pray for the Heil Family tonight

Today I had the opportunity to help watch one of friends daughter Ava. Ava's mom Katherine lost her sister Sunday night and was getting ready for her visitation. I did not realize that I had met her baby sister Victoria but apparently I had.

My heart is sad for this family. Not because I knew her, but because I know her sister. She is doing well. She told me today that God knows everything. He knows the hairs on our heads and our number of days. Not everyone gets to live to be 100. I accept this. Wow!! Her faith impresses me.

But then I started thinking, I do not want one friend or family member leaving this earth doubting my love. So one of my goals this next year is to love more, through actions, not by words.

I sat there and played with Ava, and just wondered whats going on her head. Will she hear stories of her aunt one day? I am sure she will.

I challenge all of you to love more. The economy sucks. Many of us can not afford a lot, especially expensive gifts. But we can love more. Its not that hard. I hope to find a lot of ways to show love this year.

Will I have resolutions this year? Of course but I have one main one and then it branches off. I want to be more like Jesus. What about you???

True Love - Phil Wickham

ITUNES HELP

Ok, gotta ITUNES gift card for Christmas and i need suggestions..Anything. Artist, song, whatever..

Here is my style.

Love CCM like SCC, MWS, Natalie Grant and so many others. CHurch has been playing a song called True Love during communion and it is stinkin amazing. I forgot his name but will find it later. The words are awesome.. I also love Mandisa. I am up for trying to stuff.

I also listed to some Top 40 and some country like Kenny Chesney, Rascall Flats, Carrie Underwood..

I love great lyrics that make me cry..


Go ahead.. Give me as many suggestion as possible!!!

8 Crazy's

My Friend over at Imagine Alyzabeth Anne tagged me a while ago and I thought I would go ahead and post before I begin some more serious posts like resolutions and stuff like that so here you go


8 Favorite Tv Shows

1.ER
2.Greys Anatomy
3,American Idol
4. Jon and Kate plus 8
5. The annual Duggar Family show
6. How I Met Your Mother
7. any Hallmark Christmas Movie
8. Private Practice

8 Things I am looking forward to

1. China Baby!!
2. Bringing LynnMarie home
3. Getting closer to God
4. Our first Disney Cruise with LynnMarie
5. Finally losing my 10% at Weight Watchers
6. Going to Florida for our birthday in 2 weeks
7. Adoption Option next Friday
8. Loving LynnMarie and my Michael every day

8 Things on My Wish List
1. Another Disney Cruise
2.Money for China Trip
3. New Carpet upstairs
4. New Paint Upstairs
6. New Front Door
7. debt free
8. not to stress

8 Things we did yesterday

1. Woke up
2. Drove separately to church since I had to work the nursery
3. had a frozen pizza for lunch
4. talked to the dog
5. started watching Get Smart
6. We both played on the Internet
7. We talked
8. We both went somewhere (me- work, Michael-play cards)

8 Favorite Restaurants
1.Cracker Barrel
2.O Charleys
3. Any Japanese steak house
4. Marietta Diner
5, Gondoliers
6. any take out Chinese
7. any take out Pizza
8. Chik Fil A

the day after

Wow.. Christmas is over.

Its been an interesting couple of days. Christmas Eve, Michael and I went to church ( and met Melanie there who had never been to our church) and then went home to our new tradition of a Chik Fil A tray of nuggets and strips. We also watched another Christmas movie as I was trying to squeeze in every Christmas movie I owned before Christmas.

Christmas Day was started with our traditional breakfast at Waffle House followed by gift opening and some resting. We ended the day with dinner with my FIL in Douglasville.


My thoughts this Christmas was strange. Gift wise?? It rocked.I got more than I asked for and hubby loaded me up with new scrubs,cds, dvds and luggage for our trip to China.

As we opened our gifts, I just felt sad. Was it because our LynnMarie was celebrating her first Christmas without us? I am sure that's part of it. I felt as though I had become part of the commercialized Christmas. I am spoiled. I got everything I wanted. I was still missing something. I missed the basics of Chrismas. Celebrating the birth of the one who changed my life. How do I not celebrate that every single day. I missed being with family. I am just tired of wanting more. But at the same time, I just don't feel like I am living my full potential. I think I am in some kind of rut and I hope I get out of it soon.

