The Mission of Operation Christmas Child: Demonstrating God’s Love to Children in Need

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child is a mission project that is making a significant impact in the lives of children around the world. This project is an initiative of Franklin Graham's Samaritan's Purse, a prominent international relief organization.

The Mission of Operation Christmas Child

The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God's love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. Through this project, Samaritan's Purse has been able to partner with local churches worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations. The primary goal of this initiative is to show children that they are loved and valued, and that there is hope for a brighter future.

The project's approach is simple and effective. Samaritan's Purse collects shoeboxes filled with gifts and delivers them to children in need around the world. These shoeboxes are packed with a variety of items including toys, school supplies, basic hygiene items, and a personal note of encouragement. For many of these children, this shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.

The outreach of Operation Christmas Child is not limited to the distribution of shoeboxes. It also includes a follow-up discipleship program, The Greatest Journey. This program teaches children about God's greatest gift, His son Jesus Christ. Through this program, children learn how to follow Christ in their daily lives and share Him with others.

Back in 2014, my son was on deployment when he witnessed the end result of Operation Christmas Child. He called home to tell me about it. His description was just like the following video reveals. It was an incredible thing for him to witness, especially since he grew up packing an Operation Christmas Child shoebox every year. I've never forgotten that phone call and he'll never forget seeing the children in that country opening up those boxes. He has a baby girl now and I can't wait to start this annual tradition with her. It's a great way teach children about the importance of mission projects and a way for them to actively participate in such a wonderful cause.

How Can You Get Involved?

The impact of Operation Christmas Child is only possible through the assistance of millions of volunteers worldwide. You can become a part of this mission by packing a shoebox for a child in need. By including a variety of useful and fun items in your shoebox, you can bring joy to a child and give them a tangible expression of God's love.

Packing a shoebox is a simple process. You can choose to pack a shoebox for a boy or a girl, and you can select the age category that you prefer. Then, you fill the shoebox with a variety of items. Once your shoebox is packed, you can drop it off at a collection center near you.

Through your involvement, you have the opportunity to make a significant difference in the life of a child. Your shoebox can bring joy, hope, and the knowledge of God's love to a child in a desperate situation. You can be a part of changing the world, one shoebox at a time.

For more information and resources on how to pack a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child, visit SamaritansPurse.org.

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Operation Christmas Child

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Winnie the Pooh Framed Poster Prints: Rediscover the timeless story of Christopher Robin and his lovable bear friend, Winnie the Pooh

Winnie the Pooh Framed Poster Prints

We are bringing the timeless beloved characters of Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, Piglet, and all your favorite characters from the Hundred Acre Wood to the blog and to our store.  On the blog, we are always encouraging kindness, compassion, joy, and friendship.  Many of us grew up reading the timeless classic Winnie the Pooh stories.  The lessons we learned in those books have hopefully grown with us through the years as some of us pass on the love of those stories to our children and grandchildren.  Today, we have added to our shop four classic sketches originally illustrated by Earnest Howard Shepard in 1926 for the Winnie the Pooh series by A.A. Milne.  These Winnie the Pooh Framed Poster Prints are perfect for your child's bedroom, playroom, Winnie the Pooh themed bathroom - or any room in your house if you are an adult like me who loves this classic series and the lessons they teach.

Victoria Barry, in her article for Hillsdale College, tells us how Hillsdale students take a break from the pressures of their busy and often times chaotic schedules to learn life lessons from their beloved Winnie the Pooh stories.

As these characters explore the world of childhood, they provide deep insight into the human experience and offer beneficial advice to people of all ages. - Victoria Barry

The Classic Story of Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh

Rediscover the timeless story of Christopher Robin and his lovable bear friend, Winnie the Pooh. These framed prints feature beautiful illustrations by Ernest Howard Shepard from the classic 1926 book, "Winnie-the-Pooh", written by A. A. Milne. The characters from the Hundred Acre Wood come to life in these stunning pieces of artwork that perfectly capture the charm and whimsy of this beloved story.

