Sunday, November 18, 2012

Dooley Family Update

Back in July, a family in Coweta, Oklahoma who lost their home due to a house fire after it was struck by lightning.  The Dooley Family's home was a complete loss.  Mrs. Dooley is a momma I know from my cloth diapering group here in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  At the time, the Dooley had a baby boy who was 6-months old and I was stirred to help in anyway possible.  Shower of Hope Oklahoma donated some goodies for the Dooley Family and reached out to followers on the Shower of Hope Oklahoma Facebook pages to do the same.  Many thoughtful care packages were sent to the Dooley Family which were full of clothes and blankets for the Dooley's baby boy plus generous gift cards.  Shower of Hope Oklahoma also reached out Cotton Babies to help rebuild and replace Mrs. Dooley's cloth diaper stash.  Cotton Babies generously sent 20 cloth diapers for the Dooley Family.

 

I wanted to share a short update from the Dooley Family:
 
We are Still living in an apartment in Broken Arrow until our house is done. They are saying we could be back in by mid November but still haven't given us an exact date yet. They have made a lot of progress on the house & we are so excited and ready to be home! We are still very appreciative of the continued thoughts & prayers we have received and donations we got after the fire. Our little guy is growing fast & has grown out of a lot of the clothes we had given to us.  Please know we have paid it forward and donated all his clothes to others in need. So, your gifts continue to keep on giving!  Our life has taken on a new "normal" & we are doing good!  Thanks again for everything!!
 
The Dooley Family is hoping to be back in their home in time to celebrate their little one's First Thankgiving!
 
Hope you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving holiday.
 
Blessings To You,
Toni Keltner
Shower of Hope Oklahoma
 
**For more updates, please like Shower of Hope Oklahoma on Facebook and follow Shower of Hope Oklahoma on Twitter!**
 

Monday, July 30, 2012

Calling All Prayer Warriors.

 I've always been passionate about helping children. From studying Youth Ministry at Rhema Bible Training Center, serving in the youth ministry at my local church, to working in the nurseries there, I've always loved working with children. Jesus esteems children and values them greatly. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus says, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." 

In case you didn't know, I have two little boys.  My oldest, Michael, is 3-years old.  My youngest, Samuel, will be two this Friday, August 3rd.  I pray for my two little boys daily.  I'm a firm believer in the power of prayer and have been a witness to the miracle of prayer.  

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For those of you who also believe in the power of prayer, I hope you will lift up a little baby boy, Baby Cullen, in prayer.  Baby Cullen is 4-weeks old and is from Elk City, Oklahoma.  He was rushed to the Children's Hospital there for suspected whooping cough.  Just two weeks ago, Aiden Smith, a 7-week old baby boy also from Elk City, Oklahoma, passed away from whooping cough.  My heart aches for both of these families.   

Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."  Today, I hope you will gather with your family and pray for the families of Baby Aiden and Baby Cullen.  Pray for the peace that surpasses all understanding for Baby Aiden's family.  Pray for supernatural healing for Baby Cullen.  Prayer changes things.  You can visit the Facebook page 50 For Aiden to leave encouraging and supportive comments for both families.

If you would like to send a card with some encouraging words for Baby Cullen's family, you can send to:

Children's Hospital At OU Medical Center
Patient: Cullen Galmores
‎1200 North Phillips Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73104

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Another child who has been on my heart lately is Rosalie Goodwin.  Rosalie nearly drowned on June 6th in Owasso, Oklahoma.  Little Rosalie is still in the hospital fighting for her life.  Each and every day is a battle and test of faith for her family.  Please visit the Please Pray For Rosalie Facebook page to read more about Rosalie's story and see updates from family members.  Please also leave some encouraging words for her family.  

If you would like to send a card or care package for Rosalie's family, please send to:

Children's Hospital at St. Francis
Patient: Rosalie Goodwin
6161 S. Yale Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74136

A medical fund has been established to help the Goodwin family with Rosalie's medial expenses.  The Rosalie Goodwin Medical Fund has been established at The First Bank of Owasso.  You can contact Diane Haywood at 918-272-8294 or send her an e-mail at dianeh@firstbank.net for making a donation.

As you gather with your family this evening for dinner and as you tuck your little ones in bed, say a prayer for these families.  Remember, Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."

In closing, I would like to share with you the prayer I pray over Michael and Samuel each day:

"Dear, Lord.  Thank you for the constant hedge of protection over my little ones. Thank you for the guardian angels that are encamped around them always. Thank you that no weapon formed against them will prosper. No evil will befall them, nor any plague come near them. You will satisfy them with long, healthy, peaceful and prosperous lives.  In Jesus name, Amen."

