THE AMERICAN GIRL TEA PARTY:
A few weeks ago my ten-year-old daughter, Madison, watched Life Today one morning before school. She saw children drinking water from a contaminated river in Africa. Animals were also in this water (dead and alive) as well as people were washing their clothes, bathing, etc. Tragically, this is their only choice of water and it’s causing 10,000 deaths a DAY.
As Madison watched this, she turned to me with tears in her eyes and said, “Mom, I feel like God wants me to do something to help those children get water." My response was, "Well, let's pray about it and see what we could (possibly) do."
A couple of weeks went by and I have to admit, I was a little hesitant about taking on this task. I prayed for God to specifically speak to me through scripture if we should do this or not. Coincidentally, I opened my Bible to Matthew 25, “I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. Whatever you did for one of the least of these...you did for me.”
As if that wasn’t good enough, the next day I prayed again, “Are ya’ SURE, Lord?” That morning when I opened my little daily devotional book - yep, you guessed it - same verses.
So-o-o-o, we’re holding a tea (in our spare time) to raise funds to dig a water well (never done THAT before)! The “American Girl Tea Party – American Girls Saving Lives Around the World” will be held on Sunday afternoon, July 13, 2008 at the beautiful new Bell Cultural Events Center on the MidAmerica Nazarene University campus in Olathe, KS.
We'll enjoy garden tea party sandwiches, delicate tea cakes, cookies, and of course tea or pink lemonade. You'll simply love the outstanding entertainment and amazing silent auction baskets and items are rolling in! We just received word that the beautiful "AMERICAN GIRL TEA PRINCESS" from the "WISHING WELL CASTLE" is arriving just in time for the tea! A professional photographer will be available for a special photo memory opportunity. Bring your favorite doll for a lovely afternoon with family and friends - aunts, sisters, cousins, and neighbors! And you will love the surprise to take home!
We are very blessed to live with such comfort and conveniences, but did you know that four MILLION people die every year due to water related illnesses? Or as Madison notes, “Mom, it’s been eight seconds, one more person just died.” One well, however, can provide fresh water for a whole community.
Several people have expressed that they’ve often wanted to help, but didn’t know what to do. Through this tea, we have a chance to make a difference – literally saving lives around the world. Proverbs 31:20 says, “Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy.” Let’s reach out together.
Our goal is to raise enough funds to dig a water well - $4800. The cost to attend the tea will be $15 (or $20 after June 29th). We would love for you to be a part of this opportunity to help others. Please contact us if you would like additional information, to become a sponsor for the tea, donate items, or have a heart of compassion to make a difference in the lives of children around the world. We hope to hear from you soon.
Blessings,
Madison and Susan Crook
"Whoever gives just a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple -- I assure you: He will never lose his reward!" Matthew 10:42.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Merry Christmas from the "Crooks" 2007
Merry Christmas from the "Crooks!"
Good news this 2007 Christmas! We can experience FREEDOM through Christ! Because of His abundant, steadfast, and never-ending love, we are free to enjoy the miracles large and small that surround us.
And let's not forget to recognize those miracles, offering praise and thanksgiving.
Yes, life can be a battle and change is hard, but the "chains" binding old ways can be tossed aside! How? We are transformed into His likeness when we accept His love and mercy offered through the miracle of Jesus' birth.
It is my desire that you accept and treasure the greatest gift of all this Christmas. The gift that God sent to us many years ago - His Son.
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32.
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36.
And let's not forget to recognize those miracles, offering praise and thanksgiving.
Yes, life can be a battle and change is hard, but the "chains" binding old ways can be tossed aside! How? We are transformed into His likeness when we accept His love and mercy offered through the miracle of Jesus' birth.
It is my desire that you accept and treasure the greatest gift of all this Christmas. The gift that God sent to us many years ago - His Son.
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32.
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36.
MAKE THIS YOUR BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
SUSAN CROOK IN CHICAGO
Watch Susan Crook's television appearances in Chicago the week of November 12th!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
BACK-TO-SCHOOL DUELS
Holly prefaced her email with, "Tears are falling as I write this, but I need to tell you something. For the last couple of years my daughter, Allison, climbed on the school bus each morning wiping away a flood of tears. I repeatedly exploded with anger and frustration because Allison was too slow and disorganized. Our school mornings were war."
