Sharing Is Caring ~ Jenica and her friend had a beautiful day to ring the Salvation Army bells at a local store this afternoon. It was 46 degrees, which felt warm compared to the cold we had recently. Sadly, the snow is almost all gone. So please join us in praying for a white Christmas. Anyway, Jacob was supposed to ring the bell, but he got an "S.O.S." call yesterday to help a friend officiate a basketball tournament in Grand Island all day. This gave Jenica her very first opportunity to ring the Salvation Army bell. (#107) Since it's more fun with a friend, Jenica called Ashlyn to help her. God has blessed Jenica with a great friend and a desire to do what she can to make a difference.
"And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God." Hebrews 13:16
It's In The Mail ~ While the girls were ringing the bell, Jillian and I mailed another batch of Christmas cards. I love this time of year, and the Christmas cards, pictures, and greetings that come in the mail give me such joy. (#108) We love hearing from friends and family. Some we see often, others not so much. But exchanging Christmas cards and letters is a tradition that I am always anxious to participate in. Jillian loves being a helper, so I snapped a picture of her dropping the cards into the big mailbox. (#109)
Where are the Turkeys? ~ After the girls were finished Ringing the Bells, we took a brief detour through the park to see if we could spot the turkeys. We found one of them, pecking in the grass, near the fountain. The turkeys make us laugh. (#110) They're such a silly bird. I think we're going to name this turkey "Waldo" and call it our little "Where's Waldo" game.
Give Christmas Away in the Drive-Thru ~ After spotting "Waldo" in the park, we decided to go through the Sonic drive-thru and pay for the person's order behind us (#111). We knew that since it was "Happy Hour," that someone would come behind us, so we could give them a blessing. And someone did! We get such joy when we do this! And the girls always peek behind us to try and see the person's reaction. We always leave a little note with the cashier to give to the person when they arrive at the window and find out their debt has been paid. The note directs them to
MyBridgeRadio where they can find out about the gift that Jesus gives to them. Jesus has paid our debt. It's up to each of us to either accept His gift or reject it. The best thing about Christmas is Jesus! (#112)
The Olden Days ~ Jenica interviewed her great-grandparents to find out what it was like to live through the 1930's. As they were talking about the different hardships they had to endure, Jillian suddenly had a light bulb go off and turned to me with big eyes and asked, "did they live in the olden days?" It was a blessing, to hear them reminisce about the strength of family, working together to survive a very difficult season. (#113) We all learned something new about gma & gpa. And it made us appreciate the conveniences we have today (#114), such as: water, lights, electricity, cars, refrigerators, and so much more.
Undiscovered Gift ~ After Jenica finished asking them questions, Grandpa Don showed us some of the paintings he's made recently. He has a natural gift, which remained undiscovered until 6 years ago when he decided to take a painting class down in Texas (where they spend the winter). He amazed all the little old ladies, who were also taking the class, as he whipped out paintings left and right with little effort. I wonder what grandpa's life would be like, if he would have have taken an art class 30 years ago instead. But God's timing is perfect. (#115) It was in His perfect timing that He chose to reveal this gift to my grandpa. Even though grandpa's eyesight is deteriorating, he isn't complaining and wishing he would have started painting years ago. Instead, he cherishes the moment and enjoys the opportunity God has given him to create works of art that celebrate who God is along with the awesome beauty of His creation. Grandpa loves talking out what inspires the hundreds of paintings he's created, and he loves showing them to us (#116). Just before we left, he surprised me by giving a special framed painting to me. (#117) God has given both grandpa and I a BIG love for His majestic mountains. (#118)
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