The Pure Love Giveaway... How we did!

Wow! This morning, at midnight, the Patti's awesome giveaway closed. The purpose of the giveaway was to raise money for Peter (and in the last few days, Artem). So how did we do?

Over the duration of the giveaway, Peter made over $10,000!!!

His final giveaway total is... $14,949.12!!!

Artem only got to be a part of this giveaway for about 3 days, and already...

Artem has... $4,102.50 in his grant fund!!!

God was with us! There was no way Patti could have done that without Him. The greatest donation of all however, was not one of money, but rather, of life.

PETER FOUND HIS FAMILY!

Such a miracle. All those people who donated so much money and love deserve a prize right? Well, it waas a giveaway so...

Click Here to see who one the prizes!!!

That was truly an amazing work of God. I'm so happy for those 2 little boys!!! And I'm so thankful that Patti was able to pull all this off!!! For about the hundredth time, THANKS PATTI!

God Bless,

Sydney

(Second to last!) 5:00 Update 2/11/11: 7 Hours to Make a Difference...

So, ever since Patti's Pure Love Giveaway began, I've been posting little updates about it everyday and calling it, "The 5:00 Update". I've really started to like these updates! However, this will be the second to last one I post (at least until I come across another wonderful cause that I feel the need to update my 2 followers on :-)

I swear, I could stare into this beautiful face all day long...

Peter's second to last 5:00 Total is... $15084.80!!!

Let me just say, this total is fabulous... and it's not even the final one!!! We still have 7 hours left to donate. To make a difference. To change the course of a little boy's life.

Already, Peter has won to the most important thing... a family. This money is going to help him get them home so much faster!

I so wish that I had the money to donate that last $5,000 to Peter. i wish that more than anything. I don't have $5,000, but I'm confident that God will provide for Peter what he needs to get home.

Can't wait to see what God has in store for tomorrow!

7 Hours and Counting...

God Bless,

Sydney

The 5:00 Update 2/10/11: We have another day...

Hey Everyone!

So I'm sure you will be happy to know that Patti extended the Pure Love Giveaway another day! We now have until tomorrow (Friday the 11th) at midnight to get our donations in!!!

Peter's 5:00 total is... $13,861.30!!!

Patti Rocks!

God Bless,

Sydney

The 5:00 Update 2/9/11! Meet Patti's New Little Man...!

Peter's 5:00 Total is... $13,703.80!!!

Artem's 5:00 Total is... $3,668.50!!!

Yes, I've added another precious boy to the 5:00 update. The more the merrier right? Everybody, meet Artem!

Artem is the little boy who has captured Patti's heart (as Alexander has captured mine!). Here is what Reece's Rainbow has to say about him:

Artem K.
Date of Birth: June 4, 2006
Gender: Male
Eyes: Brown
Hair: dark brown
Temperament: good-natured
SIGNIFICANT RISK, PLEASE ADOPT ME SOON!

It is so painful to see these kids whose mothers drank during their pregnancy. Artem's mom was clearly not interested in giving him the best chance in life. This was her first pregnancy, he was born at 38 weeks, but she smoked and drank throughout the pregnancy. His mother kept him home until he was nearly a year old, so there is no telling what other damage she may have caused him during that time. Despite his difficult beginnings, he is described as a good natured boy, and will thrive in a loving family. He does have a minor myocardiopathy that should be followed once home, but he is active and doing much better now that he is in the orphanage.
FULL MEDICAL RECORDS AVAILABLE!  SINGLE MOMS WELCOME
Lots more photos available!

Isn't he adorable? I feel so bad that he is doing better in the orphanage. No, don't misunderstand, I'm not UNHAPPY that he's doing WELL!!! No, what I'm sad about is that his birth Mommy was so bad for him, that a horrible orphanage is where he is better off. Well, he is better off, but he would be WONDERFULLY off in a new Mommy's arms!

Some people might wonder why I advocate for these children. Because if I don't, who will? (I mean, besides the awesome people who already do, like Patti!) To tell you the truth, I DON'T KNOW why God led me in this direction. I don't think we are really supposed to know why God does what he does. Al that matters is that He DOES DO IT! I'm too in love to stop advocating now. Plus, why should I? My great God has led me to once of the greatest ministries of all, and I'm not leaving!

