Getting ready for V-DAY

Hello world! Just popped in for a quick post on a cute garland you can make for Valentine's Day. Whether you've got a beau or not this easy decoration will look cute in any window or just about anywhere. You can find the directions on the How About Orange blog. The Spring issue is at the printers and so ready to be in your hands...just a few more days now. This journey has been so exciting and so fulfilling. I am so thankful to my family and readers. God bless you and have an amazing weekend!

~B

Spring 2010

The Spring issue of Virtuous is at the printers...finally! The month before a launch is ALWAYS hectic, and you'd think that now would be a time to take some deep breaths and relax but no. Now is the time to focus on marketing. So while I focus on that here is an interesting article from the Christian Courier about how politicians always claim to love the kids, when in fact the laws that they instate do anything but support children. You can read it here.

Happenings

Hey everyone hope you all had an enjoyable break for Dr. King's B-day. Just a few things happening over here at Virtuous. I met with the editor of Virtuous Mom and hashed out the plans for its contents and release. We were both very excited about the project and I am sure Christian moms everywhere will benefit from the variety of topics it will cover. And issue two of Virtuous is coming your way in less than two weeks! It is chock full of V-day goodies, health and beauty info and of course encouraging evangelism ideas and topics. Also be sure to check out our new website www.virtuousmagazine.com! Don't forget about the Swap 'n' Shop to celebrate issue two; let me know if it sounds like something you'd be interested in. And on a side note I just heard on the radio that Atlanta was voted the gayest city in the USA. I would've never guessed anyone could beat San Francisco, but alas it appears I was wrong. The many many many propositions that have been put up for homosexual "marriage" in the legislature have been voted against; showing that the country still has some sort of moral compass. I am sure many people would say I am anti-homosexuality; I am in fact simply Pro-God.

HAPPY MLK DAY!!!!

Help for Haiti

Here is a short list of ways you can help the Haitian relief efforts. The U.S. State Department Operations Center has set up the following number for Americans seeking information about family members in Haiti: 1-888-407-4747

The American Red Cross is pledging an initial $200,000 to assist communities impacted by this earthquake. They expect to provide immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support. They are accepting donations through their International Response Fund.

•UNICEF has issued a statement that "Children are always the most vulnerable population in any natural disaster, and UNICEF is there for them." UNICEF requests donations for relief for children in Haiti via their Haiti Earthquake Fund. You can also call 1-800-4UNICEF.
•Donate through Wyclef Jean's foundation, Yele Haiti. Text "Yele" to 501501 and $5 will be charged to your phone bill and given to relief projects through the organization.

•Operation USA is appealing for donations of funds from the public and corporate donations in bulk of health care materials, water purification supplies and food supplements which it will ship to the region from its base in the Port of Los Angeles. Donate online at http://www.opusa.org/, by phone at 1-800-678-7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave, Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232.

•Save The Children has launched an emergency relief effort for Haiti. Donate to their fund to provide medical attention and clean water to children and families.

International Medical Corps is assembling a team of first responders and resources to provide lifesaving medical care and other emergency services to survivors of the earthquake. The IMC previously helped recovery efforts after September 2009's earthquake in Sumatra, Indonesia, and the massive 2005 earthquake in Pakistan. Donate to the International Medical Corps through their 24-hour hotline at 800-481-4462

•Partners In Health reports its Port-au-Prince clinical director , Louise Ivers, has appealed for assistance: "Port-au-Prince is devastated, lot of deaths. SOS. SOS... Temporary field hospital by us at UNDP needs supplies, pain meds, bandages. Please help us." Donate to their Haiti earthquake fund.

•Mercy Corps is sending a team of emergency responders to assess damage, and seek to fulfill immediate needs of quake survivors. The agency aided families after earthquakes in Peru in 2007, China and Pakistan in 2008, and Indonesia last year. Donate online, call 1-888-256-1900 or send checks to Mercy Corps Haiti Earthquake Fund; Dept NR; PO Box 2669; Portland, OR 97208.

•Doctors Without Borders is on the ground and has set up clinics to treat injured in Haiti. Donate any amount so they can keep their efforts going.

The list is from The Huffington Post.

Wednesday's Word of Encouragement

"O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south." Psalms 107:1-3

Virtuous Magazine WEBSITE!!!

Check the magazine's new website!

www.virtuousmagazine.com!!!

But don't worry the blog will still be here.

SWAP 'n' SHOP

To celebrate the release of the next issue of Virtuous in Feburary, we are planning a swap 'n' shop! Basically everyone brings gently used and clean clothes, shoes, jewelry and housewares etc.. and the goods are put on display. Then we shop! What's left over is donated to charity. It's a win-win, you get to do some New Year's cleaning, get free stuff and donate to charity all at the same time. Light refreshments will also be served. The event will serve as a great way for all of us Virtuous women to meet and get to know each other. Dates and location are to TBA but let me know if you'd be interested, and sorry for those not in the Atlanta area. :(

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Happy New Year Virtuous Women!!! I had a wonderful holiday season and I hope you did too. Virtuous has many exciting things planned for the upcoming year and we are happy that you are coming along for the ride. This is the year to stop talking and start doing. No matter what it is that you want to accomplish this year all you have to do is start. Remember a baby step is still a step.