Blessings To You,
Toni Keltner
Shower of Hope Oklahoma

 
**Please like Shower of Hope Oklahoma on Facebook and follow Shower of Hope Oklahoma on Twitter!**

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Happy 4th of July!

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HAPPY 4th OF JULY!

Wishing you and your family a fun and safe Independence Day!

Blessings To You,
Toni Keltner
Shower of Hope Oklahoma

Sunday, July 1, 2012

One-Year Ago Today...


One-year ago today, I met the Hamil Family for the first time.  July 1, 2011 was our first delivery of care packages and gifts for the Hamil Family.  You can read more about our first "Delivery Day" here.  I still remember that day and always will.  It was an honor to meet the Hamil Family as well as other family members.  It was truly a memorable day.  Thank you again to all of you who sent cards, gifts and care packages for the Hamil Family.  It was a blessing...

Blessings To You!
Toni Keltner
Shower of Hope Oklahoma 

**Please like Shower of Hope Oklahoma on Facebook and follow Shower of Hope Oklahoma on Twitter!**





Friday, June 29, 2012

More Care Packages!

Over the past couple of months, Shower of Hope Oklahoma has had the opportunity to send care packages to two Oklahoma families affected by the April tornadoes in Woodward, Oklahoma.  My desire was for these care package to be a blessing and an encouragement to the families during the difficult time of re-building and starting over.



The first care package was sent to the Parada Family.  Breanna Parada was 8-months pregnant at the time and was at home with her 3-year old daughter when a tornado hit the town of Woodward, Oklahoma.  Breanna Parada's home was destroyed by the tornado.  Thankfully, this young mother and her family were unharmed, but lost everything in the storm.  89 homes in Woodward were destroyed along with 13 businesses.  When I heard about this young mother, I instantly wanted to send a care package for her family.  My mom endured a house fire several years ago and any natural disaster is a traumatic experience, so I understood wholeheartedly what this family was enduring.  From a new diaper bag, to diapers and wipes, Breanna's care package was quite special and had lots of goodies for her unborn baby boy.  There were goodies from Lansinoh, Sweet Knee Skin Care For Baby, BabyLegs, Summer Infant, Dr. Brown's Baby, mOmma and more!
 


The second care package was sent to a little 23-month old boy named Ty Cooley.  Little Ty lost his daddy, Frank Hobbie and his two sisters, 7-year-old Faith and 5-year-old Kellie, when a tornado ripped through their home in Woodward, Oklahoma.  Ty was the only survivor.  We sent the package as a "Get Well Soon" and "Happy Birthday" care package for Ty as his 2nd birthday was on May 25th.  After speaking to a family member, we learned that Ty loved cars and of course the Disney "CARS" movies.  We sent him some car goodies including a few new outfits and some outdoor play items.  our hope was that these goodies would bring a smile to his sweet face and remind Ty that there were many people praying for him.

Shower of Hope Oklahoma's desire to continue helping families in need and being a blessing to our fellow Oklahomans in need.

Blessings To You!
Toni Keltner
Shower of Hope Oklahoma

**Please like Shower of Hope Oklahoma on Facebook and follow Shower of Hope Oklahoma on Twitter!**

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

The Inspiration Behind Shower of Hope Oklahoma.

A few weekends ago, I had the opportunity to attend the Project Mom Conference in Oklahoma City.  It was a wonderful conference full of knowledgeable, entertaining speakers, plus there were many fun events and activities.  I met many moms from across the state and we chatted about our families, our jobs and our lives.  Shower of Hope Oklahoma came up in conversation and I shared with some of the moms about this charity and some of the work that I've been doing.  Many of the moms wanted to know, "What was your inspiration for creating Shower of Hope Oklahoma?"  While helping the Hamil Family was the initial charitable endeavor, the true inspiration came from my two little boys.  The 1-year anniversary of the creation of Shower of Hope Oklahoma is quickly approaching and I want to take this opportunity to share the story of how Shower of Hope Oklahoma came to be.

It was Sunday, May 22, 2011 and my husband and I were watching the nightly news.  It was around 9:30PM and every news channel was covering the storms and tornadoes that ravaged Joplin, Missouri.  News helicopters were hovering over many sites and buildings in Joplin, and while it was dark outside, you could already see the devastation.  The scene was unreal.  I remember watching the news the following morning on Monday, May 23, 2011 and again, the scene was simply unreal.  There was so much destruction and many lives lost.  While the Joplin tornado was the forefront of the newscast that morning, the severe weather moving into Oklahoma the following day took center stage.  The weather forecaster was forecasting many severe storms and tornadoes for many parts of Oklahoma for May 24, 2011.  With the Joplin tragedy so fresh in the media and in people's minds, the forecasters were strongly urging people to have a severe weather plan.   Here in Oklahoma, often referred to as "Tornado Alley," we have many, many storm and tornado warnings.  However, these storm warnings were definitely being taken seriously.

