Wednesday, December 15, 2010

The Spirit of Christmas

Hi, I am being "allowed" to post by the girls today.  I am saddened, angry and truly in need of some good  Christmas cheer.
At our Church each year we have a Giving Tree.  A family is chosen (from where I do not know) and paper ornaments are placed on the tree branches with items needed by that family.  It is very, very humbling when you reach for an ornament and there a 10 year old boy is asking for underwear. 
"I think I need a hug..."

As always, I choose a gift card.  This year it was for $25. at Wal-Mart.  Sunday we put the envelope under the little tree and for some reason after service I went to check that it was there.  It was not.

Yes, it has been stolen and I found out today, has been cashed. This all happened while we were worshiping.


Some of you do not know me, and I really am not sure why I am writing this....maybe it's my way of trying to feel better about the world that surrounds me.
Blessings and thank you for listening.
J

14 comments:

  1. ((((HUGS)))) Dearest Joyce, I don't know why people do the things they do--I've never been able to figure that out and have resolved that I probably never will. But sometimes people in need are closer than we think and live in our midst. I hope that that is the case in this instance. I truly hope that the person who took the gift card was in need-otherwise it will always hurt their soul knowing that they took something from someone else who truly needed it.
    Lots of Love,
    Cheryl

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  2. Thank you Cheryl. I have so many mixed emotions about this. I know I have to stop my negative thinking and remind myself what you are saying. You are such a dear friend.

    Thank you & Hugs,
    J

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  3. Just remember perhaps they really needed it. I got a boy from angel tree that wanted shoes. He is 9. I went to Nike Outlet because eventhough our budget is tight. I wanted him to have a name brand :) They were clearance but nike got a new box out for me I hope they make him happy. They certainly werent the newest out or the most expensive but they have that logo and I was looking at walmart and even all the boys around that age no matter what seemed to have name brand. All will be fine. HUGS my friend....dont let them get you down. Its all about JESUS anyways... Love & Hugs, Kim

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  4. Thank you, you brought out the tears and maybe that is what I need to do, and pray for the person who took it.

    Blessings,
    me

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  5. Oh Joyce, it is so sad that your gift was stolen but maybe Cheryl is right and it was taken by someone in need. I think sometimes people are desperate but pride stops them asking for help and they resort to a bad deed.

    I think your giving tree is a wonderful idea and I hope this experience will not totally spoil it for you.

    Hugs, Nicki, xx

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  6. Thank you, Nicki. Just have a tough time understanding the human race. )o: Just disappointed.

    Hugs,
    me

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  7. Dear Joyce, this news saddens me to think that someone would take your gift card. Like the others posted, I hope and pray that it was used for a good cause.

    What that person did is between them and God and only He knows what the circumstances were.

    Pleas keep up the good cheer and don't let it spoil your season of Joy.

    Hugs to you and the girls.XX
    Pam

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  8. Thank you, Pam. I just am disappointed and a wee bit angry. It will pass, and yes "the reason for the season". Too bad that bad people take advantage of the season. But - you are correct, it's between them & God.

    Blessings,
    me

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  9. I'm sorry Joyce. Honestly, I don't understand people at times either. I hope they needed it, I really do, but at the moment I too am struggling to understand the selfish actions of others. I am turning the other cheek however, and fluffing out my best doormat side!

    Hugs

    Katy

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  10. Ahh Joyce...I think perhaps the person who took your check also was need, otherwise would never have done this. We are certainly living through some very difficult hours...for many they will do anything to survive, perhaps be it any other time that person would never have done that...I guess I see things differently these days... I feel sad for you, the young boy whom this would have enriched and the person who took it...blessings hon,

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  11. Katy,

    Thank you. I am feeling better, it was just a shock. I just don't understand people.....

    Hugs,
    me

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  12. Oh dear. Isn't that disheartening? But your commenting friends here may have some ideas about why it may have happened. It's very hard to let go though when you really don't know whether or not the person's need was great or greedy. I suppose it's very trite to say, it is your intentions that count. And very good intentions they were too. I hope your intended receiver will not suffer because of this incident. Things have a way of working out even though sometimes it's hard to see how that can be.

    ~ginger

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  13. Dear Ginger,

    Thank you. Yes, I need to let this go and still believe there is more good in this world than evil. Someone may have really needed that gift card. But someone from Church- that is where I am having a problem. We have such a small, giving congregation. Oh well...someone could have just walked in taken things and left and we would not know it.

    Hugs,
    Joyce

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Thank you for writing, I love to receive mail and comments on my posts. Thank you for dropping by and have a most blessed day. Hugs, Prudence