When a day holds many memories and thoughts on creative ideas...

For some reason I was drawn to this picture today when looking for a photo of my mother-in-law, JoAnne Rowley, to share on this blog.  This photo was taken in 1967 and I decided to use it not only because it is of JoAnne, but also because it is her in the boat that Ken loved on the lake that Ken loved - Lake Malone, KY.  Today is her birthday and she would have been 93. She died in 2009 but  I always remember this date because it is also the anniversary of my engagement (which happened to fall on her 50th birthday).  She was not happy about turning 50 and she was not happy with Ken's decision to marry me.  So in many ways this day represents some very mixed memories.  I am thankful that Ken's mom and dad were around when my children were small and I was able to use them for "emergency" day care when it was absolutely necessary.  Gwen has some pretty sad memories of being with "Close Grandma" when she was sick when Grandma had some "old fashioned" ideas of proper care of a sick child.

I was especially thinking about her creative spirit today.  She was a crafter in all senses of the word.  She knit and did needlepoint.  She sewed.  She was an accomplished painter.  She made baskets.  She did pottery.  She made all kinds of crafts.  One of the first really good memories I have of spending time with her was the year that we made the Santa and Mrs. Clause figurines.  They were made out of foam covered in plaster and then decorated.  It was quite the project that took several days to finish.  I gave my pair to my mom and they were always displayed on her TV at Christmas time.  She just loved them.  JoAnne attempted to teach me all the different needlepoint stitches (which I had never done before).  She had me make a pillow with 12 different stitches so I could practice.  That pillow is still sitting on a shelf in my closet.  It represented so much work for me that I just can't bear to part with it.  Gwen remembers that she had a large weaving loom in their family room and one year she made me a set of placemats that I still use!  As a matter of fact, one of those placemats in currently on my coffee table!  I can't imagine that she thought I would still be using these, but I really love them and appreciate the amount of time it took for her to make them.

I guess I was thinking about all of that creativity because yesterday I heard a prophetic word from a well known teacher about a new spirit of creativity that was being released especially over writers.  As you know, it is impossible to decided to be creative.  You either have that talent or you don't.   You might be able to learn some new skills and even copy what someone else has done, but that spark of true creativity has to come from deep within your spirit.  It takes a certain spark to come up with something that is new and different.  To see something from a totally different perspective and/or to give something a new "twist".  I'm sure we can all think of well known people who have changed the world through a new and creative idea.  We wouldn't have cell phones or computers if someone had not thought of them!  

Thinking about this creativity over writing is interesting.  This could mean a new approach to a familiar subject.  Or it could be a new revelation or a new idea.  Really the possibilities are many.  Many years ago I started writing a document that I thought might become a book.  And I have many notebooks full of ideas that could be shared in some way.  What I need is that spark - that new spirit of creativity to open up the path for these ideas to reach others.  I can only imagine how many other people have notebooks (or computer documents) filled with ideas that have not caught fire and made it to publication.   

Yes, remembering JoAnne and thinking about that creative spark do compliment each other.  It is not an accident that these two ideas came on the same day.  JoAnne did not believe that her creativity came from God.  As a matter of fact she told me that she didn't believe in God.  But I know that Jesus was seeking to reach JoAnne with every painting she painted.  Each of the flowers and landscapes that she painted were a testament to the creator.  And as she captured them on canvas, the Holy Spirit was showing her a glimpse of Jesus.  Even the word "creative" harkens back to THE creator - God.  It is just that creative part of His character that is being expressed through us in any creative thing we do.  

So much to think about and consider in this today.  Remembering who the CREATOR is and honoring Him!  And longing for that new anointing of the creative spirit to spark into new written creations that will bless the world.  

Jesus, thank you for JoAnne and all of Ken's family.  Holy Spirit, continue to show forth the character and nature of God through creation.  Pour out that creative spirit on each of us and fan into flames that spark of creativity.  Unleash new projects and ideas that will change the world and bring many to know Jesus.  Amen

We are all winners.....

