Christmas Is Waiting to Be Born

This was drawn by our amazingly multi-talented friend, Jack Bush.  We were blessed to receive a signed copy last year.  I saw him last week and asked if I could use it on my blog and he readily agreed.

Today he posted his Christmas tree art on Facebook for everyone to enjoy, along with these words by Howard Thurman that really touched my heart.

Christmas is Waiting to Be Born

When the song of the Angel is stilled,
When the Star in the sky is gone, 
When the kings and the princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost, 
To heal the broken, 
To feed the hungry, 
To release the prisoner, 
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among brothers and sisters--
To make music in the heart.
And to radiate the Light of Christ, 
     every day, in every way,
in all that we do and in all that we say.
The work of Christmas lies before us.
                                Howard Thurman

In that spirit, enjoy your Christmas.  May the joy and peace that comes with the celebration of the birth of the Savior resonate in your heart as the new year begins.

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, 

as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."

1 Peter 4, 10

         

With a little forethought and basically just paying attention, you'll discover there are many ways to give memorable gifts that also support nonprofits or faith-based organizations.  What a great way to honor someone!  You're actually accomplishing three things: 

1) Shifting some of your hard-earned Christmas funds to support a worth-while organization
2) Helping the recipient feel extra good about your gift because you helped someone else but also remembered them with love
3) You were able to put two "check" marks on your to-do list.....Got that gift for Sally Sue or Joe Blow, and supported that water well campaign through your favorite nonprofit that you've been wanting to send some money to. (or whatever)

Do you have someone on your list 
that doesn't need a thing?  
Many organizations will send an acknowledgement card either directly to the recipient, or directly to you so it can be gift wrapped.  Or you may be able to print it yourself.  This can be really helpful if you're a last minute shopper! Look at Compassion Child, World Vision, Women for Women International, and the Salvation Army, for example.

Some Ideas:

Look back through my blog for ideas from Comfy Cozy and Bridgewater Candles.  Comfy Cozy provides clothing to help make someone's chemo experience more comfortable. Bridgewater's fabulous candles are still burning in our home....they last forever....who doesn't love candles, especially when part of the proceeds go to feed kids in orphanages?

Do you have an animal lover on your list?  Do an online search in the local area of the gift recipient to see if any rescue organizations are selling products to support their efforts.  In my area a photographer donated her time and a beautiful calendar is available with pictures of the cutest pups ever as the models.

If you live in a metropolitan area, chances are there is a Ten Thousand Villages store where you can buy beautiful items made by artisans from all over the world.  They also have a great web site
www.tenthousandvillages.com  where things can be ordered and there's information about the artists and their mission. Ten Thousand Villages is one of the world's oldest and largest fair trade organizations.  Fair Trade means that the company or organization provides artisans and other small businesses that are under- or unemployed the opportunity to earn an income and improve their quality of life.  Artists agree on a fair price for their work and develop a long-term relationship that provides mutual benefits.  The artists are given cash advances and are paid promptly for their wares.  This is a great place to shop responsibly.

And we all love some comfy socks!
In my December Faithbox www.faithbox.com delivery I was delighted to see a pair of colorful, well-made socks from a company named Mitscoots Outfitters. www.mitscoots.com
(What is Faithbox, you ask?  You missed that post!  Scroll down......
it's another GREAT idea for a gift!) 

The Mitscoots Mission: Get....Give....Employ

Mitscoots employs transitioning homeless folks to do their packaging and for every item purchased they give an equal quality item to someone in need.  How cool is that??  They sell things besides socks, but the socks (for example) are manufactured in North Carolina and packaged in Austin, Texas. 

"Our socks last because they are designed for the needs of those that may have to wear them for days on end.  We're modest about most things, but the quality of our socks isn't one of them.  They are bright, bold and comfortable and represent your commitment to helping the homeless."

They also have beenies, scarves, gloves and t-shirts.

It's easy to be socially responsible with a little research.  Please open your heart to the possibility of sharing your treasure with those in need, as well as pleasing others with your gifts.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Botanical Gardens; Fort Worth, Texas

This is the time of year that we're all reminded to be more observant of how much we have....or don't have....and how much others need. We are encouraged to be generous, to share, and to open our hearts and minds to the needs of those living without.

One of my favorite hymns is Great is Thy Faithfulness. It just pops in my head randomly.  But of course it isn't random; it's a reminder.  A reminder that He is always faithful to us and one way He shows it is by the blessings He provides that are all around us, every day, 24/7.  (for example, see the photo above)

It's a much longer song than this, but in the United Methodist Church we often sing only the refrain:

Great is thy faithfulness
Great is thy Faithfulness!
Morning by morning, new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided....
Great is Thy faithfulness,  Lord unto me!
  
