Connection
POETRY x
Collection BEAUTIFUL I want to be beautiful And make you stand in awe Look inside my heart And be amazed I want to hear you say Who I am is quite enough I just want to be worthy of love And beautiful. THE POET: BETHANY DILLON
THE POET: GODSON of RACHEL BELL
**
Artist Suzanne Ervin
www.semyart.com
239-777-9556
*
Book a Session Request a Portrait Request a Scene & Flowers Request an Animal
Advertisement
*
Advertisement
Mission: Sharing the Art of Living with Heart. Create * Conceive * Connect 2 Letter from the Editor News and Celebrations
7
3 Heart of Fashion
Jeans, Leggings, Hats, & Scarves
3 Cover Girls
4 Special Moments to Cherish
4 I Speak for the Weak
It's about Love and Compassion
13
5 Out and About SWFL Kid's Activities Near Naples
6 Overnight Success: There is No Such Thing
6 Ask a Question Are Probiotics important?
7 Print Your Photos
Why You Should Print Your Photos
8 Save on Holiday Shopping
ea's Gifts & Gift Baskets 9
Blog Gift Swap, Starbucks Holiday Giveaway, and Author Events
10 Recipe Corner Scalloped Potatoes
11 Amazing Wildlife Swallow Suffers Loss of His Mate
12 Tech Tips
Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals and Collage Apps
13 Featured Foundation Why One Child Matters
HEARTBEAT CONNECTION NOVEMBER 2012
7 1
Are some companies making a difference in the world? At Heartbeat Connection Magazine we discover the answer. Online, we share exclusive company reviews. Be sure to visit us at www.heartbeatmag.com.
Letter from the Editor
We are getting ready for all the festivities at our house. This will be the first year we host Thanksgiving for 16 people at our new home. I love the holidays, good spirits and giving seem to be more present at these times. The kids are bringing home holiday crafts and fun stories. Jake will be singing with the chorus in several events, and Nathan will play the Bass at his school Christmas program. Have you started to hear Christmas music yet? Are you excited about Christmas shopping? Are you looking forward to the big shopping event, Black Friday? Bea's Gifts & Gift Baskets has provided a Starbucks Holiday Gift Basket as this month's giveaway. This should be a delightful gift to win. Please make sure to visit the Giveaway section on our website for more details. We wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!
With love, Nicole Flothe
Managing Editor
My friend, Jenny Plocinski, is a sweet local photographer. I was so excited she was available to do the cover shoot! I thought this month's cover would be perfect with my friend Angie and her newest addition to her family, Lianna. We headed to the local park on a cool crisp autumn day and Jenny did her magic! Read more in 4 Special Moments to Cherish.
Jennifer Tutino - Jen's Fabulous Finds e Shelly Aristizabal - You Asked & We Answered Beth Gatrell - Tech Tip of the Week Cheryl Flothe - Out & About, Recipe Corner, Amazing Wildlife Heather Lawless - I Speak for the Weak Melissa Haupt - Overnight Success Ed Pierce - Print Your Photos
2 HEARTBEAT CONNECTION NOVEMBER 2012
RESOURCES
Send us an email at info@heartbeatmag.com
Advertise with Us! Heartbeatmag.com
Managing Editor NICOLE FLOTHE Photographer MELINDA NAGY OTERO Photographer JENNY PLOCINSKI Art Director SUZANNE ERVIN Editor CHERYL FLOTHE Cover Photo - Angie & Lianne Meister CONNECT www.TWITTER.com/Heartbeat_mag FACEBOOK HEARTBEAT CONNECTION facebook.com/heartbeatconnection
We arrive at the truth, not by the reason only, but also by the heart." – Blaise Pascal
Heart Photo by Beth Gatrell
Jen's Fabulous Finds
by Jennifer Tutino
Jeans, Leggings, Hats & Scarves 3
1
4
2
So here's the skinny! You don't need to have a perfect skinny body to sport a pair of (1) skinny jeans. They are stretchy and very comfortable. They come in every color & the shiny textures are so NY chic! I purchased these at Target for only $26. Hands off my (2) leg warmers! I am so happy these are back! They give such a cool edge to low boots, high boots, or skinny jeans and a cool pair of pumps! Rock those 80's ladies! These were $5.99 at TJ Maxx. It's getting chilly here in beautiful Naples! I love the cool air in the morning & evening at this time of year. It's not like we need parkas and winter gloves around here, but it does get a little brisk! For those days, why not bring a little northern flair down south? I found these (3) hats and (4) scarves at Target. This charcoal hat has great ruching in the front to give it a little modern style and this blush colored scarf is so soft and pretty. I love it with a great little blazer and jeans or a sweater and jeggings. The hat was $12.99 and the scarf was $12.99 This last cap, I love the cable knit details and buttons and this scarf with its chevron pattern and grey shading give it style & versatility!
