Ash Wednesday

Happy Ash Wednesday Everyone!

Today begins a 40 day event for many Christians. We give up something that is to help us center our lives more on God. I am giving up movies and television. I realized in the past two months that those have zapped my time away from people. My time spent with the ones I hold dear should be spent engaging in them not interested in some fake couple's life.

I think after Lent I am going to evaluate just how much I watch in a given week and fix it where I can do more things without being entertained by media couples. A quote I found on Pinterest the other day read, "Don't compare your love story to those you watch in movies. They're written by scriptwriters. Yours is written by God." People just jump into relationships and it gets hard on them. Past issues return and the things get hard and suddenly people are praying and asking Him to bless the relationship. I hear so many people ask why God didn't answer their prayers or why did God not give them what they wanted. Well sometimes it's hard not to tell them, "Well how did you bless and glorify God before asking Him of that?" "How many times has something good happened and you didn't thank Him for that blessing?"

Our preacher even admitted that in social relationships he forgets to center it around God. He said he would be in a relationship and then ask God to bless it and God pretty much tells him, "No I didn't lead you to this. I don't want this for you." That spoke amazing things to me. God wants our attention. You can't derive off the path of His and expect great things to happen to you. My mother wrote in her journals a quote she loved. "If you prayed for a sunny day and it still rains God is watering the food that someone, maybe you, will eat some day." God knows who will bless Him when the good things happen and who will ignore the fact God gave them a blessing.

How easy would it have been for Jesus to give into Satan? Knowing that you were sent to Earth to die for people's sins that you haven't even met face to face. You have to die even though you have never sinned. I think today's people would have turned the stones into bread, jumped from the building and what's worse there is people worshiping the devil in this day and age. Jesus fought for us, why don't we fight for him?

To me God is really leading me to this. A lot is going on at the moment. I would love to know what you are giving up for Lent. Whether it be sugar, chocolate, porn, television, secular music, etc. I'd love to know about my readers. 

Life Comes With No Guarantees

It's been a month since I have written on here. I had a bit of a busy holiday break and getting back into school hasn't been as smooth as I had hoped. There are a million things I am wanting to tell you all. In a new year though, I don't want to just throw subjects out there at you.

I am working with a few of my friends to get this blog where I want it to be. A place for me to let off some creativity and give good information to you all. You might not learn much, but I do hope you read my blog with a sense of knowing that I want you to have an enjoyable time while at my blog. That is important to me.

Starting next week I hope to be more organized so I can return with certain goals in placed and a plan to accomplish them for you and for me.

I hope all of your holidays were amazing. Don't forget Valentine's Day is coming up! Show some love because the world needs more love!

Advent: Peace: Friday

Peace

“Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” – 1 Thessalonians 5: 19-24

The baby in the manger teaches us one very important thing: that God cares about us and wants us to change our lives. And when He works in the lives of His people, we see love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace. As you worship this Advent, open your heart, your mind, your body, and your soul, and find calm within. Then, in that quiet moment, the Spirit’s fire will fill you. That warm glow of His passion and presence is how you know God is making you into a brand-new person.

Our transformation into godly people depends on who God is and how He works in us. Second Corinthians 3:18 says “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” Let the peace of God’s presence transform you today and every day.

Dear Christ Jesus,

Begin Your transforming work in our lives, sanctify us, and carry out Your plans for us until Your return and the arrival of eternal peace. We make this prayer in Your holy name.

Amen 

Advent: Peace: Thursday

Peace

“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile towards God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. You, however, are not controlled by sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dad will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.” – Romans 8: 5-11

We now know we are to move beyond our emotions and seek peace through prayer and meditation; the challenge now is to keep our minds steadfast on what the Spirit desires. Our sinful nature is constantly at war with the Spirit. But Christ living in us gives us victory over that war, enabling us to live in righteousness. Day by day, moment by moment we can choose to live by the Spirit, resulting in the presence of His peace. And just as Christ’s body was raised from the dead, our bodies will also be rise because of the indwelling presence of the Spirit.

Oatmeal Christmas Cookies

What you’ll need:

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup M&Ms
Hungry bellies
Helping Hands

It’s time to have a family bake night!

