A Year Well Lived

It's hard to believe that 2008, the year I awaited with so much anticipation, has come and is almost gone. Last New Year's Eve, Hubby and I sat on the couch in his parents' home counting down til midnight. This year we will sit on the couch in our own home trying to stay awake til midnight.

It has been a fast year, a busy year. It has been a year full of change and new beginnings, accomplishments and triumph. It's been a year overflowing with God's faithfulness. I could tell you so much about it. I could tell you about the wedding planning that felt like it would never end. I could tell you about the bridal showers that God used to provide everything Hubby and I needed to start our life together. I could tell you about the marathon Hubby ran in May (something he wanted to cross off his bucket list) and his graduation with a Master in Accounting. I could spend hours telling you alllllll about our wonderful wedding and Jamaican honeymoon. Or maybe I could tell you about our move to a new and big city, our new home, our new church or our new friends.

All of those things would make great stories; really, they would. But those are all things that will stay in 2008. Hubby has declared there will be no more marathons--one was all he needed. We won't have another wedding or our first place together (maybe a house but not the first place) or our first couple friends or our first job.

I would much rather tell you about the things that will carry into the future. I would rather tell you about freedom in Christ and how the past six months has been a long, long journey toward understanding that I am not and do not have to be perfect. I would rather tell you about my wonderful families (including my in-laws!) and their support through the year. I would rather tell you about learning to love and serve my husband. I would rather tell you about my Bible study that is full to the brim with love and real life.

These are the things of 2008 that I cherish. The things that I will carry into 2009 and beyond. The things of a life beautifully imperfect. The marks of a year well lived.

Reflections and Celebrations

Friday night, before Hubby and I left Oak Ridge, Granddad and Granny gathered the entire family around them in the den. All 23 of us sat packed like sardines, the cousins practically on top of each other. But once Granddad started to talk, no one seemed to mind the close quarters or the late hour (it was almost 10:30 p.m.). He read prophecies of Jesus' birth, the Christmas story and prophecies of Jesus' second coming. And then he and Granny began to tell stories. Stories that they have cherished in their hearts for decades. Stories of a life lived fully. Stories of God's faithfulness. Not one of us moved for almost two hours. And once Granddad and Granny could speak no more, the rest of the family began to chime in with their own stories.

It was a poignant reminder of why we celebrate Christmas in the first place. Jesus came from His place in heaven so that we could have life and have it abundantly. And it was an awesome thing to witness--proof of a God alive and active in a family that claims a life abundant and is willing to give testimony to what He has done.

It seemed fitting to sit and hear the reflections and celebrations of Hubby's family...my family...so close to the year's end. After what inevitably turns out to be a busy holiday, it is a perfect time to slow down, remember and celebrate. In light of all this, I will post my own reflections and celebrations on Wednesday. 2008 was filled with God's mercies and it ran over with His faithfulness.

I encourage you to do the same. Slow down. Remember, reflect and rejoice. I would post a Mr. Linky and host a party, but I'm sadly inept at blog gizmoes. So if you choose to do so, feel free to share your link in a comment. I'd love you to join me in the celebration of a year well-lived.

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10b (NKJV)

We're Back!

And we thoroughly enjoyed two days with my family and then five with Hubby's family. I can't even begin to explain to you the crazy, wonderfulness that is Christmas in Oak Ridge, TN. Suffice it to say that 23 people ranging in age from 1 year to 70+ years were crammed into a little house with three bedrooms and one big basement. It was such a delight to be a part of Hubby's family traditions this year! There are so many stories to tell, but I'm a little too tired and there is too much unpacking to do. So here's one to hold you over:

Hubby's grandparents just remolded their entire kitchen and Granny has it decorated with roosters. As part of her Christmas present, we gave her this beautiful thing made by The Nester.

She pulled it out of the box and held it up for all to see. After examining the rooster, she squealed with delight, "Oh, look! He even has a little nest!"

