I took yesterday (and most of this week) off from blogging so I could focus on Thanksgiving.
Well, that and I just couldn't find the time to write a post. Eh. Well, today I'm putting up my last post in the 30 Days of Thankfulness link-up with Angela! Check out Week 1 & 2 here. Check out Week 3 here.
28th. Thanksgiving
is such a wonderful time to spend with family and friends as we remember and reflect on all that we are thankful for. Most of my family lives 6 hours away and because of the way my parent's work schedules fell, we weren't able to go and be with them for Thanksgiving. So, we ate with older and newer friends this year! There was lots of good food eaten and of course turkey. I always look forward to the day after Thanksgiving, not because of shopping, but because I get to eat more of that wonderful food!
Honorable Mentions
(for days 29 and 30) Family should be one of those unspoken, yet understood, thing I'm thankful for. But, I decided it would be best to give them a shout out. Just like friends, they provide some of the best laughs and memories. I'm thankful for all of them and what they mean to me. Southern Living Magazine makes me happy and sad at the same time. Happy, because it provides LOTS of yummy recipes and design/decoration ideas. Sad, because my house looks nothing like the ones that grace the pages of the magazine. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Follow Me :)
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I think most people do posts like these at the beginning of the month, but I've never done one before and it makes for a good Odds & Ends post.
Also, it's my blog and I can do what I want...as random as it is sometimes. Let's get to it!
CURRENTLY....
Reading: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Yes, I realize I'm a little behind the times on this one. I am one of those people that never read Harry Potter as a kid. I sadly didn't grow up with this awesome group of characters, but I'm determined to change that now! (I have seen all the movies, but I'm one of those that likes the books better. So I'm ready to read!)
Watching: Boy Meets World. Well, right now at least. I just finished watching Parenthood and I'm about to watch The Amazing Race. I saw Catching Fire yesterday (Uh-Mazing. You guys! It was so freakin' fantastic!) I also have a list of movies on my computer that I want to watch on Netflix. And I'm thinking about starting Downton Abbey. Also, I really want to watch Elf, but I'm waiting until after Thanksgiving. :)
Wearing: A v-neck shirt, a long cardigan, a cozy new scarf, and a pair of sparkly flats. Well, that was my outfit for yesterday. Today it is just jeans and a t-shirt since I have to go to work later and I don't dress all that cute in case I get splattered with all kinds of things. Mom and I went to Payless on Saturday and I got those sparkly flats, a pair of boots (half-off!), and that new cozy scarf I mentioned earlier. You need to see them, they are awesome. Check them out here, here, and here.
Drinking: Chai Tea. This is like my drink of choice for fall/winter. I could drink it all. the. time. Also, yesterday I had my first Peppermint Mocha of the season (and may have flirted with a cute barista. yeah, I said it. ha. good times.).
Listening: Hymns and Christmas Music. Yesterday I went to Christmas Spectacular in Mobile. I can't even begin to describe the talent that took that stage. You just need to click this link and watch and listen. (This is from last year's Spec.) Did you watch it?? Did you get goosebumps?? Yeah, that is what I had the pleasure of listening to last night for about 2 1/2 hours. It was simply incredible! Also, this song by The City Harmonic called Holy (Wedding Day). Please, please listen. So good!
What have you been reading // watching // wearing // drinking // listening to lately?
Follow Me :)
Once again linking up with Angela for 30 Days of Thankfulness!