Preheat the oven to 350⁰. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt, stir, into the sugar mixture. Stir in the rolled oats and M&Ms with a wooden spoon.

Drop dough by rounded teaspoons, two inches apart onto an ungreased cookies sheet.
Bake 10-12 minutes until light and golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for two minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container or enjoy with milk or hot cocoa while watching an old Christmas movie.

Dear Lord,

We pray for the indwelling of the Spirit of Christ that gives life and peace and the promise resurrection. In your Son’s name we pray.

Amen

Advent: Peace: Wednesday

Peace

“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessings, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his eats are attentive to their prayer.” – 1 Peter 3: 9-12

What is the definition of peace? Webster’s New World Dictionary defines it as freedom from war, a state of harmony, serenity, or quiet. The Bible says we are too seek the Lord with all our hearts and in return , He will give us peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). 

The peace we receive from knowing the Lord extends far beyond our outward circumstances—even when we are not in a state of harmony—going directly into our hearts, soul, and mind. It is a peace that enables us to live in harmony with one another, to love as brothers, to be compassionate and humbles. And because of this gift, we are able to do good deeds and show sincere love to others from the overflow of this wonderful peace.

Dear Jesus,

Make our hearts desire to seek You and Your peace, that we may do good and inherit Your blessings. We make this prayer in Your name.

Amen

Advent: Peace: Tuesday

Peace

“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 word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3: 15-17

On any given day, we experience many emotions. And sometimes those emotions will try to rule our hearts. This happens when we spend too much time being anxious, angry, depressed, or fearful. But the good news is, we have the power within us to choose between letting our emotions rule within us, or letting the Prince of Peace flood our soul with tranquility and thankfulness.

When people watch us apply the power we’re promised in God’s Word, we have a much better chance of reaching them in Christ’s love. Your family, friends, and co-workers see what you’re going through in your life, sometimes on a daily basis. How you handle yourself and your emotions can make a great impact for Christ.

Which Nativity Character Are You?

How are you most likely to spend your summer?
a. Traveling?
b. At Home with your family
c. Earning money with babysitting, mowing lawns, etc

What’s your favorite part of the school day?
a. English or Science
b. Gym
c. Reccess or Lunc
d. Math

Which is most like you?
a. An Owl
b. A dog
c. A butterfuly
d. A cat

What is your favorite light in dark?
a. The stars
b. A campfire
c. A room full of candles
d. A black light

One day you’re ideal job will involve:
a. Learning more than your  brain can hold
b. Helping a lot of people
c. Meeting all kinds of different people
d. Being really busy and doing well

Which of these is most important to you?
a. Books
b. Pets
c. Phone
d. Money

Which of the following is your favorite holiday?
a. Fourth of July: a little history and an amazing parade
b. Thanksgiving: a big meal around the dining room table
c. Halloween: costumes and candy galore
d. New Year’s Eve: The biggest party of the year

Your biggest weakness is that sometimes you can be:
a. A know-it-all
b. Shy
c. Loud Bossy
d. Bossy

Where would you rather live?
a. In a foreign country
b. The house you grew up in
c. A brand new neighborhood with lots of familes
d. A big city

If you saw something unbelievable, what would you do first?
a. Find out how it happened
b. Try to get closer
c. Tell someone about it.
d. Sell tickets

Whichever letter you scored the most determines which Nativity character you are! Share your results with everyone!

Mostly “A”s then you are a Magi

Mostly “B”s then you are a Shepherd

Mostly “C”s then you are an Angel

Mostly “D”s then you are the Innkeeper (That’s not a bad thing, you have a head for business and are a leader)

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for giving us emotions. Help us to control them in a way that allows Your peace to rule over them all, so that we might be a light of love to everyone around us. We make this prayer in Christ’s name.

Amen

Advent: Peace: Monday

Peace

Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and yours minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:4-7

Prayer connects us to the Father in an intimate communion of heart, soul, and spirit—it is a mysterious dialogue of love and power with a moat Holy God. And Jesus is our faithful intercessor—our heavenly ambassador who presents our prayers to God. Through prayer, God’s power is released to work in your life and the lives of others, bringing peace and comfort in knowing He has heard you and will answer you in His time.

When you present your requests to God, do so in humble submission with thanksgiving in your heart. The Lord will then guard your heart and mind with peace that transcends all understanding.

