I Love Christmas!

My family and I had a wonderful Christmas this year. We spent Christmas Eve in TN. with my Dad's side of the family. It was so great to see everyone. My little cousin, Caden, took his first steps while we were there and he almost said my name!! It's amazing how fast that kid can crawl. One minute he's in the living room and the next minute he's in the kitchen eating fake grass out the fake tree pot. We left my aunt's house and headed back to South Carolina. It took about four hours to drive through the mountains. My sister decided to sleep most of the way, so it was very hard to stay awake while driving. But after a coffee break, I was good to go. After we finished our Christmas Eve traditions we finshed wrapping presents and went to bed. The next day, I woke up to find a new digital camera, a tv, and many other exciting things. My digital camera is definitely the most exciting gift. I was so excited that I actually read through the camera book.......most people know that when it comes to technology, I usually end up breaking it, so reading the manuel is a big step for me! Anyway, I also got three new cookbooks so I'm ready to try out some new recipes. This week we're just going to hang out here and do some shopping and then we'll leave again this friday for TN. for Christmas with my mom's side of the family. Well, whenever something exciting happens I'll post again!

Christmas Time!!!

One of the things I love most about christmas is buying/making gifts for people. Everyone is so different that it makes it so much fun to come up with new ideas for presents. Yesterday, my sister and I went to the Haywood Mall here in Greenville. Well, I didn't realize that not everyone had the excited christmas spirit that we had. People can be so rude during this time of year! Anyway, I've spent the majority of the day working on Gabe's present. I have just a few more details to work out and then it will finally be complete! Every year we give each other a "home made" gift and I think this one beats all the other presents from years before. And I have even kept this a secret! For those of you who know me, you know that I'm terrible at keeping secrets when it comes to gifts...so don't tell me anything!
A lot of people have asked me what I've learned the most this semester and I have to admit that I've definitely learned alot. Some things were hard, but there were so many great things that happened. I made so many new friends, learned how to manage my time, became addicted to coffee, and made alot of great memories. But the one thing that is continually on my heart is apathy....I know it sounds weird, but let me explain..........
This entire semester and pretty much my whole life, I've been surrounded by christianity. I'm in church, chapel services, prayer meetings, and in a christian enviroment. These are not bad things in the least bit, but that makes it so much easier to become immune to things. I missed out on alot this sememster because I learned how to go through the motions of a christian walk. Chapel messages and even my quiet time wasn't affecting me like it should have. God had to bring to a place where I was weak and alone to help me realize what was most important. It all begins in the heart. My walk wasn't strong because I had things in my life I needed to get rid of. And it's so easy to hide those things, but when you finally give them to the Lord, He makes you new again. I don't want to be known as the "normal christian". I want to be different and I want to be real. When people see me, I don't want them to see me but I want them to see Christ. Yes, I struggle with alot of things, but God's grace covers me and makes me new. I never want to come to a place where I don't stand in awe of who God is.........that's something He's been teaching me alot lately.
Well, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year!

Prayer Request

When I was little I played on a soccer team in the town I grew up in. It was supposed to be a co-ed team, but I was the only girl.....it was a really small town. Anyway, my soccer coach was one of the nicest men I've ever met. He was my coach for many years and he was such a positive influence in my life. Tonight my uncle called to tell me that my coach had passed away. In may he found out he had cancer and he died last Wednesday. It all happened so fast. On that same day, his step brother passed away also. Please pray for these families during this time. I'm still in shock and many memories flood my mind. Just keep these families in mind during the Christmas holiday and remember to cherish the people you love.

Job 1:21...."the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."