Dear Sandy Hook,

Since Friday morning I have been trying to think of how to put my thoughts and feelings into words... but at the end of it all the same thing came to me. I am speechless. My thoughts, my tears, my love, and my prayers go to all those that were affected by the events of that morning. I have no doubt that arms were opened wide at Heaven's gates for all of the Connecticut natives. Young and old, boy and girl, all welcomed to be with their Heavenly family. At this special time of year I ask that we all keep these families and friends in our prayers and in our thoughts. That they might have peace, comfort, and love. And that we use moments like these to come together as a nation, all feeling the same heartache and looking for a brighter tomorrow. I want to share this special poem with you, every time I read it tears fill my eyes. I hope you can feel the same love and peace as I do when you finish.

 

 

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
When 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.

They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"This is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
But Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
Those children all flew into the arms of their King
And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
One small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
And as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
Then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"May this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
Then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"Come now my children, let me show you around."
Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

Dear Mom's Best,

Last week I had the great opportunity to go to the Mom's Best event to raise awareness for the Utah Children's Justice Center. It was an incredibly inspiring night and just a good time. I am so grateful that Miss Gentri invited Elsha and I out for a blogger's night. I loved spending time with the two of them and I loved being involved at the event. The night went a little like this:

Walk in.

Sign in.

Rate some awesome Utah products.

Take some photos.

Win some prizes.

Eat some dinner.

Learn all about the Children's Justice Center.

Live auction.

Cheers.

And now for some photos.

Here are the vendors.

  

My number was drawn two separate times for a few awesome prizes. I walked away from the evening with a full bully, an iStabilizer, and two fancy slips. And let me tell you. These prizes are awesome. If you are looking for some Christmas ideas check out these two local businesses. I will be giving more details on both later. But the iStabilzer is very helpful for iPhone photos and videos and the Fancy Slips are handy for making all dresses long and modest.

This is the table settings and buffet table. Just to give you an idea.

This doll house is from the doll house festival held earlier in the year. All the houses are handmade and donated. There were four auctioned off at the end of the night.

Besides learning all the wonderful things the Children's Justice Center does the night was wonderful for bonding. I loved getting to know Elsha and Gentri a little better. It was fun being included in this good cause. The live auction at the end of the night raised over $4,000 dollars for the center. Sadly, I wasn't one of the buyers... I know, it is for charity. But what I learned that night is I have auction stage fright. My heart sank and my stomach hollowed every time I went to raise my hand. A lot of good items came and went and I walked away item-less... next year I will buy something for CHARITY! Next year!