Sunday, December 20, 2009

Christmas Gifts

I’d always said my job provided for my Sunday School class, my quilting and my kids going through college. Well, now it provides for everything else too. I’m not complaining--- quite the contrary, I’m incredibly grateful. While, Christmas may seem “leaner” I have complete faith it will be just as special.

Inside our church, we all have mail boxes with our names on them. Letters and memos from the church office and congregation are swapped back and forth and it says a ton in postage. A few Sundays ago a wad of bills with a note signed “the Rat Pack” appeared in our box. After the initial shock, I just sat back and thought about the gesture. Gratitude didn’t come close to how I felt. Also, thoughts of so many folks more deserving of this present crept into my head. I knew I couldn’t waste the money. So every year previously, I’ve purchased a hardcover book for each kid in my Sunday school class for a gift the season. I want them to love all the traditions of Christmas and still focus on Christ and the true meaning of the holiday. I used the funds to purchase this book for my kids and put the rest of the money back in the offering plate.


It can be a gift re-gifted to someone else….
Yesterday after “family” housecleaning…(Eric’s home), I went and worked in my Sunday school classroom an hour. When I got home the guys had grilled burgers. After the Mandatory afternoon Saturday naptime, the guys left for the movies and I danced down to my sewing machine. After 3 hours that include a snow shoe break with the pups—I came up with this gift for my Mom.

It was a free pattern from the Moda bake shop and fabric from my stash. If it weren’t for football games today—I might be down there making myself one. Great instructions --- easy. Now I have to pop it into the mail Monday with a prayer hoping it gets there my Christmas…..

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sweet story that starts off my holiday week. I'm smiling. Thank you.

Paula, the quilter said...

You are certainly making lemonade. I love your spirit.

Libby said...

Such a surprise to find in your mailbox . . . . I could have surely guessed that you would pay it forward *s* Have a wonderful time with all the birdies back in the nest!

Darlene said...

Blessings are every where! ((HUGS))

Unknown said...

You have beautiful friends, and it matches your beautiful spirit.
And that bag is very sweet. And mom would love it.

Stina Blomgren said...

What a wonderful surprise..:o)
I want to wish you a wonderful and Merry Christmas with your family...and a Happy New Sewing Year... HUGS!!!

Kimberly said...

Thanks so much for sharing, and for the smile you gave me this evening.
God is good!

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

You are so terrific! Have a wonderful Christmas with the family. May God richly bless you all in the new year.

Donna~One Simple Country Girl said...

I have been experiencing some "lean" times lately myself. Thank you for sharing this story. It really puts things in perspective for me. And I LOVE that bag!!! Great job and I'm sure your Mom will love it! Merry Christmas!
Hugs,
Donna

Marie said...

Your mother should love her gift. You are so talented! I wish you and yours a wonderful Christmas and a great New Year.
Love,
Marie

The Calico Cat said...

wad of bills

I hope that I am the only one who read "Electric bill, cable bill, etc." first & second times...

Glad you had the cash to buy the books. :o)

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

That's a lovely bag, and great stitchery in your last post.

Gypsy Quilter said...

Happy, merry, gleeful, joyous Christmas to you and yours.

Quilts And Pieces said...

I know that xmas book! I loved the story! And the bag for your mom is wonderful! Here is wishing you a wonderful 2010!

deb said...

LOVE that purse, what is the pattern!!!! what a lucky mom!!!!