Heavenly Father,

We ask this day that Your hand be upon our nation all and all of the nations on earth. Please guide our president, the leaders of our country, and the leaders around the world , from the smallest of towns to our global communities. We lift up the wars that are raging now, and we ask for peace for all who are affected by them. We ask that You bless soldiers and their families, our missionaries, our pastors, friends, and our families. Please the bless the hungry, the sick, and the lonely. Thank You that Your love, grace, and peace are available to all the people of the world. In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen

Holiday Beauty

So the holidays are completely in full swing, a week from tomorrow is Christmas Day! Wow... Time flew once December got here. That is a good thing (school) and a bad thing (enjoying the fun). Below are few holiday looks with make-up for you to try! I will be trying a few of them myself for the parties I have left.

The last one is the one I am looking forward to try the most. I know it's not my usual vintage style, but I like that it's different. People wouldn't be expecting so simple. I have already been to a few Christmas parties so these will be what I will try for the remaining ones. I hope you enjoy them like I did.

Advent: Peace: Sunday

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”  

-- Luke 2:14

Peace is the second topic of our spiritual journey. Light the first two purple Advent candles together.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

Peace is one the greatest gift the Lord has brought to us. In the verse above, the prophet Isaiah helps us to recognize the peace we will have open Christ’s arrival, and goes on to proclaim the glory and majesty of who He is and His purpose for coming.

Wonderful Counselor points to the Messiah as King—a king who will direct and guide, and carry out a plan of action—but also One the world will know as loving and compassionate. One who cares about each and every one of us and the smallest details of our lives.

Mighty God refers to His divine power. He spoke, and the earth, sun, moon, and stars come into being. He parted the seas, stopped the waves, and performed miracles that we talk about to this very day.

Everlasting Father indicates that His grace and mercy are never ending, and that He will never leave us or forsake us. Ever.

Prince of Peace reminds us that only through Jesus Christ we will have true peace of mind and soul. Faith in Christ brings peace with the Father, and it is on believers that God’s favor of peace will rest.

Take a moment now to discuss and think about these elements of God’s nature, and why we have peace in His completeness.

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, we praise You for Your glory and majesty this day and always. We thank You for Your comfort, guidance, and provision. May we be ever mindful of who You are. We make this prayer in Jesus’ name. 

Amen.

Advent: Hope: Friday

"'All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father  will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.'" - John 14:25-27

As Christians we are not immune to trials and hard times (even though many think we are or seem to think that we act like we are), but when we are burdened and afraid we have hope in the Lord and comfort from the Holy Spirit. When our external lives are full of turmoil, we tend to spend more time on our knees in prayer, this leads to greater dependency on God. And though God does not cause bad things to happen to us. He sometimes allow them so we will have the opportunity to grow closure to Him and to trust Him more. Release your troubled heart to the Lord. He will give you peace. He will teach you to abide in Him and share in a peaceful communion that is true and lasting. He has promised and has said " Never will I leave you never will I forsake you" Hebrew 14:5. Hope and know that internally within our very souls, we can always find peace with the Lord.

Dear Jesus,
We turn over our troubled hearts and burdens to You this day and receive Your hope and peace. In the precious name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Semi-Review: Twinings Tea

I have always been fond of tea. I was raised with two different kinds of tea. Afternoon tea and Southern Sweet tea. Southern Sweet tea is to be "dranked" from a mason jar and many times I have sipped the southern staple just that way.

As I grew up I have learned to appreciate what a cup of hot tea can do for your body and for your soul. I was about 14 years old when I started drinking hot tea on a daily basis. Then when I was 16 I fell in love with Lipton's Pyramid tea. 

One of my very first blogs was on the Lipton's Vanilla Caramel Truffle Tea. I still have a strong love for that tea for it's simple sweetness. However, since the weather has turned cooler (I can't say cold because the high today was 75) I have enjoyed Twinings tea. I have to admit I had only had it once before in my life. When we went to Disney World, however, they had their tea on sale in United Kingdom tea shop.

