Dear Friend,

Blessed Holidays from snowy Colorado! Welcome back to Sip of Soup, my free bi-monthly E-sip offering a taste of insight, and lessons to help you keep caring while living a more balanced life.

Sip of Soup - November/December 2006

Positivity TM Power The word for this season is Hope. (though hectic, hassled and harried may come to mind!) As a child, you likely celebrated the holidays with joy, wonder and hopeful anticipation. As an adult, however, you may find it hard to regain that spirit of hope and gladness. Days seem short. Obligations seem overwhelming. For some, sadness and helplessness creep in. It's time to recall the hope...the hope of Christmas, affirmed by a destitute Baby born in a barn...the hope of Hanukkah, proven by one day's oil burning for eight. If you are one of the 96% of Americans who believe in God, this is a season to tap into your faith. To hope. Hope abounds and fear dissipates when you remember you are a child of the living loving Creator of all life, whose presence and power guides you. There's hope. See it in the eyes of a child gazing at a Christmas tree. See it in the bloom of the poinsettia promising the return of spring. Feel it in your heart as your anticipate the promise of great blessings to come.

Lessons from LeAnn In the midst of these hectic, hassled and harried days, take time to refurbish your hope, then share it: * Light a candle or sit in silence before the lights of the Christmas tree. Be still. Tap into the place of renewal in you, which is only a prayer away. Rekindle your hope. * Put a coin in every red kettle you pass. Thank the bell ringers and watch the hope dance in their eyes. * Remember those who serve our country and are separated from their families this season. Click the link below to send them a copy of I'm Already Home...Again - Keeping your family close while on assignment or deployment by Elaine Dumler, my friend and colleague. Today and every day, go forward in the assurance that God's presence and power are nurturing and protecting you. There is hope. Operation Connect a Family

Soup for the Day; a healthy quote: "And now Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in thee." - Psalms 39:7 See past E-sips on balancing life and living priorities

Positively yours,

A Sip of Soup is written by LeAnn Thieman; nurse, certified speaking professional and co-author of the New York Times bestseller Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul, and also Chicken Soup for the Caregiver's Soul, Chicken Soup for the Christian Woman's Soul, Chicken Soup for the Father and Daughter Soul, Chicken Soup for the Grandma's Soul, Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul 2 and Chicken Soup for the Mother and Son Soul. To have her inspire your team members, or to order her books, CD's and DVD's contact LeAnn at 1-877-THIEMAN or www.LeAnnThieman.com.