December 17....

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

Holiday Cheer

1. If you were pregnant, how would you tell the father? 

Omg.... In a six foot hole I would shout at him that I was pregnant.

2. What's the hardest level you can play on Guitar Hero? 

I don't remember

3. Is your iTunes on shuffle? 

Yes at the moment it is

4. Do you call it pop or soda? 

Lol I'm from the south where we call it coke or drink.... :)

5. If you eat lunch at school, how much does it cost you?

i don't eat lunch at school.

6. Are you one of those people who hate crying in front of others?

no, i don't mind. actually, it depends around who though.

7. What ever happened with you and your first boyfriend? 

Um technically on my first real boyfriend and we are really serious... I'm old fashion and it took me 23 years to find a guy I like.

8. What's something that made you laugh last night? 

NCIS

9. Does the last person you kissed have freckles? 

No

10. Is there a difference between kitchen and bathroom water? 

I think here there is.(& I honestly thought I was the only one who thought that)

11. If you think so, what do you like better?

I like the kitchen water the best.

12. Name someone you know with their lip pierced: 

Dylan

13. Chicken or shrimp alfredo? 

shrimp alfredo.

14. How many songs by AC/DC do you have on your iPod? 

6

15. What's better; shuffle or bolding surveys? 

bolding.

16. How many letters long is the name of the town you live in or nearest to? 

eleven.

17. Do you shave your arms? 

No

18. What's your favorite country song? 

Right now? .Mary and Joseph - Tim McGraw

19. Do you think Obama is going to be able to fix all the problems America is facing? 

No

20. Romney or Obama?

Romney.

21. If you have siblings, who do you think will be married first, you or them? 

Them since one already is

22. Did you ever watch 'Boy Meets World'? 

yep.

23. Chicken or steak? 

Chicken

24. What is the worst thing a former boyfriend/girlfriend has done to you? 

Emotionally suffocated me and exaggerated things 

25. What's your favorite kind of cereal? 

Cinnamon toast crunch

26. Best movie kiss? 

A Walk to Remember

27. If you were throwing a huge party, and you could pick any 3 bands to play, who would you pick? 

Westlife (I know they have disbanded), a7x, and The Puppini Sisters

28. Do you shut off your computer at night? 

Yes

29. Would you rather have a flying car or a time machine? 

a time machine.

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.

Rockettes

Holiday parties are here! Yep I have quite a few lined up. This coming Friday is the kick off for parties. Tonight we are heading to see the Rockettes! I have seen them before here at the Gaylord Hotel in Nasvhille but this time I am getting to share the experience with Jackjack and Mary Ann (though she has actually seen them at Radio City.) 

The blogs will be short this week if they get posted at all because finals are all this week and the week after. I'm sorry in advance for the late posting.

I'm off to get ready in the cramped little hotel bathroom! There are 5 of use including Jackjack in a room. And 3 out of the 4 are obsessed with how they look including myself. There is more hair products on the counter than in Ulta and make up of all sorts. It's very crazy in our bathroom. 

Along with everything else that is crazy this week... A friend of mine is getting married tomorrow which was very spur of the moment and also my cousin is thinking her twins may come sometime this week!

I will let you know how the performance goes I promise!

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

A Butterfly's Wings

This past weekend emotionally hit me, boyfriend and his brother hard. Our close friend and one of my best friend deals with depression and self harming. I know, I know she needs professional help. I got news for you people she is on her 4th shrink.

I don't know how I would deal if my parents always promised to come see me on Christmas Day and they never did. They will come see her on different holidays, but Christmas they promise and then they never do. She has been upset by a lot. Her past kept haunting her and she was jealous of me...

I wasn't proud of that at all. I knew how much Mary Ann struggled with her depression and knowing that she was jealous of me didn't make things easier with me helping her to cope. However, I swear God has these angels he likes to call Rasbrowen/Raposo brothers.

When she cut (over 50 slashes to herself and two of them going up and down) on Friday night/Saturday morning that threw us all for a loop. I went to sleep feeling like something wasn't right. I knew Mary Ann had been off tonight. She had confessed to Chris' brother Frankie she liked him. I woke up about 3:45 sweating and I was browsing my Facebook (because isn't that what everyone does when they can't sleep?) I seen the following and I bolted out of my bed pulling on a sweatshirt over my tshirt and trying to move Jackjack without waking him and calling Chris:

Mary Ann's status from two hours before was haunting me. Frankie would watch Jackjack while Chris and I would go check on her. She wouldn't answer the door so Chris being his self resorts to busting down the door like he does when he is on duty with the fire department. What he did next left my mouth hanging open.

