Operation Christmas Child - Lesson in Giving

Our shoe boxes are packed and ready for Operation Christmas Child.

Several years ago, before Dasia was born, Dale and I started filling shoe boxes each November for Operation Christmas Child.  One year, we took our youth group to Wal-Mart and had the kids pick out items to fill shoe boxes.  We then went back to our church for an overnight party where we ate, played games and filled up several shoe boxes with gifts for the children who are blessed through Operation Christmas Child.  Every year, I look forward to participating in this ministry. 

This week, Dasia, Dylan and I made a trip to the Dollar Tree to purchase items to fill up four shoe boxes.  It's a good opportunity for the children to give to other children.  They both enjoyed picking out a few toys to put in the boxes.  That evening we wrapped and filled up our gifts.  It was an emotional time for Dylan who would really like to have some of the toys we put in the boxes.

National Collection Week is November 12-19, 2012.  If you would like more information on this ministry, visit http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/occ.

God's Ways....Are Not What We Would Think

My mums that I bought from Aldi either last year or 2 years ago.  Beautiful this year!

Last night, our story for the evening from "Little Boys Bible Storybook" was about Joshua and the wall of Jericho.  Every time I read about Jericho from one of our children's Bibles, I laugh out loud.  Here's an excerpt of what I find so funny (and amazing!).


     "God said we can capture Jericho," Joshua annouced.   "Alright!  We'll attack them so hard that they won't know what hit them!"  The Israelites cheered.   "No.  We're going to do exactly what God says: March around the city once a day for six days-without saying a word!"  Joshua was very firm.  "Huh? We'll look like fools," the people muttered...

      HA! Look at those crazy Israelites!" the men of Jericho laughed.  "What do they think they're gonna do...shake the walls so hard that they fall down?


I've heard this story many times, but nothing has done it justice like children's Bibles and VeggieTales.  Take a few moments and think about what it was like for Joshua.  The Israelites would assume they were going to fight.  Who wouldn't have thought that?  Joshua had to believe God and put himself out there.  And then once they started marching, can you imagine what the people of Jericho said? 

How can this relate to our lives today?  "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.  Isaiah 55:8  Years ago, God did things differently than  you or I would have.  And....He still does today.  Ask God what to do with the difficult areas and problems in your life.  Take time to listen for His voice and answer.  There's a pretty good chance that what He tells you may not be what you would have decided to do on your own or what you would learn from worldly magazines and tv. 

Old Train Tunnel - Family Fun Friday

An old train tunnel that has been turned into a walking and bicycle path.

 Last Friday, the kids and I along with my mom and cousin enjoyed a walk along a nearby trail where there is an old train tunnel that you can walk through.  We took a flashlight in case the kids got scared.  It's pretty dark in the middle of the tunnel. 

My cousin acted as science teacher for the day and pointed out the different types of rocks and trees along the path.  So, we were able to have science and get some exercise at the same time.  We all had a good time!

My cousin Kevin, Dasia, Dylan and my mom