
GENERATIONS ~
I started bringing my granddaughters to see us as Elves first. It started out just to take a picture with Darlene and I. Then over the years, they started coming to help little kids do fun projects. I will never forget how Brookley said to me, "Grammie I want to be an Elf too". She just wanted to be a helper in anything she could do. Willow grew a little older and began to express her want to help. It has become a family thing and each year we share smiles.
WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS?
Such a simply question with hard answers sometimes.
It became so real when a little boy was asked to tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas. He was upset and expressed it won't do any good. He continue to say, "all I want for Christmas is my mom to come back". It made me stop and tears filled my heart. These little kids all have a story of their little lives. Before my granddaughters began to help with foster kids, I explain the reason of why I do this. Not every child has a loving home and need to be moved to a foster home. Not only do we try to make these children laugh, but we pray for them all year. We pray for good home situations and loving people around them. It's one day to have fun, but a year of continue prayers for them.
Santa might not be able to handle every need you have, but Jesus sure can. The Bible says:
Philippians 4:6-7 New International Version (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
TWO LITTLE ELVES ~
They believe in Jesus and know to pray for them. They are designed by God for this time of life. They watch the example of Darlene and I. They help as being Elves and they see the bigger picture of Christmas. They saw how we lead a Wednesday night group for Women called, "THE WELL". I will never forget one day that Brookley called and ask us to pray. Her 4 year old friend died in a car crash. She asked us to pray that he wouldn't be sad. She was only 4 years old, but almost 5. Just a little girl who knew to pray. I totally believe our example matters to children in a big way.
All the things I ever wanted as a kid, I see through the eyes of my granddaughters. They are blessed and faithful in helping at church in kids ministry. Their example is shinning for younger kids than them. It shines for kids their own age in church and school. They are great kids making a difference. I am very proud of them and I felt to share that your example matters too. We might not even know how much our example matters in this life. One of the greatest titles I have ever had, is "GRAMMIE".
I would ask that you pray for Foster Family today and everyday. We just don't know what people go through to help others. We just don't know what goes on inside a little kid too. Children carry a lot of thoughts and need our smiles all year long. Be the one, to smile and say kind words always. This time of year brings thoughts to adult too of Christmas past and missing people who aren't here anymore. Also thoughts of lack of money and not able to buy that special gift. Please remember that your present to someone can be YOU.
I work on me daily to live the best life I can and lead with my heart. My prayers continue for you, your family and friends.
~ Sparkie