Shine...don't be Scroogie!

"Oh! But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grind-
stone, Scrooge! a squeezing, wrenching, grasping,
scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner! Hard and
sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out
generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary
as an oyster. The cold within him froze his old features,
nipped his pointed nose, shrivelled his cheek,
stiffened his gait; made his eyes red, his thin lips blue;
and spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice."

A Christmas Carol: Stave 1, Marley's Ghost

I'd love to say that I thought Christmas brings out the best in everyone...but...there seem to be more bleak spots than bright this season so far. No matter how hard I try I always end up over scheduled...often faking the cheerful spirit...often grouching at those I love most. I'd love to say that celebrating advent has solved all my scroogie problems...but it hasn't.

So, should we all be like Polly Anna and "look for the good" in everyone? We could just ignore the bad...right? Well...first off...no one is good...we're all sinners...

Romans 3:23, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"

...so looking for good might just run us into the ground. Not that there isn't any good...I mean today...for example...a nice lady got me a shopping cart and another nice guy put it away. (I must look like I have my hands full...shopping with two toddlers in the snow! HA!) AND...I'm grateful for their kindness...but the bigger issue isn't really how to deal with the nice people...the do gooders...it's those scrooges...oh...

For example, those grouchy postmasters who treat you like an idiot cuz you don't quickly hustle to the counter because you are trying to gather your packages and toddlers first...and repeats himself loudly to embarrass you in front of all the other patrons.

OR...those ladies in the checkout who glare at you when you break out your coupons...

OR...the drivers..."holiday shoppers"...insane people who didn't go to driving school...

OR...the people who hammer on you at church to do everything and anything cuz you're young and you have time...you don't work, right? Ugh...

I find myself praying that God would help me
...guide me
...at all costs
...to POINT TO CHRIST!

Philippians 2:14, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe."

That's my goal for this crazy season...
...no matter how scroogie the individual I encounter may be
...no matter how tired I might be
...even if it's my Loverbrains who should know better (haha)...

Focus on Christ...and maybe it will keep you from road rage, glaring back, or telling someone off this season...if so, I'm glad. Even more important though...share with others about Christ...the GIFT of Christmas...

Matthew 1:21, "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

I'm struck by...Isaiah 9:6,
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

That is my God...who can surely help me with any awful scrooge out there...who can help me see scrooge with compassionate, Jesus like eyes...who can share the free gift of salvation with anyone...no matter how much they embarrass, anger, upset, or demean me...after all, they killed him!

Isaiah 53:7, "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth."

Advent is upon us...

Okay...I know we're all gearing up for Thanksgiving...and not to change the subject...but a week from today, on Nov. 29...it's the first Sunday of advent.

Advent: The liturgical period preceding Christmas, beginning in Western churches on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and in Eastern churches in mid-November, and observed by many Christians as a season of prayer, fasting, and penitence.

A new idea for this year is using Handel's Messiah. I borrowed a book from my Pastor's wife called...Handel's Messiah Family Advent Reader. It had a lot of history info and gorgeous pictures. She also had a book called (haha) The Advent Book. WOW...just gorgeous...an artistic door to open each day...with great scriptures!!

Here's a link to Joanne...The Simple Wife...and her advent reading bookmarks.

Meme The Truth About Bobbi-ology!

The Truth About Bobbi-ology

I snagged this from Jennifer's blog at Through the Storms of Life. Get to know me better by reading down through here. Also, pay a visit to Jennifer's blog.