The phrase "Great is Thy faithfulness" comes from the Old Testament Book of Lamentations 3:23.
It was first a poem, then was set to music and published in 1923.

Thanksgiving and Christmas provide more opportunities to share your time and treasure than the entire year combined.  We all have something to give that will bless those that have less than you.  

And no matter how little you have, there is always someone in worse shape.  Always.

Wishes Big and Small

Max was diagnosed with Wilm's Tumor, a rare kidney 

What were you doing when you were 17?

 Most likely starting a 501(c)3 organization 

wasn't high on your list.

Liz Niemiec is a senior at Butler University in Indianpolis, Indiana.  She has been granting wishes through her Little Wish Foundation for children battling cancer.  Liz was touched by the illness of a 7-year-old friend named Max that lost his battle with a rare kidney cancer.  She was compelled to make a difference in the lives of other children going through similar circumstances.  Max's wish was to have a puppy, and despite his doctor's misgivings his parents agreed.  Liz saw how happy this made him and the idea led to the Creation of the Little Wish Foundation.  The "little wishes" that have been granted offer hope and inspiration to the children and their families.

The Little Wish Foundation

    www.littlewishfoundation.org

"To serve pediatric oncology patients by providing a little wish 

that would bring hope, comfort and joy."

Some of the wishes granted have been laptop computers and other electronics, Xbox gaming systems, spa treatments, concert tickets, blu-ray DVD players and movies, and many other things to brighten a child's life. 

If children with serious illnesses tugs at your heart and you're looking for a way to help, 

check out their web site and get involved!

Comfy Cozys for Chemo T-Shirts   www.comfycozys.com

Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels is a nonprofit support and education organization based in Phoenix, AZ.  Founded in 2013, it's named after Amanda who lost her battle with Leukemia.  Her dream was to one day be able to design a line of fun children's clothing for those in a similar situation to hers.  The clothing would be comfortable but provide dignity during treatment.

Mission:

To bring dignity and comfort into the 
harsh world of childhood cancer 

and other life-threatening diseases.

The web site shows brightly colored t-shirts for both adults and children going through chemo.  The shirts have a seam on both shoulders that runs diagonally from the top of the shoulder down under the arm.  There are zippers or buttons that provide easier access to a port.  

For anyone dealing with cancer, especially children, a product like this would really be helpful to just make the chemo process easier and more comfortable.  And the bright tie-dye pattern will surely brighten someone's day!

The products are available on the web site, or this 501(c)3 takes donations so you can help make someone's life be just a little more "comfy cozy".

Light a Candle, Fill a Bowl, Feed a Kid

Lake McQueeney, Texas

In my previous post I referred to an organization called Rice Bowls.  There's a picture below of a child named Nithin.  He lives in an orphanage in India that Rice Bowls provides funding for. 

An explanation of my off-topic picture above: I love fall,  I love Lake McQueeney, Texas and I love all the colors and senses that fall brings to this place I love.  This is a photo of fall at Lake McQueeney.  It is one of my many, many ways I have been blessed in my life. 

What's in your Rice Bowl?
So my previous post was about the fabulous candles I found that are manufactured by the Bridgewater Candle Company. www.bridgewatercandles.com From the proceeds of the candle sales they fund the nonprofit Rice Bowls.  www.ricebowls.org  As they say, "Light a Candle, Feed a Child".  (My candle continues to be awesome - very slow burning and the scent is a great balance and not at all overpowering.  It's going to last a long time!)

And Rice Bowls' tag line is

     "Fill Bowls - Fight Hunger"

They give groups or individuals the opportunity to provide meals for kids living in Christian orphanages in several developing countries such as Honduras, India and Haiti.  There are marketing products you can buy like t-shirts; the purchase of just one can feed forty children.  But the coolest way to support Rice Bowls is to order free "rice bowls" which appear to be bowls with lids and a slot for change or cash.  They are distributed to groups you're involved in, with inspiration to fill the bowls with contributions.  The bowls and donations are collected at a gathering of the group and a check is sent to Rice Bowls.  


The rice bowl project is a fun, easy and effective way for small work or church groups or school clubs to support children in need of healthy nutrition.

Or if you don't have a group to work with, buy a candle. Or do both! 

You're going to probably buy candles anyway, especially during the holidays. 

 Right?