Holly continued, "I heard you speak about two weeks ago and was stunned when I learned about the personality information and how it affects relationships. I read your book, "Personality Insights for Moms" and realized that I always expected Allison to act like I do (fast, organized, and charging out the door).
"Allison's personality style, on the other hand, needs plenty of time to adjust to each new day by waking up slowly. She requires lots of hugs and reassurance.
"I actually resented that because I'm NOT that way. However, after understanding our personality differences, our school mornings changed dramatically! I now know that I'm a 'D' and Allison's an 'S.' I've been a drill sergeant and she's been crushed! No wonder our relationship has struggled. I didn't understand her and she didn't understand me.
"How could I have been so hard on her and not understood that it's okay to be different? This information has changed our lives! I feel so bad for all our fights and misunderstandings, but I'm going to make it up to her from now on."
Holly went on to say, "For the FIRST TIME EVER, Allison left for school this morning happy and with a smile on her face!
"And so this morning, I'm the one with tears - tears of sadness for all the happy times we've missed - and tears of joy for the happiness that we now share. Thank you so much."
Needless to say, after reading this email, I too, shed tears. There's no greater joy then when you impact someone else's life - in a positive way. And we ALL possess the opportunity to impact lives - one way or another.
Do you understand your children's personality style enough to know why they do what they do? Are they allowed to feel accepted for their unique personality style - or ostracized for being different?
The child you impact may be at home, school, church, daycare, or in your neighborhood, but opportunities exist around every corner to help others feel accepted and appreciated for who they are - just the way they are - and to feel understood.
If a child feels being different is wrong, then he or she may develop poor self-esteem or lack confidence to pursue goals and dreams. But when a child feels understood, a child feels loved.
Do you experience a "war" in your home each morning before school - as Holly and Allison did? Do you have a child in your life (in your classroom) whom you experience conflict or clash with quite often because of differing personality styles? Choose to appreciate your differences and relate to one another with admiration and respect. Establish guidelines, systems, and methods for success.
Let your loving smile of affirmation and acceptance be the last thing you give your children each day when they head out the door for school.
Assure your child that he or she is the "apple" of your eye.
Holly continued, "I heard you speak about two weeks ago and was stunned when I learned about the personality information and how it affects relationships. I read your book, "Personality Insights for Moms" and realized that I always expected Allison to act like I do (fast, organized, and charging out the door).
"Allison's personality style, on the other hand, needs plenty of time to adjust to each new day by waking up slowly. She requires lots of hugs and reassurance.
"I actually resented that because I'm NOT that way. However, after understanding our personality differences, our school mornings changed dramatically! I now know that I'm a 'D' and Allison's an 'S.' I've been a drill sergeant and she's been crushed! No wonder our relationship has struggled. I didn't understand her and she didn't understand me.
"How could I have been so hard on her and not understood that it's okay to be different? This information has changed our lives! I feel so bad for all our fights and misunderstandings, but I'm going to make it up to her from now on."
Holly went on to say, "For the FIRST TIME EVER, Allison left for school this morning happy and with a smile on her face!
"And so this morning, I'm the one with tears - tears of sadness for all the happy times we've missed - and tears of joy for the happiness that we now share. Thank you so much."
Needless to say, after reading this email, I too, shed tears. There's no greater joy then when you impact someone else's life - in a positive way. And we ALL possess the opportunity to impact lives - one way or another.
Do you understand your children's personality style enough to know why they do what they do? Are they allowed to feel accepted for their unique personality style - or ostracized for being different?
The child you impact may be at home, school, church, daycare, or in your neighborhood, but opportunities exist around every corner to help others feel accepted and appreciated for who they are - just the way they are - and to feel understood.
If a child feels being different is wrong, then he or she may develop poor self-esteem or lack confidence to pursue goals and dreams. But when a child feels understood, a child feels loved.
Do you experience a "war" in your home each morning before school - as Holly and Allison did? Do you have a child in your life (in your classroom) whom you experience conflict or clash with quite often because of differing personality styles? Choose to appreciate your differences and relate to one another with admiration and respect. Establish guidelines, systems, and methods for success.
Let your loving smile of affirmation and acceptance be the last thing you give your children each day when they head out the door for school.
Assure your child that he or she is the "apple" of your eye.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
"INTER-DEPENDENCE" DAY
"The sky is falling ... apart! The sky is falling ... apart!" he shouted while darting through the crowd dodging blankets, leaping over picnic baskets and hurdling every cooler.
