Bonnie Blankets
Ranked #272 in Nonprofits, #84,493 overall
Bonnie Blankets, A Love Story
These blankets, that are made especially for new mothers, go with missionaries all over the world. They go with a tag telling Bonnie's story.
Bonnie Blankets are never sold. The Bonnie Blankets project is funded by donations. If you would like to make a donation, the address is near the bottom of the page.
Keep reading to learn Bonnie's story and to discover why we send out baby blankets in her honor.
Bonnie Blanket ~ Safari Animals and Polka Dots

A Love Story Begins
Moody Bible Institute, Chicago
Soon Bonnie began work in a clinic that served Palestinian women from the refugee camp there in Sidon. The clinic served these impoverished women and tried to show them the love of Jesus. Women in that culture are not valued and are not used to being loved on. The women loved Bonnie and she loved them. Bonnie helped deliver many of their babies.
Bonnie and Gary set to work learning the language and making friends in the community so they would be able to witness to the local people.
A Bonnie Blanket ~ Western Theme

Life in Sidon, Lebanon
Bonnie Blankets ~ Trains

September 11, 2001
Sidon, Lebanon
Gary and Bonnie were in Lebanon on September 11, 2001 when the Twin Towers came down in New York. As Bonnie and Gary sat in their apartment and watched the shocking story unfold on TV, they heard celebrating in the streets of Sidon. The local people that they had been making friends with were celebrating this tragedy as a victory. It brought home to them that the division between Muslim and Christian was ancient and deep. This was a sobering reminder of how things stood in their community in Lebanon. They wondered if their ministry in Lebanon could continue. Bonnie Blankets ~ Sea Turtles

A Fateful Day
Bonnie is Killed
An ambulance arrived at the scene but the attendants could not do anything because they are forbidden to touch the blood of an infidel. Ann Penner, Bonnie's mother, told me that Sami Dagher, director of Christian Missionary Alliance in the Middle East was the one who cleaned up the room. Sami was the pastor of a church that was below the clinic.
Gary and Bonnie lived close to a very bad area in Sidon, where even the police would not go. Yet they lived and moved freely, as Christian foreigners, remembering their purpose for being there.
Bonnie Blankets ~ Pink Paws

Bonnie Blankets is Born
The Love Story Continues
The ladies meet once a month to work on Bonnie Blankets. As you can see in the photos below, there are stations for cutting the fabric, sewing the layers, ironing, pinning, and tying the blankets. On the day these photos were taken we were few in number because of a date change. We gather at 9AM and work until 10:30 when we take a coffee break. Then we work until noon.At the end of February 2012 the stock of blankets will be depleted. This is a good thing! Many blankets were recently sent to Madagascar with a local girl who is a missionary in a Children's Home. She said every baby who leaves that home goes swaddled in a Bonnie Blanket.
A batch of about 60 is going to a gypsy camp in Romania. Some are going to Mexico and some are going to Child Care International in Uganda. The blankets are sent with a missionary in duffle bags or suitcases that are checked on the airplane. This has proved to be the easiest and most efficient way to send them.
In March we will start to build up the store of blankets once again.
Tags for Bonnie Blankets

Bonnie Blankets go out with these tags. They are printed in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and soon in Zulu. That's a picture of Bonnie on the tags.
"This blanket was made for your baby in memory of Bonnie Penner Witherall.
Bonnie went home to heaven on November 21, 2002. She had been serving God and working in a medical clinic in the country of Lebanon taking care of new mothers and their babies. We ask God's blessing on your little one and pray they will know Jesus throughout their whole life.
With greetings from your sisters in Christ,
Grace Baptist Church
Lynden, Washington"
Total Abandon
By Gary Witherall
Total Abandon
Amazon Price: $1.93 (as of 05/30/2012)![]()
This book tells Bonnie and Gary's story of their call to serve in Lebanon and their life there. It includes photos and excerpts from Bonnie's journal. Read the story from Gary's perspective.
Making Bonnie Blankets
Sewing
Sewing