Check out Week 1 & 2 here. (Also, there are lots of hidden links throughout this post. Check 'em out if you want.) :)
21st. Rest and Sleep
have become my closet friends these past couple of weeks. I've started not just one, but two jobs! (Look at #19 again) Not only has He provided for me in that way, but He has also given me the opportunity to serve at my church on Wednesday nights by leading Mission Friends. I've had a blast with my little friends, serving people coffee, and learning a new job and new skills. But, my body is tired and my bed fills wonderful at the end of the day. Follow Me :) Fall (and Winter) is my favorite season (in case you guys haven't realized that yet, go here, here, and here). But, not just because of the colors, the crisp blue skies, new episodes of my favorite shows, Chai Tea, and pumpkins. Fall is the time when the holiday season begins! We start off with some fun at Halloween, then to get to eat some delicious food at Thanksgiving, all before celebrating the birth of our Savior at Christmas. Fall ushers in a time where we start thinking about what we could do for others. Yes, this should be something on our minds year round, but honestly, how much of a priority do we give to giving to others year round? I know I don't do it quite enough. The holiday season is a time to give. Samaritan's Purse is an organization that is known for sending out help in disasters, sending out missionaries, and for Operation Christmas Child where shoe boxes are collected all over and then distributed worldwide to kids. I've been packing shoe boxes for the past few years and it is one of the highlights of my year. I love packing a shoe box with things that are fun for a kid to enjoy and general necessities they may need. But, what changed for me this year, was my challenge to cover my box in prayer. For one week, I prayed over my box for the young boy who was going to receive it. If you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen these updates. I prayed for his salvation, that he would have adequate food and clothing, for his health and that he would have access to a doctor and medicine when needed. I prayed for his safety, that he would have comfort, and the courage to stand up for what is right. Then, with my church, we prayed over all our boxes. We prayed for every hand that was going to touch that box that would have a hand in getting it to its final destination. However, we don't have to wait until this time in November to pack a shoe box. I found out that you can pack and send in shoe boxes any time of the year! What a great way to spend any holiday by packing a shoe box and sending love to a child in another country. It's a way to have an impact on the nations, from right where you are. It's not too late to pack a shoe box! For more information, click here! World Vision is an organization that is well-known for child advocacy and child sponsorship. Each holiday season, they give you the opportunity to "share joy with the world" and give gifts to children and families in need. The gifts range from big or small, can be only $25 or over $300. From Bibles, to chickens, to goats, water wells, medical supplies, school supplies, to schools, homes, and medical clinics! Some of the gifts will even multiply themselves 5 or 10 times! A gift of chickens, rabbits, or goats can help families in several ways like giving them food, clothing, and the ability to sell and make money in marketplaces. Just another way that you can have an impact on the nations, right from where you are. To request a free catalog or pick out and send gifts online, click here! The opinions and views in this post are all my own. I wasn't given anything from either organization in exchange for this post. These are just two organizations that are important to me. Follow Me :)
Just a quick question for all my BlogLovin' followers!
Are my blog posts showing up in your blog roll? I've noticed that when I click the link on my BlogLovin' profile, it goes to an old hyperlink and shows a 404 screen saying that the "page does not exist." I just want to make sure that my posts are showing up for you guys and to know whether or not I need to contact BlogLovin' again. Do you guys use blog readers or prefer to visit sites individually? I'm not even sure what other blog readers are out there. I just want to make sure that whoever wants to read my blog is able to read my blog! Thanks for any feedback you guys can give me! :)
And on that note...
Follow Me :)
It's really no surprise that I love me some TV.
One of the reasons Fall is my favorite is because all my favorite TV shows come back on and I get to fall in love with fictional characters all over again. There is one thing that I don't like about TV however. And that is commercials! They cut out SO much time from our beloved shows making our 60 minutes really be 45 and our 30 minutes only 22. I would much rather have those extra minutes to watch the Braverman clan grow closer together, see another surgery on Grey's Anatomy, or get some extra laughs from Jess and the Guys from New Girl or the docs over at The Mindy Project. But, alas, we have to learn to live with commercials and as much as I don't like most of them, I do have some favorites. My most favorites are the holiday commercials. They can make you laugh and warm your heart. So, I present to you, my Top Ten Favorite Holiday Commercials.
I apologize for the lack of quality. All of these were taken off of YouTube.
If you only watch TWO of these videos, make it be #2 and #1!!
10. Sadly, I couldn't find a video for one of my favorites. A commercial for the Green Bean Casserole. Basically, they shoot to different people and everyone keeps reminding another, "Don't Forget The Green Bean Casserole!" It's repeated very often, almost to the point of annoyance, but it is one of my favorites.
