Still, if push came to shove, and I was forced to count all my gifts upon one hand, I’d never need consult another. I’d know exactly what I’d choose. Because it’s the simple things that make Christmas, Christmas:

A reminder of Christmas past . . .

For me, that would be oranges. You see, when my mom was little, oranges were a pretty big deal. They couldn’t afford them any time save Christmas, so finding them under the tree was quite a treat. While we were never quite so poor, oranges still symbolize Christmas to me. They’re tasty, sure, but they also remind me from whence I’ve come, and for all I’ve to be thankful.

A little something to turn any moment, into a celebration . . .

Festive napkins play the part quite nicely. Of course, this may come as no surprise, considering I’m world renown for my napkin fetish. Can you blame me? They’re such an easy {and cheap} way to make ordinary moments, something quite extraordinary.  And the gift of a party, quite out of the blue?! Well, that’s pretty fabulous, too.

Something to light the darkness . . .

Tapers make great gifts. They’re easily incorporated into many a theme; they’re easily wrapped with a bow. They’re useful . . . but they also hint of romance and a little something more. For when you give the gift of a candle, you’re giving more than light with which to read, should the electricity go out; you’re giving {the hope for} bright days and happy moments. What can I say? I’m an english major. We do love our symbolism.

Something to warm you . . .

Warm socks, slippers, robes, flannel pjs–giving the gift of warmth is tradition. I imagine it started years ago, when my grandma use to make her wee granddaughters flannel nightgowns. True story, those few times I tied my hair in strips, I looked as though I’d been transported from Little House on the Prairie. Thankfully, styles have changed; but the sentiment remains–after all, there’s nothing like wrapping up those you love in something warm and toasty.

And a little something to sweeten your days . . .

Because a stocking empty of sweets, is an empty stocking indeed. I’m a chocolate lover, through and through {can you say marshmallow caramel Santas?!}; still, there’s something about Brach’s Christmas Peppermint Nougats that warm the cockles of my heart. Maybe it’s their invigorating peppermint flavor; maybe it’s the fact they’re only available this time of year. Or it may simply be the fact they beckon us to a simpler time. Whatever the reason, they’re a whole lot of Christmas in one little bite.

It just goes to show you, while the newest gadgets are quite fantastical, the little things may truly be the best gifts of all!

Elves are nothing if not efficient.

Still, every now and again, you’ll happen upon a stray . . .

It might be a toothbrush or a bar of soap, a coloring book or Matchbox car. But whether useful or fun, it’s small enough to fit in a shoebox–a shoebox that is packed with care, covered with prayer, and sent by plane, train, boat, or burro, to a child who would otherwise find no gift under the tree.

Now, I know what you’re thinking–elves have all the fun! From what I understand, it’s not far from the truth. However, this is one instance where you can join the festivities–but you must hurry. Next week {November 21-27} is collection week. 

So get the lowdown on Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Christmas child, then get on board. 

And lest you think you’re too cool to pack a shoebox, think again. As Bikers with Boxes proves, you just might not be cool enough . . . 

AIDS. We still don’t like to talk about it much, do we?  But I’ve seen a friend hold the orphan of a woman who died of AIDS in Africa … I’ve seen the face of a small child with AIDS in India … I’ve experienced the death of a great uncle to AIDS in California. All ages, all backgrounds, the whole world over–in one way or another, it touches us all.

We must find a cure.

Our friend Maddy, over at the Maddy Chronicles, is doing her part.  She’ll be taking part in the AIDS Walk New York, Friday, May 15th.  Let’s join her in spirit. We have only to visit her fundraising page and give what we can–dollars add up, don’t you know! Then take a stand and spread the word …

In case you haven’t looked at a calendar, or noticed the splattering of green on this here blog, tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day.

We don’t know a lot about Saint Patrick. Legend aside, it seems his work spanned sixty years–and while it aimed for heaven, it lived here on earth. He did not require the clergy of his monasteries to take vows or forgo marriage.  How could they possibly encourage others, if they, themselves, could not understand?  Instead, he had them focus on the work before them–transcribing scripture, studying the sciences, and training others for spiritual labors, both at home and abroad.

Saint Patrick founded 365 churches and 365 schools. He lived through good times and bad; he lived in slavery and freedom.  He encouraged others to do the same.  He was a man dedicated to prayer–and those in his care.

So it is the Irish celebrate their saint with revelry and prayer.  And you know what they say, on St. Paddy’s Day, everyone is Irish.

Let us celebrate in full–with prayers and rejoicing.

Like you, I can’t get the people of Japan off my mind.  As with any sorrow, it probably seems as if the world should stop for a moment.  But life goes on.  So yes, break out the green, dance an Irish  jig, feast on Irish fare–laugh along with those you love.  But don’t forget those who have little more than tears.  Keep them wrapped in your prayers, give if you can.  For it’s not that pot of gold that makes us the luckiest–it’s standing side-by-side, and sharing our burdens.

