Ok, I completely stole this entry. But I do give credit where credit is due

Jingle Bells In 100-degree Weather...please meet her challenge!

 

 This from my wonderful friend Tammy of "As I Am" 

 

Okay my friends, I asked you a question the other day and you guys outdid your self with the answer. I thank you all.

 

Now I have a challenge for you. This is something just for you. It is  a 'healing of the soul' kind of thing. Let me explain.

 

For the past couple of years now, mom and I do something special. Starting around this month, every time we go to a "Dollar Store" where everything is a dollar, we buy two toys each. One for a girl and one for a boy. $2 or $3 a month. Heck, I spend way more than that on junk! But by Christmas, we have a pretty big bag of toys to give to those who need them. We also buy one $10 toy or two $5 toys each in December. My sister is Minister of Music at her church and we give them to her. She knows where to take them so that they will be given to those who need them most. What a great feeling! Me, a disabled 41 year old who draws a small check each month and barely have enough to last the entire month, can do something to help others! If that isn't medicine for the soul nothing is!

 

So here is your challenge. Once or twice a month, whenever you drop into a store and see $1.00 toys or $2 or whatever, pick one up. Store it and add to it until Christmas. Then give it to someone who needs it. Every time you spend a dollar buying a toy, you will leave knowing that no matter what else you buy, at least one item will be priceless to a child who may not see Santa without it. It's a good way to get that wonderful Christmas feeling early. No matter what you are going through on the inside, you may be surprised to find a tiny smile popping up when you least expect it.

 

This helps to remind me that I am not the center of the universe and my pain isn't the biggest thing in life. A gift for a child can be a powerful pill my friends.

 

If you would like to do something more, or something else, try food. Whenever you go to the grocery store, pick up an extra can of something. A bag of beans will last till Christmas and can feed a family well. Oatmeal, rice, cans of food, Koolaid, anything that won't expire and cheap will add up when you grab something extra whenever you drop in a store.

 

Feel bad? Some go shopping. Buy for others instead of yourself can ease the depression better. You going to spend that $5 anyway, spend it on a child. Trust me, it works!

 

You wanna tell us about your adventure, do so. If you want to do this secretly, that's fine too. But it is a wonderful way to help others AND yourself at the same time. Sometimes when we are face to face with our problems and pain, we find it hard to find a way out. This is a way out. And if you find yourself humming Jingle Bells in 100 degree weather......wonderful!!