Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Hello everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful week and a blessed Christmas with family and friends. I know my Christmas was one that I will always remember. I had such a wonderful time with my new family, as well as my family of 26 years. My fiancé and I are so blessed by both of the families we are a part of and are going to be a part of. My heart was overflowing all week.

The festivities started last week, when we went out to look at the lights with my family and cousins. It was such a cold and fun night!

For Christmas Eve, we spent time with my fiancé Vasken's family. We had a great evening! My future sissy and I built an awesome gingerbread house to kick off the day.

My fiancé also had a wonderful idea of putting some of his smaller gifts, such as gift cards, in a mason jar! He stuffed it with tissue paper and chocolates (and obviously the gifts) and placed a bow on top. It was SUCH a creative idea!!! I'll definitely be stealing it!

We had such a good time with his family that night. We played a fun white elephant game and I got some beautiful reindeer Christmas plates!

The next day was Christmas morning and basically my favorite day all year!!! My parents and I opened presents early in the morning with our pajamas, which is always fun! I also baked some yummy pumpkin gingerbread we enjoyed with some tea in the morning.

My dad and I went on our traditional Christmas morning jog around noon. I wore my new workout jacket from Vasken's family...loved it!!

In the afternoon, Vasken came over and we did our own gift exchange. I bought him a coat and tickets for tubing in the snow since he LOVES doing anything in the snow and I...well...have no experience. I thought this would be a fun way to enjoy it together and a baby step for me before I get into full fledged skiing or anything! ;)

Vasken definitely outdid himself this year with my presents. He got me a flannel shirt and a sweater, a few plaques with some motivational sayings on them, like so...

But my favorite gifts were two things he hand made for me. A mason jar wall attachment to organize my make up brushes, lotions, or anything, and a wood journal! MADE BY HAND.

I am still in awe of how good this man is to me. I mean, we have our fair share of arguments. But Jesus always binds our hearts even closer to each other every single time. I couldn't believe what he made me...I started crying!! My heart couldn't handle it. These presents were definitely the highlight of my Christmas this year.

At night, we went to my aunt and uncle's house for our Christmas celebration with my side of the family. We had such a fun time! We ate good food, did a Secret Santa exchange, played games, and made breakfast at 11:30pm. It was the perfect Christmas.

I love reflecting on the past couple of days and remembering all the good God has done. He has blessed me with so many lovely people in my life, from my parents to Vasken to my family and now to his family. Too many blessings to count. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas as well, and let us not forget all that God has blessed us with, in this season and in every season of our lives!

"Lead me to the Cross"

 

This is my song today. This is my prayer today. That God would lead me to the cross where Jesus died. That I would recognize how much God loves me and gave His own Son for my forgiveness. That His love pours out and is immeasurable...more than I could ever imagine. That what I am means nothing without Jesus Christ saving me. That, just as Luke 9:23 says, "Whoever wants to be my [Christ's] disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me [Him]."

How could I pick anything or anyone besides Jesus? How could anything take His place in my life. I pray that God "rids me of myself," all my selfish desires, and all the clutter that gets in the way of my relationship with Him. Because it isn't worth it. I belong to HIM. I want to be rid of myself. I want to be filled with more of Jesus, less of me. I want my faith, hope, joy, and love to be increased in Him. I want Him to be shown through all I do today. I am asking Him for His strength to help me lay myself down, surrender myself to Him, and truly belong to Him each and every day through my words, thoughts, and actions. Amen. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdq9Q8wJdjc

Arrowhead Musings

We all have had those unforgettable weekends. Whether it is at a church retreat, vacation, or simply a wonderful few days spent at home, some weekends will be ingrained in your mind forever. Well, that was this past weekend for me. I know I mentioned in a previous post about what a wonderful weekend it was. I had a fun and joyful time with my fiancé, family, and friends. But there are so many things that God taught me that I never want to forget. I probably will, being human and all, but I know God will keep reminding me, speaking to my heart, and will not give up on growing and teaching me. Writing has always helped me sort out my thoughts, so I thought that I would write out some of the things I learned in order to refresh my mind and be reminded of God's goodness and blessings upon me.

*God's creation is absolutely beautiful. *God wants to change our hearts, and turn our world upside down. *Let go of myself, and let God work through me. * God can renew my mind and fill me more and more with Him. * I desire to be used by God in whatever way He sees fit. * Being crucified with Christ means I can let go of me, and not be dictated by my past failings because God has made me new! * It is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me! * Attitude means everything. * Gratefulness needs to be a part of my everyday life and world view.

And then a few more things... * Donuts bring people together. * It's really hard to workout in high altitudes...but my fiancé is a trooper for waking up at 6am to do boot camp with me! * It can rain, then be sunny in the mountains within an hour. * I shouldn't be afraid to play sports...even though I am no volleyball champion! * Having fun...is really fun! * Letting my "little cousin" drive me in a go cart...best decision I've ever made! Haha :) * My family means everything to me.....I love them more than words can say. * I really miss my Asdghig Auntig... * Even uncomfortable beds can give you incredible rest. * It's amazing how much you don't use your phone when you are away with those you love and in God's creation! *Appreciate every seemingly little and big thing that God brings your way. A grateful heart brings joy.

Thank you Jesus :)