9. This will be the only Thanksgiving commercial. Remember, everyone, to never deep fry your turkeys. This could turn into a very bad situation.
8. This is one of two Folger's commercials that made my list. They have some heartwarming ones.
7. A fun, Hallmark commercial.
6. Apprently I'm a sucker for the heartwarming, kid comes home commercials.
5. The M&M guys are just a classic.
4. Scarecrows are my favorite for Halloween. Snowmen are my favorite for Christmas. So, naturally...
3. Who doesn't love Polar Bears? Especially a baby one.
2. These last two pretty much tie for the top spot. This one is just so cheerful and happy. Whenever I see it, it automatically puts me in a good spirit! Also, it first aired in 1989, making it the longest running Hershey commercial ever.
1. This HAS to be my most favorite commercial. I've always wanted a big brother, he just came back from Africa, his sister is precious, they are drinking coffee. I mean really. It has ALL the things that would make a great holiday morning.
Again, Folgers nails it on the head! If you only watch one on this list, make it this one!!
What is your favorite holiday commercial?
Send me the link below! Follow Me :)
Hey Guys! I'm super pumped about this link-up that I'm going to be joining in.
The past couple of years, I've seen on Facebook, my friends do a daily post on what they are thankful for during the month of November. Well, this year I decided that I wanted to write down something that I was thankful for each day. I haven't been posting on FB, but I've been journaling and keeping them for myself. Well, then I get an e-mail from Angela! And she has thought of this brilliant 30 Days of Thankfulness Link-Up! Every Thursday, you can share the things you are thankful for, all leading up to Thanksgiving. I wasn't able to join in last week, so this post is going to be weeks 1 & 2 combined! Let's get to the thankfulness! :)
Week One
7th. Blue, Clear Skies
where there is not a cloud in sight and all I see are the colorful leaves falling to the ground and crunching under my feet.
Week Two
14th. Little Children
who just know how to enjoy life and have a good time and aren't troubled by any of the worries of the world.
Make sure to Link Up on Angela's page!
Click the picture above or here. Follow Me :) As I've mentioned before, I love the book My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers. There are days where I will just stare at the page and not fully understand what he is saying to me. And I have to reread it about five times. Then, there are days where the message is SO. CLEAR. that you just know he wrote it for you...even if it was first spoken in 1911. But, like Charles Stanley has said, "With the exception of the Bible, no book has had as profound an effect on my life as My Utmost For His Highest." I couldn't agree more. That's why, today's post is strictly from Oswald Chambers. The moment I read the first sentence, I knew today's reading would be one that would resonate deeply with me. And friends, it's too good to not share. So, enjoy these words from Oswald Chambers. Taken from the entry of November 13th, in My Utmost For His Highest. Faith or Experience? "...the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me..." Galatians 2:20 We should battle through our moods, feelings, and emotions into absolute devotion to the Lord Jesus. We must break out of our own little world of experience into abandoned devotion to Him. Think who the New Testament says Jesus Christ is, and then think of the despicable meagerness of the miserable faith we exhibit by saying, 'I haven't had this experience or that experience'! Think what faith in Jesus Christ claims and provides -- He can present us faultless before the throne of God, inexpressibly pure, absolutely righteous, and profoundly justified. Stand in absolute adoring faith 'in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God -- and righteousness and sanctification and redemption...' (1 Corinthians 1:30). How dare we talk of making a sacrifice for the Son of God! We are saved from hell and total destruction, and then we talk about making sacrifices! Oswald Chambers (emphasis added is my own) Follow Me :)
Let's keep the realness rolling, guys. And let's be honest when we say that the holidays can truly be THE. WORST. time to be single. Pumpkin patches, fall leaves, outdoor concerts, fairs, apple picking, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years all look better when you have someone to stand by your side. Can you tell yet that my singleness has been hitting me square in the face OVER AND OVER again lately? It has. Just ask Kiki and Amy who got a very long e-mail from me last night. But, they are amazing and didn't seem to mind it too much. You girls are angels for accepting and actually reading that random e-mail. :) Single girl struggle bus. I know it's route very well.
