Christmas is a time of peace. Time to reflect on the blessings we have and the grace that has been given to us so freely by our Father in heaven. The gift of Jesus can get lost in the hustle and bustle of our American culture this time of year, but if you take some time to think and look around you, He is with us...even in our busiest, most stressful moments.
Symbols are everywhere at Christmas. Lights remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. Evergreen trees remind me of nature, God's beautiful creation, and God's faithfulness. Family gatherings remind me of the supportive people that God has given me to help me make it through life. Good food and sweet treats remind me that God wants us to celebrate our blessings and enjoy the life He's given us. Gifts remind all of us that Jesus was the ultimate gift of love so that all of us can have abundant life.
I hope that you have a blissful Christmas. Take time to remember the reason for the season and the love that you have all around you!
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Friday, December 23, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Today's Bliss: Parents
Fifteen years ago, I may not have thought of my parents as bliss. But they are. N's parents are, too. We are very, very blessed that we have four people in our lives who know us well, love us deeply, and help us with anything we need. This past week, N and I took spent some time with our parents. We took our Dads to a Predators hockey game; we took our Moms to see Opryland Hotel and the Christmas decorations. Our parents also came to N and I's Christmas party and they really made it fun! All of these events were really nice and gave us some time to enjoy the healthy relationships we have with each other.
N and I look forward to spending the holidays with our parents and we give thanks for them every day! We hope that you have a chance to hug your parents and thank them for what they have given you: life.
N and I look forward to spending the holidays with our parents and we give thanks for them every day! We hope that you have a chance to hug your parents and thank them for what they have given you: life.
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| N and his Dad |
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| Me and my Dad |
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| N and his Mom |
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| Me and my Mom |
Monday, November 28, 2011
Today's Bliss: Holidays
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your loved ones! N and I really enjoyed our trip to Kentucky last week to be with his family to celebrate the holiday. We ate a lot, watched movies, helped decorate for Christmas, spent quality time with each other, and relaxed. I did not touch a computer or get online for 3 days straight...that was most definitely blissful for me! I needed to un-plug. We also got to see the new Muppets movie that I have blogged about a couple of times. It was a really good movie; I felt like I was seeing my old friends! I will forever love Miss Piggy and her extreme self confidence, Kermit's faithfulness to his friends, and Fozzy's determination to be happy.
Time spent away really makes me let go. If I had 4 days at home, I would feel the need to work on projects, conquer to-do lists, and be productive. When I go away, I let myself read magazines, watch television, chat with N more...it is a really good way to recharge, especially before the bustle of the Christmas season that is coming up so soon.
As I look at the remainder of my 2011 calendar that is filling up so quickly, I am bracing myself for a crazy month ahead. But, I am so so blessed by it. I am glad for the yule-tide activities, occasions to greet friends and family, and time to celebrate our ultimate gift: Jesus. I am blessed that I do not feel a need to attend a Blue Christmas service, that I do not feel lonely rather than fulfilled, that I am not searching for a place to go to celebrate with loved ones.
May your upcoming holiday season be blissful and not stressful; uplifting and not sad; loving and not loathing. Look around in thanks for what you have and who you are!
Time spent away really makes me let go. If I had 4 days at home, I would feel the need to work on projects, conquer to-do lists, and be productive. When I go away, I let myself read magazines, watch television, chat with N more...it is a really good way to recharge, especially before the bustle of the Christmas season that is coming up so soon.
As I look at the remainder of my 2011 calendar that is filling up so quickly, I am bracing myself for a crazy month ahead. But, I am so so blessed by it. I am glad for the yule-tide activities, occasions to greet friends and family, and time to celebrate our ultimate gift: Jesus. I am blessed that I do not feel a need to attend a Blue Christmas service, that I do not feel lonely rather than fulfilled, that I am not searching for a place to go to celebrate with loved ones.
May your upcoming holiday season be blissful and not stressful; uplifting and not sad; loving and not loathing. Look around in thanks for what you have and who you are!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Today's Bliss: Biscuits
Today was a really nice day. N and I met my parents for a tour of Cheekwood and a late lunch at the Loveless Cafe. We were celebrating my dad's birthday!
Cheekwood had several exhibits that we really enjoyed: a garden train, Buffalo Bill memorabilia and wild west artifacts, and holiday trees and decorations. We also saw a birds of prey lecture which was interesting...we even got to see a bald eagle and pet a screech owl. It was a beautiful day outside and we had a chance to enjoy it as we roamed through the Cheekwood gardens and grounds. Every exhibit had something special to offer to our day and we definitely appreciated it all!
