Author Reverend Beverly White

Graphics, Art, and Designs Living Water Books Copyright © 2022 Published by Living Water Book, Christian Division of Butterfly Typeface Publishing House, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 Livingwaterbooks.org Print Book Edition 2022 ISBN All rights reserved. This book is protected by the copyright laws of the United States of America. This book may not be copied or reprinted for commercial gain or profit. Any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of Beverly White except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or occasional page copying for personal or group study is also allowed and encouraged. These are my memories, from my perspective, and I have tried to represent events as faithfully as possible.

Special thanks to Mandy Engels Butler Mrs. Charlotte Tyler Rev. Reginald Cleaver, Jr Elyse Cleaver Dr. Vanessa Cleaver Chaplain Libby Grobmeyer and Living Waters Publishing Company Special Thanks Our

Mollie L.White In loving memory of my mother,

I am the Reverend Beverly Renee White, an ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I applied and was hired as the weekend chaplain at Hospice Home Care in Little Rock, Arkansas, where I was asked to do PRN for home visits which fulfilled my calling to this ministry. One of our local funeral homes invited me to speak at their Christmas memorial service, honoring families I served during the previous months.

It was during the writing of this message that I needed an ending for my presentation. I searched online and through books of poetry, but I could not find anything that captured the message. I quietly sat at my computer, and God began to dictate this poem to me. “Empty Stocking” touched my heart and brought me to tears as I read it to my sister. I knew then that this was monumental because God inspired it. Since then, God called me from the job/ministry, which I loved. It was hard to let go, but God has new adventures before me, and I know who holds my future.

About The Journal

SCHEDULE

Beverly

You may add encouraging words, photos, or favorite foods to the pages and enjoy all of your additions for years to come. Your loved one’s name will always be remembered, and the Empty Stocking (journal) will hold precious memories. My prayer for you as you navigate through this journal is the ending of John 16:20, “but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.”

God wants this journal to be in the hands of many who have lost loved ones. Grief is an emotion that we must be attentive to. We cannot disregard how we feel and the memories we hold close. During the time of grieving, reflecting brings forth healing. God inspired me to create a journal for many families to hold the memories close and reflect as much as the heart desires. “Without you in my arms, I feel an emptiness in my soul. I find myself searching the crowds for your face I know it's an impossibility, but I cannot help myself.”

Enjoy and consider purchasing one for a friend who has recently lost a loved one. Thank you bevsbook@yahoo com White YOU NEED MORE HELP? A CALL

DO

There’s an empty stocking hanging by the fireplace this year no candy, no nuts, no gift. There’s an empty feeling in my heart, this year without you here, my dear... You brought so much laughter you gave so much love What do we do now that you’re gone up above? This Christmas, we will not leave your stocking empty Even though you are not here We’ll fill your stocking with precious memories of you. We will laugh. We may even shed a tear. We will never leave your stocking empty and never not say your name. We will never forget the love you gave even though Christmas will never be the same The Empty TStocking he Empty Stocking

We’ll have our usual Christmas dinner, turkey, dressing, and ham. While you get to sit at the table with the great I AM. Yes, you’ll get to sit with Jesus. You will sing with the heavenly choir. You can be among the host of angels which was your heart’s desire. No, you won’t be with us in person that will take some getting used to, but your stocking will not be empty It will be filled with precious memories of you.

DayOne DayOne Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. There’sanemptyfeelinginmy heartthisyear withoutyouheremydear….. Scripture: James4:14 Forwhatisyourlife?Itiseven thatappearsforalittle thenvanishesaway. Use this page to give voice to the emptiness you feel in your heart. Include where you were when you got the news of your loved one’s death;

Writealettertoyourlovedoneaboutyourfeelings andthedaythattimeslippedaway. M a t t h e w 5 : 4 B l e s s e d a r e t h o s e w h o m o u r n , f o r t h e y w i l l b e c o m f o r t e d .

M a t t h e w 5 : 4 B l e s s e d a r e t h o s e w h o m o u r n , f o r t h e y w i l l b e c o m f o r t e d .

DayTwo DayTwo Youbroughtsomuch laughter;yougaveme muchlove. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:4ESV Atimetoweep,andatimeto l h timetomourn,atime todance. Use this page to remember the things that made you laugh about your loved one….. Luke 6:21 ESV Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Quote by Barbara Streisand “The way we were,” So it’s the laughter we will remember, whenever we remember the way, we were.

Luke 6:21 ESV Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.

Pleasetakeamomenttorememberaspecific style,laugh,orwordtheyusetosay.

Quote by: Barbara Streisand “The way we were,” So it’s the laughter we will remember, whenever we remember the way we were.

Quote by: Barbara Streisand’s “The way we were,” it’s the laughter we will remember, whenever we remember the way we were.