Each print is a moment frozen in time, a snapshot of the delightful adventures of Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh, and their friends. From Pooh getting stuck in Rabbit's door after eating too much honey, to the heartwarming moment when Christopher Robin and Pooh share a thoughtful conversation on a log, these prints are more than just decorations - they are a pathway back to the world of our childhoods, a world filled with innocence, laughter, and the simple joy of friendship.

These framed prints are the perfect addition to any child's bedroom or playroom. Not only do they add a touch of whimsy and magic to the room, but they also serve as a wonderful reminder of the timeless lessons that Winnie the Pooh and his friends teach us - the importance of friendship, kindness, courage, and curiosity. 

Perfect for Your Child's Bedroom

Imagine your child's delight as they see their favorite characters from the Hundred Acre Wood on their wall, forever frozen in time in the midst of their charming escapades. Each print is a conversation starter, a storytelling catalyst, and a gateway to a world of imagination. They are not just prints, but windows to a world of adventure, friendship, and love.

But these prints are not just for children. They are also perfect for any Winnie the Pooh fan, regardless of age. They are a wonderful way to keep the magic of the Hundred Acre Wood alive in your home, and a beautiful reminder of a simpler time.

So whether you're looking for the perfect gift for a new baby, a special piece of decor for your child's room, or just a way to bring a touch of the Hundred Acre Wood into your own life, these Winnie the Pooh themed framed prints are the perfect choice. They are a beautiful blend of nostalgia and art, a perfect tribute to a classic story that has touched the hearts of millions around the world.

Winnie the Pooh Crafts and Activities for Kids

Winnie the Pooh Activities, Crafts, and Recipes from OHMY! Creatives

Free Winnie the Pooh-Inspired Printables for Learning Fun from Rock Your Homeschool

Coolest Winnie the Pooh Games for an Awesome Winnie Theme Party from Coolest Kid Birthday Parties

Disney’s Winnie The Pooh: Springtime With Roo + 17 Inspired Printable Crafts from The Suburban Mom

A Homeschool Nature Study With Winnie the Pooh’s Hundred Acre Wood from Chalk Pastel

How to Make a Winnie the Pooh Preschool Craft from The Moments at Home

Unit Studies and Resources All About Winnie the Pooh from Homeschool Giveaways and Freebies

12 Crafts and Snacks Inspired by Winnie the Pooh from Ottawa Mommy Club

10 Wonderful Winnie the Pooh Crafts for Kids from Artsy Craftsy Mom

Winnie the Pooh Bingo from Book Cart Queens

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Winnie the Pooh Framed Poster Prints

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend of kindness, joy, and friendship!

Tina

It's Important to Wish Others a Happy Thanksgiving

It's important to wish others a happy Thanksgiving.

It's that time of the year again. Thanksgiving is right around the corner, a season when we take a break from our busy lives to thank God and appreciate the blessings He has given us. It's also a time for family, friends, good food, and of course, expressing gratitude. However, it's not just about being grateful for what we have. It is also about being thankful for those who God has placed in our lives. What better way to do this than with Thanksgiving greeting cards?

The Importance of Wishing Others a Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday. It's a sentiment, a feeling of appreciation, and a season of gratitude. It's a time when we share our blessings and express our thankfulness to our loved ones. Wishing others a happy Thanksgiving is the perfect way to convey our gratitude and let others know how much they mean to us. It's a simple gesture that can make a huge difference.

Why Choose Thanksgiving Greeting Cards?

Thanksgiving greeting cards capture the essence of the holiday. They are a tangible representation of our heartfelt sentiments. A greeting card can convey emotions that words alone may not be able to express. It allows us to put our feelings into words and share them with others. Thanksgiving greeting cards are the perfect way to show our appreciation and spread the holiday cheer.

