Holly Jolly Giveaway Hop (12/1-12/15)

Can you believe that there are only 25 days until Christmas?  This year has flown by and Advent season is already upon us!  Do you count down the days using an Advent calendar?  Maybe one with chocolate hidden behind each date on the calendar?  I am going to use an Advent devotional for the first time and try to prepare for Christmas that way.
I want to help YOU get in the Christmas spirit by  a Kindle book giveaway!  This giveaway hop is hosted by MamatheFox.  Please visit the other giveaways as well! 

This season, please find a way to assist the poor and helpless.  Remember Jesus said:

Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.

Matthew 25:37-40 ESV

There are always people in need- and there always will be but everybody can do something.  Find something that you are passionate about and dive in!   I am passionate about helping destitute families and children in the poorest countries of Eastern Europe which is why I try to help "Operation Christmas Love" whoch provides food and hygiene parcels to the neediest during the coldest time of the year,  YOU can help by shopping at Amazon (using this link) or Booking.com (for your lodging needs).    All commissions through Dec 31st will go to Operation Christmas Love!  And it costs you nothing!

                       
                       If you sign up for ebates and spend $25 this season you'll get $10 cash back!  Just use the above link to enroll!
                        
NOW on to the giveaway! 

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Please enter these other giveaways as well!  MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.

Freebie Friday! Enter to #win "Come, Let Us Adore Him: A Daily Advent Devotional" by Paul Tripp

This week I want to offer you a chance to win a hardcover copy of "Come, Let Us Adore Him: A Daily Advent Devotional" by Paul David Tripp. This 31 day devotional features "gospel-centered thoughts, meditations, Scripture verses, and tips for parents to help your family focus on what matters most - the birth of Jesus."

While Advent season is not yet upon us, join me in getting ready- a sort of (pre) preparation. Get a gospel centered Advent devotional. Maybe a Bible reading plan for the holiday season. Carefully plan ways to be a blessing to others this Christmas. If you have a sponsored child with World Vision or Mission Without Borders (or any others) you might want to get that special gift mailed or money sent. It takes time to process those and, well, we're down to less than seven weeks!



What ways do you want to help others and keep the true meaning of Christmas alive this year? What have you done in the past that your family enjoyed? Any special family traditions that you continue every year? Share and lets "provoke each other to good works" and get inspired to make a difference in the upcoming weeks!


Two people will win hardcover copies!  I can only mail to the US.  If you are outside the US you are welcome to enter but I will have to send you an electronic copy for the Kindle reader.  All funds received from affiliate links to Amazon and Booking.com in November and December will be donated to Mission Without Borders for Operation Christmas Love.

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Share Hope This Christmas. Operation Christmas Love 2018

Today was a special day. Not that I did anything special. Pretty much slept most of the day ignoring the fact that I need to do laundry.

Today I received the letter from Mission Without Borders for Operation Christmas Love! What is Operation Christmas Love?  Christmas Love is a massive undertaking to send 30,000 food parcels to the neediest families in Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine. Mission Without Borders helps families year round move toward self sufficiency- over 1900 families sponsored last year!- but Christmas Love also helps ease the burden of poverty during this special time of year. 

Each parcel contains "a selection of rice, pasta, canned vegetables, biscuit mix, soup mix, cooking oil, condensed milk" as well as jam and sweets for the children. Where there is a special need, blankets and warm clothes may also be provided.

When I visited Albania last year, I heard that Christmas Love parcels had been distributed to needy families at a Christmas party held by a local church. So the families also heard the true story of Christmas at a local evangelical church.  


I also saw Christmas Love parcels in the homes of some people we visited in the outskirts of Durres.








Each parcel costs about $40 and the goal is to pack and distribute 30,000 parcels. Donations can be made at the Mission Without Borders Facebook page or the US affiliates web page. The US affiliate uses Paypal for donations on a safe, secure network.

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Christmas is Coming!

I know..I know..many of you would say it's WAY too early for Christmas.  It's actually only 63 days away (thanks http://www.xmasclock.com/)  It is early but hear me out.  Anything in life that is worth doing at all is worth PLANNING for.  Everyone PLANS their summer vacations (especially if you have kids).  Time and effort are spent in finding the right location, venues, beaches, housing, transportation.   I know some people prefer spontaneity- but that often comes at a higher price and occasional disappointment.