I was so excited I bought four different Twinings teas! I bought their three minute iced tea, Christmas Tea, Winter Spice, and my FAVORITE English Breakfast Tea. All of these teas are excellent. The Christmas Tea has the most amazing flavor. If I'm not mistaken my exact words were, "This is exactly what Christmas should taste like." It is perfect to enjoy while celebrating the holidays. The Winter Spice is nice for a simple and amazing flavor to keep you warm after the holidays. This herbal tea has a delightful flavor. The ice tea was ok. I was slightly thrown off because I am used to the a Southern sweet ice tea but it grew on me. 

I highly recommend these to everyone. I promise I have new love for tea all the time now. It has become a staple in my household.

Advent: Hope: Thursday

For today's devotion for Advent there is a special activity. I'm sure you have grown over the year and changed. People change without even really realizing it. There are people all over the world who don't have many nice things, so why not spread the joy of Christmas to them? Sort through your belongings such as clothes and toys. Giving away slightly used items is a way of being selfless and that's a way to celebrate the gifts God gives us daily. Donate food items as well. Toys for Tots and Good Will are just a couple of organizations that are there to help people in need. Also check out your church or local churches in your surrounding area.

"Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him. Then Judas ( not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the rest of the world?" Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me." - John 14: 21-24

What an awesome hope in our time, study, prayer, and obedience to the Word, Jesus will reveal himself to us and lead us into a deeper relationship with Him. We are simply to obey. Parents teach children to obey because they want them to be safe and secure. In the same way, our heavenly Father asks us to His will for the same reasons. Obedience is a positive thing. When God prompts us to do or not do something, remember that blessing will surely follow if we're obedient. The quicker we act out His will, the sooner we will be blessed. Obey the Lord's commands and you'll abide in the love of the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Help us to know You more and to be obedient to You in all things that we may bring glory to Your nam. We make this request in Christ's name. Amen

Advent: Hope: Wendesday

The season of Advent has always been connected to the promise of hope, but it hasn't always been a celebration. If used to be that every year at the Feast of the Epiphany, the day now know as Three Kings Day on the 6th of January, all of the people who converted to Christianity within the previous year were then baptized. The weeks leading up to this day were spent as a time of fasting and penitence, each person asking God to forgive them their sins. The church realized that the Old Testament emphasized a different sentiment. It does not anticipate the coming of the Messiah with remembering personal sins, but it celebrates His arrival as a relief from the darkness, delivering us into the light. The Bible tells us to be joyful as we wait for Christ to arrive and so today that is just what we do. To make it even more of a celebration, the Church decided in the ninth century that the first Sunday of Advent would mark the beginning of the entire Church calendar. This means that every first Sunday of Advent begins our spiritual journey for the whole year to come.

"'If you love me, you will obey what I command, And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him or knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will seem . Because I lives, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you." - John 14: 15-29

Take to really think about these words: Jesus is in the Father and we are in Jesus and He is in us. How incredible is it that we have the Lord God in us and we are in Him! Acts 17: 28 describes this mystery in this way: "For in Him we live and move and have our being."

How often do we really live moment-by-moment in Christ? Imagine how much better our busy days would be if we practiced the presence of Jesus. Each year at Christmastime we say that we are going to slow down, cut back on activities, and enjoy the season, but somehow it never seems to happen. Instead, we need to make a commitment to live daily in Christ. Then, whatever the task, the event, or the circumstances, He will enrich our lives in a ways that are beyond imagination. This ultimate relationship with Christ is above all others; it will guide us on our spiritual journey and last through all eternity.

Dear Christ Jesus,
Help us to daily abide in You. We want to experience this mystery-- living in You and You in us. Help us to pause and practice the presence of the Lord this Christmas. We make this prayer in Your holy name. Amen

Advent: Hope: Activity

The Night Sky

One of the most beautiful creations God left for us here on earth is the night sky. So for today's family activity, take a very close look at stargazing.

What You'll Need:

• a star map (you can buy on or print one off the web, skyandtelescope.com is a good place to start)
• a clear night sky

For centuries, stars have been used as a compass to guide people in their travels. In the United Stats, African American slaves used to look for the Big Dipper to point them north toward freedom. Can you think of a group of people we talk about during Advent who used the stars too? If you said the Magi or Wise Men you are right on the mark, and we'll learn some more about them in the coming weeks.

