It just doesn't feel like Christmas is in a few days! I can't believe it! It's raining here in Michigan.
I have been thinking lately how much I appreciate family. I like living in my hometown again because my family is close by.
I feel for people who have lost loved ones in the past year... or are missing people who are not around anymore. It has been ten years since my grandma passed away, and I still have a hard time telling people what my Christmas traditions are. Christmas has not been the same without her. Neither has Easter. I look forward to having a family of my own someday and creating new Christmas traditions.
Christmastime is hard for a lot of people. I am well aware of that and share in their loss, even though I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I am grieving what was and no longer is. I am grieving for lives lost this year.
But I have hope.
Jesus came so that we may have life and life to the fullest.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
Christmastime is here...
Even without the snow, I know that Christmas is just around the corner.
I forgot how much people stress out around the holidays. Maybe when I have more going on in life, I will have that added stress of where to be at what time. But for now, I am busy enough with splitting time with my parents.
On Thanksgiving, I saw a man playing football outside with his son. It was precious. His son was probably in late elementary/middle school. I treasure quality time during the holidays.
Are we spending time with the One we are celebrating?
I forgot how much people stress out around the holidays. Maybe when I have more going on in life, I will have that added stress of where to be at what time. But for now, I am busy enough with splitting time with my parents.
On Thanksgiving, I saw a man playing football outside with his son. It was precious. His son was probably in late elementary/middle school. I treasure quality time during the holidays.
Are we spending time with the One we are celebrating?
Monday, December 5, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
Thanksgiving Dinner
My stepmom cooks for an army. Seriously. There were only 5 of us at Thanksgiving this year. Lucy made some amazing sweet potato pie -- most of us didn't have dessert due to the sweet potato pie satisfying our sweet tooth. I made my favorite Thanksgiving dish -- green bean casserole.
Today, I am thankful for family and food.
Life is good.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Advent
Sunday was the beginning of the Advent season. Growing up, I never really paid attention to the Church calendar. My church did not really mention Advent or Lent. I want to learn more. There is something precious about remembering Who God is and what He came to earth to do. There's something special about sharing in the suffering of Christ in some form by giving up something we love for Lent.
I went with my roommate Krysten and her parents to Handel's Messiah Singalong. I love the Hallelujah Chorus as much as anyone, but it was quite unexpected how much I would love just hearing about Jesus in song. Seriously. Everything about TRUE Christmas music points to Him.
Maybe that's why I love the Christmas season so much. People remember for a moment what is most important. Families get together (and realize how much they need Jesus -- no family's perfect!).
Today I am celebrating that Jesus came here to earth.
I went with my roommate Krysten and her parents to Handel's Messiah Singalong. I love the Hallelujah Chorus as much as anyone, but it was quite unexpected how much I would love just hearing about Jesus in song. Seriously. Everything about TRUE Christmas music points to Him.
Maybe that's why I love the Christmas season so much. People remember for a moment what is most important. Families get together (and realize how much they need Jesus -- no family's perfect!).
Today I am celebrating that Jesus came here to earth.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Gift-giving
My love language is quality time. I love spending time with my friends and family. My heart is full after good times together, making memories, and life conversations. I am not necessarily someone who loves GIFTS (another of the five love languages). We often give in the same way we like to receive love. Gift-giving is not one of my favorite ways to display my love.
However, we have weekly opportunities to give to Christ. Many years ago, wise men gave Jesus precious, costly gifts.
If you struggle with giving to the Church, you are not alone. I am not perfect by any means, and I struggle with this issue. It is a matter of trust. I am blessed in life, and I want my life to be a blessing to other people. I know that Christ's Kingdom is expanding through the work of His Church. The Church is the BODY of Christ. We are the people who are putting God's plan into ACTION.
My challenge: give a costly gift to Christ. It doesn't matter the size of the gift. God looks at your heart.
However, we have weekly opportunities to give to Christ. Many years ago, wise men gave Jesus precious, costly gifts.
If you struggle with giving to the Church, you are not alone. I am not perfect by any means, and I struggle with this issue. It is a matter of trust. I am blessed in life, and I want my life to be a blessing to other people. I know that Christ's Kingdom is expanding through the work of His Church. The Church is the BODY of Christ. We are the people who are putting God's plan into ACTION.
My challenge: give a costly gift to Christ. It doesn't matter the size of the gift. God looks at your heart.
Friday, November 25, 2011
One more Month
Today is November 25th and that means ONE MORE MONTH UNTIL CHRISTMAS!
I feel like people sometimes misunderstand my love of Christmas.
I don't count down by days; I count down by MONTHS.
It's more than the lights.
It's more than the decorations (clarification: I don't intend to buy a Christmas tree or have my house look like Santa threw up on it. I appreciate simplicity in all things Christmas).
It's more than the presents.
It's more than the music.
Although I enjoy all of these things, to me, Christmas is about JESUS.
Christmas = Christ "mas" ("mas" in Spanish = more)... Therefore -- more of Christ. Yes, please!
It's is about CELEBRATING the One who was born to a virgin named Mary.
Jesus was human.
He was humble.
He knows what we are going through.
But He is also God.
He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
He sits at God's right hand.
Read Philippians 2.1-11.
That deserves a party, don't you think?
I feel like people sometimes misunderstand my love of Christmas.
I don't count down by days; I count down by MONTHS.
It's more than the lights.
It's more than the decorations (clarification: I don't intend to buy a Christmas tree or have my house look like Santa threw up on it. I appreciate simplicity in all things Christmas).
It's more than the presents.
It's more than the music.
Although I enjoy all of these things, to me, Christmas is about JESUS.
Christmas = Christ "mas" ("mas" in Spanish = more)... Therefore -- more of Christ. Yes, please!
It's is about CELEBRATING the One who was born to a virgin named Mary.
Jesus was human.
He was humble.
He knows what we are going through.
But He is also God.
He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
He sits at God's right hand.
Read Philippians 2.1-11.
That deserves a party, don't you think?
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