The Christmas season is upon us.
After a whole year, which seemingly sped by, Christmas is upon us again.
I'm thinking of Christmas in a different way this year, and it is partially due to the words that the pastor at our new church said this morning.
In essence, he invited us to forgo the hustle-and-bustle of the holiday season, to lay aside the commercialized busyness of Christmas and to enter into the season carefully.
Carefully.
He admonished us to actually be still and careful about this Christmas season in order to gain a new revelation of Him. I'd never thought of that before, but now, now that his words have really sunk into my heart, I'm thinking of Mary. Jesus' mother. The girl who gave birth to this Saviour.
I'm thinking that Mary was, first and foremost, as a soon-to-be Mama, just ecstatic to be with child. I mean, of course she was scared and anxious and confused, after all, she was already promised to Joseph, and now she was pregnant out of wedlock by the Holy Spirit! Who was going to believe that?? But she was going to be a Mama. And after she got used to that fact, after she had wrapped her mind around the amazing and astounding details, I think she gave herself permission to love the growing baby in her womb.
Does this post seem disrespectful? I'm sorry, but I've just been thinking a lot about Mary.
Look, she was going to be a Mama! And mamas the world over, no matter what century or time period or income class they happen to be in, mamas love their babies. Mamas are consumed with thoughts of their babies, with the anticipation and the excitement of preparing to welcome a new life!
Was Mary any different??
I believe that Mary felt about Jesus in her womb just like you and I do when we're with child! I believe she caressed her growing belly and talked to her baby and sang to Him. I can see her feeling and watching His every movement with wonder and awe, not because He was going to be the Saviour of the World, but first and foremost, because He was.....her baby.
Her Baby. Her sweet, tiny, much loved and highly anticipated Baby.
I believe that after the angel appeared to her with the most stunning proclamation she'd ever heard, I believe that she tucked the news away in her deepest heart and went about the business of just loving Jesus.
Just loving Him.
Because even though she was the Mother of the Son of God, she probably didn't see it that way. She nursed Him and bathed Him and changed His diaper and hugged Him and kissed his owies and cleaned His dirty clothes because He was her Son. Yes, He was Saviour, Redeemer, Ransomer of us all, but first and foremost.....He was her Baby.
I feel very close to Mary this season as I think about her softly singing lullabies to her baby. Mary takes an important role in my life this season as I think of her as a mama. It's such a sweet picture for me, to think of Jesus being cradled gently and rocked back and forth in Mary's arms. Mary wasn't divine, she was just the vessel that God chose to work through. Mary wasn't super spiritual, she was just a willing girl who God saw fit to hold the most amazing Gift we've ever known.
The fact that Mary responded to the angel, and to God, with such submission and humility makes me want to, as a mother, respond in kind to Him too. I want that sweet, gentle, lowly Jesus in my life too, to infuse me with His humbleness and to flow from me for all to see.
I'm contemplating this season carefully this year. I'm slowing down from frantic frenzy and being still this year. I'm hoping to offer myself as a vessel, just as Mary did, for whatever God wants to do in me. I'm quietly and keenly aware of the Baby Jesus, Emmanuel, I AM, in my life and asking Him....
Come, gentle Jesus, and may I be be, in Your sight, just a tiny bit as favored as Mary as I allow the sweetness and peace and beauty of the season to wrap around me and engulf me and Lord, may that faithfulness that is Your signature emanate from me.
May it be unto me as You have said.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
I'm Back!!
Hello out there!!!!
Are you all still there??
I'm back online!! You're either thinking "O No!" Or "O Yes!" I do so hope it's the latter.
I'm back online after being off for about 6 weeks. And let me tell you, the past six weeks have not been my favorite! But here we are, in our Hometown again, in Our House!!!
I noticed that I lost a follower.....whoever you are, please come back! I have so so SO many things to post about that I hope you won't be disappointed.
We had our first Thanksgiving in which I cooked (almost) the whole meal myself, with Hannah making the potatoes and Samantha making two pumpkin pies. It was just the 10 of us this year, praise our merciful Father. I felt no stress, no anxiety, no pressure to perform as I got up this morning, early, and began to cook. It was actually the most relaxed holiday we've ever had, in my opinion. We were able to be very relaxed and low-key this year. Our menu was turkey, ham, cheesy potatoes, stuffing with sausage, mushrooms and onions, Brazilian cheese puffs, green beans and corn, and gravy. It was all scrumpalicious!! It was the most peaceful, most laid back, nicest holiday I can remember. When dinner was over and everything was cleaned up, we watched The Lion King on VHS (GASP! Yes, we still have a VHS player) and then we played Yahtzee, which I royally lost, big time. Now we're doing a final clean up and getting ready for bed. Bliss, I tell ya!!
So, now that I'm back online, and now that I plan on being around regularly, let me ask a few questions: Do you stress out about the holidays? Do you go all out and fancy? Do you host gatherings? Or do you just do you and your family?? I'm looking forward to hearing about how you do things around the holidays.
Are you all still there??