Cutting the Fabric
Vickie is in charge of the project

Ironing

Wear the Crown by Bill Drake
Written in Response to Bonnie's Martyrdom
Bonnie's Mother
Ann Penner

Pinning
So we know where to tie
The Bonnie Blankets are Tied
With Matching Embroidery Floss

Where do Bonnie Blankets Go?
Soon, a batch of Bonnie Blankets will go to Muslim mothers who live north of Barcelona, Spain. This is through someone who knew Bonnie.
This video contains clips of Bonnie in the clinic and at home with Gary on their balcony in Sidon.
An Interview with Bill Drake
He wrote "Wear the Crown"
February 11, 2012
This page received the honor of a Purple Star!
February 29, 2012
Bonnie Blankets was honored with
Lens of the Day!
More reading about Bonnie and Gary
Tributes to Bonnie
- A Tribute To Bonnie
- Bonnie entered our lives like a whirlwind. Gary, a friend of Ryan, my oldest son, moved in with us in the winter of 1997. A Brit by birth he spoke with an English accent and a sparkle in his eyes. But that sparkle glistened when he spoke of Bonnie.
- A Tribute to Bonnie Witherall
- Some people talk about being on the cutting edge; some actually live there. Fewer choose to dwell on the bleeding edge of humanity, where nothing is humanly certain except great need, where risk defies other definitions, where light shines the brighter for the enveloping darkness. Sidon in
Lebanon is such a place, and Bonnie and Gary Witherall were some of those few. - Overcoming Bitterness, Forgiveness
- On the long flight home while accompanying his wife's body to America, he came to a simple conclusion: "God said there's a seed that's been planted in your heart. You either hate and be angry or you forgive. I said I have to forgive."
- God is real to Gary. This man believes it -- and then actually lives as though he does
- Those who know Gary watch him live in boldness, forgiveness, joy, and service to others -- even to those who would kill what he loved most. Who lives like this? Only those who believe God is real!
That's what it's like to believe in God. Gary is living, breathing, weeping, laughing evidence that God is indeed real. If God does not exist, Gary has done an incredible job of inventing God's impact in his life
A Princess of the Kingdom of God
There was no turning back and I couldn't undo what had happened. Even if I didn't fully understand it, I trusted the Lord."
What is Gary doing today?
These SquidAngels have blessed Bonnie Blankets.
Thank you so much!
Anyone wishing to make a donation can send it to:
Grace Baptist Fellowship
338 N. Park St.
Lynden, WA 98264
Mark it
Attention: Bonnie Blankets
Thank You!
Do you have questions about Bonnie Blankets?
You don't have to be a member of Squidoo to comment. All comments are moderated so your comment might not appear right away.
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biznardi
May 10, 2012 @ 11:56 pm | delete
- These are some beautiful blankets
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TheLifestyleChanger
Apr 5, 2012 @ 10:27 pm | delete
- Easter Blessings for Bonnie and her family and friends. xx
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Bonnie Shipman
Apr 4, 2012 @ 6:26 pm | delete
- I am named after Bonnie Witherall, who was a friend of my parents, and this posting brought tears to my eyes. I love what a beautiful ministry is operating in honor of her and God!
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stargazer00
Apr 4, 2012 @ 10:20 pm | delete
- Hello Bonnie. Thanks for visiting this page. It's good to hear from someone who has a personal connection to Bonnie Witherall. She made quite an impact in this world.
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stargazer00
Apr 29, 2012 @ 7:45 pm | delete
- Bonnie, I talked to Bonnie Witherall's parents today and they are wondering how you are connected to Bonnie. If you see this could you contact me? You can post here or you can email me through the contact button on my profile page. Thanks!
Dianne
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poutine
Mar 25, 2012 @ 2:42 pm | delete
- such a sad story.
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clouda9
Mar 15, 2012 @ 11:38 pm | delete
- ~Incredibly moving story about how Bonnie's Blankets was created and still works today with her ultimate mission in mind. *Blessed today because each babe swaddled in one of these blankets is sure to feel the touch of God's angel Bonnie!
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julia007
Mar 14, 2012 @ 10:06 am | delete
- Yeah, very beautiful blankets!
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J-Ellen
