Busy November!

Happy early Thanksgiving, y'all! Oh my goodness, this time of year just gets busier and busier, right? Russell and I have been extra busy this month. Here's a little recap.

A couple of weeks ago, we filled our shoebox (or plastic box) for a little boy. We really love participating in Operation Christmas Child every single year and look forward to shopping for children every year! 

 Here are the toys and things we picked out together. Yes, I realize we went a little overboard, but we realize that most of the children who receive these shoe boxes do not even have a toothbrush or toothpaste, or even socks to wear. We just had to get these goodies for him!

 Even Belle enjoyed helping!

 Russell knew just how to fit the items in the box. He was such a pro! Ha! There really was a technique to this!

 Our letter we typed up for him!

 Stickers to decorate the box!

Saturday, Bentonville Square held a special lighting of Christmas lights. We decided to go. Here is the community Christmas tree...so pretty!

 It was so windy outside! We got a picture together anyway!

 The ice rink was open Saturday too. It was too warm to stay open so we didn't get to ice skate! I have only ice skated twice in my life, but I was going to drag Russell on the rink anyway. Maybe next time! HA!

 Beautiful lights on the square!

For the kiddos: go to Lawrence Plaza to drop off your letters to Santa! :) Drop it off in the Gingerbread House!

Can y'all believe it's almost Thanksgiving? WOW! I hope y'all have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving! XOXO!

I will praise the name of God with song, and shall magnify Him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

Operation Christmas Child Time!

It's that time of year again! Yep, Operation Christmas Child is officially underway! I try to share about OCC every year because it is an organization that means a lot to me. This year, I think Russell and I will fill a shoebox for a little boy. Go to http://www.samaritanspurse.org/ to learn more about how to get involved. Oh, what a huge difference it can make for a little boy or little girl!

And look who is promoting it too! Scotty McCreery! Scotty won American Idol 2011.

Also, if you have any questions at all about it, feel free to email me! I would be glad to help you!

Give, and it will be given to you. Luke 6:38

Shoebox for a Little Girl

Today Russell and I went to walmart and got all kinds of things to fill a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child. We do this every year. I always get so very emotional while we put them together. We sure had a good time picking out all of the little girls goodies!
Here's Russell with a book we picked out for her.

I am holding my favorite things we got her: Pinkalicious toys! Aren't they cute?

Even Belle wanted to help us!

Here it is all filled up for a precious girl. We do not know where this shoebox will go. We do not know how old she really is or know her name. But we will be praying for her every day because we know this one shoebox may make a difference in her life.

After the shoebox was filled, we had Baked Potato Chowder for dinner! Perfect for a Fall night!

Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 16:17

Operation Christmas Child

Well, it's that time of the year again! Time to get our shoeboxes and fill them for a child! That is what Operation Christmas Child is. Samaritan's Purse started this great cause for children all over the world. If you fill a shoebox with things like stuffed animals, board books, yoyos, toothpaste and toothbrush and soap, etc. then a child will open that box that may look like this one:
and it will make a huge difference in that child's life. Just think, a sweet boy or girl opening a bod filled with things they have never had before. Amazing. So consider filling a shoe box for a child. Go to www.samaritans purse.org for more information.

But give that which is within as charity and then all things are clear for you. Luke 11:41

Operation Christmas Child Music Video

Here is a music video promoting Operation Christmas Child. Matthew West and Amy Grant sing this song together and its great! Also, I forgot to mention yesterday that these shoe boxes go to different countries, not the U.S. But it is an awesome way to reach out to children around the world! :)

Enjoy!

What a Shoebox Can Do

What can a shoebox do for someone?

Lots for a child.

For years, even before I met Russell, I helped fill shoeboxes to give children for Christmas. FBC Camden, my former church, takes part in this every year and they have participated in this for several years now. It is called Operation Christmas Child. How it works is you find an empty shoebox and then fill it with items for children. You may fill it with all sorts of things like a toothbrush/toothpaste, a ball, bar of soap, a small childrens book, crayons, and more! There are many options. Soon after you fill it, your shoebox may look somewhat like this one:
Isn't it AWESOME? Samaritans Purse organization is the one that started Operation Christmas Child. What a great thing. And some of these children have never even received a gift before! Go to http://www.samaritanspurse.org/ to learn even more details. I do know, however, the deadline to send off the shoeboxes is soon, so go now, if you can, and fill an empty shoebox for a precious child!

By the way tomorrow I will have a youtube video up telling more about it! Stay tuned!