We have about 2 days left!!! I'm excited. I have a feeling that God will be presenting Peter with some miracles during the last days of the Pure Love Giveaway! Please donate!

Thanks for being so supportive of Peter, Max, Olga, Kareen, Alexander, Artem, etc. You don't even know how much I (and SOOOOO many others!) appreciate it!

Let's make this miracle happen.

God Bless,

Sydney

P.S: Sometime this week, I will post one of my signature, mile long and super detailed posts about Olga's family! (or you can just read about them in Patti's post!)

The 5:00 Update 2/8/11! URGENT Needs...

Peter's 5:00 total is... $12,549.00!!!

Peter made almost $2,000 in the last 24 hours! How awesome is that?

However, I'm sure you've heard of Peter's health issues. Well, he has gotten his family just in time. His health is declining. He is not doing very well at all. He needs to get to the U.S. as soon as possible. That's why it is vital that we can get him a full grant... very soon.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." - Psalms 46:1

WE can still do this. We have about $7,500 left to get Peter to $20,000. We have until 11:59 Thursday night to get our final donations! Please everyone, help Patti and Peter's family pull this off!

Thanks so much! Keep Peter in your prayers... we need to get his health back up!

God Bless,

Sydney

"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13

Meet Alexander... The 5 year old who has captured my heart!

Isn't he precious? Alexander, like Max is already over 5 years old. NO ONE HAS EVER INQUIRED ABOUT HIM! I'm wondering how this could be true. His perfect Mommy just hasn't come across him yet...

Alexander is already in an institution. They shaved their heads this past summer, so that's why the bald head. I look at his face, and I wish I could just pick him up and hold him. He doesn't deserve to be lying in a crib, heavily medicated and underweight. Institutions are terrible, scary, heart wrenching places. I'm crying for him.

He doesn't have any serious complications. He is a healthy little boy. Here is what Reece's Rainbow says about him:

 Born April 13, 2005

HELP!  I HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED!!

OH, what a difference a new picture can make!!    Alexander has been listed with us for more than 2 years, and not a soul has ever inquired about him.  Up until now, the only photos we have had of him were laying down in a crib, never showing him up and mobile and active!     But look at him!!   What a great smile, and so much life in him! 

  

Alexander is a handsome little boy who really needs a loving family. He has light brown hair and blue eyes.    He is already 5!    He was born with a minor PDA, but does not have pulmonary hypertension. He also has flat feet. Please give Alexander the chance to grow up in a loving family

HEADS WERE SHAVED FOR THE SUMMER MONTHS.

I want so badly to help him. I feel for him like he is a part of my family. The thing is, I don't know what I can do.

I've donated to him, and he has $7626.00 so that's good. The thing is I'm just not sure how to spread the word. Not many people read this blog, but I don't care about that. I would host a giveaway, like Patti (check out the lovely Pure Love Giveaway), but I don't have the funds or the followers to do so.

I'm not going to let a few obstacles discourage me though. I am trying to get the word out about Alexander, as well as I can. Otherwise, I'm just praying for a miracle. I'm asking for God's direction, for his help. I cannot do this on my own. Please God, help me to save Alexander...

In the meantime, please spread the word. I don't know exactly what to do as of yet, but I'm hoping for some divine inspiration.

God Bless,

Sydney

The 5:00 Update 2/7/11! A FOREVER FAMILY...!!!

You see this little boy? He is not an orphan. Yes, that means what you think it means...

PETER HAS A FAMILY!!!



I am so excited for Peter. This is the most wonderful thing I can think of. Of course, he is still a while away from getting home, but that's not what matters. What matters is that he has a home...

Peter (and his new family's) 5:00 total is... $10,855.10!

None of this would have ever been possible without our lovely Patti. THANK YOU SO MUCH! Without Lily and Patti, Peter's grant would probably still be in the $1,000 range and he would be on his way to an institution. Our wonderful God just wouldn't have that. He gave Pater a family! Thank you, God!

Keep donating and praying until we get Peter into his new Mama's arms.

God Bless,

Sydney

*********************

100

I just thought I'd share some interesting news with everyone.

Today was my 100th day of school. My last 100th day (at least in this school). Pretty exciting, huh? Okay, not really, and Peter's news is cause for a much bigger WOW moment, but still.

