Thursday, December 29, 2011

The St. Nicholas Project

He who feels that he is too small to make a difference has never been bitten by a mosquito.
It seems to me that every year, as soon as the Holiday hype begins, the media does it's best to swing us like a pendulum between the drama of good and bad in the world. We brace ourselves for stories of desperate people poised to pepper spray anyone who dare come near their hard earned and shopped for posessions. Then, after being beat down by bad news, we find a little comfort in the good, in heartwarming stories such as soldiers surprising their families with an unexpected homecoming. 
 I have no idea who these wonderful people are, but I couldn't resist sharing their photos.
Thank you. Thank you.
 
 On my count, the negative stories reign champion in the news. So much so, that I wonder if all of the bah-humbug doesn't creep into us a little, getting under our skin, and transforming our once favorable outlook on the world and the Christmas season into one of pessimism and irritation. 
Let's just say it doesn't leave us running through the streets yelling, "I love you" to our neighbors like George Bailey's jog through Bedford Falls.

Halfway through Advent, I decided enough is enough. I dug my heels in deep and refused to be sucked in by the blah.  I was determined to live Christ in Christmas and to share Him with those who find the holiday to be just another reason to shop and make things pretty. Or break out their pepper spray.

By the Friday, December 23rd, I was 100% convinced that despite all of the little armies of pepper sprayers and joy snatchers, the majority of the people in this country are hard-working, honest, kind and generous individuals.
Why Friday, December 23rd?  That was the day we joined a few other families to deliver meals to a number families in our community who were in need of a hot meal, warm clothes and an encouraging smile. 
We called our mission the St. Nicholas Project.
Along our journey of planning and preparing, we encountered a myriad of folks who, without hesitation, opened their schedules to help, their wallets to share and their hearts to pray for our little mission.  
The kids were a great part of the project, too.  They did everything from load the delivery cars with food to...
Open giant cans of green beans with the worlds largest can opener, to...
Keeping little ones content while the moms and dads took over the kitchen.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, we were able deliver a hot meal, warm clothing, gifts and words of encouragement to 85 beautiful individuals. Individuals who blessed us beyond measure.  
That day, we all embraced the powerful truth: It is in giving that we receive.
Despite what the political news reports may be, 
Rich people are not the enemy. 

The middle class has been taxed enough already, and yet are the first to give the little "extra" that they may have to help someone else.

The government may think they are best equipped to serve the poor and needy with our tax dollars but the truth is we are.  YOU AND I.  100% of our dollar stays local, providing food, clothing and provisions for our brothers and sisters. Administrative costs are donated with love. (I think they call it almsgiving.)

I find that I am better able to "spread the wealth around" without my hands tied behind my back and some stranger in an office breathing down my neck.  What about you?
If you would like to join us next year, or are considering starting a St. Nicholas Project in your community, we would be happy to share our ideas with you.  You may contact us at: suehusband22@yahoo.com. 
"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."             ~Winston Churchill




























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