Hi Liz, how are you?

[Lionheart]

Just thought I'd post that. Haven't seen as many posts from you lately as I usually see. Either that or I'm not reading enough posts lately Probably just busy because of the holiday season. Anyway, just wanted to check and see that all is well with you.
Leon

[Liz]

Hey there Leon!

Thanks for thinking about me! To make a long story short, there are a few reasons why I haven't posted as much in the past couple of months. First, I had major aol problems to the point where I couldn't get online at all. I ordered Verizon DSL, but they postponed the setup date, so I had to wait another few weeks. I finally got Verizon last month.

Then came Thanksgiving - and our busiest time of the year begins. We have an outreach to the poor at Christmas, and it takes about a month to organize the process with the parishes that donate the gifts. Last year we distributed about 200 gifts. We find people are very generous and give wonderful gifts both to adults and children at Christmas. For some, especially children, it will be the only gift they receive.

For me personally, it is a privilege to be involved with these wonderful people that are only materialistically poor. Many of them have incredible faith, grateful hearts, and carry a smile on their face. For the Christians we serve, Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Christ - and that is their focus. For the people of other faiths, and those with no specific religion, they are all included in the festivities. They all celebrate together - and this is what gives them a deep peace and a great joy. And for me personally, it's lifechanging every year.

Hopefully I will be able to get some play time with my camera - and post a few pictures during the Christmas season.

I do stop in here to check out VF - and a few other forums and threads, mostly every day. I still love PR! And I do try to post/help out when I have a little time.

Thanks again for asking.

Liz

[Lionheart]

I'm glad all is well with you. You are so blessed to be serving and ministering your fellow men. We get so wrapped up with material things when we have plenty that it really distracts us away from serving our bretheren as our Lord did and commanded of us. Life was simpler when I was poor and struggling. As long as monetary needs were met and food was on the table, it was less stressful, and we were readily thankful to God that we had life, health and sustenance, and a roof over our heads. Now in the midst of plenty comes plenty of distractions to keep our focus away from God and our service to Him and our fellowmen. Not that I'd wish to be poor and struggling again, but I need to remember that maybe the reason God has blessed us with plenty is to share that with those who do not. Just waxing theological here.
Good to hear from you Liz
God bless you during this most joyous of holiday seasons
Leon

[Liz]

God bless you during this most joyous of holiday seasons

Thanks Leon - and the same to you and your family - and everyone on PR!

Liz

I'm glad all is well with you. You are so blessed to be serving and ministering your fellow men. We get so wrapped up with material things when we have plenty that it really distracts us away from serving our bretheren as our Lord did and commanded of us. Life was simpler when I was poor and struggling. As long as monetary needs were met and food was on the table, it was less stressful, and we were readily thankful to God that we had life, health and sustenance, and a roof over our heads. Now in the midst of plenty comes plenty of distractions to keep our focus away from God and our service to Him and our fellowmen. Not that I'd wish to be poor and struggling again, but I need to remember that maybe the reason God has blessed us with plenty is to share that with those who do not. Just waxing theological here.
Good to hear from you Liz
God bless you during this most joyous of holiday seasons
Leon