She was dizzy and fuzzy from blood loss. Chris check to make non of the slashes were to wide or long and then stripped her down to her underwear and then lifted her into the bathroom. I was horrified at the blood in her house. He flipped on the water and proceeded to haul her right into the shower with her screaming that it hurt and was too hot. He didn't say a word. When he asked for a wash cloth I didn't hesitate I could tell he was in mode to not be messed with. He scrubbed her slashes while she screamed that he was soap and it burned. 

I remember thinking it was odd that he looked relieve that she was screaming and begging him to stop. He explained to me later that his younger brother who used to cut didn't mind water or soap because he liked the pain and sensation. Mary Ann was different, very different. Chris (who is still fully clothed and in the shower with her) flipped the water to cold. I learned that was to constrict her blood vessels. He grabbed a shabby looking towel and dried her off. (I can remember thinking this is weird like 50 Shades and Leila and that thought made me almost laugh.)

What Chris did next made me gasp and made Mary Ann scream. He pour alcohol (not peroxide) onto the slashes. I know that had to be torturous with all of those cuts. She was swearing at him and screaming for him to stop. She finally called him a son of a b****. He laughed and said told her she the nail on the head with that one. She hated that he laughed and decided to call him a bastard. He was quiet for a second and then smiled and said that it was pretty much true. He told her that she could bite him if the next gash hurt when he put the alcohol in. She did and she said she almost passed out from the pain. She started crying that it hurt and he told her that cutting hurts more than just her.

He wrapped her in bandages and then lifted her to me. She looked like a poodle with her wrists and lower legs bandages. Chris went and dug through her clothing until he found loose fitting pajamas. I sat there and dried her hair while Chris talked to Frankie explaining what had happened.

Poor Frankie hadn't slept at all that night learning about self harm. It should when he brought Jackjack over to Mary Ann's. I was so afraid that Frankie was going to look at her with disgust. He looked at her with concerned instead. He handed me Jackjack and walked over to her (while looking at the blood) and sat beside her and searched her eyes. I could tell she almost started crying because you could see the concern in his face and the caring and possible love in his eyes.

He took her hand and started to drawing a butterfly on the back of her hand. He explained to all of us what he had found out while researching self harming. This is called the Butterfly Project:

1. When you feel like you want to cut, take a marker, pen, or sharpies and draw a butterfly on your arm or hand.
2. Name the butterfly after a loved one, or someone that really wants you to get better.
3. You must let the butterfly fade naturally. NO scrubbing it off.
4. If you cut before the butterfly is gone, you’ve killed it. If you dont cut, it lives.
5. If you have more than one butterfly, cutting kills all of them.
6. Another person may draw them on you. These butterflies are extra special. Take good care of them.
7. Even if you don’t cut, feel free to draw a butterfly anyways, to show your support. If you do this, name it after someone you know that cuts or is suffering right now, and tell them. It could help.

He drew one on his own hand to show her that he was there for her as well. He took her leg and drew a Cookie Monster on her and told if she cut that she wouldn't get any cookies. Frankie sees himself as Cookie Monster because he eats at least 30 cookies of some sort a day. For her this was amazing. We fed her and Chris made her chase him to get her blood pumping. We spent the rest of the day having fun (including Alabama beating Georgia!)

What bothered me was what would have happened had Chris and I not busted down her door (Chris is paying to have it fixed btw.) Would we have found dead? Would she have finally come to her senses? 

I knew she self harmed, but I never dreamed I'd see it first hand. I had begged her to stop. I think part of me blames myself because I had pushed her to stop smoking (but that's equally as bad.) She had stopped smoking. 

Frankie stood out among every man I know last night. I knew the self harmed had bothered him because of his own past. His and Chris' baby brother was a huge self harmer and their own mother committed suicide and poor Frankie had tried to rip his own IV out when he couldn't get better.

