Laurie Van Dermark's Blog

OHOH 5k for Pediatric Cancer Research

“Be strong and very courageous.” ~Joshua 1:7

Open Hands & Overflowing Hearts is the brainchild of an amazing young woman battling neuroblastoma. Kayla Perry is raising awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research, which is critically underfunded. Recently, many who love Luke gathered to run in his memory at the OHOH 5k. Please check out Kayla’s web site to learn more about her organization.http://openhandsoverflowinghearts.org/

Mentoring our youth…

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

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This is Manasseh. While he doesn’t live in my house, I claim him. After baseball practice one day, my son walked to the car with a kid I’d never met. “Mom, this is Manasseh. He needs a ride home.” This was years ago. The rest is history.

When a co-worker shared Dr. Charlie Rouse’s testimony, I felt compelled to ask him to mentor Manasseh. He i...

Choosing a mate isn’t rocket science…

-Interesting take from author Krystal Baugher on a subject that’s not rocket science. I was recently asked what I look for in a mate. I found the interest refreshing. A good majority of people avoid the topic like it’s the plague. In fact, tell someone that you want to do a relationship check-up and watch them cringe, run for the hills, or go radio silent.

This was my response…

I want a man who isn’t selfish with his time. You should be at the top of the list. If someone tosses you breadcrumbs...

Photo shoot with the crew…

Caitlin Carroll (Meg), Izzy Van Dermark (Isabella), Author Laurie Van Dermark, Photographer Jesi Godwin (Emily), and Jacy Boggs (Jen).

That’s a wrap…

I had a spectacular day on Lake Martin with Jennifer, Jesi & Craig Godwin. The Kickstarter video is currently being edited.

Working with the masters- Jesi & Craig Godwin.

Hair, make-up, styling, and photography by Jesi Godwin. Lighting by Craig Godwin. www.jesigodwin.com

Working with the masters…Jesi & Craig Godwin.

Hair, make-up, styling, and photography by Jesi Godwin. Lighting by Craig Godwin. www.jesigodwin.com

SURVIVING SOCIAL MEDIA Carrie Bradshaw style…

Watching someone you care about drown in three feet of water is senseless. Then again, who hasn’t felt the flailing of arms and gasping for air only to discover that by simply putting your feet down on the sand below, you could be your own lifesaver? Here comes the tough love. Stand up and get on with it. Robert Frost said it best. “In three words, I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” Every end is a new beginning- perspective.

How does one move past heartache in this a...

The Letter

Hearts are breaking all over Chimbote this night. The letter lurking inside my mailbox was unexpected, though in hindsight, recalling my recent time at the mission, not altogether shocking. Enclosed, I found a correspondence from Jack, explaining that he was leaving the mission- a place he has faithfully served for over thirty-eight years. I’m not embarrassed to say that I shed a few tears. For the record, my tears were not those born from sorrow. They were tears of joy and thanksgiving. Let...

“Friends of Chimbote” mission trip June 2013, Peru

“Against exceptionally challenging odds, Friends of Chimbote is making a difference. Despite the harsh circumstances, Chimbote’s story remains one of hope, courage and transformation. The optimism and determination of Chimbote’s people stands in stark contrast to the dire conditions in which they live.

Our friendship with the people of Chimbote is altruistic. We strive to be friends that truly help and we are close enough to know the real needs within our circle. Our relationship is not one of...