To which Granddad promptly retorted, "Roosters don't sit on nests."

From across the room, Hubby's Uncle Ruffin piped in with his own reply, "That rooster does. He's whipped and the hen's got him doing her job!"

Let's just say that this little exchange is a perfect example of the fun that we had this week!

Here We Go A Caroling

Okay, so we might not be caroling, but we are headed to my parents' house today and then we will be on our way to Tennessee to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with the man's family.

I'm sure I'll be around to post a time or two in the next week. But I make no promises because you never know what will happen with all of Hubby's cousins around. They may end up being far too entertaining to pause and blog. I do promise to tell you all about it when we get back!

So for now, friends, I hope you take some time to pause and remember why we celebrate. I hope you remember the reason for Jesus' birth, His life and His death and I hope you rejoice.

And in the words of Michael W. Smith---May your days be merry. May your sorrows be small. May the ones you love be near you. That's the happiest Christmas of all.

Warmest wishes to all of you! Merry Christmas!

The Year of the Colored Lights

There was no hint at what would set this Christmas morning apart from the rest as I peeked around my bedroom door frame. My younger brother peered back at me from around his door frame and we stifled giggles, anxiously waiting the call from the living room that would assure us Santa came.

The house was still and quiet. Low murmurs could be heard as my parents caught a few, quick moments alone before we barreled in. Full of curiosity and trying not to get caught, we inched our way down the hall, our footsteps lost in the carpet. The quiet voices abruptly gave way to silence and we stood still, holding our breath and hoping our sneakiness hadn't been discovered. In that moment, breath frozen and heart pounding, I noticed the strange glow lighting the shadows.

He came! Bellowed my dad. It was a cue we knew well. And it was all the permission we needed to bound into the living room where we stopped short, eyes full of wonder and mouths gaping.
I couldn't believe it. Colored lights, candy canes and red bows bedecked a glorious Christmas tree and it was placed exactly where our refined, grown up Christmas tree once stood. Santa had brought us what we asked for.

It didn't take long for the joy and excitement of the colored-lights to fade into the piles of wrapping paper and new toys. The candy canes were taken off the tree and eaten one by one. And eventually the bows and ornaments were wrapped up and tucked away for the next December. Christmas had come and gone.

It wasn't until years later that my brother and I learned the truth. Little did we know (being young and believing in the magic of Santa, of course) our parents hardly slept a wink that Christmas Eve. Instead they spent the night removing every ornament, taking down the white lights, replacing them with colored ones, re-hanging the ornaments, tucking in candy canes and tying up ribbons.

I don't remember a thing I got that year, the year of the colored lights. But I do remember the love and the sacrifice of my mom and dad--carefully packaged in a perfectly childish Christmas tree.

Six Months

This weekend we celebrated our half-iversary, as Hubby calls it. As of yesterday we've been married for six months. It's hard to believe we've been married that long all ready. Time goes by so quickly and I know it's only going to go faster. And, of course, Hubby used the occasion as an excuse to give me a sweet gift. He grew up getting ornaments every year that represented something special. So knowing my love of all things Willow Tree, he gave me this little thing.

In case you can't tell, she's holding a 2008 star. The tag line on her box is: celebrating a year well lived. He couldn't have chosen a better momento. 2008 really has been a year well lived and we have loved every minute of it!

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for you, I always pray with joy.

~Philippians 1:3-4

CooperSong

About a week ago I won a delightful giveaway from Sandy over at God Speaks Today. She gave away a coupon for a new company called CooperSong.

What a neat company! It was founded by three moms who wanted to give women and girls an eco-friendly option for accessories. They sell everything from handbags and totes to lunch bags to beautiful silk and cashmere sleeping masks!

While making my choice and using my coupon, I was in contact with one of the founders, DeAnna. She was so nice and extremely helpful, patiently answering all my questions.

