The ghost of Christmases past haunted our house again in 1993. To say that we were poor, would be an untruth, but to say that money was tight is an understatement. As in years before, funds seemed to vanish, leaving very little, if anything, for gifts. This year was one of the worst.
My husband, an outside salesman, hadn’t been paid since November, when his boss left town on an extended vacation from Thanksgiving through New Years without paying his employees, and we were trying to make it on my meager salary as a State Civil Service Employee at the local Charity Hospital.
Two days before Christmas Eve, I was in the Emergency Clinic picking up charts when the topic of being ready for Christmas was opened for discussion. When asked if I was ready, my reply was that I was waiting on my check which would be available on Christmas Eve and that we didn’t even have a tree yet.
Knowing that I had three children at home, everyone was shocked!
As things were brought out in the open about my husband’s check, or rather, lack of one, I was encouraged to scrounge the barrels of toys that had been collected for needy children who came to the hospital and see if there was anything I could use for mine. Not knowing that this was allowed, I hesitated. After all, we’d been through this before and the kids were old enough to understand our finances. Continued support as well as the knowledge that other hospital employees often did this as Christmas got closer and the barrels empty save for the less desirable gifts that children didn’t seem to want anyway, encouraged me to check it out. I found things like Uno cards, regular playing cards, puzzles and other small gift items that could be found at any Dollar store. Still, it was better than nothing and I was able to pick out a couple of things for each of my children.
But the greatest gift came from an unexpected source.
Psalm 34:15 says that “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears hear their cry.” As a newly recommitted Christian, I knew the Lord would provide something, though I never imagined how He would do it.
Upon leaving the clinic area, I returned to my desk in Admitting to finish up the necessary paperwork before returning the charts to Medical Records. I hadn’t been at my desk for more than a few minutes when I was called by a nurse to meet her in the nurses’ lounge.
Since this particular nurse was one of my favorite people to work with, I didn’t hesitate, not knowing that the incident would be one that would live in my heart forever.
Upon entering the lounge, I found her nearly in tears. “I hope I don’t embarrass or humiliate you,” she began. “But I’d like to give you something.” With that, she handed me a check. “When I was newly single, I needed tires for my car and a new friend, a stranger really, gave me fifty dollars to buy them,” she said, as I, too humbled and, yes, embarrassed to say anything, just looked at her; tears welling in my eyes.
“He told me not to pay him back,” she continued, “but to return the favor by doing something in kind for someone in need whenever I could.” By this time, the tears were flowing freely between us. “I was going to give you the fifty, but I found a little extra. I don’t want you to pay me back either, but do the same for someone whenever you can,” she concluded
Without even looking at the check, I put it in my pocket. We embraced and returned to our perspective work stations. The next morning over coffee with my husband, I told him the story and we opened the check to find it in the amount of one-hundred-dollars.
One-hundred-dollars doesn’t buy a lot, even in 1993, but it was more than enough to share the miracle of Christmas with our children and we were able to send a small gift to our daughter that lived out of state.
The very first thing I did was go out and buy a tree; a pitiful little display item that had been knocked over and kicked around but was the only one available anywhere. The kids and I strung popcorn and they made ornaments called The Eye of Jesus (or God’s Eye) that they’d learned to create in Catechism.
It was one of the most memorable Christmases I’ve ever had.
The gift this dear lady gave was more than money, it was affirmation…proof that my God shall supply all of my needs according to his riches in glory through Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19).
Extra money is still a rare commodity in our house, but I’ve managed to pay the gesture back numerous times, and I will continue helping others in need every chance I get; for there is one Truth that can’t be denied….You CAN NOT out-give God!
Through all the years of change, I have only one Eye of Jesus ornament left and I still hang it on the tree. It is a physical reminder of the blessing and miracle of Christmas, of how God used this angel of mercy to impact the lives of a newly recommitted Christian and her family; and a spiritual reminder that the eye of the Lord is upon the righteous and His ears do hear their cry!
MERRY CHRISTMAS FRIENDS!!!
Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!"
Premier Blog Sponsor: Top of Blog; All Pages
Showing posts with label christmas celebration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christmas celebration. Show all posts
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
More Poems to Celebrate the TRUE Meaning of Christmas!
Holy Days
© 2006
As we journey through this special time of year
We give Thanks, share Joy and spread lots of Cheer
Let us keep in mind that life is a gift and offer God praise
And always remember to keep the holidays, Holy Days.
From My Heart to Yours
© 2004
In this season of giving and good cheer, I've a message for all to hear!
