After a long but beautiful day, we rested. I think this is such a sweet picture. I think he's wonderful. After services, we spent the afternoon at his grandma's house. Then we spent the rest of the day with his family. They are such fantastic people. It always amazes me how loving they are. They've made me feel like a part of their family. It looks like we're going to Seattle next Sunday after services and staying until Thursday. The furthest west I've ever been is SLC. The best part about going to Seattle will be meeting his mom's side of the family. We'll stay with his auntie. I love his dad's side of the family so I'm very excited to meet his mom's side.

Who knew life could be such a big blessing? I am in wonder of it. I never thought God would bless me in such an unbelievable way. I have trouble describing it, but the best way would be gratitude. God is so gracious! Happy Monday!

mush

I feel like my brain is a big bowl of mush...This is due to lack of sleep (the last week I haven't gotten more than 5 hours of sleep a night or any real 'down' time), not reading enough good books (seriously...i've lost my groove), and giving blood today.

I thought perhaps if I took a moment to type out a couple of thoughts, maybe, just maybe, I could be less mushlike and more sblike. Please bare with me as I type out some random thoughts that may or not make any sense whatsoever.

1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a visually amazing movie. I thoroughly enjoyed it and think you will too.
2. I took a picture with a woman dressed as a large drop of blood today after donating. This is my new facebook and myspace picture. When I first saw her, I couldn't stop giggling. All of my giggling made the technicians giggle which I do believe is why my arm is currently bruising and super sore. (i have never bruised in any prior donating nor been sore.)
3. My hair looks crazy today. If you saw me, you might think I'm a baglady. It was really cute when I left my house but the strong winds have made it into something totally different. I don't have a single bobbie pin or hair elastic in my purse today either.
4. I really like Whataburger. It's so good...I mean, really, really good. It will never replace Tacos but I have underestimated it for far too long.
5. I love my boyfriend. I think he is the best guy in the world for me. He continually amazes me. He's supportive and thoughtful.
6. My boyfriend's parents bought me a lambie blanket for Christmas and I never want to be parted from it. I've slept with it the last two nights and now understand Linus' obsession with his blankie.
7. I am still in shock that my students got me Christmas presents. When I left the world of public education, I thought that would be the end of my gifts. Who knew kids got presents for church ladies?

Not as helpful as I would have hoped but the typing did help a little. Have a happy Saturday!

Merry Christmas!

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

This may just be my new favorite picture of all time...who knew Whataburger, a napkin, and Chris could be such a beautiful thing?

Christmas Video

Merry Christmas!

Thanks Preston for the giggles!

Rahab's Rope

Tonight I went to a benefit dinner with Erin. I didn't know anything about the organization other than they helped prostitutes. I was amazed and encouraged when I found out more...

Rahab's Rope is a Christian organization that equips women with the skills needed to live. It is truly love in action. These women are viewed as untouchable. Most are forced into a life of prostitution and never receive any education. Typically when these women reach my age (mid-twenties) they are considered 'used up' and can no longer support themselves. These women are also victims of abuse in most cases.

Through Rahab's Rope, women are shown Christ's love, provided housing, educational seminars, develop skills (jewelry making, seamstress, office skills, etc), and are given a sense of self worth. Last year alone they showed Christ's love to over 900 women.

I love this organization. Christ came for all, loves all, and died for all. No one should ever be 'untouchable' or viewed as 'unreachable'. If you are able, please check out their website and show these ladies some support!

Officially Finished

That's right my friends, I am officially ready for Christmas! I have each and every gift wrapped & under the tree.

I hit a wall with the amount of paper I had & the sizes of gift bags. I was not going to let that stop me from finishing...so not every present perfectly coordinates, big deal. The paper comes off anyway...right?

It's such a good feeling to have that taken care of--now all I need to focus on is Christmas services coming up. We'll have nine services to celebrate Christmas. I will teach 8 of those services in my room. I'm really excited for this opportunity. It's very nice to know I won't get distracted thanks to a very productive, very blessed day!

Now it's off to bed...