So if you are looking for last minute gifts or if you decide you want to treat yourself to a new bag, I encourage you to check them out. You can find CooperSong here.

Have a good weekend!

An Expected End

Today all the Christmas decorating and the traditions and the gifts suddenly seem trivial. Yesterday I sat across from a good friend of mine and listened helplessly as she told me her husband had been laid off. They are both in graduate school and she is working as an administrative assistant at our church. As our chat continued through lunch, we went through the list of our friends who had already been laid off or whose job was in doubt. It was an unbearably long list.

By the end of our lunch, overwhelming and oppressive fear settled over me. Though we are fairly certain (as certain as you can be these days) that Hubby's job is safe, the reality of today's economy was suddenly hitting very close to home and it was making me nervous. My instinct was telling me to batten down the hatches and protect my own.

I made it all the way home before it hit me. That attitude was peaceless and hopeless and a complete contradiction of the confidence I claimed to have in Christ. I was reminded of what my friend said right after she told me the news. She said she refused to worry. Instead she resolved to put her hope in God and trust in His provision.

Beth Moore explained hope in her study Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruits of the Spirit. She says that the Greek word for hope is elpis and it means "the desire of some good with the expectation of obtaining it." She goes even further to say, "The biblical concept of hope is a positive outlook toward an expected end. Biblical hope is not what might happen but what must happen" (pg. 115). When my friend decided to put her hope in Christ and trust His provision she is looking toward an expected end, what must happen. And the result of knowing that is patience and peace.

As I considered this and the fear subsided, I realized that God has put Hubby and me in an awesome position to serve. For some unexplainable reason He has chosen to bless us with Hubby's good and, for now, stable job. He has provided more than we need. I fully believe that sometimes He chooses to provide beyond our needs so that we can be His provision for someone else. With several of our friends suddenly struggling, we have the perfect opportunity to be the hands and feet and arms of Christ. We get to be the Body in action.

So today, with the crazy economy and with Christmas barreling down on us, I challenge you to stop and take stock of your hope. Are you full of wishful thinking or are you looking toward good with the expectation of obtaining it? And if you are one of those that God has chosen to bless, are you looking for ways to be His provision for others?

And when all seems lost and the fear and the worry come crashing in, remember this, friends.

Hope wins.

O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62: 8 (NLT)

Without wavering , let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted.
Hebrews 10:23 (NLT)

What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.
Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)

Come on in and Grab Something to Eat

But if you do, you will eat off Spode Christmas dishes.

When I first mentioned registering for Christmas dishes Hubby looked at me like I was insane. Then he chuckled a bit and I stared at him confused. I wracked my brain trying to think of why he was laughing at me. Doesn't everyone have special Christmas dishes? He set the record straight. No, everyone does not have special Christmas dishes. It took me but a split second to set his record straight. Our family was going to have special Christmas dishes.

Growing up December 1st was the day that Mom put the regular white dishes into the pantry cabinets and pulled out the Spode Christmas dishes. And we ate off them until January. Somehow the pretty, painted Christmas tree peeking through my mounds of mashed potatoes made meals that much more special, that much warmer.

To his credit, Hubby agreed to register for a few place settings even if it did take him a little while to understand the meaning behind them. Thanks, love! So tonight we will be eating meatloaf and green beans-a normal family meal, but you know it will taste much, much better than usual! :)

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

I sat down at my computer this morning with the intention of sharing our final decision regarding the Christmas tree dilemma. But, as is my custom, I blog hopped through my regular reads first, ending with my friend Emily over at Chatting at the Sky.

A few days ago she encouraged her readers to slow down, be present and notice the joy in the simple moments this holiday--to unwrap every day. It was a fantastic challenge, but it hasn't been one without bumps in the road. Anyway, today she posted a Mr. Linky so folks could share with one another the everyday moments they have unwrapped. I went through the first few posts on the Mr. Linky list, marveling at the special moments everyone was given and then I returned to write my Christmas tree post, wishing I had some kind of special moment.

