Holiday Season

Now that the holiday season is officially upon us, I hope we all do our part to make a difference in the lives of others.  Not with the "gimme this", "gimme that", I want this", I want that" mentality.  We need to decrease the materialism in our kids and reinforce the real reason for the season.  Don't get me wrong; I spoil my kids at Christmas and anyone who knows me or has been to my house during the holidays can attest to that.  However, my kids have also been taught from the day they were born the true meaning of Christmas.  It's not the actual gift that matters but what's behind it that's important..........the spirit of giving. 

The holidays are a special time and we should appreciate what we are given because a lot of love and thought is put into it.  Give from your heart; a smile or a hug can be someone's greatest gift.  There are so many ways to spread happiness; just follow your heart and I bet it will be the best holiday ever.

A lot of times we focus on the negatives in our lives.  I've been there myself.  Christmas is the best reason to think positive and not allow the small things to get us down.  It should be a time to enjoy those around us and to take a step back and be thankful for what we do have. 

My wish is that all of you have a happy, healthy and safe holiday season!

Giving Thanks

Well, it's almost Thanksgiving and lately I have been doing a lot of reflecting on my life and the things that I am most thankful for.  First and foremost I am thankful for a loving and forgiving God that loves me unconditionally and has made a place for me in Heaven.  Without God I would have never made it through some of the toughest times in my life.

Second, I am so thankful for four of the greatest children on earth.  They are my world.  Other than God there is no one in this world that I love more.  They are the reason that I strive to be the best mother that I can be.  I sometimes forget and have a tendency to take things in life for granted; but they remind me of how blessed I truly am.  Their smiles brighten up my world and their determination makes me proud.  I truly am grateful that I am their mother.

I am thankful for having such wonderful friends and family.  I absolutely could not make it without them.  Each one plays a very special role in my life as well as my children's lives.

Sometimes it takes hearing someone else's story, seeing a homeless person, a person with a serious illness, people that have been afflicted by natural disaster, children suffering abuse, hunger or all the bad things in the world to make a person appreciate the life that they have.  When I see all the things going on in the world today, I have to praise God for all the wonderful blessings that he has given me.  Sometimes I start feeling sorry for myself because of the struggles that I have had to face but I soon remember that I am here, alive and healthy.  I have happy children, a safe place to live, food to eat and clothes to wear and am loved by so many people.

So this Thanksgiving I am going to remember all the things that I have to be thankful for, and there are many!  I am going to pray for those who are less fortunate than me.   I will also pray that God show me how I can help others by being more compassionate and understanding.  Who knows, maybe my compassion and understanding towards someone will give them something to be thankful for too.

God bless you all!