To everything there is a season...

...and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven:
A time to get and a time to lose, a time to keep and a time to cast away.
Ecclesiastes 3:1,6

Since I started runnin' this blog not only have I found some really cool friends to hang out with but I've also received quite a few packages in the mail. Gifts that I never expected to acquire when I set out to speak my mind. It seems like there is always a box showin' up at the doorstep with my name on it.

It pains me to admit it, but I am spoiled. As much grief as I give Mom, I can't complain about the awesome care I get from either of my 2 leggers. I get real good kibble with a splash of yogurt on top, and tasty biscuits for snacks. I've got a nice pile of toys that are mine and only mine. Not only that but I've got a nice big blanket covered bed I sleep in at night, not one but two dog beds and an outdoor kennel with a great view of the surroundings to hang out in the day. This is way more than some 2 leggers have and it got me to thinkin' about Christmas comin' up and a special project that Mom and I like to participate in every year. Like I said, I've had my time to "get and keep" and now this is my way to "lose and cast away". You may already know about this charity but let me explain it to the folks who may not.
It's called Operation Christmas Child and it's run by Samaritan's Purse International Relief. What they ask is for folks to take a shoebox and fill it with gifts for a child that may not even get a single Christmas gift. It's really very easy and for a child who has a whole lotta nuthin', you can bring real joy into their lives. Over 7.9 million shoeboxes were distributed to children throughout the world just last year. School supplies like pencils and paper, solar calculators, picture books are easy items to pack. Hard candy and small toys like balls, dolls, harmonicas, jump ropes and Slinkys are wonderful toys the kids love. We've even heard that shoes are a luxury item to a lot of these children and that sneakers or flip-flops pack very easily into a shoebox. These kids are even happy to get hygiene items like toothbrushes and toothpaste, washcloths and soap, and combs. This year we're gonna include a picture of me and a small note to the child who receives our box. Mom and I are packin' a box for 1 boy and 1 girl. We're still workin' on them but here you can see I am doin' an inspection to see what more we can add. (Mom and I try to outdo each other and see who can pack their box the fullest)
 

 
 
It's not too late if you're interested, there is plenty of time until the boxes are distributed.  The national collection week is November 16th -23rd. Here is the website for all the information you need to pack and send a box to a needy child: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/index/

I know there are many, many, many good charities out there to help 2 leggers and 4 leggers and each of you may have your own favorite. I just thought I'd like to share one of mine and Mom's that we enjoy givin' to.

I know it gives my big ol' brown heart a very warm fuzzy feelin' to know that somebody out there who doesn't have it as good as me, is gonna have a great present to open and hopefully will make them feel as loved as I do.

Have a great week! I hope it is seasoned in a big way with whatever gives you a warm fuzzy feelin'.

Chester ;0=)