Here's my 5th of 25 reasons why I love Christmas.
5. Starbucks Holiday Drinks and Treats. I went to coffee with a couple of the girls in the college group this morning. I love how Starbucks uses red holiday cups and decorates their stores all cute. And, of course, the yummy holiday flavors they have. My personal favorite is the Pumpkin Spice Latte, even though those come out in the fall. I did try a Peppermint White Mocha last week and it was pretty good...although it was a little too sweet for my liking. I love the cute cookies and other treats they offer as well. Starbucks is just a happy place to be during the Christmas season.
20 days until Christmas!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
25 Reasons to Love Christmas
I love Christmas.
It is by far my favorite holiday...and always has been. I knew at a young age that Christmas was all about Jesus and his birth...my parents never did the Santa thing with us. My grandparents tried to give us gifts from Santa...but we always knew they weren't from him...as we received them on Christmas Eve, not Christmas morning. I knew Christmas wasn't all about the presents...but more about spending time with family and reflecting on Jesus's birth.
I was so excited this year to decorate. Josh and I were not able to decorate much last year, as we moved into our new place on December 20th. His mom bought us a little tree and made ornaments for it with our niece. It was a wonderful gift for us last year. This year, we wanted a real tree...and a fairly big one at that. Thankfully, we were able to get one and decorate it with all of our ornaments. It's a mish mash of Hallmark ornaments (from the days when I worked there and received a discount) and ornaments Josh has received over the years from his mom and grandma (for each year he's been alive). It's a beautiful mix and I just love it.
One of my Facebook friends has been counting down her 25 reasons to love the holiday season since December 1st. I have so enjoyed seeing the things she's picked each day and decided to do something similar. Since I hate that people are losing sight of Christ in Christmas, I am going to blog about 25 reasons why I love Christmas. As today would be the fourth day, I will do four of them in this blog.
1. Christmas trees. Not only do I love the ornaments and lights they are adorned with, I love the meaning behind them. I found this definition (on this website ):
Evergreen- the second color of Christmas shows everlasting light and life. The needles point up to heaven.
I love that the tree has to do with light and life. It's a wonderful reminder to cherish life during this time and to remember the Light of the World, Jesus Christ.
2. Serving. We talked a lot in our college group on Thursday night about the Christmas party we are putting on at church to serve some families in our community. I love the opportunity that Christmas brings to provide gifts, dinner, and fun to families that may not have those blessings otherwise. I love seeing all the beautiful smiles on the little ones.
3. Christmas music. Oh yes. This part is definitely one of my favorites. I have been listening to a local radio station in my car since after Thanksgiving that has been playing nothing but Christmas music. It makes me so happy to turn on my car and hear Silver Bells or Mariah Carey belting out, Jesus, Born on this Day (and yes, they play this song on the radio). It seriously makes a stressful day much more enjoyable.
4. Christmas crafts. I went to a couple of different holiday boutiques this morning with my sister and a dear friend. I love seeing all of the beautiful things that people spend their time crafting for others to enjoy. I bought a Christmas knitted towel to go on my refrigerator. My Nanny used to make them and every time I see them, I get excited. I have one with Mickey and Minnie on it that was given to me as a wedding gift, as well as one with a coffee pattern and one with apples. This Christmas one is the perfect addition to my collection.
Stay tuned for more reasons to love Christmas.
It is by far my favorite holiday...and always has been. I knew at a young age that Christmas was all about Jesus and his birth...my parents never did the Santa thing with us. My grandparents tried to give us gifts from Santa...but we always knew they weren't from him...as we received them on Christmas Eve, not Christmas morning. I knew Christmas wasn't all about the presents...but more about spending time with family and reflecting on Jesus's birth.
I was so excited this year to decorate. Josh and I were not able to decorate much last year, as we moved into our new place on December 20th. His mom bought us a little tree and made ornaments for it with our niece. It was a wonderful gift for us last year. This year, we wanted a real tree...and a fairly big one at that. Thankfully, we were able to get one and decorate it with all of our ornaments. It's a mish mash of Hallmark ornaments (from the days when I worked there and received a discount) and ornaments Josh has received over the years from his mom and grandma (for each year he's been alive). It's a beautiful mix and I just love it.
