i absolutely L O V E this day.
it truly is a precious holiday…i love seeing all the people running around with surprises for that special someone. it brings such joy to my heart. i love all the fun and creative things that people come up with and how everything is just extra sweet. i love the red and pink that is spread everywhere. i love all the lovely surprises that arrive when you least expect. and i just love “L O V E”.
happy valentine’s day loves.
xoxo
Lo
support team thailand and buy a rose for a special someone this week!!
xoxo
Lo
yes, it is Christmas. the day in which we celebrate the birth of our Savior(: a beautiful, glorious, HOPE-filled day.
[bethlehem//2010]
…tonight, as we were reading through Luke 2 i could not help but think back to when i was in Israel, reading through that same passage in a random field in bethlehem–where our group also acted it out, i believe i was a sheep. haha such fun//wonderful memories.
there are so many days when i wish i could go back to that semester and relive it. nothing compares to walking through the streets of jerusalem, hiking through the judean wilderness, or watching all the people go by from a bus window. it was all such a blessing. i’ll go back soon.
merry Christmas.
[will post again later, it's late now.]
xoxo
Lo
…this is the question that i keep getting asked. honestly, i never know what to say, because i really have not even thought that far in advance.
but today i took some time to think, and here is what i came up with:
1. first, that my bff will {f i n a l l y} be returning from the holy land.
just four short days.
2. T I M E.
time to pray. time to think. time to figure things out.
3. baking. there are so many wonderful recipes on pintrest that i can hardly wait to try.
4. crafts.
5. piano. it is my goal to learn one song over break.
my roommate keeps making fun of me for this, but i am determined to surprise her.
6. reading. o jerusalem & knowing God.
they have been collecting dust, just waiting to be read.
7. sleep.
catch up on sleep lost and stock up for next semester.
8. O L D F R I E N D S.
always a blessing.
9. Christmas eve.
my favorite tradition.
10. the most important :: a time to celebrate Christ’s birth.
oh the glorious day.
………….
WHAT about YOU?
what are you most looking forward to over this Christmas break?
yay. it is December once again.
my most favorite month.
here is a little playlist to start off the season right:
1. “mistletoe” by j.b.
2. “mistletoe” by colbie.
3. “christmas lights” by coldplay.
4. “i’ll be home for Christmas” by michael buble.
E N J O Y.
xoxo
Lo
the Lord is so faithful–each and every day.
the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. they are new every morning: great is THY faithfulness.
there are so many things that i thank God for.
to list them all would take forever.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE.
xoxo
Lo
:: all things FALL ::
{the decorations.}
{the fact that our room smells like someone is baking these apple cinnamon cookies.}
{somewhere the leaves are changing colors.}
{pumpkin carving.}
{cozy socks.}
{it’s the truth.}
{amazing scarf.}
{cutest outfit.}
{pumpkin patches.}
{& apple farms.}
{yes.}
{a book. a tree. this weather. & tea. mmm.}
xoxo
Lo
{this is a “magazine” article that i wrote for my home management theory and analysis class. just thought i would share, it may or may not apply to you. p.s. i am an awful writer, so i pre-apologize.}
Can you believe that it is already October? It seems like this year has flown by. This new month ushers in new responsibilities for us women, with two of the biggest holidays right around the corner! As you think about this, what comes to your mind? Are you filled with joy and excitement for all that this season will hold? Or do the many “to-do” lists begin to form, leading to anxious thoughts and overwhelming feelings?
For many women it is the latter. Preparing for this time of year can be a very daunting task. Over the years the holiday season has become over commercialized and the true meaning has been lost. Now, more than ever, there is so much emphasis put on finding the perfect decorations, the perfect gifts, trying to prepare the perfect meal, plan the perfect party, etc. It can really be a lot to handle. In addition to this, many families are dealing with loss or other important issues that arise, which always seem to be intensified during this time.
But how are we as Christian women supposed to respond to all of these thoughts?
Here are 5 helpful hints to guide you as you prepare for this holiday season:
1. Keep Christ as the Center of Your Holiday—above all this is the key to keeping calm through all of the hustle and bustle that takes place during the holidays. Matthew 6:33 says: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.” This is what we are called to do every day, and it cannot be neglected because other things, such as holiday celebrations, are taking place. Also, it is important to remember, “no circumstance is too …too minute or personal or temporal to bring to God…God is not bothered or offended by our ordinary, mundane requests. He loves to be consulted about the ordinary matters of our days, and our holidays” (Mahaney). When you begin to experience anxiety, quickly take your requests to the Lord and rely on Him for your strength (Philippians 4:6-7).
2. Plan Ahead—as you are preparing for the meal “make the guest list, plan the menu, compile the grocery list”, and plan when you will pick up these items (Barnes, Survival for busy women, 158-160). By doing this, you will save time and the headache of running to and from the grocery store. In addition, it is always a good idea to get the majority of your Christmas shopping done, prior to the month of December. This is sure to save you from endless lines and wasted time. Another thing to remember is that delegating is always a good thing. Do not be afraid to ask people to bring things to the dinner party.
3. Be Organized—write things down and keep lists of the things that you need to do. This will cause you to be efficient and get the things done in a timely manner (if you keep up with your lists).
4. Be Flexible—keep your expectations at a realistic level. When there are other people involved, it is important to realize that there will be things that come up and there may be times when plans change. By having an easy-going spirit, you will not respond in a negative way when things are not happening as you planned. In addition, this takes into account God’s sovereignty above all things. As Proverbs 16:9 says: “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
5. Be a Good Time Manager—keep your priorities straight. Know what needs to be done first and work hard at it. The key is to always keep the Lord first, in whatever it is that you are doing. And be careful no not neglect your time with Him.
The holiday season should be one that brings joy and happiness to your mind. It is meant to be a time devoted to praising the Lord and spending time with family. Even though it is easy to become overwhelmed by the thought of it, we must not allow ourselves to do this. We must trust in the sovereignty of God and remember that His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). He is present with you always and we have the freedom to go to Him with all our requests both big and small, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Don’t let this holiday season bog you down! Meditate on the truth, prepare your heart, and enjoy this time with those you love!
{References}
Barnes, Emilie. (1986). Survival for busy women: Establishing efficient home management. Oregon: Harvest House Publishers.
—. (1987). The complete holiday organizer: The busy woman’s guide to holiday planning. Oregon: Harvest House Publishers.
Jordan, Lane P. (1999). 12 steps to becoming a more organized woman: Practical tips for managing your home and your life based on proverbs 31. Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.
Mahaney, Carolyn. (2009). The gift of peace. In GirlTalk Blog. Retrieved September 30, 2011 from, http://www.girltalkhome.com/blog/the-gift-of-peace.
Peel, Kathy. (2008). The busy mom’s guide to a happy, organized home: Fast solutions to hundreds of everyday dilemmas. Illinois: Picket Fence Press.
xoxo
Lo
just wishing my bff was here to do these things with me.
…but i guess israel is 100 times better!!!
xoxo
Lo