On a typical Sunday morning, after worship and the sermon, the people of our wee congregation tend to do their thing and, you know, congregate.  Unlike days of old where you attended Sunday morning, Sunday evening, Wednesday evening, and—on good weeks—revival meeting Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings … we have but one day a week to see one another and catch up.  It takes time, don’t you know.

But not yesterday.  Yesterday was an exodus like none other.  After all, we had to make it downstairs for Hannah and Sasha’s Super Sale, where, as Hannah so aptly put it, “People [were] going crazy!”

Could you blame us?  There was handmade jewelry, flower magnets, notecards—there was a raffle—there were chocolate chip cookies and pies.  Oh, the pies!  You know that wedding banquet of which the Bible speaks? That pie is bound to be on the menu.  Pretty sure.

It was a grand time—and all because one Little Miss got together with another Little Miss, and decided they wanted to raise money for those in need.  If it weren’t for them, us adults would have done as we do each week.  We would have chatted a bit—then promptly took our quarters and dollar bills home.  After all, what good could chump change do?

I dare say, we’ll never find out if we don’t have the faith of a child.

You see, sometimes the smallest shoes make the biggest prints … sometimes breaking bread comes in the form of chatter over a slice of chocolate cream pie … sometimes all we have to give is a pittance and sometimes that’s more than enough.

I made the decision last week that I simply had to give a little in regard to my junk food fetish.  My wallet nor the butt of my pants can take no more. 

As my last hooray I ran to Starbucks for a tall caramel macchiato and a blueberry scone …oh, their blueberry scones … so fresh and delectable.  Just typing the words makes me hungry.  Addiction is a horrible thing. 

But I digress …

So, Starbucks … I pull up to the window and the barista says, “I’m kinda sad.”  Oh dear.  Given the fact that total strangers have a tendency to come up to me and tell me their life stories, I was a little concerned to hear what might come next.  Alas, it was only that the person in front of me refused to pay for my order.  Earlier that morning, you see, a gentleman had offered to pay for the person behind him … and it carried on for 14 cars. Until the car in front of me, pulled up … and the owner discovered I had ordered a scone as well as coffee.  Certainly not! 

It made me laugh. 

It also made me ponder giving, and all it entails.  Giving requires sacrifice–the offering of  your time, money, or belongings.  True giving is also a matter of the heart.  How many of those people in those cars that day paid for the person behind them out of guilt? And by turning around and immediately paying for the order behind them, were they truly accepting the gift that was offered them? 

Deep thoughts, non?  That’s what a caramel macchiato will do for you … perhaps I was a tad hasty in giving them up …

*For the record, thank you for all your comments over the last … however long.  I’m totally not ignoring you.  I have responded here and there … but I just realized most haven’t been sticking.   I typed, I clicked post, and then they disappear into the great abyss.  Sigh.  Yeah, I don’t know either; but I’m working on it!

Well, have you packed your shoeboxes? 

GASP! What do you mean you haven’t a clue what I’m talking about?!  

I’m talking Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child, of course!  Where you take a shoebox, wrap it if  you will, stuff with treasure, slap on a tag, add a bit of  shipping money and send it on it’s way … to little elves {or volunteers, as the case may be} who prepare it to be shipped, flown, and packed to children throughout the world.

And if you donate shipping fees online, you can even print off a special label–allowing you to track your box.

It’s a personal way to give–and heaps of fun too. 

Click here to read all about it–watch videos {maybe shed a tear or two}, get ideas of what to pack, print labels, and find drop-off locations. 

But hurry!  National Collection Week is this week … don’t let your shoesbox miss the boat.  That would just be sad all the way around …

And it’s all to help TOMS Shoes raise awareness.  Life without shoes, you see, is difficult. Take Ethiopia – in Ethiopia, some one million people suffer from Podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in the volcanic soil.  

So tomorrow, join the cause.  Go without shoes, for an hour or all day.  Buy a pair of TOMS; help provide a pair for someone in need.  Be one person doing something little – so together, we might do something big!

As you may recall, last year – around this time – I decided to join an exercise group.  For however-many months I lumbered through pilates, nearly broke my neck attempting yoga poses, and was otherwise every degree of pitiful.  Caycee was one of the regulars.  We would finish a particularly grueling something-or-other and I’d be cursing the wretched fates that would cause such pain and misery, while Caycee exclaimed something along the lines of,  “That was awesome!”  In other words, where I was the rain cloud, Caycee was the ray of sunshine. 

For this reason alone, Caycee is deserving of a little something.  But there’s more …

I recently found out Caycee and her family have started the adoption process for a little girl in Ethiopia.  Now I have many friends who have adopted – and each journey to a little someone is nothing short of a miracle.  But this story especially touched my heart… 

Addie is working to bring her little sister home and, once that’s done, continue to bless Africa.  There are several ways you can help:  1) donate bottle caps; 2) donate your own bottle cap magnets; 3) purchase a bottle cap magnet (when available). 

I think you’ll find Addie’s Art for Africa is an exciting opportunity for us all.  After all, little hands have a miraculous way of doing great things … 

{Click pic to learn more about Addie's Art for Africa}