Good news and glad tidings sent to all men, for a Savior was born in the town of Bethlehem.
Christ the Lord came down to earth, born in a manger, from holy to lowly by birth.
Throughout His life He chose to live right, to be and example of God's power and might.
To die on a cross in just a few years, but never FEAR!
For in victory He rose from that awful grave.
To give Life to all those He came to save.
So in this time of giving and season of cheer...Remember, Christ is to be praised all through the year.
MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy New Year!
The Gift
© 2003
No gift ever given, great or small
Can compare to greatest Treasure of all.
Born in a manger in the town of Bethlehem
Christ the Lord, who died for all men.
Sometimes referred to as the ‘Pearl of Great Price’
God so loved the world that He sent His Son to die
- The perfect sacrifice.
So please remember in this season of cheer
God is to be honored and praised
Each day of the year.
This simple poem is my humble gift
To wish you Merry Christmas!
© 2006
As we journey through this special time of year
We give Thanks, share Joy and spread lots of Cheer
Let us keep in mind that life is a gift and offer God praise
And always remember to keep the holidays, Holy Days.
From My Heart to Yours
© 2004
In this season of giving and good cheer, I've a message for all to hear!
Good news and glad tidings sent to all men, for a Savior was born in the town of Bethlehem.
Christ the Lord came down to earth, born in a manger, from holy to lowly by birth.
Throughout His life He chose to live right, to be and example of God's power and might.
To die on a cross in just a few years, but never FEAR!
For in victory He rose from that awful grave.
To give Life to all those He came to save.
So in this time of giving and season of cheer...Remember, Christ is to be praised all through the year.
MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy New Year!
The Gift
© 2003
No gift ever given, great or small
Can compare to greatest Treasure of all.
Born in a manger in the town of Bethlehem
Christ the Lord, who died for all men.
Sometimes referred to as the ‘Pearl of Great Price’
God so loved the world that He sent His Son to die
- The perfect sacrifice.
So please remember in this season of cheer
God is to be honored and praised
Each day of the year.
This simple poem is my humble gift
To wish you Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Christmas Poems
If you read my post yesterday, you'll see that one year I made Christmas Ornaments for my family and friends.
Well, here are the poems I used......
The Blessing of Family
© 2002
As wise men once followed a bright, shining star
We gather together from near and from far.
A special bonding of hearts, of life and of blood
A sign, a wonder! A miracle from above.
Though our lives are far apart,
We come together; one Spirit, one Heart
We gather to celebrate the blessed day
When Jesus was born to light our way.
We gather as a family in joy and in love
To honor God’s perfect gift from above.
From our hearts to yours…May the
Blessings and miracles of this Holy Season
Be yours throughout the years to come.
Merry Christmas! We love you.
Pam and Terry Thibodeaux & Family
The Year of Our Lord; 2002
The Blessing of Friends
© 2002
Prov. 18:24
We've heard it all before but I'll say it again,
There's no greater blessing than that of a friend.
Dearer to us than a sister or a mother
God defines a friend as one closer than a brother.
Being a true friend, doesn't take much
A shoulder, an ear, a special touch.
You've been all of this to us and so much more
You're someone we love, cherish and adore.
God came to earth on the wings of a dove
To be a friend to man and to show us His love.
A true friend is One who will lay down His life
Christ was born for this purpose; the perfect Sacrifice.
As we count our blessings this Holiday Season,
We know God placed you in our lives for this reason.
Thank you for being our friend, we love you.
Merry Christmas!
Pam and Terry Thibodeaux & Family
The year of our Lord; 2002
Well, here are the poems I used......
The Blessing of Family
© 2002
As wise men once followed a bright, shining star
We gather together from near and from far.
A special bonding of hearts, of life and of blood
A sign, a wonder! A miracle from above.
Though our lives are far apart,
We come together; one Spirit, one Heart
We gather to celebrate the blessed day
When Jesus was born to light our way.
We gather as a family in joy and in love
To honor God’s perfect gift from above.
From our hearts to yours…May the
Blessings and miracles of this Holy Season
Be yours throughout the years to come.
Merry Christmas! We love you.
Pam and Terry Thibodeaux & Family
The Year of Our Lord; 2002
The Blessing of Friends
© 2002
Prov. 18:24
We've heard it all before but I'll say it again,
There's no greater blessing than that of a friend.
Dearer to us than a sister or a mother
God defines a friend as one closer than a brother.
Being a true friend, doesn't take much
A shoulder, an ear, a special touch.
You've been all of this to us and so much more
You're someone we love, cherish and adore.