Frankie had been working a basket for her. I was afraid a bear, food, and flowers would fade fast. He shocked his whole family and friends because he didn't put food and flowers (he did put a bear.) He gave her a stress ball that looks like a cookie that says if she wanted to release everything squeeze the cookie ball. 

If she wanted to cry, cry into the handkerchiefs that he had printed with sayings like: You are beautiful. You are can go on. You are worth more than what anyone tells you. He gave her two boxes of Twinings Tea that said if she wanted to drink to drink the tea. If she wanted to get high, stand on the foot stool he included and smell his shirt. He wrote on a water gun if she wanted to shoot herself use the it. He took off her bandages and put in it a picture saying if she wanted to her blood then look in the pictures frames with butterflies on them nonetheless. If she wanted to reminder of why she should go on use the note with his information and listen to her heart beat with the stethoscope. He also put a cd and a journal in there. However, the best thing he did. He went and had 3000 pictures printed of her and gave her a pair of dull scissors and told her to cut herself up all she wanted but he didn't want to see anymore scars.

His entire family and several friend was astounded by that last night. It was amazing. These are the guys that give girls hope when the rest of the population of men fail. 

Do not get discourage there is people out there that care this much about you if you are a self harmer. Take what he gave her and use it for yourself.

Mary Ann has now opened up completely. Not only has she cut before, she has also carved, she has also punched mirrors and glass windows to bruise and cut herself, she has scratched until her first layer of skin was gone, she has bit to the point that she made blood, she has pulled at her hair on her arms, put staples in herself and also embedded nails in her body. 

To many older adults they look at in disgusts saying these people just want attention. They do because they are not able to deal with life. I know many of us deal with life without self harm or drugs. Hopefully with time so will Mary Ann. She got saved Sunday so that's a start. 

Shocking fact:

Though not exclusively, the person seeking treatment is usually from a middle to upper class background, of average to high intelligence, and has low self-esteem. Nearly 50% report physical and/or sexual abuse during his or her childhood. Many report (as high as 90%), that they were discouraged from expressing emotions, particularly anger and sadness. - Mental Health America

The above video is from a website that has a great way to help people who self harm. I am checking into the iPhone App right now. Below are the numbers to help yourself or someone you love or care about. Please don't disregard what these people go through it could mean their life.

Depression Hotline: 1-630-482-9696

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-784-8433

LifeLine: 1-800-273-8255 

Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 

Sexuality Support: 1-800-246-7743 

Eating Disorders Hotline: 1-847-831-3438 

Rape and Sexual Assault: 1-800-656-4673 

Grief Support: 1-650-321-5272 

Runaway: 1-800-843-5200, 1-800-843-5678, 1-800-621-4000 

Advent: Hope: Tuesday

"Philip said, 'Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.' Jesus answered: 'Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you for such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, "Show us the Father"? Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of thee miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything my name, and I will do it." - John 14: 8-14

The New Testament has many examples of Christ's wondrous miracles. He healed the sick, raised the dead, and fed thousands, yet He tells us that we can go on to even greater deeds through His Spirit. Ask God how He wants to use you this Christmas. Maybe you will feed the homeless in your community, clothe the poor, or bring comfort to sick and lonely. If you ask for His guidance, He will work through you and direct your path. Even the smallest act of grace can change a life, a community, and even the world.

The hope we have as Christians is not only that we have Christ living in us, but also that we have Him working through us. Hope teaches us to have faith in Christ and to do things He leads us to do. Acting under the power of Christ will produce amazing results.

Dear Lord, Please show us how you would have us serve others this Christmas season, and empower us as Your vessels that, by serving others, we may bring You glory. We thank You and praise You ask these things in Your Son's 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!

Smiling

1. When you make a mess are you more likely to clean it up right away, or do you get to it later?
I normally always pick it up right after i make the mess. I don't want someone else to have to do.

2. Do you like to have croutons in your salad?
I do but it depends mostly on the salads

3. Which do you find more irritating - sunburn or bug bites?
Bug bites. Sunburn hurts but is easier to treat personally for me.

4. What shape / type of fry do you like best [waffle fry, curly fry, steak fry, sweet potato fry, tater tot, etc.]?
Waffle is my absolute favorite and then steak and curly, plus tater tots

5. What is your favorite way to eat a potato? Did you know that potatoes contain a toxin that can cause confusion & weakness?
I like spuds with meats and cheeses on it. I don't think that is true...

