This is the season of giving and service.  My friend Nancy, (my hairapist) is someone who spends her life quietly going about doing good.  Nancy is one of the sweetest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.  Nancy is a busy gal, mother of two teens, her own salon, wife extraordinaire, friend to many, but she finds time to do good and service for many, many others. 

This is Nancy, isn’t she gorgeous?  She is gorgeous inside and out!

Not too long ago, a young teen in our community was faced with a difficult surgery and in need for a Lung Transplant.  The circumstances were very difficult surrounding this teen and Nancy took it upon herself to raise money, plan a fundraiser and even ran in a relay that goes down the coast of California to raise money for her cause.  By the way, she does this every year!  The fundraising she did made a big difference for the family of this young girl.  Most recently, Nancy had a dear friend pass away from ALS.  “Lou Gehrig’s disease”.  This is a horrible disease, and the tragedy to the family as they care for their loved one in this situation is too painful to comprehend.  Nancy not only regularly visited with her friend, took her on outings, and planned events to improve her quality of life and last days here on this earth.  Towards the end of her friend’s life, Nancy planned a huge fundraising dinner to benefit her friend’s children that would be left behind. 

Each and every time I am privileged to be “beautified” by Nancy.  I get not only a fabulous new hair do, sometimes even new color, but I get the chance to be lifted by someone who exudes pure Christ like love and compassion for her fellow man.  Each person that comes to Nancy is “gorgeous” in her eyes.  I always look forward to my “Nancy visits” as it is one of my favorite outings.  I actively try to surround myself with people who bring me up, look for the positive in life and the goodness in others.  Nancy is one of the best examples of a person I know who is truly giving back, and doing good for her fellowman.  She always sees the good in people, and rarely says a negative word about anyone.

At this time of year, I try very hard to reflect on all that my Savior, Jesus Christ has done for me and what my responsibility is to give back to others.  Thank you to all of you who have shared your talents, creative, crafting, writing, humor, cooking, and many, many more. 

Much love and Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.  -Karen