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If you’re like me then you take advantage of the after-holiday sales when most items get marked down. Sometimes you can find treasures discounted as low as seventy-five or ninety percent. Now that’s a deal!

I enjoy purchasing items for future gifts or pieces that can be turned into crafts and donated for fundraising.

Last year I purchased clearance Christmas tags and created bookmarks to include in my cards. I made dozens to pass out at a children’s church program.

Once I found styrofoam bulbs discounted to mere cents, and then made paper mache snowmen, button, bead, and diamond dust coated bulbs. I even created some sport embellished material bulbs that I sealed with Mod Podge. I also decorated year-end cinnamon scented pine cones. A dear friend of mine, who sews and knits, is very crafty. She created full-size snowmen from styrofoam bulbs, each with a knitted scarf.

Pinterest is loaded with tons of ideas.

Children love to experiment and create. Designing handmade gifts helps them to remember others. Even a simple craft leaves a memorable mark on one’s heart.

If you’re snowed in this winter and the children are bored, pull out your sale items and let them go to town.

Happy New Year!

Colossians 3:23-24 (NKJ)

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Merry Christmas

Luke 2:11 (NKJ)

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Recently my daughter and I spent a day running errands. We scurried from one place to another scratching off our ‘to do’ lists. As we exited a large shopping center, I noticed the seasonal bell ringer, bundled in cold weather attire, faithfully ringing his bell for donations.

I stopped and turned back dropping coins into the big red kettle.

“Thank you,” he said.

“Has anyone purchased a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for you?” I asked.

“No,” he answered, shivering.

“Which drink would you like?”

“Hot chocolate,” he responded with a smile.

I hurried to catch up with my daughter who was already seated in the SUV.

“I knew you were going to do that,” she said.

“Where can we get hot chocolate?” I asked, backing out of the parking space.

“Over there.” She pointed across the large parking lot to a fast food restaurant.

I drove in that direction and scanned the drive-through menu for sizes and pricing.

“Order the large one,” she said.

I smiled.

We returned to the shopping center, and I pulled alongside the bell ringer. My daughter rolled down the window and handed him the warm drink.

They both smiled.

You never know how a small act of kindness might bless someone. The bell ringers withstand cold weather and long hours unselfishly volunteering for the needs of others. A hot drink might just hit the spot.

Philippians 2:4 (NKJ)

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

 

 

As we enter the CHRISTmas season, gift giving is at the top of most everyone’s list. We spend hours selecting items for our loved ones, sometimes running from one bargain to the next. But do we consider those less fortunate? Maybe your neighbor lost his job or the parents of your children’s friends have recently separated.

I came up with an idea a few years back. I toss my loose change into an old can or empty jar. At CHRISTmastime, I give the jar to a family in need. I also include the coin wrappers. I imagine how much fun the children have counting and wrapping the change. Those quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies add up. Sometimes I hide a few loose bills inside. And when all is said and counted, the children can select a gift of choice. To sweeten the jar, I include wrapped bags of candy.

One year, I discovered that a certain aged penny was valuable. So I added that information in the jar of coins. What fun for children to search for a coin of value!

Here’s where I find most of my change:

automobile cup holder

floor mats

sidewalks

bottom of my purse

jean pockets

under sofa cushions

washing machine

You may have your own coin area.

This is a great mission for children as they learn about sharing and giving.

Merry Christmas!

Proverbs 22:9 (NKJ)

He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.