And then it dawned on me, our Christmas tree decision this weekend was my special moment. Much of our deliberation regarding the Christmas tree was centered on Christmases future. We really wanted a fake tree, but if you've been reading any amount of time, you know that we live in a little one bedroom apartment with practically no space for a tree at all let alone a big fake one. So as we went back and forth in our debate the conversations often involved what we would want in our future house.

Friday all the discussion came to a head and for the first time since before Thanksgiving, I focused on the moment. I stopped thinking how things would be next year if we got to live in a house. I stopped planning parties for the all people we would finally be able to fit in our dinning room. I stopped picturing our grand tree in our big living room. And we made the decision to find a small, live tree that would fit into the tiny little space we had available. I threw my someday out the window, clung to my now, bundled up with Hubby and went off to find our perfect Charlie Brown tree.

It's a funny little tree. I can carry it with one hand. The stand we got as wide as the tree itself and looks incredibly disproportionate. And there is a huge, awkward gap in the bottom layers of branches. But it is our first tree in our first home during our first holiday season. It is laden with ornaments from our childhoods and it is hung with memories of laughter shared as we strung the lights.

There you have it, my friends--my special moment, my everyday unwrapped. And here are some pictures of our little, real tree.

My Toy Land Garland

I finally did more work on our Christmas decor yesterday. Mostly our mantle. Kimba and the Nester have fabulous, luscious garlands strung up on their mantles. Go ahead. Go look at them and drool. I'll still be here when you get back. Back? Okay. I was really excited to make my own garland and have it turn out just as fluffy and fantastic as these. But then I remembered that I haven't had nearly as long to collect odds and ends like they have. So I made do.

Ta da! My poor camera is on it's last leg and so pictures tend to be blurry--really blurry. Would you believe it if I told you I was standing only three feet away from my mantle? Anyway, I took the easy way out on this one. I just twisted together the only two garlands I had and then mixed in a very short string of lights (notice it only overs the middle section?). I wasn't quite sure what to stick in it since I don't have fun feathers or starfish or angel wings or anything like that.

The only decorative thing we had left was a box of Christmas ornaments. Some of them are old toys from when Hubby was little. I opted to throw in those and added a few glass balls tied with ribbon. So if you come to visit, look carefully and you'll see this guy peaking out at you (my great-grandmother made him).

On the other end you might find a boat setting sail on a great sea of green (one of Hubby's baby ornaments).







And dangling over the edge you'll see one or two of these folks clinging to a branch for dear life (also great-grandma creations).





There you have it. My lovely little attempt at a Toy Land garland. My plan for the rest of the mantle is to remove the candlesticks and add a couple vases with Paperwhites to add some height.

And for those of you who have asked, we still have not decided on what to do about our Christmas tree. We have endeavored to decided and make a purchase this weekend. So hopefully Monday I will have pictures posted as proof. Now that I said that, I feel like I have to keep my word. Thanks, blogland, for keeping me accountable.

Happy Weekend!

Christmastime Collecting

Whether it be ornaments, nutcrackers, trees or maybe even garlands, I think a lot of people have that one special thing they collect at Christmas time. When I was growing up it was Department 56's Dickens' Village pieces for my mom. Every year, her mom (my grandmother) would give her another piece. Over the years her collection has grown into an entire town complete with a church, some shops and cute little houses. My favorite part was the Charles Dickens figure that stood in the town square reading A Christmas Carol to children gathered 'round.

It was an exciting year when Mom decided I was old enough to help her set up the village. I pulled them gently from their Styrofoam boxing and helped her arrange them carefully on their platform. Then, trying not to laugh so it wouldn't fly everywhere, we laid down the fake powdery snow together. I loved coming home at night at Christmastime. The warm glow from the lighted houses filtered through the otherwise darkened dinning room bay window.