I spent Tuesday, May 24, 2011, doing my best to prepare for the severe weather expected to hit later in the day.  I went to the store and bought candles, flashlights, batteries and bottled water.  When I got home, I made sure all of our important legal documents were together, I packed a diaper bag for my two little ones, gathered pictures and put everything in the downstairs closet.  My husband came home from work early that day and after dinner, my family of four gathered in the living room.  While my then 9-month old and 2-year old played in the living room, my husband and I sat on the couch and began watching the news for weather updates.  The majority of the state was being hammered by storms and there were numerous tornado sightings.  Then, the tornado sirens came on and began blaring through the neighborhood.  We immediately scooped up the boys and retreated to the closet underneath the staircase.  My little family of four was tucked away in a closet and listened to the radio for weather updates as the rain and wind pounded our home.   After about 15 minutes of taking shelter, the weather calmed down.  We were blessed and fortunate enough to miss the tornadoes. Shortly after the storm had passed, my husband and I tucked our two little boys in bed, said bedtime prayers and watched our little ones fall asleep. We were all safe and sound.

The following day on May 25th, I saw and read reports of damage across many parts of the state.  Many Oklahoma families lost their homes and possessions because of these horrific storms. Many communities were left beaten and bruised.  That morning, I also heard the story of the Hamil Family from Piedmont, Oklahoma.  Hank Hamil was away cutting and harvesting wheat out of state.  His wife, Catherine Hamil, was at home in Oklahoma and took shelter with her 3 children during the May 24th storms.  Tragically, a tornado ripped through their home.  Catherine and her 5-year old daughter, Cathleen, survived, but were in critical condition.  Catherine's 15-month old baby boy, Cole, succumbed to his injuries and her 3-year old son, Ryan, was missing.  When I heard about the Hamil’s tragic story, I was left heartbroken.   As a mommy, I couldn't even begin to imagine the immense pain and loss Catherine  was experiencing.  I immediately said a prayer for the Hamil Family and prayed that little Ryan was found.

On May 26th, I had just put my two little boys down for their morning naps.  I logged onto Facebook and the first story that I saw was that the body of Ryan Hamil had been found.  My heart just sank and I began to cry.  I turned the computer monitor off and went to sit on the couch.  As I sat there crying, I had a stirring in the pit of my stomach.  A huge lump formed in my throat and face was becoming flush.  I recognized this feeling as I have had it in the past.  I felt God stirring my heart.  It was as if God softly whispered to my spirit, "Toni, help this family."  I distinctly remember having this inner dialogue... "God, I hear you and I know you want me to help, but what do I do?  How can I possibly help them?  I'm just a stay-at-home mom.  I haven't worked in a year.  What can I do?  How can I possibly make a difference?"

I stared across my living room.  There was a baby swing, a baby bouncer, a bottle and sippy cup in the corner, toy cars and trucks littered the floor.  I thought of my little boys sleeping peacefully in the next room.  My heart swelled with love for those precious boys.  Those little boys of mine were and would continue to look to me as their example of compassion, generosity and charity.  I felt stirred to do something.  I felt compelled.  I had to act.  I would be obedient to what God wanted me to do.  I was 30-years old and it was time to step-up to the plate and get off the sidelines.  This was my opportunity to truly make a difference.  All too often, we feel led to do or say something, yet we do nothing.  I had been that person in the past and no longer wished to be that person anymore.  I had to be an example to my little boys.  They were counting on me.

I decided to collect baby and toddler items for Catherine's unborn baby girl.  The Hamil's home was gone and any baby items saved from her other children were gone as well.  My hope and desire was to "shower the Hamil Family with hope."  I hoped the care packages and other items received would bless them and give them hope for their future.  As I began creating the Facebook page, I remember praying that God's hands would be all over this endeavor.  I wanted Him to bless it exceedingly and abundantly.  Within 2 days of starting the Facebook page, I already had received pledges from many large companies that were committed to sending items for the family.  Within a couple of weeks, 1,500+ people liked the Shower of Hope Oklahoma - Hamil Family Facebook page and were inquiring everyday as to how they could help.  The outpouring of love, support and generosity was simply overwhelming.   2nd Corinthians 9:7 says, “God loves a cheerful giver”.  Every company, family and individual who gave to Shower of Hope Oklahoma – Hamil Family demonstrated that cheerfulness.  After several weeks of collecting and receiving donations and care packages for the Hamil Family, July 1st was our delivery day.  You see pictures and read more about the delivery day to the Hamil Family here.  It was a wonderful day and God surely blessed it.