**********FOODOLOGY***************
What is your salad dressing of choice?
I'm loving my homemade Italian dressing...it's better than Olive Garden!
What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
Yatz (Cajun/Creole Awesomeness)
What food could you eat everyday for two weeks and not get sick of?
Steak
What are your pizza toppings of choice?
Cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, black olives and banana peppers.
What do you like to put on your toast?
Butter (well, maybe Nutella)
***********TECHNOLOGY***************
How many televisions are in your house?
Two--the one upstairs is only for playing the VHS of our wedding though! HA!
What color cell phone do you have?
Navy Blue
Do you have an Ipod?
Nope...but my Centro will do everything that an Ipod does and more!
***************BIOLOGY******************
Are you right-handed or left-handed?
Right, but I am becoming semi-ambidextrous as I teach my lefty daughter to do things.
Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
Two babies, three cysts, and my wisdom teeth!
What is the last heavy item you lifted?
I switched my dining room and my living room on a whim a while back. That was some heavy lifting/shoving!!
Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
Nope! Well, I don't remember it...hahaha! Wait...does anesthesia count?
************DUMBOLOGY******************
How many pairs of flip flops do you own?
Three...Aldi awesome flops! Seriously, they cost $4.99 and are totally awesome!
Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
Got a warning on the way to my parents on MLKJr. weekend. Don't speed in construction ya'll!
Last person you talked to?
My two and three year old as I put them down for naptime.
Last person you hugged?
My sweet Loverbrain
**************FAVORITOLOGY****************
Season?
Fall. It's beautiful and invigorating! Plus, I HEART SCHOOL SUPPLIES!!!
Holiday?
Advent and Christmas!
Day of the week?
Tuesdays...they are the days I plan playdates and bible studies, etc. My visiting days!!
Month?
October (it has Fall and my birthday)
***********CURRENTOLOGY*****************
Missing someone?
My Grandpa Sharp (passed away)...wish my hubs and kids could've met him.
Mood?
Introspective and a tiny bit hyped on caffeine. Finishing the pot since hubs isn't here to drink his coffee! HA...waste not, want not!
What are you listening to?
My own typing...and lawn mowers outside. Pretty peaceful around here at the moment.
Watching?
The computer screen...um, duh??
Worrying about?
Seeing as I try not to worry...and can only accomplish this through prayer....I prefer to answer what am I praying about...mostly the Koning Family and Stellan.
***************RANDOMOLOGY*****************
First place you went this morning?
To get my Sweet Boobah some milk and then back to snuggle him under the warm covers! Mmm!
What's the last movie you saw?
Fireproof. Yup, finally watched it. It was good. I can see how it would benefit both new and old marriages alike. It never hurts to get a new perspective on things.
Do you smile often?
Yup...sure do! I'm a very bubbly, yappity, happity sort of person. Ask anyone who knows me!
Sleeping Alone Tonight?
Nope...snuggling next to my Loverbrains...
***************OTHER-OLOGY*****************
1) Do you always answer your phone?
I'm trying to get better about just letting it go. I'm trying to view my kids as a full time job where I can't just answer the phone in the middle of work. I do always call people back. I HATE caller ID...so don't have it....so don't assume that I know it's you when you call. It bugs the "liver and snot" out of me when you call people who are obviously looking to see who it is before they pick up on the millionth ring...or don't pick up...making you wonder if they are avoiding you. TRULY IRRITATING. Okay, I'm done...for now!
2) It's four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it?
It better be an emergency cuz I pay ALOT for texting...
3) If you could change your eye color what would it be?
I like my blue eyes...but maybe brown...cuz brown eyed blonds are cuter.
3b) If you could change your hair color, what color would you change it to?
RED...like a real redhead! I've thought about just doing it sometime. HA!