Luke 6:21 ESV Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.

So

DayThree DayThree A l a n J a c k s o n r e c o r d e d " P r e c i o u s m e m o r i e s , h o w t h e y l i n g e r . H o w e v e r f l o o d m y s o u l i n t h e s t i l l n e s s o f t h e m i d n i g h t , p r e c i o u s s a c r e d s c e n e s u n f o l d . " "Eventhoughyouarenothere, we'llfillyourstockingwith preciousmemoriesofyou," Scripture: Proverbs3:5 TrustintheLordwithallyour h t ddonotleanonyour understanding. Usethissectiontowriteabout yourmostpreciousmemories…..

. "

Remembertheirsenseofhumororlackthereof A l a n J a c k s o n r e c o r d e d " P r e c i o u s m e m o r i e s , h o w t h e y l i n g e r . H o w e v e r f l o o d m y s o u l i n t h e s t i l l n e s s o f t h e m i d n i g h t , p r e c i o u s s a c r e d s c e n e s u n f o l d

. "

A l a n J a c k s o n r e c o r d e d " P r e c i o u s m e m o r i e s , h o w t h e y l i n g e r . H o w e v e r f l o o d m y s o u l i n t h e s t i l l n e s s o f t h e m i d n i g h t , p r e c i o u s s a c r e d s c e n e s u n f o l d

DayFour DayFour J o h n 1 4 : 1 , 2 D o n o t l e t y o u r h e a r t s b e t r o u b l e d . Y o u b e l i e v e i n G o d ; b e l i e v e a l s o i n m e . M y F a t h e r ’ s h o u s e h a s m a n y r o o m s ; i f t h a t w e r e n o t s o , w o u l d I h a v e t o l d y o u t h a t I a m g o i n g t h e r e t o p r e p a r e a p l a c e f o r y o u ? Scripture: Revelation21:4ESV Hewillwipeawayeverytearfrom theireyes.Mourning,crying,pain deathshallbenomore. erthingshavepassedaway. Permityourselftocry! Makenotesofthememoriesthatbringforthtears. Wemayevenshedtear.

J

Writealettertoyourlovedoneaboutyour feelings thedaythattimeslippedaway…… o h n 1 4 : 1 , 2 D o n o t l e t y o u r h e a r t s b e t r o u b l e d . Y o u b e l i e v e i n G o d ; b e l i e v e a l s o i n m e . M y F a t h e r ’ s h o u s e h a s m a n y r o o m s ; i f t h a t w e r e n o t s o , w o u l d I h a v e t o l d y o u t h a t I a m g o i n g t h e r e t o p r e p a r e a p l a c e f o r y o u ?

J o h n 1 4 : 1 , 2 D o n o t l e t y o u r h e a r t s b e t r o u b l e d . Y o u b e l i e v e i n G o d ; b e l i e v e a l s o i n m e . M y F a t h e r ’ s h o u s e h a s m a n y r o o m s ; i f t h a t w e r e n o t s o , w o u l d I h a v e t o l d y o u t h a t I a m g o i n g t h e r e t o p r e p a r e a p l a c e f o r y o u ?

DayFive DayFive I s a i a h 4 1 : 1 0 D o n ' t b e a f r a i d , f o r I a m w i t h y o u . D o n ' t b e d i s c o u r a g e d , f o r I a m y o u r G o d . I w i l l s t r e n g t h e n y o u a n d h e l p y o u . I w i l l h o l d y o u w i t h m y v i c t o r i o u s r i g h t h a n d . Christmaswillnever bethesame... Scripture: Psalms34:18 TheLordisclosetothe b k hearted;herecuses whosespiritsare crushed. Theholidayswillbethehardestespeciallywithinthefirstyear.

Howdidyouandyourlovedone enjoythosespecialdays? I s a i a h 4 1 : 1 0 D o n ' t b e a f r a i d , f o r I a m w i t h y o u . D o n ' t b e d i s c o u r a g e d , f o r I a m y o u r G o d . I w i l l s t r e n g t h e n y o u a n d h e l p y o u . I w i l l h o l d y o u w i t h m y v i c t o r i o u s r i g h t h a n d .

I s a i a h 4 1 : 1 0 D o n ' t b e a f r a i d , f o r I a m w i t h y o u . D o n ' t b e d i s c o u r a g e d , f o r I a m y o u r G o d . I w i l l s t r e n g t h e n y o u a n d h e l p y o u . I w i l l h o l d y o u w i t h m y v i c t o r i o u s r i g h t h a n d .