Bolting for the car, my then two-year-old son, Scott, was almost a block away before I could catch up with him. "Stop!" I yelled. "It's okay! It's just the fireworks!" Misunderstanding the cause of the exploding sky, this determined little tike quickly lost his enthusiasm to celebrate the festivities and ran for cover.
Over 280 million celebrated the birthday of our great nation earlier this month with the usual picnics, family, friends, and fireworks. "E-e-ews" and "a-a-aahs echoed abound while brilliant fireworks exploded in the night sky celebrating our unique opportunity as Americans to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Over 200 years ago on Independence Day, fireworks exploded in the sky, but I would venture to say that our ancestors exploded more with emotional excitement and enthusiasm as they pursued and anticipated the freedom and independence awaiting our brand new country.
How ironic then, that the key to our country's independence today actually stems from the inter-dependence of yesterday. In fact, our country was built on interdependence. We harvested together, raised barns together, worked and worshiped together. We taught one another skills and shared expertise to survive. Otherwise, without appreciating and recognizing the value of interdependence, eminent failure would have persisted for our country - our people.
We knew then what we should know now. God revealed that the greatest commandment is to love Him. What's the second greatest commandment? We are to love our neighbors. "There are NO GREATER COMMANDMENTS THAN THESE." Whoa! That's serious stuff!
You might be thinking, "What can I possibly do for my neighbor - my country?" Amidst all our foibles and imperfections or lack of talent and influence, look around to see how you can bless someone - receiving nothing in return. (Careful, though. You'll probably be the one who ends up blessed!)
When we're intertwined in people's lives, there's more purpose and fulfillment. When we're connected to others, we experience "independence" from loneliness, solitude, and life without purpose.
No "buts." You can't tell me there's not someone out there who needs you right now. Start with one. And start today, because tomorrow may be too late. Act courageously and boldly be willing to join in where's God's calling you. After all, He uses the most unlikely characters to accomplish His purpose. He doesn't look for the perfect, He looks for the willing.
Allow me to make a 2007 Proclamation - embrace the remaining 364 days of the year as a declaration of "Inter-Dependence Day." Veto complacency. Reach out to your neighbor, be proud of our country with undiminished devotion, and love the one and only true God with all your heart. You, too, will experience an explosion - of joy and happiness! (And rest assured - the sky is NOT falling ... apart!)
For more newsletter info like recipes, jokes, etc., visit http://www.susancrook.com/Newsletter/Monthly_newsletters/July_2007.htm.
Susan Crook
Bolting for the car, my then two-year-old son, Scott, was almost a block away before I could catch up with him. "Stop!" I yelled. "It's okay! It's just the fireworks!" Misunderstanding the cause of the exploding sky, this determined little tike quickly lost his enthusiasm to celebrate the festivities and ran for cover.
Over 280 million celebrated the birthday of our great nation earlier this month with the usual picnics, family, friends, and fireworks. "E-e-ews" and "a-a-aahs echoed abound while brilliant fireworks exploded in the night sky celebrating our unique opportunity as Americans to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Over 200 years ago on Independence Day, fireworks exploded in the sky, but I would venture to say that our ancestors exploded more with emotional excitement and enthusiasm as they pursued and anticipated the freedom and independence awaiting our brand new country.
How ironic then, that the key to our country's independence today actually stems from the inter-dependence of yesterday. In fact, our country was built on interdependence. We harvested together, raised barns together, worked and worshiped together. We taught one another skills and shared expertise to survive. Otherwise, without appreciating and recognizing the value of interdependence, eminent failure would have persisted for our country - our people.
We knew then what we should know now. God revealed that the greatest commandment is to love Him. What's the second greatest commandment? We are to love our neighbors. "There are NO GREATER COMMANDMENTS THAN THESE." Whoa! That's serious stuff!
You might be thinking, "What can I possibly do for my neighbor - my country?" Amidst all our foibles and imperfections or lack of talent and influence, look around to see how you can bless someone - receiving nothing in return. (Careful, though. You'll probably be the one who ends up blessed!)
When we're intertwined in people's lives, there's more purpose and fulfillment. When we're connected to others, we experience "independence" from loneliness, solitude, and life without purpose.