4) What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic?
Never been to one...sorry!
5) Do you own a digital camera?
Yes, and I use it alllllll the time!
6) Have you ever had a pet fish?
Yes. His name was Rhapsody. He was blue beta fish...get it...Rhapsody in Blue!
7) Favorite Christmas song(s)?
Silent Night, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, O Holy Night...and the little known, I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas...
8) What's on your wish list for your birthday?
Books or fabric...oh, just ask my Mom...she always gets me the best gifts!
9) Can you do a push up?
Absolutely...one!
10) Can you do a chin up?
HA! Doubt it!
11) Does the future make you more nervous or excited?
Excited! Jesus is coming back, ya'll, and I am going up!!! Are you??
12) Do you have any saved texts?
Like drafts? I have no idea what this is...a saved text? Sure, I have bookshelves full of saved texts! HA HA HA!
13) Ever been in a car wreck?
Was rear ended a few times...
14) Do you have an accent?
Not that anyone has ever pointed out...although I love languages and tend to pick up the accent of whoever I'm around...when in England...I sound British...etc. It's hard for me to stop myself. I can...but I sort of enjoy the feel of it on my tongue. Weird and fun...yes, I am!
15) What is the last song to make you cry?
He Knows My Name by Tommy Walker
16) Plans tonight?
Depends on when the hubs is coming home...hopefully, grill out and chill out!
17) Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?
God is always faithful to me!
18) Name 3 things you bought yesterday?
Thread, ribbon and a High Five magazine for the kids.
19) Have you ever been given roses?
Yes, for the births of my babies!
20) Current worry?
None...see above under Current-ology. Why worry when I can pray?
21) Current hate right now?
Squirrels...crazy, nasty rodents.
22) Met someone who changed your life?
Yes. Many people have had an impact on my life. None like my Savior, Jesus, though.
23) How did you bring in the New Year?
ZZZZZZZ! Give us a break...we have small children!
24) What song represents you?
He Is My Joy by Carter
26) Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?
Maybe...if I could be a Champagne Lady on the Lawrence Welk show!
27) Have you ever dated someone longer than a year?
Oh yes.
28) Do you have any tattoos/piercings?
Ears are double pierced but I let the second set grow closed.
29) Will you be in a relationship 4 months from now?
Um, in my Book marriage is for LIFE! So, unless one of us croaks off suddenly...yup, I'll be working on year number 6.
30) Does anyone love you?
I am well loved.
31) Would you be a pirate?
Maybe for a costume party...but only if I get to have a peg leg, patch and parrot!
32) What songs do you sing in the shower?
His Eye is On the Sparrow, O Happy Day, and Wake up and Pay attention!
33) Ever had someone sing to you?
Yes. It's kind of embarrassing!
34) When did you last cry?
Tuesday and Wednesday...
36) Do you like to cuddle?
Yes, but my babies are moving too fast these days. Unless they're sick I'm out of luck.
37) Have you held hands with anyone today?
Not today...yet!
38) Who was the last person you took a picture of?
My sweet kiddos.
39) What kind of music did you listen to in elementary school?
I loved playing my Mom's Carpenter's records...Ann Murray..Barry Manilow...Neil Diamond...etc.
40) Are most of the friends in your life new or old?
New-ish.
41) Do you like pulpy orange juice?
Semi pulpy. Ya know, some pulp but not enough to gag you! I have to be able to swallow my vitamins too.
42) What is something your friends make fun of you for?
Saying odd things. I'm a good one for making up hilarious words. I have a good vocabulary...but sometimes it just needs to expand to include my zany self!
43) If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
Sure...maybe it would motivate me to get my act together in all aspects and relationships.
44) If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
Nope...I like Bobbi...it fits me!
45) Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
Well, I have some intestinal issues...and it could literally kill me. But, I'd ask if my hubs could do it...cuz who couldn't use that kind of money...and he likes hot stuff!

