Time0,

I appreciate the reminder. It's just so easy to think that we don't have much, can't do much, won't really make a difference. But if we all look for opportunities to do something, no matter how small, then we will make a difference.

My family has been the recipient of a lot of stuff in past Christmas seasons. I was frankly embarassed that people thought we needed it, and this year I have been asked by my church and one of my kids' schools if we needed help for Christmas, and I told them all we need is to get moved (we are moving this Friday - four hours away). We really are doing okay now, but I can't get over the mind-set of being one of the have-nots. Anyway, we have received a lot in the past. The tiny pile of gifts under our tree grew, and the kids enjoyed what they got. My heart was warmed to think that someone noticed us and cared, even though I felt bad that they felt that they needed to.

So, now I want to give back to someone, and make a difference. I try to support as many of these efforts as I can (it's still not enough), whether through my church, or there is the Christmas in a shoe box program (you fill a shoebox with small gifts for a child, include money to mail it, and it gets sent overseas - I can't remember what the official name of the program is - that one needed to be done a month ago so I don't still have the paper on it - but it's usually sponsored by a church too).

Don't forget the teenagers! Lots of people send things for little kids, and teens tend to be left out quite often.

Rap