Stay Beautiful xoxo: Christmas : Hope

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

Well it is currently 2:23am on December 25th 2012. What a great day. However I am currently at work trying to stay awake. I write this post in my onesie with some hot chocolate beside me. If I have to work- at least I'm comfy :) This past week has been a beautiful one. On Friday December 21st 2012 the world did not end- instead for me it was kinda like my first day of forever. I was able to attend the temple for the first time since I was 17. Now don't sit there thinking I've been living a life of sin for many years, but I'm not perfect- never proclaimed to be. But I had made some choices that my Heavenly Father would not have appreciated. I'm sure there were many times He sat there sighing at me thinking "Jane what are you doing?!" Also- there have been times I've just been too busy to go. We booked the Temple for 5pm and got there right on the dot- I honestly thought we would be late because Calgary traffic is the stupidest thing. I don't remember all the names I did, however I am hoping that after my time in this life an Aida, Marie and Flossy will introduce themselves to me. I was especially thankful that my mother was able to take time out of her day working at the temple to come and watch and support me. It was a big deal for me to be there and I have made a plan to go twice a month for baptisms. If you would like to join me- let me know :)
Saturday I went back to the temple as my friends Cassidy and Tracey were sealed with their baby girl Charlee as a family for time and all eternity. Ooooo how happy I was for them. They have worked harder than most people I know and I can't express how proud I am that they made it! They just better be there when it's my turn :). They were the happiest I have ever seen them and watching them become an eternal family makes me strive even harder for me. Thank you Tracey and Cassidy for being that example to me. You made it :)

Christmas really is a time for joy. However this is my first Christmas that I've had to work, and being here with youth who have nowhere to go really makes you even more thankful for what you have. When I finish work tonight I shall be driving to see friends and family, eat delicious food and get to open a present or two. Sadly for many of the youth I work with it shall consist of sleeping in as late as they can. Getting up and opening a prezzie (we try and get them all something, also people are awesome and donate) and then getting on whatever coat they can find and go outside. They hate to stay in because it reminds them they have no one to be with besides staff so many take to the streets. I always knew there were people who had it rough, but witnessing it first hand it tough. We do provide them with a Christmas dinner but for many they will either be too high or drunk to come home. For them this is a reminder that they don't have a family anymore. I do all that I can but sometimes it doesnt feel like enough. All I can hope is that I managed to make them smile even for just a little bit. I urge everyone strongly to be thankful for all that you do have. Spend some time with your loved ones a little longer, let them know you care. Remember that for some this is the most wonderful time of the year- whereas for some this is a reminder that they are alone.

I'm currently listening to my favourtie Christmas song. So beautiful. "A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices...Fall on your knees"

Glee- O Holy Night

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas. I hope that you take sometime to read the Nativity story with your loved ones. I hope you take some time to tell them you love them. I hope you take the time to help someone in need. I hope you go out of your way to make someone smile. For Christmas I'm praying for a little more hope for us all. :)

-Stay Beautiful xoxo

O and here are a few pics from my week :)