homemade Christmas ornaments

The ornaments

A few posts back, I mentioned that I was making Christmas ornaments for some special people. Now that I sent them, I can talk about them!

Since March, I have been working with Shiloh Christian Children’s Ranch. Shiloh is a ranch in Kahoka, MO that takes in children ages 0-15 that have been abused, neglected, or are at risk. The ranch has six homes and six sets of “home parents” that take care of the kids.

ShilohI got involved with Shiloh through my church. One of the founders of the organization came to my church and made a presentation about what Shiloh was all about. For weeks, I couldn’t get it off of my mind. I knew God was calling me to do something to help out, I just wasn’t sure how.

I talked to the elders at my church and we made an arrangement; I am provided with money each month from my church’s missions fund and I have a family that I “take care of.” We send letters back and forth, and the home parents tell me what their needs/wants are and then I buy whatever it is and ship it to them.

A recent box, all ready to ship!

A recent box, all ready to ship!

For the month of December, the home parents told me that they have a nice Christmas dinner. They asked for a few things to make it special. I sent them a Christmas DVD, CD, a gift card to purchase food for the dinner, and I made them each ornaments!

I bought wooden ornaments, paint brushes, pom poms, and glue. Then I set to work (with the help of Jimmy and his brother)!

I bought wooden ornaments, paint brushes, pom poms, and glue. Then I set to work (with the help of Jimmy and his brother)!

Ornaments2

Each family member was shipped an ornament with their name on it and a special scripture. Everyone got different scriptures, too!

Each family member was shipped an ornament with their name on it and a special scripture. Everyone got different scriptures, too!

All wrapped up!

All wrapped up!

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I absolutely adore being involved with Shiloh and that family that I have grown to know and love since March. They truly are special people!

Lamb and stuff

This past weekend was spectacular.

On Black Friday, I went to the gym bright and early to lift weights and saw my mom and aunt in the same shopping plaza–while they were doing their Christmas shopping. They gave me a ride to my car… except I couldn’t sit in the seat because the vehicle was filled with stuff. First world problems.

The only place I shopped on Black Friday was online!

I spent most of Friday working on a huge research paper on TLC (the TV channel). I have actually been enjoying writing the research paper. What a nerd.

Friday night, my family took our family from New York to a classic Pittsburgh restaurant, Primanti Bros., to celebrate my little cousin’s 11th birthday. I tried lamb for the first time and I really liked it!

Saturday was also spent with family. My mom, sister, aunt, cousin, and I all went to a craft fair at the local YMCA. Yay for Small Business Saturday! I purchased a candle and two hand-painted cards. 

I started off Sunday with church.

I saw Jimmy for the first time in a week. He went to New York to visit his family for Thanksgiving. It was really nice to hang out with him all day in between church services.

We painted Christmas ornaments together for some very special people!

They’re not done yet!

More on the ornaments in another post!

How was your weekend? 

Bible verse of the day: Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28