6. Do you prefer baked pretzels or the bagged, crunchy variety? Or perhaps you don't like pretzels at all?
Baked... unless its the crunchy honey mustard pretzels

7. If you were to take a relaxing bath, would you opt for bubbles or no bubbles? If yes to the bubbles, any particular scent?
Bubbles, and I love most scents except for lavender.

8. Have you ever used bath beads?
Yes

9. What do you look forward to the most about the colder times of the year?
Christmas, sweater dresses, and more clothing options

10. Which could you better tolerate - sitting in a room with a constantly-screaming baby, or sitting in a room with a blaring siren going off, both for an hour's duration?
Sitting in a room with a constantly-screaming baby. I can tolerate that. I couldn't tolerate a siren going off. that stuff annoys me. I can put up with the baby.

11. Did you ever believe there was a magical world hidden within your wardrobe / closet? Did you ever wish there was?
No but I did dream of an Owl bringing me a letter.....

12. What is one song that always makes you feel nostalgic when you hear it? What does it remind you of precisely?
Achy Breaky Heart Daddy sang that to me in Paris and everyone thought he was nuts.

13. What material was the last item you broke made out of [it could even be a torn piece of paper]?
Plastic, hanger

14. Did your parents fill out a baby book for you when you were growing up? If so, have you ever looked at it before? If not, do you wish that they had?
They did and I love it.

15. What are some items you miss from your childhood that you held close to your heart? What was so special about it / them?
I miss my art case. My then new stepsister pour black paint over it.

16. Do you find it stupid that entertainers make more money than doctors, who spend their lives helping save other people's lives? Do you think that entertainment is really that important?
I think it's completely stupid. I think majority of the time entertainers are most likely either drunk or high before taking stage. I think doctors deserve to make twice as what the entertainers make. Entertainment is not all that important.

17. Have you ever had Christmas lights turned on when it was nowhere near December?
Yes (Listen to the songs called What She likes by Evan & Jaron)

18. How does your family usually decorate the Christmas tree, if your family celebrates Christmas?
My dad puts up three trees. I put up the same. One with cookie ornaments, he puts one up outside with popcorn, berries, and pine cones dipped in birdseed, I put one up in my bedroom, and we both put the biggest one up in our living room. :)

19. Given the option, which of these worlds would you be more likely to want to live in - Halloween Town, Hogwarts, Narnia, Wonderland? What is the reason behind your choice?
WHAT?!?!?! HOGWARTS VS HALLOWEEN TOWN!?!?!?! YOU ARE MAKING ME PICK!?!? Ughhhhh Hogwarts with trips to Halloweentown!!!

20. Do you more often receive a gift, gift card, or money for your birthday / on holidays?
It used to be gifts but as I grow up I get more and more money and gift cards

21. What has been the most embarrassing, or uncomfortable, doctor visit you have ever experienced?
My first gyno visit...Really ask nice me can the interns watch? I think God was testing my niceness that day...

22. Have you ever had to hang your clothes out on a clothesline? Do you find that more or less efficient than using a dryer?
I do some still, well not clothes but I hang my towels on my balcony that faces the woods :) They absorb soooo much more water. Yes we didn't used to have a dryer at home (come on we still had a pump in the kitchen for water.)

23. Do you prefer to learn on your own, or to be taught how to do things? Which one is easier for you?
It depends on what i'm being taught. I like to teach myself a lot if it's technology based.

24. If you needed help with homework when you were a kid, or even now, who did / would you go to?
My older brothers

25. Where do you think is the worst / most uncomfortable place to itch at?
I don't know.

Advent: Week of Hope: Monday

"'You know the way to the place where I am going.' Thomas said to the him. 'Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?' Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.'" - John 14:4-7

Our hope for salvation is in Christ Jesus. He and He alone is the way, the truth and the life. Draw into a closer relationship with Him by reflecting on who He is, His perfect love, His wonderful grace, His tender mercy, His almighty power and majesty. Take a moment to talk about all the blessings in your life for which you are thankful, and praise Jesus for what He has done for you. With Christ living in you, you can celebrate this Christmas and Advent like you never have before!

