[DollyCali]

Hi sweetie.. I am sorry about the fact you are a bit down this season. If I might share a bit of my pilgrimage.. Before coming to Ohio to help mom, I had a wonderful set of job experiences & ample money to make holidays never a concern. bought food, travel tickets, gifts, decorations without blinking.

Now there is essentially no income & so all must be tempered (to put it mildly). I have found myself doing more creative things & finding that your true friends/family loved ones understand & truly do appreciate the handmade things.

I do a lot with photography & make composite pix using Publisher and I also have a bit of talent making stringed jewelry.

I don't know if that is the reason you "are not in spirit " yet, but I am guessing it might be.

I hope you will look at this as Gods gift of an opportunity to focus on Christ rather than materialism. We all need that lesson.

Everyone at FR is at different stages in their financial status.

I recall you are a Christian & although the temptation is there to be mad at God, I hope that you will rather, dig into your soul & use this time of non employment & maybe other turmoil that lack of $$$ often gives, to grow, pray, study bible & in general "be still & know that HE is God".

hugs hon!!!!!

[Mama_Bear]

You are such sweet person, DollyCali.

Did I read on the Inaugural Ball thread that you are coming to the Ball? I hope so. I look forward to meeting you in person.

[dansangel]

Hi ((((Dolly))))

Being mad at God never crossed my mind. I am thankful to Him for what I have and I tell Him so every day.

My feelings this time of year, every year, are very complex, no matter what my finances. It's just a blue time of year that the secular world only makes worse. My bright spot is my celebration of Christ's birth and the attendant Church ceremonies. I really look forward to that.

Thank you for your concern and words of advice. I hope you have a very blessed and joyous Christmas.