Needless to say, I was expecting to hear the usual..."Aw, Mom...do we have to?" I mean, I was prepared to do everything I could to convince them to do it just for me. Shockingly enough, I didn't have to take it to that extreme and they piled into the car and off we went to find the perfect picture-taking spot. There was no complaining, no questioning...and no arguing! Pure heaven, I tell you!! I was in total bliss!
We drove to a little town about 15 miles from where we live where there's a State Park. It had a lake running through the middle of all these different hiking trails and campgrounds. However, it was too cold to get too close to the water. We were all chilled to the bone as it was! So, we took most of our pictures in the woods. Here's a few shots that we ended up with. They aren't the ones we'll be using, but they're some of our favorites. It's just one more thing I can scratch off my list off my "to do" list! Hip, hip, hooray!!!
When church let out, Chris and I stopped by one of the tables in the vestibule and picked up some information about "Gift of Hope". Our church is having a two-week initiative, beginning Nov. 30th, that's all about sharing the hope we have in Christ with those around us. Here are a few ideas that were outlined in the pamphlet. They're things that anyone can do this time of year to make a difference in the lives of others:
1. Fast Food Friends: Pay the fast food bill of the car behind you in the drive through of a fast-food restaurant. Ask the cashier to give that car a "Gift of Hope" card and tell them their meal is paid for. Abby loves this idea...we definitely plan to do it!
2. Provide cookies to the local police and fire departments.
3. Provide breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and juice for commercial construction sites around the church community.
4. Visit and minister to residents and staff of a local nursing home. Deliver homemade cards to them.
5. Minister to the homeless by preparing a meal, providing canned goods and dry food items, socks, towels, t-shirts, sweats, and a Bible.
6. Host a Christmas gathering in your home for your neighbors. Gatherings include seasonal refreshments, sharing of Christmas traditions, and a short talk on the meaning of Christmas.
I think these are all wonderful ideas, don't you? After all, isn't giving in the spirit of love what Christmas is all about?
Oh, and if you haven't already done so, be sure to scroll down and enter my giveaway! I'll choose a winner today around 4:45 PM EST...I forgot that I have to attend Brittany's cross country banquet at 5:00 PM. I'll post the winner as soon as I can! Enjoy your day!!
