Janet Tronstad here, feeling warm and well-fed. Fall is the time when animals and people look around and see if they have made any provisions for the winter. This fall many things in our economy are uncertain and those look-around times may be disheartening for many.
I just recently realized that some of the concern for our economic times has drifted into my recent books. In 'A Silent Night for Dry Creek," my hero is adamant that he doesn't want charity from the little town of Dry Creek even though he needs it. In my novella in "Mistletoe Courtship," it is my heroine who is reluctantly receiving charity. I am amazed because I had no intent of writing about the need to help each other out in hard times, but there it is. Once I realized it, I decided to follow through and ask myself what extra things I am going to do this fall to help people. Our church has a food closet that gives food to hundreds of families. I have brought things to the closet for years, but this fall I am determined to do more. My friend, Kaylene, runs the food closet and she says the lines are longer and longer. I also have a couple of friends who are unemployed and I'm planning to find ways to send some extra money their way. In the midst of all this, I am reminded to be grateful. What things are you planning to help others during this season?
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Great post. My grandchildren always do 'A BIRTHDAY PRESENT FOR JESUS" at Christmas in which we give to a couple of elderly people who normally would not have much. This year we are also doing something for a child.We also have a place setting set up for him at the table,this stays out all during the Christmas season. They truly feel this is a special gift and enjoy doing this. They are 8 and 5 years old. Such a blessing for them to want to give.Blessings to all.
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April -- That's a wonderful thing for your grandchildren. It teaches them the joy of giving to others in a season when many children only want to receive. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWe make homemade goodies. (Three days of baking) Then we make goodie baskets to give to others.
ReplyDeleteOh, Abi, that sounds good. I'm sure your baked goods are very appreciated.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, Janet!
ReplyDeleteOur church does a community Thanksgiving meal. And they usually give out gently-used winter coats as well as toiletry kits.
We also do the Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes, plus adopt a child that's in the foster care system to buy gifts for the foster parents to give them. I love involving my kids when we do these!
Missy -- I really like the present giveaways, too, for children. Every child should feel someone thought of them at Christmas.
ReplyDeleteLove the post. We talked about this in church this last weekend. There is a lot of need out there right now.
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