This was the first Christmas Eve I did not work in eight years!
I literally had to stop and think about how long it's been, but I think eight is correct.
Most of my shopping was done, but I went to the Rally Store with my sister-in-law to get Dan a couple of Texas Tech things. That is the coolest store! They have the most Tech stuff I've seen outside of Lubbock, TX! They also carry as much stuff for Baylor, OU, UT, A&M, Mavs, Cowboys, and Stars.
I finished wrapping up Christmas treats for co-workers and got them delivered.
Finished wrapping gifts.
We went to the Studio Movie Grill for dinner and a movie. It was the first time we'd been there. Not a lot of people were out, so we ended up having the theatre to ourselves. We saw Did You Hear About the Morgans? It was so-so. We had fun, though.
Dressed Rosie up as an elf. She looked so cute. She didn't mind the outfit because it was so cold, it was just the hat that she wasn't a fan of. Needless to say, the hat didn't stay on long!
Speaking of the cold....it snowed!!! I mean, SNOWED!!! It was incredible. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.
Well, almost....
Christmas Eve is also my daddy's birthday.
It would have been perfect if we could have all been together.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Psalm 73
Psalm 73
The Tragedy of the Wicked, and the Blessedness of Trust in God
A Psalm of Asaph, Truly God is good to Israel. To such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no pangs in their death, but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride serves as their necklace; violence covers them like a garment. Their eyes bulge with abundance; they have more than heart could wish. They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth. Therefore his people return here, and waters of a full cup are drained by them. And they say, "How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?" Behold, these are the ungodly, who are always at ease; they increase in riches. Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence. For all day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning. If I had said, "I will speak thus," Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children. When I thought of how to understand this, it was too painful for me--until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image. Thus, my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God. That I may declare all Your works.
Our pastor preached on this scripture several weeks ago. It was almost as if he was preaching right at me! I can identify with this Psalm. It seems that the wicked in this passage have all the comforts and their lives are grand while it's not going so well with the righteous.
When we were at the retreat I told how one day while I was looking for a parking space at school, and I just lost it because I was convinced that God did not love me anymore because if He really did love me I would not be in want for anything...my own family, good grades, steady income...a parking spot! The Lord did a great work in my heart during the retreat, and, YES! I know He loves me. It wasn't long after the retreat that Pastor Jeff did this sermon and it pricked my heart even more.
There were two things in particular he said that I haven't forgotten:
1. Worship cures envy by giving us a proper perspective.
When I thought of how to understand this, it was too painful for me--until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.
It's amazing how He communicates to us through worship...how He gives us His peace as we focus on praising Him.
2. This is the only Heaven some people we envy have.
Has it sunk in yet?
Some of the people we envy are living the good life now, but are bound for an eternity in hell because they don't know Christ. We may not be keeping up with the Jones's, but we have the blessed hope that better is one day in His courts than thousands elsewhere.
You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
The Tragedy of the Wicked, and the Blessedness of Trust in God
A Psalm of Asaph, Truly God is good to Israel. To such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no pangs in their death, but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride serves as their necklace; violence covers them like a garment. Their eyes bulge with abundance; they have more than heart could wish. They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth. Therefore his people return here, and waters of a full cup are drained by them. And they say, "How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?" Behold, these are the ungodly, who are always at ease; they increase in riches. Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence. For all day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning. If I had said, "I will speak thus," Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children. When I thought of how to understand this, it was too painful for me--until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image. Thus, my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God. That I may declare all Your works.
Our pastor preached on this scripture several weeks ago. It was almost as if he was preaching right at me! I can identify with this Psalm. It seems that the wicked in this passage have all the comforts and their lives are grand while it's not going so well with the righteous.
When we were at the retreat I told how one day while I was looking for a parking space at school, and I just lost it because I was convinced that God did not love me anymore because if He really did love me I would not be in want for anything...my own family, good grades, steady income...a parking spot! The Lord did a great work in my heart during the retreat, and, YES! I know He loves me. It wasn't long after the retreat that Pastor Jeff did this sermon and it pricked my heart even more.
There were two things in particular he said that I haven't forgotten:
1. Worship cures envy by giving us a proper perspective.
When I thought of how to understand this, it was too painful for me--until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.
It's amazing how He communicates to us through worship...how He gives us His peace as we focus on praising Him.
2. This is the only Heaven some people we envy have.
Has it sunk in yet?
Some of the people we envy are living the good life now, but are bound for an eternity in hell because they don't know Christ. We may not be keeping up with the Jones's, but we have the blessed hope that better is one day in His courts than thousands elsewhere.
You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Aaaaand....It's Over!
My first semester back to college is done.
And I'm still alive! :)
I did drop one class, Chemistry. Maybe one day I'll be able to take two sciences in one semester and be good at it, but this was not the semester for it. I wondered if I would be able to pass my Biology class, too, at one point. AND I DID!!! I even made a B!!!
I'll admit, it wasn't without help. Some of the sections of our lab had a lot of trouble with their teacher's assistants, to the point that they curved our lab grade...to the tune of 12 points!!! I barely made a B, my average was 80, but I'll take it!
I made an A in my weight training class, and lost 10 pounds over the semester. Haven't stepped on the scale since Thanksgiving, though...I think I'll keep it that way for a while! ;)
I'll find out my final grade in my Intro to Nursing class tomorrow. Up until our last project and the final, I had an A, so hopefully I'll end up with an A, but I'll be happy with a B. I really want an A, though!
Work is going well. I am helping out as one of the assistants for the holidays. They are closing the Lincoln Square store over by the Cowboy Stadium, so I float between that store and the Arlington Highlands store. Dan is working at Pier One as one of the assistants and does the freight. He also works part time at the park we live in doing general maintenance.
Busy, busy! Enjoying this time of the year, though, for the first time in a while.
And I'm still alive! :)
I did drop one class, Chemistry. Maybe one day I'll be able to take two sciences in one semester and be good at it, but this was not the semester for it. I wondered if I would be able to pass my Biology class, too, at one point. AND I DID!!! I even made a B!!!
I'll admit, it wasn't without help. Some of the sections of our lab had a lot of trouble with their teacher's assistants, to the point that they curved our lab grade...to the tune of 12 points!!! I barely made a B, my average was 80, but I'll take it!
I made an A in my weight training class, and lost 10 pounds over the semester. Haven't stepped on the scale since Thanksgiving, though...I think I'll keep it that way for a while! ;)
I'll find out my final grade in my Intro to Nursing class tomorrow. Up until our last project and the final, I had an A, so hopefully I'll end up with an A, but I'll be happy with a B. I really want an A, though!
Work is going well. I am helping out as one of the assistants for the holidays. They are closing the Lincoln Square store over by the Cowboy Stadium, so I float between that store and the Arlington Highlands store. Dan is working at Pier One as one of the assistants and does the freight. He also works part time at the park we live in doing general maintenance.
Busy, busy! Enjoying this time of the year, though, for the first time in a while.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
In keeping with tradition....
Added Mom and Dad this year for fun. Who knew these non-dancers had this many moves??? :)
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