Advent Conclusion...

We just concluded our first year of celebrating Advent. We made changes as we went along and came out with something we really liked. We added a song to each night in addition to the scripture verse, prayer and candle lighting.
First Candle symbolizes HOPE--so we sang, "O Holy Night"
Second Candle symbolizes PEACE--so we sang, "Silent Night"
Third Candle symbolizes JOY--so we sang, "Joy to the World"
Fourth Candle symbolizes LOVE--so we sang, "Jesus Loves Me"
Fifth Candle symbolizes CHRIST--so we sang, "Away in the Manger"

A song was added each Sunday night...and by the last night it was a lot of singing. The kids really seemed to like this...Caleb grinned and bopped very cutely! Emma belted out Jesus Loves Me and Away in the Manger. It was neat. They loved the candles...and were very good while Daddy prayed and read the Bible! Overall, I'd say it is something we will look forward to eagerly next year. Every year we will be able to share more and more with them!

Here is a picture of our Christmas dinner table. We set a place for Jesus' and talked about it being His birthday. We talked about Him being in heaven ('cuz Emma wanted to know where He was, 'cuz His seat was empty) and we remembered His being born in the manger. We sang Happy Birthday to Jesus too!

Thursday Thirteen...

Thirteen Things I Like About Christmas.... (okay, it's lame...but I can't think of anything else)...

1. This year I enjoy being HOME and not travelling!

2. Lots of smiles!

3. Snow...even if we didn't get any this year.

4. Playing with the stuff you've been looking forward to....especially since as an adult I usually pick my own gift out anyhew!

5. This year we are loving advent...CAN'T WAIT to light the final candle tonight. Pictures are coming!!

6. All the fun Christmas movies on TV at the same time!

7. Relatives close...and calling if they aren't!

8. Grams...she gets her own slot this year cuz she's here in person!

9. Good Christmas books to read...Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever!!!

10. The Bible story...from Luke...always is wonderful!

11. Time with my hubby. It feels like Saturday when he's home! The kids love that!

12. Lots of cookies. They are SOOOOOO good...for you!

13. Remembering the REAL reason for this celebration....the birth of JESUS CHRIST...our LORD...and SAVIOR!!!

Thursday Thirteen is ending...this will be my last one...I guess! This just figures... Everytime I start a new Meme they end it. Maybe it's me...just kidding! Here is their final post...in case you are interested.

Christmas Meme...

I decided to join this Christmas Meme because it is fun. Plus, I'm having blogger's block.



1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?Coffee


2.Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?Santa doesn't bring us presents.


3. Colored lights on house/tree or white?White.


4. Do you hang mistletoe?Nope, but I have a plastic piece I think about hanging each year. I'm not quite sure how to attach it above a doorway.


5.When do you put your decorations up?It used to be the day after Thanksgiving but with advent it was week before.



6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?Uhhhh...pecan pie. Not only for dessert!



7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?Putting on the real records and decorating the tree together as a family.



8.When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?I had a talk with my Dad in the car. I asked him if Santa was real. He, in typical Dad fashion, answered with a question, "How do we know if something is real or not?" I said, "Well, it would be in the Bible." He nodded. I was silent for a bit...and then asked, "Is Santa in the Bible?" He said, "No." And that was it. I was satisfied with that answer.



9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?Yes--pajamas.



10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?We use gold ribbon from our wedding as garland. All the ornaments we've gathered over time. Some are from my Grandma...and were made by my Mom when she was little! I'm so excited for them to start being made by my own babies!


11. Snow. Love it or dread it?Love it. Well, if I don't have to drive in it.



12. Can you ice skate?Ugh, ouch...NO!



13. Do you remember your favorite gift?I remember dollies...and their names. I had Danielle Grace (a My Child), Ruth Ann (Cabbage Patch I named after my Grandma because she was in the hospital), Janet Louisa, Gregory James (he was bald)...I have some of my old stuffed animals and remember their names too! I had two Wrinkles names Samson and Boaz! Ahhh, the things you remember.



14. What is the most important thing about the holidays to you?
Jesus.



15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?Springerlie. Well, after Pecan pie!



16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Watching Charlie Brown's Christmas.



17. What tops your Christmas tree?A twiggy gold star.



18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?Giving.



19. What is your favorite Christmas song?O Holy Night.



20. Candy Canes. Yum or Yuck?I want about one a year. I like to suck them 'til they get a sharp point!



21. What do you want for Christmas?Snow...not a gray one!



22. Do you attend an annual Christmas party?There are always church parties, etc.



23. Do you dress up for Christmas Eve or wear PJ's?Dress up for church.



24. Do you own a Santa hat?Nope.



25. Who do you normally spend Christmas with?
Family.

Random Christmas Questions...

