The Greatest Gift is Love

The Greatest Gift is Love

The Greatest Gift is Love.  

To the world, love comes wrapped in fancy chocolates, red roses, or expensive diamonds. Sadly, they miss the mark and devalue true love.

Love cannot be bought; it is a free gift.

The most expensive gifts, given without love, are worthless. Therefore, money cannot buy true love.

Love gives sacrificially.

Spending hours on fancy meals and decorations, expecting thanks in return misses the point. Likewise, the simplest meal, given in love, has its own rewards.

Love is kind and gentle.

Love shines through weariness.  Love knows we all need loving care, and gives sacrificially.

Love is content.

Love does not envy those who have bigger homes, better jobs, or more things. Instead of envy, love rejoices in their good fortune.

Love delights in giving.

Love does not expect something in return. Love gives from a pure heart, the reward is in the giving.

For the true meaning of love, click here.  In I Corinthians 13, God describes what true love looks like.

Here are some simple ways you can share love today.

1. Perhaps someone you know could use a warm hug and a bit of your time. A sincere smile and listening ear may save their day.

2. You might take flavored coffee or chocolate to a mom who won’t spend the dollars for herself. Be sure to allow time to share a cup with her (and a sweet roll?)

3. Consider simple gifts like cleaning a winter-worn car for a neighbor or friend.

4. Perhaps a weary family with a houseful of kiddos would welcome help with some simple chores. Consider bringing activity books to occupy the kids.

One of my favorite little stories serves as a great example.

Often told at Christmas, “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry likely takes place in the early 1900’s  Jim gives Della her present – an assortment of combs, useless now that her hair is shortened. Della then shows Jim the chain she bought for him with her locks of hair. Jim tells her he sold his watch for money to buy her ornamental combs.

Two things strike me with this story. #1, how well the two knew each others desires. And, #2, their willingness to sacrifice their prized possessions for the one they loved.

Praying for each of you that you are surrounded by those who love and encourage you.

Hugs,

Looking forward to all those Art Contest Entries from our little friends.

Help a Child Enter Patches’ Farm and Country Art Contest

help a child enter Patches' farm and country art contest

Help a child enter Patches’ farm and country art contest.

Entries are coming in from from young artists to high schoolers. Do you have a neighbor, school friend, or family member that likes to draw?

Drawings can be very simple.

A child may decide to simply draw an animal, plant or some farm item. This will be one very, very special book.

Keep in mind, these are pictures that will be in a book for others to color.

You can be a great encouragement to a child.

Who do you know that might enter with a little encouragement? Can you just imagine the joy of seeing their work in a book?

A panel of judges will select the winners.

After the children’s art contest winners are selected, I will “help Patches” write his comments and find an appropriate Bible verse for each drawing.

It is not too late to enter!

Entries must be postmarked by February 14; that is several weeks away.  Click here to download the entry form.

Our judges will have a challenge to choose the best ones for Patches’ 2nd Biblical Coloring and Activity Book.

Remember, it is Patches Farmland Adventures, which includes scenery and single items. The book will also feature Curly Que BBQ so picnics and food and garden items would be a great item to draw.

In Book Two as in Book One, Patches’ main theme is to encourage children. Jesus loved the little children. It is our responsibility to help them feel that love as they grow into the persons God crated them to be.

Thank you for praying as we put this one together.

Thank you for caring enough to share with little ones you know. I look forward to this journey.

Hugs,

Click here for more information and a downloadable entry form.  Thanks for passing it on!

 

Childrens Art Contest for Patches’ New Coloring Book

childrens art contest for patches new coloring book

CHILDREN’S ART CONTEST

Create a coloring page for Patches’ Farmland Adventures –a Biblical Coloring and Activity Book

Parents, Grandparents, Sunday School teachers–challenge your class to enter.

Picture  your budding artist when his/her drawing is accepted in Patches Farmland Adventures, our newest Biblical Coloring and Activity Book!  Winning artists will have their drawing published in the book with their name, and receive a free copy of the book.

Easy to Enter

Art Contest for Patches’ Second Book is open until February 14, 2019. Click here for more information and a downloadable entry form.

Patches’ Farmland Adventures will prove true to it’s title! Patches will have comments and Scripture for every drawing that is included.

Adults, encourage your budding artists to send entries right away. Click Art Contest tab above for more information and a downloadable entry form.
The form must be signed and included with each entry.

Our judges will be looking for many entries to choose from for this exciting adventure.

We want drawings from little ones in Kindergarten and older ones in high school.  How exciting to anticipate the drawings that soon will flood the mailbox! Fun!

Also featured in Patches’ Farmland Adventures will be Curly-Que BBQ.  Does that sound like a country picnic?

Pictures can be as simple as a picnic basket or as busy as a hillside filled with animals and people.  Let your young ones be creative and encourage them to meet the deadline. Each entry must be mailed by February 14 to qualify.

After the artwork is chosen, Patches will be busy writing comments and creating puzzles and other activities.  It’s an exciting time for a little turtle to be on a farm!

And exciting time for this author … wow!

Hugs,

Click here for more information and downloadable form.