No "buts." You can't tell me there's not someone out there who needs you right now. Start with one. And start today, because tomorrow may be too late. Act courageously and boldly be willing to join in where's God's calling you. After all, He uses the most unlikely characters to accomplish His purpose. He doesn't look for the perfect, He looks for the willing.
Allow me to make a 2007 Proclamation - embrace the remaining 364 days of the year as a declaration of "Inter-Dependence Day." Veto complacency. Reach out to your neighbor, be proud of our country with undiminished devotion, and love the one and only true God with all your heart. You, too, will experience an explosion - of joy and happiness! (And rest assured - the sky is NOT falling ... apart!)
For more newsletter info like recipes, jokes, etc., visit http://www.susancrook.com/Newsletter/Monthly_newsletters/July_2007.htm.
Susan Crook
Saturday, June 16, 2007
WHO'S AT RISK?
"Uh-oh. Look at this," he motioned to his assistant. Face-down on the examination table in the oh-so-typical and not-so-cute little hospital gown, I realized my worst fears may have just come true.
As my dermatologist searched for signs of skin cancer on my back, I searched for the strength to face what might lie ahead.
"You have skin cancer," was actually a familiar phrase. Been there, done that. However, my prior experience consisted of basal cell carcinoma - the less severe and slower growing type of skin cancer on my face and chest. My greatest fear had always been - melanoma - the very serious kind - the kind that can metastasize and spread like wildfire if you don't catch it early. The kind that takes a life every hour.
"Most likely it's melanoma," my dermatologist continued. "We'll find out what stage when the biopsy comes back," launching the longest five days of my life.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. More than 1 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year. Yes, that's scary. As with any cancer, early detection is the key. Prevention is even better.
Are you at risk? I'm aware that it IS possible that you feel this could never happen to you. I felt certain that I was exempt. OTHER people get skin cancer. OTHER people need sunblock. OTHER people have to be concerned with the damaging rays. Besides that, it's a pain in the pale-white-booty to apply this stuff.
But, we've gotta' do it. We've got to take the time and effort to protect our skin - our own and our kid's. In summation, everyone's at risk. The best ways to have an active summer, but lower the risk of skin cancer are to:
As my dermatologist searched for signs of skin cancer on my back, I searched for the strength to face what might lie ahead.
"You have skin cancer," was actually a familiar phrase. Been there, done that. However, my prior experience consisted of basal cell carcinoma - the less severe and slower growing type of skin cancer on my face and chest. My greatest fear had always been - melanoma - the very serious kind - the kind that can metastasize and spread like wildfire if you don't catch it early. The kind that takes a life every hour.
"Most likely it's melanoma," my dermatologist continued. "We'll find out what stage when the biopsy comes back," launching the longest five days of my life.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. More than 1 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year. Yes, that's scary. As with any cancer, early detection is the key. Prevention is even better.
Are you at risk? I'm aware that it IS possible that you feel this could never happen to you. I felt certain that I was exempt. OTHER people get skin cancer. OTHER people need sunblock. OTHER people have to be concerned with the damaging rays. Besides that, it's a pain in the pale-white-booty to apply this stuff.
But, we've gotta' do it. We've got to take the time and effort to protect our skin - our own and our kid's. In summation, everyone's at risk. The best ways to have an active summer, but lower the risk of skin cancer are to:
- Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Seek shade. If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun's rays are at their strongest.
- Cover up with protective clothing (tightly woven fabrics you can't see through).
- Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Apply a generous amount (about a palmful) and reapply after swimming, towling dry, or perspiring (even on hazy or overcast days).
- Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your face, ears, and neck.
- Wear sunglasses with 99% to 100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes.
- Avoid tanning beds like the plague. They're 15 times as intensive!
As adults, we're also responsible for protecting our children from overexposure to the sun. Kids don't always "get it." In fact, they usually complain that applying sunblock is a hassle and delays their fun. Why not check out the new scents, fun colors, and cute shapes?
Fortunately, we caught the melanoma on my back early. Following surgery (and many prayers), I can say I'm "C" free again. But I will continuously go for checkups (modeling the latest fashion in hospital gowns), experience the slice and dice of a biopsy, and anxiously await the results. It's worth the effort. In fact, compared to the risk of skin cancer, it "pales" in comparison.
I'm passionate for you to enjoy your summer - but more importantly - that you get to enjoy your LIFE!
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