THANKFUL FOR: BRIANNA THE FUTURE SKATER

First, welcome to December and welcome to the start of the crazy busy holiday season! I cannot believe that it is December! This time of year is so awesome because so many people are focused on the holiday, but also so many people must be focused on the reason for this season. To start out this season, I did two things. First, I started a bible verse reading that gives me a verse and I will read it everyday in preparation of Christmas. That is something I typically do everyday, but this is special to this time of year and today I loved it. I also saw a picture that said this month was the last in our book of 2014 so we should make it perfect. That, along with the bible verse really made this time start fresh. Second, I did something for someone else that warmed my heart so much. Before break I stopped at his table on campus and picked up a child’s name and some information about him/her. I picked a girl and then I would get to buy her a Christmas gift that would be given to her on Christmas. She doesn’t have a lot and really needs something like this. Her name is Brianna and she is 10 years old. Her Christmas wish was a pair of skates. Today, I went to Target where I bought the cutest pair of skates and I am so happy to say that she will get getting them, granting her wish this Christmas. It is so nice to know you will be making a difference, especially during the holiday season! I can’t imagine not having a family, presents, a church home, or even a Christmas tree during this time of year. That is why I felt it on my heart to do something to make someones Christmas. Unfortunately, I will never be able to meet this precious girl, but I am going to start praying for her today. I pray that she loves this Christmas and I pray that someone is teaching her the real reason for the season. I would love to write a little note and put it the gift telling her the story of Jesus, but they asked us not to. It says that she is struggling with emotional and behavioral issues, but she is managing to do well in school. I will pray that with God she will be find peace and comfort and he will help her blossom in life. I would love to meet her so so much, but I do understand why I cannot. It is honestly just a blessing to be able to have a small impact on her life. I am so thankful for this opportunity and I am so thankful that God gave me such a giving heart. I can’t really explain it, but it is one of the best feelings. I also had the privilege of buying a boy some cars and art supplies for him from our Hall. The boy will also have a great Christmas, but Brianna is a little more special to me because I feel like I have a better connection to her, you know? I have prayed over these skates and I will be so thankful during this season for Brianna and impact she has made on me. It really was a great way to start this season and has really put me in the right mindset… I encourage you to make a difference and show others the real meaning of Christmas. It is why we are here and it is something those effected, in giving and receiving, are thankful for. Christmas is more than opening gifts and singing to themed music… Christmas is a time to celebrate the joy of Christ in our life. Christmas has started off the right way and you can bet I am thankful beyond words! 
Yours Truly,
Southern and Thankful