Wednesday, December 22, 2010
You get Two Posts Today
"She was comfortable in her own shoes, and she discovered they looked best with the uniqueness God had given her."
My Christmas Post
I had the "Ahha!" moment. I usually have it once a year when I am reminded of what Christmas is.
My sweet husband put off Christmas shopping for a few of his family members until Saturday. The Saturday before Christmas. Realizing this about noon, we put on our shopping faces and headed to the mall. It was packed. More packed than black Friday. People were frantically running from store to store. I even witnessed a few people pushing others out of their way. It was ridiculous.
This got me thinking. Why is this what Christmas is? Why is it that there are so many people(including myself) running around like crazy trying to find that perfect gift. Spending more money than necessary to celebrate Christmas. Now, don't get me wrong- I LOVE gifts. And I love giving them, but it has become the focus. Chris and I have gone over our list many times to make sure we don't forget anyone, but have yet to sit down as a family and read the Christmas Story- the real one.
Isn't that what this time of year is about? Isn't it about celebrating our Savior's birth?
I got a call from my mom the other day explaining that Christmas was going to be a little scarce this year since she quit her job in September. This totally threw me off. It took me a minute to understand that she was talking about presents. Once I realized this I was frustrated. Not really with her alone, but also myself. Is this what we have let Christmas become? My family is so focused on gifts that Christmas seems worse because there won't be as many presents under the tree. Pathetic.
As I write this I start to think about how much Chris and I spent on each other. Last year was ridiculous, so we cut back this year. The goal was 50$ each, but that didn't happen. I spent $130 on Chris and I am guessing he spent about 80$ on me. We were $110 over what we planned. Sadly this is still much better than last year. We spent about $300 on the rest of our friends and family. I am sure many think this is still not much, but to us it is. This is a large sum of money for a teacher and grad student. This doesn't include everything else that comes with Christmas.
Let me also say that I wouldn't change all of this. I wouldn't change going home, buying a tree, making treats for others, or buying for our family members; I would change how much. Most importantly I would change the fact that gifts have been the focus.
I am almost embarrassed that as a Christian I have not read the Christmas story yet. I have not taken time to focus on the reason for Christmas.
I hope that all of you find joy in the Savior this week and throughout the year. I hope that the giving spirit sticks with you- not just with gifts- but your life. I hope that as you spend time with family and friends you are a light for Christ. I also hope that you take a minute (hopefully more) to spend time thanking God for sending his Son for us. Read his story- all of the accounts the Bible gives us, and share this story with those around you.
"These will be his royal titles: 'wonderful,' 'counselor,' the mighty God,' the Everlasting Father, 'the Prince of Peace.' Isaiah 9:6
My sweet husband put off Christmas shopping for a few of his family members until Saturday. The Saturday before Christmas. Realizing this about noon, we put on our shopping faces and headed to the mall. It was packed. More packed than black Friday. People were frantically running from store to store. I even witnessed a few people pushing others out of their way. It was ridiculous.
This got me thinking. Why is this what Christmas is? Why is it that there are so many people(including myself) running around like crazy trying to find that perfect gift. Spending more money than necessary to celebrate Christmas. Now, don't get me wrong- I LOVE gifts. And I love giving them, but it has become the focus. Chris and I have gone over our list many times to make sure we don't forget anyone, but have yet to sit down as a family and read the Christmas Story- the real one.
Isn't that what this time of year is about? Isn't it about celebrating our Savior's birth?
I got a call from my mom the other day explaining that Christmas was going to be a little scarce this year since she quit her job in September. This totally threw me off. It took me a minute to understand that she was talking about presents. Once I realized this I was frustrated. Not really with her alone, but also myself. Is this what we have let Christmas become? My family is so focused on gifts that Christmas seems worse because there won't be as many presents under the tree. Pathetic.
As I write this I start to think about how much Chris and I spent on each other. Last year was ridiculous, so we cut back this year. The goal was 50$ each, but that didn't happen. I spent $130 on Chris and I am guessing he spent about 80$ on me. We were $110 over what we planned. Sadly this is still much better than last year. We spent about $300 on the rest of our friends and family. I am sure many think this is still not much, but to us it is. This is a large sum of money for a teacher and grad student. This doesn't include everything else that comes with Christmas.
