Cup of Joy.. Zimbabwe Boy Receives Gift

Great Coupons

Sorry I have not been on much this week.. hope to be back to normal after the holidays.

Check out Michaels.com to see their great coupon deals throughout the week! Tomorrow, depending on the time of day, you can get a 50% of one item or a coupon off total purchase... and then more coupons available all week!

Also, on coupon.com there are coupons for Hot Wheels and Barbies to print out.

And... finally.. there are MANY inserts tomorrow! Including the P&G insert... so check them out to see if there are any for OCC.

Saving big means buying more for LESS.

Ecuador Distribution Video

This video was made just around a month ago, when a group of OCC bloggers went on a distribution trip. If you have been here that long you may have followed it then.

I never tire of seeing the shoebox deliveries! One line in this video hit me... that many of the children.. the stuff in the shoebox costs more than their parents earn in a month!

Watch the video and see God's love pouring out through the simple gift of a shoebox.

Operation Christmas Child Special Report Online

If you did not receive a Special Report... or want to share with others what OCC is doing, sharing this link will do just that. http://www.samaritanspurse.org/pdf/2011occsr.pdf

In the Christmas Mood ALL YEAR ~ Matthew West, Amy Grant, and Veggies Tales

I hope you enjoy this video....

"Give This Christmas Away" Music Video Amy Grant and Matthew West -VeggieTales Bonus Song from jesusislord1234 on GodTube.

SOCK PUPPETS!!

This week I have been working on a variety of crafts.. my favorite so far are the sock puppets. My son is reluctantly modeling the duck and dino. I will post instructions and more varieties soon.

Miracles Abound... Our God Saves!

Guyana, 2010: Entire Family Gave Their Lives To The Lord

2012-01-04

Krishna, a Hindu boy from the village of De Kindered on the West Coast thought he could never attend a Christian church because of his parents’ Hindu background and would not be allowed to attend church services or have friends from the church.
During the February (shoe box) Gift Distribution, Krishna received a gift box and the booklet “The Greatest Gift Of All” (GGOA) from a volunteer whose ministry was concentrated in the street to target the un-churched. He was happy to see the contents and share the excitement with his parents and friends.
Krishna had an accident puncturing his abdomen and damaging his spleen; chances of life for Krishna looked dim and his parents were worried about post surgery.  They were told by the Doctors they couldn’t do anything more, they’ve done their best, and now they (Krishna’s parents) will have to pray and hope for the best. The parents went home read the GGOA booklet and prayed to Lord Jesus. The next day on their visit to the hospital they notice signs of improvement and decided to take a step further by going to the church in search of the volunteer and ask for prayers. They were surprised at the welcome they received and the concern shown by the members of the church. The church prayed and visited Krishna in the hospital. Krishna is out of the hospital today and is doing The Greatest Journey lesson # 1. His father stood up in church one morning and testifies of how he prayed to Lord Jesus and Lord Jesus Heard him and grants his request. The entire family gave their lives to the Lord and is attending church regularly.

Thank You Video... Operation Christmas Child

Right now, children around the world are opening gift-filled shoe boxes that YOU packed, and learning how much you love them -- and how much God loves them! THANK YOU!

This video is from OCC Canada but the truth is universal.

And what do I get for THEM??? Ideas for a 10-14 girl's box.

The majority of boxes coming in (overwhelmingly) are for the 5-9 year olds... perhaps because this is the easiest group to shop for. If so, I want to tell you that 10-14 year olds are FUN to shop for!! And are a HUGE ministry opportunity!

I love this age group! If you read my post on 10-14 year old boys, you will recognize that much of this post is exactly the same.


Of course, the basics:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Soap and washcloth
• Comb 
• Pencils and pencil sharpener
• Notebook
• Extra school supplies

But then what?? How about...

  Active Play Items:

• small football
• baseball/ other small balls
• jumprope
• flying disc (small version of frisbee for disc golf? or other small frisbee)
• baseball cap
• soccer ball and small pump (soccer is HUGELY popular many places) 
• hackeysack

Toys:

• stuffed animal or puppet (yes they SEEM too old.. but are they??? No.)
• mini toy animal figurines
• slinky
• yo yo

Creative Outlet

• art supplies (all kinds)
• harmonica or recorder

Clothes

• socks, hat, gloves, tshirt, etc
• barrettes, hairbands
• jewelry

Life Skill items

• sewing kit: scissors, fabric, needles, thread, thimble, pins, etc
• workgloves
• calculator (solar is ideal)
• gardening tools
• fishing kit

Miscellaneous:

• flashlight with extra batteries or hand crank one
• watch
• totebag or collapsible backpack 
• water bottle or cup
• CANDY (in a baggie)
• sunglasses

Remember, each child only gets ONE box in a lifetime... and often this is their LAST chance to receive a shoebox... and is a GREAT time for them to HEAR THE GOSPEL. These children are in desperate need for what we have.. and I don't mean the STUFF. Operation Christmas Child allows the gospel to reach those who are otherwise unreachable... and your box makes a DIFFERENCE.

