To all of you who just could not wait to break out your boots and sweaters - I hope you're happy! I hope you're just loving these temperatures that are dipping into the teens. I hope you are spending each day outside, running around, breathing in the fresh air. I hope you are sleeping under the stars just so you don't miss one minute of this lovely weather. In fact, I hope you are just smiling from ear to ear because you can't imagine anything better than being so cold you want to cry...
Yes, this is my negative blog for the month. I absolutely cannot bear this weather. I was so cold driving last night, I'm surprised I didn't have a wreck. Flashes of New York began to haunt me. I remember standing on the street corner with tears in my eyes because I was so freaking freezing. It's just not right. Bring back the balmy temperatures! Forget about a white Christmas. I'm dreaming of a tropical Christmas!!!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Hope
There is hope for the hurting,
Rest for the weary,
He'll meet you wherever you need.
Cry out to Jesus.
I feel compelled to share this simple truth on a cold Sunday morning. No matter how dark the day is or how deep the hurt may be, there is hope in Jesus. It may be today, tomorrow or 10 years from now, but keep the faith. There is life, and it is abundant.
Rest for the weary,
He'll meet you wherever you need.
Cry out to Jesus.
I feel compelled to share this simple truth on a cold Sunday morning. No matter how dark the day is or how deep the hurt may be, there is hope in Jesus. It may be today, tomorrow or 10 years from now, but keep the faith. There is life, and it is abundant.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
No apologies
In light of my recent posts that are dripping with selflessness, holiday cheer and encouraging quotes, I decided to go in a completely different direction with today's post. Enjoy!
There are many things that people don't agree with, facts about my life that I used to apologize for, but today, as a bit of personal blogging therapy, I'm going to make a personal declaration that I've accepted and am proud of these facts and will make no apologies for it. So, without further ado, here goes nothin':
1. I'm beyond proud for being born and raised in Texas. Many of your want to leave...you think things are too boring here...we're too conservative...I happen to be proud and I'm not sorry.
2. I have loads of students loans from college. I used to think I wouldn't get married because of these loans. I used to be embarassed to admit my debt. No more. Those loans contributed to an awesome experience in New York that is priceless. I will apologize no more.
3. I like Pei Wei...a lot...in fact, I could probably eat it every night. True story. No need to comment how there are many different cuisines that I should try...I like the vietnamese chicken salad rolls...deal with it.
4. I currently have a job that requires no higher level thinking...at all. I have duties that actually include taking out the trash at night. But I don't dread going to work every day, so I'm not sorry.
5. I rarely make my bed (Crystal and Meagan can vouch for that). I just don't and I probably never will. It seems unnecessary to me. Feel free to make yours. That's totally fine. I'm not knocking you. I'm just not sorry I don't.
6. I hate putting on make-up, so I now only do it on special occasions. This is my face - take it or leave it. I won't apologize.
7. I hate beer. Plain and simple. I used to pretend to like it, but couldn't figure out why. If I'm at a bar, I will order wine, and I'm not going to apologize for it. I like wine, and I loathe beer.
8. Speaking of bars, I don't like them. I would much rather hang out with my friends at someone's house, so I don't have to dodge the "overly friendly" (i.e. grabby) guys passing behind me. It's not fun, period.
9. If it's warm enough, I'm going to wear flip flops, regardless of the date. I don't care if you're not supposed to wear flip flops in the winter. I dress for the weather, not the day on the calendar.
10. Finally, I require a lot of sleep. I don't know what it is about me, but I simply don't function without an adequate number of hours in bed. You can call me lazy, slothful even, but I'm not sorry. It's just the way I was made.
So...if this sounded like a rant, you're probably right. I just needed to get some things of my chest, but from this day forward, I will never be sorry about any of these facts again. It is what it is. End of story.
There are many things that people don't agree with, facts about my life that I used to apologize for, but today, as a bit of personal blogging therapy, I'm going to make a personal declaration that I've accepted and am proud of these facts and will make no apologies for it. So, without further ado, here goes nothin':
1. I'm beyond proud for being born and raised in Texas. Many of your want to leave...you think things are too boring here...we're too conservative...I happen to be proud and I'm not sorry.
2. I have loads of students loans from college. I used to think I wouldn't get married because of these loans. I used to be embarassed to admit my debt. No more. Those loans contributed to an awesome experience in New York that is priceless. I will apologize no more.
3. I like Pei Wei...a lot...in fact, I could probably eat it every night. True story. No need to comment how there are many different cuisines that I should try...I like the vietnamese chicken salad rolls...deal with it.
4. I currently have a job that requires no higher level thinking...at all. I have duties that actually include taking out the trash at night. But I don't dread going to work every day, so I'm not sorry.
5. I rarely make my bed (Crystal and Meagan can vouch for that). I just don't and I probably never will. It seems unnecessary to me. Feel free to make yours. That's totally fine. I'm not knocking you. I'm just not sorry I don't.
6. I hate putting on make-up, so I now only do it on special occasions. This is my face - take it or leave it. I won't apologize.