Just look at that sweet face!  And that smile!  All of a sudden, Anna looks so old.  I guess that might be because (as she will tell you....) she is "two and half" years old!  I needed that smile today and all those hugs from all four kids!  It is prime time allergy season for me - a fate that happens each fall when we open the windows and shut off the air conditioning.  My head doesn't like this wonderful  fall like weather that is cool and crisp. I seem to have a constant pressure vise around my head and my eyes feel like they are going to pop out of my head!   So I needed those smiles and hugs to get me through this day.  Anna is so ready to be as grown up as her brother and sisters.  She wants to do everything that they do and she is willing to try it all!  The driveway has a slight downward slant - just enough to get a riding toy going at a good clip.  The kids love to have "races" down the drive.  Today it was Zeke and Anna on the track.  Anna had just managed to "lose" her helmet (by saying that she was done on her bike) and before I knew it she was off to the races - without her helmet!  I managed to snap the picture above after I had pointed out that she needed her helmet!   Don't you love that grin?  She knew exactly what she was doing.  And before I could pick up the helmet and get it back on her head... they were off......... 

Anna started the race  "Six, seven eight, GO!" and they were down the driveway.  I snapped the picture with her helmet in my hand.  Fortunately the "race" was pretty tame and she actually stopped about half way down and let me put that helmet on her head!  And the best thing was that Zeke announced that they were both winners!  

In the last few weeks, Ellie and Zeke have been learning about knights in their home school curriculum.  Both have made wonderful books with all things castles and coat of arms and shields.  And on the way home I was thinking about my favorite armor verses - Ephesians 6:10-18.  I was thinking about how many times, like Anna, I don't put on my helmet in what could be a dangerous situation.You know what I mean don't you?  I've let those thoughts fill my head that are not the truth.  I have entertained some very old lie about myself or others.  I've let the enemy distract my thinking. Don't we all do this from time to time?  After I got home, I looked at these verses in my favorite Passion Translation and I was stunned at the clarity that this translation gives to these verses.  I just need to share them with.

Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Passion Translation

Now finally, my beloved ones, be supernaturally infused with strength through your life-union with the Lord Jesus.   Stand victorious with the force of his explosive power flowing in and through you.  Put on the full suit of armor that God wears when he goes into battle, so that you will be protected as you fight against the evil strategies of the accuser!  Your hand-to-hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms.  For they are a powerful class of demon-gods and evil spirits that hold this dark world in bondage.  Because of this, you must wear all the armor that God provides so you're protected as you confront the slanderer, for you are destined for all things and will rise victorious.  Put on truth as a belt to strengthen you to stand in triumph.  Put on holiness as the protective armor that covers your heart.  Stand on your feet alert, then you'll always be ready to share the blessings of peace as you subdue your enemies.  In every battle, take faith as your wrap-around shield, for it is able to extinguish the blazing arrows coming at you from the evil one!  Embrace the power of salvation's full deliverance, like a helmet to protect your thoughts from lies.  And take the mighty Spirit-sword of the spoken Word of God. Pray passionately in the Spirit, as you constantly intercede with every form of prayer at all times.  Pray the blessings of God upon all his believers.  

Man, I will take that tonight!  I need to be infused with that strength!  I love that this entire passage begins with the ultimate ending - who wins!  Notice that in the first two lines it is clear that we are victorious!  Yep, we are winners because of the power - the explosive power (Isn't that just an amazing word picture?) flowing in and through us.  We are the winners!  In the daily battles that we all fight we need to hold on to and know this truth.  Even before the battle begins, we are the winner!  And that is all because of Jesus' work on the cross.  He finished the battle for us.  I know that I needed this reminder today.  No matter what we face, we know that, in the end, we are the winners.  We are destined and will rise victorious!

I just love that Zeke was sharing this truth - even though he didn't even realize the importance of it. He and Anna were both winners.  We are all winners! When we are in this battle called life with Jesus.  My head seems a bit clearer now and I feel much more ready to fight the battle again tomorrow.  Thanks to this wonderful, living piece of the Word of God!