Cute Puppets to Make!

Are you a crafter? Looking for something truly special to make for the boxes? I think this is TOO cute! I love puppets because they serve so well for imaginative play... and these would be great for the shoeboxes.

You can find the instructions including free patterns at http://zitzmanfam.blogspot.com/2010/09/old-macdonald-puppet-tutorial-and.html

The Difference a Box Can Make

(CNN) -- Sixteen-year-old Valery Bianco and his 13-year-old sister Marina Bianco take extra care in preparing and wrapping their shoe box gifts for "Operation Christmas Child."

They know firsthand what these gifts could mean to a child.

"I was almost 10 when I received my shoe box, and it was touching to receive a gift as an orphan, someone people don't care about," Valery says.

Those shoe boxes were the first gifts that Valery and Marina received during their life at a Russian orphanage.

When they were sent to the orphanage years earlier, they were not allowed to bring any possessions with them. Birthdays were not celebrated and there were no toys to be found on Christmas morning.

All the two siblings had was each other. At times, it was hard for them to see how the tough life at the orphanage affected each other.

"I would see him fight with other boys and I would run into my room and hope he was OK. There were so many fights," Marina said.

For Marina, the shoe box gift came when she needed it the most. She was 6 years old when it arrived. At that point, she was becoming very angry, finding herself in a lot of fights as well.

She started believing that she had nothing to fight for.

"I did not care what happened to me," Marina said. "People would want to beat up on me. I thought, well that is what life is. But when I received the shoe box, I realized that someone did care for me in the world, and I thought that I should live a good life."

Her shoe box had the simplest items: A small towel, a few toiletries, a coloring book and stickers and a small stuffed animal.

For Marina, these possessions meant she was worth something.

"I realized you can be anyone you want, that you can control your own life," Marina said.

Four years after receiving those first gifts, Valery and Marina were adopted by a family in the United States. As they were adjusting to an American life, learning English and a different culture, their new older sister came home from school one day with a shoe box present that she was wrapping for "Operation Christmas Child."

The "Operation Christmas Child" program was started in 1993 by Samaritan's Purse, a Christian international relief group. That first year, Operation Christmas Child collected 28,000 shoe box gifts. Since then, the organization has received more than 8 million shoe boxes, which have been shipped to more than 100 countries.

For this holiday season, they are accepting gifts through December 25 and have created a "Build-A-Box" online tool, where the gifts can be virtually selected and purchased. Then a Samaritan's Purse volunteer packs and wraps the shoe box gift.

"I knew how it felt to receive that box, how it changed my life. If there is a person right now, a child in trouble, thinking of running away, that box could comfort him. That is how I felt," Marina said. "I realized I could help others."

As Marina started her own shoe box to send, she included a coloring book, a toothbrush, hard candy, a ball and a puzzle.

In Russia, she loved puzzles because they would give her a focused activity during the many hours she was alone with her thoughts in the orphanage. Valery's shoe box had similar items, but he made sure his also included a toy car. It brought back memories of the one he received in his shoe box gift.

"I know they will have fun with that, I know I enjoyed it as a kid. I put my love in there and what I thought would comfort them. To let them know this is for you. You can own something now," Valery said.

One ingredient requested for every shoe box, whether built online or prepared at home, is a personalized note of encouragement for the child who will receive it. Marina's note was easy for her to write.

"I told them about myself, that I received a box, and that I hope this box touches their life. I also wrote my address and e-mail in case they ever wanted to reach me," Marina said.

When Valery thinks of a child reading his words of support, he recalls the note he received.

"I used to think about who sent my box, I wondered what they were like and what they enjoyed doing. I knew it was a good person with love in them," Valery said.

Valery and Marina were silent as they wrapped their shoe boxes and realized that they are now the people making a difference.

Story from CNN http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/12/17/iyw.shoebox.gift/index.html

Smiles for your Saturday

GO Boxes are now available!