SO why am I bringing up Christmas 2 months in advance?  NOW is the time to begin preparations so that you will have no regrets on December 26th.   If you have sponsored children through World Vision or any other organization it is very important that you send that Christmas gift (or money- which always goes farther) in ASAP.  Shipping takes time.  Meeting with a sponsored child and their family to determine what is most needed also eats into the 63 days that are left.

Mission Without Borders has family and child sponsorships available year round.  But during the cold winter months, they share the love of Jesus with needy families with a program called Operation Christmas Love. 

What is Operation Christmas Love?  Operation Christmas Love delivers around 30,000 parcels to the neediest families in Eastern Europe.  A typical parcel would contain tinned meat, flour, oil, cereal, pasta, sugar tea and basic foodstuffs so that a family can enjoy a Christmas meal and have food for the cold winters.  There is also chocolates for the children!    I saw these boxes in the homes of the poorest families I was able to visit in Albania last year. 


This week I want to share some videos about Operation Christmas Love and the work that Mission Without Borders is doing among the poorest countries in Eastern Europe.  Start thinking about the upcoming holiday season.  Plan how you can be a blessing during the next two months.  Start today!

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The True Meaning of Christmas

Charlie Brown Christmas- Linus' Monologue from austin andrews on Vimeo.

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Christmas Drama (relax it's the good kind!)

When I visited Moldova in 2010, I was able to watch a couple of the gospel dramas that Mission Without Borders performs in schools and community centers.  Teaching biblical values (kindness, forgiveness, love) in a fun, entertaining drama combines a fun afternoon for the kids, an opportunity to bond with the community, and share the gospel!  There are many dedicated volunteers and staff who share these dramas with disadvantaged children several times a year.

I am determined to do a better job documenting this trip and have a digital video camera and tripod coming from Amazon for that very purpose.  Hopefully I can test run it over Christmas and be up to speed by January 9th.




Speaking of January 9th, it's only 22 days away!  I feel like a kid counting down the days until Christmas!  I did receive word from Mission Without Borders in Albania that they will be happy to host my visit.  They are preparing an itinerary so I expect to have plenty to film and share when I get back.  I hope I can film one of these dramas and so much more.  I don't expect to be able to return to Albania anytime soon.  In 2018, I'd love to return to Moldova, then on to Ukraine for a week.

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Win an Amazon Fire Tablet in the Merry Christmas Giveaway Hop!

Welcome to the Merry Christmas Giveaway Hop! Hosted by Planet Weidknecht and LeahSay's Views

My contribution to the Christmas giveaway hop is the always popular Amazon Kindle Fire Tablet!

You can check out the prize here!

My Kindle Fire tablet is affordable (retails at just $49), small, easy to use and has long battery life with 8 GB of memory.  I love that you can add an SD card to increase the memory (for  downloaded movies, games, etc).  It comes comes with a front and back camera and video capabilities.  I hope to capture a lot of pictures and video from Albania next month!  

Now YOU have the chance to win a tablet for yourself or to give as a gift!  Simply enter daily using the Giveaway Tools widget below.  You'll be helping to spread the word about Operation Christmas Love and the work Mission Without Borders is doing in Eastern Europe. Speaking of Operation Christmas Love, you have helped raise $260  $328 (updated 12/9) so far (!) by using my Amazon and Booking.com links! Thank you! My goal is to send enough for 10 OCL parcels by Christmas ($400) and we are well on the way!

Operation Christmas Love

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JustFundraising.com

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The winner of the Kindle Fire tablet will be randomly selected by Giveaway Tools on December 14th.  Once verified, I'll contact you for shipping info!  Sorry but I can only ship to the US!

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Booking.com

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#Giving Tuesday and Alternative Gifts

In three days, America will be celebrating another made up holiday- #GivingTuesday. Unlike Black Friday, this day is dedicated to focusing on OTHERS and the less fortunate. One easy way to focus on others this holiday season is to give back. Whether it's time, talent, money, or skill, everyone has something to give.

This week I want to focus on gift giving. Not receiving gifts but GIVING. Giving to those who may never know us and may never be able to thank us. I have set a gift registry at www.sokindregistry.org/jeffltaylor listing some critical needs of people in Eastern Europe served by Mission Without Borders. The list spells WHOSS and was done to remind me whose birthday Christmas is all about.