I hope 2009 allows me to live more simply to give more. I think that will make me happier. God has blessed me far more than what I deserve.

Even though those thoughts were a bit sad, if they happen to help change me this year, 2008 will have been one of my best Christmas's.

But dang, 2009 is going to rock!!!

Merry Christmas

I hope each and every one of you enjoyed making memories with your family today. May we remember that because God allowed Himself to come into our world in the way that He did is why we have the celebrations we have..

Remember to take a moment and reflect and this amazing gift..

the one you dont want to miss

If there were one blog post I would want you to see today..It would be over at the adoption blog. Seriously, you do not want to miss this one!.HINT HINT

i dont have a title

As cold as it was going to the gym this morning, I loved it Cold, sunny weather is awesome..Makes me feel just a little more like Christmas.

The past 2 weeks we have had a few friends over for dinner and a Christmas movie. I have really enjoyed this and hope to do this more in 2009, well, without the Christmas movie. I have enjoyed the fellowship and getting to know our friends a bit more.

We have also re-established our community group at church and I look forward to seeing what God has for us.

The Christopher's are also off to Florida in a few weeks for OUR BIRTHDAY. Yes, Michael and I have the same birthday and in case you did not know, Disney is giving everyone a free ticket on their birthday..Check out their website if you do not believe me. So score for us, this is a huge benefit for having the same birthday and we are both excited.

I am still trying to catch up on the many Hallmark movies I have on DVR. Sadly, I have had to delete some..

What are you up to??

Christmas tradtions

I stole this from Mrs. Ragamuffin Soul AKA Heather


Christmas Traditions, Part 2


1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Ok, wrapping paper because gift bags make you want to peak

2. Real tree or Artificial?
i will pre-lit artificial are not good, except for the first year when everything works. Doesnt matter to me

3. When do you put up the tree?
I try to do it as soon after thanksgiving depending on work schedule

4. When do you take the tree down?
as close to Jan 1st, once again depending on work
5. Do you like eggnog?
love it but have not had it this season

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
I had a China doll. Well, her head was China but my cousin Christy got on the top bunk and dropped her. I also had a Cabbage Patch Kid

8. Easiest person to buy for? dad, he always wants the staples, t shirts, dress shirts, socks

9. Do You have a nativity scene? yes Michael bought me one when he worked for Family

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I always always mail and try to get some out the Wed before Thankgiving. I really want mine to be someones first Christmas card every year..I know I know, I am odd

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I don't have one. If I remember something I will come back

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
Love Christmas Story, Grinch, Miracle on 34th Street, Christmas Vacation

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? usually early in the morning and whenever money is available

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? not yet but that may be changing

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
egg nog (drink)

16. Lights on the tree? who doesn't?

17. Favorite Christmas song?
O Holy Night, Have yourself a Merry Little CHristmas, All I really want for CHristmas by SCC

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? not at the present moment

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
we have both somewhere but neither on the tree right now.,I would say angel though

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning, no cheating

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
mean people stealing parking spaces

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?
red, I love anything that makes me think of family or memories

24. Favorite Christmas dinner?
Japanese Steak House

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
gifts for LynnMarie, in the hope that she comes home this year

Christmas movies

Ok so what are you must sees for Christmas movies every year????

more random thoughts this holiday season

Its Christmas time and I love it!!!

This Christmas is different for so many people. Its a time of hardship and fear. Many of us have had to cut back this year, and in doing so, makes Christmas so much sweeter.

First of all, church on Sunday blew me away. From a power video, to hearing some much needed words, God's presence was just so clear.

I am not good with getting my thoughts out some time. I have to admit, sometimes I like the commercial side of Christmas. I have a list of things that I want each year. Sad, isn't it? No matter what our circumstances our this Christmas, we are beyond blessed.

My heart has been heavy over some things. At church today, I witnessed a mom struggle with some of her child's digestive issues and blaming herself because she had to go to a cheaper formula just to barely make it. Her husband had a massive heart attack just 2 weeks ago at the age of 40 and she is working 2 jobs. This woman still serves. Every Sunday, she teaches.

Last week on my floor, there were 5 new brain tumors diagnosed. I work on a 33 bed unit. 5 little brain tumors were diagnosed. 5 families are walking a new journey. 2 of those brain tumors are inoperable. Can you imagine what life is like with news like this?