After our morning filled with learning, we had to get something yummy to eat and the Loveless did not disappoint us. I had not been there in years; N had never been. We loved every bite of fluffy biscuits, crunchy fried chicken, and creamy corn that we had on our plates! It was a good meal and a good way to end a day of fellowship.
Breaking bread is an ancient tradition. When you have a meal with someone, you have time to talk, enjoy their company, savor the blessing of food that you've been given, and celebrate a day of life. I am so grateful that we had this nice day with my parents. N and I are lucky to have a strong, loving, healthy family in our lives. Take a moment to savor the people around you, break bread (or biscuits) with them, and tell them how they make your life feel like bliss!
Cheekwood had several exhibits that we really enjoyed: a garden train, Buffalo Bill memorabilia and wild west artifacts, and holiday trees and decorations. We also saw a birds of prey lecture which was interesting...we even got to see a bald eagle and pet a screech owl. It was a beautiful day outside and we had a chance to enjoy it as we roamed through the Cheekwood gardens and grounds. Every exhibit had something special to offer to our day and we definitely appreciated it all!
After our morning filled with learning, we had to get something yummy to eat and the Loveless did not disappoint us. I had not been there in years; N had never been. We loved every bite of fluffy biscuits, crunchy fried chicken, and creamy corn that we had on our plates! It was a good meal and a good way to end a day of fellowship.
Breaking bread is an ancient tradition. When you have a meal with someone, you have time to talk, enjoy their company, savor the blessing of food that you've been given, and celebrate a day of life. I am so grateful that we had this nice day with my parents. N and I are lucky to have a strong, loving, healthy family in our lives. Take a moment to savor the people around you, break bread (or biscuits) with them, and tell them how they make your life feel like bliss!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Today's Bliss: Looking Ahead
Next week, the holiday season officially begins! It is so hard for me to believe that it is time again for turkey, decorations, gifts, parties...the list could go on and on. 2011 has passed by very quickly for me! Today I am pausing in anticipation of the holiday season and giving thanks that it is almost time to celebrate the blessings we have been given, the birth of Christ, and a new year. I love the holidays and all of the activity that comes along with it, and I am so grateful for family and the opportunity to spend time with them.
Many people around us are not as happy as I am during the holidays. We have all experienced losses that are difficult to face during these joyful, festive times, but some people are left with emptiness rather than happiness during this season. Other people face financial challenges that prevent them from traveling far distances to see relatives or from purchasing a gift that their son or daughter would really, really like to have.
I am blessed. I don't need a lot of "stuff." My gifts are the people around me, their health, their love. N and I adopted an Angel Tree child last year at Christmas and we plan to do it again this year. We want to be sure that someone else feels the bliss of the Christmas season and knows that somewhere out there is someone who cared and wanted to show them love.
Many people around us are not as happy as I am during the holidays. We have all experienced losses that are difficult to face during these joyful, festive times, but some people are left with emptiness rather than happiness during this season. Other people face financial challenges that prevent them from traveling far distances to see relatives or from purchasing a gift that their son or daughter would really, really like to have.
I am blessed. I don't need a lot of "stuff." My gifts are the people around me, their health, their love. N and I adopted an Angel Tree child last year at Christmas and we plan to do it again this year. We want to be sure that someone else feels the bliss of the Christmas season and knows that somewhere out there is someone who cared and wanted to show them love.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Today's Bliss: Home
There is no better feeling to me than going home. And home can mean several things: home is my childhood home where my parents still live; home is N and I's current home; home is the place in Indiana where I visited my grandfather so many summers growing up; home is N's parents house in the country. And no matter how long you are away from your familiar surroundings, all of your memories rush back as soon as you return. There is something special about being in a place that is comfortable, familiar, yours. As soon as I step through my doorway, I feel so much more relaxed. I can be myself, rid of the stresses that I encountered on the outside.
Home is a place that I can express opinions, wear pajamas at 5:00pm, cry when I am frustrated, laugh a bit too loudly at a movie, talk to my dog as if he is a human, play childhood boardgames with N, chill out on the couch for four hours straight and not apologize...I could go on forever with this list!
I am very grateful for my home and for living in a country where I have the freedom and the means to have this comfortable place to live. I am grateful to share my home with my sweet husband N. I live a life of bliss everyday in our home!
