'Leven Lords Can Take a Leap

The list of things I mindlessly take for granted is long, endless in fact. 

As I sit in my cozy study out here in Far Western Suburbia, gazing out across my cement pond at the fields and woods where deer and bunnies and skunks frolick when I'm not looking (I know they're out there.They don't fool me for a second.), typing this to you, my dear readers - both of you - my heart aches for those less fortunate than I.  Those far removed from the laps of luxury in which we all live and complain. 

And so I'm here today, thankful that I've just about got my Christmas shopping done and all wrapped up.  I do have a few last minute items to take care of.  Because we all know I'm not about to get it done early even though I have all stinkin' year long in which to do so.  Glory!  But that would be way too organized.  They'd have to lock me up.  Again.

Do you need a last minute gift idea?  Or maybe you're still stumped about what to do for that hard-so-shop-for somebody on your list.  Perhaps your Santa could really use a tax deduction?  Well, here are a few ideas for you!

FRESH AIR

Fresh Air children are boys and girls, six to 18 years old, who reside in low-income communities in New York City and are eager to experience the simple pleasures of life outside the city.  Like fishing.  Or flying a kite.  Or frolicking.

There are three ways you can help:

• Donate. 
• Host a child. 
• Spread the word.

WATER

There are children in the world who do not have safe drinking water.  Women and children spend seven or eight hours each day walking back and forth from wells miles away carrying just enough water back to their homes for basic survival.  No time for education.  Or much of anything else.

You could help dig a well for Christmas!  Any amount will help. And your gift will be matched via a gift grant.  It's a gift that fits right into an envelope and the recipient won't have to stand in line to exchange it for the right size.  One Well Fits All!

BASIC LUXURIES

In case you'd rather get something more frivolous and fun than fresh air and water for those on your Christmas list, why not get them something quirky that they'd never think to buy for themselves?  World Vision has a great list of stocking stuffers!

• Like farm tools and training 
• Or the opportunity for a child to receive a little education 
• How about a cow or goat so a family can have milk?
• You could even give some medical care and vocational training to a sexually exploited girl - maybe help get her off the streets, you know?

Beats the heck out of giving 'leven lords a-leaping for someone who'll stuff 'em in their closet until it's time for a garage sale.  And none of us want all those leapin' lords making a big fat mess for us to clean up.

What's the most meaningful gift you're giving this year?

Comments

[Jennifer]

I can't say I'm doing anything meaningful enough this year. Right now I'm so wrapped up in getting all my gifts shipped out, I haven't thought too much about it! Obviously, you are a much nicer person than I am. :o)

[frogmama]

What a great post--thanks for sharing some ways we can give more. I'm still trying to decide what cause to support--there are so many! But I like the idea of giving a cow.

[PaulsHealthBlog.com]

Christians love to say that 'Jesus Is The Reason For The Season', yet many are so caught up in the commercialism of the holiday.

Thanks for keeping us grounded.

[Audra Krell]

Buying too many gifts doesn't mean Jesus isn't why we celebrate Christmas.
Your post really got me thinking, what am I giving that's meaningful? Not a lot I'm afraid. Wow, I really need to rethink some of my gifts while I've still got time. Thanks! And, BTW, it took me a long time to get used to facebook, I just kept learning by doing and I really enjoy it now. Also, you'll be happy to know my 12 yr old has a new bass guitar on his Christmas list this year. We have one already, but he has gone into detail about different each guitar sounds....as if I didn't know. : )

[Leanne]

No idea. But thanks for stopping me long enough to make me rethink it. AND, I put it on my massive list to make sure I think about it again. Sigh,

[Karyn]

Thank you so much for your blog, which I’ve really come to appreciate. It's so important that we continue as a light to the world, especially as Christmas approaches and so many people are more open to hearing about the things of God. Thanks again, Karyn
www.christiancupid.com/blog

[Margaret]

I have given food to the food banks, money to the local version of Share and we have once again asked the kids to donate to a charity of their choice in our names whatever they would have spent on us for Christmas.

Thanks for pointing out other, very worthy causes!

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[Carol]

Jennifer, I have to get to the post office, too. Kinda hard to ship off clean drinking water, though.

Frogmama, My sister sent a goat for us last year. That rocked!

Paul, so many Christians are caught up in the things of the world, period. We do so much better when we keep our eyes on Jesus.

Audra, I'm barely keeping up with my blog. Will have to ease on into FaceBook.

Leanne, out thoughts eventually become our actions, so think on!

Thank you, Karyn.

There's always a lot to do locally, isn't there, Margaret? Great idea for a gift request!