x by Nicole Flothe 4 Special Moments to Cherish
1 Special Cover Photo Shoot. 2 Spending Time at the Park. 4 Giggling with her daughter. 3 Making time for hugs.
Photo Shoot by Plocinski Photography
HEARTBEAT CONNECTION NOVEMBER 2012
3
by Heather Lawless I debated for a long time about writing this post because I didn't want to offend anyone....or bring out the crazy in anyone. But I feel like God is saying "speak," so here goes. I love my job. The job that I have now is the best.job.ever. I am never gonna get rich...I am never gonna make the Forbes list...but I am going to make a difference.
instead of abuse and destructive behavior. We provide resources for young families and moms who don't have money for diapers or formula. We teach dads how to stand up for their families and be great men. Each year, 750,000 women between 15-19 become pregnant and don't know what to do. They have no one to talk to, but lots of people talking AT them and FOR them. When women walk through the doors of our center they can breathe easier, they can talk...they can speak their mind, and their heart. Without judgement. We are a sounding board. Since 1973 there have been over 54,559,615 abortions in the US. A lot of those women chose that path because they felt like they had no other choice. This breaks my heart.
I work at Life Choices Clinic. I am the Development Specialist. Our goal is to save babies from abortion, help young moms, and break destructive cycles. We specialize in unplanned or crisis pregnancy solutions. No judgement, no one telling women what to decide. There's no hype, no politics. We don't make money off of any decisions they make. We help with FREE quality medical pregnancy tests. Our staff explains every option you have if you are really pregnant. But, we do not provide or refer for abortions.
It is my passion to speak for the weak...but I am not just talking about those little babies inside their mommas' tummies. I am talking about the weak hearts, the burdened hearts. The women who are so alone and so scared that they think aborting their baby is the only way out of their crisis situation. They need to feel loved and valued. They also need to know how much Jesus loves them. And how He has an AMAZING plan for their life. That the test they just took that reveals a life growing inside of them is NOT the end, but in fact, a beginning.
It's not about being pro life or pro choice. It's about love and compassion. It's about making the RIGHT choice. It's about replacing Lies, Death and Deception with truth, hope and love. It's about the 16 year old girl who comes through our doors SO scared out of her mind. She thinks that her parents are going to kill her because she is pregnant. We help her. We give her hope. It's about the single mom who has 3 young kids, and no money. She takes a test after a one night stand and sees two pink lines. She falls apart into earth shaking sobs because she has NO CLUE what to do. We help her. We give her hope. We teach young moms how to be good moms...how to break cycles. How to discipline with love and logic
4HEARTBEAT CONNECTION NOVEMBER 2012
http://heather-lawlesslife.blogspot.com
by Cheryl Flothe
Kid's Activities Near Naples
Every year parents wrack their brains for fun family activities during Christmas and Spring breaks. No worries! After you check out: www.mustdo.com/fl/naplesbonita-beach-marco-island-everglades, you’ll find there’s actually so much to do you won’t have time to do it all! Beaches, zoos, water parks, museums, and more will keep the kids happy and give you some memorable family times. Some of the things to do around Naples:
Sun and Fun Lagoon has something for everyone! Water slides, lazy river, dive and lap pool, toddler pool, and kids’ pool are great family fun and there are lots of lounge chairs for parents, as well as a snack bar! See their website at: www.napleswaterpark.com/
Voted “Best Place to Take the Kids” in the May, 2012 issue of Gulfshore Magazine, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a local treasure! For the price of admission you not only get to see many animal exhibits; but you can take a boat trip to visit the primates, see the alligator feeding at Alligator Bay, feed the giraffes, and experience the “Meet the Keeper” and live animal shows. Go to www.napleszoo.org for more information.
