Mary C. M. Phillips

Christmas is right around the corner!

A Starbucks card is always a nice gift. Or, a box of Scotchmallows from See’s Candies.

I’ve come to the conclusion that the best gifts are consumable…at least for me.  Having too much “stuff” collecting dust throughout my house wears one down.  No, I do not like “stuff.”

Isn’t the first step to financial peace (according to financial guru Dave Ramsey), getting over the sickness of “stuff-itis?”

This year, it’s coffee, chocolate, candles and…a few good books for my mind’s consumption.

Speaking of good books, why not put this one ( \”A Cup of Comfort for Couples\” ) in that special someone’s stocking?  It’s full of  flirtatious, humorous, touching, and endearing stories of couples who have found true love in unexpected places.  In fact, I’m one of the contributing writers (Surprise, surprise.)

It truly is a wonderful collection of short stories by some of today’s best writers.

Who needs another sweater, really?!

Laura Hawthorne is a friend and recording artist that also does mission work.  This summer she worked with Heart for Africa, a faith-based, not-for-profit organization. They provide shelter, food, water, healthcare and education to the orphans and vulnerable children of Swaziland and Kenya.

Well, she sent me a video of her singing with these beautiful children somewhere in the middle of Swaziland, Africa.

It’s daytime, and the children are gathered in a large circle, barefoot on the dirt.  This is their church.

I’m especially touched as they are singing a song that I wrote called Jesus in My Heart.

Thanks to Laura Hawthorne and Heart for Africa for all they do.

To learn more about Heart for Africa or if you’d like to help these particular children, you can go to heartforafrica.com. Type in Team 17/Litsemba in the memo area.