Operation Christmas Child

In common-day America we hear and say things like, "I'm broke" or "I'm just trying to make ends meet."  What we don't realize is that we are SO blessed! Do you have running water in your house?  Do you own a car?  A house?  A tv?  If you answered "yes," then you are one of the richest people in the world.  Francis Chan points it out so well in his book Crazy Love (a book that I highly recommend):

"Because we don’t usually have to depend on God for food, money to buy our next meal, or shelter, we don’t feel needy. In fact, we generally think of ourselves as fairly independent and capable. Even if we aren’t rich, we are “doing just fine.”
If one hundred people represented the world’s population, fifty-three of those would live on less than $2 a day. Do you realize that if you make $4,000 a month, you automatically make one hundred times the average person on this planet? Simply by purchasing this book, you spent what a majority of people in the world will make in a week’s time.
Which is more messed up—that we have so much compared to everyone else, or that we don’t think we are rich? That on any given day we might flippantly call ourselves “broke” or “poor”? We are neither of those things. We are rich. Filthy rich."

By no means am I trying to say that you aren't having a hard time right now.  Each of us is guaranteed struggles in this life.  What I am suggesting is that if each of us can think of others above ourselves (Romans 12:10), we will want to help those in need just like Christ did.  God cares for you and the burdens you are carrying.  He wants to carry them for you if you will only trust Him:

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  - 1 Peter 5:6-7

I have a huge desire to create traditions for our family and want to teach Lucas what it means to serve others.  We decided that we are going to get involved with Operation Christmas Child.  It's such a great opportunity to bless a child that doesn't know what it means to receive a ton of toys at Christmas.  It's so easy too:  You simply take a shoe box, designate it for a boy or girl, fill it with gifts (they even give you recommendations), include a note letting them know you are praying for them and $7 for shipping and then drop it off at a location near you.  This is a tangible way to show a child around the world the love of God!  They even have a cool way to track where your box goes!  What a great opportunity to remember the many ways God has blessed you and share those blessings with a child in need!

There's only 1 week left to pack a shoe box for a child around the world, so let's get moving!

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.    -Romans 12:9-13