As 2020 comes to an end, I can’t help but reflect on the year we’ve had. So many obstacles and so many challenges, yet so many blessings. I can list everything wrong that happened this past year, but I will be preaching to the choir, as we have all had our ups and downs. However, what I will chose to reflect on is the endless blessings that were placed upon my family and I. Blessings, of learning to home-school my girls and having the patience to do so when I never imagined I could. Blessings, of my husband being able…

Tis the season to be merry! To be merry means to be grounded in the moment, to enjoy the now, to be grateful for the blessings, and to celebrate with family and friends. Growing up in Iraq, Christmas was my favorite holiday. My parents played Santa Claus until I discovered their secret at the age of 9. Each year, my sisters and I received one present only and that present was left on the foot of our beds. One year, my parents couldn’t afford much so they filled small brown paper bags with three chocolate bars and one lollipop. That…

The month of December is the season of giving. Last week I shared with you the season of stress. Today, I would like to talk about what it means to be giving. Every year, my family and I focus on finding different ways to help others. We start the season by stuffing several shoeboxes with toys, books, and hygiene supplies to be delivered to Operation Christmas Child. Then we follow it with random acts of kindness such as delivering cold weather kits to the homeless, or delivering toys to the children’s hospitals, and so much more. I’m not telling you…