Operation Pretty Things

I received this email last week from a friend of mine...her small group is doing something pretty amazing this holiday season. Read on:


hello ladies!!

so, in the spirit of the holidays (and tradition)...my small group is doing our 2nd annual "operation pretty things" (OPT) - we collect all the "pretty things" that we have poking around our medicine cabinets (the never-been-used/un-opened things), make little gift bags and bring them to a woman's shelter here in town. last year was our first time doing this. the bags were received with so much gratitude and appreciation. it was awesome!! so, we are at it again...

this year we wanted to give our friends and families an opportunity to join us!
Ps 9:9-10 says..."The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." another version says... "God is a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times."

some of these women are facing some pretty bad times. our hope is that we can show the love of Jesus, by simply reminding these ladies that they are beautiful in God's eyes, and worth every drop of His unfailing love. In each bag, we place our favorite verses from the Bible, to encourage them with truth.

along with your favorite verses, we are looking to fill these bags with the usual cosmetic fare (make-up, lotions, nail polish, cosmetics, etc)...
things that you are not using and wouldn't mind giving to these woman - some of whom have had to leave all their pretty things behind.

this year, we are gonna kick it up a notch, too!! if anyone has jewelry they are not wearing, or little accessories and/or extras (like scarves or hair brushes or, I don't know...extras) that you are not using/have never been used/new!...let's collect those too!! and feel free to purchase pretty things too...no one is gonna stop you :) the more pretty things, the better! and if you have little gift bags or tissue paper you want to donate as well, that would be awesome!!

if you have any questions, please shoot me an email. i need to collect everything by Thursday, December 10th...which will give my small group time to assemble, and deliver the bags before Christmas! if you've got "pretty things" bring them to church or let's set up a time to rendezvous!! just collect what you can, and email me or call!

also, please pass this on to anyone that might be interested in joining us.
I don't have a lot of email addresses, so maybe you all can help me on that front. ok, that's it for me!
Missy Boneske

If you'd like to help out, you can either email Missy directly (missy@abbafirst.com), or you can email me (sunshinegrl243@aol.com). I just think this is an awesome way to help in a way that is often overlooked. Happy hunting!!