Guys I know this is long but PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ THIS!!!!! This year for CHRISTmas, Tommy and I have decided to carry our children to a hospital and a nursing home (havent decided on which ones just yet but pretty sure it will be Batson) and deliver little gifts to patients as well as have prayer with them for several reasons... 1. I want my children as well as me and Tommy to always remember what CHRISTmas is truly about 2. To finally, for once, be on the giving end because we have been blessed so many countless times by others reaching out to us. Yes, we have helped others before but not like this. It may be just a stuffed animal and a book or a pair of nice socks for a nursing home patient but I know how humbled it has always made us feel and we want to incorporate our children into how it touches hearts. 3. The Lord has richly blessed us, not with material things or money, but with my children never having to spend a CHRISTmas in the hospital, receiving chemo, blood, surgeries, etc. We definitely dont have the best but The Lord has taken care of our children and the both of us when it comes to our health. This past week has opened my eyes in ways I didnt think were possible. I do realize it says in the Bible John writes, “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?” (1 John 3:17-18). Similarly, James says, “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:14-17). The way in which we care for the needy is a reflection of our love for Christ and our position as His children. In other words, it is evidence of our salvation and the presence of the Holy Spirit within us. Charity need not always be in the form of money or what we would consider a typically “charitable” act. When Peter and John met a crippled beggar, rather than give the man money, Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6). Charity is giving of whatever resources we have in order to meet the need of another. I do realize it also says in Matthew 6:3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so I am not telling the world this to receive praise or anything like that but rather to let you guys know that you, too can so small acts of kindness for others and I promise you, it WILL change their lives!! We ARE LIVING proof of that!! I will be the first to admit we have failed in this area with ourselves as well as our children. Our children are all of the age now to where they understand CHRISTmas isnt about presents and they have never asked for expensive things (well except last year when Ava Blayse Pender wanted the Hoveround)...so what better way to pay it forward and teach our children and ourselves firsthand about unselfishness and Gods undying love for each and every one of us. We wont know any of these families more than likely nor their background but we will share the Word of Christ with them as well as spread some CHRISTmas cheer! NOW....this is where I need your help! If you have any extra unused SMALL gifts that you might have bought extra of or that you want to pick up while out for our excursion WE WOULD DEEPLY appreciate it! Our church family...we rock when it comes to serving others so lets make this possible! We will have things that we have bought but I know not all of you are where you can take a couple of days to make the drive to deliver to these families. Inbox me or text me at (662)739-0332 and let me know if you have an extra coloring book, stuffed animal, pair of socks or crossword puzzle books that you would like to donate to Penders Operation PRAY it Forward...I know Attala and Choctaw County (as well as the entire state of Mississippi) have the greatest, most selfless people in the world so please help us make this a HUGE success!!! Madison Kellye Pender will have her license Tuesday so her and Carlye Rae-Anne Pender can come pick up items on most days after school!
Posted on: Mon, 17 Nov 2014 04:05:47 +0000
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