Let me also say that I wouldn't change all of this. I wouldn't change going home, buying a tree, making treats for others, or buying for our family members; I would change how much. Most importantly I would change the fact that gifts have been the focus.
I am almost embarrassed that as a Christian I have not read the Christmas story yet. I have not taken time to focus on the reason for Christmas.
I hope that all of you find joy in the Savior this week and throughout the year. I hope that the giving spirit sticks with you- not just with gifts- but your life. I hope that as you spend time with family and friends you are a light for Christ. I also hope that you take a minute (hopefully more) to spend time thanking God for sending his Son for us. Read his story- all of the accounts the Bible gives us, and share this story with those around you.
"These will be his royal titles: 'wonderful,' 'counselor,' the mighty God,' the Everlasting Father, 'the Prince of Peace.' Isaiah 9:6
Friday, December 17, 2010
Today's the day.
Throw up a few prayers for my dad today, please. His tests are sometime today, but still not sure when we will know the results.
"Miracles are God's way of showing us that if we believe, all things are possible."
"Miracles are God's way of showing us that if we believe, all things are possible."
Thursday, December 16, 2010
For Mrs. Harness
Megan has asked a couple of times what calender I have, and since it is such a wonderful calender, I thought I would share it with all.
It is a DaySpring calender called "She Lives, She Loves, She Laughs". The "brand" is Sassy and Sophisticated. Here's the link:http://store.dayspring.com/365dacasaso.html
"Let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praide your heavenly father." Matthew 5:16
"Joy is the soul's celebration of everything God has done."
It is a DaySpring calender called "She Lives, She Loves, She Laughs". The "brand" is Sassy and Sophisticated. Here's the link:http://store.dayspring.com/365dacasaso.html
"Let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praide your heavenly father." Matthew 5:16
"Joy is the soul's celebration of everything God has done."
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Back to the Black Boots
" She was absolutely glowing in her fashionable red dress, sparkly earrings, and passion for God."
I love this quote because it reminds me that my personality and attitude can show off my faith and my love for the creator of the universe. It's so cool to think that people can see God in me just by my conversations with them, and hopefully my "glow". After I read this quote I smiled, moved on, and then realized it's message. Here is my take:
Let me make it clear that I am not that trendy. I refuse to buy things that I think will be out of style in a year. I am too cheap for that. I have decided that my style is more of a classy practical, though I am not sure if many would say I even have a "style".
With this said, I do enjoy dressing-up. It makes me feel better. I don't like dressing like a slob, and lately I tend to dress girlier/dressier than I have in the past; I realized how fun it is. I actually think about what I am going to wear now, rather than throwing something on at the last minute. When I shop I am preparing outfits in my head and thinking of all the different ways I can wear a purchase. I even bought awesome black boots to wear rather than my everyday, comfortable flats. And yes, I am very thankful for my black boots, but that's a whole other post. ;)
Though confident in myself, I know I am not physically perfect. But I constantly try to be my healthiest. I eat well and go to the gym at least 5 times a week. I strive to take care of the body I was given. I take time to put on make-up every morning. I get my haircut on a regular basis. Basically, I keep myself presentable and professional.
What I am getting at is that I spend time on my outward appearance. I take the time to do all of the little things that keep me looking socially acceptable. But with my calender quote this morning, I started to wonder if I am doing everything I need to do to keep my passion for God noticeable. Am I joyful? Are my words "seasoned with salt"? Who am I living for? Am I praying enough? Am I living a life that is questionable to others? Am I causing others to sin? Am I reading and devouring God's word as I am my no brainer, thoughtless girl novel?
While answering these questions honestly, I became aware of how others may perceive me. Especially the past few weeks. I am so "busy" that my quiet times are a last priority. I pray, but I don't listen. Even in this hard time of waiting on results for my dad's testing, I am still not brought to my knees in prayer. What's the deal? I am not joyful. I am sarcastic and critical. My words can be hurtful. I am living for myself and my obligations. I talk about others. Worst of all, I cause people to sin. I could go on. My life is far from allowing others to see my passion for God.
