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Santa and Stuff



Sunday after church, we took the girls to talk to Santa. This is the first year that both girls have been totally comfortable with Santa. This is also the first year that the girls have not known what they want for Christmas. As we stood in line to see Santa, Emily looked at me and said,"What do I want?" She did not have a clue what she should ask for.
My mother has asked me several times what they could get the girls for Christmas. I have asked Emily several times what she would like and her answer goes something like this: "Hummmmmmm......I have a whole lot of stuffed animals, I have a bunch of Barbies. I don't play with baby dolls....Just nothing, I don't need anything." She is right! I often look at their toys and clothes and think, "this is just sinful." There are kids that would love to have just a little of their things. STUFF does NOT MAKE YOU HAPPY!!!! The only thing she has mentioned is an Easy Bake Oven and she calls it a "little kitchen."
It has bothered me for a while now about all the "STUFF" my girls have. I really think they are very content with what they have. I think that the more they get, the less the things mean to them. Emily is happy as a lark with a piece of paper and a pen. She can draw for HOURS.

I think a big difference this year has been the girls being very aware of Aunt Kelly going on the Compassion trip. We talked about that a lot and looked at all the pictures of the trip on the blogs. We are sponsoring two children in Africa. The girls really do think about these kids often. Emily is always wanting to send the "poor children" (as she says) clothes, toys, beds, food and money. She has said several times that we are not sending them enough. It is making a difference in my girls lives.

They are learning that it really is better to give than to receive.

Matthew 6:19 - 21 says: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Comments

Kelly said…
That's so great that your kids feel that way. I hope when I have kids they realize the importance of helping those in need!
Tara G. said…
I know exactly what you mean, Laurie, and your post is so encouraging. Your kids look beautiful,too! :)
Angie said…
I think it is great your girls are already developing a heart for giving. With all of the commercialism of Christmas the world thrusts upon our kids, it would be easy for them to fall into the "me, me, me" syndrome. Good for you for teaching them otherwise! By the way, I totally thought about you the other morning as I was unlocking my door at my office. A small Wren (bird) has made a nest in the awning above my door. As I was fiddling with my keys in the lock, the bird started swooping down and pecking me on the head. Clearly, she was not happy with me being there. I finally got in the door, and the bird stayed out there and squawked for about 10 minutes. I giggled a little just thinking how you would have totally freaked out. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!
Heather said…
I have a friend who is newly divorced and is lamenting the fact that she can't spend the $2000 they usually set for each child every year. I can't even begin to comprehend. If I had $2k to spend, I would have invested most of it in a savings account for the kids - or used part of it to adopt a needy family... anything. I can't even begin to wrap my mind around getting or giving everything a child could possibly want. It sets them up for such a distorted view of the world... I guess this is where the whole entitlement generation comes from. I think it's awesome that she realizes she has *enough*!
Renae said…
Priceless Moment!!! What a true blessing, you have given your girls by teaching them this long life lesson.
Melissa said…
how beautiful they look in those dresses...and what sweet girls you are raising!
Maydelin said…
you are raising two precious girls inside and outside!!
Jodi said…
I think you are doing an amazing job of teaching those beautiful girls. Sounds like their hearts are in the very right place. They are so cute!
Sara Campbell said…
This really blessed me. About a month ago, I saw some kids going thru the trash and they had no shoes on. Do you know I had a bag of shoes in my car that the kids had outgrown?? That's the Lord!
Faith said…
How precious! I just love their hearts for others in need. They are both so pretty and I love their pics with Santa!
Robin said…
It is so wonderful that your children are learning such a precious life lesson at such an young age. Continue to nurture that passion Emily has to want to do for others. Encourage your daughters hearts as they learn to be content. You are already giving them the greatest gift you could ever give them. You are showing them Jesus. They are beautiful girls and it sounds as if their hearts are just as beautiful.
Alyssa said…
I feel the same way about all of the toys. Unfortunately, my husband's family treats EVERY holiday (valentines day, halloween, etc.) like Christmas, giving our children toys galore despite our protests. I don't even want to begin to describe Christmas. We talk often about how blessed we are, and how many children don't have even a fraction of what we have. We regularly go through all of their toys and take out things for donations. Come Christmas, we have a car load for Caring and Sharing. Even the kids are to the point where when they get gifts, they often just ask to put them straight into our C&S box. I don't ever want them to feel that possessions make them happy. I want them to open their hearts and see that many others are much more in need than they are.
Rebekah said…
Oh, Laurie! I know how tugging it can be to think about how blessed we are and our kiddos are, but I know it makes you so proud to see them develop compassion for others! You are such a wonderful mommy! God is going to use that quality in them...I just know it! They look precious in their pics with Santa!
Laurie, I am with you...my girls need nothing! We have so much...and I need to work with them in understanding that and not constantly asking for more.

On a lighter note...the girls dresses are beautiful. Do you mind me asking where you got them? They are perfect Christmas dresses!
KatieB. said…
You are a wonderful mother to raise them with a Christian spirit of giving. Of course, I can't leave a post without saying how beautiful they are - both inside and out! Merry Christmas!
Jill said…
I love their matching dresses and I love their sweet hearts. You are doing a great job, Laurie. I hope Amelia grows up having a heart like that.

Merry Christmas to your sweet family!
Nancy said…
Great TRUE post, Laurie!
It is beautiful to give to the one's less fortunate than us, and that is what I desire for my little love's hearts.
Johanne said…
Love love love the girls dresses, so beautiful :)
CB_Wilson said…
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Mara said…
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Mara said…
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