Jesus, thank you for Brian Simmons and The Passion Translation.  Continue to bless his work and all of his travels.  Thank you for the reminder today of the power of the Words of scripture to carry us through each day.   Holy Spirit, you help and guide us by bringing to our mind verses when we most need them.  Thank you for showing us all tonight that we are winners!  Amen

It is much better to NOT know what is just ahead, around the corner.

We have had a very rainy week and weekend and I know that this has played into my feelings today.  I have been working on scrapbooking for the last week or so.  I am so blessed to have a wonderful space to scrap and also plenty of time to do so.  But, for whatever reason, it has been hard to get into gear and get busy.  I knew that this particular book would be difficult - it is the last few months of 2014.  Yes, I am that far behind on my scrapbooks.  It was probably NOT a good time to work on these pages, with the dreary weather and gloomy beginning of fall.  But I made a commitment to myself to get this book done before my next scrap weekend.  So, I have been plowing through these really difficult pages.  It was not so bad going through the pictures of the wonderful Baby Shower that was given for Doug and Susie.  Then there were some wonderful fall pictures taken at a couple of parks that left you just feeling that crisp fall weather.  Our house got a make over during these months and I scrapped a side-by-side picture of the old look along with the new, updated look.  And then it was time to work on the pictures of Lucas' birth on November 1, 2014.  

I was not prepared for the rush of emotions as I sorted through these pictures. If you have not been following my blog since 2014 you may not know that our sweet little Lucas died just 10 days after his birth.  And although I am just the grandma, I feel this loss every single day.  Each time a thought of Lucas comes to my mind, I try to imagine just how hard this must be for Doug and Susie.  I want to honor Lucas in this scrapbook and I want to remember just how happy and delighted we were at his arrival.  But knowing exactly what was ahead for our family, this is a difficult thing to accomplish.  

October is actually pregnancy and infant loss awareness month.  It is only when someone you know, someone in your family or even you yourself experience this tragedy that you become aware of the widespread nature of this.  So many people have been touched by this, yet it is so seldom spoken about.  Every single member of our family has felt the loss of Lucas - each of us in our own way.  

Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna miss their cousin and mention him often.  Lucas is and will always be a part of our family.  Each of us carry him with us into the future.   And now our family is anxiously anticipating the birth of a new baby for Doug and Susie - due in February of 2017.  This new life will never change our loving and remembering and missing Lucas.  But today we celebrate this expected baby.  

Yes, I have decided that it is much better to NOT know what might be ahead. Especially when trying to remember and capture a happy event that is followed by a tragedy.  In spite of this difficulty, I will press on and finish these scrapbook pages.  But it is also a reminder to me of the importance of capturing in photos and journaling, events of every day.  There is always something to be celebrated in each day.  This is another plea to just remember to be present in the PRESENT.  

This is the day the Lord has made!  Let us rejoice and be glad in it!   

None of us knows what is ahead for us.  Things happen each day that change the future for some of us.  Right now there is a very dangerous hurricane in the Atlantic basin that is headed for Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba.  And then it may take aim at the east coast of Florida and the rest of the US.   Some people will face illness, accidents or even sudden death.  Yet we know that our hope and our peace is found in Jesus.  This is the day that the Lord has made.....we need to rejoice and be glad.  We also need to remember that nothing is gained by worrying about the future.  Jesus reminded us of this in Matthew 6:34

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  

Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Won't you join me today and find something to rejoice about and be glad about?  Even if you are also joining me in this month of October remembering a precious little baby that was gone far to soon.  Take a photo today of something that made you smile.  Spend a minute or two or five or twenty writing down your thoughts.  Celebrate whatever October 2, 2016 had for you.  Be present today with the presence of Jesus.  Make a memory today worthy of a scrapbook.  Even if it doesn't actually get into the pages until sometime in the future.  You will be so glad that you did.