You can look at stars by just going out into your backyard or a safe park. Wherever you go, it's best to be away from lights, so if you live in the city, it's a good idea to find a more rural location in order to have the best view. It takes a half an hour for your eyes to fully adjust to the dark and see the most stars, so make sure you have plenty of blankets and clothing for bundling up. But before you set out on your stargazing adventure, be sure to study your star map so you can be prepared to find constellations.

Some constellations never rise or set and the only reason we can't see them during the day is because of the sun, but they are there all of the time. Others are seasonal constellations that change throughout the year meaning you can see some during the fall, but not in the spring. All stars fall into either of these categories except for one very special star that the Magi saw. The Gospel of Matthew tells us the Wise Men observed a new star rising for the very first time in the East, which marked the birth of the Messiah and led themm to Bethlehem (2:2). While you're out stargazing imagine you are one of the Wise Men and see if you can find a star bright enough to guide you hundreds of miles to seek out a king!

Advent Week 1: Hope

"Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight. I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations... In his name the nations will put their hope." -Matthew 12:18, 21

Hope is the first topic to begin our spiritual journey. Light a purple Advent candle together as a family.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." - John 14:1-3

As Christians we have a great reason to hope! John 1:1 proclaims that, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:14 goes on to say, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." The Word is Jesus, the living God! We know that everything Scripture tells us is true because it is not only from God, it is God, the Word.

When the prophet Isaiah foretold the birth of Chris, a new hope was born into the world, a hope that lives in us today. And after Jesus came in the flesh, He promised to return and take us to be with Him, giving us eternal hope that surpasses the condition of our life on earth.

Take a moment and talk about the things you want and the things for which you hope-- as individuals and as a family. Many of them may be of temporary value, but some will have deep eternal longings as well. Now think and talk about the things you hope for this week, this Christmas season, the new year to come, your lifetime on earth and your next life in heaven. Now ponder in your heart what it will be like to see Jesus face-to-face in all His glory and splendor, and imagine what it will be like to go where He is. Talk about the hope and comfort we have as believers, and that someday Christ will take us home where sin and death have no place.

Your spiritual journey begins the moment you believe in this extraordinary hope and lasts through all eternity.I  invite you to open the Word and open your heart, and begin this day in a deeper relationship with the One and Only, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Today was amazing at church. It was decorated beautifully, we had communion, every song was Christmas songs, and the advent was amazing. The best part of all was watching my best friend who I wasn't sure if she would ever come to God went before everyone and dedicated her life. It was very memorable.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the blessing of Your world and Your son in our lives. We thank You for the hope of our heavenly home where our family can dwell together with You forever in Christ's name we pray. Amen.

Introduction

Two thousand years ago in Bethlehem, the world received a very important gift. That's when Jesus came to earth to walk among us and save us from our sins. And that's what we celebrate every Christmas. For centuries, Christians have anticipated Christmas Day with a month-long observance called Advent.

Advent comes from the Latin word adventus and means "coming." The main event is the coming, or birth, of Jesus our Savior. As the saints of old anticipated the coming of Christ with great expectation, we, too, eagerly await His return.

The four weeks of Advent, beginning the Sunday nearest November through midnight Christmas Eve, represent the four great "comings" of Christ. The first is His coming of in the flesh, His birth, which we celebrate on Christmas Day. The second is His coming into the hearts of all who believe in Him. The third is His coming at the hour of death to the faithful, and the fourth is His coming at the final judgement. To symbolize this progression, Christians use Advent wreaths and candles.

Advent wreathes are designed using evergreen branches forming a never ending circle. The circle and the evergreen branches both symbolize the promise of eternal life through Christ. Four candles (three purple and one pink) are placed on the wreath, representing the four Sundays of Advent. Three purple candles represent the coming of Christ from the royal line of David. He is coming as the King of Kings. The pink candle is to remind us of the incredible joy that awaits us with arrival of the Christ child. A fifth candle, generally white and placed in the center of the wreath, is the Christ candle and is lit on Christmas Eve in honor of His birth. It represents that Jesus is the light of the World.

Advent is so much more than a holiday or a tradition of remembrance of memorial; it is a time of spiritual cleansing and growth in Christ. Since the early saints, it has been a time of penitence and fasting, a time of reflection and seeking the Lord. But in current time--in the hustle and bustle of school and church activities, shopping, baking, parties, and wrapping-- we tend to lose sight of why we what we do at Christmastime.

