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.