Jesus, thank you for the powerful reminder that you want us to rejoice and be glad every day - even when that day might hold troubles.  Holy Spirit, thank you for the comfort and peace that only you can give to all of the families that know the pain of the loss of a child.  Help us all to hold each other close during times of trouble.  Jesus, protect those in the path of Hurricane Matthew.  Amen

Keeping my mind where it belongs......

I was skimming through my Facebook feed this afternoon and came across a picture one of my Facebook friends had shared. It was a picture that included my dear friend LeeAnn, who died in 2000.   I spent a few minutes looking at that photo and then I retreated to my favorite chair in my scrapbook room.  I glanced up at the wall and there was this framed verse.  It is actually a "Manuscripture" that was hand drawn.  LeeAnn actually gifted this to me in 1992 and it has a handwritten note from her on the back of the frame.  What a powerful and important gift that personal note is to me.  This is LeeAnn and I from sometime in 1985.  LeeAnn knew that I really needed peace during that time and she was there to direct me to the source of perfect peace!

As I was looking for this picture I found several dozen pictures of us with our kids.  Her oldest was just a bit older than Gwen and we were pregnant together with our second kids.  We had "opposite" gender kids, but that didn't stop the four of them from having a wonderful time together.  I know that somewhere (I couldn't find the exact picture) I have a photo of Gwen and LeeAnn's daughter MollyAnn playing dolls together.  We took side by side photos of Molly and Doug (they were three months apart).  As the kids grew up, we saw less and less of each other - especially after she moved about 20 minutes away.  But we still got together for very early morning coffee and chats or whenever we could manage a few minutes away from our responsibilities.  

Have you ever met someone and just "KNOWN" that you are supposed to be friends?  It was that way with LeeAnn and I.  She came to my house looking for daycare for her little boy for just a couple hours a few times a week.  When she sat down at my kitchen table and we began to visit, I knew that she was from somewhere close to Minnesota.  I could recognize her "accent"!  She was so surprised that I knew that and then that I even was familiar with her home (which was actually in North Dakota not very far from my family home on Lake Maud.)  From that first visit, we just got each other.  She was my support and listening ear during all of Doug's health issues (She was a nurse).   I am so incredibly thankful to have not only this beautiful framed verse, but also LeeAnn's words to me.  

Isn't it interesting how something like this can make such a difference to someone?  It is not only the "Big Name" and "Well Known" people that can make an impact on others.  Last night I heard a message that has been on my heart all day today.  It was a reminder that while the largest bone in our body is very important (it is the femur - the thigh bone) because it carries all of our weight, the smallest bone in our body is also very important.  The smallest bone is the stapes.  It is in our inner ear and is essential to our hearing and balance.  Because we are identified at the "body of Christ", we know that every part of that body plays an important role.  The message last night was to remember this important fact......  

If you feel like you are small and unnoticed and even feel like you are in a dark place...remember the stapes.  The smallest bone is just as important as the largest bone.  In fact, that stapes represents our ability to hear.  We know that "...faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ" (Romans 10:17)  A very important part of the body indeed!  So don't lament that your place is not one of notice and acclaim.  Those places actually carry a lot of weight, which is not easy.  Rejoice that your place is tiny and that your influence seems small.  God has so much more for those of us "small ones"!  We just need to keep our minds on WHO is important!  And then we will hear his voice clearly and can have a great influence on those around us.  

Yes, I was reminded today to share my heart in writing to those special ones around me.  LeeAnn had no idea that I would see this frame 16 years after her death and remember her influence on my life.  She was just following her heart to give and bless others.  I am so thankful that Jesus puts people in our life that give us a chance to share the amazing Good News.  I will not let any more days go by without sharing!  Won't you join me and bless someone today.  

Jesus, thank you for friends that enrich our life and show us the way when we can't see.  Thank you for the reminder that size simply doesn't matter.  Neither does our place in the body of Christ.  When we are yours, we matter!  And you love us!  Holy Spirit, nudge us to share with those closest to us.  Give us words and actions that will bring joy and blessing to them.  Amen

Running the race............