I'm back online!! You're either thinking "O No!" Or "O Yes!" I do so hope it's the latter.
I'm back online after being off for about 6 weeks. And let me tell you, the past six weeks have not been my favorite! But here we are, in our Hometown again, in Our House!!!
I noticed that I lost a follower.....whoever you are, please come back! I have so so SO many things to post about that I hope you won't be disappointed.
We had our first Thanksgiving in which I cooked (almost) the whole meal myself, with Hannah making the potatoes and Samantha making two pumpkin pies. It was just the 10 of us this year, praise our merciful Father. I felt no stress, no anxiety, no pressure to perform as I got up this morning, early, and began to cook. It was actually the most relaxed holiday we've ever had, in my opinion. We were able to be very relaxed and low-key this year. Our menu was turkey, ham, cheesy potatoes, stuffing with sausage, mushrooms and onions, Brazilian cheese puffs, green beans and corn, and gravy. It was all scrumpalicious!! It was the most peaceful, most laid back, nicest holiday I can remember. When dinner was over and everything was cleaned up, we watched The Lion King on VHS (GASP! Yes, we still have a VHS player) and then we played Yahtzee, which I royally lost, big time. Now we're doing a final clean up and getting ready for bed. Bliss, I tell ya!!
So, now that I'm back online, and now that I plan on being around regularly, let me ask a few questions: Do you stress out about the holidays? Do you go all out and fancy? Do you host gatherings? Or do you just do you and your family?? I'm looking forward to hearing about how you do things around the holidays.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
My Loves
So, to my knowledge, I've never done a post on my favorite things. Or things that I love. I know, I know, you all are just panting to delve into these subjects with me!! Ha. I have some things that I really, really love and I want to share those things. They've made my life happier!! Here goes!
Gals, I simply adore this stuff. I know, it's got a strange name! But this, Yes to Carrots Daily Cream Facial Cleanser, is absolutely decadent! It's wonderful! You see, I have really dry skin. And I've tried many cleansers and moisturizers that make high and lofty promises and just never, never deliver. I've tried expensive things and cheap things. I had already been using the Yes to Blueberries stuff (they have other products for different skin care needs) for my "aging" skin, but when we went down the coast on our vacation a few weeks ago, I forgot my skin stuff. So....I had to go buy some! I knew I liked this brand. And so, I decided to buy a tube of this stuff. HUGE tube, $7.99. Sweet price. This stuff delivers. Let me tell you though that I'm not consistent with my skin care regimen at all, but this stuff makes it really easy and fun to turn over a new leaf! It smells gorgeous, sweet and light, and as soon as I put it on my face it disappeared! My poor face just ate it right up! And it felt like a tall, cool drink of water on my dry, stressed skin. I was raving about it to my girls as soon as I put it on! And it only takes a small amount because it's so rich and creamy, so I know this will last me at least 6 months! Run out right now and get some! I got mine at Fred Meyer in the health food section, but I bet they have this stuff at Kroger or, you can order it online at http://www.yestocarrots.com
And this moisturizer? Lush! Wonderful. A small pot of Yes to Carrots Rich Moisture Day Cream runs $14.99 at Freddy's, but let me tell you, I use less than a pea sized amount, I mean, like just a teenie dab, and I smooth this stuff all over my face, and even on my throat. This will last me at least 6 months too. I feel immensely hydrated all day after using this, even under my make up, which can tend to dry me out, but I never feel dry after using this. It also smells gorgeous but not too heavy, and all of the ingredients in it are either organic or totally natural, nothing is artificial, which is very important to me.
I also use this stuff after each shower, because like I said, I have very dry skin, especially since we now use well water, and it's hard well water. This pot of Super Rich Body Butter cost $12.99 for 8.45 ounces or so, but I got 40% more for free when I ordered online, and this has lasted me literally more than 6 months. It's really good to use before bed. I love this stuff! This says it's for very dry skin, so it's really moisturizing and a bit thick, but I love it because it sinks right into my skin right away, and it's never greasy or sticky. Again, it smells very sweet and light, but the smell goes away and I find it doesn't interfere with my perfume.
I know, it's just a pot of nondescript powder....but ladies, this is Bare Escentuals face powder, and it revolutionized my life! I've been wearing BE makeup for a couple of years now. I had stopped wearing makeup because it irritated my skin so badly, and I didn't like the feeling of anything I tried. And I've tried it all, gals, from Clinique to Neutrogena to Almay to Cover Girl and anything in between!!! It was love at first brush for me. I find it's very inexpensive, especially because it lasts so long. And their eye makeup and mascara? The best! I have to be really careful what I put on my eyes because I had a severe eye condition when I was pregnant with Sofia almost 7 years ago, but this stuff is the best. Really. Prices vary, but I use it all, eye shadow, lip gloss, mascara, cheek color.....yes! The face powder is $20, and I think Macy's has a counter.
I couldn't get a pic of my next love, but it's so luxurious and so yummy! It's Bare Escentuals 100% Natural Lip gloss. Love. True Love! I have two tubes of this stuff and my favorite one, Cassis, has lasted me for over a year!! They're $15 each, and they smell like vanilla and the formula is rich and thick without being sticky or gummy. I keep them in my purse.
