As I sat on my couch, yesterday reading the Topeka Rescue Mission Newsletter, I was struck by why God has blessed me and my family with a beautiful home(s), a good vehicle, food for every meal and also to indulge, too many clothes, toys and so much more. I not only have all my material needs met, but have too many wants fullfilled as well. How dare I complain about the house I live in, or that I can't "afford" to go on vacation, or go shopping when I want to.
But, I am also beyond blessed to have a wonderful husband who loves me, provides exceptionally for his family, and who is my best friend, four precious children, and a support system of family and friends. I will never be alone, nor lonely, if I choose. I don't believe though, that my support system would even let me choose to be alone or feel lonely. I am amazed at how in tune some of you are to my personality and needs:-) I, as well as my cowboy, was raised in a very close family (including extended family), so we are trying to do the same for our babies. The friends that close in the cirlce around us, are ever constant and priceless! I again use the term support system, because in so many lives, that is a key to their loniness and homelessness, not having a support system, for what ever the reason.
Getting these newsletters every month is something I cherish! It is always the first thing I open and read on the day it arrives in the mail box. It brings me to tears, every time, but I am so thankful to God for that conviction of my heart. We can not give the way some can, but are able to give in many other ways. I fill a bag(s) at least once a month of outgrown clothes, seldom to never used, and duplicated items around our house to take to the Mission. Along with whatever extras I have in our little pantry. I feel it is the least I can personally do in this season of life.
Any way, I am always especially convicted when the Christmas Gift Needs List from the TRM arrives. My hearts desire is to get one of every item on that list, but that's just not realistic for us to achieve on our own. So today, for this Christmas season, I am standing on my conviction to reach out to, and encourage all you whom I call family, friend, or a sweet soul reading this on Face Book, and ask for you to consider meeting a need from the list below, so others may see the hands and feet of God at work, in a tangible way. The TRM is a true miracle for so many people, and they can only do their work if we are willing to help. Please forgive me if I have stepped on your toes or affended you in any way, that is not my intent with this blog. I am only stepping out on what I feel God is leading me to do.
If you would like to participate, I will be dropping off all the gifts collected on Wednesday, December 1st. Feel free to drop them on my doorstep, or at the church's welcome center (please put my name and TRM on it), or I would be honored to pick it up from you if that's easier.
I pray that we all keep in the front of our minds, what this season of giving is truly about. Without the miraculous birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, well, there would be no special "season of giving".
Christmas Needs List:
Women: Jeans all sizes, shirts or sweaters, pajamas, briefs (esp. sz 5-8), socks
Men: Jeans all sizes, shirts, thermals, socks, boxer shorts
Teens: A much needed item, very open to your ideas! jeans, shirts, pajamas
Boys & Girls: Educational toys and gifts, jeans, shirts, pajamas
Miscellaneous Gift Items Needed:
twin blankets, pillows, bath towels and washcloths, men's stocking caps and gloves, bath sets, cologne gift sets, small gifts for adults, radios and headsets with CD players,
small appliances: coffee pots, toasters, 4-5qt. crock pots, cooking utensils, pots and pans
"As we make plans for Christmas season activities at the Topeka Rescue Mission, we are happy to receive donations of new items for Christmas for our guests. We ask that, for Christmas, gifts would be new items and unwrapped." (Barry Feaker, Executive Director)
*If you would like more information go to http://www.trmonline.org/ or on their Face book page.
Have a very blessed day, and thanks for reading this to the end;-) I know I babble sometimes! Enjoy the warmth of the sun today.
In Him,
A
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