Today was quite the day for Ken and I.  We took several forms of transportation into Chicago to watch Gwen compete in the "Run the Drive" Chicago Half Marathon.  We drove to a place to catch the CTA into the city.  Then we took the Metra to the park on the South side of the city where the race was held.  This was the first time that I ever was on the subway!  And I have lived in the Chicago area for 49 years!  Quite the experience.  At one point, Ken and I managed to get on a train heading to South Bend Indiana!  Fortunately we figured it out before the train left the station.  This caused us a slight delay, but I am happy to say that we made it to the finish line in time to see Gwen and her friend Stephanie cross!

All of the kids were there and it was really something to watch some of the 15,000 runners come across the finish line.

The medal was really something.  It weighs over a pound and the XX in the center spins around!  It is really impressive!  One thing is certain, anyone who ran that race DESERVES this medal!  Running on the street is not that easy.  Roads are designed for cars, not people.  While it might seem like a lot of fun to run on Lake Shore Drive with the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan at your side, that is a tough place to do a long race!  Gwen and Stephanie were tired but happy at the end of this long run.

I have been thinking about Gwen and Tim and all the training they are doing for these really long races! (Tim is running a full marathon in a couple of weeks! Watch for posts!).  There have been plenty of ups and downs for them.  The weather has been especially hot this year and allergies have been bad.  Their treadmill broke down and needed a part to be ordered and installed.  They have four children and many responsibilities in addition to work and church......well you get the idea.  They have made it a priority to train.  And I was thinking about my "race" of life.  

This reminded me that we need to follow Paul's advice from Acts 20:24......

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has give me - the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace."

There is the key to running the race of life.  Knowing that our life is worth nothing except telling the Gospel message - the Good News.  And what is the training that we have to do to run this race?  Well, that is easy.  Just read my last blog post.  Spending time with Jesus is the only way that we will be able to run the race that is before us.  Without His presence and His peace and His love in our hearts, we can not finish our race.  And yes, sometimes our training has it's ups and downs.  We have situations and difficulties facing us every day.  There are hurts and sorrows and pain and illness.  There are so many things that can detour us from the track we have been on, training for our race.  But the good news is that even these seemingly bad things can find their way into our testimony of God's grace.  And then they strengthen us to complete our task.  Isn't that amazing?  

Yes, life is quite the race.  And it is not over in 3 hours or 5 hours or even a day.  Our race is started each day when we put our feet on the floor and go about our business.  And each day is training for the next and the next and the next.  

Gwen and Tim each had a goal in mind during their training.  Gwen's was finished today.  Tim has a couple of weeks to go.  None of us knows the number of our days or how long our race will be.  What we do know is that we have one simple task - to tell others about Jesus.  

Paul goes on to later say in 2 Timothy 4:7....

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith"

And there is the goal that each of us can train towards.  Fighting what ever comes our way as we train by spending time with Jesus.  Pressing on towards the finish line of our life.  Telling others about all that Jesus has done for us.  And knowing that it is the faith OF Jesus that sustains us.  

Thank you Jesus for showing me last week how much I need to spend time with you.  Thank you for training us as we run this race of life.  Holy Spirit, remind us that our testimony along with the Good News can effect the world.  Give us all courage and boldness to run our races well!  Amen

Sometimes you just have to stop.......

Okay, it is Thursday.  And what a Thursday it has been.  I really didn't have much on my calendar for today, so it seemed like it was just going to be a slow day.  Then I started to get a flood of text messages from my prayer group.  It started early this morning.  Lots of prayer needs.  Lots of specific devotions and/or thoughts from my friends.  And this trend lasted for most of the day!  Every couple of minutes it seemed that I was getting another text with another prayer request.  And Facebook was no different!  So my Thursday became a day of prayer.  Which is never a bad thing!

During my minutes between texts and prayers, I have been trying to straighten out a few boxes of pictures that are not filed properly in my Scrap room.  I found this picture of Gwen at two and a half and could not stop looking at it.

