Nellie and Katelyn! Love you Beth!!! These bows are gorgeous!!!


















#5.Game Night Deluxe Edition!!!! You get them all!!!!Perfect for summer family nights and long car rides!! Also donated by Beth Cole. 












#6. Another beautiful piece made for this giveaway by the multi talented and beautiful Stacy Richard. She has a heart for the orphan that you can see shinning from miles away. She never ceases to amaze me. You can see more of her beautiful pieces here at Jubilee's Jewels.












#7. Mrs. Meyers Clean Day, "For Generations we’ve had to put up with harsh chemical smells to get a good clean. Enter Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day. A collection of household products with essential oils from flowers and herbs that smell nice, but really pack a punch against daily dirt and grime. Our garden fresh scents include Lavender, Lemon Verbena, Basil, and Geranium. All earth friendly, cruelty-free and not tested on animals". 
Donated by Robin E, A dear friend who I could definitely say is a kindred spirit.And always one prayer ahead of me;) Thank you!!


These are for you whether you love to clean or hate to clean. I've researched them and they rock! These are kitchen cleaners and liquid hand soap.


.  



#8.  Also donated by Robin E, this adorable dress! NWT. Size 4T. The retail price is $25.99 for this tulip skirt dress with hippos from  Flower Bazaar.






#9.  Love this waterfall ruffle dress with scallop embroidery. Size 4T, NWT.  The retail price is $34.95 The line it is from is Cape Cod Cutie. Also from Robin E.







#10. Searching for... The You We Adore, Book. Donated by Valerie Westfall. Children's picture book celebrating a parent's love searching the world for a special child they dream of adopting. On this heartwarming journey, love climbs trees with panda bears, splashes with elephants and swims with dolphins Searching for...The You We Adore.

Ask and you shall receive. That's all I can say about Valerie's generous donation. With out hesitation, she responded , YES! Thank you Valerie for this beautiful book. 









#11.  Bow holder with matching bow, donated by (The also should be packing right now to go meet her daughters) Jenn Abell. Jenn is adopting Olga and Vanessa and is leaving in like a second to go meet them!!! But of course she had time to whip up this gorgeous bow holder first! How do you even make something like this? Amazing!! You know I absolutely adore you Jenn!!!






Close up of pattern











#12. $50.00 Gift Card to Silpada! Donated by Tanya Robinson.













#13. Straight from Africa! This is gorgeous!!  Donated by Becki Little.






#14. Baby Doll. Guaranteed to be super soft and huggable. Donated by Robin E.







#15.  A $50.00 Gift card to Bee's Felt Market! Donated by Heidi Marie. Shop her beautiful Etsy store and stock up on her hand made felt food!! So realistic!!! Children will love playing and learning with her delicious food. Pictured here is a yummy pizza and veggies. You will have the chance to pick whatever you want.  





#16. Adorable Lisa Leonard necklace with "Feed Your Soul Charm. Donated by Lisa Leonard.
 Also comes with a 10% of your next purchase coupon.







#17. Soft, pink acrylic (non-allergenic/easy to hand-wash and lay flat to dry) full/gathered crochet cardigan with three pearly buttons. Size NB-3 months, approx.  Handmade by Heather Brown.








#18. Adorable blue and white print photo frames. Fits 2 1/2 X 2 1/2 photo. Value $20.00