'Tis The Season

The Giving Event was a great success, being a small part of it was an tremendous blessing for me!  That was my Christmas!  The joy and love coupled with enormous gratitude was so heartwarming and humbling!  Thanks to all who participated, and special appreciation to Stephanie and Mark Parden and their wonderful family for having hearts of gold and putting this event on! It was a perfect day!

    'Tis The Season
Christmas Season is here.
Time to spread love and cheer.
Reflecting on what means the most,
Father, Son, & Holy Ghost...
Family & friends that fill our hearts
with laughter, & love, never to part.
The greatest gifts that last forever,
are memories of all joyous endeavors.
Surround yourself with those you hold dear
& celebrate... Christmas is here!
May Christ, our Savior, bless all your days
with peace, joy, & His loving ways!

-Janine

May your Christmas be Merry and New Year be your best yet!!!

Abundant blessings to you now and always!

 Janine Rillo  

Posted via email from ja9online

The Giving Event

The Giving

3^rd Annual Event

The event will be at Pioneer Park 
(Co. Rd. 71 in Summerdale)

December  19, 2009 at 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

This is a project of Hope and Love, a ministry of giving to the families in need in our community.

      

Contact:  Mark & Stephanie Parden

979-4178 or 971-1507 

TheGiving@ymail.com

The  event is rescheduled for this Saturday.  Share the information with those you know who would benefit, or desire to volunteer. "A gift in season is a double favor to the needy." -Publilius Syrus (100 BC) "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hopitality." Romans 12: 12-13 

Abundant blessings to you now and always!

Janine Rillo  

Posted via email from ja9online

Christmas Time

Hustle and bustle...a time when we should be enjoying each other and celebrating the Christmas season, holiday stresses can be the worst.  The poor economic situation can add to the burdens a time of "giving" can have.  It can stress us out and ruin our holiday, or prompt us to create a better solution.

As a singe mom, I haven't always had the finances to give as my heart desired, so I came up with sentimental solutions.  I started making personalized Christmas ornaments for family and friends, and in recent years added baked goodies to the mix.  Last year was especially sweet.. :) ..baking, for the first time, my Grandma Peggy's lemon drop cookies...one of my favorites!  It had been years since her passing, and having her delectable treats!   It was bitter sweet...the cookies came out and were oh so yummy..I was getting to keep a family recipe going, and cherished memories of old..yet made me miss her too.  Sending them to my mom and other loved ones was extra special for me. 

Another exciting addition last year was setting aside time with a dear friend and making centerpieces for our friends.  We gathered greenery from our own yards, added candles, ribbons, and ornaments.  It was quality time, fun, and a cost effective way to give to those we love.  We also had a baking day and made homemade cookies and decorated them...great memories and ways to give.

The highlight of my last two Christmas holidays, however, were volunteering time and donating items to people in grave need.  There are too many who have nothing right here at our back door and appreciate anything we can give.  The Giving Ministry is one.  The founder, Stephanie Parden has done an amazing job heading this ministry, who's only profit is to the families in need.  The 3rd annual event is next Saturday, December 12th, from 10am - 2pm,  at John B. Foley Park, Highway 59, by the gazebo. Feel free to donate unused items, or volunteer, it is an amazing event, sure to make your holiday bright!  It truly blessed me!

If you know anyone who could benefit, please pass on the information, last year 300 families were served, the goal this year is 600. All proceeds go directly to those in need in our community. For more details, contact Mark and Stephanie Parden @ 251-979-4178   or   TheGiving@ymail.com

May your days be filled with the joys of Christmas!

Abundant blessings to you now and always!

Janine Rillo  

Posted via email from ja9online