"Whoops."

It's December 24th.
Which means I've missed 3 days for BEDID.
But you know, I'm ok with that. They've been good, full, yet restful days.

I baked a ton of cookies (yes, exaggeration...but we did bake a lot) with a good friend. Then I went to another friend's house to eat pizza, watch a movie, and talk into the wee hours of the night (we hadn't seen each other for far too long, especially considering that she lives relatively close). It was a day full of hugs, laughter, good conversation, and people & things that make me happy.

The next day I finished baking the cookies we hadn't gotten to, and made another batch of home made granola (yum). This was followed up with the end of cleaning, a Christmas movie or two, a couple viewings of the Nutcracker (different versions), wrapping presents, and packing to leave.

Yesterday was full of joy as well, starting with breakfast with a dear friend, and hours of talking, hanging, just generally loving on each other. Then I headed to my parents where I'll be with family until at least Monday, maybe Tuesday.

So, BEDID's gonna take a break (I wondered even at the beginning if this would happen). I've done pretty well, and we'll see what happens, but no expectations until next week, ok? ;)

Yes, it's December 24th.
Christmas Eve.
I get to see more family tonight, and Christmas day is tomorrow!
I love Christmas for so many reasons, but mainly because of the reason that it's a joyful time (Jesus). He really is the Reason for the season, and it's so much bigger than this day! I also love that all my family celebrates for this reason too.

It's almost here!

Christmas is SATURDAY!!!

and, it's snowing.

*happy sigh*

Girl's Night In!

Tonight my dear friend had dinner prepared for several of us friends at her house. We had a WONDERFUL time of laughter, good food, too many cookies, too much cake, joy, hugs, games, good conversation...the list goes on.

I've just noticed, I'm writing as if it's still Sunday night, but realize that it's become Monday morning (I just got home about 10/15 minutes ago)!

Good friends are good for me. They keep me grounded, lift me up, and encourage me. They love me for who I am now, and encourage me in my walk with our amazing God.

What a fabulous way to end a busy season & start a vacation!

Singing and making friendships grow

as you know if you've been reading this week, i have been singing. it's given me a chance to do something i love. it's had some hard work, and a lot of it in this week, but it's been good. tonight (service 1 of 3) went well, and good response was had - worshipful, meaningful, pointing to God - so it was worth it all!

also, it has contributed to the growth of a few new friendships, and that's always exciting. makes me smile just to think of the hugs and love of Christ in so many of these people.

to bed i now go, 'cuz i get to do this again early tomorrow morning... 2 more services to go!

p4a (dftba)

In the last few months, I've gotten more involved with random people (indirectly, and a little directly) online. I've done more with YouTube than ever before, joined Twitter, participated more on Facebook and even done a teensy bit on Dailybooth.

As a result of this I've begun "following" several people that are heavily (more or less) involved in several of those sites. It sorta feels like I've made some new friends... and if I ever meet them, it will be interesting in a "I've seen a lot of you, but you've never seen me in your life" kind of way. However, it must be said that most of them are used to that, and are always pleased to meet the people (unless they're meeting jerks) who have commented/followed/been interested in their lives/videos/thoughts.

That being said, I've learned about a really cool project called "Project for Awesome" (or P4A) that takes place on December 17th & 18th - I think each year, though the date may fluxuate. I also believe this is year 3 in the project. It's all about raising money for charities, and using YouTube to bring attention to it all.

You can learn more about Project for Awesome here. (Be aware, Hank talks VERY quickly, all the time, so listen closely!)

I am amazed already by what has happened today and will be trying to check in tomorrow to see how it's going as well. Do yourself a favor, check it out, and be encouraged by others doing good to "decrease world suck."

DFTBA. (for the short answer, click here.)

Snow Songs

it's snowing.
powdery, fluffy, beautiful.

i got to sing alot already this week, and there's more coming.
including in my car and office tomorrow.
Christmas music of many varieties and for many reasons.

and, tomorrow's my last day of work before a long vacation.
full of family and friends.

fabulous.
happiness.

tonight, a summary

rehearsal for this weekends' services, conversations with friends while driving a short-ish drive, small group composed of Christmas goodies & the reading of Christmas stories (kids picture books, to be exact), laughter, friends, farkle, conversation with my dad

win.