Caring for Haiti - forgetting about myself

As I watch the news, as I view the photos, as I pray, my heart is so very saddened by all what the Haitians are going thru. The stories are horrific and yet there is so much good and hope. I see the doctors and nurses who give of themselves in such devastating situations. I can't help but cry and ask myself if I would do the same? Could I handle the suffering, the wounds, the sickness, the stench of death, the hopelessness, the discomfort?

My newfound heroes are the men and women who give of themselves so unselfishly to run to the aid of the Haitians. And many of them have travelled the world year after year helping countries that have endured such atrocities. These people are the hands and feet of Jesus. Jesus' words to us are that He did not come here to be served but to serve. If we look after the poor, He will always look after us. Jesus taught us to look after others before ourselves and that is where true JOY can be found. No greater love has this, than one would lay down his life for another. Jesus exemplified the ultimate to us, He layed down his life for us. He is still alive among us meeting with us and giving us His strength. I watched the lady in Haiti who was buried for 5 days and when asked by Larry King how she survived, she said she only had one word to say -- Jesus Christ. He met with her and helped her survive and she gave him the praise for it. Many speak of His help and presence during their time of desperate need in Haiti. The film producer burried in his hotel, speaks about his making peace with God and God meeting with him and helping him. Story after story. There is our hope. The same loving God who created such beautiful, diverse people, never abandons us but wants to walk with us and help us at all times. It is this same God who loves us enough to give us free will and yet longs to spend time with the ones He created. It is this same God who lovingly puts the desire in us to help and care for others before ourselves. The soldiers, the workers, the doctors, the nurses that give their all, their bodies, their sleep, their comfort, their hearts, their strength to help those in great need.

I sit here in the comfort of my home with absolutely nothing to complain about. I have been blessed beyond measure. I have everything I could ever need. I have finances that I can give. I have a family that loves others and is willing to pull together money and give to help Haiti. I have a family that prays and knows that prayer is very powerful. I have a family that is filled with compassion and knows intimately the power of our Jesus.
We know that there are miracles happening everyday in Haiti. Where the enemy has sought to bring evil we know that God brings good to those who love Him. I watched a video from a friend who has done some work in Haiti where the Christian Haitians were dancing and praising the Lord after the earthquake knowing that their God is a loving, awesome God. Many stories will be told and we might not get to hear many of them but we know that God is moving.

I am so thankful for the people who give of themselves to enter this land and love the people in any way they can. I am so thankful that I can give financially and I can pray. I am so thankful to learn to be more thankful. I am thankful to be learning how to live with less and want less. I am content in what I have whether my house is fully furnished or not. What does it matter? As long as my heart is open to do and go where God calls me, that's all that matters. People won't remember me for the way my house looked like. They will remember how I touched their lives. I am thankful for such a loving God who teaches me in His word that it is more blessed to give than to receive. I am thankful for another day to live and love. I am thankful to still be able to do for others and for today to lose a little bit more of my selfishness.

A merry heart is good medicine. As I forget myself and give more, I find the true joy that Christ spoke about. That brings healing to my overall health. The happier you are the healthier you can be.

Reflexology and Children

Children can really benefit from Reflexology. I've seen children really enjoy Reflexology. Sessions must be shorter than adult sessions of course considering that most children don't want to sit still for too long. A treatment of 15-30 minutes is about all it takes. A Reflexology session can offer some healing benefits as well as relaxation to the child.

A professional Reflexologist must understand that a child does not offer the same vocabulary as an adult and therefore may express the sensitivities in the foot differently. Some children like to chat and play during a treatment. Overall the experience should be pleasant and relaxing to the child to create a positive time. Reflexology can help a child physically and emotionally.

Reflexology for children can be started at birth. Introducing your infant to touch and stimulus through the feet, hands or ears will develop a bonding between parent and child. Reflexology will help your child cope with the stresses of everyday life changes. It will also help you to stay intouch with your child's development.

Always start with clean hands, trimmed and filed nails. No sharp points. For infants and children only apply light pressure. Apply a small amount of baby lotion or oil to the feet. Using gentle pressure work the toes with a gentle squeezing on the top of each one. Under the ball of the feet apply a gentle pressure to relax the body. This is the solar plexus area which puts the body in a state if relaxation. Hold this area for a couple of seconds. Work the centre of the foot with your thumb as this is the digestive area. Then move down to the heel and finish with some light strokes. To finish off gently hold the babies toes with your hands and bless your child.

Reflexology has helped children with many ailments. Chronic ear infections, sleep disturbances, colic, asthma etc. Reflexology can only help the body relax and heal itself. I highly recommend Reflexology for infants and children. The earlier the start the better. When seeking a Reflexologist seek a professionally trained certified Reflexologist.