With fall just around the corner, our thoughts turn to back-to-school activities. For the second year, out church has provided back packs for some children in Arlington. As Pastor Jon told someone today. "It's our way of telling others that Jesus loves them."

This has been a fun project from the beginning. The fun started when Jack suggested that we provide thirty rather than the twenty we provided last year. The church people gave generously. Then it was time to shop with Tracy who is the best bargainer around. She approached the most reluctant managers with a "Could you please give us 20% more off?" And they did! Did you know that God can help you at Office Max or Staples? He can and he does. Last Saturday morning we had fun packing all the new schoolsupplies in the back packs. Boxes of new crayons, markers, pencils and notebooks covered the tables. It was real joy to think of the children who would enjoy them.

Then last Sunday we lined them up on the platform of the sanctuary. At a special time of the service we dedicated them to the Lord. We attached little woven crosses to the zipper pulls and gave the same small crosses to church members. We asked that each time we saw the cross we would remember to pray for the students who were carrying the back packs. Today as we actually passed the back packs out I watched as small arms slipped into the straps. I prayed for each child who received one.

Surely, it is more blessed to give than to receive. Even though we received many heartfelt thanks, I kept feeling like we were the ones receiving the blessing.