#GivingTuesday

The needs are as follows:

Wood for Fuel. Most poor homes in rural Eastern Europe are still heated by wood. By providing wood, you are ensuring that children and families stay warm this winter! And it provides employment to those who chop the wood!

Hot Meal for a Month. It costs about $48 to provide one hot meal a day in community centers and Street Mercy programs- both of which work hand in hand with local churches sharing Christ's love with the elderly, homeless, and poor.

Operation Christmas Love parcel. "Family parcels contain a variety of foodstuffs, jams, canned meat, coffee and tea, chocolates, sweets and juice, as well as useful household items like needles and thread, linens, tablecloths and family games. For the children, there is a variety of sweets, stickers, books, crayons, drawing books and hygiene products." (Mission Without Borders Canada)

Seeds of Hope. Seeds of Hope is a program that provides the poor with tools, high quality seeds, and training to help them grow their own food and take one more step toward self sufficiency. You'll hear more about this program in a few months. For now you can check out the videos here, here, and my blogpost here.

School Supplies for a year. Provide a needy child with the tools he/she needs to succeed in school.

Simply go to the registry, pick our your alternative gift and complete the donation on the link to the Mission Without Borders webpage.  Don't forget to actually MAKE the donation on the Mission Without Borders website!  The registry doesn't collect the money- this way your personal info stays safe!  Any questions, feel free to ask!

www.sokindregistry.org/jeffltaylor

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#GivingTuesday is one week away! What will you do?

Next Tuesday, we will all be encouraged to show how truly thankful we are by giving back to our communities, nation, and world in need.


There is a saying "Charity Begins at Home". First let me debunk it. It is NOT from the Bible. According to this blog, it is from a 1642 book Religio Medici. And the quote was arguing AGAINST our common usage of only doing charity locally. Nevertheless, we are called to help those in need who are our neighbors. One way I try to do that this time of year is to buy a Christmas "Food Angel". Our local supermarket (Kroger) sponsors this event every year. Each "Food Angel" costs $25 and provides a full holiday dinner to a needy family in your local area! You also receive 100 fuel points which will save YOU 10 cents a gallon at the pump!









Another way is to simply give a can or two to Dare to Care (or your local food bank) every time you shop for groceries.  Local Kroger supermarkets have made this even easier by preparing small, medium, and large bags- pre-filled with a variety of foods that will feed a needy family.  Just pick up a bag and take to the checkout!  A lot of people won't ask for help, due to either pride or embarrassment, but they might seek help from a food bank or pantry.  Help keep those pantry shelves stocked year round!  Not sure what to donate?  Here' s some ideas that have circulated in various forms on the internet:

10 THINGS FOOD BANKS NEED, BUT WON’T ASK FOR

Each day this week, I'm going to try to share a small way that anyone can get involved and make this a wonderful holiday season for all.  What are your favorite ways to "give back" on a local level?   Share your ideas in the comments!

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Operation Christmas Love in Moldova #OCL2016

Over 40,000 Moldovan children have one or more parents who have left the country seeking work abroad. The fortunate ones are left with relatives. Others are left to state institutions or abandoned altogether (see the story of John). What do you do as a grandmother left with school age children to care for?  Your pension (if you have one) and the state allowance per child (about $53 a month) just aren't enough to meet your daily need for food, clothing, medicine, and, especially in winter, cost of heating fuel (usually wood). The goal of Operation Christmas Love is to share the love of Christ to the most vulnerable in very practical ways. Food parcels can be a lifeline to those on the edge. More than a box, it is encouragement. Christ has not forgotten them and neither have we! I say we because we all have a part in this gift of encouragement and hope. Each box costs about $40 to assemble. Many items are purchased locally- which is a double benefit for struggling economies. If you had one less take out a week, you'd have $40 in a month (I'm talking to myself here as well)! Any donations can be sent via the internet (Mission Without Borders website), you can call 800-245-9191 in the US, or you can mail donations to

Mission Without Borders

P.O. Box 6008

Camarillo, CA 93011

If you are doing any early Christmas shopping on Amazon, please remember to use my affiliate links (just click the Amazon box below!)..I am passing along any Amazon commissions received and would LOVE to be able to fund 4-5 OCL parcels this season!  It costs you absolutely nothing extra and you can bookmark the link for future use!

