The thrill of the Holidays!

There is nothing like the holidays to get your spirits up and your stress levels! I know during this time I'm hoping my stress level is up a little. I'm praying for booming business, creative ideas for Christmas gifts, and projects that go on without a hitch!

After getting my embroidery machine, you can guess what lots of folks are getting for Christmas :) Embroidered Stuff! The hardest thing for me to find were linen or cotton hanker chiefs. I remember always being able to buy these in pretty gift boxes in places like JC Penney's and I had to really hunt this year. I finally found some in a little Wal-Mart that hasn't made itself Super Sized. The town won't let it. They are afraid it will kill the small business owners, so they've made their Wal-Mart stay the size they were when Wal-Mart first began. I actually like it because for some reason you can also find products from way back when that aren't carried anywhere else anymore. At any rate, my Grandmother is 82 and I thought what a cute gift. Little flower embroidered hankies just for her. Maybe something a little nostalgic that she hasn't seen in a while either.

During the holidays that is what I like to do. Find that little special something for those you love and I think it will mean more. It's not the cost that matters, its the thought you put into what you are giving, and giving you should do! Of course you shouldn't just give once a year, but year round and to those in need. Do you have a "Goodwill Project"? Our family tries several each year, to help out our fellow neighbors, to give back what God has so generously given us. Most people think of this time of year to do it, but I encourage you to take your talent and do it year round.

This year we've done food drives, clothing drives, and monetary collections for utilities. What can you do? Even if you aren't the event coordinator, your donation means so much to someone out there.

I encourage you to be thankful for what God has given you and give what you can and maybe go a step further and give more than you ever have.

Have a VERY Merry Christmas!