Merry Merry Christmas!

I just can’t believe it’s already here. I mean, today is the Eve of Christmas Eve for goodness sake! The shopping is done, the cooking is underway, the parties have definitely begun! And it’s all wonderful!


I’ve alluded to it a few times here and if you know me personally, you probably know that I’ve really been thinking this year especially WHY we celebrate Christmas. WHY we celebrate the birth of Christ. I get it that Jesus probably wasn’t born on December 25. I understand that in order for shepherds to have been in the fields watching over their flocks that it probably wasn’t the middle of December. And I’ve really been challenged this year especially on why we celebrate Christmas.

Here’s what I know to be true:

We’re told in Luke 2 that “ there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’”

And we all know that the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

Now, here’s my thing. If the shepherds could go and “see” Jesus, if they could go to worship the Savior of the world, then why can’t we? So, I choose to celebrate Christmas with my dear friends and family, with you, my blog-buddies, and with the world. I personally find myself praising God in amazingly special ways during this season as I’m reminded of the incredible, eternal gift we were given in Jesus Christ.

We’re also told in Luke 2:20 that “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

And that’s exactly what I’m doing this Christmas, y’all. With all of my heart, I’m praising God for all that I’ve heard and seen, for I know my salvation is just as I’ve been told.

Can I get an Amen?

These words are from my favorite Christmas song of 2009, Chris Thomlin's "Emmanual"

What hope we hold this starlit night

A King is born in Bethlehem

Our journey long, we seek the light

That leads to the hallowed manger ground

What fear we felt in silent age

Four hundred years can he be found

But broken by a baby's cry

Rejoice in the hallowed manger ground

Emmanuel, Emmanuel,

God incarnate here to dwell

Emmanuel, Emmanuel

Praise his name Emmanuel

The son of God, here born to bleed

A crown of thorns would pierce his brow

And we beheld this offering

Exalted nowt the King of kings

Praise God for the hallowed manger ground

 Emmanual, Emmanuel

God incarnate here to dwell

Emmanuel, Emmanuel

Praise his name Emmanuel

Merry Merry Christmas, y’all!

Happy Anniversary!

Two years ago seems like just yesterday.  A brief period of time, really.  December 15, 2007.  It rained cats and dogs.  Four inches of rain in that one day. 

But I didn't care.  Rain or not, I was marrying the love of my life.  In this church.

Tim walked up the aisle to get me.  This was the first we'd seen each other all day.

We prayed together

We shared the Lord's Supper together

And we laughed together!  See, we'd turned to face the congregation, and as our pastor was pronouncing us, I was as giddy as a little school girl.  Tim was as solemn as could be.  God love him, he was so nervous.  So, Steve, the pastor, stops whatever he was saying and says, "I don't know what's going on on the other side, but y'all aren't listening to a word I'm saying!"  The congregation laughed!!

We danced!  Oh, boy did we dance! "Everything" by Michael Buble was the song we danced to! 

So much fun!! 

And we began this journey of marriage together.  Two years ago day.  And I couldn't be happier with the amazing blessing this gift has been. 

Tim, the day I met you I knew something was different about you.  You know this, but I told my friend, "I'm going to get to know that Tim guy."  Our second date, I went home and told my momma this was one different.  I just knew I'd marry you.  Shortly thereafter, I was head over heels in love with you.  And I couldn't imagine falling deeper in love with you.  But I did.  When you proposed to me, sitting on a swing at the King & Prince in St. Simons, I couldn't imagine loving you more than I did that very second.  Eight months later, when I married you, I loved you more than I ever dreamed imaginable.  And today, two years later, I'm absolutely, 150%, no-doubt-about-it, head over heels, madly, deeply, forever in love with you.  You're God's Best for me. 

Happy Anniversary!!  The Best is Surely Yet to Come!

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"Everything" ~ Michael Buble

You're a falling star, you're the get away car.

You're the line in the sand when I go too far.

You're the swimming pool, on an August day.

And you're the perfect thing to say.

And you play it coy but it's kinda cute.

Ah, when you smile at me you know exactly what you do.

Baby don't pretend that you don't know it's true.

'cause you can see it when I look at you.

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times

It's you, it's you, you make me sing.

