I've been given the oppurtunity to make a small difference this Easter....with Easter Baskets! Every child loves an Easter Basket full of goodies, so this Easter I am making baskets for one of the Youth Shelters! :)
I'm super excited; it's going to be lots of fun putting together the baskets! And I hope it will brighten a childs day on Easter. Such a small thing for us to take the time but a large thing to a child who is already going through so much in their lives!
Here's where I need help:
We are making 12 baskets for ages 11-17, boys and girls...
Someone has donated the baskets, now I just need supplies-anything Easter-y OR something a teenager would love--
*Easter Grass
*Plastic Eggs
*Candy
*Small Bibles
*Books
*Card Games
*Lip Gloss
*Lotion
*Anything you think is great!!
We will also be making baskets for 10 small children in the family shelter...ages 2-7
Need:
*Candy
*Eggs
*Grass
*Toys
*Games
*Ect
Please consider helping with this special project! It would mean so much to these kids...and we are blessed and have so much we can share!
If you would like to purchase items, let me know and I can come by and pick them up--or you can drop them off at the First Church of the Nazarene, 1900 W Grand Ave, on Wednesday at 1pm. Feel free to come by and help us put the baskets together!! It's going to be great fun!!
Any "extra" supplies we have will go to the shelter...
Thanks guys!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Don't just stand there...DO SOMETHING!
*****UPDATE: If would appear that Red Cross heard about our meeting and wants to help. Jamie Sinton with the Red Cross is going to cordinate all volunteer help and needs through Red Cross and the United Way--If you can help bring food, volunteer for clean-up, or know someone who needs help please call Jamie at 765-6605 Thank You*****
****Also, The New Creation Church on W Grand will be serving meals for those still without power form 5-7pm tonight (Monday)*****Thanks again to Laura, for getting the ball rolling! :-)
Friday evening brought powerful storms to our town....
"Kay County got the rain it needed, but unfortunately the rain came with damaging hail and winds that were clocked at up to 94 mph - before the power went out."..."About 80 percent of residents were out of power at the worst of the storm, according to Emergency Management Director Paula Cain."..."Most residential areas on the northwest side of town sustained roof damage, broken windows and downed trees. " All this information was reported from News9.com
****Also, The New Creation Church on W Grand will be serving meals for those still without power form 5-7pm tonight (Monday)*****Thanks again to Laura, for getting the ball rolling! :-)
Friday evening brought powerful storms to our town....
"Kay County got the rain it needed, but unfortunately the rain came with damaging hail and winds that were clocked at up to 94 mph - before the power went out."..."About 80 percent of residents were out of power at the worst of the storm, according to Emergency Management Director Paula Cain."..."Most residential areas on the northwest side of town sustained roof damage, broken windows and downed trees. " All this information was reported from News9.com
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| Picture submitted to PoncaCity.com from Debra Alvey |
Without a doubt, many Ponca City residents were affected by the storm. And with this type of disater comes hardship and grief, but it also brings out kindness and neighborly help! My friend Laura Hines became aware that some of our elderly residents were still without electricity and with some limited incomes were unable to purchase new food supplies. Also a hardship is clean up of the trees and other debris that many cannot do alone. While local resources are available in Ponca, some have been turned away after calling the phone number posted for help--as food is not being given out at this time.
So, Laura is holding a meeting at her home Monday April 11th to discuss ways we can help those in need!
The meeting is at 730 Dalewood Lane in Ponca City at 7pm. The community is invited! You are welcome to call her cell with questions or volunteer information 580-716-4800.
The meeting is at 730 Dalewood Lane in Ponca City at 7pm. The community is invited! You are welcome to call her cell with questions or volunteer information 580-716-4800.
Laura will be contacting local resources Monday morning, then at the meeting--needs and ways to help will be discussed. This includes; food supplies, general clean-up, and others ways we can help our neighbors!
