This year, we're thinking about those whose lives have been impacted by Hurricane Sandy. There is so much clean-up to be done, and it's so cold in those states. One of our friends will be taking a truckload of relief supplies to the small town of Sea Bright, New Jersey next week, and will be gathering things through 12/2. If you live near Central Virginia and can spare a roll of duct tape, a can of coffee, or anything else on the list (on the event page at Facebook), I know it would be appreciated.

If you're farther away, it would help if you'd be willing to like and share the event page for the relief effort. We'd love to see the truck completely full, and I know that those who will be receiving the supplies would appreciate the interest and support. (In this case, clicking that "I'm coming" doesn't mean that you will help deliver supplies, just that you support the effort.) https://www.facebook.com/events/442131752513914/

Finally, I have exciting news about the George Herbert book I've long recommended in the second and fourth levels of EIL. You can read about it on the Excellence in Literature site: http://excellence-in-literature.com/bookstore/working-it-out-learning-and-growing-with-george-herbert-by-joseph-l-womack.

by George Herbert (1593- 1633)

He makes thy gifts occasion more,
And says, If he in this be crossed,
All thou hast given him heretofore
Is lost.

Perpetual knockings at thy door,
Tears sullying thy transparent rooms,
Gift upon gift, much would have more,
And comes.

This not withstanding, thou wenst on,
And didst allow us all our noise:
Nay thou hast made a sigh and groan
Thy joys.

Not that thou hast not still above
Much better tunes, than groans can make;
But that these country-airs thy love
Did take.

Wherefore I cry, and cry again;
And in no quiet canst thou be,
Till I a thankful heart obtain
Of thee:

Not thankful, when it pleaseth me;
As if thy blessings had spare days:
But such a heart, whose pulse may be
Thy praise.