Mar 12, 2012 @ 3:38 pm | delete
- Very nice lens. Well done.
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alicanas
Mar 12, 2012 @ 12:24 pm | delete
- nice work.
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Alexis_Green
Mar 12, 2012 @ 10:06 am | delete
- Very cool lens! Thanks for sharing your story with us!
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skiesgreen
Mar 9, 2012 @ 7:45 pm | delete
- Interesting. Congrats on LOTD. Blessed and featured on Blessed by Skiesgreen 2012 and also on Squidoo LOTD Lenses 2. Hugs
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Michey Mar 9, 2012 @ 10:04 am | delete
- Sent Angel dust in your way... this is a beautiful story... and you make it so real, human, and inspiring.
Thabks
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CarlittoDunaway
Mar 7, 2012 @ 2:30 am | delete
- Very interesting story! Thank you for sharing!
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bloomingrose
Mar 3, 2012 @ 10:46 pm | delete
- Oh - and Angel Blessed of course!
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bloomingrose
Mar 3, 2012 @ 10:46 pm | delete
- Lovely lens, so inspiring! You could tell that this woman Bonnie and her family have a passion that goes beyond circumstances.
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emsaenz
Mar 3, 2012 @ 8:22 am | delete
- Wonderful images
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CoolFoto
Mar 2, 2012 @ 1:45 pm | delete
- congratulations on LOD. May God richly bless you, this lens, all all the Bonnie blankets!!
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sousababy
Mar 1, 2012 @ 7:09 pm | delete
- Congrats on a well-deserved LotD. Deserves google +1 and a 'pin' too. Great photos! Take good care, Rose
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OhMe Mar 1, 2012 @ 1:17 pm | delete
- I just love this lens and am so glad that it received LOTD and very glad to see it in the top 100. Fantastic!
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kaazoom Mar 1, 2012 @ 3:20 am | delete
- Thank you for telling the story of Bonnie, it is the first time I have heard it. Her life and death are an inspiration to those of us who love Jesus
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YayasHome
Mar 1, 2012 @ 3:01 am | delete
- Heavenly Father knows who his special Angels are and Bonnie definitely sounds like she is one of His special Angels. I am so thrilled by the work that Gary and Bonnie were doing, as well as the work that Gary an' his family continue. More than that, it thrills me to realize how many people have joined in the efforts to make life better for as many as possible.
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jsr54
Feb 29, 2012 @ 11:46 pm | delete
- What a beautiful tribute - thanks so much for sharing!
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PastorCher
Feb 29, 2012 @ 10:59 pm | delete
- What a wonderful story. I had heard of these blankets and now I know the story behind it.
I can see why it has gained such honors; well deserved.
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binmark
Feb 29, 2012 @ 10:50 pm | delete
- That's a nice love story indeed
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brandrocker
Feb 29, 2012 @ 10:21 pm | delete
- This is the best lens I have see so far. The story behind the origin of Bonnie Blankets touches heart. I hope and believe there are plenty of good messenger of God still living in this world to carry on the noble projects like Bonnie Blankets. Thank you very much.
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LemonDrop4
Feb 29, 2012 @ 10:03 pm | delete
- Thank you so much for sharing this story. It's such a blessing to hear that Gary is still in the ministry after such a tragedy. What a faith in Christ that shows, and he rests in the knowledge that Bonnie is with Jesus now, and he will see her again.
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alwaysjules Feb 29, 2012 @ 9:22 pm | delete
- What a stirring story and beautiful tribute. May Bonnie always be remembered for the loving person she was. Squid Angel Blessings.
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elyria
Feb 29, 2012 @ 9:15 pm | delete
- Wonderful idea, congrats on lotd!!
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lasertek
Feb 29, 2012 @ 9:11 pm | delete
- I am glad that people continued her legacy.
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fugeecat
Feb 29, 2012 @ 9:07 pm | delete
- Great lens!
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scarlettohairy Feb 29, 2012 @ 8:31 pm | delete
