Let the Partying Begin!!!
Though my Celebrate Life Party is still a couple of weeks away, I am already doing the Dance of Joy!!!
Tuesday, I got a package from my sister-in-law. Her wonderfully talented and diligent group of seamstresses sent tote bags which we will be filling with toys and activities for pediatric cancer patients. The colorful and well-made bags and blankets will last the kids for years.
Thursday, I raided the local Walmart for food supplies to make two ‘green’ desserts. My stomach is growling just thinking about them. Not that I can have more than a taste of either because of the sugar content, but I can smile about them anyway. Thank goodness they are easy recipes. One is a no-cook pudding = nothing to burn and no smoke filling the kitchen. Yay!!! I’m not guaranteeing the other yet. I’ll let you know.
Thursday evening, one of our neighbors who can’t come to the party brought a donation to buy gifts for the cancer kids. I nearly dropped my uppers when he handed me a very substantial bill … except my teeth are all attached. (Some are fake, but still won’t fall out – yet!)
Anyway.
Today Ronald and I were in civilization, if indeed the crazy crowdedness of Alpharetta is civilized…I’m still getting used to our relocation and the adjustments it will bring. Moving up that direction will definitely be a change of pace, but there is an opportunity for more shopping.
I had hoped to find some clothing for our granddaughter at Kohl’s. The sales were pretty good, but my shopping spree thanks to our neighbor’s generosity was outrageous! And, oh my! What a find!
I’m a sucker for kids’ books. I had barely entered the store when my attention was drawn to a large display of books on the end of one checkout counter and a display of matching stuffed toys at the other counter! Not heaven exactly, but pretty darn close in my book!
Prices were great, and I went crazy, stuffing the cart with wild abandon. So much fun! I am still smiling!
At this point, I should go on a rant about parents reading to their children instead of sitting them in front of some sort of media. I’ve done that so often in the past, and I’m not sure that my nagging did anymore good than my harping about the importance of music for a child’s development, brain function, and emotional health. How’s that for a bunny trail?
Anyway.
Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive. The Bible says God loves a cheerful giver. Luke 6:38 TLB says, ‘ For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give – large or small – will be used to measure what is given back to you.’
New Living Translation of 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 tells us, ‘Remember this – a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.’ The eleventh verse tells us why this is the way to go – our generosity produces thanksgiving to God. Hebrews 13:16 tells us our sacrifices of giving are pleasing to God.
That we are making God happy by our partying in this way makes me plenty happy!
Blessings
Kara Beth
Look at this blog below to get a better idea of our purpose. The Blessing Network.