7. I hate beer. Plain and simple. I used to pretend to like it, but couldn't figure out why. If I'm at a bar, I will order wine, and I'm not going to apologize for it. I like wine, and I loathe beer.
8. Speaking of bars, I don't like them. I would much rather hang out with my friends at someone's house, so I don't have to dodge the "overly friendly" (i.e. grabby) guys passing behind me. It's not fun, period.
9. If it's warm enough, I'm going to wear flip flops, regardless of the date. I don't care if you're not supposed to wear flip flops in the winter. I dress for the weather, not the day on the calendar.
10. Finally, I require a lot of sleep. I don't know what it is about me, but I simply don't function without an adequate number of hours in bed. You can call me lazy, slothful even, but I'm not sorry. It's just the way I was made.
So...if this sounded like a rant, you're probably right. I just needed to get some things of my chest, but from this day forward, I will never be sorry about any of these facts again. It is what it is. End of story.
Monday, December 15, 2008
It's the little things
"Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things." Robert Brault
This quote is on a little plaque (courtesy of Cryssie) in my little apartment. I loved it the moment I saw it a couple weeks ago, but this morning I truly reflected on the words. I tend to find myself harboring resentment, quite a bit I'm afraid, for not having the opportunity to travel to culturally diverse places or not achieving the career aspirations I once held in such high regard. However, sitting here at my computer this morning, I find myself so incredibly grateful for the little things in life. Just last night, I was almost in tears laughing so hard with the roomie (Cryssie) for no reason at all. And just last weekend, I had a total blast with my fousins quoting the same movie lines over, and over, and over...you get the idea. I can remember so many fun times with them just driving around in the car, blasting our music and singing to the top of our lungs. I cherish the times I've had with my sister and Pearl (AKA Haylee) just hanging around the house, watching Dora and dancing to the Backyardigans theme song.
I realize now, so crystal clearly, that it truly doesn't matter if I ever make it to Greece, or become an executive, or attend a black tie affair. What matters are my precious friends and family that I get to spend time with. They are the "little things" that are really the "big things" in life. So to all of you (who are actually reading this), I treasure you as the "big things" in my life. You are SO much more than a vacation destination or a job title. I count you as my greatest blessings!
This quote is on a little plaque (courtesy of Cryssie) in my little apartment. I loved it the moment I saw it a couple weeks ago, but this morning I truly reflected on the words. I tend to find myself harboring resentment, quite a bit I'm afraid, for not having the opportunity to travel to culturally diverse places or not achieving the career aspirations I once held in such high regard. However, sitting here at my computer this morning, I find myself so incredibly grateful for the little things in life. Just last night, I was almost in tears laughing so hard with the roomie (Cryssie) for no reason at all. And just last weekend, I had a total blast with my fousins quoting the same movie lines over, and over, and over...you get the idea. I can remember so many fun times with them just driving around in the car, blasting our music and singing to the top of our lungs. I cherish the times I've had with my sister and Pearl (AKA Haylee) just hanging around the house, watching Dora and dancing to the Backyardigans theme song.
I realize now, so crystal clearly, that it truly doesn't matter if I ever make it to Greece, or become an executive, or attend a black tie affair. What matters are my precious friends and family that I get to spend time with. They are the "little things" that are really the "big things" in life. So to all of you (who are actually reading this), I treasure you as the "big things" in my life. You are SO much more than a vacation destination or a job title. I count you as my greatest blessings!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Inspired
I am beyond thrilled to report that since my posting ("give freely"), not only has my family decided to forgo gifts in favor of donating to World Vision, I have also received many responses from friends that had already decided to do the same thing with their families. I can't remember the last time I have ever been so excited for a Christmas (probably about 18-20 years ago when visions of Santa kept me awake for almost the entire night)! Can you imagine what an impact we could make if everyone decided to ditch the ugly sweaters, useless electronics, flashy diamonds, showy cars, etc., and instead invest in causes around the world? Christmas might begin to have a fraction of the impact on the world that it did 2,008 years ago.
Christ came on this day so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. Unfortunately, it has warped into an excuse to create lengthy wish lists that in turn, create crazed shoppers so frantic they don't even remember why this "holiday" is even on the calendar. What a travesty we, as a culture, have committed! Instead of sharing Christ's love with those hurting around us, we blindly (but ever so dilligently) press on to the next store in hopes of finding the next item on our never-ending list (and hopefully finding something for ourselves along the way). You must know that I am not preaching to you, I am preaching to myself. No one needs to hear this more than I do, and no one is more guilty of blind consumerism as I am. While it may be true that I search out the good bargain and am quite frugal when it comes to purchases, I am ashamed to admit that even in my most sincere efforts to keep perspective, I still have a closet bursting with clothes and so many shoes they don't even fit into their designated space. Just because the shirt is 6.99 does NOT mean I need another 5 of them to add to the almost 100. Forgive me...I know better...we all do.