- What a great cause. The women making these quilts are making a difference.
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RAMPOUTcom
Feb 29, 2012 @ 8:31 pm | delete
- Way to go Bonnie Blankets!
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MelonyVaughan
Feb 29, 2012 @ 8:28 pm | delete
- These are so beautiful!
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shermanmorrison
Feb 29, 2012 @ 8:21 pm | delete
- A beautiful story, beautiful blankets, beautiful cause and a beautiful lens. THANKS!
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knitter82 Feb 29, 2012 @ 8:17 pm | delete
- Amazing story and work that you are all doing! God Bless!
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BuddyBink
Feb 29, 2012 @ 8:01 pm | delete
- An awesome lens. Well deserved LOTD.
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tssfacts
Feb 29, 2012 @ 7:04 pm | delete
- What a touching story. The best part is that Bonnie is still witnessing to the Glory of God.
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ohcaroline
Feb 29, 2012 @ 6:12 pm | delete
- Thank you so much for sharing this awesome story. I hardly have words to express at the gift of life that she gave doing work for God and fellow man.
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Frank2009
Feb 29, 2012 @ 5:58 pm | delete
- amazing lens, and such a great idea! thanx
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survivoryea
Feb 29, 2012 @ 5:42 pm | delete
- Awesome lens! Very worthy of LOTD! Congratulations!
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crystalwriter
Feb 29, 2012 @ 5:29 pm | delete
- What an absolutely wonderful lens. It's probably the most inspiring lens I've read so far, and so worthy of LOTD, so congratulations. I will be sharing this one on Pinterest as one of my favorite lenses. Many blessings to you for sharing and to all those who continue in such a special ministry.
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kindoak
Feb 29, 2012 @ 5:06 pm | delete
- Awesome lens. I didn't even know there was a nonprofit category on Squidoo.
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TopicalMD
Feb 29, 2012 @ 5:03 pm | delete
- Very touching - congratulations on LOTD
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cceerpp
Feb 29, 2012 @ 4:56 pm | delete
- Good blankets by Grannies.
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TandCrecruitment
Feb 29, 2012 @ 4:11 pm | delete
- those blankets are just wonderful. Sad story but just so amazing!
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jimbarnes Feb 29, 2012 @ 3:47 pm | delete
- i fell this is a very special program
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happynutritionist Feb 29, 2012 @ 3:39 pm | delete
- It is wonderful to be able to return and congratulate you on receiving LOTD today, definitely deserves the honor:-)
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rlmodranski
Feb 29, 2012 @ 3:27 pm | delete
- Beautiful and well deserving of LOTD!
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CTsHeart
Feb 29, 2012 @ 3:13 pm | delete
- What a truly beautiful lens! Very touching and amazing-thank you for sharing!
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CardLady Feb 29, 2012 @ 3:12 pm | delete
- Congratulations! Thanks for sharing this story!
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Blessedmombygrace
Feb 29, 2012 @ 3:12 pm | delete
- Wow, what a story! Blessed yet again.
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goo2eyes
Feb 29, 2012 @ 3:01 pm | delete
- this is a very heart-warming lens. people devote their precious time to help others. more power to you and many blessings from God and yours truly.
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JoyfulPamela
Feb 29, 2012 @ 2:08 pm | delete
- What a touching and inspirational story! Thank you for sharing it. Congratulations on earning LOTD! =D
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Graceonline
Feb 29, 2012 @ 1:56 pm | delete
- What a wonderful tribute to Bonnie. I pray that one day, all people will honor and respect, each of us, the religion and spirituality of the other that we might live in harmony without fear because of our differences.
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Pastiche
Feb 29, 2012 @ 1:34 pm | delete
- Such a touching story about Bonnie and the baby blankets made in her honor. She's smiling as we read ... and as the stitching goes on.
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BunnyFabulous Feb 29, 2012 @ 1:31 pm | delete