I hope that these posts in the coming days will bring you back to the a traditional way of worshiping God and celebrating the birth of His Son at Christmas. I hope that in observing these traditions your family will draw closer together and create wonderful new memories and lasting traditions to enjoy year after year. Most of all, I pray that this journey brings you deeper, more meaningful communion with our Lord Jesus, the One who came to save us all.

We begin this journey together on December 2nd starting with the purple at the back left, the candle of Hope.

Linus

It’s Iron Bowl Day at Alabama! I love Iron Bowl well maybe except this year. I’m not a big fan of the fact that Auburn pretty much bites this year. I like it when it can go either way.  I’m not that worried about Auburn (perhaps there’s a slight worriedness that Auburn will find some kind of strength but I’m not betting on it.) Georgia who we will have to play in the SEC Championship is another story about being worried.

December is vastly approaching. I’m really going to start making sure these blogs are already started from now on because I like to keep all of you happy and reading.  I appreciate everyone who reads my life because honestly I don’t find my life all that entertaining.

However, Linus, our Elf on the Shelf is arriving tomorrow even though we are on vacation. I have a large group of friends that all have kids (or about to have kids) and we decided that our elves could join together for one big party. The guys have decided that each elf should bring a date. So the girl elves will have Ken and boy elves will have Barbies. It will be a wonderful Sunday morning. The kids will have a huge North Pole breakfast. All of the elves will bring letters reminding the kids of the rules and why the elves will be there every morning.

I have come up with several ideas for Jackjack's. Gene has also given me some ideas for incorporating the Bible in to the Elf on a Shelf. Gene also does Elf Magic at her house where the elves are suppose to tell the real meaning of presents.

Linus will be bringing Jackjack a Bible verse each day. Yes I know Jackjack is only a year old but it's never too early to start teaching children the Bible. It actually stays with them more as they grow up. I am really forward to the creative ways Linus will appear! Lol I promise to post pictures.

Speaking of pictures I will be posting a link to my instagram soon. Enjoy and Roll tide! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Today has a been a blessing!

1) I'm thankful I still have thriving little brother who isn't letting cancer stop him living.
2) I'm thankful for the family God gave me.
3) I'm thankful for the education I am granted in my life.
4) I'm seriously thankful for the freedom to go to church.
5) I am thankful for the roof over my head and the food in fridge.
6) I am thankful for opportunities that I have been given in my life so far.
7) I am thankful for the body that takes me places and keeps me alive.
8) I am thankful for the friends that stand behind me when something stands up to me.
9) I'm thankful for this blog because I am been able to express myself in a whole new way.
10) I'm so thankful that I became a bolder person this year.
11) I am thankful for a car that runs and has been a best friend to many times. (Come on I whine, gripe, complain, etc and it still does what I need it to!)
12) The internet I am thankful for because I also have information at my finger tips.
13) Hot tea I'm thankful for because it really does calm a person down.
14) I'm thankful for my new phone so I can connect a lot faster and easier.
15) I'm thankful for kids because they remind us of what life is really about.
16) I'm thankful for literature otherwise I'd be hooked on tv.
17) I'm thankful to have all of my senses still. I always hate the question what if I lost one.
18) I'm so thankful for the reminders that little things are the best from small smiles, candlelit, perfect baths, and sweet kisses.
19) I'm thankful for the opportunity to learn how to dance.
20) I'm thankful for the city I live in because everyone should be proud of where they live no matter what. If you aren't either move or change it.
21) I'm thankful for the endless trips to Disney World.
22) I am thankful for having a blessed Savior that no matter how much I mess up in life (even though I try hard not to), still loves me.

Black Friday and No. 2!

What happens after Santa arrives at Macy's, the turkey is gone, and the last piece of pecan pie is gone? Why shopping of course! Well this year that's halfway true. I will be napping after finishing up my plate at Erica's because we plan to be lined up at Belk's by 11:00 pm on Thanksgiving Night. Yep Night.

We started this tradition two years ago. We were dumb and young and went to the Galleria and Walmart. Those have been axed since that year. We are staying in Tuscaloosa and avoiding Walmart like the plague. Yes great deal but I don't feel like getting bruises or dying for them. Belk is bad enough with the bruising.

