To Terrific Photo Takers

This week's Three Bags Full Award goes to all the amateur and even professional photographers that share their pictures with the world. The local TV station's post the best landscape pictures that come in daily of this beautiful world we live in. Some of them are breath taking. We even entered a few of ours in hopes to be chosen. No we were not disappointed when we weren't selected. Our Home Teacher, gave us the KSL 2012 Weather Calendar. It contains the best weather photos (by voter choice) submitted this year.

Our darling daughter and daughter-in-law have taken advantage of their state of the art cameras through classes and experimenting to snap some pretty terrific pictures. Some have been framed for all to enjoy. Wedding collages and shoots made for great memories to cherish for years. The family picture calendar boasts quite of few.

Don't ever stop taking those great shots that will be forever our legacy of life.

Evening Echoes of Christmas

When an individual funds a free event outdoors during the winter for all to see and enjoy, they deserve the 'Three Bags Full' Award. Virginia Schmidt Baird produced, orchestrated, paid for, advertised and got hundreds of volunteers to participate in 'Echoes of Christmas' in its third year. The production of singing, acting and guiding us to each station was a generous gift to the Salt Lake Valley. Not to mention the six nights they welcomed all, to see what it may have been like so long ago.

With all the commercialism of Christmas from stores that begin to advertise in September, charities asking for donations and kids clamoring for gifts, to spend a minute going back in time to the birth of Jesus was refreshing. Eight stations depicting the events surrounding the Christ Child's birth were visited. The little lamb beside his shepherd, the camel munching on hay, the donkey headed to Bethlehem took us to that sacred event.

Thank you, Virginia, for sharing this beloved performance. May we all remember that Jesus, really is the reason for the season.

Why Three Bags Full

The idea of three bags full came to me when out jogging early one morning. Here and there trash littered the streets and it started to bother me. I began to pick up the water bottles, pop cans, fast food refuse and such, but didn't know what to do with all of it. If it was garbage day in that area and cans were on the curbs I would toss junk in the closest can available then keep on running. Driving through that area later in the day, brought me satisfaction, that I had made a difference.

My jogging route became the nearest garbage day collection area. Occassionally an empty sack was found and quickly filled then dropped in a can. Then I began stuffing plastic grocery bags in my pockets to use when needed. If I filled three bags each morning, it felt like a properous outing. Keeping my eyes focused as I picked up refuse made the time fly.

Safety is an important factor, so only go where you know there isn't any danger. Watch the traffic closely and keep out of its way. What do others think when you pick up trash? It can be embarrassing. So what! OCD? Possibly. If you go out early, use a jacket with a hood, realize that most don't know or recognize you, the anonimity of it becomes a game. Be sure to mind your own business and stay away from anything that looks suspicious. Most of all you are doing a good deed.

'Cleanliness is next to Godliness' and the same goes for the roads. Now as I drive down the streets two or so miles from home I think, 'Look how clean it is'. Thank you some ambitious, angelic soul.

The Greater Good Gift Giving

"I don't need anything." I told my children last week, when we talked about drawing names for Christmas. Why get more stuff to add to my surplus or toss what I have to get more. Give what you would spend on me to someone in need.

Parade Magazine's 11/27/11 front cover says, 'Lend a Hand'. The article by Joe Kita spotlights ten ways to help. No extra cash. Go to the 'Short on Cash' section for eight more ideas to give other ways. Go to Parade.com/giving to donate.

Food Pantries always need money or staples to supply the increased demand for winter. Take a big box over or buy extra food while shopping and leave in the designated containers at your grocery store.

Communities supporting Sub for Santa, Christmas Tree Angels, Shop with a Cop, Ronald McDonald House, and other deserving groups all need our help. Local newspapers, radio stations and schools also have worthy fund raisers to benefit those down on their luck.

Get into the spirit, now and 'Do It'. It is said when we look outside ourselves and serve others, our own problems go away. Make the decision today for the greater good and give generously to others. You will be glad you did.