One of my Facebook friends has been counting down her 25 reasons to love the holiday season since December 1st. I have so enjoyed seeing the things she's picked each day and decided to do something similar. Since I hate that people are losing sight of Christ in Christmas, I am going to blog about 25 reasons why I love Christmas. As today would be the fourth day, I will do four of them in this blog.
1. Christmas trees. Not only do I love the ornaments and lights they are adorned with, I love the meaning behind them. I found this definition (on this website ):
Evergreen- the second color of Christmas shows everlasting light and life. The needles point up to heaven.
I love that the tree has to do with light and life. It's a wonderful reminder to cherish life during this time and to remember the Light of the World, Jesus Christ.
2. Serving. We talked a lot in our college group on Thursday night about the Christmas party we are putting on at church to serve some families in our community. I love the opportunity that Christmas brings to provide gifts, dinner, and fun to families that may not have those blessings otherwise. I love seeing all the beautiful smiles on the little ones.
3. Christmas music. Oh yes. This part is definitely one of my favorites. I have been listening to a local radio station in my car since after Thanksgiving that has been playing nothing but Christmas music. It makes me so happy to turn on my car and hear Silver Bells or Mariah Carey belting out, Jesus, Born on this Day (and yes, they play this song on the radio). It seriously makes a stressful day much more enjoyable.
4. Christmas crafts. I went to a couple of different holiday boutiques this morning with my sister and a dear friend. I love seeing all of the beautiful things that people spend their time crafting for others to enjoy. I bought a Christmas knitted towel to go on my refrigerator. My Nanny used to make them and every time I see them, I get excited. I have one with Mickey and Minnie on it that was given to me as a wedding gift, as well as one with a coffee pattern and one with apples. This Christmas one is the perfect addition to my collection.
Stay tuned for more reasons to love Christmas.
Monday, November 29, 2010
The Year of Babies
This year has been one full of babies.
Many of my dear friends gave birth to beautiful babies this year. Many others found out they were pregnant. And then there are a few who, like me, have either lost a pregnancy or are waiting for one, sometimes very impatiently.
I read a blog today by a woman who is raising money for a baby in a European orphanage. His name is Cliff and he is in need of a home. She is asking her readers to donate money to help with his adoption costs, for whatever family that decides to adopt him. If you want to learn more, you can click on the button on the sidebar of this blog, or click here .
I also know another couple, who are good friends with our friends in Colorado, that are adopting a baby from Ethiopia. They are raising money to be able to go over there to meet their precious baby. To learn more about their story, click here .
Since I have spent this year desiring a child of my own, I long to see other families have the opportunity to have a child of their own as well. In this season of giving, reflecting, and spending time with family, I am thinking more and more about these families and babies that need to be brought together. My hope and prayer is that all of you reading this will do the same. If you are able to help, even if it's not much, it will still go a long way. And, at the very least, prayer is such a huge blessing to these families. But, God does call us to serve, so I would challenge you to consider donating money to either of those two causes...or to someone else you may know that is in need of financial help this year. Babies are a beautiful blessing from God. Be a part of that blessing in someone's life.
Many of my dear friends gave birth to beautiful babies this year. Many others found out they were pregnant. And then there are a few who, like me, have either lost a pregnancy or are waiting for one, sometimes very impatiently.
I read a blog today by a woman who is raising money for a baby in a European orphanage. His name is Cliff and he is in need of a home. She is asking her readers to donate money to help with his adoption costs, for whatever family that decides to adopt him. If you want to learn more, you can click on the button on the sidebar of this blog, or click here .
I also know another couple, who are good friends with our friends in Colorado, that are adopting a baby from Ethiopia. They are raising money to be able to go over there to meet their precious baby. To learn more about their story, click here .