If you or your church or group are interested in Go Boxes.. they are now available for ordering. Go to http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/GO_Box_LandingPage to learn more.

How Great is Our God ~ World Edition

Wouldn't this song be great with a slideshow from Operation Christmas Child??

Rite Aid Deal... with coupon, free toothbrush

IF you clip coupons... this could be a freebie for you.
Found it over at clipwithpurpose

Reach Total Care Toothbrush or Floss $2.99
Receive a $2 +Up Reward when you buy one, limit 2
Use $2/2 previously available printable coupon
or use $1/1 from 3/4 Red Plum
Final Price: Free

Sports Theme Box

Hey all... a while back I posted 2 princess theme boxes packed by my daughter... and told you I would do a boy's box next... so today I bring you a SPORTS BOX. This one is a no brainer of a theme... and I still have a couple items left to add but wanted to get it posted now. 

As

As you can see... this box includes 2 balls (one foam football and one baseball, a slinky, a jumprope, a yo-yo, crayons, sports theme pencils, sports theme small totebag, sports theme notebook, pencil sharpener, toothbrush and toothpaste, washcloth, gloves, and tshirt. I want to still fit in candy, soap, maybe a baseball cap, and a small stuffed toy... and then it will be complete and VERY full. The tshirt is sized for a 5-9 boy but of course everything in this would be great for any age boy. 

A sports theme box could also include a deflated soccer ball and small pump, small baseball glove, sports team jersey or other apparel, small flying disc, any type of ball, etc. 

Although this box is for a boy... you COULD do a sports theme box for a girl as well!

It is all about fun and being active! I would love to see area sports' teams and athletic clubs get involved in packing boxes or donating supplies for boxes in the sports theme. What a blessing to the child that receives these items.

Uganda Children Singing at a Shoebox Event

Crafting Weekend ~ Floral Hair Clips

I just had a wonderful few days making a LOT of hair clips. I made a bunch for an OCC craft exchange I found at clipwithpurpose but couldn't stop making them. I now have the ones for the exchange done.. and another 60 more completed. They were simple, even for the craft challenged like me... and cute (even according to my teen daughter) and fun.

Here are a few of the ones I made. :)

 

They are SO simple... all you need are some fake flowers, some hair clips, some rhinestones, and some hot glue. I used flowers from the clearance aisle at Walmart and a bunch from the dollar store.

Start by plugging in or turning on your hot glue gun. I chose to use hot hot glue... high temp kind, despite my klutziness and the resulting tender thumb, because I wanted to reduce the likelihood of the glue melting while being transported and delivered.

The first step is to deconstruct the flowers. This is super easy but can be the most time consuming part of the process. Remove the bloom from the stem and take it apart. You do not need the stem or the center of the flower or any filler parts between the layers of the flowers.

You WILL use the flower petals and the leaves.The rest is unneeded.

Now you begin to assemble.... simple.. Just glue on layer after layer. Here I glued on the leaves. Tough, huh? You then glue on layer by layer, keeping them lined up, and build your flower onto the pin.

Then I added a rhinestone in the center.. for some bling.. some shine... and to cover the hole in the middle. You could use a button or other center but you do need something. I prefer the rhinestone.

 And there you have it! Easy as can be. Be aware that hot glue is HOT.. and that the floral petals do NOT protect your fingers.... but once you get the method down, this is quick going, and fun.

Costs will vary based on whether you buy in bulk and the number of blooms per stem... but generally are around 20-25 cents each. Bigger blooms run more... the small ones go quicker and cost even less.

Hot Wheels Deal.. as low as 39 cents per car

At clipwithpurpose I found an AWESOME deal... one I can NOT pass up! Maybe you will feel the same.

Check out HOW to get this great price at clipwithpurpose by going to this LINK.

Winter Clearance

Hi all! Walmart has marked down many of their children's winter hats again. They were 50% off but now many are at much deeper markdowns... check though as it is hit and miss at this point. I bought broad striped hats, originally priced at 1.29 each at 25 cents each! I bought 40 of them but there are still a LOT left if you want to grab some for your boxes. Other stores might be having winter clearance also... so keep your eyes out!

Operation Christmas Child Weekly Prayer Guide

This is the weekly prayer guide available in bookmark form from Operation Christmas Child.... but I thought it worth posting here. Join us in prayer.

"Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving." 

Colossians 4:2

WEEKLY PRAYER GUIDE

SUNDAY: Pray for the children and their families who receive a shoe box gift, that hearts will be opened to the Good News of Jesus Christ.