Since helping the Hamil Family last year, Shower of Hope Oklahoma has been blessed to help other families in need as well.  My desire is to continue helping Oklahoma families in need.  I'm in awe of how fast this past year has gone. It's amazing to me that the 1-year anniversary of little Ryan and Cole's passing is quickly approaching.  I pray that over the next several days, you'll continue to lift up the Hamil Family in prayer.  I know this will be a tough time for them, and while they are continually pushing forward, there are still sad times as Ryan and Cole are so missed.  I also ask that strive to be a person who gets off the sidelines.  Be inspired and do something.  You can be a world changer.  You can make a difference.

Blessings To You,
Toni Keltner
Shower of Hope Oklahoma

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Helping, Reaching Out.


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When I created Shower of Hope Oklahoma, my initial endeavor was to help the Hamil Family.  Having two little boys of my own, their tragedy really hit close to home with me and I've always been passionate about helping children.  From serving in the youth ministry at my local church, to working in the nurseries there, I've always loved working with children.  Jesus esteems children and values them greatly.  In Matthew 19:14, Jesus says, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."  So, whenever an opportunity arises to help a child or children in need, my heart is instantly compelled to help and do something.  During times like these, Matthew 25:40 comes to mind... "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me." 

So, as many of you know, Oklahoma endured severe weather this past weekend.  Strong storms, high winds, hail and tornadoes hit many parts of the state.  Jamai Lyda, a woman that I came to know through the Shower of Hope Oklahoma Facebook page, is helping a young family in need right now.  A young mother who's 8-month pregnant with a baby boy due in May was at home with her 3-year old daughter when a tornado hit the town of Woodward, Oklahoma.  Breanna Parada's home was destroyed by the tornado.  Thankfully, this young mother and her family were unharmed, but lost everything in the storm.  89 homes in Woodward were destroyed along with 13 businesses.  When I heard about this young mother, I instantly wanted to send a care package for her family.  My mom endured a housefire several years ago and any natural disaster is a traumatic experience, so I understand wholeheartedly what this family is enduring. 

I plan on sending a care package to the Parada Family for their soon-to-be baby from Shower of Hope Oklahoma.  My desire is for this care package to be a blessing and an encouragement to them during this difficult time of re-building and starting over.  If you would like to send a care package for the Parada Family, you can send it to:

Covenant Life Christian Church
Re: Parada Family
501 S. Cleveland Street
Enid, Oklahoma 73703

If you live near or around the Enid, Oklahoma area, you can also drop off a donation at Covenant Life Christian Church.  Donation drop-off times are Monday - Saturday from 11am - 6pm.  Breanna Parada wears a size 8/9 in pants and a size large in shirts/blouses.  Her daughter wears 5T/6T and her husband wears 32/34 in pants and size large in shirts.  The church is also accepting clothing of all sizes, baby/toddler items, furniture/appliances, non perishable foods, toiletry items are other essential items for other storm victims.
 

Blessings To You!
Toni Keltner
Shower of Hope Oklahoma

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Proposed HB2720 Ryan and Cole Hamil Act.

I hope 2012 is finding you and your family blessed!
I received the following from Hank Hamil's Aunt and wanted to share the information with you:

"Following is post from Catherine Hamil: I just found out that on January 19, 2012, Rep. Richard Morrissette filed HB2720 Ryan and Cole Hamil Act to advise buyers of the storm worthiness of particular homes. The next step will be up to the Speaker of the House to assign the bill to the appropriate committee. Once in committee, citizen supporters of the measure must convince the Chairman of that committee to place the bill on the calendar for consideration. If the bill is not heard, it will not come up for a vote this session. Personal visits to members' offices at the Capitol, letters, emails, and phone calls to committee members, and the Chairman of the committee, are essential.

Hopefully, by getting this bill passed it has the potential to save many lives and encourage the construction industry to make homes better to withstand dangerous weather. Please help in this effort."
Call to action: You can begin your effort to contact members by going on the House website at www.okhouse.gov and checking out all of the options: contact info, calendars, etc.  Let's help get the bill up-and-running!  
Blessings To You!
Toni Keltner

Shower of Hope Oklahoma
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