Feeling the Christmas Spirit and Christmas Miracles...

This holiday season I have been so humbled and have seen the workings of miracles around me each and everyday.

First starting with Christmas spirit I have felt this year...

There were many years where Christmas was tough and was provided with help from those in our wards as well as hard earned money by older sisters and mom and dad that would probably have been better suited for bills. I learned at an early age that Christmas came with a sacrifice to many. I learned it was important to always give more than to receive. Because of all of these lessons learned, Shane and I have made it a tradition each Christmas to help those in need. Last year we provided clothing for a family in our ward, this year we donated food to the Idaho Food Bank and bought some toys for the the Toys for Tots program, and I felt wonderful giving a ten year old girl my coat this year so she could stay warm in the bitter cold.

Christmas miracles have been abundant this year too...

Someone very dear to me was struggling, as withe everyone else at this time of year, and was afraid of losing her home. She was surprised one day when she opened her mailbox and found money she'd been waiting on for four months. this money helped her pay her bills and provide a Christmas for her children.

Another Christmas miracle came to a coworker and a friend who could not pay her power bill or buy her child clothing to keep her warm. It came to my attention early on and I was able to give away a coat but also mentioned something to one of my managers. My manager instantly felt the need to help and asked me to get involved. We were able to secure this friend's power bill in hopes that we can pay it in advance through February as well as give a few gift cards for food purchases and locate donated clothing for the ten year old girl.

I felt my own Christmas miracle this year too. Working in the auto industry, (especially for Chrysler) this last year has been a major up and down roller coaster, one with better months than others. I received a pay cut of 300.00 to take place at the end of this month and my vehicle needed to be fixed. Shane and I were carpooling and had to rely completely on whoever had the car for lunches, pickups, or anything else needed. We were doing okay and managing quite well but my boss noticed and asked me why. I told him I need brakes but I can't afford them until after the New Year. He said bring me your car tomorrow and I will take care of it. One of my great friends worked on my car for free labor and my boss paid for my parts. I didn't ask for this and really could have paid for the bill, but it helped immensely to be able to get ahead for when my pay cut hits. I was also advised that my pay would be revisited to try and find a way to make up for the pay cut as soon as possible. My Christmas miracle wasn't in someone paying for my vehicle repairs, but in finding a family in the people I work with. I've truly grown to love many of them this last year and have been so blessed to have this wonderful job for this wonderful company.

The Christmas spirit is alive and I pray that each one of you can feel your own Christmas miracle this year or help make some one's come true. Have a very Merry Christmas from the Gropp's!