Love & prayers for the people of Newtown.

Woke up this morning and my thoughts immediately went to Newtown, Connecticut. A town I had never heard of until yesterday. Suddenly, they're all i can think about. 

Teachers who had to shield children from a murderer. 

Little ones who had to witness things they should never have to see.

Parents who got that horrifying phone call...or who turned on the news...
Parents who brought their kids to school, having no doubt they would return safely soon.

Families of the staff members & children who did not make it home yesterday.

Did they sleep at all last night? Are they alone? Did they have nightmares?
Do they know Jesus? Do they know that He loves them?

There is one picture of a girl in her twenties on her cell phone and SOBBING... the caption says she's awaiting news of her sister, who is a teacher. I have prayed & prayed that her sister is fine. I just... can't even... 

Sorry such a downer post, but this is all that's on my mind. I was going to post a wish list this weekend, just for fun, how can i do that now? I was going to take pictures of our Christmas decor & do a post about that, finally. But i don't really want to this morning. I am sure I will later on. Right now, I just want to pray for the families of the victims. 

I wish i could DO something. Something more than send money, but I don't know a single person in Connecticut, much less Newtown. I can't go work for Newtown Youth & Family Services. (I guess i could, but financially i am not in a position to do that!) I wish i could go give out hugs & hot chocolate. Just ... something! Instead, I can give to this organization. 100% of proceeds go to the victim's families. I am hoping towards funeral expenses and things like that? I don't know. But if you also want to give something, go here to do so.

And don't take prayer lightly, friends. It DOES work. It DOES change hearts. It does bring comfort & healing. I need to not feel like I'm doing nothing when i am praying for them. Prayer works.

And, on DECEMBER 18th, I will be participating in this:

{from Ashley's Carnival Ride}

"Blessed are those that mourn, for they will be comforted." 

-Matthew 5:4