Since I have spent this year desiring a child of my own, I long to see other families have the opportunity to have a child of their own as well. In this season of giving, reflecting, and spending time with family, I am thinking more and more about these families and babies that need to be brought together. My hope and prayer is that all of you reading this will do the same. If you are able to help, even if it's not much, it will still go a long way. And, at the very least, prayer is such a huge blessing to these families. But, God does call us to serve, so I would challenge you to consider donating money to either of those two causes...or to someone else you may know that is in need of financial help this year. Babies are a beautiful blessing from God. Be a part of that blessing in someone's life.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Top Ten Most Thankful For
As I have been spending this Thanksgiving morning snuggled up on the couch, trying to stay warm, watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, I can't help but be overwhelmed...because of the people, the blessings, the opportunities, and the times I've had this last year that have shaped and changed me...for the better. So, I decided to come up with my 'top ten most thankful for' for this year. It's hard to just choose 10, but if I listed everything, we'd all be here for far too long.
10. Josh's car. I know it sounds like a silly thing, but him having his own car enabled me to be able to go places during the day. When I wasn't working, that meant lots of spending time with friends. There is no way I would have been able to get a job without a car. It has been a huge blessing this year.
9. My job. After being unemployed for a little over a year and a half, this job came at the perfect time. It's been a challenge, but a huge blessing. I love the little girl I'm working with. I would definitely trade a few things about it, but overall, it has been a great three months.
8. Music. Again, this may seem like a silly one, but music has always impacted my life in so many ways. I started singing on the worship team at my church this year and it has been so healing for my heart in so many ways. I also have been introduced to a couple of different bands who have changed my life and the way I think. Music is a part of my soul and it always has been. It helps me connect with God in a way that I wouldn't be able to without it.
7. Our trials with conceiving. Yes, I am thankful for this. It's been a tough year. I definitely acted like a crazy person for a couple of months, but through all of it, I have learned so much more about trusting in God, what His timing looks like, and letting go of my wants and letting Him have His way. It's been an amazing journey so far and I can't wait to see what this next year is going to bring.
6. The college group. I am speechless sometimes when I try to express how I feel about this amazing group of young people. When we started this group, I had no idea what it would look like a year later. And, I can happily say that it has seen much growth. Not just in numbers, but in hearts. We have some awesome leaders in the group (who may not even realize it yet) that are going to do amazing things for God. It makes me so excited just thinking about it!
5. My girlfriends and our church family. Even though some of my girlfriends do not attend my church, the majority of them do. There are some women in particular that have walked this journey with me this year that have helped me grow, think, realize how selfish or ridiculous I was being, and pointed me back towards God. To name a few: Amy G., Emily O., Meghan P., Melissa D., Emily K., Kris G., Jennifer B., Lisa Z., Staci F., Laura B., and Angie D. You are all very loved and very much appreciated. And, to our church family...you are such a blessing! It has made my heart so happy to get to know new people this year, to get to know others better, and to watch my husband develop friendships with amazing men that have brought him closer to God. I am so grateful for where God has us.
4. My family. This one goes out to those who are "stuck" with me, literally. No, but in all seriousness, these people have been there through thick and thin, and for that, I am eternally grateful. My parents have never stopped loving me and have always encouraged me to follow my dreams. My sister has been my best friend since the day she was born and she is so important to me. My newer family, Josh's family, have been an amazing blessing in my life. And, to my aunt and uncle who just moved across the country...you are so special to me and I am thankful for you in so many ways. I am excited to come visit you someday!
3. Our trip to Colorado. Yes, this one has been mentioned in many blogs so far, and will probably continue to be mentioned. John and Emily have been such amazing friends to Josh and I this year. Our conversations on that trip helped Josh and I see some areas in our lives that we need to work on or move past. We fell in love with Colorado and REALLY hope God calls us there someday.
2. My husband. How do I even begin to put this one into words? I definitely have not been the easiest person to live with this year...depending on the state of my heart with everything. But he has stuck by me, been amazingly loving and patient, and has shown me more of what it means to follow Christ. I love him more and more every day. I am very excited to see what this next year will hold for us.
1. My Savior. I have not been the most trusting this year, but I am learning...and trusting more each and every day. His way is best and I am finally starting to truly hold onto that. I am so thankful that He choose to die on a cross for me and save me from my sins, all those years ago. I am so grateful for the opportunities He has given me to serve others this year. It has been a beautiful year with my Lord.