God came to earth on the wings of a dove
To be a friend to man and to show us His love.
A true friend is One who will lay down His life
Christ was born for this purpose; the perfect Sacrifice.
As we count our blessings this Holiday Season,
We know God placed you in our lives for this reason.
Thank you for being our friend, we love you.
Merry Christmas!
Pam and Terry Thibodeaux & Family
The year of our Lord; 2002
Monday, December 22, 2008
Weeklong Christmas Celebration!
Hi Friends,
What do you give when money is tight? How about a piece of your heart?
As a writer I’ve found a way to do just that. I’ve written poems for new parents, anniversary, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Christmas.
You may be thinking that’s nice, but how do you give these poems as a gift?
The poem for new parents, color in pink and blue, add clipart, personalize, and put in a pretty frame and you have a wall plaque. Same goes for the anniversary, Mother’s Day or Father’s day poems – use a pretty font, add clipart, print on nice paper and frame.
But what about Christmas?
Make tree ornaments!
Create a document with 4 copies of the poem in red and green font on page one and a cute Christmas picture on page two – which is printed on the back. Laminate the pages and cut each individual poem out. You can use special scissors, Christmas cookie cutters (the large ones), or just your imagination to design each one. Lace, ribbon, colored pipe cleaners, tiny boxes, and stickers make cute accessories. And of course, you’ll need a small hole-puncher to add the hook.
Simple, inexpensive and a gift that will be treasured by family and friends for years to come!
Here's a picture of one I made years ago.
This is fun and easy and even your kids will enjoy making this special ornament....especially if you tell them the story of Jesus and His birth or sing Christmas songs and hymns while doing so!
This week I'm only posting Christmas Related stuff - at least through Christmas Day. Today's post is an idea for Homemade Gifts.....
What do you give when money is tight? How about a piece of your heart?
As a writer I’ve found a way to do just that. I’ve written poems for new parents, anniversary, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Christmas.
You may be thinking that’s nice, but how do you give these poems as a gift?
The poem for new parents, color in pink and blue, add clipart, personalize, and put in a pretty frame and you have a wall plaque. Same goes for the anniversary, Mother’s Day or Father’s day poems – use a pretty font, add clipart, print on nice paper and frame.
But what about Christmas?
Make tree ornaments!
Create a document with 4 copies of the poem in red and green font on page one and a cute Christmas picture on page two – which is printed on the back. Laminate the pages and cut each individual poem out. You can use special scissors, Christmas cookie cutters (the large ones), or just your imagination to design each one. Lace, ribbon, colored pipe cleaners, tiny boxes, and stickers make cute accessories. And of course, you’ll need a small hole-puncher to add the hook.
Simple, inexpensive and a gift that will be treasured by family and friends for years to come!
Here's a picture of one I made years ago.
Front 
Back 
Speaking of Christmas Ornaments, here's another great idea!
Back 
Speaking of Christmas Ornaments, here's another great idea!
The Eye of Jesus or God’s Eye ornament is fashioned out Popsicle sticks and crochet thread. Make a cross with the sticks and loop the thread outward into a diamond shape. In the center of the design, where the sticks meet, the “eye” is formed.
Find our more here!
This is fun and easy and even your kids will enjoy making this special ornament....especially if you tell them the story of Jesus and His birth or sing Christmas songs and hymns while doing so!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Unexpected Blessings
I’m typing a series of sermons for my pastor in which he teaches that the love of God is eternally giving and is a daily, provisional covenant from which we should expect provision, favor and blessings. Psalm 68:19 tells us that God “daily loads us with benefits.”
Therefore, we should expect to receive good things from God – and I do!
But the unexpected blessings mean the most to me…a phone call or card from an old friend, a luncheon where I’m treated, finding money in the parking lot.
This week I received an unexpected blessing and not only did it make my whole week brighter, it made my whole Christmas brighter!
In August I switched jobs, new hours, same pay, new benefits package, but I NEVER expected to receive a Christmas bonus! When I was told to check my account and see if the funds were there – I got another surprise as it was far more than I ever imagined much less expected.
Many may know that I prayed for God to find me a “nice quiet office” somewhere and this job was all I asked for and even though I’d rather be home and not have to work, I KNOW He is providing for me and I’m right where I’m supposed to be.
Have you ever received an unexpected blessing?
I’d love to hear about it!
Remember – Dec. 15th is the deadline for the Sony E-Reader contest;
Cindy K Green’s Christmas Jubilee is this week only
The White Roses in Bloom are Celebrating Christmas ALL MONTH LONG and I'm giving away an ADVANCE copy of Winter Madness to one lucky commenter - so drop on by!
