All your "needs" in a shoe box....

Think of items that you NEED....

Maybe I should give you some time to discuss, think, and list what your NEEDS truly are...

Excluding shelter, could you fit life's necessities in a shoe box???


What about this....could you fit an EXCELLENT Christmas in a shoe box?
(no liquids, nothing that melts, no perishables, no money!)

My box?
I would hope to receive.......
cozy socks (the fuzzy holiday kind)
a book
hmmmmm
kitchen towels?

It is really hard to come up with stuff....and none of mine were necessities!



Our church's Children Ministry does about 4 to 5 mission projects every year.
My favorite is the Christmas Shoe Box project for Operation Christmas Child (through Samaritan's Purse). If you haven't heard of it or want more info go to their website HERE.

The boxes are going to kids that are praying for pencils so they can do their school work. Soap, washcloth, toothpaste and toothbrushes are a luxury. The children and their families are happy to see the arrival of the boxes and the volunteers that bring the message of God's love for them!

I have learned over the past few years of being involved with different ministries that I am not really needed! God can take care of us and His Will will be done! My purpose is to glorify God. When we organize mission projects, participate, give, volunteer, etc....we are bringing glory to God, his love, his name!!!

I love passing this message on to our children!
They have enjoyed the projects.

Last year we filled about 60 boxes.

This year we filled about 150. (I have not done the final count yet!)


I am so thankful to be a part of a loving and giving church family!
I am overwhelmed at the response and thought that these kids put into this project!!

empty boxes ready to be "Christmas" to a little kid somewhere in this world

soap, washcloths, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, small toys, pencils, crayons, coloring books, hard candy, flashlights (with extra batteries)....separated and ready to be packed!

the kids thoughtfully packing each box for an unknown child

I loved watching them take their time picking out a color of comb, style of sock, variety of candy!

making decisions of how to best pack the box to fit more toys 

really working hard to stuff as much as they could into a box as they thought about each kid receiving the box

For some of you, this might be painful...but this holiday season...try to teach yourself and your children about NEEDS and WANTS. You may think that it would be sad for your child if they did not get what is on their Christmas list. 

NOT TRUE!! I know from experience that your children will receive a different and better feeling if they give up some of their WANTS to be able to give to someone else!!

Check your city's ministries! Give toys and coats to those who NEED them!

Check out the above link and pack a box!!

Make this Holiday Season FANTASTIC!!

Give away Christmas !!