Home is a place that I can express opinions, wear pajamas at 5:00pm, cry when I am frustrated, laugh a bit too loudly at a movie, talk to my dog as if he is a human, play childhood boardgames with N, chill out on the couch for four hours straight and not apologize...I could go on forever with this list!
I am very grateful for my home and for living in a country where I have the freedom and the means to have this comfortable place to live. I am grateful to share my home with my sweet husband N. I live a life of bliss everyday in our home!
Here is a photo of N and our home sweet home:
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| Christmas 2009 |
Monday, October 31, 2011
Today's Bliss: Halloween Memories
I have always liked Halloween. It is a fun time to dress up, eat some candy, and enjoy time with friends and family. Costumes are always exciting and for a while, my family owned a novelty store that had some awesome rental costumes that were a lot of fun to wear!
Over the years, one Halloween memory sticks out in my mind. When I was young, I was a dedicated reader of American Girl Magazine. One year, they featured a host of awesome Halloween costume ideas and there was one that I just had to try for my own trick or treating: a bag of Jelly Belly jelly beans. My very artistic father recreated the logo for me...I hunted down a giant, clear trash bag to fill with colorful balloons the perfect size so as to not fall out of the perfectly cut leg and arm holes...I found brightly colored tights...and I painted my face with bright, jelly bean shapes. I was ready! Off I went with my dad and some neighborhood girls to trick or treat. It was a lot of fun until the sixth house, when I noticed that the leg holes of my jelly bean sack started to tear a bit and I was loosing a jelly bean (balloon) each time I took a step. Uh oh! I walked more carefully, trying to save my super cute costume! But, alas, the further we walked, the more balloons escaped from my costume. I was so mad and so upset: why would a magazine promote a costume that had so many flaws? By the time I got home, I had no balloons left in my costume. Instead of looking like a bag of Jelly Bellys I looked like a garbage sack-wearing girl with a rainbow of colors on her face.
Looking back on this story, I laugh. It was a funny experience, although I didn't think that at the time! What I am most grateful for when I think about this trick or treat adventure is that I remember it so well. I remember my dad's dedication to making my costume and my trick or treating fun; my mom's help pulling my dream Halloween look together. I was a lucky girl to have a family who wanted to have as much fun as I did.
This year for Halloween N and I were part of a Trunk or Treat at church. There were a lot of refugee children who came to the event and I could not help but wonder what they were thinking about us...adults dressed in crazy outfits handing out free candy?!? A little weird to an outsider, I am sure! But, no matter what they thought, everyone left with something sweet and it was a great way to reach out to the community around us and show them that we care.
Have a blissful Halloween!
Over the years, one Halloween memory sticks out in my mind. When I was young, I was a dedicated reader of American Girl Magazine. One year, they featured a host of awesome Halloween costume ideas and there was one that I just had to try for my own trick or treating: a bag of Jelly Belly jelly beans. My very artistic father recreated the logo for me...I hunted down a giant, clear trash bag to fill with colorful balloons the perfect size so as to not fall out of the perfectly cut leg and arm holes...I found brightly colored tights...and I painted my face with bright, jelly bean shapes. I was ready! Off I went with my dad and some neighborhood girls to trick or treat. It was a lot of fun until the sixth house, when I noticed that the leg holes of my jelly bean sack started to tear a bit and I was loosing a jelly bean (balloon) each time I took a step. Uh oh! I walked more carefully, trying to save my super cute costume! But, alas, the further we walked, the more balloons escaped from my costume. I was so mad and so upset: why would a magazine promote a costume that had so many flaws? By the time I got home, I had no balloons left in my costume. Instead of looking like a bag of Jelly Bellys I looked like a garbage sack-wearing girl with a rainbow of colors on her face.
Looking back on this story, I laugh. It was a funny experience, although I didn't think that at the time! What I am most grateful for when I think about this trick or treat adventure is that I remember it so well. I remember my dad's dedication to making my costume and my trick or treating fun; my mom's help pulling my dream Halloween look together. I was a lucky girl to have a family who wanted to have as much fun as I did.
This year for Halloween N and I were part of a Trunk or Treat at church. There were a lot of refugee children who came to the event and I could not help but wonder what they were thinking about us...adults dressed in crazy outfits handing out free candy?!? A little weird to an outsider, I am sure! But, no matter what they thought, everyone left with something sweet and it was a great way to reach out to the community around us and show them that we care.
