Operation: GIVE

I just want to take opportunity to share this information with everyone. This time of year many find it standard procedure to get together with family & friends, and shower one another with presents. But we should all remember that the greatest gift we can give anyone is love... especially to those less fortunate than ourselves. This is something that should be spread throughout the entire year, but since the holidays so heavily emphasize on giving by way of capitalizing on commercionalism, I feel the need to address the true spirit of the holiday season.

Most know the "reason for the season",... how about we reflect that by giving of our hearts,.. by sharing His love,.. by helping those of less fortune. I strongly encourage you to consider reaching out to those in need. You don't have to be a Believer, you don't have to be wealthy... all you need is love.

You can drop off a new, unwrapped toy at most any local fire or police department, church, and many retail stores & shopping malls.

Giving can be as simple as donating your time,.. volunteer to help with your local food drive, by helping in boxing up donated goods, or volunteering your car and helping to deliver those boxes to the designated families. I can tell you from experience in both building the care packages as well as delivering them,.. it is a WONDERFUL feeling!

Local missions & shelters can get overwhelmed by the abundance of people in need during the winter months, and especially at the holidays. Donations often go directly to those who need it most. Most are short-handed and can use extra volunteers to help serve meals... volunteering at your local "soup kitchen" is an excellent way to "give love". Meals on Wheels can get overwhelmed this time of year as well. For ourselves, we help out our local Battered Women & Children's Shelter whenever we can.

Contact your local Red Cross and give blood... give the gift of life! Visit http://www.givelife2.org/donor/default.asp for more information.

I would also like to encourage you to consider signing up for the "Any Soldier" support effort at anysoldier.com. The girls & I have adopted an entire Marine unit to send letters, cards, pictures, snacks, and other tidbits to. Soldiers who don't have the family support other's do, soldiers who would give almost anything for a small reminder of home, a reminder that they are appreciated,.. that they are loved, and that they are not alone. Whether for one soldier, or a dozen, every little bit helps!

Another great way of reaching out is another program near & dear to my heart... "World Vision International". You may have begun seeing ads for them on tv and even many social & business networks already. I urge you to consider them in your gift-giving... get involved. Make a donation, or better yet if you have the means, sponsor a child. There are thousands of sponsor children waiting for someone like you! In addition, there are children with even higher needs,.. Hope Children. These children are from specific villages in African countries and other countries around the world devastated by HIV/AIDS. Your help can supply these children & families with clean water, healthy food, education and healthcare. You can get more information at worldvision.org.

I have also come across an item, that for being a small & affordable trinket, it packs a lot of encouragement. It's called a 'Pocket Angel', and perhaps you've heard of them already, too, but it is amazing how something so simple can mean so much to someone. There are many sites out there where you can purchase these, but my site of choice is the Sattva Gallery at sattvagallery.com. These are of the same or similar quality that you will find at the other sites, although these are available for only $1.00 each. The soldiers in our sponsored Marine unit, as well as our HopeChild, will be recieving these in with their care packages... will you consider doing the same?

If you're short on time or money, and think, "I'd like to, but I just can't", I urge you to consider this,.. Gift giving doesn't have to be extravagant. Love is free... Try helping someone locate or reach an item at the store, helping with getting someone's groceries to the car... How about when going through the checkout, and the cashier says. "Hi, how are you?"... instead of most people's usual grumble about being tired, what if you say something like, "I'm good, thank you for asking, and how are you?".... you know, even a smile can do someone a world of good!

The greatest gift is love,... and should be shared throughout the year, not just at the holidays. But now is a perfect time to start. I encourage you to search inside yourselves, and if you have the means to reach out in any of these ways, or others,.. please do. XOXO