Nithin

At      just two years old, Nithin settled into his new life at El Shadai Children’s Home in Chennai, India. His mother, affected by HIV, had heard of this caring home through a local Christian social worker. Her desire for Nithin to be loved and taken away from the horrific abuse at the hands of his father led her to El Shadai. Shortly after bringing Nithin to live here, she passed away. Along with his ”band of brothers,” (five little boys close in age) he loves to play soccer, jump rope, and laugh – a lot. His big smile is seen wherever he goes and helps him wiggle out of some of the mischief the “band of brothers” often find themselves in. Nithin may not be a big guy, but his appetite proves that he’s one growing boy! And Rice Bowls is more than happy to make sure that appetite is satisfied.

(from the Rice Bowls web site)

Feed a Child One Candle At a Time

Hand-made from paper by Donald Herring

October 16th is World Food Day.  

More on that below.

There are so many things I could write about on that topic and something happened today that pointed me exactly where I was supposed to go with it.   Nothing is a coincidence, in my opinion.

As I've mentioned before ideas and information that I'm supposed to share kind of just fall in my lap.  Today we were driving on I-20 in Texas and made a quick decision to stop at a random place in a random town where we've never stopped.  It turned out to be a new gas/food/gift shop/all-things-to-all-people kind of place.  I walked into the ladies room and was surprised to see a wonderfully smelling lit candle.  I don't think I've ever seen that in a public restroom before.

It was very attractive and I noticed a lid sitting on the counter that had a tag on it.  Glancing at it I saw a picture of a nine-year-old child named Nithin from India, and a statement that "1 jar candle feeds 1 child for 1 day".  Hummmm..... my kind of thing, for sure!

I wandered around the store and found the candle company's display.  I chose two matching medium-sized jars both with wonderful scents, Vanilla Creme and Remember When, which is actually a cinnamon, fall spice type of scent.  Off to the cash register I went.  All in the name of Blog Research, of course.

Besides a great looking product that smells awesome, burns clean, and lasts for hours, Bridgewater Candle Company does what the tag says it does. www.bridgewatercandles.com They use proceeds from sales of their candles (made in South Carolina, by the way) to provide food for children in several developing countries, many of them in orphanages.  Their nonprofit is called Rice Bowls.  www.ricebowls.org  I will write more about them next week.

If you're buying a gift for yourself or others and it can also benefit someone in need, why not seek that option?  There are so many opportunities to serve in this way.  How easy! Plus the recipient knows you put a little more thought into choosing something special for them.

World Food Day is "A day of action against hunger".  The goal of this annual event is to raise public awareness about hunger challenges and encourage people worldwide to take action in the fight against hunger.  The day is largely about food, farming and hunger.  You are probably already supporting farmers close to home, but there are millions of small-scale farmers around the world that we can support by making more intentional choices at your grocery or by supporting organizations such as Oxfam, www.oxfamamerica.org or you can see other great ideas at the Do One Thing site www.doonething.org

I know I need to do more to help alleviate hunger.  Do you?

What you decide on will be done, and light will shine on your ways. 

Job 22:28

Who Are You Carrying?

Sunset over West Texas

Yes this is a real, untouched photo of a sunset over 
roof  tops in West Texas.  I know because I took it, along with most of the
 pictures I've posted.  None have been touched up. 
Not perfect from a human perspective.  But what an artist the Lord is!

Over time you will see several suggestions of ways to get involved with veteran's and military-related issues.  As the wife of a veteran it's a subject near and dear to my heart.  But I know not all of you are interested so the information will be dispersed throughout several posts.

Who Are You Carrying?

That's the tagline for "Carry The Load", based in Plano, Texas.  www.carrytheload.org According to the web site  "Carry The Load provides active ways to honor the countless military, law enforcement, firefighters and rescue personnel who dedicate their lives to keeping our country safe."  Founded by two former Navy Seals in 2011 the goal is to restore the true meaning of Memorial Day which honors those who have died in uniform.

Personal commentary:  Memorial Day was not designated to celebrate a three-day weekend so that people can barbecue and go to the lake.  And no, it is not, as the media says, an excuse to "celebrate the unofficial first day of summer".  It's about those that paid the ultimate price for their service to America.

Carry The Load's main activities are organized walks on Memorial Day in communities across Texas but these activities are spreading to other cities in the United States.  These walks and runs provide opportunities for people to show honor and appreciation for those that were lost in service to our nation through military service. Carry The Load also honors first responders such as police and firefighters.  

Youth groups and corporations such as Xerox are involved, and a national relay is being expanded in 2016 that will culminate in Dallas.

In 2015 "Carry The Load" made gifts over $1.1 million to seventeen nonprofits that provide direct services to the military, law enforcement, firefighters and rescue personnel.  This is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.

Organizing a "Carry The Load" event in your community would be fun and memorable way to celebrate Memorial Day.  Or if you just can't tear yourself away from barbecuing at the lake, send them a donation.