Your heart started beating before anyone knew you were conceived. It is the first internal organ to be formed and starts beating 16 days after conception. A human heart will beat some three billion times over an average lifespan. Amazing. No wonder the heart is the international symbol for love. The heart is also the most popular image associated with Valentine’s Day.
INTENTIONAL GIVING has been tradition in our family for over 20 years. It started with my father who felt gift giving at Christmas should be with purpose. He challenged all of us to use the season to consider intentional giving. Our Christmas presents since have been purchased from a World Vision Gift Catalogue enriching the lives of many. The spirit of Christmas can be found in each gift purchased through a variety non profit agencies working in developing countries. In my blog Sheep, Chickens and Bees I share how I have creatively wrap these special gifts. The goat-themed gift basket presented in this blog is another creative gift giving idea. I have built a theme around this meaningful intentional present that changes lives!
Twenty years ago a professional cook suggested I use First Cold-Pressed, Extra Virgin Olive Oil. As a young homemaker I dutifully followed her recommendation. It is only now that I am unwrapping what all the verbage means.