So PLEASE-Don't just stand there...DO SOMETHING! Can't make the meeting? Give Laura a call and ask how you can help! Plans will be made to go out into the community and volunteer on Tuesday!
Right now there could be someone that is hungry, frightened, or alone and desperately needs a helping hand. Please, don't walk away....
I thank God for watching over us during the storm and keeping us safe. We are so fortunate no one was seriously injured! Please, take the time to look around you and inventory all that God has given you, then realize how much less others in our community have today...let's help our neghbors and friends!
...and to Laura and the other kind-hearted souls in our little town... Thank You!!
...and to Laura and the other kind-hearted souls in our little town... Thank You!!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
A hard message to hear...
I have met so many wonderful people on my journey this year! One of those ladies is Mrs Debbie Bunch. Debbie and I don't hang out a lot, or call each other in the middle of the night--to be honest, I don't know her that well. I've only seen her twice, but from the first minute you meet Debbie, you can see her kind heart--it shines through in her eyes! I've come to admire and respect Debbie, not only for her kindness, but because she is brave.
Debbie is an advocate for children and she is also a survivor. A survivor of sexual abuse as a child. She takes the hurt from her yesterdays and uses it to prevent the harm of future children. She is a very strong woman. Her message is hard to hear, but so important. Her latest blog post highlighted the five signs for sexual abuse, and I want to share them with you now (this is her post)...
Debbie is an advocate for children and she is also a survivor. A survivor of sexual abuse as a child. She takes the hurt from her yesterdays and uses it to prevent the harm of future children. She is a very strong woman. Her message is hard to hear, but so important. Her latest blog post highlighted the five signs for sexual abuse, and I want to share them with you now (this is her post)...
5 signs a child is being sexually abused
Instructions
things you'll need:
- lots of prayer
- 1 Acts out in a sexual manner:This is a very prevalent sign that a child may have been or is being sexually abused. If they talk about their privates or say things pertaining to sex in anyway is a definite sign. Take action immediately.
- 2 Seems distant or self-contained:They are shy acting when this is not their normal behavior. They may appear to stay in a fetal position a lot and have a sad look. They clam up easily. They are quiet and act frightened.Children who have been sexually abused (or abused in other ways) tend to have nightmares, as well. They may get up at late hours, have insomnia or they are scared to go to sleep.
- 3 Mistrust(especially in men):I say especially in men, because most pedophiles are men. However, there are women out there who have molested and raped children. A child who is being sexually abused will not trust easily. They will be frightened of certain things. They don't feel comfortable around certain people.
- 4 Low self esteem:Sexually abused children will have low self esteem. This is not to say that if your child does have low self esteem, he or she has been sexually abused. They may have compulsive disorders as well. One example may be over eating.
- 5 If you suspect that a child you care about has been sexually abused, pray about what to do. This can happen to any child in any walk of life. Statistics show that 40% of children are sexually abused in America. That is a horrid reality. I can't imagine that in a room full of children almost half of them have been sexually abused. It is time to do something about sexual abuse in our children
- 1
To visit Debbie's Page and find out more about her or more information on sexual abuse please visit her page http://www.debbiebunch.blogspot.com/ Thank You!
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| And Thank You to Debbie for letting me share her story and for all the wonderful ways she helps protect our Oklahoma Children! |
Monday, March 14, 2011
Pledge Drive
I was lucky enough to be a part of The House FM annual pledge drive this year!
If you are unfamiliar with The House FM--they are a Christian radio station in Oklahoma. They actually have two stations (with numerous frequencies) I love both stations, but I mostly live at the House!
These stations are listener supported which means no commerials or advertisements you don't want "little ears" to hear! Also, that support goes the other way as well--the station supports their listeners. Pledge drive is a great time to hear these stories. Most listeners of The House can tell you it is not just another radio station, it transforms lives and changes the world around it!! What a great thing to be a part of...
I personally support The House because they reach out to so many people AND because it is the only place I can turn to ANYTIME and ALWAYS come away uplifted!! What a wonderful thing! God is working wonders with this ministry...