Okay, I think that's it for today. This post is just getting tooooo loooong!!
Just let me say that I know everything seems expensive, girls. And now you may think I'm snooty and exclusive and like to spend lots and lots of money on things, but please, don't read me wrong here! I won't apologize for the things I use because I have to use them. My face doesn't like anything else, and my family is dedicated to using organic and natural products, and supporting small companies that deliver on that. I spend the money because I hardly ever have to buy makeup and skin care, since all of this stuff I've posted about lasts so doggone long. And my husband wants me to and lets me. My skin is a lot happier! And, if you like to shop online, there's oodles of deals out there. There are all kinds of discounts and free shipping on different sites. I do hope you can try some of these things and please, let me know how you like them!!
Gals, I simply adore this stuff. I know, it's got a strange name! But this, Yes to Carrots Daily Cream Facial Cleanser, is absolutely decadent! It's wonderful! You see, I have really dry skin. And I've tried many cleansers and moisturizers that make high and lofty promises and just never, never deliver. I've tried expensive things and cheap things. I had already been using the Yes to Blueberries stuff (they have other products for different skin care needs) for my "aging" skin, but when we went down the coast on our vacation a few weeks ago, I forgot my skin stuff. So....I had to go buy some! I knew I liked this brand. And so, I decided to buy a tube of this stuff. HUGE tube, $7.99. Sweet price. This stuff delivers. Let me tell you though that I'm not consistent with my skin care regimen at all, but this stuff makes it really easy and fun to turn over a new leaf! It smells gorgeous, sweet and light, and as soon as I put it on my face it disappeared! My poor face just ate it right up! And it felt like a tall, cool drink of water on my dry, stressed skin. I was raving about it to my girls as soon as I put it on! And it only takes a small amount because it's so rich and creamy, so I know this will last me at least 6 months! Run out right now and get some! I got mine at Fred Meyer in the health food section, but I bet they have this stuff at Kroger or, you can order it online at http://www.yestocarrots.comAnd this moisturizer? Lush! Wonderful. A small pot of Yes to Carrots Rich Moisture Day Cream runs $14.99 at Freddy's, but let me tell you, I use less than a pea sized amount, I mean, like just a teenie dab, and I smooth this stuff all over my face, and even on my throat. This will last me at least 6 months too. I feel immensely hydrated all day after using this, even under my make up, which can tend to dry me out, but I never feel dry after using this. It also smells gorgeous but not too heavy, and all of the ingredients in it are either organic or totally natural, nothing is artificial, which is very important to me. I also use this stuff after each shower, because like I said, I have very dry skin, especially since we now use well water, and it's hard well water. This pot of Super Rich Body Butter cost $12.99 for 8.45 ounces or so, but I got 40% more for free when I ordered online, and this has lasted me literally more than 6 months. It's really good to use before bed. I love this stuff! This says it's for very dry skin, so it's really moisturizing and a bit thick, but I love it because it sinks right into my skin right away, and it's never greasy or sticky. Again, it smells very sweet and light, but the smell goes away and I find it doesn't interfere with my perfume.I know, it's just a pot of nondescript powder....but ladies, this is Bare Escentuals face powder, and it revolutionized my life! I've been wearing BE makeup for a couple of years now. I had stopped wearing makeup because it irritated my skin so badly, and I didn't like the feeling of anything I tried. And I've tried it all, gals, from Clinique to Neutrogena to Almay to Cover Girl and anything in between!!! It was love at first brush for me. I find it's very inexpensive, especially because it lasts so long. And their eye makeup and mascara? The best! I have to be really careful what I put on my eyes because I had a severe eye condition when I was pregnant with Sofia almost 7 years ago, but this stuff is the best. Really. Prices vary, but I use it all, eye shadow, lip gloss, mascara, cheek color.....yes! The face powder is $20, and I think Macy's has a counter.I couldn't get a pic of my next love, but it's so luxurious and so yummy! It's Bare Escentuals 100% Natural Lip gloss. Love. True Love! I have two tubes of this stuff and my favorite one, Cassis, has lasted me for over a year!! They're $15 each, and they smell like vanilla and the formula is rich and thick without being sticky or gummy. I keep them in my purse.
Okay, I think that's it for today. This post is just getting tooooo loooong!!
Just let me say that I know everything seems expensive, girls. And now you may think I'm snooty and exclusive and like to spend lots and lots of money on things, but please, don't read me wrong here! I won't apologize for the things I use because I have to use them. My face doesn't like anything else, and my family is dedicated to using organic and natural products, and supporting small companies that deliver on that. I spend the money because I hardly ever have to buy makeup and skin care, since all of this stuff I've posted about lasts so doggone long. And my husband wants me to and lets me. My skin is a lot happier! And, if you like to shop online, there's oodles of deals out there. There are all kinds of discounts and free shipping on different sites. I do hope you can try some of these things and please, let me know how you like them!!
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