Have a blissful Halloween!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Today's Bliss: Love
I have been very blessed every day of my life because of one thing: love. God's love, my parent's love, N's love, love from friends and my community of faith. I have never felt un-loved. I really don't think that very many people can honestly say this in our broken, frustrated society. So, I proudly own the love that I have in my life and I cherish it. The funny thing about love is that if it is pure, it cannot be held onto completely. If you are loved, I believe that you then are compelled to show love to others around you.
I hope that I am seen as loving. I definitely have days where I don't show my love very successfully, but overall I hope that I can show love to others as much as I receive it.
We had a family dinner tonight for my birthday and I realized how much love there is in my life and how easily it can be taken for granted. Everyone should pause and think of the love they have in their life and how they can focus on passing it on...showing others that they are loved, too.
God's love is the strongest love, of course. Unbreakable. Eternal. Today in church we sang a song that mentioned bliss...so I had to share it. I think that one of the ways God's magnificent love is shown to us is in the blessings we receive; some of the most important blessings are outlined here:
Lord of All Hopefulness (verse 1)
Lord of all hopefulness
Lord of all joy
Whose trust, ever childlike, no cares could destroy
Be there at our waking and give us, we pray
Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.
I hope that I am seen as loving. I definitely have days where I don't show my love very successfully, but overall I hope that I can show love to others as much as I receive it.
We had a family dinner tonight for my birthday and I realized how much love there is in my life and how easily it can be taken for granted. Everyone should pause and think of the love they have in their life and how they can focus on passing it on...showing others that they are loved, too.
God's love is the strongest love, of course. Unbreakable. Eternal. Today in church we sang a song that mentioned bliss...so I had to share it. I think that one of the ways God's magnificent love is shown to us is in the blessings we receive; some of the most important blessings are outlined here:
Lord of All Hopefulness (verse 1)
Lord of all hopefulness
Lord of all joy
Whose trust, ever childlike, no cares could destroy
Be there at our waking and give us, we pray
Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Today's Bliss: Birthdays
Today is my 28th birthday. I am so blissful today: it is beautiful outside, my parents called me with their traditional birthday song, I had a great morning with N...running errands, choosing my gift, eating a yummy cupcake for lunch...and tonight is date night. What a great birthday!
Looking back at all of my years of birthdays, I see how great it was to have a loving family around me for every single birthday that I have had. Whether I was a little girl with a delicious cake ordered to match my carefully chosen birthday party napkins or I was away at college and received a surprise flower delivery, my family and friends have always been there to help me celebrate. I am blessed.
Tomorrow night we will have a celebration with N's parents and my parents. Every time I look around at the six of us together, I am thankful. Thankful for a husband who loves me and an expanded family who cares for us deeply.
Spend a moment in the sun, basking in the glow of the blessings that you have. Happy day!
Looking back at all of my years of birthdays, I see how great it was to have a loving family around me for every single birthday that I have had. Whether I was a little girl with a delicious cake ordered to match my carefully chosen birthday party napkins or I was away at college and received a surprise flower delivery, my family and friends have always been there to help me celebrate. I am blessed.
Tomorrow night we will have a celebration with N's parents and my parents. Every time I look around at the six of us together, I am thankful. Thankful for a husband who loves me and an expanded family who cares for us deeply.
Spend a moment in the sun, basking in the glow of the blessings that you have. Happy day!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Today's Bliss: Grace
I mess up all of the time. I snap at my husband, N, for no reason...I get angry over silly things...I don't show love to my neighbors like I should...I make mistakes. Thankfully, I am surrounded by grace. N is a very forgiving person and is always accepting of my apologies, friends understand when I have an unpleasant attitude, family members show me love even when I don't deserve it.
Even more valuable than grace from people around me is grace from God. Jesus was perfect...I am very imperfect. But no matter how much I mess up, God forgives. He teaches. He shows me a more righteous path that I can take; a path that will make me a better person. I just need to listen for His voice, be directed by His guidance, and try to live out His plans.
Thank God for His grace that heals, loves, and provides for me every single day. I pray that I will accept the grace that God offers and that I can have grace for others around me, too.
Even more valuable than grace from people around me is grace from God. Jesus was perfect...I am very imperfect. But no matter how much I mess up, God forgives. He teaches. He shows me a more righteous path that I can take; a path that will make me a better person. I just need to listen for His voice, be directed by His guidance, and try to live out His plans.
Thank God for His grace that heals, loves, and provides for me every single day. I pray that I will accept the grace that God offers and that I can have grace for others around me, too.
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