Consumption.

Today I received one of the most exciting gifts. In the past few months I have become extremely close to the pretty girls that I work with. There are only three of us at Green Goodies, but I feel like I have 2 new older sisters who I could go to with any problem and they would always be there with a listening ear and constructive advice. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful women. There is always constant laughter, dancing, and encouragement. Something that seems hard to come by in the workplace. Well, continuing on with my story. Kissy Tiff- the owner of Green Goodies, is the reason for my excitement today. When I got to work today she had a surprise for me and Hallie (I will refer to her as Huggy). She handed us each a pink envelope with our names on them. Inside the envelope was a card with a sweet note, and an amount of cash---that I will not disclose until AFTER Christmas. But the purpose of this card and money, was her way of giving us an opportunity to bless someone this holiday. We prayed together and asked God to use us, and give us the opportunity to help someone. I can not explain the wave of goosebumps that popped up on my body. I just know that God is going to use this opportunity to do something great for someone else. The plan is that after Christmas we are going to share our stories with each other, and I am so eager to see how God will use us!

Secondly, although I feel such happiness and joy I cant help but to feel fear and anger in the back of my mind. My sister is recovering from her 2nd biopsy in the last two weeks. I feel so sick to think that our family may be facing "Cancer" again. The word "Cancer" seems so common when people talk about it, but for me it holds so much underlying meaning. Cancer to me is hell on Earth. When I think of the word "Cancer", I think of my sister, and I think of all that she went through. I think of the night sweats, the extreme weight loss, her not having any appetite or throwing up when she did eat, the pain in her eyes every time she had to have another shot, or round of chemotherapy, the tormented face she made when she looked in the mirror and had lost her hair, and the pain that my family had realizing that there was nothing any of us could do to make it better. There are so many questions that fill my mind when I think about this situation. The most obvious and unanswerable question is "Why?" I can not help but to think that God has an amazing purpose for Laurann's life. That seems to be the only answer that gives me peace. I find comfort in the fact that I know that God has an amazing plan for Laurann's life and know that her story will be used to touch so many lives. Her strength through the situation is something to be praised. I just continue to pray for her, my mom, her doctors, and her healing.

Lastly, as the Christmas holiday is drawing near I am constantly reminded by our need for consumption. It becomes obvious due to the fact that Christmas decorations were being placed in stores as soon as Halloween ended. I feel that people are falling into consumption--the idea of buy, buy, buy and forgetting all about compassion. This year especially compassion seems so important because it seems that many are so close to being without a job, without food, or adequate shelter. When did Christmas become about who could spend the most money or buy the biggest gifts? It's at this time that we have to ask ourselves do we define our purchases or do our purchases define us? Why do we define ourselves or others by the money that is spent? I think that is why the pink envelope that Tiffany gave me is so touching. I am just so encouraged and excited about the chance to touch some one's life!

Until next time,
I hope you have a wonderful week and are encouraged to give!