The Perfect Thanksgiving Greeting Card

Choosing the perfect Thanksgiving greeting card can be a challenge. The card should be able to convey your feelings of gratitude and appreciation. It should also reflect the personality of the person you are sending it to. To help get you started, we have just released a set of Thanksgiving cards for you to send to your family and friends. We are offering you a set of Thanksgiving cards in the form of a digital download. You can download the cards to your computer. Print them out at home. Stuff them into your own envelopes and then send off your gratitude to all the people you love.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a special time of the year. It's a time to reflect on our blessings and express our gratitude first to God and then to those around us. Thanksgiving greeting cards are a simple yet effective way to convey our feelings of appreciation. Remember, it is important to wish others a happy Thanksgiving. So, make this Thanksgiving extra special by sending your loved ones a Thanksgiving greeting card from AbundantFamilyLiving.etsy.com.

Ann Voskamp said it this way:

Gratitude is a virtue most worthy of our cultivation. Indeed, in all the Christian life, gratitude is to be planted, watered, dressed, and harvested. Gratitude gets at the very essence of what it means to be created, finite, fallen, redeemed, and sustained by the God of all grace. - Ann Voskamp

You can catch the rest of Ann's article and listen to a podcast on Christian Gratitude over at Desiring God here.

Thanksgiving Greeting Cards

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These Thanksgiving Greeting Cards are available here in our Etsy Shop

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Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! 

Tina

Benefits of Drinking Water - Featuring Our New Can-Shaped Glassware (Now Available!)

 

Benefits of Drinking Water

Water, the most quintessential element of life, is an essential part of our daily routine. We often hear about the importance of drinking enough water, but do we really understand why? There's more to this clear, odorless liquid than meets the eye. The health benefits of drinking water are numerous, and in this blog post, we're going to dive deep into these benefits.

Benefits of Drinking Water

The Essence of Life

Water is often referred to as the essence of life, and for good reason. It makes up about 60% of our body weight and is involved in numerous bodily functions, including regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells, aiding digestion, and more. Without water, these crucial functions would be impossible, highlighting just how vital water is to our existence.

Hydration and Health

One of the most well-known benefits of drinking water is hydration. When your body loses more water than it takes in, it can lead to dehydration - a condition that can cause headaches, fatigue, and even more serious health problems. Drinking enough water can help prevent dehydration and keep your body functioning optimally. It's generally recommended that you drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, but this can vary depending on factors like your age, gender, level of physical activity, and more.

Water and Weight Loss

Did you know that drinking water can also aid in weight loss? Studies have shown that drinking water before meals can help reduce your appetite, leading to fewer calories consumed. Additionally, water has zero calories, making it a healthy alternative to sugary drinks like soda or juice. So if you're trying to shed some pounds, consider reaching for a glass of water.

Improved Skin Health

Another benefit of drinking water is improved skin health. Water helps hydrate your skin, keeping it supple and youthful. It can also help flush out toxins from your body, which can lead to clearer skin. If you're looking for a simple and natural way to improve your complexion, consider drinking more water.

Mental and Physical Performance

Water is also crucial for mental and physical performance. Even mild dehydration can affect your mood, memory, and concentration. On the physical side, staying hydrated can improve your strength, power, and endurance. Whether you're studying for a test or training for a marathon, drinking water can help you perform at your best.

Conclusion

As you can see, drinking water comes with a plethora of health benefits. It's important to note that the amount of water you need can vary depending on various factors, so it's always best to listen to your body and hydrate accordingly. So the next time you're thirsty, reach for a glass of water - your body will thank you.

Personal Disclosure

I"ll be totally honest with you.  I don't drink near enough water.  I have tried so many times to love it, but I just don't.  However, I recently discovered a way to get more water into my daily diet - carbonated water and Stur Water Enhancers.  I still love my Diet Coke, but mixing carbonated water and Stur Water Enhancers together creates a really good drink that I can substitute in place of Diet Coke and it's a lot healthier too.  If you're like me and you don't particularly enjoy drinking water, try this option.  I think you'll like it as much as I do.

Tips to Drink More Water

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists the following tips to drink more water.

Carry a water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day.

Freeze some freezer safe water bottles. Take one with you for ice-cold water all day long.

Choose water over sugary drinks.

Opt for water when eating out. You’ll save money and reduce calories.

Serve water during meals.

Add a wedge of lime or lemon to your water. This can help improve the taste.

