Our Last Advent Project

For at least 68 Children, Christmas is not about stacks of gifts under the tree, if there is one.

Its not about the latest electronic gadget or game, when your cold or hungry

For 167 adults, Christmas is about being fed in the body & spirit & knowing there will be food for at least a few more weeks

Gifts of clothing that warm the body and the soul of 51 families for another winter.

A wonderful group of people that gave so generously to those in need

For 10 years we have had the JOY and Honor of co-chairing the Advent Project at Sacred Heart. The love and generosity of the parish has moved us to tears every year. Nothing was more rewarding than the night before delivery & the visual gift of Sacred Heart being Jesus to the community.

EVERY year, the Advent Project ran on FAITH & integrity with the funds donated. We came to the painful realization we can no longer in good conscience continue to participate in the program when the parish staff chose to use what should have been a “joyful giving” as a “fundraiser”for the church.

When all was delivered, with our adult children and grandchildren, we left knowing it was our last year to participate and the last day as members of the the parish.

Sometimes growth and knowledge is painful but necessary. But for the first time in months, Larry & I are sleeping through the night, knowing we did the right thing.

So, the gate is open, coffee is fresh and bread is baking so stop in for a chat.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Technorati Tags: Advent Project,giving,knowledge,growth,closing the gate

Stepping Back

Once in a while everyone comes to a point when they have to just step back and as my friend Rhonda says, “close the gate”. My “closing the gate” may not be the same but, I’m finding I need to step back for a bit.

We’ve had a few challenges that have set us on our heals and seriously shaken us to the core leaving us both feeling very hurt and emotionally battered. I’m finding its become unstoppable, like a huge wave, flowing into and affecting all other aspects of our lives. We both are having a difficult time focusing or sleeping. I’m having a difficult time maintaining commitments I’ve made. As a moderator on the Down_To_Earth Forum (I haven’t been able to do for a week) and the Ruby e-zine article I’m 2 weeks late with. Both are such wonderful & joyful places to be a part of.

With a lot of prayer, & supporting each other we’re taking baby steps to move forward but, needing to let some things go, at least for a little while.

We have for the past 10 years co-chaired what is called the Advent Project at our parish. To our family this project is our Christmas, interviewing those in need, coordinating sponsors with recipients of a pantry restock & gifts of clothing & toys for children. This year we have scaled back and only have 50 families sponsored. When we found ourselves making comments such as, let’s just get through this year we knew we had to make a few personal changes. Everything else we do is set aside for now as this needs to be done with a good spirit & joy in our hearts. Anything less would not be right and in fact be a disservice.

Tomorrow night is Advent Eve for us, all the groceries & gifts will be brought to church and Saturday morning will be delivery day.

So, we’re stepping back …. and closing the gate on everything for a bit, trying to find our balance.

Empty Hands & Heavy Hearts

A few days ago a friend of Erika's was in a car accident.

She was pregnant.

My understanding is she was delivered due to medical complications

29 weeks along, she delivered a 2lb 8 oz baby boy

We didn't know the details,

but Prayed for Strength & Healing for the family

We just found out

The baby did not make it.

The details?

we don't need them to pray

I just know there are parents with heavy hearts

& empty hands

that need all the Strength & Healing our

prayers can give them

Give Away Winner!

After getting home from Church late Friday night, Isaiah fell asleep on us...so, we did the drawing on Saturday.

And the Winner is ....

(drum roll please)

Sonya

Which is great as she lives local to me. Better yet, she works part time in our Local Yarn Store "Grinny Possum Fiber Arts!

So Sonya, let me know your schedule & I'll drop these off to you!

Again, sorry for the delay, we ended up spending Easter with Rachel & Adam in Indy....Mr. Hayden sang in a children's program & we couldn't miss it.

Post photos tomorrow

I know BAAAD Blogger!

Tajci.....An Angels Voice

A few (3 or 4) years ago our church had Lenton small study group gatherings. We loved it and missed it terribly when it ended at Easter. So, with 4-6 other couples decided to keep it going on our own. We rotate gathering in each others homes, some one brings snacks, and another chooses a scripture study topic. We come together once a month. Sort of a Sunday school with a twist. We have developed some wonderful life long friends, the kind you can trust with anything, your heart....the true you. Whats said in group...stays in group. In our house we call that "Kitchen Table Rules" Sure we have differences, ages, incomes, life experiences..... but that's the great thing, learning to look at scripture thru another's heart.

With this month falling in the Lenton season I'm sure part of the topic will concerning the Crucifixion. After the chosen reading, a discussion would follow of how it relates in our lives.

As a mother, watching my children blossom & grow walking the paths in life they have chosen may often be painful. Seeing them.... Falling down and getting back up, only to be stronger. Sometimes its an illness bandage's, cuddles and kisses cant fix. Dreams shattered, new ones made... goals, priorities & responsibilities shifting. As tough as it is sometimes we have to let them trip and fall, to learn they can pick themselves back up & sometimes start over.

But can you imagine being Mary?

Tomorrow night as our "Group Gathering" we are all going to a concert to see "Tajci"

She has a story that is indescribeable, coming to the USA, traveling the country with her family sharing her gift & faith.

Right now Silently is my favorite.