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!

Me??? With a degree!!!

On Thursday afternoon at 4:00 I will walk across the stage and receive my degree from the Dean. This whole week I have been doing a lot of self evaluating. It's such a big step. Aside from the sense of accomplishment I will feel there is a little bit of fear mixed in because it is such a huge step in my life. I honestly can't wait til Thursday because it will be official. I've been done since last Wednesday however I will really be done on Thursday.

On another note Chad and I officially have a real estate agent which makes the fact the we will be homeowners sometime in the next four months more real than ever:) Every house that we have gone to so far I have tried to invision our families there for the holidays, what the kids will look like playing in the yard, how I can decorate the living room, and what the master bathroom looks like. Chad however is worried about the yard and the garage; "The Man Stuff." It amazes me how differently men and women think. Absolutely amazing:) I will keep everyone posted on our Home Hunt. Clever huh?

Hope you have a wonderful day and enjoy the Christmas Season to the fullest!!

This statue currently stands outside the Iraqi palace,
Now home to the 4th Infantry division.

It will eventually be shipped home

And put in the memorial museum in Fort Hood , TX

The statue was created by an Iraqi artist named Kalat, who for years was forced by Saddam Hussein to make the many hundreds of bronze busts of Saddam that dotted Baghdad ...

Kalat was so grateful for the Americans liberation of his country;
He melted 3 of the heads of the fallen Saddam and made the statue as a memorial to the American soldiers
and their fallen warriors.

Kalat worked on this memorial night and day for several months.

To the left of the kneeling soldier is a small Iraqi girl giving the soldier comfort as he mourns the loss of his comrade in arms.

Do you know why we don't hear about this in the news?

Because it is heart warming and praise worthy.

The media avoids it because it does not have the shock effect.

Thanksgiving already???

So with each day that passes I am coming more and more to the realization that I am about to be a married woman and a college graduate. On December 11, I will graduate and I am beside myself with excitement. I have my cap and gown and am ready to go. With that milestone, I realize I am entering the working world on a different level. I have had a job since I was 15, always worked, but this is going to be so different. I'm diligently praying and hopeful about a position I may be getting starting in January. I hope to know something here in the next couple of weeks. God is blessing me with all that I am experiencing and I am so thankful for everything. God has blessed me with a wonderful family and fiance. Knowing that I am going to be able to spend the rest of my life with my soulmate and bestfriend is amazing! This Thanksgiving I am thankful for so much and yet a little overwhelmed with everything that is going on. I feel as though I am talking to Jesus all day long. I am trying to not get stressed and enjoy every bit of these experiences I am having. I am looking forward to being with my family on Thursday and seeing my cousin who is due at the end of February!! I cannot wait to hold Tristan:)

My final thought: "I know with the economy like it is and everything going on in the world that most are stressed but I am so thankful that my faith is in God and not in man. I truly believe with all of my heart that he is here and in complete control and in the end everything will be as he has planned."

Learned something new last night...

So I was in my marketing class last night at about 9:30 and my teacher proposed a trivia question to us. He offered a whole 5 points (which in college everyone jumps at) to the student that could name the actor (now deceased) that starred in the most movies in Hollywood history. I began my googling and of course it led me to IMDB...Well, the person that came up with over 900 so called films was Ron Jeremy. Not knowing who he was or looking at the title of the "films" I said his name to which the whole class busted out laughing. Still not really knowing what happened my friend Samantha informed that he was a porn star. I had no clue because I don't watch porn but apparently I was in the minority. From the pictures they don't have too much in common...

Moral of the story: Don't give up! Despite my embaressment I kept looking and ended up with the right answer: Bob Steele and I got my 5 points! I guess I showed them...That's all for today!! Have a wonderful day!!

Wordless Wednesday-Engagement Pictures

Just a few...More on facebook:)

Busy Times

First off I just want to say that the weather in Georgia is amazing right now. It is cool in the mornings and it's just beautiful outside.
Today around 5:30 Chad and I will be taking a few engagement pictures. I want them solely to get our favorite one framed and have it matted for people to sign around it at the wedding.
The wedding day is getting a little closer. I have been surprised by how fast time goes by. It seems like Chad proposed yesterday...However it was in March. I still smile and tear up when I watch the video of him proposing. This time of year gets me so excited thinking about how I am going to decorate our house:) I am such a dork when it comes to that sort of stuff. I love it!
I am struggling with my stress level and I don't have the extra time to have an outlet for my stress. Typically, I work out but I haven't had much extra time. I have caught my self being kind of snippy and short with people. I am working on it because thats not me.
Super pumped about the Dawgs playing against Alabama this weekend. I hope its a good game!! I have yet to go to a UGA game and I hope to get the chance soon:)
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!

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!!

Wordless Wednesday-Oh to be in London

I will travel to London atleast one time in my lifetime:)

Do things ever slow down???

This entry is going to be short and sweet. I have been so busy. I feel as though I don't even have time to sit down. Last Friday at work was fun though. The car company AUDI was at AMS and I got to participate in the Driver experience. It was so awesome. We got up to about 80 mph on the speedway. At one point I remember screaming on the straightaway.