DaySix DaySix 2 C o r i n t h i a n s 1 2 : 9 A n d H e s a i d t o m e , " M y g r a c e i s s u f f i c i e n t f o r y o u , f o r m y s t r e n g t h i s m a d e p e r f e c t i n w e a k n e s s . " We’llhaveourusualChristmas dinner,turkey,dressing,and ham.Whileyougettositatthe tablewiththegreatIAM….. Scripture: My mother was a great cook, and her dishes were delicious. My sister learned the Lemon Icebox pie and cornbread dressing recipe which we still enjoy at our holiday dinners. I regret not learning her recipe because I still have not perfected it. Psalms54:4 Godismyhelper TheLordkeepsmealive.

Use this section to write recipes for those favorite dishes that were passed down to you and now you can pass them along to others. 2 C o r i n t h i a n s 1 2 : 9 A n d H e s a i d t o m e , " M y g r a c e i s s u f f i c i e n t f o r y o u , f o r m y s t r e n g t h i s m a d e p e r f e c t i n w e a k n e s s . "

2 C o r i n t h i a n s 1 2 : 9 A n d H e s a i d t o m e , " M y g r a c e i s s u f f i c i e n t f o r y o u , f o r m y s t r e n g t h i s m a d e p e r f e c t i n w e a k n e s s . "

Godislight,andthereisno

Youwillsingwiththe HeavenlyChoir. 1John1:5 d k essinhimatall. My mother sang her favorite songs in church. "Break Thou the Bread of Life" Now, when my sister hears this song, she thinks about our mother.

P S A L M S 9 6 : 1 B e c a u s e y o u a r e m y h e l p e r , I a m a s k i n g f o r j o y i n t h e s h a d o w o f y o u r w i n g s .

DaySeven DaySeven

Scripture:

Usethissectiontonamethesongs thatremindyouofyourlovedone. P S A L M S 9 6 : 1 B e c a u s e y o u a r e m y h e l p e r , I a m a s k i n g f o r j o y i n t h e s h a d o w o f y o u r w i n g s .

P S A L M S 9 6 : 1 B e c a u s e y o u a r e m y h e l p e r , I a m a s k i n g f o r j o y i n t h e s h a d o w o f y o u r w i n g s .

DayEight DayEight 1 C o r i n t h i a n s D o e v e r y t h i n g w i t h l o v e . .No,youwon’tbewithusin person,thatwilltake somegettingusedto. Scripture: 1Thessalonians5:18 Bethankfulinallcircumstances, f thi i God'swillforyouwho ngtoChristJesus. Mymotherwouldcookhamsandwicheson ChristmasEve,andshe'dplantobake3 holidaycakes, butwewouldonlychooseoneforhertobake.

Usethissectiontotalkaboutyourfamilytraditions andinclude“new”traditionsyouhavebegun. 1 C o r i n t h i a n s D o e v e r y t h i n g w i t h l o v e .

1 C o r i n t h i a n s D o e v e r y t h i n g w i t h l o v e .

DayNine DayNine J o h n 1 5 : 2 6 W h e n t h e A d v o c a t e c o m e s , w h o m I w i l l s e n d t o y o u f r o m t h e F a t h e r t h e S p i r i t o f t r u t h w h o g o e s o u t f r o m t h e F a t h e r h e w i l l t e s t i f y a b o u t m e . Itwillbefilledwithprecious memoriesofyou. Scripture: John14:26 Hewillteachyouallthingsand b i t ourremembranceall havesaidtoyou. Usethissectionasafamilyandfriends’activity. Getpaperandpencil,thenaskparticipants towritedownaspecialmemory.

J o h n 1 5 : 2 6 W h e n t h e A d v o c a t e c o m e s , w h o m I w i l l s e n d t o y o u f r o m t h e F a t h e r t h e S p i r i t o f t r u t h w h o g o e s o u t f r o m t h e F a t h e r h e w i l l t e s t i f y a b o u t m e . Usethissectionasafamilyandfriends’activity. Getpaperandpencil,thenaskparticipants towritedownaspecialmemory;

J o h n 1 5 : 2 6 W h e n t h e A d v o c a t e c o m e s , w h o m I w i l l s e n d t o y o u f r o m t h e F a t h e r t h e S p i r i t o f t r u t h w h o g o e s o u t f r o m t h e F a t h e r h e w i l l t e s t i f y a b o u t m e .

DayTen DayTen 2 Corinthians 1:4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God had given us. Well,you’vemadeittotheendof thisactivityjournal. Itismysincereprayerthatithas blessedyouandyourfamily. Scripture: 1Thessalonians So,encourageeachotherwith thesewords. People and friends ask, “What can I give families in their time of grief?” I now recommend “My Empty Stocking." Give a memoir of your life.

How do you want your family to remember you? 2 Corinthians 1:4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God had given us.

2 Corinthians 1:4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God had given us.

Reflections of You Album and Scrapbook