There’s so much to do at King Richards Family Fun Park you could spend the whole day there! Go carts, laser tag, batting cages, bounce houses, a small water park, video games, kids rides, a climbing wall, a restaurant and more equal a fun family experience! Visit www.kingrichardspark.net.
HEARTBEAT CONNECTION NOVEMBER 2012
5
And remember, it's never about the money. It's always about the moments. What moments are you here to create in your life where people don't so much remember what you had, or even what you did, but instead how you made them feel. Website : www.melissahaupt.com
by Melissa Haupt We have an instant gratification notion in our society, so we have this mentality we want to create something overnight. I have been guilty of this. I was always looking for the "next big thing" that was going to "take me to the top." Now, there's nothing wrong with finding a great opportunity and taking advantage of it. However, it is what's required of us when we find those opportunities. Take network marketing businesses, for example. Awesome business model. However, for most people, they will not rise to the top levels or earn more than a few extra bucks. Why? Because there is a price to pay. I think Theodore Roosevelt said it best when he said: "It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat." We will never find the success we are seeking unless we get into the arena. In fact, we must! We must know failure so we can recognize success. There is not one without the other. We must know what it is like to have people tell us no. Besides, it makes the yes that much sweeter. So, get into the arena. Don't hold back anymore. This is your moment to create the experiences where you will hopefully have plenty of people tell you "no" so the "yesses" are sweeter.
6HEARTBEAT CONNECTION NOVEMBER 2012
Y
ou Asked? We Answered.
by Shelly Aristizabal of Healthy Living Concierge
Wellness & Nutrition Q: Are Probiotics important? A: Yes If you’ve spent any time in the yogurt section of your local supermarket lately, you might see more and more products that highlight their “live active cultures” – a nice way of saying that the yogurt is full of bacteria. While the idea of consuming bacteria in the diet may not sound appealing, probiotic bacteria found in yogurt and other fermented dairy products can promote digestive health. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that helps maintain the proper balance of the microorganisms (called flora) that live in your digestive tract. Your digestive system is home to hundreds of types of probiotics, and these helpful bacteria keep the growth of other, potentially harmful, bacteria at bay – thus promoting healthy digestion. The bacteria in your system also help to break down foods that are resistant to normal digestion, allowing you to obtain more nutrients from your foods. In the process, gas is produced – but we have other gasguzzling bacteria that keep its production in check. So, a healthy balance of these various intestinal "bugs" is key to a well-functioning digestive tract. One of the most common strains of probiotic bacteria that reside in your intestines is Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is found in yogurt. When you eat yogurt that has "active, live cultures" (the label will tell you), you can be assured that you are consuming this healthy probiotic.
by Ed Pierce Hi – It's Ed here and it's been almost 3 months since I lost my beautiful wife Barbara. The outpouring of sympathy, condolences, and prayers have been truly overwhelming; so much so that I have had a difficult time saying thank you for all the love and support everyone has shown me, my daughter, Michele, and my grandson, Caden. It has been 3 months, and most recently people have been asking "how am I doing?" I'll answer that in a moment, but first I want to share something with you. Many of you have seen and commented on the beautiful images of Barbara and me that were taken by Jeff and Julia Woods. If you have not seen them, I have reposted the images and here is a link to the YouTube video, http://youtu.be/kjlvTrnFBc8. They are truly the most valued remembrances of our relationship that I possess. Having said that, I feel compelled to tell you the story behind those images. Barbara and I were on a PhotoVision filming expedition and visited the Woods' studio. We had completed the day's shooting and Jules asked when was the last time Barbara and I had been photographed? Like most of us "professionals," it had been many years, June of 2006, ten days before our 30th wedding anniversary. So the Woods did a session, after which they gave us all the images on a disc. Fast forward to August 6, 2012, two days after Barbara's death. I was in shock and on complete overwhelm, obsessing over the details for the upcoming services celebrating her life. Photographs of Barbara!!! Other than snap shots, what did I have? Slowly, methodically, I began my search; working backwards through my photo archives. Barbara was always in charge of redundant DVDs. Every year I started fresh with a new mirrored raid housing with the largest capacity drives available. I honestly did not remember the Woods' session. We had never gotten around to having anything PRINTED!!! As I plugged and unplugged each drive, I prayed I would find something acceptable (and prayed the drive wasn't locked up with age). My anxiety was turning into full blown panic!! And then I found them.... I cried for hours...
