A Little Of This, A Little Of That

My deepest apologies for not posting anything in December yet! It is already the 12th and I'm barely getting with the program. Anyway, BIG Update for me on the personal front; my job @ Berean Christian Store is coming to an end on January 31st. We received the news about a week ago that, due to some financial problems with the company, they had to close 6 six stores. 6 stores turned into 8 at the last minute to meet the required needs. Our store was the last, late addition to the list. Its sad and still hard to get used to in terms of discussing it with the very disappointed customers. As if the economic decline wasn't enough for these poor people, they get an automated phone call telling them that (in their words) "one of their favorite stores" is closing.

Today a customer was expressing their sadness about the store and my upcoming job loss and said "really puts a damper on your holiday season huh?" I have to admit, I was a little taken aback by her statement. I hadn't even thought of it that way. Lately, I find myself so caught up in the physical burdens of my daily life. Do you know what I mean? When it seems like all you can think about is job, finances, home, food, car expenses etc., I know Christmas is coming but I seem to have completely missed the magnitude of why we celebrate Christmas. It woke me up to the reality that no matter what happens, my hope and trust is in a currency that never diminishes in value. My hope and trust is in Christ. What else matters? I feel so silly that I still think my worrying can do something to make my problems go away, when I have THE Creator on the universe going before me in all I do. This was my light bulb moment.

I hope that you are not in the same place I was, but if you are I want to encourage you to not forget what this season is all about. And more than that, remember that it is not just this season. WE live for Him, in worship and gratitude..365...24/7. I know that we live in a time where we can't escape bad news. We are in a time where the stories you hear on the news are not about distant people..they are about people in our circles, maybe even us, real problems that are discouraging real people. With our hope in Christ we can't afford to waste another minute sulking or worrying. WE need to encourage and lift up one another. WE need to share the love of Christ with people who have no where to place their trust. WE need to realize why we celebrate Christmas. It is NOT about the "things" we "do" for one another that shows that we celebrate Christmas, it is in the relationship we have all the time that is a testimony to Christmas. Christmas is only where it began.

I wanna leave you with a video that my dad showed me, that since the news of my work situation as well as other things has really encouraged me. Like so many this year I am not in a place where I can give the gifts ("things") I would like to and that is what this video is about. Be encouraged...




For more info visit: http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

Oh, almost forgot...Grammy nominations came out last week and I have been meaning to sit down and share some of my thoughts and picks for my FAVORITE award show. Due to being crazy busy I haven't had a chance yet. But that's one thing that's coming.

And (prior to finding out about my job situation) I bought a laptop on "Cyber Monday" that should be coming soon. It has an integrated webcam so, I'm considering starting to do the occassional video post when I get it all figured out. We'll see.

I owe you some new Joshua pics soon.

Happy Friday Everyone! Enjoy your weekend! :)