My days have been pretty ordinary lately. I have been working same as usual. Take the kids to activities like cub scouts and their Christmas Program. Run cars in for repairs and inspection with my oldest, making plans for having a full house over Christmas with college on break and both my older boys being at home more, and, and …. and … oh, I brought home a kitty in need of a home. Galen (7) is ecstatic, named the little thing Angel.

I have also been running spending A LOT of extra time just talking with the kids. many of you know from reading this blog over time that Galen has had trouble with social interactions and regulating from the time he was three. Cian started to show signs of not getting along at school and at home as well, but with him it was a complete cry for attention. I do not have it all figured out, yet, but I have been able to reinforce that if there is something he thought he would like me to do with him then he need only tell me what it is and if it is reasonable we can certainly do that. The requests have ranged from reading books together, looking at whatever it is that is interesting him at the time, spiking and hair-spraying his hair different colors and waving to him when he leaves on the school bus.

The thing I have not been doing is any type of Christmas shopping, or baking, or decorating. I have decided that today is cleaning day. The kids have waited long enough for the tree to come out of my closet. I have also procrastinated cleaning up my son’s room who will be home from college tomorrow. In his absence his room has been the perfect ‘dumping ground’.

My room became a dumping ground of sorts the last week. As mentioned I have not done Christmas shopping. I decided not to go back to a full time job after my husband passed to remain somewhat flexible for the children. I also felt called to stay on the pathway of full time minister and healer. I have found in the past year that it is just not a service, but also a business. It is necessary to balance the two so that I am of the most help to others as well as my family. Bolts of Love as well as my own personal appointment book is growing, but it takes time. I also took a lot of time this year for extra training, which was absolutely needed and wonderful, just keeps the earnings very low.

Once again, I have learned that when one walks what she is talking Spirit does provide in the most amazing ways. Several opportunities have been presented to me during this week, and the good people of my town through the food bank, the Salvation Army and Boro Women’s services have made sure that Santa is arriving for my children this year. My room is now a storehouse for Santa. This little town has helped me more than I can even count at this point. They helped when we were in crisis mode while my husband was sick and helped us slowly readjust after his passing. Now, they are helping again, and the most remarkable thing is I did not even tell any of these organizations that it was rough this year. I knew we were low on funds because of my own decisions in my own training and in my own ‘business building’. When I sought advice from my friend back in May I was reminded that if I keep on the path of the healer and of service in whatever form I chose, that path would always yield more than enough. She was right.

I told the volunteers that my goal next year was to be the one to help other families. I know that will be the case.

I am reminded of Psalm 139:
You know what I am going through
You know what I feel
Even though you know
You will always love me

I have a beautiful reason to smile today.
My kids left happy for school, with wrapped decks of cards for those in nursing homes this Christmas.
I learned my grandmother is at home and no longer in the hospital. She needs a lot of care, but I am so glad she is able to have that care at home.
My sister is home for a few days from Florida and she took time out to see the little ones in their Christmas program.
My youngest invited his teacher to the program and she came, making him so very happy.
My mother painted beautiful ornaments with the kids so they have hand-made presents they are excited to wrap for others. It has been wonderful to see them so excited about GIVING.
I have beautiful friends near and far, one of which sent me the most delightful letter yesterday. — A REAL one .. through the mail!
I will have all my kids with me Christmas morning for breakfast.
My parents are incredible in the way they keep care of my little ones so I can keep up the work I am doing.
This delightful little town in which I live has reinforced for me that God works always. We are cared for, we are protected, we are guided. When we choose to listen. When we are on the pathway that offers the most in love and service for yourself and those around you.

Reasons to smile!

Reason to Smile