You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.

You're a carousel, you're a wishing well,

And you light me up, when you ring my bell.

You're a mystery, you're from outer space,

You're every minute of my everyday.

And I can't believe, uh that I'm your man,

And I get to kiss you baby just because I can.

Whatever comes our way, ah we'll see it through,

And you know that's what our love can do.

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times

It's you, it's you, you make me sing.

You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.

You're every song, and I sing along.

'Cause you're my everything.

Yeah, yeah

Titus 2 Tuesday: YOU

Today, I'm honoring you, and you, and you.  See, last week, I posted this crazy emotional post.  Silly me.  I didn't even realize at the time that all my emotions were due to the hormones of pregnancy.  No, instead, I honestly was wondering what in the world was wrong with me!  Why did I cry at the end of The Price is Right ~ and not because I was happy with the winner but because the loser's price estimate was waaaayyy off and made me sad!

So, I stepped out on a limb.  Well, at least for me.  I'm intentionally careful of what I post because I realize it's on the internet for goodness sake and there's no telling who might see it.  I mean, my word, when I wrote the post on the 15th anniversary of my Daddy's death, 2 weeks later, the CEO of my bank called me to tell me he'd just read it and how he still missed my Daddy.  Not only was I touched beyond words, but that right there reminded me that I have no idea who's reading.  And that's great!  But I must choose my words wisely.

So, anyway, I stepped out on a limb and wrote a very transparent post about my emotions, my frustrations, and my thoughts.  And you?  You pulled through!  I seriously felt like I was being hugged and encouraged over and over again with all of your comments!  Thank you! 

While most of you hit the nail on the head by reminding me that it's totally par for the course with pregnancy, many of you reminded me that you're here for me.  You shared with me that you'd just cried when putting away sippy cups because you realized you'll soon be washing bottles all over again.  You promised me it's all worth it!  You reminded me of the incredible miracle I am carrying!  You assured me my every-so-often Diet Coke splurge is okay.  You gave me other medicinal advices and secrets. 

And I. am. So. Thankful for YOU.  I really am.  I'm amazed at the community of women I know and love here in this ole' blogosphere!  And I love you each for what you have said to me, how you've encouraged me, and how you're praying with me.  Thank you so much!

So, who's encouraged you this week?  What woman has taught you a Godly lesson?  Link up and share it with us!

A Plethora of Emotions, Thoughts, and Actions

- I’m tired. Tired physically. This pregnancy tired is truly like none other!

- Frustrated. With people who don’t celebrate Christmas and are making it their mission to question every one of the reasons we Christians celebrate the season. You know what I wanna say? Get your hiney off your high horse, leave us Christians alone, and let us worship our Savior as we see fit. Thankyouverymuch. And, while I’m on it, please stop judging and assuming my heart’s focused on worshipping a Christmas tree in my house and buying gifts and Santa. Because it’s not.

- Anxious about tomorrow morning’s doctor appointment. Is it normal before every appointment to get a little anxious and worry that something is going to be wrong?

- Feeling like we’re living in Kansas and the big ole’ tornado is on its way. What’s with this crazy wind and rain? Gee Whiz!

- Feeling pudgy. I swear I feel like I blew up and swallowed a kids’ inner-tube and it’s settled right on my waistline. Apparently it looks that way, too, as two different women have commented on my “pudgy belly”. Thanks, y’all. Pregnant or not, I don’t want be “pudgy”.

- Worried that I’ve done, eaten, or taken something that could’ve harmed this baby. I’ve only had a handful of diet cokes in the last couple of months, and I’m limiting my Sprite Zero intake (thanks to aspartame) and hardly drinking coffee at all (decaf regardless) because I like Splenda in my coffee. But have I done enough?

- Looking forward to a 5K on Saturday. It’s the Children’s Hospital’s Reindeer Run, one of my favorite 5Ks of the year. Sure, I won’t break any of my time records as I’ve hardly exercised lately, but I’m looking forward to running / walking a great route through a beautiful downtown and college campus and seeing lots of friends.

- Competitive! Tim’s decided to run in a half in March. And it’s driving me batty that I can’t do it, too. I know I have no business trying to run a half marathon in March, when I’d be 6 months pregnant. And he certainly doesn’t expect me to. But why does it bother me?