Christmas Love 2015

OCL Ukraine 2015 from MWBI on Vimeo.

Operation Christmas Love brings Christ's love to the poorest families in Eastern Europe during what is already a difficult time of year. Snow and cold weather make life difficult- especially for families with small children and keeping the house warm is a never ending battle. In this video it appears they have a natural gas heater (note how the children are huddling close to the ceramic tiles). I remember these types of heaters from Romania in 1992. These are very inefficient heaters and to stay warm you do have to get as close as possible!

Each parcel costs just $40 and is filled with "oil, grains, wheat, pasta, rice, canned fish and meat, tea, coffee and sweets"! Mission Without Borders is also providing Christmas Love parcels to some Syrian refugees in Bulgaria. It's not too late to help! Care for the needy is not a once a year activity- it continues every day of every month. Maybe this year you'd like to help sponsor a family in Ukraine, Moldova, or elsewhere in Eastern Europe. With sponsorship, you get to know the family you are helping.  You have the opportunity to pray for their needs and help them with special projects as needed.  This is a unique opportunity to help a family during difficult times- and give them the tools so they can support themselves in the future.

Whatever you decide to do this Christmas season- remember Who's birthday it is. He also said ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matt 25:40)

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Save 40% on Hand Crafted Goods Made in the USA! Jacob Bromwell Black Friday Weekend Sale

If you've read this blog you've probably have noticed the ads for Jacob Bromwell.  Jacob Bromwell hand crafts top quality kitchenware and gifts that are Handmade in America and are guaranteed for life.  Cookie sheets, Vintage Popcorn Poppers,flour sifters, cast iron skillets, copper cups, kettle, and so much more!  Jacob Bromwell is an American tradition since 1819! Handcrafted with Pride in the USA

Jacob Bromwell Black Friday-Cyber Monday Sale!  Save 40%!

Several of you have commented on Jacob Bromwell gifts and products that you would love to own.  Several of you have also commented that the price is higher than you can afford right now.  Fear not, readers, I have the solution for you!  Starting on Black Friday through Cyber Monday, you can save 40%- yes 40%- on everything at Jacob Bromwell !  There are no restrictions or limits!  Simply use the discount code HOLIDAY40  CYBER40 at checkout!  But don't delay because this holiday sale ends on Cyber Monday at 12 midnight.

Now is the chance to buy Handcrafted kitchenware, Old Fashioned Popcorn Poppers, copper flasks,  camp supplies, and leather goods.  All are Handmade in America and Built to Last.

Watch the video below and let me know your favorite item from Jacob Bromwell!






 Disclaimer:  I have not been compensated for this post.  However,I will receive a commission from ShareASale for each sale made using my links.  I believe this is a great opportunity to purchase high quality gifts at huge discounts!

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Welcome to the $50 DiscountWatchStore eGift Card Giveaway!

Welcome to the $50 DiscountWatchStore eGift Card Giveaway!

Hosted by
Stylish Momme
Co-hosted by
Susie Q-pons and Giveaways
Romania and Missions
Sponsored by
DiscountWatchStore

Not sure what to give this Christmas?  Wanting something practical yet personal?  Simple but stylish?   You can't go wrong with a gift card from the Discount Watch Store!  With thousands of brands and designs to choose from- all at discounted prices!- this is a gift they'll remember!  

DiscountWatchStore started out in November 2002 selling Invicta watches. Today, in 2014, DiscountWatchStore now carries over 4500 styles of watches and sets themselves apart from other watch vendors by providing exceptional customer service, fast delivery, and best of all, the best prices!

Enter to win a $50 eGift Card to use at DiscountWatchStore! This giveaway will run from Dec 4th - Dec 18th 11:59PM CST. This giveaway is open to the US only, 18+. All entries are optional. This giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media. All participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment or shipment.

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#GivingTuesday Warm Hands and Warm Hearts.

Last month my gas and electric bill skyrocketed to over $70!  I can hear many of you chuckle.  I am blessed with a small apartment and I turn the heat down when at work. We (at least in the US) are also blessed with low utility costs (relatively speaking of course).  