RANDOM QUESTIONS REGARDING CHRISTMAS THAT YOU ARE INVITED TO ANSWER EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVE FORTY OTHER THINGS THAT YOU REALLY SHOULD BE DOING



1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Gift bags are part of the gift!



2. Real tree or Artificial? Right now, artificial. When I don't have kids that eat things off the floors and knock things over, etc. etc. I might try real! Maybe...



3. When do you put up the tree? Used to be the day after Thanksgiving but now that we are celebrating Advent it goes up just before, with the candles, etc.!



4. When do you take the tree down? New Years



5. Do you like eggnog? Uh...no. I try it every year...and every year I think..."nope...still don't like it."



6. Favorite gift received as a child? I remember being ridiculously excited about my first alarm clock. I must have been about 11 or 12. My parents have it on video...it's really embarrassing! Okay, so I was always very interested in independence and control!



7. Hardest person to buy for? My husband. I just let him tell me...visa versa. That way, I'm sure!



8. Easiest person to buy for? Myself...does that count?



9. Do you have a nativity scene? A new one this year! We're soooo excited!



10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Email?? That's just wrong!!!



11.Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Humph...I really, honestly...can't think of anything!



12. Favorite Christmas Movie? White Christmas. I love it...it's a musical!!!!



13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? December 26.


14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yeah...Hey...I'm economizing...Go Green, right?



15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Springerlie cookies. They aren't the prettiest but they are the tastiest. My husband thinks they are addictive!



16. Lights on the tree? What? People don't put lights on their tree?



17. Favorite Christmas songs? O Holy Night---right where it goes, "Fall on your knees...." I get goosebumps!



18.Travel at Christmas or stay home? Just starting our stay at home traditions!



19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? I thought I could do it with the song...but nope! Can't! Bummer.



20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star



21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? PJs Christmas Eve...Everything else Christmas morning. Exceptions include...Christmas celebrated early or late with relatives spread around.



22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Missing parties because of sick kids, or sick selves!



23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I'm partial to..... Jesus.


24. What do you want for Christmas this year? A purse I ordered for myself...from Darren...ugh...WHAT? and yeah, Merry Christmas...world peace....joy to the world...!

Advent Begins...

Our house is decked out for advent. Our little tree is for advent...the kids put one ornament on for each day. I'm cross-stitching some neat ones for next year...so this year they are just using tiny balls.

Here are our candles and wreath. Hope, Peace, Joy, Love...Christ!

Here is our new nativity (an early Christmas present)--each year we will be adding some pieces. This year it is Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the shepherds and the animals. That still gives a LOT to talk about with Emma...and Caleb!

Here is the schedule we are following....in case you're interested....

First Sunday of advent : Hope

light one purple candle to symbolize Hope

Prayer

Read Isaiah 60:2-3

Extinguish the flame

Second Sunday : Peace

Light two purple candles - Hope and Peace

Prayer

Read Mark 1:4

Extinguish the flames

Third Sunday : Joy

Light two purple candles (Hope and Peace)

and one rose to symbolize Joy

Prayer

Read Isaiah 35:10

Extinguish the flames

Fourth Sunday: Love

light all four candles - Hope, Peace, Joy and Love

Prayer

Read Isaiah 9:6-7

Extinguish the flames

Christmas Eve

After Sunset...Light all four candles

and add the fifth white candle(the light of Christ)

Prayer

Read Luke 1:68-79 and Luke 2:1-20

Keep the candles lit a bit longer, or safely throughout the evening.

Marriage Monday...

10 Tips for Frugal Living

"The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it."
Proverbs 10:22

This is a timely subject considering the current economy issues. I hope that people who weren't living frugally before will now read these posts and gain tips to help them turn their spending around. Praise God, I married a very frugal man. Trust me...I don't feel that way everyday...but I do see it as God's blessing. God, in His infinite wisdom, knew that I needed a husband who'd track my spending and keep me accountable. The awesome thing is...that He also helped me embrace frugality and truly enjoy saving. He's placed friends in my path to give me tips and encouragement.

So, here are my 10 Tips...

