The Empty Stocking

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.

Graphics, Art, and Designs Living Water Books

Print Book Edition 2022 ISBN

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,

About The In December 2021, I was invited by one of our local funeral homes to speak at their Christmas Memorial Service, in honor of the many families they served. I searched online and through poetry books to find a suitable poem to complete my speech however I was not satisfied with my findings. I sat quietly at my computer, then suddenly God began to dictate this poem to me. I heard “Empty Stocking” and the words touched my heart. The poem was so captivating that it brought me to tears as I read it aloud to my sister.

I later observed the tender responses of others as I read the poem or watched as they read it for themselves. I received many requests for a copy of the poem. I was encouraged to plant this seed in “Living Water Books Publishing,” and the idea of a journal emerged. I feel that God wants this journal to be in the hands of many who have lost loved ones and as a gift that helps manage their grief. Grief is an emotion that we must be attentive to without disregarding how we feel. During the grief process, reflecting on memories brings forth healing. God inspired me to create a journal for families providing a place where the heart can spill the memories out onto paper. From encouraging words, photos, favorite recipes, songs, or favorite holidays, Enjoy adding love to the pages for years to come. Your loved one’s name will always be remembered. As you navigate through this journal, it is my prayer that you reach the essence of John 16:20, “but your sorrow shall be turned into joy." Enjoy and consider purchasing a copy for a friend who has recently lost a loved one.

Journal

The

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 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’sanemptyfeelingin myheartthisyear 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 .

Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.

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

So

Luke 6:21 ESV

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…..

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

Pleasetakeamomenttorememberaspecific style,laugh,orwordtheyusetosay.

Luke 6:21 ESV

Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.

Quote by: Barbara Streisand’s “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.

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.

Writealettertoyourlovedoneaboutyour feelings thedaythattimeslippedaway…… 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 ?

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 .

I

My mother was a great cook, and her dishes were delicious. sister learned the Lemon Icebox pie and cornbread dressing recipe which we still enjoy at our holiday dinners. regret not learning her recipe because I still have not perfected it.

My

Psalms54:4 Godismyhelper TheLordkeepsmealive.

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:

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 . "

DaySeven DaySeven Youwillsingwiththe HeavenlyChoir. Scripture: 1John1:5 Godislight,andthereisno 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 .

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;

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 .

J o h n 1 5 : 2 6

Well,you’vemadeittotheendof thisactivityjournal. Itismysincereprayerthatithas blessedyouandyourfamily.

DayTen DayTen

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.

People and friends ask, “What can I give families in their time of grief?”

I now recommend “My Empty Stocking."

Scripture: 1Thessalonians So,encourageeachotherwith thesewords.

Give a memoir of your life.

2 Corinthians 1:4

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

Album and Scrapbook

Reflections of You

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Conclusion

Death doesn't have to be a time of doom and gloom for the family. Even at my mother's bedside, I was asked to say a prayer, and, in that prayer, I said, “Mama, you know Vanessa can’t cook, and you didn’t leave us any recipes!” We all burst out with laughter and enjoyed the memories of my mother's cooking. I have countless texts, emails, and letters from families saying how I've helped bring serenity, peace, joy, and love when the families needed it most. I am happy to provide it to you and yours as well. Thank you for purchasing your copy.

Well, you’ve made it to the end of this activity journal, and it is my sincerest prayer that it has blessed you and your family. Often, people wonder and close friends ask, “What can I give a family in their time of grief?” God inspired me, and this journal is the gift that keeps giving.

end Beverly Renee White is from Little Rock, Arkansas. She grew up knowing God called her for a greater purpose. She is an advocate for believing that all things are possible through Christ Jesus and it is evident through her accomplishments, overcoming testimonials, and this powerful journal. https://www.faceb

Reverend White is a retired itinerate elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, 12th Episcopal District, and a Board Certified Chaplain. She holds three certifications from the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy which include Board Certifications in Clinical Chaplaincy, Pastoral Counseling, and Hospice/Palliative Care. Reverend White is also a retired educator with a BSE in Early Childhood Education and MSE in Library Science. She is currently pursuing her Master of Divinity from Jackson Theological Seminary in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

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AboutTHE AUTHOR

"Empty Stocking" Personal Life creating a memoir of your personal life for your family. This Journal allows the loved one to create one before they leave, so families have conversations, pictures, etc to read and reflect on. What's on the horizon for author...

ComingSoon

“Empty Stocking” for children I want to give children the opportunity to have a journal that heals, a place to store memories about their loved ones and teach them how to grieve healthily.

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