We are already planning our plan of attack because the so-called "leak" sales are out now. However, everyone knows to save up money and buy their own newspaper Thanksgiving morning. I have many places I want to go because I have lots of people to buy for this year. Some I have already started buying and hiding. I had to go ahead and buy my grandmother's because she arrives tomorrow.

I have to go to JcPenny's every year! This will be my 11th consecutive year of shopping on Black Friday in the States! We always came over here for Thanksgiving and I went shopping every year even the ones I had to work I managed to get the afternoon shift. The reason for going to JcPenny's is because they have the snowglobes which prove I have been going every year. I have them displayed on my desk this year.

Do I push and shove? No. I am going to get a few things for my family and friends. I like hanging out with my friends and family coming up with ideas to come back and get later on. This year being no exception because our family and friends have grown and continue to grow each day. I think God really has blessed us in this year. Many of them have gotten married and are starting families.

New stores come into play with babies on the way or babies that have been born this year. New stores also come into play because there have been stores that have been built this year or have reopened. It's a wonderful thing knowing that Tuscaloosa has rebuilt so much and keeps on building back stronger every week. CVS on McFarland and 15th Street should be opened by December! It's a wonderful thing knowing that it's coming back so strong.

I look forward to letting all of you know what deals I score that day. If you are in Tuscaloosa that day, I promise I'll be in Bath and Body Works during that day! I love that store and have a whole list of things to buy!

Oh PS.... Roll Tide! Bama's back at the number 2 spot!

Happy Halloween

When witches go riding,

and black cats are seen,

the moon laughs and whispers,

‘tis near Halloween.

~Author Unknown

Treat bags are stuff, wearing one my costume, and Chris' truck looks like a ghost ship that has gigantic green pipes in the back of it, so it must be Halloween! I love Halloween. I have accomplished many things this year in preparation for this year's Halloween.

Last night I really enjoyed being an adult on Halloween time. I made Halloween cupcakes and Halloween cocktails to enjoy while we stuffed treat bags. It was a lot a of fun. We counted twice last night so we are sure we have 300 treat bags. Our church estimated at least 100 kids so we are going prepared incase there are even more. We are going at Princess Peach (Me), Princess Daisy (Dani), Luigi (Frankie), Mario (Chris),  Yoshi (Chris' dog Harry), and Birdo (my dog Abby). We took party streamers and made Chris' truck into a ghost ship by using brown streamers and some black in between the brown. We painted trash can green for the pipes like the Mario Bros Games.

We are having our Halloween/Fall celebration at church. We are doing the hayride and then having a carnival like event and then at 7:30 we are doing trunk or treat. Are classroom boggart went great. We had a little girl that was so excited. I love my students. They were excited to see Miss Who come in wearing her Lily/Hermione costume. Mr. Who will be coming in later this afternoon wearing his Snape costume.

Halloween is not a big deal to me this year. Jackjack is still at St. Jude's. Yes he gets to do their trick or treating, but I wish I could be there or him be with me because I got him an awesome Jackjack costume. Last year he was an apple. May next year he can go as Jack from Nightmare Before Christmas.

I'll admit I am looking forward to holding my Jackjack all the time. He will be slightly spoiled come December because when Sissy (that's me!) isn't at work she will be holding her little man. I am already planning his room and what we are doing for Christmas. I get to Facetime him later once he is in his little costume. I can't wait to see that smiling face! Very excited about seeing him!

The above image is VERY important. People do not realize a lot of these things. A lot people think the children are rude and not brought up right and in some cases that's true. Also keep in mind that teens like to trick or treat as well. It's their last right as a kid. Don't you wish you could still dress up and go trick or treating. Just make sure they don't trick you! Stay safe. 

Parents even though your children can be just doing the trunk or treat or treasure treat make sure they still wear reflective clothing and have a bracelet or temporary tattoo with your number. Those places can get crowded and your children can get separated from you. Make sure if you do go regular trick or treating to be cautious still about what houses you visit and neighborhood. Be mindful of Beware of Dog signs, traffic, and the houses that you do go to as well.

I hope everyone has a Happy Halloween! 

Bonne fête de la Toussaint