This past year, is really the first time that I have ever really been fearful. Fearful of the future, the world we live in, fearful that my faith will not be as strong as I need it. Fearful that people do not see Christ in me. That is my biggest fear.

At the same time, this past year I have felt such amazing emotions for the first time. I have seen people give when they themselves have needs. To me that is just beautiful. I have seen humility that has made me want to be a better person. I have seen someone close to me have a HUGE change of heart.

I have seen dreams crumble, I have seen sadness. But I have also seen Hope.

One of these days, I will get so share some God moments over the past year that have brought me to tears. I can not deny that there is one true God that loves me no matter what I say or do. Its been an interesting year, a pretty rockin year. He has shown Himself to me through blogs, friends, and just circumstances. I am thankful for these God moments.

Certain songs help bring emotions out and this Christmas season is no different. I imagine Mary and Joseph in the stable, loving on that sweet baby boy, trying to protect a future king. Its a beautiful picture in my mind.

Have you heard the Casting Crowns Christmas CD? One of the songs has been on one of their older cds, but I wanted to share some lyrics that have gotten me thinking! The song talks about Bethlehem and what an amazing event took place while the city slept!


United States of America
Looks like another silent night
As we’re sung to sleep by philosophies
That save the trees and kill the children
And while we’re lying in the dark
There’s a shout heard ‘cross the eastern sky
For the Bridegroom has returned
And has carried His bride away in the night, in the night

America, what will we miss while we are sleeping
Will Jesus come again
And leave us slumbering where we lay
America, will we go down in history
As a nation with no room for its King
Will we be sleeping?

Are we just not getting it?? Am I personally too selfish that I am going to miss something?? I don't know. I do believe as a country, we have been running away from God but something tells me that there will be people running towards Him.

The more I think about this, the more sad I become. I do believe that I have disappointed my Creator. I am thankful for mercy and forgiveness.

COMMENT GAME- christmas edition

Christmas EDITION
Here's how it goes: I'll start the game off at the bottom of this post by choosing two words or phrases, like coffee or tea, and which ever one you prefer you choose. You can also explain why. When you have done that you do two new words or phrases for the next commenter to choose from. Feel free to come back as often as you like. Just have fun and lets try to stick with the Christmas theme. If someone derails the game will one of you put it back on track? Thanks

1000th post

Wow!!! Thats a lot of posting. I'm not sure how much substance was in those posts but thats a lot of typing.
My 2009 resolution is one that I am starting now and I want your input. My goal as it should have always been is to live simply and give bigger.

Are you doing this?? How??? I want to quit "wanting". Ugh, I still want material things. I made a Christmas list. At the time, I did not feel guilty. But there are bigger things in this life. I want to know how to give more.

I think I will be doing a massive cleaning out of the house soon and hoping to have a lot of bags of donations. I believe we have found a place that can use financial resources, but more on that another time.

Live Simply. I heard an amazing speaker last Wed on this topic and it spoke to me. How can I do that?
Are we talking, no more appetizers when we go out to eat?? Don't laugh. My mind works in odd ways.

Are we talking no more going to the movies but rather have board game nights with our friends??

What are you doing in general to live simple???

Amy Grant - Grown Up Christmas List

I think I will always love this song!!

My brother was nominated for a grammy

Seriously, more about him later but he produced a song called Paper Planes which is sung by a good friend of his M.I.A. and along with the artist who performs, the producer and sound engineer also get nominated

http://content.grammy.com/grammy_awards/51st_show/list.aspx

Look for the song and he goes by Diplo!!! We love M.IA too!!!

Congrats guys!!!!!!!

Christmas

Most of you guys know I love memories and look forward to one creating special memories for Michael and I and any kids we have. I was blessed to have a family who gave me such memories.

Thanks Mom and Dad for everything you did to make sure we had a happy childhood. That was one of the best gifts you have ever given us!!!

When I think of Christmas, I think of Jesus, the manger, church, candlelight services, cocoa, looking at Christmas lights, fireplaces, good movies, the gift of giving to others, shopping, wrapping paper, smiles, Santa, cookies, stockings,!!


What things come to your mind when you think of Christmas???