A Play Date With A Purpose

There are so many things I want to teach my children.  SOOOOO many things that I feel they need to learn to be a contributing member of the human race:  work hard, pick up after yourself, be gracious, say thank you, ask for help, share what you have, be a peacemaker, listen, change a tire, believe in others, see the good…I could go on and on and on.  I will admit that I am by no means an expert on executing these things.  I try to live my life so that, not only my children, but anyone who is watching will be encouraged and challenged to do more good.  One of the main lessons that it is absolutely imperative for me to teach is to love.  No matter if they put their socks on before their pants, color outside the lines, wear pink and red together (not on Valentine’s Day), or are standing on a corner asking for a little help to get through the day, they need your love.

okcmomblog_4That’s why I was so excited when my friend said she had an idea that she’d found on Pinterest years ago for a service project to collect items for the homeless.  It was such a fantastic way to teach that important lesson of  LOVE!

I had been trying to figure out a way to get together with our friends for a little fun before the holidays flew by in Santa’s sleigh, and this was a perfect occasion.  So we spread the word to our friends to come over for some sweets, crafts, and spreading of good cheer.

Once we got a head count for who all would be there, we divvied up a list of items to purchase and made sure there were enough for each mom to take three bags.  The plan was to keep these in our vehicles and pass them out to those who are standing on the corner. We ended up with ten moms, so we provided at least 30 of our items.

Island full of items to fill the bags for the homeless.
Island full of items to fill the bags for the homeless.
soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, peanut butter crackers, notepads and pens, tissues, combs, deodorant, Chapstick, applesauce, socks, Bibles, giftcard to McDonalds, bandaids, water bottles, sanitizer, lotion, shampoo & conditioner, Bible,
soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, peanut butter crackers, notepads and pens, tissues, combs, deodorant, Chap-stick, applesauce, socks, Bibles, gift card to McDonalds, band-aids, water bottles, sanitizer, lotion, shampoo & conditioner, Bible, gallon Ziploc to put everything in.

A lot of time was spent thinking about a note of encouragement to add to the bags.  I thought my friend’s words were really spot on with the love that we were trying to send their way:

You may be down on your luck right now, but let this little bag remind you that you are special.  There are people that care about you. God cares about you.  He has a purpose for you.  You are beautiful and things will get better.  Never give up!  You are doing great!  

Please know that my friends and I are praying for you.  Here are a few verses from God’s word I thought you might enjoy.

John 15:17   This is my command; love each other.

Proverbs 3:24   You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly.

Isaiah 41:10   Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right. 

Philippians 4:6-7   Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

If you’re finding yourself getting caught up in the craziness of this time of year, or just ready to reset your mind for the coming year, then this would be a great idea to get together with your friends as you give something to someone else who needs it.

 

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Anna
Anna is a born and raised Arkansan, transplanted to OKC for her husband’s job. She has 3 fantastic kiddos who are currently three and under. Although she has never taught in the school system, her degree is Family and Consumer Sciences Education is put to use every day in her full time career as a stay at home mom. Anna is also a lifestyle and portrait photographer. She’s Yoga practicing, lover of sewing, cloth diapering, DIY-ing, baby wearing mom who loves to bake with processed sugar. You can keep up with her over at Barefoot Mamma.

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