So it hit me today...

I was driving into work today and I started thinking about the Holidays coming up. I always look foward to this time of year. Every aspect of it I love. It allows me to show God how thankful I am for everything and celebrate the birth of Christ my Savior. While thinking about this I thought about all of the traditions my family has. Decorating, Watching Christmas movies, attending the Christmas Program at church and shopping with mom, Jenn and Honey:) All wonderful traditions. The one that brings a big smile to my face is thinking about my family picking out a tree. This is an act of Congress for my family. It has gotten better over the years but I wish that I had a video of some of the earlier years...Pure comedy.

I tell you all of this to say it hit me today that I have my own home to decorate this year and my own tree to buy. Please know that I am so excited to do all of this with Chad for the first time this year but it does not come without a little bit of sadness. Tears actually came to my eyes this morning driving in realizing I wouldnt not be waking up at the home I grew up in. I will not be the first one waking up my entire family to open presents. Yes even as a 24 year old the excitement of Christmas is more than I can handle. I literally have to take a Tylenol pm to help me sleep on Christmas eve. Don't judge! :) I won't be sitting in the floor while my dad videotapes the family opening presents. I won't have my Precious ( my dog) to distract me inbetween gifts. I have tears in my eyes once again just thinking about it. For those of you who do not know I am very close to my family so this will be weird for me.

However, I am so looking forward to waking up next to my wonderful husband on Christmas morning for the very first time. Chad and I have our very own traditions to start up and I am truly looking forward to them. Chad has no clue what he is in for when it comes to decorating...:) (Evil laugh) haha!!

I'm acutally hoping that TBS will not be playing A Christmas Story all day long...What on earth is that about?

Cherish each and every moment with your family while you are at home; even if your mom wants to play Kenny G while you open Christmas presents every year. Believe it or not; You will miss it one day:)

God's Gift of Christmas

While I am sitting at work today answering the phones at church for Linda I have been reading a book by John MacArthur called, God's Gift of Christmas. If you do not own this book I urge you to. This book so far has put many things into perspective for me. I chose to read it today because I think throughout the Christmas season the true meaning for the Christmas season gets lost. John has once again blown me away with putting things so simply that I wonder how I have missed this for so many years.
He discussed the incarnation which was the act of the preexistent Son of God voluntarily assuming a human body and human nature. He did not give up his diety to become human but he set aside the right to his glory and power (Phil 2:5-8). He pursued God's will and never waivered. What an amazing example we have.
Colossians 1:15-20 describes Jesus' Divine Nature. "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning , the firstborn from the dead, so that He himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. -Colossians 1:15-20. I find peace in this scripture. I take great comfort with everything going on in the world right now knowing that He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Everything that happens (big or small) is according to his perfect will. I cannot think of a place I'd rather be than in the center of God's Will for my life, where ever it may lead me. These truths are what make Christmas truly wonderful.
In 2 Corinthians 8:9, John brought out the immeasurable gift of Christmas. Christ, God's own Son, gave up his wealth and privilege to live as God with us, that he might save his people from their sins, and that through His poverty might become rich. There is no greater gift on earth than this.
I hope this Christmas for people to remember the sacrifice, suffering, and love that come with Christ's love for everyone. You aren't just another person you are special and loved by God. This being my last official Christmas waking up in my bed at home is bittersweet. I am excited for the new but mindful of all the wonderful memories I am taking with me. I don't tell my family enough how much I love them and how much they mean to me. I am so thankful that God has blessed me with my parents. I am who I am because of them and instilling in me my Christian values. They are always supportive, honest (even when I don't want them to be), and there to give unconditional love. This Christmas I am mindful of all I have to look forward to and all that I have to be thankful for.
I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

TGIF

Looking at the title of this blog you may be thinking "Thank God it's Friday," however for me it means, "Thank God it's Fall!" Fall is by far my favorite time of year as far as weather is concerned. We are having gorgeous weather here in Georgia. I walked to my car this morning and it was cool and the sun was shining:) Comfortable weather is what I like to call it. Chad and I are taking are engagement pictures next Friday and I am hoping it looks like it does today outside.





On another note, I am such a kid when it comes to Holidays and I almost feel sorry for my children because I enjoy them so much. All of my favorite ones are in the Fall; Halloween, Thanksgiving, and my all time favorite Christmas. So many traditions to look forward to:) White Christmas comes to the Fox every year and we went last year. I'd love to do it every year with the women of the family. I love to go shopping the day after Thanksgiving. This year atleast once I want to go shopping up in Atlanta at Atlantic Station with my sister. I have been thinking alot about Christmas this year. Technically, this is my last Christmas waking up at home in my bed with my family. It's bittersweet, I'm so excited about starting my life with Chad but will miss things like; Being the first one at my house to wake up on Christmas, running into my sister's room and jump on the bed to get her to wake up. Yes, that I will miss so much.





I'm hoping this year I can get her to sit down and watch my favorite Christmas movies with me:

• White Christmas



• Miracle on 34'th Street



• The Family Stone



• Christmas in Connecticut



• You've got Mail



• It's a wonderful Life



• And so many others...

I love movies...

Right now I am reading the Twilight Series. Currently on the third book, Eclipse. AMAZING is all I can say:) This book is hands down one of the best books I have ever read:) You should read it too so you can be in love with Edward like I am...

Have a great weekend!!