And don’t forget to come back Saturday when we’re Spotlighting Wendy Davy and her book A Matter of Trust.
Until later, take care, God Bless and remember….tis the Season to spread Joy!
Tempered Joy is available Now!
Therefore, we should expect to receive good things from God – and I do!
But the unexpected blessings mean the most to me…a phone call or card from an old friend, a luncheon where I’m treated, finding money in the parking lot.
This week I received an unexpected blessing and not only did it make my whole week brighter, it made my whole Christmas brighter!
In August I switched jobs, new hours, same pay, new benefits package, but I NEVER expected to receive a Christmas bonus! When I was told to check my account and see if the funds were there – I got another surprise as it was far more than I ever imagined much less expected.
Many may know that I prayed for God to find me a “nice quiet office” somewhere and this job was all I asked for and even though I’d rather be home and not have to work, I KNOW He is providing for me and I’m right where I’m supposed to be.
Have you ever received an unexpected blessing?
I’d love to hear about it!
Remember – Dec. 15th is the deadline for the Sony E-Reader contest;
Cindy K Green’s Christmas Jubilee is this week only
The White Roses in Bloom are Celebrating Christmas ALL MONTH LONG and I'm giving away an ADVANCE copy of Winter Madness to one lucky commenter - so drop on by!
And don’t forget to come back Saturday when we’re Spotlighting Wendy Davy and her book A Matter of Trust.
Until later, take care, God Bless and remember….tis the Season to spread Joy!
Tempered Joy is available Now!Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!" (TM)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The Countdown has Begun!
Well Friends, it's been a busy week already and Christmas is getting closer every day.
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of your holiday shopping and preparations, don't forget about these GREAT events going on.
#1) The Wild Rose Press Sony E-Reader Contest ends on Dec. 16th so if you haven't entered to win, run over NOW and do so!
#2) Cindy K Green's White Christmas Jubilee is for one week only! 14 Authors and 14 books up for grabs.
#3) The White Roses in Bloom authors are celebrating Christmas ALL MONTH LONG at their blog with holiday tips, recipes, stories and yes, gifts!
I'm participating in all of these events - AND - giving away ONE ADVANCE COPY of Winter Madness during the White Christmas Jubilee and White Roses in Bloom Christmas celebration (that's 2 advance copies up for grabs!)
So run over to those two blogs and leave a comment. I will collect the names of EVERY person who comments and draw for a FREE copy of Winter Madness so be sure and leave your email address in your comment.
Don't forget to drop back by for our Saturday Spotlight featuring Wendy Davy!
Have a Blessed week!
PamT
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of your holiday shopping and preparations, don't forget about these GREAT events going on.
#1) The Wild Rose Press Sony E-Reader Contest ends on Dec. 16th so if you haven't entered to win, run over NOW and do so!
#2) Cindy K Green's White Christmas Jubilee is for one week only! 14 Authors and 14 books up for grabs.
#3) The White Roses in Bloom authors are celebrating Christmas ALL MONTH LONG at their blog with holiday tips, recipes, stories and yes, gifts!
I'm participating in all of these events - AND - giving away ONE ADVANCE COPY of Winter Madness during the White Christmas Jubilee and White Roses in Bloom Christmas celebration (that's 2 advance copies up for grabs!)
So run over to those two blogs and leave a comment. I will collect the names of EVERY person who comments and draw for a FREE copy of Winter Madness so be sure and leave your email address in your comment.
Don't forget to drop back by for our Saturday Spotlight featuring Wendy Davy!
Have a Blessed week!
PamT
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Saturday Spotlight - Sylvie Kaye!
Well Friends, time for another Saturday Spotlight and today I'd like to introduce to you Sylvie Kaye and her books, Banned in Texas, Wrong Side of Love and Devil in Cowboy Boots!
When The Devil In Cowboy Boots stalks the man who framed him for manslaughter, his vengeance becomes tempered by Mercy, a woman as tantalizing as his most erotic fantasies.
WRONG SIDE OF LOVE~ Stop by Wayback, Texas where a cowboy falls in love every eight second! Lili Marlene is hell-bent to get out of Wayback. To anyplace where sports, music, and culture don’t center around cows or rodeos. Two things stand in her way, the down payment on a new business and Luc Fremont, the mayor of Wayback.
