A Little Girl’s Christmas Stocking

ChristmasStockings

Which list of Santa’s should I have been on? Should I have received candy and toys in my stocking? Or a lump of coal, as the old story goes. Every Christmas as a little girl I did something very mischievous with the help of my sister.

country mailboxesChristmas was wonderful in my home. Our mother knew how to give children a magical time even though we had very little money. There were five of us in our family. And although my dad’s business was successful, and he was well respected in the community, he didn’t charge very much for his excellent work. And mom wasn’t employed outside the home when we were young, so expensive gifts were out of the question. It wasn’t in my dad’s nature to make too much out of celebrations; that was mom’s territory. However, the one thing dad insisted on was good quality music. So at Christmas he provided a rich atmosphere from his Christmas album collection. I loved the fine things my parents brought into my life.

Nothing yet to indicate coal for me. Probably all toys and candy.

Every Christmas season, along the whole width of the living room wall, just above where dad’s audio system stretched, mom hung her beautiful hand-made Bethlehem mural. There was a night time countryside scene and huge cloth Bible figures. I can still see the three wise men there that she sewed, and a camel, an angel and a brilliant star, all made of what seemed to me, exquisite, multi-coloured silk. Of course, it couldn’t have been silk, unless she went to The Salvation Army thrift store and found remnants; that’s possible. But what an impression this made on me each Christmas as I walked past the living room and was reminded of the incredible story of Jesus.

Still, no red flags about coal in my stocking. I was just a nice little kid who loved life and her family and Christmas…..

vintage baby dollOne very special gift under the tree each year came to us children from our beloved Uncle Bert. Every November, he and Aunt Elizabeth wrote us a letter asking what we would like from the Sears catalogue. They gave a generous price outline and we could choose within it. Every year my sister and I, when we were small, would ask for baby dolls. And every December a big package arrived at our country mail box, full of gifts. These gifts went straight to mom’s bedroom closet to wait for December 25th. And even though they were wrapped and covered over with shopping bags, Connie and I could not resist an early visit to that closet. There was nothing on earth like the thrill of uncovering those spectacular new dolls in their boxes and the smell of the unique materials they were made of, especially when it was a forbidden activity – a sneak peek at shimmering buried treasure.

Coal? Oh, maybe.

girl opens gift smilesWhether or not our mother knew that such foul activity took place under her wholesome roof, she never said a word. Even if she did know, she probably wouldn’t say anything. Such was her nature, to have a twinkle in her eye and to fully understand the minds of her small children. She wouldn’t overlook deliberate, repeated disobedience or bad behavior from her kids, but she had grace enough to ‘get’ the breathless, even urgent heart of a child with big stars in her eyes.

So – which list? Naughty or Nice? Candy or Coal?

christmas stockingI do, even now, after all these years, feel sorry that I deceived everyone. I’m not proud that I broke a trust and I have asked God to forgive that sneaky little girl from long ago. But without a doubt I found my Christmas stocking filled, not with anything as cruel as coal, but with sweet gifts and candy, all hand-crafted and blessed by a loving mother.

And as for our Lord – no coal from Him either…..just a priceless offer of salvation, forgiveness and a life worth living in his presence. Whether we’re perfectly good all the time, or we slip up and make mistakes….His Grace knows the difference!

“So, you’d better watch out, I’m telling you why”……. Share on X “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Share on X

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all!

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Code of Conduct for all Mission Partners of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda

1. Purpose
To provide mission partners with guidelines regarding their expected behaviour while undertaking work on behalf of TSA. The code of conduct states TSA’s commitment to operating in an ethical and legal manner that aligns with TSA’s mission, vision, values and Orders and Regulations. The code of conduct serves as a foundational standard for other conduct-related operating policies.

2. Basic Principles
All mission partners are expected to behave in ways that are aligned with TSA’s mission and values.

2.1. Mission Statement:
The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

2.2. Vision Statement
We are an innovative partner, mobilized to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities that are just and know the love of Jesus.