HEARTBEAT CONNECTION NOVEMBER 2012
There are a number of lessons for every one in this story, but for those of you who are professional photographers, the lesson I want you to hear loud and clear is DON'T SELL YOUR DIGITAL FILES WITHOUT PRINTS (if at all). I was lucky. I was a professional with well thought out systems in place. What about your clients? When a potential client says, "But photographer A, B and C will give me just the files" say, "I'm sorry I care too much about my clients" and ask them, "What's motivating you to consider having portraits made?" The answer is usually LOVE and if it's not and you suggest it, they will always nod their head yes. Then ask, "Can I tell you a story about a friend of mine?" and tell them my story. In March, I will be traveling to Ecuador to work with the orphans there. A memorial fund in Barbara's name has been set up at Dando Amor. Contributions as little as $1.00 can be made at www.dandoamor.org through PayPal. If the economy hasn't hit you too hard, any amount would be greatly appreciated. And I promise every dollar raised will go to the children.
So how am I doing? Every morning I still have to remind myself to get out of bed and remember to breath in and out. But I know someday soon, with the love of God and all our wonderful friends, I won't need to remind myself to get up in the morning and remember to keep breathing in and out. Thanks everyone! Connect with Ed Pierce www.facebook.com/PhotoVisionVideo www.facebook.com/pages/Dando-Amor/226109744086879
7
HAVE YOU EVER JOINED A BLOG GIFT SWAP?
The second Blog Gift Swap I joined was over at Sassy Lemonade. Shannon was co-hosting with Semperfi Momma. The theme was Secret Squirrel Warm the Soul Swap. You could send anything to your new friend that was fall related and warmed your soul.
by Nicole Flothe I joined my first Blog Gift Swap over at Stephany @ The Midnight Hershey.
This swap, my new friend was Jessica over at Brown Paper Bunny. I was blessed with her original artwork, a hand painted notecard, one-of-a-kind stickers, and a beautiful Paris notebook. It was like Christmas early. :-)
I was a bit nervous to be paired up with a stranger, but loved the concept of gift giving and mailing out packages to new friends. I received information about my new friend, Heather Lawless. We corresponded via email, Facebook, and reading blog posts to get to know each other better. The picture below is what I received in the mail from Heather. :-) I love my sweet mug in animal print and the smelly scentsy is perfect for this holiday season. I had to let the kids use the mug a few times in the beginning, but now it's all mine!
I am currently participating in my third Blog Gift Swap. I joined the swap over at wifessionals.blogspot.com. The theme is childhood and I've been paired with Tiffany from fashionintheforest.blogspot.com. I just mailed off my gift box and I can't wait to see what I get in the mail.
cara (car-rah) noun : beloved friend Now that you've learned about all these blog gift swaps, make sure to visit their sites because they have a lot of Giveaways for the holidays. Also, I found a great article at ChristianPF.com/how-towin-blog-giveaways-for-christmas-gifts.
8 HEARTBEAT CONNECTION NOVEMBER 2012
Gift ea's Gifts & Baskets
WIN THIS!
