sticker shock

So much to share and only a few short minutes before I’m on the clock! Nine hours until the weekend! Praise Jesus!

If you’re looking for a gift for a woman in your life who is struggling … please check this out: http://www.bethmoorechristmas.com/ Beth has a new book coming out and she’s going to be doing a blog-led study of the book and I’m sure any woman who is dealing with insecurity issues would benefit from sharing in Beth’s Godly wisdom. I participated in her research for the book… btw… just by way of blog comments… when she asked her readers to tell how insecurity had impacted their life. Hello! How many Mr. Right Nows have I saddled myself with while trying to find Mr. Right? And why do I even need a Mr. Right? So… as I was saying… *perfect gift* for that woman who needs to conquer her insecurities!

Running out of time and there’s so much more!

Last night we had our Thanksgiving fellowship dinner at church. I would estimate over 200 people were there (there were 22 tables of 8-10 each, I think) and so it was crowded. More crowded than I’m comfortable with… but I was with my girls so it was not so bad. We had a great time… me, Jim, Angie, Jessie, Natalie (who has a torn calf muscle! Ouch!) Sarabeth, Jamie and Jorjanne sat together. Stasha sat with her biological family instead of her adopted family. As a mommy, I know how important it is for your kids to spend time with you... and although I would have loved to have Stasha at our table... I know she was a blessing right where she was. Austin sat with his friends and... well, I was ok with that. He was happy.

Jamie tried sweet potatoes for the first time (I think) last night. She was really hesitant. I convinced her to try them. One bite later... she took over my spoon and commandeered ALL of my sweet potatoes... and asked, "are sweet potatoes good for you?". We convinced Sarabeth to try them as well... and Jorjanne tried cranberry sauce. I could NOT get Jamie to try coconut...

I had bought the girls a pack of stickers for $1 at Big Lots. I gave them instructions that the stickers should be given out to anyone who was willing to tell them what they were thankful for. I thought that they would share with their little friends and it would be a nice way for them to share the loot that they get from Aunt Heather. After dinner Sarabeth and Jorjanne set out into the crowd of tables and slowly, sweetly, methodically, they went to pretty much every person there. At one point I noticed that everywhere I looked people were wearing those cheap little stickers that I bought – 500 for a dollar! And my shy little Sarabeth- boldly going up to anyone and everyone – and sharing that sweet little reminder of Thanksgiving with our church family… giving and receiving love back.

It was so simple. It was so cheap. It was a great reminder to me that a little love can go a long way. Those of you who sent me quarters when I was sick… just imagine… it could have been your gift that enabled me to gift the girls that enabled them to gift a congregation. Never doubt the impact of your contribution. I’ve had many times over the past few years where just a kind hello made a difference for me. Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can. God will bless it.

I’ve been searching for the right words for a Thanksgiving message for several days now and I think I’ve found it. What you have to give is enough. You don’t have to clean up, save up, pray up, wait for a sign from God… just take advantage of those opportunities for kindness. You don’t have to have a doctorate degree or a calling on your life or even have your life in order to be able to love others. You just have to put feet to your faith. You have to step outside your comfort zone. You have to do more than what’s required of you.

Me. I have to do more than just get by. I am uniquely gifted to be a part of my community – my world. I have qualities, passions, experiences, wisdom… that exists in no one else on earth. So do you. I have a village – a global village – that has carried me through this year. And last. I can’t be all things to all people but I can be something to some. One sticker at a time.

Listening to Christmas music on the office radio. I’m keeping a tally of how many times I hear the Chipmunk Song played between now and Christmas. My heart is really light and cheerful today…

I have already heard from my sweet sister-out-law in New York. She and Bryan are having a great time visiting with her parents in NYC this week and I am only a little (a lot) jealous. I’m so grateful that we have that bond… since I grew up without sisters, growing into having sister in/out laws has been a huge blessing. Tomorrow Jim and Angie will bring the girls to me and we’ll caravan together to my aunt’s. My aunt has a cool paper doll game she’s made for the girls. She says she’s the best Aunt ever – we’ll have to see! Lots to look forward to… lots to be thankful for…time to sell some insurance.... love and hugs, y’all!