Christmas Crazy or Christ Crazy

Yes I know it isn't even Thanksgiving yet. It wasn't Halloween either when I noticed the first hints of the Christmas madness beginning at Walmart in September. I know it is all about sales for these retail stores. It is that hype they are all counting on to encourage buyers to shop, shop, shop, now, now,now.
It is a  frenzy that happens in the stores, and in this country as the season gets closer. You start with a little here and a little there, then the next thing you know by the time the turkey comes out of the oven you are about done as well. You are tired, don't forget to give thanks. Thanks to what? The stores for the food, turkey and all of its trimmings, thanks to the TV stations and adds that incessantly remind you that Christmas is coming?
There is another kind of crazy that should be observed. Christ Crazy. To be fully involved in the Reason for the Season.
This is what Operation Christmas Child is all about. A simple gift of a shoe box not only gives children loving physical gifts and toys, but also the beginning of a new gift and eternal, spiritual gift as well as the opportunity to receive the gift of eternal life through Christ.
That is truly a gift that keeps on giving.  Their gift can be shared with anyone willing to receive.
There is no better gift than to give of yourself. Volunteering, giving of yourself has a much better effect on us than just buying stuff.
We like to give Christmas away because it is a gift for us as well. It is what God wants us to do.
So lets strive to take it a little slower this year, in spite of  mad dash for things and give God the Thanks and the glory and give this Christmas away to those who have little or nothing.

Time Warp Maryland

A surprise just off shore of the Patomic River a salty sail boat maned by someone with history in mind.

A trip to Pigeon Forge

A good day for travel. A good day for fun. Just a few church friends out on the town.

The Mountains

Gods canvas everywhere you look he has painted a view.

Early morning madness

Well after a long night of thunder, lightening, and rain on a biblical scale, I awaken on a not really awake state of mind. Still time marches on and so must I . Being retired is not just sitting on your duff and watching the world go passively by, but you have a schedule. Now don't get me wrong there are those who might sit around, not me or my husband. We can't stand it we have places to go people to see, and certainly things to do. We are volunteers, and grandparents. That will keep you off of your duff.
All you have to do is stand in on place for longer than 30 seconds and yell I will volunteer and watch the lines form for your time.
We love the time we spend in the volunteer capacity. It is so rewarding. We are full time volunteers for Operation Christmas Child. We volunteer at church, meals on wheels, and I volunteer for the Parkway Playhouse. We have a lot of fun as well. Operation Christmas Child fills the need for getting the gospel to the lost through a simple shoebox while meeting some physical needs as well. No matter what state you are in you can always pray for these missions.

Nell's Not Necessarily Daily Diary

This is a blog that will more than likely not done everyday. Who knows what the day may bring?  I don't care how much or well you plan something it tends to get a wrench thrown in it and there are some people who relish the plan of interfering with life's flow. Lets take one of my late father's old girlfriends. That women thrived on being sick. If it was something she wanted to do. The woman would rise from her death bed and walk on water to do it. However if she decided she did not want to do something she would be stricken by some dreaded itis and take to her bed. I never did see how she had time for relationships. Is there anyone that pops into your head when you read this? She took more pills than Ely Lilly Inc. had in their store house. As if life isn't hard enough some people make life harder. That proves my point.