- Such a beautiful lens all around. The blankets are gorgeous, but even more lovely is the testimony Bonnie had (and still has) through her life lived in love for Christ and people. Thank you for telling about this great ministry. Congrats on LOTD!!
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Rhidawn
Feb 29, 2012 @ 1:25 pm | delete
- Such a beautiful and touching lens! I wish you all much success with the Bonnie Blankets!
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malzeke
Feb 29, 2012 @ 1:15 pm | delete
- These are lovely!
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jwcooney
Feb 29, 2012 @ 1:05 pm | delete
- Great lens and congrats on lens of the day! The Bonnie blankets are really neat.
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StaCslns
Feb 29, 2012 @ 12:57 pm | delete
- All I can say is "WOW, what a lens!" Amazing!
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miaponzo
Feb 29, 2012 @ 12:45 pm | delete
- Love them! Blessed!
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BenJacklin
Feb 29, 2012 @ 12:28 pm | delete
- Great lens. I love the Elephant one!
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kathysart
Feb 29, 2012 @ 12:20 pm | delete
- Ohh so cute, I LOVE Bonnie Blankets! I have one homemade quilt that is now 20 years old. Whenever I am sick or feel blue I find that blanket and feel comforted by it because of the many hands it took to make it. So dear. Angel blessed lens.
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Michey Feb 29, 2012 @ 11:54 am | delete
- This is a great tribute to a noble soul. It is also an example of Americans doing good around the globe, hoping that we can change the culture of hate... and sometime it is a hard mission to accomplish...
This is a beautiful love story, very well done Dianne, and well deserved LOTD.
.The single way we can replace hate is to keep loving, and hope that some day we will make progress.
Regards
Michey
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BlueTrane
Feb 29, 2012 @ 11:44 am | delete
- Congrats on your LOTD! Well deserved!
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LensbyLisa
Feb 29, 2012 @ 11:13 am | delete
- Wow! Amazing! This lens truly deserves LOTD. Congratulations! Bonnie's message will still reach and help others as long as people continue to tell her story. She may be gone from this earthly life, but I believe her witness and the life she lived here is still reaching others for Christ.
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AngryBaker
Feb 29, 2012 @ 11:01 am | delete
- Wahoo!!Great Job...Sweet Blankets!
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Swetankraj
Feb 29, 2012 @ 10:44 am | delete
- Lovely squid and mostly the sea turtles were beautiful!!
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accfuller
Feb 29, 2012 @ 10:39 am | delete
- Congratulations on LOTD!
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RenaissanceWoman2010
Feb 29, 2012 @ 10:28 am | delete
- So much beauty in and through all of this. Very much touched by the testimony of Bonnie's life and witness, as well as her song of tribute (Wear the Crown). Many blessings to all who live the love.
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juliavm
Feb 29, 2012 @ 10:24 am | delete
- Honestly loved this lens. Brought tears to my eyes. If only the world had more Bonnies and Garys.
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d-artist Feb 29, 2012 @ 10:13 am | delete
- Congratulations of a well deserved LOTD!!! what a wonderful tribute project and so heartfelt. Bonnie served God and her reward is being with HIM...if God is Love, why would 'they' kill someone? that's what I always ask...I have a friend who is a Missionary and brings the Roma Gypsies in Slovakia to the Lord.
God Bless You and this lens ~d-artist Squid Angel Blessing~
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DebMartin
Feb 29, 2012 @ 10:12 am | delete
- Touching and beautiful. d
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elec09 Feb 29, 2012 @ 10:11 am | delete
- So Cool I might buy one for my son
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pediatrician
Mar 7, 2012 @ 1:03 pm | delete
- Mee too! I love them.
This things make me to remember about my mother :).
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rauspitz Feb 29, 2012 @ 10:04 am | delete
- Incredible story, outstanding lens. Congratulations on getting LOTD!
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njoylife42day
Feb 29, 2012 @ 10:00 am | delete
