Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!

Okay so I'm a little early, but New Years Eve is upon us. I've always loved the New Year.  To me it represents a new start.  For many years I have looked back on the old year and set resolutions for the new year.  I have also failed  soon after for most of my resolutions.

This year I want to be different, but I'm afraid old habits may creep back into my New Years plans. I would like to just forget the past year and start fresh.  I wonder if  that will be possible.  Can we look to the future and try to improve if we don't review the past? 

I wish I knew the answer.  I am determined to see if I can't make 2018 better than 2017.  I am determined to finish my latest work in progress.  My wonderful graphic designer has finished my new book cover and I love it.  I will finish my work and have it published this year.  That is not a resolution, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. 

What is it you wish to change in your life?  Now is the time to get at it.


Until next time.

The Spirit of Christmas is Alive

I have worked my last shift at the store until after Christmas.  The shopping is all done, the ham is chillin' in the fridge, and I'm chillin' on the couch.  All of those things tell me it's Christmas. 

The one thing that put me over the top of finding the Spirit of Christmas was the our local high school children.  If you have been following me for any length of time, you will know that every year our local high school, the Riverton Silverwolves has a fund raiser for a local charity.  Now you wouldn't think that is a big deal, but let me explain.  The fund raiser is called Silver Rush, and begins the first week of December.  This year it started on the 2nd and ran through the 21st.  The local charity is called "Now I Can".  It's a charity that helps children with disabilities receive much needed physical therapy.  Every year the approximately 2500 teenagers provide service for contributions to the charity.  Also the activities at the high school that draw an audience ask for donations.  So almost everyone in our community in one way or another contributes funds to the selected charity.  Every year we all wait to see how much the children have collected.  The amazing thing is every year for the last few years the amount has increased.  Last year the final count was $170,000.00  This year our community raised $179,000 in 18 days.  What amazing act of charity. 

After witnessing all of this, my heart was touched and found the joy in giving and the Spirit of Christmas. 

Until next time. 

Seven Days to Find to Spirit of Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner my decorations are up, my shopping is in hand, but not finished.  I've made and mailed out my Christmas cards, and made plans to fill my house with the aromas of the season in the coming week.  I have been more focused on the reason we celebrate Christmas.  Of all the things I have done this month, the one that has helped the most with finding the Spirit of Christmas is focusing on the birth of the Savior.  

I know my family will enjoy the presents under the tree, and all the rest.  I hope that by inviting the spirit by serving others will help them the most.  With all of this preparation I have found myself less depressed this year, and even though I am tired, I can still find a reason to smile.  

So this last week before Christmas I am going to concentrate more on service to others and less on myself.  I will concentrate on being cheerful and not cheerless.  I will try to show love to others in more abundance.  

Until next time

 

Don't Confuse Compassion with Weakness

In my search for the Christmas Spirit I have discovered compassion.  Many people see compassion as a weakness, I see it as a strength.  To extend love and understanding to someone else who needs it, is a gift.

Compassion doesn't cost anything.  It is a way showing others that you care.  If given freely compassion can be as uplifting to the giver as to the receiver.  I see it in the annual fund raiser the kids at our local high school do every year.  I see it in the way my son gives money to the homeless.  I see it in the care my neighbors give of service to one another.  I see it in the as my children do things for each other whenever they are together. 

Anyone can give a gift that costs money, I think it takes effort to give someone the gift of compassion.  Although it is easier to see at this season of the year, I love seeing compassionate people all year long.

Compassion takes an extra bit of selflessness. 

Until next time.

Finding New Ways to Enjoy the Season

If you read my blog last week you will remember I have been trying to find ways to lift my spirits this Christmas season.  

I guess the reason I have a hard time feeling the Christmas Spirit is it seems to be all about commercialism and money.  I have lost the true meaning of Christmas.  What is it I am looking for?  I gave money to support families of soldiers this Christmas, I give to our local High School Charity for Christmas every year.  I volunteer, I try to give extra care to my family, friends, the children I work with at school, and I try to give extra special customer service.  I always thought giving of myself especially this time of year would help me feel something special.  

I am still looking to find the spirit of the season.  Hopefully I will find it before too long.  

Until next time.