But, it never fails that when this bus comes back around (and keeps me hostage), I never find myself alone. The Lord ALWAYS meets us where we are. And He speaks to me in so many different ways. Including books and songs. My favorite "devotional" that I have is My Utmost For His Highest. If you don't have a copy of it, I strongly urge you to pick up a copy. Oswald Chambers is one of my favorites and his words are just amazingly powerful and true. It can be a bit overwhelming though. There are days where I will have to re-read a page about 5 times before I truly begin to understand what I just read. Anyways, here is something that really stuck out and spoke to me. If you follow me on Twitter, you've maybe already seen this. "When I stop telling God what I want, He can freely work His will in me without any hindrance. He can crush me, exalt me, or do anything else He chooses. He simply asks me to have absolute faith in Him and His goodness." Oswald Chambers
Guys, we HAVE to get out of the way. We HAVE to put ourselves aside and let Jesus be first. We HAVE to have faith that He is going to take care of us. We have joy in knowing that He is protecting us. That His goodness is reigning over us.
This time, this season, this journey that God has me in, that He has you in, will not be for nothing. We go through the fire to be made pure. "For such a time as this..." This is my time to show HIS magnificence. To show HIS glory. To give HIM praise. To serve HIM. To love HIM. This is HIS time. His time to show His goodness. To show His faithfulness. This is HIS time to crush me, exalt me, or anything else HE chooses. This is HIS time.
After I finished reading and dwelling on the entry in My Utmost For His Highest, I was listening to Kari Jobe while folding clothes.
And Steady My Heart began to play. Friends, just look and listen to these words.
Wish it could be easy
Why is life so messy? Why is pain a part of us? There are days I feel like Nothing ever goes right Sometimes it just hurts so much But You're here You're real I know I can trust You Even when it hurts Even when it's hard Even when it all just falls apart I will run to You 'Cause I know that You are Lover of my soul Healer of my scars You steady my heart I'm not gonna worry I know that You've got me Right inside the palm of your hand Each and every moment What's good and what gets broken Happens just the way You plan And I will run to You And find refuge in Your arms And I will sing to You 'Cause of everything You are You steady my heart I'm not gonna worry I know that you've got me Right inside the palm of your hand Follow Me :) You know, sometimes, you just want it to be you. Sometimes, you just want to be the one to share good news. Sometimes, you get tired of waiting for something that may never come. Sometimes, you get frustrated that things are hard and don't go your way. When it seems that others always get what they want. Sometimes, you think that life isn't fair. That it sucks you had a dad that wasn't there. That you don't have the perfect job yet. That you aren't in a relationship or married. That you don't get to enjoy nice vacations in different countries. That you don't have a super nice car. That you don't get to go to that concert that you want to. That you don't live near your best friend. That you have a sister who isn't talking to you. That you don't have your own place and are having to live at home. Sometimes, you let the Devil creep in. Sometimes, you begin to believe his lies. But, sometimes, you fight it. Sometimes, it is you that shares the good news. Sometimes, the desires of your heart are fulfilled. Sometimes, things do go your way. Sometimes, you remember that you are blessed. That you were given an amazing earthly father that took you in as his own, when he didn't have to. That you have a job, right now, that you can enjoy. That you have time to spend by yourself, discovering who you want to be. That you have had some incredible chances to visit different places and meet some incredible people. That you have a car that runs and is able to get you to work. That you have fun memories of that concert, that one time, with those friends. That you have a best friend who is just a FaceTime call away. That you have a sister, one who understands, one who you can pray with, together, for your distant sister. That you have a home, with two parents who love you. Sometimes, you let Jesus come in. Sometimes, you let Him speak love into your life. Sometimes, you let Him work. Sometimes, you remember to see His face. And the way that He redeems. Protects. Provides. Loves. Sometimes, you begin to listen and believe His truth. Frankly, my dear, I choose the latter. Frankly, I choose for "sometimes" to turn into "always." Frankly, I choose to believe. Linking up with Amy. Follow Me :) |
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