Another 100... Tonight at 10:00pm the 100th episode of my all-time favorite show, "19 Kids and Counting!" airs. Duggar's Rock and Record: The Duggar's have a busy day when family friends visit for lunch, Michelle records an audio book and the family returns to Little Rock to help serve dinner at a fish fry. 

Tune in! Look how far they've come. That makes it a pretty cool day for me. Two 100th's. Should I try for a 3rd...?

The 5:00 Update 2/6/11! The Ten Dollar Challenge...

Peter's 5:00 total is... $9947.10!!!

Today, Patti updated the giveaway by adding the 10 dollar challenge. Whats that? A Perfect Lily got over 10,500 hits last week. If even just 25 percent of those people were to donate just $10, Peter would have his full grant. So please donate!

Several families have been looking into adopting Peter in the days since the giveaway began. Something INCREDIBLE is about to happen... Peter is about to see the light.

I'm so excited to see what God has in store for Peter. He deserves a Mommy and Daddy to love and cherish him more than anyone else... this is a miracle in the making!

Patti, Thank you so much. YOU made it happen, along with God's wonderful Grace.

God Bless,

Sydney

P.S: Don't think this is the end of helping! Patti has someone new in store for us to help rescue. She will announce it soon!

In the meantime, I've found the next little darling I am going to help. I will let you know who it is soon... (hint: They were featured on my Wordless Wednesday a few weeks back!)

Oh the joy of helping those in need. I thank God everyday that I am able. :-)

The 5:00 Update 2/5/11! Halfway home...

Isn't he handsome?

Yay for new pictures! Today is exciting because it's Peter's halfway point! (Well, not quite but ALMOST and I like to think of the glass half full!) So...

Peter's 5:00 total is... $9,304.50!



The goal is that by next Friday at 12:00am Peter will have a full grant! It might seem like he is a little too far away from this goal to reach it, but think of it this way: Today was the fifth day of the giveaway and he is halfway, so by day 10 his grant should be full!

Keep up the good work guys!

God Bless,

Sydney

"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us." - John 5:14

P.S: PLEASE DON'T FORGET that I'm starting my book club next Sunday with a review of Chapter 1 of Before You Meet Prince Charming by Sarah Mally! If you can get a hold of a copy of the book or have already read it I would love to discuss it with everyone! Please join in! This is going to be a really fun and insightful event, so please don't miss out! Spread the word!

The 5:00 Update 2/4/11! A Renewed Purpose... (and the results of Pennies on a Platter's fundraiser for The King Family!)

Hey Friends!

Last night, Patti updated the giveaway to include a few more prizes (Natural Charm Necklace by Lia Sophia, $150 Sears gift card, $25 gift credit to Etsy store Lilybuds, or $25 gift credit to 31 gifts, Anyone?)

More importantly, the giveaway has a renewed purpose. As you already knew, Kareen has had a family committed to her for a while, and it was just announced that Olga has a family. :) Kareen's family, The Cox's, are so grateful for the money  that has been pouring in to help her. The Cox's and Patti both feel that their goals for Kareen and Olga have been met.

For the 6 days that are left, the Pure Love Giveaway will be focused solely on getting Peter his full grant. I can tell how loved Peter is by all the money that has been coming in to him these past few days.

                                                         Olga's Final Total is... $13,154!!!

                                                      Kareen's Final Total is... $7,450!!!

 Beautiful Peter's ongoing 5:00 total is... $8,867.50!

Have a great weekend everyone. Please don't forget to help out this precious little boy!

God Bless,

Sydney

********************

P.S:

Remember way back when... when I posted about Veronica (Vee) King and her children Faith and Caleb? They recently lost their beloved Daddy/husband, Jeremy. In addition, Vee has scheduled a c-section for this upcoming Monday, February 8th, so Jeremy and Vee's new baby named Carter will be here very soon!

Anyway, I posted about how you could help the King family: by visiting the wonderful Pennies On A Platter once a day and/or donating to Vee through Paypal.

Let me just say, God was on our side with this one. Pennie's On A Platter got 441% more page visits than the norm! Without further adieu... 

Pennie's On A Platter raised $1,577.29 for Vee!

I am so amazed by people's generosity and willingness to help someone in need. Again, I know didn't really have any impact of the outcome of this fundraiser. I'm just a humbled blogger posting about those  issues that are close to my heart.

Thank you, God. You are so good!

God Bless,

Sydney

The 5:00 Update 2/3/11! We have a week left to do this...

