Thursday, December 8, 2011

Thankful Thursday

Linking up with Joan at Reflections of His Grace

“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so?  It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”  Dr. Seuss

I've been feeling overwhelmed....
stressed....from the insane pressure of having to chose the perfect gift for so many people. I love giving and making people smile but this is nuts. I have only a few weeks to dash out, scout through as many stores as I can and find those perfect gifts that I hope people will like. I agonize too much over the task. What if I buy something and they don't like it. And some I know want a specific thing....and I can't find it!!! I've gone in one store...then another....and no one's got it.  Okay. I got to remember to take a breathe....slow down.....and focus on what's really important....like those things I'm thankful for......

-My best friend and her family who always remind me no matter what...love rules.
-A teen who read my book....and emailed to tell me she loved it and it's inspired her to push forward and fight those things in her life.
-Spoke at Toastmasters......about Finding Your Voice. And it's true...I've found my voice through writing......and grateful for that.
-Went to my daughter's school play.....watching her shine....seeing her happy face....and the happy faces of all those kids. They're all so different....and each one so special.  
-The perfect gift...the one He gave....that has gifted me with Light....Love......and Life

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

I struggle with this, too, sometimes. I am trying to focus on what's important.

Oh, Nikki, you are such blessing to my life. So happy to know someone who loves God as much as you do and loves others. You are the gift. :)

Blessings and Hugs,
Tammy

Rebecca said...

You know what to do about all that "perfect-gift" stress! (Thinking about HIS Perfect Gift, I got to thinking that a lot of people have "rejected" Him, too!)

Mary said...

precious Niki, you are you know!!
love this quote from the Grinch. What wonderful gifts you mentioned here, and not one was purchased in a store.

isn't it something to look back and see God's hand...

so thankful he never lets go!!

love you bunches, may God give you peace as you remember to breathe...

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Yes finding what is important during this season has helped my stress level tremendously...

Debbie said...

If there is one easy way to find the joy during this season, it's to watch the faces of children as they all do their own, individual thing. It makes me glad.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I'm sure the gifts will be wonderful, and it's your thought and compassion that matters most anyhow :-)

RCUBEs said...

Just dropping by to say a quick HI and your grateful attitude reminds us, too to always focus on the Best Gift...God bless.

Michelle Holderman said...

Beautiful post! A great reminder for all of us. Thanks. Blessings to you, Nikki.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Think about the times that friends and loved ones have given you gifts that you didn't especially like, did it make you like or appreciate them any less? NO! We are all so touched just to know that someone went shopping for us and loves us enough to spend the money and make the effort. Satan will try to ruin Christmas any way he can, and this is one of his main strategies. Take a breath and enjoy.

Karen said...

Keep breathing...keep loving...keep being just YOU...and it will be enough... because HE is more than enough....

Chatty Crone said...

Come over and visit today for a hug...sandie

Denise said...

Praying for you.

Joan Hall said...

Sarah - I agree, slow down, breathe, focus on the things that are important. It's so easy to get caught in the busyness of this season that we forget what its really about.

Blessings,
Joan

Nana Jul said...

You are definitely not alone sister! Finding the perfect gift...can really stress you to the max...
Your friend is right, Love rules. Apply that to the gift getting scheme, and you and the reciever will both win! Breathe in His peace and breathe out a prayer..ask for His guidance - He always provides..always! He wants to hear our voice..write it out, you SHINE at that...He smiles when you do!
He will get us through!
PS 5:3
Love ya
Jul

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

I have come to the place where I buy the same things for everyone. I don't spend a fortune because I don't believe we should. And I don't care if I get nothing in return. I got all my children together with their spouses, a green health powder that you put in fruit juice and drink to detox your body as well as a Christian video each. The older grandchildren get some money to spend on what they want and the two smaller ones I pick things as I see them and know thats what they like.. xxxx

Just Be Real said...

Great post Nikki. I am one that analyzes and agonizes over decisions as well. Hugs to you dear one.

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hello Nikki,
Wonderful post! I was always one to analyze everything to pieces. I nearly drove myself crazy and everyone around me too! Being a perfectionist isn't easy, but I'm learning! I have learned to lean on Him more and to trust Him, even in the selection of gifts to buy for others. I always pray before I go shopping and that really helps.
These days, because my family is spread out across the country, I mostly gift them with gift cards. It's not as personal but they can get what they want then.
Thanks for your visit, dear friend, and I wish you a delightful weekend.

Blessings and hugs,
Sandi

Peggy said...

Blessings Sarah (Nikki)...

Love your quote and then your honesty but your conclusion is the BEST! So take a breath and give thanks... YOU ARE THE GIFT... and blessings come from you just like the impact you had a that teen and others I'm sure...

and it was such a delight to see you! For this, I give God thanks... I went to your other blogs first (cuz I had never seen the NO HOPE one... to discover you were on a break writing again (bravo, another book in the making). Have missed you and
this was a good week for you to cheer me. May God continue to bless you as you slow down. Have a merry Christmas-no bah humbugs,OK?
You know the reason for this season is the BEST GIFT Jesus! Let His truth guide you!

Of One Heart said...

Nikki, write them all personal letters on beautiful stationary, roll them up and tie ribbons on them, attach a laminated cute photograph of you with said person in 4 x 6 size or something. Add a few chocolate/ Christmas food/ cake or whatever to the basket- you're done.

Nikki, I want you to really enjoy your Christmas this year. Live it like a kid for me, please! I'm going to do the same, I promise!

Much love,

Viju.

xoxo

highheeledlife said...

Truly the gift of Light, Love, and Life is the most precious gift, we can ever receive. All the rest are just things.

I know what you mean about finding the perfect gift for someone. This year I'm slowly starting the return to simplicity and celebrating the real meaning of Christmas, which is the Gift God gave us. Instead of individual gifts for friends and their children, we did a family gift box - filled with treats and things that require them to spend time together (it may not be what they were expecting, but I'm hoping it's what they will get out of it that will remain with them).

My Speech Therapist has been trying to get me interested in Toast Masters, I would love to hear more on your experience with TM.

Many blessings my friend..xo HHL