- Fabulous lens. Really moved me. Thank you for sharing such an inspirational story.
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agoofyidea
Feb 29, 2012 @ 9:54 am | delete
- Congratulations on LOTD! This is a wonderful project and shows that we can all do something helpful no matter where we live.
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fdurham
Feb 29, 2012 @ 9:47 am | delete
- What a touching story and great cause. Blessings.
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Tipi
Feb 29, 2012 @ 9:36 am | delete
- Congratulations on LotD! Your lenses have always been an inspiration for me, and this one is excellent. ! Blessed!
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teristazko
Feb 29, 2012 @ 9:34 am | delete
- A lovely love story...God is good!!! Thank you for sharing.
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daria369
Feb 29, 2012 @ 9:32 am | delete
- Touching story, beautiful lens and stunning blankets!
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Susan52
Feb 29, 2012 @ 9:01 am | delete
- Congratulations on the well-deserved Lens of the Day! Loved the write-up by ohme.
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mamabush
Feb 29, 2012 @ 9:01 am | delete
- I love this! :) Congrats on LotD!
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MissionBoundCreations
Feb 29, 2012 @ 8:47 am | delete
- Where do we send the $15
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Joan4
Feb 29, 2012 @ 8:38 am | delete
- Congratulations on a beautiful and important Lens of the Day! Wow!
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curious0927
Feb 29, 2012 @ 8:25 am | delete
- I have tremendous faith in God and People. This is an incredible love story. Thank you for sharing it, and so well! Blessed! Bookmarked for my re-visiting pleasure!
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rms Feb 29, 2012 @ 8:24 am | delete
- Congratulations, this lens was selected as LOTD! Read all about it here: http://hq.squidoo.com/lotd/lens-of-the-day-bonnie-blankets/
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coffeebreak9am Feb 29, 2012 @ 8:15 am | delete
- Beautiful lens for a beautiful life...thank you...what an inspiration!
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LuvJoy Feb 29, 2012 @ 7:53 am | delete
- The blankets are beautiful and the story as well very touching.
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Jack-in-the-Box
Feb 29, 2012 @ 7:41 am | delete
- Wow...what a great story about Bonnie Blankets. Thank you for sharing. Great lens!
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MarcGuberti
Feb 29, 2012 @ 6:50 am | delete
- Those blankets look so cozy
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ScottiesRock
Feb 29, 2012 @ 6:50 am | delete
- What a wonderful story. Love this lens. Blessed!
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RazzbarryBreeze
Feb 29, 2012 @ 6:14 am | delete
- Beautiful lens. I did not know of this till I just read your lens. This is the glory of a squidoo lens. I have learned so many very interesting facts and have read so many inspirational stories such as yours since I have been active here . Congratulations on your purple star and I'm sending blessings to you for sure!
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LazyEasyFun
Feb 29, 2012 @ 5:20 am | delete
- I just love the turtles blanket! Thanks for sharing this great story with us. All the best!
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navalava
Feb 29, 2012 @ 4:13 am | delete
- Excellent lens! Great idea, beautiful blankets.
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Margaret_Schaut
Feb 29, 2012 @ 4:05 am | delete
- One of the finest tributes I've ever read. God bless Bonnie, Gary, and all those working in her honor.
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intermarks
Feb 29, 2012 @ 4:00 am | delete
- Such a nice way to do give warmth to people who need it. Nice lens!
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WhiteSockGirl
Feb 29, 2012 @ 3:20 am | delete
- Great lens, beautiful story. Well deserved purple star. Congrats!
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by stargazer00
Bonnie Blankets is a labor of love making beautiful baby blankets to minister to new moms. The blankets are sent around the world with missionaries. more »
- 303 featured lenses
- Winner of 32 trophies!
- Top lens » Homemade Stuffed Grape Leaves, a Greek Recipe
- This lens »
Won purple star

- This lens » Selected as Lens of the Day
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