You may have noticed that during the Advent season, some churches display the color purple in their sanctuaries, and some display the color blue. And you may have even heard that the color purple is the color of royalty, but do you know why? Well, it all has to do with expensive snails!

Thousands of years ago, when Christ was living on the earth, the color of purple was the most expensive dye to produce- only kings could afford such fashionable extravagance. In fact, one ounce of dye the weight of just five nickels and one penny) cost much more than an entire pound of gold. Why was it so expensive? Believe it or not, the royal dye called tekhelet in Hebrew, was squeezed from snails-- a type of mollusk! the extracts were boiled down and mixed with other chemicals to make just the right color. It would take over 10,000 mollusks to make enough dye for just one toga or robe. The process was lost somewhere in the eighth century AD and people throughout history have spent years trying to recreate the dye because of the mystery over where it was purple or blue.

In ancient documents, the color tekhelet is often described as violet, but other sources refer to it as the same color of the sky or sea, which would mean it was blue. Even today, scientists are analyzing biological, chemical and archaeological data to try and figure it out, but no one has been able to find an answer. Regardless of whether your church chooses to use purple or royal blue in the weeks leading up to Christmas, the meaning is the same. During Advent we prepare the way and honor Christ the Lord, the one true King, with the most royal color we can find.

Dear Jesus, thank You for Your great sacrifice on the cross and the gift of salvation and eternal life. Create in me a pure heart and a desire to really know You . I make this prayer in Jesus' name. Amen

Sick Season...

Winter marks the beginning of so many great things, but it also means that the sick season is also now with us. And here in my region of the US it's awful because one day we will have balmy nice weather and the next it's a frigid cold air. I myself get an occasional cold. Below are things I can't make it without.

Vick's Vapor Rub - The rumor going around that it helps with coughing when you put it on your feet is true! Plus it helps with sinuses.

Nostrilla - Hands down and up and all around. I live for this nasal spray! It is instant! If they ever go out of business or stop selling it near me I am completely going to not be able to breath when I have a cold or sinus issues.

Kleenex Cold Tissue - This is the most amazing thing. These kleenexes are always cold. It's great for a nose that is puffy and has mucus running out of it. It doesn't make the blotchiness worse

In addition to Kleenex Cold tissue I recommend Boogie wipes too! They dissolve boogies that are just gross. I have several friends that are moms (even though I'm a mom now I haven't crossed this bridge yet thankfully) and they all recommend these.

Cough syrup - I am not picky, because honestly every time I start to cough it likes to pick and choose its battles against cough syrup will make it go away. I do like Mucinex DM, and Mucines Cold & Sinus in liquid form it seems to really help.

Warm socks! I highly recommend getting some aloe socks when getting a cold or sinus infection. The ones I love the most came from Bath & Body Works.

These are the products I use the most when sick or not feeling well. I hope they help you!

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.

Miami Here We Come!!!

After the night I had last night I needed this sight! That's right Alabama beat Georgia! All of my emotions were in those last 15 seconds. Seriously I think seconds on a game clock are longer than real time. Because I know it takes me like 30 seconds to move 5 steps back and lurch forward and throw a ball, but during a game it's only 5 seconds.

Last night my best friend was dealing with self harming herself; my boyfriend and I actually had to bust down her door because she had lost so much blood she was dizzy. She is going to be ok. We started her on the Butterfly project but more on that this coming Wednesday. We haven't let her leave our sight. She likes my boyfriend's triplet brother so she got to hang out with him all day.

So we are piled up on the floor at Erica's watching the game. I am nervous as crap. I was decorating a tiny tree to take back to our house in Tuscaloosa. That game was awful to watch. However, I was dying to watch it and for us to win. Those last 30 seconds of that game. Georgia pushing the line and by a freaking miracle and players being well trained to catch a ball... "ALABAMA WON!!!!" If that Georgia guy hadn't of caught that ball oh I think I would have died.

Ok so I know I this is a future post. That's because WE ARE GOING TO MIAMI!!! Chris gets a special package since he is holders of season Alabama tickets! So 45 minutes after Alabama won the game my fate was set I am going to Miami for the Championship! I have full faith that Alabama will dominant! This is going to be awesome!!!

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.