Our Starbucks Galaxy collection has everything needed to spice up a chilly winter's day! Spread the warmth of the season as you gather friends, family and colleagues to enjoy the Starbucks Breakfast blend and House blend coffees, Peppermint Hot cocoa mix, Tazo Zen tea, Nonni's biscotti, Walkers shortbread rounds, and Walkers shortbread finger cookies, all assembled in a natural woven basket and tied with a festive red bow. Retail Price: $59.99 www.beasgiftbaskets.com The giveaway is on the Heartbeat Magazine Blog. The rafflecopter drawing will end December 15th. Be sure to enter as often as you'd like. Good luck!
Barnes & Noble have been hosting local author events and I recently attended one in Naples. I was happy to meet so many people that were newly published authors and learn their stories. I met Jim Langlas, author of Heart of a Warrior: 7 Ancient Secrets to a Great Life. I was, of course, drawn to the Heart word, I bought his book and have been reading it to my son in the evenings. Love it! The next author I met was Joseph Rakowski, the author of a book called The Delivery Cut. He is so friendly and willing to share what he did to get published and his experiences. I've added his book to the Christmas list for the guys in my family! My friend, Shelly Aristizabal, was at this event sharing her wonderful book, This is Your Year to Design & Live the Life of Your Dreams. I got my photo taken with her to remember the fun day. She is making a great impact on women's lives, I have her book at home and read it in the mornings. The last author I met was Laura Allen Nonemaker, she wrote the book Benny's Angel A God's Secret Garden Adventure. I bought it for my kids and my mom to enjoy. It's a sweet book. Sometimes they have giveaways at these events and you can sign up for a drawing. Also an autographed book is a great gift for those on your list that are hard to figure out. Look online to see if your area is hosting any local author events, it will be a sure bet to finding some holiday treasures!
HEARTBEAT CONNECTION NOVEMBER 2012
9
Recipe Corner by Cheryl Flothe
Scalloped Potatoes Well…it’s almost here. Thanksgiving’s rapidly approaching and Christmas will soon follow. I’ve found a delicious scalloped potato casserole that can be used for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Also, there’s a link below to C & H Sugar’s 1001 Cookie Starter Mix. You’ll be pleased with how many varieties of Christmas cookies you can make with the mix. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas season! Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a large 9x13 casserole dish with 1-1/2 T. butter. 2. Layer bottom of casserole dish with 1/3 of the potato slices. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Layer on ½ of the sliced onions and ½ cup of the Swiss cheese. 3. Layer on ½ of the bacon, and ½ of the parsley and chives. Sprinkle with a little Parmesan. 3. Repeat by layering on 1/3 of the potato slices, sprinkle again with salt and pepper. Layer on the remaining sliced onions, ½ c. of the Swiss cheese, bacon, parsley, and chives. Sprinkle with a little Parmesan. 4. Top the casserole with remaining potato slices. Add the half and half, and dot the potatoes with the remaining 1-1/2 T. butter. 5. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for one hour. After one hour, remove from oven, remove foil, sprinkle on the remaining Swiss and Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven for an additional 30-40 minutes. When done, potatoes should be tender, but not mushy, and the liquid should be mostly absorbed. Tips: Use a shallow casserole pan. Potatoes can be parboiled in advance for 8 minutes, first patting them dry, before layering them in the casserole pan. Total oven cooking time is about 35-45 minutes. Serves 8.
10 HEARTBEAT CONNECTION NOVEMBER 2012
Posted by Elise April 4, 2007 in Simply Recipes online.
Ingredients: 3 T. butter 2 lbs. (4 medium sized) potatoes, peeled, sliced 1/8 inch thick 1 large yellow or white onion, thinly sliced (optional) 2 T. chopped fresh parsley 1T. chopped fresh chives (optional) 2 thick slices of bacon, cooked and chopped 2-1/2 cups grated Swiss or Gruyere cheese (about 8 oz.) ½ c. grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 oz.) 2-1/2 to 3 cups half-and-half (half milk, half cream) Salt and pepper to taste
C & H 1001 Cookie Starter Mix
www.chsugar.com/cookiestarter/
Visit us online and enjoy our Recipes!
be attributed to survival of the species, but the true love and caring comes through similar to humans.
