Simple Christmas

In church over the last month we have been doing a series on "Simple Christmas".  It's been a great eye opener.  The 3 main points of our study was to focus on the "true" meaning of Christmas by keeping Christ at the center, spend less money and create an experience as a memory instead of focusing on material things and lastly give more.  Give to those who have less that you do.  Right now I'm sure that is the tough one, how are we going to give to our families let alone to others we don't even know.  During that last few weeks I've gone to church with an open mind and an open heart, and I think I can honestly say that at least for the last few years, I've tried very hard to stay focused on the reason for Christmas and that without Christ we wouldn't have this time of year.  And I have been blessed that for as long as I can remember Christmas day has been a day of creating memories.  I rarely remember what I get, but I remember the get together's, the yummy brunches and the days of shave gel on the living room ceiling.  I also remember surprise visits from Vince and seeing how happy he was for us to be together with great friends for what turned out to be our last Christmas together.  I remember laughing so hard I cried and crying because now there is a hole in my holiday.  But the point that convicted me the most was giving more.  Jake and I have already decided that we are going to go to the mall and give by picking an angel from the salvation army tree.  That was a program that put gifts under my tree more than once and I want to be sure to give back.  The point was making true sacrifice.  We are both still trying to figure out what that sacrifice will look like but with prayer we are asking God to lead us.  We have been blessed, immensely blessed, we know we are called to share that blessing with others.

So, I guess the point of this post is 2 fold, first go to www.ccvonline.com and download the podcast of the Simple Christmas message,  its powerful.  And secondly, ask yourself where will you sacrifice to spread the blessings you have been given?

If you hear the message I'd love to hear your thoughts.  I hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving!

Catching Up

So, I haven't posted in a while so let me catch you up on what's been going on.  We had a small Halloween party on the 25Th here are some pictures...

Unfortunately we didn't take as many pictures as we thought, these were some of the best ones. Jake did the decorating outside and was very proud of his dead pirate.  We had a great time and it was fun to catch up with our friends.  The next week was Halloween so we carved a pumpkin, well I should say Jake carved it, I just didn't have the patience for it...go figure.  This is where I was going to put the pictures, but my blog is being stupid and as I suggested earlier, my patience can't take much.

As you all know its now November and we have a new President.  I have to say I've never been so glad for something to be over with in my life.  I hate politics and I hate elections.  It has been interesting for me to watch and hear the reactions of people now that a new leader as been elected.  Some are worried, others hopeful and yet others indifferent.  I have to say I'm in the indifferent category.  The things that would normally worry me about our new leader I try to put into perspective, most everything we have read or heard about him has been skewed by others, this was true of all election coverage.  Which I might add is why I hate it all so much.  But when perspective doesn't work I give it to God, because ultimately He knows how this is all going to work out and since I trust Him, my worry isn't going to really do much good.

  

And now we move on to the holidays.  I can't wait, as I'm writing this post I'm in long jammies and covered with a blanket, the windows are open and its chilly....FINALLY!  It really is my favorite time of year.  I can hardly wait to decorate and for Jake and I to have are true first Christmas together.  Its going to be great!  I'll keep everyone posted on the holiday happenings!