I choose a 9" tree, as started decorating it, It was daunting to realize the many ornaments a tree that tall requires. So we had to ask, ask and ask for donations to dress "that giant". It has been fun and very stressful. With several nights sleeping only 3 hours. Many, many, many trips to Tai Pan Trading; several miles driven collecting donations. But in the end I ended up with a beautiful tree, worth several thousand dollars and even a billboard advertising the festival in Utah County.
As I have been reflecting on my experience doing this project, I have asked myself, what was I learning from this? Many lessons I have gotten, first of all, do NOT start with a 9" tree for your first time:).I have reflected about my children, and back on the days my son Isaac was having seizures, and how hard that was for my family, there was a time I was riding in the ambulance with my sweet boy struggling to breathe, I wondered if I was ready to loose a child. Those were hard times, with no sleep, and much worries. How thankful I am that he is now doing well, how thankful I am to have my sweetheart support in all I do and how mercifully God has been with. I thought about the many mothers and fathers with their sick children. I felt so fortunate to be able to run, be stressed and ask for donations, put many hours into this tree, so that those in need will receive a small aid in their time of need. I feel so privileged to do this for someone that needs it.
In my sight there is beauty when I see the power of people loving each other. I personally believe that in the world there are many needs, so that the hearts of many, perhaps all, maybe touched through compassion.
I want live my live in such a way that those around me will feel God's love. I want to be a carrier of his love.
As I look back on my childhood and Christmas time, I have good memories. I was born in very VERY humble home,; my parents did the best they could to love and educate us and I honor them for that. I remember decorating a humble Christmas trees made out of tree branches that we collected and painted in white. I remember wrapping many boxes in pretty paper and putting them under our tree, I thought they made the tree prettier!!!! I wasn't until I was in my 20's that I realized that those empty boxes were part of a tradition of people receiving presents at Christmas time. That was a moment of discovery for me! But I am grateful that I didn't need to discover the power of love and the meaning of Christmas, because in that humbled home that I grew up, love was our force and respect to God was a priority. I honor my mother for teaching me to have faith. I honor my father for showing me the beauty of a loving father in the life a little girl. I honor my God for guiding my life to happiness.
Christmas time is a special time. A time to take the opportunity to reflect about life, to examine how my life is doing and how I am taking what life gives me. Now that I am a mother, I love to cultivate traditions that strengthen family bonds. When it comes to the part of getting presents, I am very conservative; I purposely want to keep empty "boxes under" my tree. Boxes that can only be filled with what money cannot buy. Life is what I want to make out it.
I would invite anyone that could read this, to remember that somewhere in the world, perhaps next door, there are people with "empty boxes" . I hope we remember the savior's example and give more and want less.
I want to thank all those that have
donated time and resources to make this dream come true.
To God, He is the fuel of my life.
My husband, for supporting me in everything I do!
Iris Douglas, for decorating the tree with me! I appreciate her
artistic eye and the many hours she spent away from her loved family; there
were many days we worked until 1:00 am. I have met very few people like
her. She is an example of the pure love of Christ!
My children, for making news paper balls, to be covered with
burlap to put on the tree and for helping me collect pine cones that turned out
to be awesome ornaments. I appreciate their understanding when I wasn't able to
help them because I had to work on the tree to meet deadlines. My sweet Ben (7
years old) made dinner twice for his siblings, Jared (6 years old) was my
little errand boy, with a "yes Mom, I will do that". Jelise (5 years
old) happily tended the baby when I needed it. My little Isaac (3 years old)
for keeping his little playful hands away from the tempting construction toys
that were donated to put under the tree. Annalise (1 year old, for being my
baby)
Jamie Evans, for funding this adventure; donating a billboard to
advertise the Festival, purchasing 100 tickets and taking me to the opening
night so that i could see how much our tree sold for. I admire his good heart.
Circle Graphics, for donating the vinyl to put on the billboard.
Kathy Racine, Keith and Marianne Evans, for providing the truck and
trailer to transport the tree to the South Town Expo Center.
Jody Evans for interrupting his family time to bring the shrink-wrap
to prepare the tree to be transported.
To my neighbors for helping load the "giant" tree into
the trailer.
This has been truly a dream come true. Our tree sold very high,
among the top 5%. AND ALL OF THAT IS FOR THOSE PRECIOUS CHILDREN.