There are so many other things I am thankful for and could go on and on, like I said earlier...but I will leave you with this:
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Colossians 3:15-16 NIV)
10. Josh's car. I know it sounds like a silly thing, but him having his own car enabled me to be able to go places during the day. When I wasn't working, that meant lots of spending time with friends. There is no way I would have been able to get a job without a car. It has been a huge blessing this year.
9. My job. After being unemployed for a little over a year and a half, this job came at the perfect time. It's been a challenge, but a huge blessing. I love the little girl I'm working with. I would definitely trade a few things about it, but overall, it has been a great three months.
8. Music. Again, this may seem like a silly one, but music has always impacted my life in so many ways. I started singing on the worship team at my church this year and it has been so healing for my heart in so many ways. I also have been introduced to a couple of different bands who have changed my life and the way I think. Music is a part of my soul and it always has been. It helps me connect with God in a way that I wouldn't be able to without it.
7. Our trials with conceiving. Yes, I am thankful for this. It's been a tough year. I definitely acted like a crazy person for a couple of months, but through all of it, I have learned so much more about trusting in God, what His timing looks like, and letting go of my wants and letting Him have His way. It's been an amazing journey so far and I can't wait to see what this next year is going to bring.
6. The college group. I am speechless sometimes when I try to express how I feel about this amazing group of young people. When we started this group, I had no idea what it would look like a year later. And, I can happily say that it has seen much growth. Not just in numbers, but in hearts. We have some awesome leaders in the group (who may not even realize it yet) that are going to do amazing things for God. It makes me so excited just thinking about it!
5. My girlfriends and our church family. Even though some of my girlfriends do not attend my church, the majority of them do. There are some women in particular that have walked this journey with me this year that have helped me grow, think, realize how selfish or ridiculous I was being, and pointed me back towards God. To name a few: Amy G., Emily O., Meghan P., Melissa D., Emily K., Kris G., Jennifer B., Lisa Z., Staci F., Laura B., and Angie D. You are all very loved and very much appreciated. And, to our church family...you are such a blessing! It has made my heart so happy to get to know new people this year, to get to know others better, and to watch my husband develop friendships with amazing men that have brought him closer to God. I am so grateful for where God has us.
4. My family. This one goes out to those who are "stuck" with me, literally. No, but in all seriousness, these people have been there through thick and thin, and for that, I am eternally grateful. My parents have never stopped loving me and have always encouraged me to follow my dreams. My sister has been my best friend since the day she was born and she is so important to me. My newer family, Josh's family, have been an amazing blessing in my life. And, to my aunt and uncle who just moved across the country...you are so special to me and I am thankful for you in so many ways. I am excited to come visit you someday!
3. Our trip to Colorado. Yes, this one has been mentioned in many blogs so far, and will probably continue to be mentioned. John and Emily have been such amazing friends to Josh and I this year. Our conversations on that trip helped Josh and I see some areas in our lives that we need to work on or move past. We fell in love with Colorado and REALLY hope God calls us there someday.
2. My husband. How do I even begin to put this one into words? I definitely have not been the easiest person to live with this year...depending on the state of my heart with everything. But he has stuck by me, been amazingly loving and patient, and has shown me more of what it means to follow Christ. I love him more and more every day. I am very excited to see what this next year will hold for us.
1. My Savior. I have not been the most trusting this year, but I am learning...and trusting more each and every day. His way is best and I am finally starting to truly hold onto that. I am so thankful that He choose to die on a cross for me and save me from my sins, all those years ago. I am so grateful for the opportunities He has given me to serve others this year. It has been a beautiful year with my Lord.
There are so many other things I am thankful for and could go on and on, like I said earlier...but I will leave you with this:
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Colossians 3:15-16 NIV)
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Thanks Giving
This last week was so hard at work.
I don't know if it was because the little girl I work with was out for a whole week or what...but she was extra stubborn and extra distracted. It was hard for me to remain patient with her. There were moments that I would look at her and think, if you were my kid, you would be in so much trouble right now. But, the week is over and now I am on vacation...and it feels fantastic!
I started off my vacation with seeing the latest Harry Potter movie in the theaters...and boy, did that start things off right! The movie was so good...and kept to the book pretty well. I was disappointed in a few things that were left out or changed, but overall, it was amazing.