- Wishing this sinus headache would go away! Not taking anything for it and just hoping it’ll pass is no fun!

- Tired. But I think I’ve mentioned that one!

- Thinking our tree needs some pizzazz this season. It just seems dinky. Bare. Not sure why. . . .

- Wondering how Belle is escaping from the back yard and we have yet to find the first hole.

- Hopeful. I realize this entire list is pretty down-and-out and whiney. I’m sorry, but it’s just my emotions right now and I need to get them out! But, regardless of all these worries, I’m hopeful. I’m choosing hope and remembering that God is always with me. Zephaniah 3:17. How can I complain with that knowledge?

Titus 2 Tuesday: More Talented Friends

I'm continuing my highlighting of talented, crafty friends!  Today, it's all about my blog-buddies.  So many of you are so crafty and talented, and you create great things! 

If you haven't already, be sure to check out Melissa over at Initial Designs.  Melissa is an artist, and she can paint just about anything you can imagine!  I've bought a couple of things from Melissa, including a precious polka dotted E for Ellie's room and this canvas for my mom's baby area in her home.

Another talented blog-friend is Veronica at Hooked on You Hats.  She makes the cutest croqueted hats!  Oh how I wish it got cold here, and that Ellie allowed anything on her head!  If either of those happened, I'd have already bought quite a few of these precious little hats.  Here's a pic of my personal favorite. I love the scalloped edges and ribbon!

And of course there's Kristin's online boutique, Summer Suzette Couture.  Kristin creates anything from precious onesies and hair accessories jewelry and handmade cards.  And, often times ~ like now! ~ any proceeds from Summer Suzette sells are donated to a worthy cause.  How cool is that? I love this precious Creation Onesie, and that's saying a lot since I despise birds (another post for another day).

What I love about each of these women is that individually they have a passion for the Lord, for using the talents He's given them to His glory, and to creating special things for you or your loved ones.  That's just awesome to me!

"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 3:17

Who has taught you Godly wisdom recently?  Link up and tell us about her!

Fun Free Desktop Website

If you're like me, you're always changing up your desktop on your computer.  I've found this great free site for desktop backgrounds and just thought I'd share it with you!

http://www.crosscards.com/

Here's my latest desktop background:

Cute, huh? 

Welcome to another version of Titus 2 Tuesday, where we honor women in our lives who have taught us Biblical principles and truths.

Last night, the women in my family gathered in Atlanta at the Coca-Cola Museum for a Paula Deen cooking show.  Now, you have to understand, my 89 1/2 year old Gma is convinced Paula Deen is the best cook this side of the Mississippi, no doubt.  So, the 9 of us packed into the museum's auditorium with 200 of our closest Paula-fan-friends and had a great time!  Paula was funny, silly, smart, and yummy!

Here's a picture of all 9 of us

 

There is Gma, front and center, of course.  You have my mom and my Aunt Lynda, plus the six cousins.  Yes, only girl cousins in the family!  Everyone was there, even my Aunt Nancy, whom I'm sure was there in spirit.  We laughed, we squealed like little girls ~ okay, Gma squealed like a little girl when Paula came out, we ate some good ole' southern cookin', and we talked and we enjoyed our time together.

And that's what I absolutely love about this family.  We're all busy in our own ways.  In the crowd above, you have a teacher, a retired teacher, an artsy stay-at-home mom, an attorney and mother, a financial whiz, a coffee barista and masseuse, a radiological tech and mommy, a banker and expectant mommy.  And the matriarch of them all who keeps us straight and in check!  But, when we get together, we're family.  Plain and simple.  Complicated and strong.  We've been through our share of heartaches and pains.  We've cried together and prayed together.  Always trusting the One who knows every step of our journey.  We've celebrated together.  We've hoped together.

So, last night, as I crawled into bed, I praised God for the amazing women in my family, for what they mean to me, for what they've taught me about life.  And for that I'm forever grateful!

Who are you thankful for today?  Link up and share with us!

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Would you please join my family in prayer today?  My Aunt Lynda is undergoing multiple tests today.  We appreciate your prayers.