The music is not only fun, uplifting, and fast-paced enough to keep me awake in the morning, but...the DJ's are fun-loving, kind hearted, and ALWAYS entertaining!
And while I was busy answering pledge drive calls....I shared my crown a little...
Some people might have got just a little too attached....
They also let me talk on the radio a little about what The House means to me and the things I've been doing this year with my Mrs. Ponca City title!
Actually, I had a lot of fun, but I did work a little too...
It was a wonderful day and I'm blessed to be able to help such a great ministry!
Thanks to The House FM and all the staff for the wonderful experience and all the things you do each day to inspire so many!! :)
If you've never listened check it out on 89.7 in Ponca City or Online all over the world!
If you are unfamiliar with The House FM--they are a Christian radio station in Oklahoma. They actually have two stations (with numerous frequencies) I love both stations, but I mostly live at the House!
These stations are listener supported which means no commerials or advertisements you don't want "little ears" to hear! Also, that support goes the other way as well--the station supports their listeners. Pledge drive is a great time to hear these stories. Most listeners of The House can tell you it is not just another radio station, it transforms lives and changes the world around it!! What a great thing to be a part of...
I personally support The House because they reach out to so many people AND because it is the only place I can turn to ANYTIME and ALWAYS come away uplifted!! What a wonderful thing! God is working wonders with this ministry...
The music is not only fun, uplifting, and fast-paced enough to keep me awake in the morning, but...the DJ's are fun-loving, kind hearted, and ALWAYS entertaining!
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| DJ Brent McCoy |
And while I was busy answering pledge drive calls....I shared my crown a little...
 |
| DJ Janelle Keith |
Some people might have got just a little too attached....
 |
| All in good fun! |
They also let me talk on the radio a little about what The House means to me and the things I've been doing this year with my Mrs. Ponca City title!
 |
| I'm not sure DJ Shaun thinks I'm very funny....lol |
Actually, I had a lot of fun, but I did work a little too...
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| Taking pledges and listening to some wonderful stories of how the House has helped so many people! |
Thanks to The House FM and all the staff for the wonderful experience and all the things you do each day to inspire so many!! :)
If you've never listened check it out on 89.7 in Ponca City or Online all over the world!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
The Mrs. Oklahoma International Pageant
The weekend was a blur....
This weekend was the pageant for Mrs. Oklahoma International! I was completely unprepared for the amount of work that goes into being a contestant and the work everyone does for the show!
Me not being a "pageant girl", this was a whole new experience. Lucky for me, I was never alone...in case you haven't noticed I don't go anywhere without being surrounded by those who support me, it's a group effort really!
Jamie & Kiki were there to support me the whole way...my biggest & dearest fans...
The weekend was a whirlwind, but luckily I had Gabby Warren and Julia Sigler on hand from
Bodyworks Massage and Spa to help me with my hair and make-up. If you are not familiar with Bodyworks, it is a wonderful, relaxing place to be and these ladies make everyone feel like royalty!
They came all the way from Ponca City to help me this weekend!
Friday was orientation and learning our opening dance number...
Saturday morning was more rehearsal....lots more! I needed it...
The afternoon started with private interviews...each woman talked to four judges about their platform and ways they would like to help their communities and Oklahoma!
Then it was time for the show...purple opening numbers to dance in...
After the show we had a cake reception and wine provided by our wonderful sponsors
All Things Cake in Tulsa, OK and Put a Cork in It Winery from Bricktown in OKC.
We visited with family and friends....
I would love to say I went straight back to the hotel and slept BUT...I was way too hyper so I ran from hotel room to hotel room (Mom, sister, Gabby & Julia) talking non-stop until finally at 2 am I wore myself out and we started over again on Sunday!
Sunday started with rehearsal...that dance number was a doozy...hahaha
Then off to hair and make-up for the afternoon show!
