Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Operation Christmas Child Warehouse

Look at all the setup that goes into this ordeal



Empty boxes soon to be filled with the finished products for shipping.


Taking a break to smile for the camera.

Our boxes that we worked on were going to the Ukraine


Look at all the boxes ready to be delivered to that special girl or boy.


Yesterday was simply amazing. I had the opportunity to go to the Operation Christmas Child Warehouse. It was neat to see how many things go on, and how many boxes they send out. I will post pictures in a bit. I went yesterday morning, and then wrote a little something about my experience, and I loved it so much that I went again last night. It's hard to describe this experience in writing, and I encourage everyone to participate. I was always the one that packed boxes in the past, but never actually seen or understood the entire process. Here is the thing I wrote:

‘Twas the week before Christmas
And all through the warehouse,
Operation Christmas Child boxes were being sent out.

Children, youth, and adults of all ages
Were packing boxes through eyes of a Savior.
Each tiny box wrapped, taped and handled with care
In the hopes that the kids in the Ukraine
Would understand and know someone cares.

Barbie dolls, race cars, puzzles, coloring books and some crayons too,
Trying to squish in the last item or two;
We certainly don’t want a child to be blue
If only they knew

We don’t realize how much we’ve been blessed
Until some of us are put to the test.
Day in and day out Operation Christmas Child workers are always at their best;
Some seem to never take a rest.

So let this be a lesson to all -
Shoe boxes no matter how big or small
Can make some sort of impact
If we just gather up goodies and have ourselves a ball

So think of all the children in our world near and far
Who can catch a glimpse of the Shining Star
Through something so little as an Operation Christmas Child box
So let’s gather our socks, and start a box for next year

Sunday, December 7, 2008

I Surrender All

I know most of you have heard this song a zillion times, but it actually clicked this morning during church. Perry spoke on the "Christmas Story," and one of the verses in Luke 2 says "GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST..." this is what our purpose here on earth is to be about. Perry also talked about when Jesus was born the shepherds left their livelihood (which was their sheep.)What "sheep" do you need to leave behind? The song that he challenged us with is the one listed below. I pray that you read over the words, and let them actually soak in. We are to Surrender All, Everything to Him..NOT just the little things. If you would like to watch Perry's message it will be up sometime Tuesday at http://www.newspring.cc/. Hope this sermon rocks your world as much as it did mine. Are you surrendering ALL or just the pieces you are willing to give up?



All to Jesus I surrender;
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

* Refrain:
I surrender all,
I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender;
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.

All to Jesus I surrender;
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.

All to Jesus I surrender;
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power;
Let Thy blessing fall on me.

All to Jesus I surrender;
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His Name!