12 Pearls OF Christmas- Tracey Eyster

Welcome to
the 12 Pearls of
Christmas!



Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's
(Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and
more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt
stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.



AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this
simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl
necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on
1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.



If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In
short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in
the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering
Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Simple or Sparkle?

by Tracey Eyster



It’s a simple ornament made of thin cheap metal and it looks quite out of place on our
CHRISTmas tree. But each year I lovingly and safely nestle it amongst its expensive and
sparkly peers, without a care as to how unglamorous it appears.



Many of our CHRISTmas ornaments have a story and an uncanny way of welling up
emotion in me, but this certain one causes an intense stir.



You see the ornament is engraved with the name of my grandmother, Sara, and was given
to me by my mother, who ordered it from Hospice, after Grandmama’s death. Yes, the

months leading up to her death carry memories of a frail and failing grandmama, but that
ornament carries my thoughts to sweet CHRISTmas memories of the past.



CHRISTmas Eve dinners in her home, laughing, singing, gathering and celebrating a year
filled with blessings as we remembered the birth of our Savior. CHRISTmas mornings,
she was always there participating with glee, in our raucous CHRISTmas happiness. Her
gifts were always bank envelopes gently tucked into the pine needles of our CHRISTmas
tree, fresh cut from the property she grew up on.



All memories of my Grandmama make my heart swell. You see she was my
Jesus with skin on. She lived her life full of joy, serving others and approached life
selflessly with an attitude of, “What can I do for you?”



Just months before she left us, even as the Alzheimer’s was robbing her mind she shared
her love of Jesus with a sweet little old lady friend, who came to know the Lord – a
divine appointment.  The very next day that little old lady silently slipped away to
meet in person the One Sara introduced her to just the day before.



At the time I wept, realizing that regardless of our own frailties and failings, God can
still use those of us who are willing to do His work and are well practiced at hearing His
voice...no matter our lack of sparkle in comparison to others.



A simple life lived for Him, a simple ornament in memory of Sara...a simple truth for you
to ponder.

***

Tracey Eyster wife,
mom, relationship gatherer and Creator/Editor of FamilyLife’s MomLife Today is a
media savvy mom making a difference where moms are, on-line. Through speaking,
writing and video interviews Tracey is passionate about encouraging, equipping and
advising moms on every facet of momlife. Her first book, Be The Mom will be released
August 2012. You can connect with Tracey at www.momlifetoday.com, her personal
site www.traceyster.com or www.twitter/momblog.com.