Simple Gifts

I think I finally understand what Charles Dickens meant when he wrote, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." 

Christmas is the best of times! We all love it. 

But the last few days--the worst of times. So sad. 

My heart breaks over and over again every time I think of those poor families in Connecticut. I cannot comprehend their immense grief. It is overwhelming to think about. 

So while it does look a lot like Christmas, it doesn't necessarily feel like Christmas. I feel guilty for worrying about the little nuisances of Christmas--like shopping and wrapping gifts--when other families would love to have  those trivial concerns. This tragedy has helped remind me that the little stresses really don't matter. It's all about having those you love around you.

While trying to look for the silver lining in this tragedy, I realized something else: the holidays can actually help with the healing. People reflect the light of Christmas--and that is what we need more than anything. Kindness, acceptance, and compassion are all more abundant now than at any other time of the year. And the music! How can you not be uplifted while listening to songs praising our Savior? 

The world is full of wonderful, kind people. I see it around me every day. I am the lucky recipient of an astounding amount of love and compassion from family, friends and neighbors. The kindness of others gives me faith in mankind. 

I know this is not my typical blog post, but this is not the typical week. I didn't feel like it would be appropriate to do my normal geeky/goofiness. Thank you for letting me speak with reverence. 

I will be taking the next two weeks off of blogging for the holidays, so this is my last post of the year. But I don't want to end on a sad note; so guess what? 

I have a very special gift for each and every one of you. That's right--you are all winners this month! 

I am releasing my book early so you can have it for Christmas! It's almost like I'm wrapping a present and putting it underneath your tree. Except it can't go under your tree, unless you put your Kindle or iPad under your tree once you have the book downloaded.  (Hey, would you do that and send me a picture with my book on the screen of your tablet/smartphone/laptop/other electronic device? I would love to see it underneath your tree! Email it to me at folksinmt at gmail dot com.)

Here's my awesome cover:

And here's the awesome book blurb:

Princess Illianah does not expect her arranged marriage will end in happily-ever-after, however, she knows she will be bound to her new husband all the days of her life. But it is not until war breaks out and she is torn from her husband and her homeland that she begins to truly understand the meaning of love.

And here's the link to get your ebook for free. BUT! It is only free TODAY and TOMORROW. So don't delay! Get yours right away! And tell your family and friends to grab a copy too. It could be your gift to them.  

Thank you for your friendship BlogAway friends. You guys make the internet a better place. Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas and may your New Year be bright! 


Love, 
Me