Help for Haiti

By now virtually everyone will know of the devastating earthquake and aftershocks that continue to rock the small nation of Haiti in the Caribbean. I've practically been glued to the television set as I watch for signs of life in the rubble and PRAY for any signs of good news in this truly tragic situation. I have been praying for international aid and assistance to reach these dear people as soon as possible.

Today I was deeply moved by the generosity of my Canadian countrymen and the generosity of the many other nations and individuals that have stepped up to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti. There are many organizations on the ground in Haiti to which one can donate funds. You can read about the Canadian aid agencies here. If you are not in Canada, many of these agencies have international counterparts.

[All photos are the property of Mail Online
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Canadians can donate to charities through text message. The Salvation Army began its "text-to-donate" program on Thursday, whereby Canadians can make a $5 donation by texting HAITI to 45678 from Rogers Wireless or Bell Mobility, and then confirming with a YES reply. World Vision Canada is encouraging people to use social networking sites to challenge others to donate in a campaign called $10 And Pass It On. That is where I gave my donation. I encourage you to do likewise if you are a Canadian reader as every $10 counts toward helping someone.

Americans can donate to the Salvation Army by texting a message with the word 'Haiti' to 52000 for a $10 donation. You can also text "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross relief efforts for Haiti. The amount will be added to your cell phone credit card bill.

For more information about the aid agencies around the world that are providing assistance to Haiti, here is one short summary article disaster and relief aid to Haiti.

Button Bird

There is always something interesting to see when out and about.
Our city has some kind of initiative where artists sculpt animals using a particular theme and when they are done these sculptures are displayed in public outdoor places. After a certain period of time the sculptures are auctioned off. Last summer, cattle were on display. Right now it appears to be eagles sculptures on display.

When I was out recently I came across what I am calling the button bird. I call it that because it is in the style of northwest coast Indian button blankets but the buttons are painted ones rather than real ones. See tons of wonderful images of button blankets here.

This plaque says the eagle sculptures will be auctioned in Spring 2010.

The Bible tells me that God created everything and owns everything including the great animals and birds that bring such beauty to our lands.

For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills
I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

Psalm 50: 10-11 (KJV)

God created these things for our enjoyment and His and for these.

For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.

Isaiah 45: 18 (KJV)

Yet man in his desire to consume and control has destroyed much of what God created for us to enjoy.

The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.

Isaiah 24:5 (KJV)

The destruction of the earth and its inhabitants, people and animals alike, causes me sadness when I really think about. But I am grateful to those men, women and children who do their part to appreciate this wonderful creation. Anything we do, great and small to preserve this great beauty of the earth is a wonderful way we can appreciate and preserve it for the generations to come. It's another new year
and that gives us all another new chance at doing our part for the environment and the animals and people in it. God bless.