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For me, nothing brings me greater satisfaction at this time of year than giving to others in need. Little Logan (our God Son's name) learned that lesson in last night's story, "Love thy Neighbour." Like Logan did in the story for his "adopted" family of Alvin, Padget and Roxanne (dear, dear friend's of mine), last year I went shopping for five children and had so much fun not only finding things on their list but more while staying within the charities allocated budget of $100/child which is raised via various fundraisers.
When dropping off the wrapped and labelled goods to the Shamrock Children's Christmas Fund folks, they were all dressed up like elves and they whisked the goods away into their rented warehouse to be sorted and then delivered. In addition to the gifts the volunteer secret Santa's purchased, they provide a complete Christmas meal to each of 200 families. The food is all donated by one independent grocer from Red Deer. He, and the SCCF have been doing this here in town for over 50 years. Amazing! All it cost me was my time and in return I got that great sense of knowing I had helped other's dreams come true.
That lesson of loving your neighbor and the subsequent joy from doing so, was ingrained in me early as I remember delivering a care hamper to a family with my church group. We then sang some Christmas carols to the family while they stood at their front door. I may have been about 9 or 10 when I did this but I will forever remember the look of joy on the Father's face when he saw who was at his door that cold winter night.
Each year for the past six years, we package up Christmas dinners for 12 nurses at the Foothills Country Hospice and deliver them on Christmas Day. Those nurses are angels here on earth and this simple act gives them something to look forward to while they care for others and miss time with their own families. It allows us to thank them in a personal way for the care and love they have given our family and friends while losing a loved one to cancer. All it means is cooking one extra turkey on Christmas Day and doubling up on all the rest of the dishes.
In addition, some of us have decided not to exchange gifts this year and instead will make a family donation to Rowan House, a women's shelter in High River.
All worthy causes. What causes are you supporting this year? Are you being a Secret Santa for anyone?
God bless you for answering the needs of others in your community!
Have a wonderful Sunday everyone! I am off to make the Butter Tarts featured in tonight's story, "Tradition!"
Shine On!
- K
When dropping off the wrapped and labelled goods to the Shamrock Children's Christmas Fund folks, they were all dressed up like elves and they whisked the goods away into their rented warehouse to be sorted and then delivered. In addition to the gifts the volunteer secret Santa's purchased, they provide a complete Christmas meal to each of 200 families. The food is all donated by one independent grocer from Red Deer. He, and the SCCF have been doing this here in town for over 50 years. Amazing! All it cost me was my time and in return I got that great sense of knowing I had helped other's dreams come true.
That lesson of loving your neighbor and the subsequent joy from doing so, was ingrained in me early as I remember delivering a care hamper to a family with my church group. We then sang some Christmas carols to the family while they stood at their front door. I may have been about 9 or 10 when I did this but I will forever remember the look of joy on the Father's face when he saw who was at his door that cold winter night.
Each year for the past six years, we package up Christmas dinners for 12 nurses at the Foothills Country Hospice and deliver them on Christmas Day. Those nurses are angels here on earth and this simple act gives them something to look forward to while they care for others and miss time with their own families. It allows us to thank them in a personal way for the care and love they have given our family and friends while losing a loved one to cancer. All it means is cooking one extra turkey on Christmas Day and doubling up on all the rest of the dishes.
In addition, some of us have decided not to exchange gifts this year and instead will make a family donation to Rowan House, a women's shelter in High River.
All worthy causes. What causes are you supporting this year? Are you being a Secret Santa for anyone?
God bless you for answering the needs of others in your community!
Have a wonderful Sunday everyone! I am off to make the Butter Tarts featured in tonight's story, "Tradition!"
Shine On!
- K