S
wallow Suffers Loss of His Mate by Cheryl Flothe
We are bringing a new family oriented focus to the Amazing Wildlife column this month. Many animals and birds share our need for family---some might
A few days ago someone re-posted a sad, tender, loving, and surprising event that took place on a highway in France. Several photos were taken of a swallow mourning for his mate who was hit by a car. Although it’s distressing for us to see the photos, seeing the swallow deal with the loss reminds us we are all in this world together and the feelings we humans have for one another and other beings in the world are not ours alone.
His wife was seriously injured. She was hit by a car as she swooped low across the road. He brought her food and tended to her with love and compassion. He brought her food again but was shocked to find her dead. He tried to move her....a rarely- seen effort for swallows. Aware that his mate is dead, he cries with adoring love. He stood beside her, saddened by her death. Finally, he stood beside her body with sadness and sorrow. People cried after seeing these pictures when they were published in the leading newspaper in France. All copies of the paper were sold out on the day the pictures were released. And many people think animals don't have emotions. Note: Photos and caption re-posted in their entirety from Facebook 8/8/2012.
HEARTBEAT CONNECTION NOVEMBER 2012
11
Into Tomorrow's Tech out Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals... by Beth Gatrell Shopping for the holiday season is in full swing when Black Friday hits, and tapping your tech will help you have the best experience. Sites like BlackFriday.com, list ads for the most popular retailers so you can plan your shopping experience right from your computer before heading out. They also allow you the option to create a wish list, offer you coupons and sweepstakes, send you breaking specials, and more.
BFAds.net is another great site to visit for early copies of ads with the same great features including store hours and options to join mailing lists for the most up to date information. Some of your favorite retailers are giving consumers a sneak peek at their Black Friday specials, like Target and Wal-Mart. Fat Wallet is another awesome site for information on the shopping extravaganza, as well as offering you a free app so that you can access great information anytime. Another cool app to try is TGI Black Friday, which features the latest news and information on your favorite stores. These apps also allow you to look up items by categories and brands, along with other great mobile features.
12 HEARTBEAT CONNECTION NOVEMBER 2012
And, don't forget, just when you think it's all over ‌ Cyber Monday will be here with even more deals. CyberMonday.com gives you listings of popular retailers like Snapfish, hp, Toys R Us, Nautica, and more. Facebook pages for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Happy Shopping and don't forget to check with us, "Into Tomorrow," for the latest in tech before you buy!
Collage Apps
by Nicole Flothe My Aunt Maggie sent me a text the other day asking if I knew of any good Scrapbooking sites. I sent her a few recommondations and then snapped a picture of the collage apps I use on my phone. I love making fun collages and sharing them on social media. Enjoy!
To view more information about iPhone apps visit
www.heartbeatmag.com, What's on my iPhone.
WHY by Nicole Flothe I recently viewed my Facebook newsfeed and found a post by my friend, TJ Rogers, about One Child Matters. The post was talking about how one of his musicians had recent success with helping to sponsor a child. I wanted to learn more about it since the holidays are coming up and it would be a great gift to give back.