Make sure your kids are getting enough water too. Learn more about drinking water in schools and early care and education settings [PDF-3.68MB].

Our New Can-Shaped Glassware is Now Available

Did you notice the drinking glass in the first photo of this post?  Here it is again in case you missed it.

Our floral can-shaped glassware is available here!

Here is a look at my personal order.  It arrived today and I just love it!

Check us out on Youtube!  We are just getting stared there so be sure to subscribe!  We are new on Tiktok too!

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The Benefits of Drinking Water Featuring Our New Can-Shaped Glassware

The Potter and the Clay - Reflections on Romans 9:21

The Potter and the Clay, Romans 9:21

There are times in life when certain verses from the Bible strike a chord within us, providing a moment of clarity and understanding that resonates deep within our hearts. One such verse that has recently captured my attention is Romans 9:21. It provides a beautiful analogy of our relationship with God, likening us to clay in the hands of a potter.

"Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?" Romans 9:21

The Potter and the Clay

The verse begins with a rhetorical question, prompting us to reflect on the nature of the potter-clay relationship. The Potter, in this context, is God, and we, His creation, are the clay. The Potter has full authority over the clay, shaping it as he sees fit. He can make vessels of honor, designed for noble purposes, and vessels of dishonor, meant for refining into the person God has created us to be. Both types of vessels are necessary for the glory of God.

This analogy speaks volumes about our relationship with God. We are as as lumps of clay in our Father's hands, and it is God who molds us into the individuals we become. He has a specific purpose for each one of us. After we are molded into our vessels of honor and dishonor, it is time to bake in the refiners fire. It is in the fiery furnaces of our lives, those circumstances we would rather avoid, the most unpleasant ones, the hard times that might break us, that our true nature is refined and revealed, hopefully to reflect the love and sovereignty of our Potter, our Creator God.

Encouraging Scripture Prints from Abundant Family Living

The second part of the verse reinforces the Potter's authority over the clay. This truth is powerful, reminding us that we are ultimately in God's hands. As clay, we are malleable and subject to the will of the Potter. We have no control over our shape or function; that is determined by the Potter. This can be a humbling thought, reminding us of our dependence on God and His ultimate control over our lives.

However, this scriptural truth also offers a sense of hope and comfort. As clay in the Potter's hands, we are not left to our own devices. We are shaped and guided by a loving Creator who knows our purpose and potential. Even when we chip under the pressure of the furnace, we can take comfort in knowing that we are still of value in the Potter's household.

So, the next time you feel lost or unsure of your purpose, remember Romans 9:21. Dear brother or sister in Christ, you are clay in the Potter's hands, and He has a plan for you. My prayer for you is that you will trust the Potter fully. Allow Him to mold you into a pottery masterpiece that will beautify in the heat of the fiery furnace so that your finished work, your character, will reflect the glory and character of God to everyone you meet.

Anne Graham Lotz said in her recent newsletter:

Without the preparation of the loving, skillful touch of the Potter’s hand, any usefulness or beauty the clay might have would be destroyed by the pressure and the heat. But Jesus makes suffering understandable to this blob of clay. In the midst of the pressure and the heat, I am confident His hand is on my life, developing my faith until I display His glory, transforming me into a vessel of honor that pleases Him! I don’t trust any other potter with my life. - Anne Graham Lotz

Dear fellow believers, you might be in the fiery furnace now, but when you come out of the Potter's kiln, you will be ready for your work in the Potter's house, to know Jesus and to make Him known.

Living Abundantly in Him,

Tina

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The Potter and the Clay - Reflections on Romans 9:21

Teaching Children About The First Thanksgiving: My Thanksgiving Coloring Book (Plus FREE Thanksgiving Lesson from Answers in Genesis)

Teaching Children About the First Thanksgiving

Most American children are familiar with Thanksgiving and all the festivities that come with the fall holiday.  They have probably completed many turkey crafts and they are probably used to family Thanksgiving dinners, but do they know why we celebrate Thanksgiving in America?  It's important for children to understand the reason we celebrate our holidays.  Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on God's blessings over our lives and to thank God for those blessings.  Teaching children about the first Thanksgiving will not only help them understand the Christian origins of the holiday, but also help them understand the hardships the first settlers suffered as our great nation was just beginning.

