• Story, poem or journal reflecting the person you are giving to
• Create artwork/handcraft - drawing, collage, ornament, quilt, etc.
• Gift of time - visit, bring a meal, take person to play, concert, movie
• Gift of your services - housecleaning, yardwork, home repair, transportation
• Donate to a charity in honor of others:
• Heifer International
• Doctors Without Borders
• Habitat for Humanity
• Disaster Relief
• Child Advocates
• Feed the Children
• ZOE Ministry

his year I am determined to have more joy. Usually during this season,
I don't do much of anything. This year will be different. There  is a
lady in the neighborhood that has about 4 young children with husband
being gone many weeks at a time. We made some cookies for her, painted
a little Christmas ordainment, had some homemade granola made, and
purchased the basket and tin to put the goodies in from Goodwill. I
also added in some  organic tea from a grower not knowing if she even
LIKED tea. The basket was presented yesterday to what looked like an

This year we had single soldiers come over from Ft. Hood. They were asking for people to send in some goodies so they would have a Christmas being away from home. They would be staying on base during this time. My idea was to make a buttermilk pie which included the recipe in which whomever received the pie would *pay it forward*  to another in need of pie. The great thing about it was the recipe made two pies so there was no excuse of not sharing or having enough to pay it forward.

About a year ago my dad said he was interested in reading the Purpose Driven Life. I thought this was weird because he's not Christian and not much interested in matters of the spirit. I haven't read it myself, so this year I am going to give him a copy of PDL and ask if he would like to read it together. I don't have any expectation of whether or not he will say yes, because I know that would be a big commitment on his part, but I'd at least like to put the offer out there.

Some friends partner with Zimbabwean women to help create a sustainable wage.  We buy bags and other products products with Zimbabwean art on it and give them as gifts to friends & family.  Here's a quote from their site because they say it better than I do!  

www.zimbags.org

Maya Mesoamerica Mission exists to spread the love of Christ. We are a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit with outreaches in Mesoamerica.
Our cross-cultural Christian workers share God's love in a tangible way
with the people of Central America. By partnering with churches, civic
organizations, schools and communities, we help local men and women
earn income for their families, grow spiritually, reach educational
goals and find hope through God's love.

This Christmas, GIFT it FORWARD.  Aklesia INC, has introduced a T - shirt line that raises money for orphaned kids to go to school in South East Asia.  Every shirt sold, buys a uniform, backpack, or school supplies for children rescued from human trafficking.  This Christmas, buy T shirts for your friends, family, and support an orphan in Southeast Asia to access the education they deserve.  Spend the extra dollar towards purchasing a gift that makes a difference in a child's life.  

www.aklesia.com

The Harvest of Hope Gift Catalog is a wonderful way to give gifts that truly make a difference in the world! From Bicycles to Bibles, Clean Water, Animals, and Business Training, your gift can really help somebody. Join the conspiracy to buy less and give more!

This whole recycled paper beads made by marginalized women in Africa thing seems to be getting really popular, which is great, because it's awesome! If you don't know what I'm talking about, websites like http://www.suubiafrica.org/ http://www.beadforlife.org/ and http://tapphope.org/ as we saw in the last post sell beads and necklaces, made of recycled materials, and handcrafted by marginalized women in Africa who get paid fair wages. These companies give women a great opportunity to work as artists and support their faimlies.