New Year's Resolutions
Another year has come and gone. The older I get, the faster they seem to go by. And the older I get, the more I seem to reflect on the past and this year is no exception. I look at the goals I had set for the year and whether or not I accomplished them. I look at all of the blessings I received and I look at how many times I was a blessing to others or could have been.
I like to set goals rather than resolutions. If I set down goals in writing, I can look at them from time to time. If I make a resolution to lose weight and then don't, it is depressing but I can get over it fairly quickly in time to eat another slice of pie. Goals on the other hand seem more attainable and worth striving for. A goal of mine could be to lose 5 pounds by May to help keep my heart healthy. If I see it written down I will be more serious about sticking to it. Just seems to work better for me.
I also like to look ahead to the New Year and all of the blessings that it could hold for me. My special person is heading to Iraq in Jan. and that just doesn't seem like a blessing to me. But I have been trying really hard to see that maybe it could be. It will make me more prayer centered and aware of what is happening to others around the world. ( I think his going to Iraq may be a blessing to the soldiers he is traveling with if he can analyze what they are doing and help them stay safe.) Each family member that I have here safe in the U.S. will be a blessing to me as they offer their support.
So I am looking forward to the New Year and all that it holds. I am wishing for all of you a year filled with blessings!
One of my blessings is also being able to run Gathered From The Garden LLC.
www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

Cards for our Soldiers

I found out that a very special person I know will be going to Iraq after Christmas. I have been thinking about this alot. I am concerned for this person and pray for his safety and the safety of the soldiers he will be traveling with.
I came across the Xerox Co. website. If you fill out a very short form they will send a postcard in your name to a soldier overseas. I think this is a great thing to do. It doesn't take much time or effort but I bet it will really be appreciated. I have already sent several and plan to send more. Won't you check out that site and brighten someone's day? www.Letssaythanks.com
Also check out Gathered From The Garden's website (www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com) for some wonderful products that would also brighten someone's day!

A Gift List Anyone Can Afford

It's the holidays again and most of us are busy shopping for the special people on our lists. Since most of us are looking for gifts that fit our budgets, here's a list of gift suggestions for "the large of heart and small of purse". (Sorry I don't know who came up with the list so I can't give credit...)
These gifts won't cost you a dime, but that doesn't mean they have no value. If you give one of these gifts, you will give the most priceless gift of all: yourself!

*The Gift of Listening. Psychologists tell us that one of the greatests things we can do for another is listen.

*The Gift of Signs of Affection. Take time to give your loved ones extra signs of affection.

*The Gift of a Note. Write notes to your loved ones. They can be as simple as "I love you" or as creative as a poem.

*The Gift of Laughter. Everyone loves to laugh. Give those you love this gift. Just cut out a cartoon, clip a joke, copy a riddle or save a clever article. Your gift will say "I love to laugh with you."

*The Gift of a Game. Offer to play your loved one's favorite game with him or her. Even if you lose, you'll be a winner.

*The Gift of Doing a Favor. This gift is made more valuable when it anticipates a request rather than when it responds to one.

*The Gift of a Compliment. It is great therapy for us all.

*The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition. Your gift of cheerfulness will be a precious gift for everyone--including yourself.

You could probably add more to the list but isn't this a good start? Some of these are so simple yet would really make someone's day. Hope you found the list worthwhile--I did.
If you still need help with your Christmas shopping check out Gathered From The Garden's website for great gift ideas. www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com If you'd like to receive ourweekly newsletter send an email to gatheredgarden@charter.net