I loved Halloween. I always wanted to wear something scarey. It was a fun night to hang out with friends and trick or treat until you had been to every house in the neighborhood (we live in the country so that didn't take long). It was a time to tell ghost stories, watch horror movies and eat candy until you couldn't eat any more.

Other people. Many desperately need change to a more positive life, but you can't change other people unless they want to be changed.

I lose things all the time. I have a bad memory, but I blame it on my kids. I used to never forget anything until I became pregnant with my first child, and it continued to get worse with each pregnancy. I learned that viatim B12 helps to maintain memory, so I bought some, hoping I would stop losing and misplacing things if I took it. Does it work? I might not ever know...I can't remember to take it.

The best thing I've ever lost...that's a tough one. I've lost so many things by now, it's hard to choose just one...

I lost a disc in my spine when I had back surgery. I had been living in chronic pain for such a long time that I couldn't remember what it was like to be pain free. I thought I might never be pain free again. I was forced to give in and have the disc removed when two different doctors told me I'd be an invalid the rest of my life if I kept avoiding surgery. Since I had already lost some use of my right leg at this point I believed them both and finally had the dreaded surgery.

What did I gain? I gained a donated bone from some generous,caring, anonymous person who passed away before me. I am now pain free! I can even sit on the floor and play with my kids! Something I thought I'd never be able to do again.

I would build a bridge of understanding. When people understand others, they are more compassionate, patient, loving, caring, helpful, and more likely to maintain a peaceful relationship. Understanding others is what helps the world go round.

The whole world around me. You can leave a lasting impression on people and not even be aware of it. Think about how many people left good, bad, or indifferent impressions on you in your life from day to day. Are they aware of the impressions they left on you?

My home. It's old and falling apart. My husband likes to fix things himself, but he takes forever to get around to the things that need fixing. He doesn't like it if I ask anyone else to fix anything though. The house is 38 years old and still has most all the original things in it...carpet, ugly outdated wall paper, etc.

As Christmas approaches, many of us are shopping for the perfect gifts to make our friends and family happy on Christmas morning. Christmas is a busy time of year with so many people feeling overwhelmed and stressed out as they make preparations for the biggest, most important holiday of the year. What can you do to make things simpler, but still feel like your holiday is elegant and complete?

Everyone knows the story of the first Christmas. A baby born in a manger, his parents were poor, stars lighting the sky for traveling visitors, yet nobody could ever be happier. Three wise men brought gifts on this special day. Gold, which was the usual offering given to a king by his subjects, frankincense, which was used to worship in the temples, and Myrrh which was one of the ingredients in the holy oil as mentioned in Exodus chapter 30. This first Christmas was the most special ever, yet so sweet and simple.

God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. Those who believeth in him shall not perish but have an ever lasting life. (John 3:16 KJV). God sacrificed his only son so that every person on earth can have a way to eternal life. Now, that’s the ultimate gift. The gift of love, who can top that?

What gifts would God want you give for Christmas this year as we remember the birth of his son?
Love: "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' (NIV, Mark 12:28-30) The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these. (NRSV, Mark 12:31)
So remember, the ultimate gift has already been given. You can’t top it, of course, but you can return the love as it was once given to you. Keep your holiday sweet and simple as you give the gift of love. After all, it’s not the toys children remember, it’s the time you spent playing with the child. The neighbors don’t remember the fancy cards, but they remember sitting down with you and having a meaningful conversation over a cup of tea. Your grandparents don’t remember the trinkets you bought for decorating their house, but the time you spent helping them decorate when they were no longer able to decorate on their own. There is nothing more special, elegant, and complete than giving the gift of love. ~Tammy Reniff