We started on stage and they announced the Top 10, based 50% on our private interviews. When my Aunt asked how I did on my interview, I said "Well, I was myself. So, you tell me how you think it went!" heehee
Apparently that was okay because my name was the first called into the Top 10. They said it was in random order but you will never convince my family of that!! :)
As proud as I was to be called in the Top 10, it was hard to see so many wonderful ladies not called to the front. The judges had their work cut out for them this year!
Those in the Top 10 had to do a complete repeat of Saturday, plus an on Stage Interview and question...
Once we repeated fitness wear, and evening gown with our husbands then it was time for the final announcements....drumroll please...
To one of the most kind-hearted indiviuals I have ever met...Mrs. Autumn Pohl, Mrs. Oklahoma International 2011!! Autumn is working support groups in Oklahoma for OCD Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. When her brother's OCD started affecting his daily life she realized their was no where in Oklahoma to turn to for help...so she is creating her own help!! She is a strong, smart, beautiful woman and she will do a great job representing our state!
I'm proud of myself for making it in the Top 10 but mostly I'm proud of myself for stepping outside my comfort zone, for trying something that terrified me, and for giving it my all!
To all those who have given me support along the way...old friends and new--I love you and Thanks! I still have the rest of 2011 to rock my Mrs. Ponca City title and you can bet, I'll make the most of it :)
Here's a few pictures to leave you with...
Love you all--always reach for your dreams and never be scared to fall.
As The lovely Rachel Roberts, Mrs. Oklahoma International 2009 shared with us...
This weekend was the pageant for Mrs. Oklahoma International! I was completely unprepared for the amount of work that goes into being a contestant and the work everyone does for the show!
Me not being a "pageant girl", this was a whole new experience. Lucky for me, I was never alone...in case you haven't noticed I don't go anywhere without being surrounded by those who support me, it's a group effort really!
Jamie & Kiki were there to support me the whole way...my biggest & dearest fans...
The weekend was a whirlwind, but luckily I had Gabby Warren and Julia Sigler on hand from
Bodyworks Massage and Spa to help me with my hair and make-up. If you are not familiar with Bodyworks, it is a wonderful, relaxing place to be and these ladies make everyone feel like royalty!
They came all the way from Ponca City to help me this weekend!
 |
| It takes a team to become picture perfect! :) |
Friday was orientation and learning our opening dance number...
Saturday morning was more rehearsal....lots more! I needed it...
The afternoon started with private interviews...each woman talked to four judges about their platform and ways they would like to help their communities and Oklahoma!
 |
| Just a few of the smart, strong, beautiful ladies... |
 |
| A few ladies before the show... |
Then a mad dash for fitness wear and evening gown with our husbands escorting us across the stage!
 |
| Sorry, the pic is a little blurry, but you get the general idea! |
After the show we had a cake reception and wine provided by our wonderful sponsors
All Things Cake in Tulsa, OK and Put a Cork in It Winery from Bricktown in OKC.
We visited with family and friends....
 |
| Always happy to see my baby girl... |
 |
| My parents... |
 |
| My other parents... ;-) |
 |
| Mrs. Oklahoma International 2010 |
 |
| Look how tired my loving husband looks and he still had another day to go.. |
Sunday started with rehearsal...that dance number was a doozy...hahaha
Then off to hair and make-up for the afternoon show!
We started on stage and they announced the Top 10, based 50% on our private interviews. When my Aunt asked how I did on my interview, I said "Well, I was myself. So, you tell me how you think it went!" heehee
Apparently that was okay because my name was the first called into the Top 10. They said it was in random order but you will never convince my family of that!! :)
As proud as I was to be called in the Top 10, it was hard to see so many wonderful ladies not called to the front. The judges had their work cut out for them this year!