Christ came on this day so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. Unfortunately, it has warped into an excuse to create lengthy wish lists that in turn, create crazed shoppers so frantic they don't even remember why this "holiday" is even on the calendar. What a travesty we, as a culture, have committed! Instead of sharing Christ's love with those hurting around us, we blindly (but ever so dilligently) press on to the next store in hopes of finding the next item on our never-ending list (and hopefully finding something for ourselves along the way). You must know that I am not preaching to you, I am preaching to myself. No one needs to hear this more than I do, and no one is more guilty of blind consumerism as I am. While it may be true that I search out the good bargain and am quite frugal when it comes to purchases, I am ashamed to admit that even in my most sincere efforts to keep perspective, I still have a closet bursting with clothes and so many shoes they don't even fit into their designated space. Just because the shirt is 6.99 does NOT mean I need another 5 of them to add to the almost 100. Forgive me...I know better...we all do.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Only in Texas
It was late Monday night and I was all tucked into bed when visions of tornado sirens danced in my head...yeah, you read that right! Tornado sirens were blaring in December. I thought I could rest easy in the winter, but apparently, not so. When I finally realized what was going on, I burst into the living room to find a frantic Crystal (okay, so she wasn't quite frantic, but it sounds good). Anyway, we turned the TV on and were informed (by a weatherman who had a frog in his throat - Crys, that was for you) that the storm was to the northeast of us. Nevertheless, it was quite unsettling. I mean a tornado in December, really? Really?
All this to say that as I'm driving home from work last night, I'm pretty sure it was sleeting. What? We had a tornado Monday night, and now it is sleeting Tuesday night? Only in Texas!
P.S. A BIG birthday shout-out goes to Peter today! Happy, happy birthday! I hope you have a great birthday and an even better year!!! Have some cake for me! :)
All this to say that as I'm driving home from work last night, I'm pretty sure it was sleeting. What? We had a tornado Monday night, and now it is sleeting Tuesday night? Only in Texas!
P.S. A BIG birthday shout-out goes to Peter today! Happy, happy birthday! I hope you have a great birthday and an even better year!!! Have some cake for me! :)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Give freely...a personal request
So...to those of you who have been asking me what I want for Christmas (Michelle, the 'rents, friends, etc.), I have a definitive answer! To steal something off Brooke's blog, I would like you to go to www.worldvision.org and pick a cause to donate to in my name. I am particularly interested in the "education", "girls & women" and "joy for kids" tabs. I figure that no matter what I might think I "need," this gift would truly capture what Christmas is all about.
The following blurb is from www.adventconspiracy.org.
The story of Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love.
So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists.
And when it's all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas?
What if Christmas became a world-changing event again?
Welcome to Advent Conspiracy.
The following blurb is from www.adventconspiracy.org.
The story of Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love.
So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists.
And when it's all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas?
What if Christmas became a world-changing event again?
Welcome to Advent Conspiracy.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Happy Christmas!
Yes, you read it right. Crystal and I decided we wanted to use the phrase "Happy Christmas" as opposed to "Merry Christmas"...but that's not what this post is about.
I'm simply writing to let you know that it's about 3 weeks until Christmas, in case you didn't realize how late Thanksgiving came this year on your calendar. This is why I broke down and began listening to Christmas music a week and a half before Thanksgiving. It is also why I began watching Christmas movies weeks before I stuffed myself with turkey. Granted, I'm typically a stickler when it comes to maintaining the integrity of each holiday (i.e. you're not supposed to put up Christmas decor prior to Thanksgiving). However, I could not reconcile the fact that I would only be able to listen to the NYSNC Christmas CD for a mere 25-27 days. That was simply unacceptable. Ere go, I began the Happy Christmas celebration a bit early, but don't fret my friend, it's not too late for you to get in the Christmas spirit. My recommendation (or prescription for your Scrooges out there): get yourself to the nearest Starbucks to purchase a festive drink in a bright red holiday cup, pop in some Christmas tunes (I suggest something from the pop genre - NYSNC, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, 98 degrees...), throw a Christmas tree up in your house (doesn't matter if it's big or small) and wish at least 5 people a "Happy Christmas" today.
If this doesn't get your bells jingling, I'm afraid I can't help ya!
I'm simply writing to let you know that it's about 3 weeks until Christmas, in case you didn't realize how late Thanksgiving came this year on your calendar. This is why I broke down and began listening to Christmas music a week and a half before Thanksgiving. It is also why I began watching Christmas movies weeks before I stuffed myself with turkey. Granted, I'm typically a stickler when it comes to maintaining the integrity of each holiday (i.e. you're not supposed to put up Christmas decor prior to Thanksgiving). However, I could not reconcile the fact that I would only be able to listen to the NYSNC Christmas CD for a mere 25-27 days. That was simply unacceptable. Ere go, I began the Happy Christmas celebration a bit early, but don't fret my friend, it's not too late for you to get in the Christmas spirit. My recommendation (or prescription for your Scrooges out there): get yourself to the nearest Starbucks to purchase a festive drink in a bright red holiday cup, pop in some Christmas tunes (I suggest something from the pop genre - NYSNC, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, 98 degrees...), throw a Christmas tree up in your house (doesn't matter if it's big or small) and wish at least 5 people a "Happy Christmas" today.
If this doesn't get your bells jingling, I'm afraid I can't help ya!
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