With these struggles, am I glowing from the inside in a way that others can see my passion for Christ?
So, what now? The first step is admitting you have a problem, right?
I found a few verses to remind me of the woman God wants me to be and the things I need to change in order to reach my full potential. I want to glow from the inside.
Proverbs 31: 29- “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Colossions 3: 12-17- Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 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.
James 1: 19- 27- My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Wow.
It's amazing what God can put in your life to convict you. A calender? Oh my.
I could find verses forever. I could talk about all of my faults. I could focus on them. But I won't. I will focus on serving my creator. On worshiping the God of the Universe. The one who loves me unconditionally- sin and all.
Thank God for forgiveness.
I love this quote because it reminds me that my personality and attitude can show off my faith and my love for the creator of the universe. It's so cool to think that people can see God in me just by my conversations with them, and hopefully my "glow". After I read this quote I smiled, moved on, and then realized it's message. Here is my take:
Let me make it clear that I am not that trendy. I refuse to buy things that I think will be out of style in a year. I am too cheap for that. I have decided that my style is more of a classy practical, though I am not sure if many would say I even have a "style".
With this said, I do enjoy dressing-up. It makes me feel better. I don't like dressing like a slob, and lately I tend to dress girlier/dressier than I have in the past; I realized how fun it is. I actually think about what I am going to wear now, rather than throwing something on at the last minute. When I shop I am preparing outfits in my head and thinking of all the different ways I can wear a purchase. I even bought awesome black boots to wear rather than my everyday, comfortable flats. And yes, I am very thankful for my black boots, but that's a whole other post. ;)
Though confident in myself, I know I am not physically perfect. But I constantly try to be my healthiest. I eat well and go to the gym at least 5 times a week. I strive to take care of the body I was given. I take time to put on make-up every morning. I get my haircut on a regular basis. Basically, I keep myself presentable and professional.
What I am getting at is that I spend time on my outward appearance. I take the time to do all of the little things that keep me looking socially acceptable. But with my calender quote this morning, I started to wonder if I am doing everything I need to do to keep my passion for God noticeable. Am I joyful? Are my words "seasoned with salt"? Who am I living for? Am I praying enough? Am I living a life that is questionable to others? Am I causing others to sin? Am I reading and devouring God's word as I am my no brainer, thoughtless girl novel?
While answering these questions honestly, I became aware of how others may perceive me. Especially the past few weeks. I am so "busy" that my quiet times are a last priority. I pray, but I don't listen. Even in this hard time of waiting on results for my dad's testing, I am still not brought to my knees in prayer. What's the deal? I am not joyful. I am sarcastic and critical. My words can be hurtful. I am living for myself and my obligations. I talk about others. Worst of all, I cause people to sin. I could go on. My life is far from allowing others to see my passion for God.
With these struggles, am I glowing from the inside in a way that others can see my passion for Christ?
So, what now? The first step is admitting you have a problem, right?
I found a few verses to remind me of the woman God wants me to be and the things I need to change in order to reach my full potential. I want to glow from the inside.
Proverbs 31: 29- “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Colossions 3: 12-17- Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 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.
James 1: 19- 27- My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Wow.
It's amazing what God can put in your life to convict you. A calender? Oh my.
I could find verses forever. I could talk about all of my faults. I could focus on them. But I won't. I will focus on serving my creator. On worshiping the God of the Universe. The one who loves me unconditionally- sin and all.
Thank God for forgiveness.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Saturday (Creative, huh?)
It's been a long week. I will spare you the details, but I just hate when people are selfish. I really do. But date night was last night, and today will be wonderful after I suffer through a run. This goal thing is working- I convinced myself not to go run, but then realized I posted it- so I guess I am going...