I couldn't find a really good picture of Anna, but let me tell you that Anna looks so much like Gwen it is unreal!   

Anna makes that same face as Gwen in the picture, but I couldn't find a recent picture of her doing it. It is already the grandma/mothers curse that I manage to call all of the kids by the wrong name.  But I have found myself called Anna -Gwen quite often!   And notice in the picture of Gwen she is wearing a necklace.  She insisted on wearing one of mine to have her picture taken.  On Monday Anna had found a necklace of Ellie's and she insisted on putting it on.  I was really sorry that I didn't take her picture on Monday.  Just take my word for it, Anna looks an awful lot like her mom. These pictures sure helped me into a place of great thanksgiving and praise, during a time when I was flooded with so many great needs.  And it was just what my heart needed.  

At some point during the texting that was happening, I realized that all of my dear prayer friends seem to be having some prayer need pop up today.  We had a marvelous time together yesterday in worship and prayer and sharing.  And then today, each of us is slammed back in the world with some kind of trouble.  And in the midst of this, I saw this post from The Passion Translation..........

I hear His whisper … “I give you strength as you give Me time”

The moments that you spend with Me and listen to Me are moments filled with eternity. There is no weakness, no wavering, no doubting in My presence. This is where I energize your being. Many influences have affected your life and your thoughts, but as you come into My glory I lavish upon you what you need the most: My love and My strength. You are so easily distracted and disturbed, so you must faithfully come and be with Me.

The peace I bring to you is not comparable to the peace known on earth. It transcends your mortal life and streams to you from My river of tranquility that pours forth from My throne of grace. Peace like a river will subdue your soul and wash away the words of hopelessness and pain. Come into My river of peace and float on My promises. There you will never be disappointed. Listen to Me and peace will be your pillow on which to rest your anxious thoughts. In My love you are able to do all things, for I strengthen you with My love.

People will make demands on your time and your thoughts, but I wait for you to come and draw you closer when you choose Me above your friends and family. Come as My dearest one, and I will give you grace for your dearest ones on earth, so you may show them My love.

When you give Me your time, I give you My strength. Are you feeling weak today? Then come before Me until you are bathed in power. No human being can empower you, for their weapons are puny and helpless. Trust in My strength, not in the affirmation of others. Watch Me work in your heart as you “waste” your time in My presence. I will pour you out upon the earth as My gift and My treasure, full of My love.

Psalm 27:4, 8
"Here’s the one thing I crave from God,
the one thing I seek above all else:
I want the privilege of living with him every moment in his house,
finding the sweet loveliness of his face,
filled with awe, delighting in his glory and grace.
I want to live my life so close to him
that he takes pleasure in my every prayer. …
Lord, when you said to me, “Seek my face,”
my inner being responded:
I’m seeking your face with all my heart."

I am so glad that I spent this day the way that I did!  It is so good to know that Jesus hears our prayers and he cares about all those needs.  If you are feeling overwhelmed and weighed down by your own concerns or those of other people, come away with me and spend time with Jesus.  It will not be time wasted!  If you are feeling weak, know that Jesus has strength for it all.  Rest in that assurance.  Won't you join me today and just stop... and seek Him?

Jesus, thank you for this day of prayer and praise.  Thank you for knowing that I needed time away from the concerns to turn to thankfulness and praise.  Holy Spirit, remind us all that we need to seek Jesus when things seem difficult and heavy.  Thank you for friends that stand with us in prayer.  Amen

When you are packing a Christmas box in September......

I know that Christmas seems like it is very far off, but this is where my heart has been for the last few days.  I have been assembling items to pack in my Operation Christmas Child gift boxes.  I know that I recently blogged about this organization in my blog  Sometimes they don't need a coat!  You can click on that link to read my thoughts about these boxes and also there is a link in that blog to some great videos about the children who receive these boxes.  

My family decided last year to do these boxes in honor of Lucas, my grandson who died in 2014.  It is such a wonderful way to honor his life by thinking about another little boy who will get great joy from some very simple gifts.  The most important thing in these boxes is the chance to hear about Jesus.  And that truly is the greatest gift of all.  Our family is especially looking forward to doing our boxes this year because of this very exciting letter and picture that Ellie received in the mail.....