 Olga's 5:00 total is... $13,139.07!



 Peter's 5:00 total is... $6,585.8!

Kareen's 5:00 total is... $3,655.00!

We have a week left to get Peter his full grant. I know we can... please donate and pray!

God Bless,

Sydney



The 5:00 Update 2/2/11! Looking Good...

Hey guys!

For the next eight days, until February 10th, I will post the daily 5:00pm update on Patti's Pure Love Giveaway!

Kareen's 5:00 total is... $2,485.00!

Peter's 5:00 total is... $6,287.30!

Last but not least...

Olga's 5:00 total is... $13,119.07!

Looking good! I get so excited when I log onto Blogger, go to A Perfect Lily, and scroll down to read the daily totals! No other big updates for today... so until 5:00pm tomorrow just keep donating, praying, and asking for a miracle!

God Bless,

Sydney

P.S: Click here to read my original post about the giveaway!

Patti's God's Pure Love Giveaway



Happy February Everyone!

What does February mean to you? Ground hog's Day, Valentines Day, Patti's big Pure Love giveaway, President's Day... wait a minute. Patti's big Pure Love giveaway? What's that all about? I'll tell you!

See those three adorable little faces above? They belong to Kareen, Olga, and Peter. Patti from A Perfect Lily is hosting a major giveaway to raise money for these three special children.

People have been donating items for the giveaway left and right. It's going to be really amazing. Patti's is aiming to get Peter a full grant. That's over 20,000 dollars!

Already, people are showing there love for these children. Yesterday, before the giveaway even began, a woman named Sara donated 1,000 dollars to Peter! Isn't that miraculous? It's merely the first day out of ten and already (as of 5:00 pm) Peter has $4,445 towards his adoption! That's roughly triple what he had the majority of last month!

In return for people generous donations (you only have to donate $10 to enter) Patti is giving away loads of wonderful prizes:

• A brand new iPad with accessories
• Nikon D90 digital Camera
• 14 carat diamond earrings
• Lia Sophia bracelet
• Lia Sophia necklace
• Happy Hooks Crochet Etsy shop designer baby hat
• $35 gift card to Etsy shop Lil' Sis Designs
• itty bitty icing Etsy shop designer baby headbands
• Tutu, onesie, and matching headband made by Elissa from Sound's Like Life To Me (see the Fabulous Blogs I Follow sidebar!)
• (3) $10 Starbucks gift card donated by Katy from Diary of a Zookeeper 
• A tote bag and mother daughter aprons donated by Cassie from The Crazy Eight

Patti is playing a huge loving part in this giveaway, but in the end, its God's Pure Love giveaway. Patti has had the compassion and diligence to follow through and never stop advocating, and it's God who has granted Patti her biggest hopes and dreams in saving these children. It's God who has gotten so many people involved in advocating (might as well make this the word of the day!) for Peter, Kareen, and Olga. Patti's purpose is clear: she is the wonderful messenger God is using to carry out some of His most important work with Reece's Rainbow. Without beautiful Patti and her beautiful Lily, where would Olga, Kareen, and Peter be right now? I'm starting to cry. I can't thank you enough Patti, for the true "surrogate" Mama you have been for these children. They are so blessed to have you on their side. Thank you. I have all the faith in the world that we can work together to get Kareen and Olga (SHE HAS A FAMILY!) home sooner, and Peter a full grant. It's a big order, that's for sure, but nothing is to big for God. 

Cast your cares upon the Lord, for He cares about you. - 1 Peter 5:7 

We've got to get these children home. It's been long enough. If God has previously raised $12,000 for Olga through Patti's advocating, I just know he has something even bigger in store for this giveaway.

"Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so..." (I know you all know what song this line is from... hint hint: its in bold!)

He loves Kareen. He loves Olga. He loves Peter. He will not let then die. He has big things in store for these three children, and nothing puts a stop to God's plans. Donate, pray, and  ask for a work to be done in Peter's future family's heart so that he can get adopted really soon, along with Olga and Kareen!

I'll keep you updated, but be sure to read Patti's heartfelt post about the giveaway, and check her blog frequently as well.

"But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish." - Psalms 9:18

God Bless,

Sydney

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." - Romans 12:12

FYI: Keep praying for Max (click here to read my post about him) as well. I want to get him out of the institiution so badly it hurts!