A few of my favorite things...
I cannot believe that we have just a few days left in 2012! It has been a whirlwind of a year, full of ups and downs, highs and lows, but looking back I cannot help be reminded that through it all God has been good. Even in the craziest moments, God has been abundantly gracious and faithful, sometimes it just takes longer for me to recognize. But this is a season of expectation and celebration and a beautiful opportunity to rejoice in all of His blessings. In light of that I wanted to list a few things that I am particularly thankful for this year...
*FAMILY...this is probably the most constant joy and support for me! I am lucky to have the best mom and dad I ever could have dreamed of who I proudly consider two of my best friends. I also have one older sister who I am incredibly proud of for all she has accomplished. A little over a week ago we got to celebrate her graduation from UNCC as well as her commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army and it was an experience I will never forget! My sister has always had huge dreams and aspirations and I believe that she could do anything she puts her mind to. I am blessed by them every day - they help shape me into the person I am and I am so grateful!
*The ability to move - I love all things active, especially running and biking! Exercise is my favorite form of stress relief, socialization, work, and truly something I am passionate about!
*Coffee - I know this sounds silly, but there is something so peaceful about snuggling up with a hot cup of coffee to read, journal, or just hang out and talk with friends
*Fireplaces - one of my favorite parts of our new house is the fireplace in the living room. Perfect way to warm up from wintry weather
*Advent - this is one that I have taken for granted for so long. Advent is the season of preparation leading up to Christmas and the birth of our Savior; it is like the new year for the Church, but I let society and our consumer culture dictate so much of what Christmas is all about. This year I have tried to really prepare and be expectant for the Lord's coming and it has changed my perspective in a beautiful way. This season is about the people you are with and the love that you share, not the gifts that you give or receive. No thing or gift this world can offer can compare to the gift God has freely given us all in sending Jesus to save us and restore our relationship with Him! Christmas Eve service carries a lot of excitement for me because there is such a spirit of joy and peace in the air. Since my family moved in May, this was my first Christmas Eve service that I can remember where I wasn't at the church I grew up at which was a little weird. Despite the different church I was reminded of the true heart behind this season, and it is simple - the Gospel. On Christmas Eve, we read the story of Jesus' birth and I just couldn't help but be blown away by the power that holds. The story is simple but it overwhelms an entire season of hustle and bustle and rushed preparation. Christmas strips away all the things in life that complicate the Truth that Jesus has come to save us and give us new and full life in Him!
There are so many other things I am thankful for that fill me with abundant joy, but this list seems like the ones closest to my heart right now. A lot has changed in the past year, but I wouldn't trade any of it for a minute because I am blessed far beyond what I could ever dream or expect. So here is to a season of love and fellowship and praise be to the One who gives us a reason to celebrate!
*FAMILY...this is probably the most constant joy and support for me! I am lucky to have the best mom and dad I ever could have dreamed of who I proudly consider two of my best friends. I also have one older sister who I am incredibly proud of for all she has accomplished. A little over a week ago we got to celebrate her graduation from UNCC as well as her commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army and it was an experience I will never forget! My sister has always had huge dreams and aspirations and I believe that she could do anything she puts her mind to. I am blessed by them every day - they help shape me into the person I am and I am so grateful!
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| Family picture @ Ashley's commissioning |
*Coffee - I know this sounds silly, but there is something so peaceful about snuggling up with a hot cup of coffee to read, journal, or just hang out and talk with friends
*Fireplaces - one of my favorite parts of our new house is the fireplace in the living room. Perfect way to warm up from wintry weather
*Advent - this is one that I have taken for granted for so long. Advent is the season of preparation leading up to Christmas and the birth of our Savior; it is like the new year for the Church, but I let society and our consumer culture dictate so much of what Christmas is all about. This year I have tried to really prepare and be expectant for the Lord's coming and it has changed my perspective in a beautiful way. This season is about the people you are with and the love that you share, not the gifts that you give or receive. No thing or gift this world can offer can compare to the gift God has freely given us all in sending Jesus to save us and restore our relationship with Him! Christmas Eve service carries a lot of excitement for me because there is such a spirit of joy and peace in the air. Since my family moved in May, this was my first Christmas Eve service that I can remember where I wasn't at the church I grew up at which was a little weird. Despite the different church I was reminded of the true heart behind this season, and it is simple - the Gospel. On Christmas Eve, we read the story of Jesus' birth and I just couldn't help but be blown away by the power that holds. The story is simple but it overwhelms an entire season of hustle and bustle and rushed preparation. Christmas strips away all the things in life that complicate the Truth that Jesus has come to save us and give us new and full life in Him!
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| Christmas 2011 |
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| Christmas 2012 |
There are so many other things I am thankful for that fill me with abundant joy, but this list seems like the ones closest to my heart right now. A lot has changed in the past year, but I wouldn't trade any of it for a minute because I am blessed far beyond what I could ever dream or expect. So here is to a season of love and fellowship and praise be to the One who gives us a reason to celebrate!
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