I can't imagine what I would do if my heater went out!  Snuggle under a pile of blankets but sooner or later, I have to get up and work, cook, and do errands.  I enjoy cold weather and snow- but I especially like coming in out of the cold into a warm house.

Last January, I received a newsletter from Mission Without Borders telling stories of extreme cold in Ukraine and throughout Eastern Europe.  Living in extreme cold is not impossible but you have to be prepared!  For many families, this means purchasing firewood for a small brick stoves.  Not the most efficient form of heat but you make do with what you have.  A winter's worth of wood costs about $169.  Sounds pretty cheap doesn't it?  Unless you subsist on a pension or make $13 a week, like Petru.

Petru is a father of 4 in Moldova.  Raised in a children's home, he has (and is) overcoming disability (he has been deaf since birth), come to know Christ through the local church, and has a loving wife and family.  He is a hard worker, hauling goods in a horse drawn carriage.

Operation Winter Rescue assists families like Petru's get through the winter with firewood, warm clothes and water proof boots. Sometimes a better solution is a new stove.   $352 can purchase a cast iron stove which is 33% more efficient and will benefit families for years to come.

Many families are struggling with cold weather and need assistance, both here and abroad.  On this Giving Tuesday, let's not forget this essential need- warmth.  And think about how we can help those who may need a little help during these difficult months.

If you're able to help families struggling in Eastern Europe, you can visit the mission website. Operation Winter Rescue is an "above and beyond" effort which assists families who are not currently enrolled in assistance programs but need help to make it through the winter.  So every gift helps!

And please stop praying for snow.  You know who you are!

Investing in eternity

(Written Sunday night, 11/23)

Sunday nights are a bummer.  I don't know why exactly.  I think that going from the church service, (with all the praise, Scripture, exhortation, and communion) back home, then to work creates an emotional let down of sorts.  The normal grind of life is just that normal, often boring, sometimes very frustrating.  In general, life in a cursed world is always an exercise in frustration (to a greater or lesser degree).  Even during the best of times, we know deep down that both the emotions and reality are transitory.  Good or bad, "this too shall pass"

The only things that will last are investments in eternity- in the lives of real people by reaching them with real the real hope of the Gospel and with what they need for daily and long term survival.

“God has set eternity in the hearts of men” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Everyone wants to do something that will outlive him/her.  That's why millionaires give donations to hospitals or museums to have a wing named after them.   While you or I may not be able to fund the World Food Programme or start a Gates Foundation, there are ways that we can "outlive ourselves". By making strategic gifts to "help people help themselves" together we can create a better future not just for the here and now but for generations to come. 

A few ideas...

Mothercare parcel. $32.

Mission Without Borders MotherCare program (click for a quick video) provides medical advice, "reusable nappies, ointments, baby clothes, nutritious food supplements and feminine hygiene goods" as well as a place to discuss concerns and support each other in a gospel-centered environment.   Food and clothing for the new mother and baby may be provided as well.

 Seeds of Hope.  $24.

Thousands of poor families across Eastern Europe receive high quality seeds and training to grow their own gardens.  By growing their own food, families become more self sufficient and can sell excess produce for income.  The seeds are given to the neediest of families, many who are dependent on their own food production for survival.

"The vegetables provided such a good yield that we had enough for the summer and autumn.  We even have potatoes for the entire winter..this was an enormous help to our family.”

                                                                                                  Mrs. F  

"Because of their deep poverty, so many families across Eastern Europe suffer hopelessness as well as hunger. They are under constant stress with no work, no money and no future. That's why our 'Seeds of Hope' boxes are crucial – they grow food and they help families plant their way out of poverty to have a hopeful, sustainable future."  

                                                                                                   David Hardisty, MWB UK

Pig.  $96

"It's more than just a pig! Giving a pig means you're giving families and orphanages the opportunity to develop skills in animal husbandry; to gain an income by selling the piglets and to have essential food".

          

Other gifts can be viewed/purchased at the 

Mission Without Borders website.  

Canadian website 

UK website

or call 800-245-9191 (US only)

Whatever you choose to do or give this holiday season, consider this:  Many gifts get put in the closet, regifted. or broken within a few months.  Give of yourself and invest in something that will last a lifetime (or generations!)

“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”

― C.S. Lewis