Those in the Top 10 had to do a complete repeat of Saturday, plus an on Stage Interview and question...
 |
| This was make or break it time.... |
Once we repeated fitness wear, and evening gown with our husbands then it was time for the final announcements....drumroll please...
 |
| Top 10 |
To one of the most kind-hearted indiviuals I have ever met...Mrs. Autumn Pohl, Mrs. Oklahoma International 2011!! Autumn is working support groups in Oklahoma for OCD Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. When her brother's OCD started affecting his daily life she realized their was no where in Oklahoma to turn to for help...so she is creating her own help!! She is a strong, smart, beautiful woman and she will do a great job representing our state!
I'm proud of myself for making it in the Top 10 but mostly I'm proud of myself for stepping outside my comfort zone, for trying something that terrified me, and for giving it my all!
 |
| Thank you to Lauri Rottmayer...such a wonderful director! |
To all those who have given me support along the way...old friends and new--I love you and Thanks! I still have the rest of 2011 to rock my Mrs. Ponca City title and you can bet, I'll make the most of it :)
Here's a few pictures to leave you with...
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| This is my dear friend Kari who I drug into the world of pageantry with me... whether she liked it or not! She's loved me and supported me throughout this entire process! And this picture pretty much sums up the stress level for the weekend ;-) |
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| Just to show you...I never take myself too seriously, and neither do the people around me! This was what I ate immediately after the pageant. Well, this and some bread, and some... You get the picture!! |
Love you all--always reach for your dreams and never be scared to fall.
As The lovely Rachel Roberts, Mrs. Oklahoma International 2009 shared with us...
I believe that God only gives three answers to prayer...
1."Yes!"
1."Yes!"
2. "Not Yet"
3. "I have something better in mind"
(Vashi Ram Chandi)
...and I can't wait to see where this year leads me!!
Sunie
3. "I have something better in mind"
(Vashi Ram Chandi)
...and I can't wait to see where this year leads me!!
Sunie
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Make a difference...
Every child deserves the chance to do their best, but not every child is given that opportunity. Take the time today to help make a child's potential become their reality. The children in your community are the future of America. Help make the future brighter for all of us!
Sunie
Friday, January 21, 2011
Benefit Concert
Last Sunday, The House FM--the greatest Christian rock station in history--hosted a benefit concert in Ponca City.
The "Tear Down the Walls Tour" featured:
All of these bands put on a great performance! THEY ROCKED THE HOUSE!!! The concert was held in the restored PONCAN THEATRE. I've never heard the Poncan rock like that, the upper balcony was shaking with the dancing....literally!!
The best part....the concert was free and an offering was taken for the American Legion Children's Home I also saw many people walk to the front to be saved--what a breathtaking moment!!
I was fortunate enough to help at the News From Verona table, so I'm a little partial, but these guys are AWESOME! They owned the stage then spent the evening with the fans. While at the table, I met fans from the age of 6 to 60 who had been moved by their message and their music! Besides being great musicians, they are great people in general--always gracious and extra cool :)
A big THANK YOU to the HOUSE FM and the great bands who helped a wonderful cause!! Check out any of these bands and the House Fm, I promise, you won't be disappointed!!
Sunie
The "Tear Down the Walls Tour" featured:
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| Manic Drive |
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| News From Verona |
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| Days Divide |
All of these bands put on a great performance! THEY ROCKED THE HOUSE!!! The concert was held in the restored PONCAN THEATRE. I've never heard the Poncan rock like that, the upper balcony was shaking with the dancing....literally!!
The best part....the concert was free and an offering was taken for the American Legion Children's Home I also saw many people walk to the front to be saved--what a breathtaking moment!!
I was fortunate enough to help at the News From Verona table, so I'm a little partial, but these guys are AWESOME! They owned the stage then spent the evening with the fans. While at the table, I met fans from the age of 6 to 60 who had been moved by their message and their music! Besides being great musicians, they are great people in general--always gracious and extra cool :)
A big THANK YOU to the HOUSE FM and the great bands who helped a wonderful cause!! Check out any of these bands and the House Fm, I promise, you won't be disappointed!!
Sunie
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