MIA

Sometimes God’s Will is Finding True Love with God

The Best Friend

We have been friends since my second day on the job. She has been one of my best friends since the first time Chris walked through the door of my work. Why? Her firsts words when she saw him? “I’m having sex just by looking at him—Oh my God that’s your boyfriend?!?!” I have shared many laughs with her ever since.

But she isn’t laughs once she goes home. At first I just noticed the change in her when we would go to the mall or hang out with Hannah. Then the first time she stayed with me I realized that Mary Ann wasn’t just right. I love her like a sister. She knows I’m writing this I got permission.

Her Past

She has traveled the world like I have. We have been to some of the same exotic places, and then are some places we have been to that the other one hasn’t.  It became clear to me that she felt that her parents were against her. They shoved her in a private boarding school for girls and then during the summer let her vacation wherever she wanted as long as she could find someone to go with her. I noticed that there was distained in her voice especially when talking about her father.

She finally confessed that she hated how she was living. She knew that witchcraft bull wasn’t for her. She also confessed that she has seen at least different psychiatrists. Then everything started following into place. She always has huge bangles on her wrists or sports cuffs.

Help

I invited her to church because I wanted her to see me to shock my pastor. He leads the college group. His favorite Disney movie is Mulan and his favorite scene is where she has the climb the pole with the weights. He wanted us to climb the flag pole that didn’t have flag on it yet. I smiled because I wasn’t going to shock him the first week. Now there several guys that tried and he was giving us several weeks to prep to try. I finally stood up that night and told MIA (her nickname) my pastor blanched at me. I got a good grip and swung myself up and climb it almost effortlessly.  MIA was laughing.

No one was expecting innocent me to climb the pole that so many jocks and other guys had tried to climb. I did it in less than a minute. MIA was the first one to hug me when I came down. My pastor asked how I did that. I told him honestly and straight forth; I can pole dance. I do it for fitness and strength. He nodded. He didn’t even flinch. MIA was taken aback by how accepting he was of everything.

She started going to church even when I wasn’t there. She stopped smoking right after her birthday party. As for the drinking, we cleaned out her liquor cabinet and stocked it with wine. However, as much as I am around her I do have my own life. Her depression rises and the self-mutilation still happens. She is loud and crazy is social events. Home and quiet places she gets antsy. However….

Him

I have wrote about him before on blog. If you go to my Crohn's Awareness posts that’s where you will find him. Frankie is my boyfriend twin/triplet brother. They are identical (when Frankie shaves his beard.) He has suffered from Crohn's for six years now.

As far as his disease goes he has an amazing strength about him. Sure he doubts sometimes about finding the strength to go on. Many people can't put themselves in that situation of knowing that you will never be cured for the sickness that you have. Many of think well I'll go to the medical center and get a prescription antibiotic and bam cured. His isn't like that all. Doctor's don't even claim to have a cure for Crohn's. Frankie is literally in the top 25 worst cases in the world. Not the US, the world is where his name sits on that list. He has to be extremely careful with what he eats, what he does, and what even thinks about. Stress is the worst enemy for him.

Them

A crazy thought occurred to me about three weeks ago. Frankie was very upset about a friend of his and we had 3 tickets to see Breaking Dawn Part: 2 so I suggested he go with me and Mary Ann. They got to know each other a little bit better than they already did. Then the lovely night that I ran to think they talked together.

After that night while I was watching them. I seen a happiness in his eyes and hope in hers. He was grinning from ear to ear and she was blushing, something neither of them do. The next day at work I told her to take him either out to lunch or take him lunch because I didn't know if he was feeling out for the public. He wasn't in great health that day. She took him to Chikfila.

Then they spent that night in Chris' living room getting to know each other. He played her and entire concert and they made ornaments together. They were hilarious. He couldn't stop grinning and she couldn't stop blushing and giggling. They couldn't stay away from each over the weekend. The boys and I went to Tuscaloosa for Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and the Iron Bowl game. She joined us in Tuscaloosa on Thanksgiving night to go shopping. Which was extra funny because she dared Frankie to buy her a pair of underwear in exchange for her paying for lunch. Oh and he did. A nice pair of black lacy cheekies.

They are still enjoying time together and they are taking things slow which I totally approve. However, I do love watching them gush about each other. They are waiting with baited breath for this weekend. Tomorrow he has a special date for her.and this weekend we are all going ice skating.