I have many projects and things I want to get done in this week off...including pulling out my Christmas stuff and getting it up as soon as possible! We are planning to get a tree right after Thanksgiving and are going to put Christmas lights up on the house. It's going to be such a wonderful Christmas this year!
But most importantly, I want to stop and remember to be thankful for everything in my life...the good and the bad. Thankful for the opportunities I've had this year. Thankful for the people who've stayed in my life...and those who have recently come into it. Thankful for the fact that I have a roof over my head and a car to drive. Thankful that we have food to eat and jobs that supply all our needs. Thankful for the college group and the young people we have coming each week. Thankful for our church family and the blessing they have been in our lives. Thankful for the sacrifices our forefathers made to come to America all those years ago to establish a free nation (no matter the state it is in right now...it definitely started off great). But most importantly, thankful for the sacrifice Jesus made for me, for all of us, all those years ago on that cross. I can't imagine the person I would be today if I hadn't made the decision to follow Him.
This year has been a tough one, full of trials, tears, and hardships. But it's also been a great one, full of laughter, growth, and amazing conversations. I wouldn't trade anything that has happened, because it has made me the person I am in this very moment. Yet I strive to live my life better, to serve my Lord better, and to be the best me I can possibly be. Because I know that living in fear or worrying about what's to come is not going to do me any good. I have to live for today, for the opportunities God gives me each moment, to serve and love Him and His people better. And that is how I am choosing to live this week...and hopefully the rest of the year.
If you are taking the time to read this, I am thankful for you as well. Many of you have been on this crazy journey with me this year and have read or heard about many of the things I've experienced. For the fact that you've continued to read this blog and the fact that you've stuck with me through it all...you are a blessing. It's much easier for me to process my thoughts by writing them down...and you have read them. Thank you.
This week of vacation is going to be fantastic. Bring it on.
I don't know if it was because the little girl I work with was out for a whole week or what...but she was extra stubborn and extra distracted. It was hard for me to remain patient with her. There were moments that I would look at her and think, if you were my kid, you would be in so much trouble right now. But, the week is over and now I am on vacation...and it feels fantastic!
I started off my vacation with seeing the latest Harry Potter movie in the theaters...and boy, did that start things off right! The movie was so good...and kept to the book pretty well. I was disappointed in a few things that were left out or changed, but overall, it was amazing.
I have many projects and things I want to get done in this week off...including pulling out my Christmas stuff and getting it up as soon as possible! We are planning to get a tree right after Thanksgiving and are going to put Christmas lights up on the house. It's going to be such a wonderful Christmas this year!
But most importantly, I want to stop and remember to be thankful for everything in my life...the good and the bad. Thankful for the opportunities I've had this year. Thankful for the people who've stayed in my life...and those who have recently come into it. Thankful for the fact that I have a roof over my head and a car to drive. Thankful that we have food to eat and jobs that supply all our needs. Thankful for the college group and the young people we have coming each week. Thankful for our church family and the blessing they have been in our lives. Thankful for the sacrifices our forefathers made to come to America all those years ago to establish a free nation (no matter the state it is in right now...it definitely started off great). But most importantly, thankful for the sacrifice Jesus made for me, for all of us, all those years ago on that cross. I can't imagine the person I would be today if I hadn't made the decision to follow Him.
This year has been a tough one, full of trials, tears, and hardships. But it's also been a great one, full of laughter, growth, and amazing conversations. I wouldn't trade anything that has happened, because it has made me the person I am in this very moment. Yet I strive to live my life better, to serve my Lord better, and to be the best me I can possibly be. Because I know that living in fear or worrying about what's to come is not going to do me any good. I have to live for today, for the opportunities God gives me each moment, to serve and love Him and His people better. And that is how I am choosing to live this week...and hopefully the rest of the year.
If you are taking the time to read this, I am thankful for you as well. Many of you have been on this crazy journey with me this year and have read or heard about many of the things I've experienced. For the fact that you've continued to read this blog and the fact that you've stuck with me through it all...you are a blessing. It's much easier for me to process my thoughts by writing them down...and you have read them. Thank you.
This week of vacation is going to be fantastic. Bring it on.
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