Today is Thursday, December 4th, 2008; Karen's Korner #1459

Each year the Holmes Christmas Club swings into action near the holiday season. First comes the annual auction, held the Monday before Thanksgiving. Donated items come from individuals, families, organizations, and businesses. Baked goodies, handmade items, somethings from an inventory, and gift certificates are auctioned.
 
With the funds, more than 1,000 fruit baskets are made up and delivered to residents across Wright County to add to our area Christmas spirit . Then throughout the year worthy causes and individuals are helped with the balance of the monies. The auction raised more than $19,000 this year.
 
Every school year Clarion-Goldfield & Dows Senior English students are required, as part of their class work, to complete one community project and report on it. A senior girl decided to make a handstitched, tied quilt and contribute it to the Holmes auction.
 
When the quilt was hoisted for sale, the auctioneer made mention of the girl and her project. As the bidding progressed, you could see the look of wonder on her face as the numbers went higher.
 
"Sold!" said the auctioneer. The bid:  $400.
 
The man who purchased it, told the auctioneer and his helpers to give the quilt back to its maker. As Delaney picked up the blanket and walked back to her seat clutching the returned item, I saw the look of amazement on her face, as if to say, "What just happened here?"
 
It made me think of God and His asking us to surrender our lives to Him. When we give ourselves to Him, He may 'return it to us intact and have another $400 to return to some other worthy cause'.
 
He wants to know if we trust Him and believe Him; our job is to give ourselves to Him, get out of the way and watch in amazement what He does next with our lives and what we have given to Him.
 
Thank You, Father God, for the plans You have for each one of us. Help us to generously give of ourselves so that You can use our gifts to reach out to others. Amen.
 

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