Gifts of Yesteryear

                                                                       

   

Do you remember what you were gifted last year for Christmas? Neither do I. Maybe there is that one gift - the bicycle at age 5 - but after that the memory becomes blurry.

That collection of Beanie Babies we searched the world over to find. Now they collect dust in our attic space out of reach. We counted on them being worth good money one day...but that one day is today and no one is willing to pay.

Tickle Me Elmo. Where is he now?

Latest Amazon deliveries today will be the has-beens of tomorrow. 

With that in mind, why in the world do we get frantic and fret and frolic to and fro to buy that extra special something for that extra special someone? They are merely going to quickly forget what was gifted to them...just like us!

We do this search and conquer mission out of love, of course, but must it require our every waking minute and every saved penny?

 This all happens during what is to be the most sacred season of the year.

The older we get - the more gifts we buy and the more ribbons we tie. We should ask ourselves if this is really necessary to tie our heart strings to those closest to our heart. 💝

Of course not. We know not. 

It's what we do. It's what to do.

Maybe we reel in it just a bit. Can I make a suggestion for you and for me? May I offer us another place to put minimal effort into getting maximum output during our season of giving...

Operation Christmas Child is a wonderful ministry of Samaritan's Purse that has been gifting children for over 30 years. Over 200 million shoeboxes have been given over that time span. Each of these represent 200 million children who will each receive only 1 shoebox gift in their entire lifetime.  

I have heard testimony after testimony of the impact that one shoebox gift makes on that one child. These are children who will unquestionably remember the Christmas gift they receive. It is likely the only gift they have ever been given. They sleep with their new stuffed animal, wear their slinky as a bracelet not knowing it's a toy, and cherish their first personal toothbrush not having to share one with all the other children in the orphanage. 

Putting our giving focus there ensures our gift will be remembered. The child not only receives their first treasured items but also a Bible in their native tongue and the opportunity to participate in a 12-week discipleship program. Over 50 million children have completed "The Greatest Journey."  This impacts entire families, villages and towns.

Why am I mentioning Operation Christmas Child to you? Am I just adding to your long list of gifts to buy and things to do? No. 

I want to share a way to make a profound impact during the season of giving while not having to leave your comfy couch.

Operation Christmas Child has streamlined the process to make giving super easy and super quick. A flat $25 investment can impact a child in the hardest to reach regions of the world. This option and opportunity have profound potential.    

The program is called "Build A Shoebox Online." Taking a mere 3 minutes max of your time, you can bless a child and make an eternal impact on his life. You get to personalize your box within approved selections with a few simple clicks. 

See the link below.

Consider "BASBO" this year. Let me know if you did and how you enjoyed the ease of giving in this impactful way. 🧧🎁

There's a lot to like about that!

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

Give to remember

way past December.

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

Build a Shoebox Online

Steps to go along with link:

Go to www.samaritanspurse.org > Get Involved > Operation Christmas Child > Pack a Shoebox > Build a Shoebox Online > Start Building > Girl or Boy > Age Range > Pick essential items > Pick Wow item > Pick 3 small toys > Pick 2 accessories > Optional picture & note > Pay

YOU'RE DONE!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL and to All a Good Night!!