I was in the car with Shanna and of the features on the car we were most excited about the radio and what song was playing. We then got to compare the AUDI with Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and BMW. The allowed us to test drive all of those:) It was pretty awesome. I got the tires squealing on the road course. After I left work that day I wanted drive 80 mph...lol:) The inside of the AUDI was impressive...

It was a fun day to say the least...and there was an amazing Australian working for AUDI. Tan, brown hair, and accent=AMAZING:)

Chad and I went and looked for houses Saturday and we had a really good time together:) This is all so exciting:) We got in touch with a lady that we both are comfortable working with on finding a house. We found some gorgeous houses in Ivy Ridge in Starr's Mill. That's about it for right now:) I will keep you posted on the house hunting:) Have a wonderful week!

It's That Time Again!!

It's football time again!! Georgia will play the first game of the season tomorrow against Georgia Southern!! I won't be able to watch the game unfortunantly but will be pulling for them! Skeptics will say since UGA is ranked number 1, they think they are doomed. I don't believe in omens. UGA has hands down the hardest schedule this season. Do I think they can handle it??? Well, Yes I do!! I'd like to see USC and OH State play the teams in the SEC. They wouldn't stand a chance...

Today, thats all I have...I'm super pumped about Football starting up again! There's nothing like watching the game with your friends and screaming at the television!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Stay Safe!!! and....GO DAWGS!!!

Time to Share

I read a wonderful blog entry this morning from Tim Blair from Australia today that had me giggling...I personally will not be voting for Obama, I'm wishing that Hilary was getting the nomination. Anyhow, I will share this; http://blogs.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/timblair/index.php/dailytelegraph/comments/robobama/

I'm interested to see who McCain has chosen for a running mate. I personally hope that it's Mitt Romney. I think that would be a very effective combination. I guess we will see. Some predicting he will announce it today to steal the thunder from Obama's speech this evening. If he does do it today, yes it will get attention during the day but I think by the evening it will die down and then those interested will turn their attention to the speech this evening. Of course, the media will announce and do their thing to suffice the public but we all know the media is slighted. As a news anchor, if you are doing your job correctly, the public should not be able to tell which way you are leaning. I love GMA, however this week, I have been extremely frustrated. Both parties deserve equal coverage and I hope they will do that next week. We'll see...

and that's my rant for the day. Usually I try to not get involved in politics because it just seems like a circle and lacking any unity. I keep up with what's going on and will give an opinion every now and then. So I guess today is my every now and then:)

Hope you have a wonderful day!!

Is she for real?

So I watched the new Heidi Montag video today...Overdosin...and I'm sure my face looks puzzled right now. I'm not sure if she is being serious or what? What do you think? I can't stop laughing...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmZZtJbOkK0&feature=related

Crazy Week!!

The start of another week, how exciting:) I worked Friday from 9-5 at Atlanta Motor Speedway and then went back from 7:30 to midnight for the drag races. The final week of drag races was completed through the rain.

Chad and I did not get to take our pictures this weekend due to the horrible weather we are having which made me sad.

We had a going away party for two of our friends this saturday night and it was so much fun. Jessica and I baked and cooked and decorated as well:) It was good girl time that I needed. At the party, I was thinking that I have the best group of friends a person could ask for. They are all so unique in their own way. I never know what to expect when I'm hanging out with them and I love that.

Speaking of friends; Chad and I are trying to figure out a good weekend to head up to VA to visit Molly and Jeremy. I'm hoping that I can work it out between my internship, work, and school.

At work this week we are preparing for the Concert this Saturday, hosted by The Fish 104.7!! I'm getting so excited about it:)

http://www.celebratefreedomatlanta.com/

That's my week...

I'll leave you with these:

Another Day and my Favorite Picture with my Sis

As of right now, I am absolutely exhausted. I sat in my advertising class last night until 10:20 p.m. and oddly enough I learned nothing. I like the professor this will be my second time taking him but good Lord he has a hard time staying on track. While I find this humorous it is not funny when all you want to do is go home and get to sleep. He tells the same stories everyday and I think if I had to I could tell his stories for him.

I know that most internships are not paid but shouldn't there be some legislation passed that requires them to pay us at least $2 an hour or something. I am going to be working my tail off!! I learned today how to assemble a media guide; updating driver stats, laps lead, and my next project is a demographics project which should be interesting. Eventually, I will get to compose press releases:) I must say my favorite part so far is getting to dress up:)
Chad and I take our engagement pictures this Saturday if the weather will permit. Can't wait! I am enjoying every minute of this:) We are finishing up the website for the wedding and we should have the link posted soon!

I read this quote today and wanted to share it:"How necessary it is to cultivate a spirit of joy. To act lovingly is to begin to feel loving, and certainly to act joyfully brings joy to others, which in turn makes one feel joyful. I believe we are called to the duty of delight." -Dorothy Day

Wordless Wednesday

Blog Virgin

So I have decided to start blogging. I guess I feel that my thoughts are important and that someone will appreciate them. I guess time will tell. My life is about to start some new chapters. I will be looking for my place in this world after December after I graduate. Still not sure what direction God is going to take me. I will get married to the love of my life and best friend in April of next year!! So some exciting stuff heading my way. So between now and next April I will be; taking 3 classes, an internship, my part-time job, and planning a wedding. We'll see what happens...