Luc has two birthday wishes. To stay aboard the meanest bull at the Wayback Rodeo for eight seconds and to make it with Lili. One of many generations of Wayback mayors, Luc loves the town, his homestead, and, to his exasperation, Lili. She won’t commit to stay and a mayor doesn’t live elsewhere.
BANNED IN TEXAS~In Print at Amazon.com & Barnes&Noble
WRONG SIDE OF LOVE,Wayback, Tx~The Wild Rose Press
DEVIL IN COWBOY BOOTS ~The Wild Rose Press
Born and raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania in the shadows of the Pocono Mountains and its honeymoon havens, Sylvie Kaye breathes the air of romance daily. After getting one short story published in 1994, she went from hooked on reading romances to hooked on writing them. Her years of work experience in manufacturing, as well as varied jobs in offices, retail, and a bank, to name a few, lent itself to writing contemporary romances. Road trips to exciting locations in our beautiful country inspire the settings for her stories.
BANNED IN TEXAS~ When the local bad boy meets a bad girl gone respectable, it’s anyone guess who will come out on top. Cole wants to add Angie to the notches on his bedpost, while she wants respectability. He’s the serial dating bad boy of the RFD singles while she’s new in town and seeking a fresh start. Will she tame the bad boy or will he shame her?
Or will the secret he’s deadest on hiding with his playboy image be revealed?
Or will the secret he’s deadest on hiding with his playboy image be revealed?
DEVIL IN COWBOY BOOTS~ When a sexually frustrated medical transcriber on vacation in Texas in search of a man to fulfill her fantasies meets a dark, devilishly handsome loner out to clear his name by finding the man who framed him for manslaughter, she finds more excitement than she bargained for.
When The Devil In Cowboy Boots stalks the man who framed him for manslaughter, his vengeance becomes tempered by Mercy, a woman as tantalizing as his most erotic fantasies.
WRONG SIDE OF LOVE~ Stop by Wayback, Texas where a cowboy falls in love every eight second! Lili Marlene is hell-bent to get out of Wayback. To anyplace where sports, music, and culture don’t center around cows or rodeos. Two things stand in her way, the down payment on a new business and Luc Fremont, the mayor of Wayback.
Luc has two birthday wishes. To stay aboard the meanest bull at the Wayback Rodeo for eight seconds and to make it with Lili. One of many generations of Wayback mayors, Luc loves the town, his homestead, and, to his exasperation, Lili. She won’t commit to stay and a mayor doesn’t live elsewhere.
BANNED IN TEXAS~In Print at Amazon.com & Barnes&Noble
WRONG SIDE OF LOVE,Wayback, Tx~The Wild Rose Press
DEVIL IN COWBOY BOOTS ~The Wild Rose Press
Contest and Excerpts at www.sylviekaye.com
Hope you enjoyed this week's issue of Saturday Spotlight, join me next week when we meet Wendy Davy.
IMW, don't forget, author Cindy K Green is having a White Christmas Jubilee on her blog and the White Rose in Bloom authors are celebrating Christmas all month long on theirs!
Both promise to be loads of fun with great gifts so drop by often!
Until later....take care, God Bless and remember....Jesus is the reason for every season.
PamT
Thursday, December 4, 2008
White Christmas Book Jubilee!
Come one, Come all to a special Christmas Book Giveaway Event!
December 8th to the 14th --
Make sure to pop in everyday for a chance to win. There will be lots going on everyday--all day long.
White Christmas Book Jubilee
14 Authors ~ 14 Holiday Book Giveaways
December 8th to December 14th
Free Books, Holiday Recipes, and Excerpts to warm you to the tips of your toes
Don’t miss the celebration! http://cindykgreen.blogspot.com
Schedule:
Monday, December 8th – Rose Ross Zediker & Jan Scarbrough
Tuesday, December 9th – Pamela Thibodeaux & Linda Swift
Wednesday, December 10th – Cindy K. Green & Sarita Leone
Thursday, December 11th – Kara Lynn Russell & Anna Kathryn Lanier
Friday, December 12th – Marianne Arkins & Stacey Joy Netzel
Saturday, December 13th – Nan Jacobs & Teri Wilson
Sunday, December 14th – Stacy Dawn & Carla Rossi
Also: Your favorite White Rose Authors are celebrating Christmas all month long on the White Roses in Bloom Blog!
Drop by often to our celebration where you'll find stories, tips, recipes and more to help you get in the Holiday mood!
Who knows, you may even receive a gift for posting a comment :-)
Hope to see you there!
Don't forget....drop back by here Saturday for our Spotlight on Sylvie Kaye!
PamT
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