2.3. Core Values:
Hope: We give hope through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Service: We reach out to support others without discrimination.
Dignity: We respect and value each other, recognizing everyone’s worth.
Stewardship: We responsibly manage the resources entrusted to us.

3. Conduct Expectations
The code of conduct provides guidelines for mission partner conduct. The code of conduct cannot cover every possible situation; mission partners are responsible for considering each issue in the context of TSA’s mission and values, recognizing that individual conduct may be understood as a reflection of TSA’s values, image, integrity and public trust. If a mission partner is unsure of a situation and needs guidance about their conduct or has concerns about the conduct of another person, they should speak with their supervisor or HR/officer personnel representative.

Mission partners will:
3.1. Comply with TSA policies and procedures.
3.2. Follow all applicable laws and at no time participate in, or assist others to participate in, any illegal, criminal or unethical activities.
3.3. Conduct themselves at all times with honesty, integrity and transparency.
3.4. Perform their defined duties to the best of their ability.
3.5. Treat others, including other mission partners, funders, clients and the public, with respect, dignity, fairness and courtesy.
3.6. Promote and support a work environment that is inclusive of all people and respects their unique abilities, strengths and differences.
3.7. Identify actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest and disclose them to their supervisor to help minimize or eliminate the impact of such conflicts, which could influence or appear to influence their judgment and actions. Refer to GV 01.003 Conflict of Interest policy for additional direction and requirements.
3.8. Collect, use and disclose confidential information only in accordance with TSA policy and applicable privacy laws. Ensure all records, documents and communications are accurate and that privacy is maintained as required by GV
01.009 Privacy.
3.9. Conduct all business, service and ministry activities in a responsible manner, consistent with TSA’s values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship.
3.10. Always strive to create and maintain the highest health, safety, wellness and environmental standards in all facilities and work areas.
3.11. Take every reasonable precaution to protect the safety of oneself and others and report accidents (however minor) and near-misses (accidents that almost happened), risky behaviours, and instances where equipment and/or building
deficiencies could compromise the safety of a workplace.
3.12. Use information technology, including internet and email, in a professional and appropriate manner, in accordance with TSA policy (IT 02.001 Computers and Information Technology Acceptable Use).
3.13. Ensure they are fit to work and able to perform assigned duties as required by their job description safely, satisfactorily and in compliance with HR 10.002 Substance Impairment in the Workplace.

TSA expects mission partners will not:
3.14. Act in a discriminatory, harassing or violent way toward others.
3.15. Use their position in order to gain an advantage over or exploit the vulnerability of others.
3.16. Destroy or take for personal use any items belonging to or safeguarded by TSA without prior written approval.
3.17. Solicit (money or goods) from clients, donors, vendors, contractors or any person in a position to benefit from their association with TSA. Mission partners will adhere to the requirements of HR 04.002 Gifts, Speaking Fees, and Testimonials policy.
3.18. Give the appearance that they are speaking on behalf of TSA when not authorized to do so or engage in any activity that would negatively impact TSA’s reputation, brand or public image, including the use of personal social media
accounts.
3.19. Initiate contact with the media or respond to their inquiries, and instead will refer all media inquiries to their supervisor, their public relations representative or TSA’s communications department.
3.20. Use, abuse or misuse paid time, TSA resources or the equipment assigned to them.
3.21. Misuse their authority, abuse power, act irresponsibly, retaliate against someone who reports misconduct or exclude others from workplace events.

4. Officers: Orders and Regulations
In the event of a conflict between the provisions of the code of conduct and Orders and Regulations, the latter shall take precedence.

5. Violation of the Code
If a mission partner believes the law, the code of conduct or TSA’s policies may have been violated or are about to be violated, they should inform their supervisor or report their concern through the Whistleblower hotline (see GV 01.008 Whistleblower policy).

Violation of the code of conduct is a serious matter and could result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.