Ellie was one of the very lucky ones (and very few) that got a response from the child that received her Operation Christmas Child box!  Her box went to Guyana, South America and this sweet little girl (who has a twin sister and a brother) responded in a letter of thanks to Ellie.  Ellie is so anxious to respond to this girl and hopes that they can become friends.  What a blessing this was for Ellie and for all of us - to see first hand how much these simple gifts mean to someone in another part of the world.  I know that this a lesson that all of the kids will not forget.  Gwen and Tim took the kids to the stores to choose all of the items that they included in their boxes. I asked Ellie what she put in her box last year.  Ellie remembers that she included a Barbie doll (since this is one of her favorite things to play).  And she included markers and paper.  Also hair bows and hair ties.  And apparently the Barbie was a big hit with the little girl, according to her letter! What a powerful lesson this is about the small things that we can do to make a difference for Jesus.  And we don't have to even leave our home.  Ellie has this photographic proof that she is a missionary and that she has followed the command of Jesus to go to the nations with the Good News! 

I have been following Samaritan's Purse and the Operation Christmas Child Facebook page and also their emails and have seen that the most wanted item - no matter what country - no matter the age of the child..... is a soccer ball.  That is evidence of just how popular soccer is around the world.  Of course you also need to send a pump since you have to deflate the ball to fit in the box!  So this year, all of my boxes will include a soccer ball and pump.  It might seem strange to send this for a little boy, but everything that I read says that this will make a small boy very happy!

All of my boxes will include a soft stuffed animal also.  What little one doesn't need something to hold on to?  And this year, I have also included a collapsible water bottle in each box (something I didn't think about last year).  You can see that I found some really neat tape that looks like a road and the box can be deconstructed and then used with the small cars I have included.  Each box also has a tee shirt and a Bandana (I guess these are used around the world for many different things).  I included soap and a washcloth, toothbrush and combs.  Pencils, markers and scissors.  A couple of fun little toys (whistles and tops) and a squishy ball.  This year I found flip flops for under a dollar at an end of summer sale, so each box has a small pair of those!

The interesting thing about these boxes is that somehow - it has to be Jesus - each one of the children who receive these boxes get exactly what they needed and/or wanted!  I am sure that there are some who might be unhappy with not receiving what someone else did, but it seems to happen very seldom.  The villages and towns that receive these gifts are often without any extra things.  So every little gift is important.   Often it is the first gift that they have received.  So it really doesn't matter what is in the box - it is the wonder of having something just for themselves.   I have been praying for each of these little boys who get one of these boxes.  And I will continue to pray for them over the coming year.  Imagine how much difference it will make as we pray.

Yes, this is a great way to, like Ellie, see yourself as a missionary.  And you don't have to leave home to reach the world.  There are so many children out there and I know that Jesus loves them all.  Recently at my Sunday evening meeting, we sang "Jesus Loves Me".  This is not your typical adult worship song.  But what a wonderful reminder for all of us...........

Jesus loves me, this I know.  For the Bible tells me so.  Little ones to Him belong.  They are weak but He is strong.  Yes, Jesus loves me.  Yes, Jesus loves me.  Yes, Jesus loves me.  The Bible tells me so.

This is a fitting song to end this blog.  Jesus loves me.  Jesus loves you.  And Jesus loves all those little ones.  Won't you join me in blessing one of those little ones through Operation Christmas Child?
Send a box in honor of a child.  Or in memory of a child.  Or just to bless a child.  You will be blessed in the giving!

Jesus, thank you for loving us all.  Thank you for the Bible that tells us of your great love.  Give us courage and boldness to share your love with the world.  Thank you for opportunities to reach the world via cyberspace - like this blog and with tangible gifts.  Bless Samaritans Purse and all that they are doing around the world. Bless the sweet family that Ellie's box reached.  Amen