Every Child Has a Name

 

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“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me” John 10:14

I read this verse yesterday morning and kept it in my heart as I volunteered at Northfield’s Christmas Sharing later that morning. Christmas Sharing is wonderful program that serves hundreds of family’s each Christmas. Parents, who qualify, are able to come and “shop” (for free) for their children. They can choose among hundreds of toys that have been generously donated by the community. Parents can pick one big gift item for each child, a game per family, a book for each child, a pair of pajamas for each child (a team makes the pajamas all year long.) They also can choose one stocking-stuffer per child, a hat and a pair of mittens per child and one quilt per family (also made and donated all year long). There is gift-wrapping service too.

img_5031There are many, many hands that make this program work and it’s been working for many years now. There are different types of volunteer positions. One is shopping assistant and that is what I like to do. I follow along with the shopping cart as the client chooses the gifts. It’s especially fun when the mom gets so excited to find that perfect gift… and then she continues to say thank you over and over again each time she picks something out.

I’m proud of our Community Action Center that works very hard to make this happen. It’s a blessing to the clients but also to all those who help in some small way.  It’s a Christmas gift to the whole community.

Time Marches On

Time marches on as

Time stands still

Standing in a crisis

It’s not your will. ~

Time goes slow yet

Days fly by

Cannot contain time

Even if you try. ~

Time keeps ticking

Waiting in a bind

All on your own

Thoughts and prayers are kind. ~

Then comes the time

When there is the need

To step back into life

‘cause time marches on, indeed.

I tried to capture my feelings about this concept of time while going through a difficult period.  It’s hard to explain. A situation may lead you to step of out of your “daily life” and it seems you are in a time warp yet the world around you keeps on going –  until you stabilize and can gently step back into life (changed) with just a few ever noticing you were “standing still” in the first place. But those few are very precious. All along God has been there with you, and He is Faithful.

My precious friends are in a time of waiting, at the bedside of their firstborn son. My heartfelt prayers continue and my thoughts turn to them over and over during the day as I continue on. But these are Holy moments for them. They are in the arms of the Almighty God. They love him, He loves them, and so do I.

“The Eternal God is your our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving

 

Upon entering our church sanctuary last night for our annual Thanksgiving Eve service and pie social the above quote was on the overhead and I liked it.

I love this day of Thanksgiving, and strive to have an attitude of gratitude all year ’round. There is much to be thankful for everyday.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. ” Psalm 100: 4-5

Renewed Again

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Vibrant  colors on the trees: red, yellow, orange, lime green, with the deep blue October sky as the backdrop. Leaves gently fall, creating a mosaic carpet to walk upon.

Creation calling me to experience its beauty.

Once again I am grateful for eyes to see, ears to hear, and the sense of smell and touch and taste.

The earth is preparing to rest, but will be renewed again.  I trust the same is true for me.

October 2004

2 Corinthians 4:16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.    (NLT)