Isn't it funny how we end up being the ones blessed?
And it was an interesting experience. They managers of the Wal-Mart couldn't find the bells.
How can you be a bell ringer without bells?
So we bought some bells, strung them on a necklace, and made our own. (Incidentally, the necklace was a bell necklace that belongs to my four year old and had been left in my car.)
Jessica strung them on one by one.
Did I mention it was freezing cold!?!
Between all of us we made enough bell ringing noise to attract attention to our kettle. And hopefully made a difference.
"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18
Years ago, when my mom was still alive and not doing well health wise or financially, the Salvation Army sent her a check for an obscure amount of money. It was something like $27.42. I will never forget that. I was struck by how much it meant to my mom. Ever since then I have always donated to the bell ringers at Christmas.
"A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor." Proverbs 22:9
The Salvation Army bell ringers have been around a long time, beginning with the desire to help feed the poor and destitute during Christmas. Click here for the Red Kettle History.
The history of the Salvation Army began in 1852 and has been making a difference ever since. It started with one man, William Booth, and his wife.
"Booth was reading a printer's proof of the 1878 annual report when he noticed the statement "The Christian Mission is a volunteer army." Crossing out the words "volunteer army," he penned in "Salvation Army."..."
"...he attracted followers who were dedicated to fight for the souls of men and women."
Isn't that what we are called to do? Isn't that The Great Commission?
Soon after volunteering, I heard a piece on NPR about being a virtual bell ringer. So I signed up.
I decided to do it in honor of my mom.
Click here to donate, sign up, join my team, or just to check it out...... Even just a dollar.
"If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday." Isaiah 58:10
Because it will change lives.
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." Matthew 25:35
6 comments:
I've always thought this would be such fun -- a great experience a family.
God bless you as you continue to seek ways to be His hands and feet in the New Year.
Grace and peace to you ...
Jennifer Dukes Lee
Contributing Editor @ The High Calling
Thank you, Jennifer! God bless!
My grandmother always gave to the Salvation Army because she knew what it was like to live without during the great depression. What a great idea you had! Thanks for sharing, Christina! Happy New Year!
Thank you Judith for sharing. And thank you for the donation. God bless you and your family this New Year!
That reminds of me of selling Girl Scout cookies!One year I had to go into Lowe's and buy mittens! I'm thankful to find your blog.
You should look at Booksneeze at Thomas Nelson Publishers for free books to review!
Bonnie: I remember selling girl scout cookies too! ha! So appreciate your words. I will have to look into that :)
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