Let's Have a Memorable Holiday by Getting Back to the Basics!

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This is a repost, however it holds the same sentiment as it did when I first wrote it. As I read over the words, I realized that many things I'd hoped would get better for so many by now are the same or worse.

There is still hope....we just need to pray a little harder and louder. He is listening......




With the busiest season upon us, we all know what it's like to prepare for the Holidays. Running here, running there, with too much to do and too little time. We all want to make the Holiday perfect for our children, grandchildren and our entire family. This is so much easier said than done. Our hearts are in the right place, but our focus is lost somewhere, between what we want to do and what is actually possible to do, be it, physical or financial. Getting "back to basics" may save us from a feeling of being overwhelmed.

There is a financial burden on many families this year, who are unable to make it a merry and bright holiday for their children. At least, not in the way they think they must. What we need to remember is that "back to basics" is not a bad thing. It can be a delightful way of celebrating a very old-fashioned Holiday. And could be the coolest thing that your children have ever experienced. We have to remember that our little ones expect a lot of gifts to be there, under the tree, because that's what we taught them to expect. Maybe, now would be a great time to teach them that "other" lesson. You know, the one, where we have to work a little harder for what we want. The one, where we need to be happy with what we get under the tree, but more importantly, what we already have.

They can learn about the gifts of the heart, when they help a senior with their groceries. Or shovel a driveway for them and watch the smile of relief on their face. Or volunteer to babysit for a single mom, so she may have time to prepare for her family's Holiday. How about visiting an orphanage or working in the kitchen of a homeless shelter for a day. I think it's important that our children grow up knowing that it's a big, big world out there and it's not always pleasant. But we can help make it more so, by giving a little bit of ourselves to someone in need.

I want to wish everyone a Very Happy Holiday and a Very Merry Christmas!

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Merry Christmas to My Twitter Friends

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I had no idea what Twitter would do for me as an aspiring writer. Soon, though, I found out how welcoming the writing community can be. It was last June or July, (can't remember which) that I began tweeting about my aspirations as a writer. I have met so many wonderful people who share the love of writing and reading and feel that a whole new world has opened up to me.

Something I have always wanted to do and believed that I could do has become a reality. I am now a writer. I have very much work to do in perfecting this craft of writing. I am no where near the writer I would like to be, but I can see the possibilities now, because of my dear Twitter friends. I have never met a more supportive group in my lifetime.

@writingspirit @markdavidgerson @Wisneski @mdemuth @Donna_Carrick @Alex_Carrick @KCBOOKS @AuthorGabrielle @MichaelHyatt @PublishingGuru @RachelleGardner @johannaharness @janineShepherd @gtakamiya @LisaCollierCool @joe_roy @GargoylePhan @MissBeckala @jennienash @AnnArmbrecht @KMWeiland @heidi_stryker @Le_Shack @JaneFriedman @ClaraGillow @kbairokeeffe @christinerose @JodiCleghorn @Ghunibee @kuhlcat @groovymystery @jmstro @Doublelattemama @lauraeno @jonpinnock @Wendell_Howe @dlschubert @smilingwriter @DHeiliman @David_N_Wilson @inkyelbows @thewritermama @Peevish_Penman @lkblackburne @alisonwells @DebraMarrs @BooksByTara @TonyNoland @thehrgoddess @brianrathbone @righter1 @KristanHite @bradshorr @ireadiwrite @merylkevans @DavinaH @WriteSuzanne @JodiWhisenhunt @amysorrells @triciagoyer @AntSteele @Boolawoola @nixdesk @hank_phillippi @whenwelisten @joannayoung @MichaelPokocky @FlowerDust @SuzInIL @CafeNirvana @rightnowcoach @Trishryan @Veroniqque @CynLeitichSmith @bethlayne @MyleneDressler @recreate @Toltecjohn @louiejerome @Derek_Haines @EmApocalyptic @frostdevereaux @Annemazer @CyberDivaVA @rkuang @storyladies @CliveM @VarietyPages @jimsissy @JoeFinder @JohnBOlson @echogarrett @AnneTylerLord @techtigger.

These past six months, you have all touched my life in some way, directly or indirectly. Whether by an article or writing tip or life tip, or just inspirational words that you managed to put in 140 characters. One of you, (you know who you are) even gave me the opportunity to have one of my story's published on his site, www.jimwisneski.com, in a 12 Days of Christmas project on his Writers n' Writers site. And, then, there were those of you, who just made me smile. If I have forgotten to mention anyone, please know that this is my failing, not yours. If we have touched hearts, even for a second, you mean the world to me.

I want to acknowledge each and every one of you and say thank you to all.
Have a Wonderful Holiday Season!
And because of who I am, (and though it may not be politically correct) I must say
Merry Christmas!