Interview with Michael Calhoun, Vice President of Communications, One Child Matters 1. How did you get involved with One Child Matters? I had several friends who worked with One Child Matters and some of their ministry partners. Several of them got to travel to meet their sponsored children, and when they came back, their hearts were changed. It’s hard not to pay attention to that. So when God opened the door for me to join the leadership team of One Child Matters, I knew it was a chance to give my life to something truly bigger than myself. Now my wife and I sponsor several children, and I pray I have the opportunity to meet them all in person someday. 2. What do you love about sponsoring a child? I love that child sponsorship is something simple but it has such a profound impact. I love that it fulfills Jesus’ command in Matthew 19:14 to “ let the children come to me and do not hinder them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Sponsorship removes the hindrances that may keep a child from learning about God and about how much they are loved and valued. I love that I get to play a small part in that. I also love thinking about the impact each sponsored child will make in their own community, and how that impact can multiply down through future generations. 3. How do you think your organization impacts the lives of those children you sponsor? I think our name says it all – our goal is to prove to a child that he or she matters to God and to us, and that has a profound impact on each child’s life. We know that by providing hope, truth, life, love, and mercy to a child in need, we open the door for transformation to occur. That child can have hope for a better life once they know the truth of their value in God’s eyes. We can improve their quality of life in tangible ways, but we also get to pour love and encouragement into each child. That the children are chosen to enroll in our programs is a unique gift of mercy that often improves the lives of an entire family and (we pray) the entire community. 4. Are there any fun events coming up for One Child Matters? We are always partnering with local churches in the US, so I’m always amazed at how God is moving hearts all around the country to make a difference in the life of a child. I’m especially excited because I will be visiting our programs in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Honduras over the next few weeks. My heart is always deeply moved anytime I have the privilege of witnessing our ministry firsthand. 5. Why do you believe your organization is heartfelt? We put the focus of our ministry at the heart of our name: One Child Matters. We focus on the one because we see that’s how
HEARTBEAT CONNECTION NOVEMBER 2012
Jesus ministered to others in Scripture. Even when He was surrounded by the crowds, he would reach out and focus on the one and respond to their needs. One Child Matters moves past the overwhelming nature of extreme poverty and helps people focus on the one they can reach – the one child who is so worthy of hope, truth, life, love, and mercy.
Interview with TJ Rogers, Sponsor 1. How did you get started in One Child Matters? I first heard about One Child Matters from a friend who worked for them, I fell in love with their vision and passion to make a difference in children’s lives all over the world. 2. When someone sponsors a child what type of connection with the child is offered? When you sponsor a child through One Child Matters, you have the opportunity to pray over a child’s life. That’s huge. You can also send encouraging letters. Having been to the Dominican Republic to see my sponsored child, I know how much those letters are treasured. When you give $34 to One Child Matters, you are essentially providing food, education, medical attention and an opportunity for them to hear the Gospel. 3. Do you have a child you sponsor? What has been your experience? Yes, we have had the privilege of sponsoring two children. I got to meet Celia when I went to the Dominican Republic a few years back. It was really eye-opening to see how people live without basic necessities. The whole family was so happy to see us that they cried and thanked us for our support. It hit home for me in that moment just how powerful supporting one child at a time can be. Now we sponsor Stephany, who’s also in the Dominican Republic. I know One Child Matters is truly making an impact in children’s lives one at a time. I am honored to be working with such an incredible organization. 4. Is there something people can do for the holidays? Yes! I know everyone’s looking for unique gift ideas – what could be more powerful than sponsoring a child in honor of someone you love? You can also make donations to some really powerful ministries all over the world. You can learn more at www.onechildmatters.org. When you sponsor a child, you are also ensuring they get to hear the reason for the season. Special gospel presentations are made during a community party, where many parents and siblings hear the Gospel for the first time. Children in the programs also receive a Christmas gift, which is a tangible way to remember that we’ve all received the gift of Jesus this season.
5. What are the future plans for One Child Matters and how are they impacting hearts around the world? Right now, One Child Matters takes care of over 40,000 children in 16 countries. The future plans would be to bring more needy children into the program. The more sponsors we can find for the children, the more lives we can change and the more children we can invite into this ministry.
www.onechildmatters.org
13
13
HEARTBEAT CONNECTION NOVEMBER 2012
Ad v W it et is e hU s!
Naples Sea Life Lights
Unique Sea Life Light boxes
instacanv.as/nicoleflothe
www.naplessealifelights.com
Southwest Florida Youth Basketball
www.swflbasketball.com
Two Counties/Two Divisions 239-267-7922
RVL Weight Management
So you don't think your kids will eat their veggies? Think again!
MORE NUTRTION. LESS CALORIES.
A nutritious weight solution. Helps maintain lean muscle. Fights hunger. Contact Lucienne Valcourt
239-777-9871
A delicious gummibear suppliment that will have your kids asking for more! GEORGE GABOUREL INDEPENDENT ASSOCIATE
CALL NOW!
239-784-6676 Advertisement