Oh Come Let Us Adore Him

I can say with all honesty and joy that I experienced the beauty of Christmas this year. When I first began to type this I wanted to say "for the first time", but I'm not sure how true that would be. I think that every year since I have come to know the love of Jesus, I have grown more in my understanding for this season. This year however has a fresh and new feeling. I don't remember ever feeling more grateful for Jesus, more in awe of his sacrifice, more thankful for his love and peace, or more at rest in knowing he is in control. Of everything.

What a special Christmas it was. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Thank you for your peace Father.

holy slap myself in the head!

2 more finals to go, then just got to finish checkouts and I'm home free!

This past week has been really great. I've had a few opportunities to just sit back and think about how incredibly blessed I am. Not to brag, but seriously, really blessed.

Here's a sneak peak into what I am speaking of:

beautiful, beautiful girls

Kels with Luke's dino that we found while we were hiding in his loft waiting to pounce.sweet shea

I mean, not all my blessings can be put into pictures. But these are just some. Ready for Christmas, and being surrounded by more special, wonderful people I love.

7 days.

Today at the Vista we wrapped up our study of Philippians. What an encouragement, challenge and great learning experience it has been! Every Sunday I feel so blessed to be apart of such a great community of believers with a pastor that strives to teach truth by preaching the word.

As we recapped all we had talked about this semester I realized how selfish of an attitude I frequently have. I think I realized this because of Paul's attitude of selflessness. We talked about being content in all circumstances and how our society as a whole is so discontent in wants or "needs". We talked about how the Lord was sufficient for Paul. That He met his needs and most of all gave the gift, the magnificent sacrifice of his son. I need to remember and reflect on that so much more often than I am now.

Finals start this week. I cannot believe this semester is already about to be over! It is a wonderfully shocking fact. Tuesday is my last day in Bio Organic Chemistry. Still not sure how it's going to turn out in there...the final is next tuesday. I feel like if I make a C in that class then I can do anything.

Christmas is right around the corner, and I cannot wait. 7 days until break. 7 days.

"Because a sinless Savior died, my sinful soul is counted free; For God, the Just, is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me."

Honest Thoughts

Pain is inevitable. Why then, do I stand back with my hands up saying stay away? Especially when I know that the promised pain will most likely lead to better things, and if not better, at least closure (which is better!). I stand back because I am scared. I stand back because I don't trust God's sovereign power like I should. I stand back because I am weak. I stand back because at times I have faith the size of a marble. I stand back in shame that I can't face it.

I want to jump in head first sometimes. Most of the time though, I don't even want my toes to dip in and feel. I think that if I just go for it, trust Him, put my feet in, kick around a little, then I will see that it's perfect. Maybe not comfortable at first, but perfect.