Teaching Children About the First Thanksgiving

I have created a Thanksgiving coloring book to help children learn the important history behind Thanksgiving.  The coloring book contains 8 coloring pages explaining, in simple language, the history of the first Thanksgiving.  After those 8 pages, children will enjoy the opportunity to draw a picture of something they are thankful for.  They will color a turkey.  On the last page of the coloring book, children will list 5 things they are thankful for.  The 13th page in the booklet will offer a Bible verse for children to memorize from Psalm 106:1.

Praise the Lord

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;

His love endures forever.  Psalm 106:1  

 

My Thanksgiving Coloring Book is available here.

My Thanksgiving Coloring Book is available here in our Etsy shop.

More Ways to Teach Children About the First Thanksgiving

The History of Thanksgiving (+ Unit Study Ideas) from Hess UnAcademy 

Thanksgiving Devotion for Kids (with Printable!) from Just Homemaking

Pilgrims & First Thanksgiving Activities from How to Homeschool My Child

Here is a Thanksgiving video you can show your children or your students.

Once your children or students understand the history of the first Thanksgiving, you can teach them to be thankful all year long.  Children can learn to have thankful hearts even in circumstances when they don't feel thankful.  One way to teach children to keep thankful hearts is to read to them or read with them books about Thanksgiving and gratitude.  

Books About Thanksgiving and Gratitude for Kids

The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks

The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Give Thanks to the Lord

Give Thanks to the Lord

P is for Pumpkin

P is for Pumpkin

Now that we understand that history and thankfulness to God are the roots of our American Thanksgiving celebrations, let's focus on the family dinners.  Our extended family gets together every year, both my side and my husband's side.  I think family Thanksgiving dinners are my favorite extended family functions because so many of us get together on that day and on that night when we can't make it happen at any other time during the year.  Our family is HUGE.  We have several generations involved so with all the in-laws and multitudes of cousins, it's not easy to get everyone together all in one place for one meal.  Thanksgiving is the one day and one night when almost everyone can be there.  It's still rare that every single living member of our family can get together in one place at one time, but every once in a while, it happens.  I think I like Thanksgiving better than Christmas for extended family because there are no gifts involved.  There are no expectations for anyone except to just be there and experience the love in our family that, quite honestly, is becoming more and more rare.  We always have lots of food and more love than we can imagine spreading through our entire family.  Usually, it's lunch for my husband's side and dinner for my side.  In addition to food, we enjoy lots of music and singing.  We enjoy family stories, old time gospel, contemporary Christian music, and someone usually sprinkles in a little county music to the mix.  Sometimes I stand in a place where I can see everyone.  I look around the room and take it all in.  Oh how my grandparents and my husband's grandmother would love to see their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and now great-great grandchildren sharing their gifts and talents, but most of all, loving each other so well.  The unconditional love of family is truly a gift not to be taken for granted.  

Missy Robertson wrote a book along with Brave Books about the unconditional love of family.  Her book teaches children about unconditional love.  I could write about her experience, but I would rather you hear it from her.

Now, you can watch Missy read the book.  

Missy's book, Because You're My Family, teaches children that obeying their parents is required and there are consequences for disobedience, but we love each other because of our relationships with each other, because we are family - not because of what we do or don't do when we disobey or make mistakes.  

Get your copy of Because You're My Family here.

Because You're My Family by Missy Robertson with Brave Books

Because You're My Family (Open Book) by Missy Robertson and Brave Books

Get your copy of Because You're My Family here.

FREEBIE FROM ANSWERS IN GENESIS:  Free Thanksgiving Lesson

Free Thanksgiving Lesson from Answers in Genesis

Faith Gateway offers many Thanksgiving resources for children and adults.  You'll find children's books, devotionals for adults, Bibles, and more.  Check them out here.

Thanksgiving Resources from Faith Gateway (Bible Gateway)

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Have a wonderful week everyone!  

~Tina