MONDAY: Most children who receive shoe box gifts live in desperate circumstances. Pray that God will meet their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

TUESDAY: Pray for our ministry partners in countries around the world, especially that the shoe box gifts and follow-up discipleship programs will be effective evangelism tools.

WEDNESDAY: Pray the doors will be opened, so that the Good News can be shared in countries that are not receptive to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

THURSDAY: Pray for those who fill shoe box gifts this year, especially for children, that they will see that it is truly more blessed to give than to receive.

FRIDAY: Pray for those involved in collecting, processing, transporting, and delivering shoe box gifts, including the tens of the thousands of volunteers.

SATURDAY: Pray for the Samaritan's Purse staff located throughout the world as they handle the logistics of Operation Christmas Child.

Matthew West and Samaritan's Purse

Girls in Georgia enjoy their boxes.... Enjoy

COUPONS

Hey all! For all you coupon clippers... there is a printable colgate toothbrush coupon at coupons.com for 75 cents off.

AND this Sunday the P&G coupon insert is in the Sunday paper.... usually there are good coupons for OCC in there!

And Big Lots has a printable coupon for 20% off your entire purchase good TOMORROW, Sunday March 4th only at http://www.biglots.com/coupon/coupon-20120304-b?zcp=1000&style=f&rid=17312847&zipCode=80122-2715&mid=36903&storeId=4452

Such a BLESSING to meet so many of you at Klamath Women of the Basin Conference!

I was so blessed by meeting so many of you! Thank you for stopping by our table! It is always a joy to talk to others who love Operation Christmas Child.. and to share all about it with those who do not know it!

Such a wonderful gift that in this nation we can freely gather and celebrate our Lord... worship together... and work together for His glory!!

I will be sending out our area prayer and info newsletter in the next few days, and am glad for the addition of more women praying for this ministry!

If you are not receiving the newsletter and would like to,
please drop me a line at lambofhisflock @ gmail . com and I will gladly add you!

JoAnn's Coupon AND Amazon OCC Store

JoAnn's has a coupon for March 1-3 for 15% off total purchase INCLUDING sale items!!! Of course there are exceptions but if you are buying supplies for your shoebox this is a great way to get some good savings.

 

http://www.joann.com/coupon/?_requestid=1754826

And, the wonderful OCC blog clipwithpurpose (which is always in my link list to the right) has set up an Amazon store for OCC items. There are some good extras for boxes that are good bargains. If you are needing a bit more to get to free shipping why not add one of these items instead of paying shipping??? Check it out at http://astore.amazon.com/clipwithpurp-20 

Finally... GLOVES are still available at our Walmart for 50% off... 2 packs run around 75 cents. There are LOTS of hats left, so I am hoping they will get marked to 75% off. 

And what do I get for THEM??? Ideas for a 10-14 boy's box

One of the things that I often hear when I mention that 10-14 year olds, especially boys, don't get many boxes, is what can I get them??

Oh............. how I love to answer that!!! There are so many possibilities.

Of course, the basics:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Soap and washcloth
• Comb 
• Pencils and pencil sharpener
• Notebook
• Extra school supplies

But then what?? How about...

Sports Items:

• small football
• baseball/ other small balls
• jumprope
• flying disc (small version of frisbee for disc golf? or other small frisbee)
• baseball cap
• soccer ball and small pump (soccer is HUGELY popular many places) 
• hackeysack

Toys:

• stuffed animal or puppet (yes they SEEM too old.. but are they??? No.)
• mini toy animal figurines
• hot wheels (again... are they REALLY too old?) or simple model car
• slinky
• yo yo

Creative Outlet

• art supplies (all kinds)
• harmonica or recorder

Clothes

• socks, hat, gloves, tshirt, etc

Life Skill items

• tools: screwdriver, tool set, tape measure
• workgloves
• gardening tools
• fishing kit
• calculator (solar is ideal)

Miscellaneous:

• flashlight with extra batteries or hand crank one
•  watch
• totebag or collapsible backpack 
• water bottle or cup
• CANDY (in a baggie)
• sunglasses

Remember, each child only gets ONE box in a lifetime... and often this is their LAST chance to receive a shoebox... and is a GREAT time for them to HEAR THE GOSPEL. These children are in desperate need for what we have.. and I don't mean the STUFF. Operation Christmas Child allows the gospel to reach those who are otherwise unreachable... and your box makes a DIFFERENCE.