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.

Thankful Thoughts

This is a challenge to each of you to have thankful thoughts today. Yes, it is easy to generalize them into five major ones, but be specific. Think about January 2011. What happened that month? Did you go skiing, make and keep some resolutions or invite friends for dinner? Recall that specific time and savor it. Do you remember a funny or special thing that happened during this experience of yours? Re-enjoy it.

Look at the pictures you took. How silly you look in your camp outfit and so does everyone else. Be thankful for cameras that bring it all back to living color downloaded in seconds on our computers without having to wait for the developing.

Do the same with February, March and so on. Each hour of today dwell on a different time, event or month of the year. At the end of the day, you will really be thankful for 2011. If a bad or sad time comes to your mind, think about it and how you grew from the experience.

Next think about where these blessings came from. The Lord gave them to us. Thank Him and pray to have many more. Thankful thoughts will bring you joy and peace. You will look forward to next year with relish. Now go eat your turkey and rue the day.

Zambia Scholarship Fund

I attended a free concert of Peter Breinholt. It was to benefit the Zambia Scholarship Fund, which I had never heard of. Hey, it was FREE so I went, but I received so much more. Many in attendance were the generous contributors to the cause. They seemed excited to be a part of something so valuable. Letters from the children were there for the reading. A young man from Zambia going to college spoke of his appreciation for the fund. (photos from website)

In order for African children to go to school they must pay their own way. Few communities are able or willing to pay an elementary school teacher's salary of $100 to keep a school consistently running. For a small amount we can be the means of giving an education to the children of Zambia. This non-governmental organization (NGO) that puts 100% of its funds back into the cause has published a book telling of its history called Foreign Flowers. I picked up the amazing book, read it and want to pass it along to as many people as possible.

There are many ngo's that claim to be non-profit, but in reality make and keep the big bucks, which are used for their generous salaries and posh offices. Finding a non-profit you can trust that gives ninety plus percent to the cause is difficult.

"Zambia's Scholarship Fund was founded by Peggy Rogers in 2000 after returning from a visit to Zambia to reunite with an African friend from college.

Peggy saw the poverty and need for education up close. She learned that Zambians desperately desire to obtain an education because they know that is the best way to raise themselves out of poverty.

Peggy started saving her own money to provide scholarships to Zambian students and started rallying others to her cause. She continues to run the program today which has now helped thousands of students. As Founder and President, Peggy insists that 100% of all donations go to help Zambians in need."

To find out more go to Zambiascholarshipfund.org. This woman is a giant 'Three Bags Full' Winner.

Delight Us With Decorations

Everywhere we see holiday decorating has begun, both inside and out. A driver has a hard time keeping their eyes on the road with so many pumpkins, goblins, witches, blow ups, scarecrows and more to take in. Next month we'll see turkeys then on to snowmen, flakes, lights and more.

Autumn is an easy time to jazz up the place with wreaths, colored leaves, greeting signs, baskets and more. Let it spill out from the entry, porch and into the yard. Everyone that decorates is doing the neighborhood a service by making each day more welcoming and friendly for the rest of us. Businesses really get into the act filling there display windows and area with animated shapes and more.

One year we stopped at a friend's home that had pumpkins all over their front yard and snapped a few treasured photos of the grandkids. If you decide to try this, make sure to ask the homeowner for permission to take photos on their property especially if it involves kids.

A '3 Bags Full' Award goes out to anyone ambitious enough to share their talents.

LDS General Conference Gift

Words of a prophet were spoken this month by Thomas S. Monson and leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint's at the semi-annual General Conference. The most recent revelation directly from the Lord through his servants to us.

Encouragement and love, forgiveness and hope, blessings and wisdom are for all to accept, believe and hold on to. We were told that Jesus Christ loves all men and His hand is stretched out for us to cling to. It is only through him we are able to find solace.

This valuable advice was sent out via internet, TV and closed circuit for all the world to enjoy. Watch, listen or read these valuable words of wisdom on lds.org today.