My Christmas List

Today at a staff meeting at work I was reminded how much I have to be thankful for. Yes, at times life can be difficult and confusing, but I serve a God who never changes--the Alpha and Omega--the beginning and the end. Christ, who is my life, is sufficient for all things. I don't need acceptance from my family, friends, and even from people at church to feel that my Christian walk is justified. Christ is my sufficiency. This holiday I want to rest in His work on the cross and let all of my concerns and worries fade in the light of His glorious Son.

It's the Most Stressful Time of the Year

Strange how at Christmastime, when I'm supposed to be beaming with joy, peace, and Yuletide cheer, it's quite the opposite. I'm tired--exhausted actually--cranky, sore, busy, stressed, and slightly overwhelmed. As hard as I try not to let holiday festivities (gifts, cards, parties) become a burden, it's happening. I find myself growling at my mom when we're out of ribbon, or bursting into tears because I have too much to do and not enough time. No matter what I do to try to avoid this (ex. slowing down, planning/organizing, praying, trying to keep focused, deep breathing, etc.), nothing seems to keep the Christmas chaos from happening. Any suggestions?

Quotes Inspired from Friends

"Indeed if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in the slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."
- CS Lewis

“I’m playing Gameboy,
Standing in the middle of the Grand Canyon.
I’m eating candy,
Sittin’ at a gourmet feast.
I’m wading in a puddle,
When I could be swimming in the ocean.
Tell me--what’s the deal with me?
I know the time has come,
For me to wake up and see the glory.”
- Steven Curtis Chapman