1. Keep track and keep organized. Know where your money is going. We were extreme when we started this...saved receipts...but now we know and don't have to be so intense. I was encouraged to see where the money I was saving was going, etc. It's no fun to be frugal if you don't feel it's helping.

2. It may surprise some of my friends to learn that I shop at thrift stores but...IT IS SO AWESOME. I wear name brands (Claiborne, Hilfiger, Abercrombie, Gap, etc.) and never go outside the thrift store. Some of them still have their tags on them ya'll! I buy shoes and bags the same way. It is so stinkin' cool to me to carry Italian leather bags I'd never get away with buying full price (Darren'd kill me) but get for $2.99 at Goodwill. Same with shoes. I've become so accustomed to shopping this way that it really bothers me to have to pay full price for something.

3. Price matching. I am a huge price matcher at Walmart. You can take an ad from anywhere and if they don't beat the ad price they'll give you the competitor's price for the item. I make out like a bandit when Kroger does 10 for 10. I love this for a number of reasons. I don't have to shop all over the city at multiple stores with two toddlers. Even when I can't beat Walmart's price with an ad...I know I got the lowest price. FYI--this doesn't apply to BOGO deals. Don't ask me why. I'm a big generic fan...especially when I can read that the ingredients are I.D..denticle!

4. Use coupons ONLY FOR THE ITEMS ON YOUR LIST. I know there are some awesome couponers out there. I'm not talking about Dealies with CVS and Walgreens, etc. cuz that's a whole other method in and of itself. If you have the time and energy...go for it...it's worked wonders for tons of my friends. I'm talking about getting sucked into the coupons selling you stuff you didn't need to begin with. So, if you find a coupon for something on your list...use it but don't just use coupons to try stuff out...'cuz usually you're losing money.

5. Plan menus. This keeps you from eating out and helps you keep your shelves and freezer organized. My method is to create the weeks menu on top of my grocery list. Keep your calendar handy...so you plan appropriate meals for the day's activities. Then I walk around the kitchen assessing what I need to complete that menu. I then sit down and look at ads to find price matches and coupon matches to the created list. According to my calculations this has saved me about $40 some weeks.

6. Make your own fun. We don't buy the kids toys. We save all wrappings, bottles, etc. and create our own fun. I make my own playdoh, soap paints, etc. Our kids aren't deprived...they do have toys from grandmas and grandpas, etc. We feel this is not only frugal but also will hopefully ward off "little consumerism." We don't want them thinking they are owed toys...and we want them to develop good imaginations.

7. Darren and I make our birthday and Christmas gifts for each other. We usually write letters or poetry. We talked about it...and knew we wanted to pay debt off, etc...and missed those early courting notes anyway! It works out great. For example, just to brag on my man....for my birthday Friday he created a scavenger hunt for me...each verse of a poem took me around the house...until I found my gift. My gift was a bunch of "coupons" for special lovey things. He did sort of cheat this birthday though...and brought home a bag of Dove chocolates...my favorite. I guess, we'll go easy on him! We've decided to celebrate Advent with the kids at Christmas. We really want to emphasize Christ's birth...so each child will get only one gift. We will talk about the ONE BIG GIFT of Jesus', have Jesus' birthday party, etc.

8. One date night a month. Wait, this is money out...how is that frugal? Well, it's an investment. I heard a funny quip once, "Pay for dates now, or pay for counseling later."

9. I've made all Caleb's baby food (exception of Rice Cereal) mostly due to his allergies. I was calculating though...and that's saved us a lot of money. There are all sorts of great baby food making tips out there. I love my book, "Super Baby Food."

10. Bless others. I love doing meals for new babies, getting hot cocoa for the Salvation Army bell ringers, etc. I truly believe that if we give as we are able...God blesses this. "Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you." Duet. 16:17 Don't hold onto the money so hard it screams. It doesn't belong to you. Be wise...but remember it needs to be used for Jesus' as we tell our quarter hoarding three year old. All those quarters you "found" on Daddy's dresser are going to Jesus' on Sunday!