Chris leaves for a trip soon, so I will be making two batches of granola bars for him to take on the road. I am a big fan of homemade granola bars for many reasons: they are cheaper, they are healthier, and we can make them however we want them! This will be the second recipe I have tried. The first recipe was very rich and wonderful- it was perfect for after a run, but a little too much for a snack. I make them and keep them in the fridge for days I don't have time to make a lunch... ;D
This recipe is another one from thefrugalgirl.com: www.thefrugalgirl.com/2009/06/homemade-granola-bars/
I am going to try both the Cinnamon raisin and the chocolate chip. I will for sure do the wheat flour and wheat germ. If you have never used wheat germ I highly recommend it. It is rich in vitamins and nutrients, fiber filled, and can help with heart issues. I know I sound like a commercial, but seriously, you should try it. :)
After the yummy granola bars, it's cookie time! I have three cookie exchanges this week, so that means dozens and dozens of cookies! Here are the two I am planning on making:Peanut Butter Cup Cookies and The $250 cookie (or Neiman Marcus). I have made the previous before, and they are delicious!
So that's my Saturday- and I am pumped! Baking is my second best stress reliever!
Chris leaves for a trip soon, so I will be making two batches of granola bars for him to take on the road. I am a big fan of homemade granola bars for many reasons: they are cheaper, they are healthier, and we can make them however we want them! This will be the second recipe I have tried. The first recipe was very rich and wonderful- it was perfect for after a run, but a little too much for a snack. I make them and keep them in the fridge for days I don't have time to make a lunch... ;D
This recipe is another one from thefrugalgirl.com: www.thefrugalgirl.com/2009/06/homemade-granola-bars/
I am going to try both the Cinnamon raisin and the chocolate chip. I will for sure do the wheat flour and wheat germ. If you have never used wheat germ I highly recommend it. It is rich in vitamins and nutrients, fiber filled, and can help with heart issues. I know I sound like a commercial, but seriously, you should try it. :)
After the yummy granola bars, it's cookie time! I have three cookie exchanges this week, so that means dozens and dozens of cookies! Here are the two I am planning on making:Peanut Butter Cup Cookies and The $250 cookie (or Neiman Marcus). I have made the previous before, and they are delicious!
So that's my Saturday- and I am pumped! Baking is my second best stress reliever!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Wrong Date.
In a previous post I said that my dad would be tested yesterday (I think), but apparantly the appointment got changed. He is being tested closer to Christmas. I am not sure why they moved it, but I have played the waiting game this long, surely I can keep going.
As for my Monday goals, I chose to not pay attention to what I ate, considering I started my morning with a peice of pie and cookies... I know Katie will understand ;)
"Her heart believed and she sparkled from head to toe."
As for my Monday goals, I chose to not pay attention to what I ate, considering I started my morning with a peice of pie and cookies... I know Katie will understand ;)
"Her heart believed and she sparkled from head to toe."
Monday, December 6, 2010
Monday: Goals
It's Monday morning, and I got up early to go to Pump class. But unfortunately the door is frozen shut and I need Chris to open it. So, instead of working out, I decided to make my Goal List of the week. I thought about doing this a while ago but never got around to it. I am planning on doing this at the beging of each week and hoping that if I put it on my blog I will do it....
1. Go to body pump 2 days (obviously 3 is out)
2. Run a total of 12 miles (not quite training for the second half yet...)
3. Do my quiet time at least 5 days this week
4. Finish 3rd period Short Stories
5. Track my calories (don't judge. It keeps me from eating a ridiculous amount.)
That's it.
Have a great Monday!
1. Go to body pump 2 days (obviously 3 is out)
2. Run a total of 12 miles (not quite training for the second half yet...)
3. Do my quiet time at least 5 days this week
4. Finish 3rd period Short Stories
5. Track my calories (don't judge. It keeps me from eating a ridiculous amount.)
That's it.
Have a great Monday!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Christmas shopping began a while ago for me, only to be finished on Black Friday. Black Friday started early;Hailey, Becky, and I headed to Old Navy at 1:30. Next stop was Kohl's, Dicks, Limited, and Gap! We had a blast, and as you can see in the picture we spent our fair share of money!
My buff hubby carrying the tree!
Putting it up
Putting the lights on the house
Chris and I don't do well with waiting until Christmas to begin giving gifts. We gave Hailey and Joey their gifts early.
I don't have a finished picture of the tree yet, but let me tell you- it's special.... It is kept "straight" by a weight and fishing line. :) But it isn't really straight. Just don't tell my husband I said that.
The decorations are up and plans are made for a visit home! I love the holidays!
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