[shellbw]

Just wanted to know if you girls could do another prayer. Christmas isn't looking too great at all for us. So anyway, just some prayers that we get through.

Thanks.

[Sarah in VA]

Lots of prayers for your Shell that your Christmas will be filled with blessings. Believe!

[PatBowman]

Prayers coming to you for Christmas Blessings Shell!

[ManiakMama]

Lots of thoughts and prayers headed your way.

[JenW]

I'm sending a prayer your way. Remember the true reason for the season.

[shellbw]

Thanks! I'm starting to feel a little better. This place is truly great. And yes, I will remember the true reason. I've been getting a lot of reminders about that lately.

[PBarnes]

My prayers go out that life improves for you soon. Have a blessed Christmas.

[April Showers]

You've got em. Hope things improve for you guys- really soon.

[MaryJo]

Oh Shelbi, I am so sorry, there is nothing worse than to have a rough time with the Holidays. I'm going to go out on a limb and give you my 2cents. I used to think that the Holidays were all about lots of presents and doing lots of entertaining !!! For me it was all about the almighty $ ! When I found Jesus, as He promised He cleaned me up and opened my eyes to what the Holidays are all about. Don't get me wrong, I want nothing more than to spend tons of $ on my kids, I love to lavish them with gifts. But, God took us through a really good housecleaning. He allowed us to see that we were going about life all wrong. We almost lost every physical possession we had ! I mean everything house cars etc..... It opened my eyes to the value of family and forgivness, I was harboring resentment towards almost all the people in my life ! I was one miserable person ! Now, Christmas is about spending time , not money ! Its about giving forgiveness to those who deserve it and those who don't. Its about having a pure heart and a pure mind. I know you know all this and it probably doesn't help one bit what you're going through. But, friends are here for you in thick and thin and even at those times when you're at your lowest. I hope my little story helps you in some way. Today our tree is loaded with homemade gifts and yes one nice gift for each child. Its making Christmas dinner as a family and having a ball in the kitchen making a huge mess ! Its about eating too much turkey and having to take a nap. I 'm praying for you and your family at this most difficult time. I hope my little story helps you in some small way to let you know I've been there and it s_ _ _ _ !! But, I'm here for you and I'll keep praying that you make it through this one year of hardship and turn it into the best Christmas ever.
What every your circumstances are God sees and He knows and best of all He Loves You and your family !!!! I'm here if you need a shoulder to cry on, I'm a pretty good listener !! PM me anytime ! Much Love , MJU

[CRS]

I'll say a prayer for your family. I hope you have a nice holiday, despite the circumstances.

[debilou]

More Prayers for you and your family. Just remember things always get better! You have a lot of FRIENDS praying for you, Just keep up the FAITH! You will pull through this. God's Blessings.

[jennk]

Prayers for you and your family have already gone up. I pray that you will be richly blessed this holiday season. I hope that all the prayers going up for you shower you with lots of love this season!

[Jo Corne]

sending you good thoughts and prayers at this time. and what MJ says, she's right, to have your family with you, healthy, happy and together, that is God's biggest gift

much love your way

[shellbw]

Thanks everyone. Prayers must work. I had been hoping with fingers crossed, but not expecting this. Someone owed me some money and actually paid today after I posted this request!

Being reminded of what Christmas is all about really helps too. I'll be busting my butt to get some homemade gifts done and just enjoying being with my family. The time together is what really matters. Not how many gifts are under the tree. I did need reminded of that.

We will be fine soon, better times are ahead and we know it. From here until then is the hard part.

[MaryJo]

Shell thats great news ! I'm so glad that God answers prayers that fast sometimes. Well you better get hustling on those gifts. I know I'm burning the midnight oil to get mine done. With this concussion thing its taking me longer than usual... Oh well! I'm glad for you and I'll keep praying....

[goofyemt96]

Prayers going out!! Everything will work out in the end!!

[kimmybutton]

Prayers for blessings, happiness, and hope during this season, Shell! Homemade gifts are the BEST! From the heart and mean so much...think homemade coupons also (you can be so creative and fun with this and everyone will love them!) .... prayers for better times to come your way in the coming year, Shell...hugs

[shellbw]

Just want to update. We did Christmas on the 30th so we could celebrate as a family with my step-daughter as well. It ended up being a great day! Only the kids got presents under the tree. DH and I got to watch and help open things, and I even got pictures of every gift opened! That is so rare. The kids loved what they got. And to top off the day, the evening was full of snow. We got a white Christmas! I looked out the window after dark as I was putting the baby to bed. I saw a tree covered in snow just barely lit by the neighbors Christmas lights and the moon. I knew there was no way I could get a good photo of that, but just took in the moment.

I did learn that it wasn't about how many gifts were under the tree, how much was spent, having the best and newest. Instead it was completely about the sharing and being together. Over the past couple of days, I had so many moments to cherish. Moments that happened purely on the spur of the moment. Moments that were gifts. We have been so blessed, and I can see that.

Thanks for the prayers! They WERE ANSWERED.

[PBarnes]

This is so awesome to hear. I know prayer works. This is another wonderful testament that it does.

[MaryJo]

Oh Shell, I am so glad to hear your update. God truly does answer our prayers ! What a blessing to hear this on New Years Day, what a great way to start the new year.. I'll keep praying and believing the best... MJ

[Scrapin Pat]

So glad to hear the Lord blessed your family this Christmas. I'll continue to pray that the New Year holds many more moments to be thankful for.

[KBT]

I am so glad that you had a wonderful Christmas. May 2008 be full of wonderful blessings for you as well.