So you can imagine that I was thrilled when Mom pulled out a yellow bag and handed it to me while we were home for Thanksgiving. Mom beamed excitedly and Dad had a little sly grin plastered on his face. I hoped against hope that it would be what I thought it was. And this is what Hubby and I pulled from the bag.


The very first addition to our own Dickens' Village--Swift's Music Store (complete with a lighted display of instruments in the front window) and two pine trees. To my complete and utter delight, Mom assured me this was just the first of many to come. And she promised that each year, the additions would have meaning. This year the addition reflected Hubby's love of music and his passion for playing music (he often walks around our apartment picking out a tune on his guitar).

I can't even begin to tell you how thrilled I am to start my own collection. And I look forward to seeing what my parents choose every year. Hopefully one day my own children will enjoy arranging our little village while trying not to laugh into the snowflakes.

So what Christmastime collecting have you done? Do you still add to your collection or is it pretty much maxed out? Talk to me, Goose.

Deck the Halls

The second we got home from our Thanksgiving trip, the Christmas decorations made it out. Well, the reality is that Hubby and I brought home a lot of decorations from my parents' house. Mom has tons of ornaments and all sorts of things and she was kind enough to part with some of it to get us started on our own Christmas collection.

So Monday morning I set to the task of readying our home for the holidays (although our limited space means that we probably won't have many visitors to wow with my decorative flair). I didn't get very far before a ghastly head cold set in and I spent most of yesterday trying to plug the runny nose while getting rid of the sinus headache (how is it possible to have both at the same time?).

Anyway, I thought I'd at least give you a taste of what I've done so far...

This is our living room window. Please ignore the fact that I still have fall fabric tying up my mistreatment. It will eventually (maybe by this weekend???) get replaced with some beautiful red ribbon I have.And of course a front door is not a front door during the holidays unless it has some pretty wreath on it, right? Here's a funny fact for you--I don't like bows. The only bows I like are the little red ones Mom ties to the tips of the Christmas tree. Other than that, no bows, please. Hence the red P instead of the traditional red bow. Oh and yes, I realize that my front door is blue....and it is also metal. Trust me. I didn't choose it. It's just the joy of living in an apartment.

As I continue to keep you updated on the decking of our halls, I'll be sharing with you some pretty special family traditions that are closely tied to some of the things brought out at Christmas time. And rather than keep you waiting, I'll share one with you now.

This is my Willow Tree nativity set. I love it. When we were little, it was so exciting when Mom pulled out her nativity set. She let my brother and I lovingly set it up and once we did, we immediately rearranged it again and again. I have many memories of acting out the Christmas story with the nativity set while Dad read the story from Luke 2. I can't wait until my own kids make memories playing with our set. But for now, Hubby and I will enjoy looking at it sitting on our media cabinet and we will be reminded of the true reason for the season.

Merry SITSmas!

Welcome, SITStas! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.

Warmly, Imperfect (and her Hubby)


Oh the happiest Christmas is a homecoming Christmas
with the snow fluttering down til the world seems new.
Bright candles burning; old friends returning.
The wishes of children coming true.
And the happiest wishes are just old fashioned wishes.
May your days be merry, your sorrows be small.
May the ones you love be near you.
That's the happiest Christmas of all.

--Michael W. Smith--

For those of you who aren't familiar with The Secret is in the Sauce (or SITS) check out this. And you should Today SITS is encouraging all SITStas to wish each other a Happy Holidays. And they are giving away awesome prizes every hour. The grand prize--a $200 Target gift card. So click on that pink and leopard print blinky over there in the sidebar and check it out!

Oh and you should visit some of my fellow SITStas Wolfy, Kendra and Lauren (who's getting married this weekend...stop by and send her wedding wishes!)

A Delightful Thanksgiving Weekend

What's Thanksgiving day if there isn't football? We played and watched plenty.

Hubby, my brother and I entertained ourselves for a while by watching ducks try to take off and land on the ice that covered the pond down the street from my grandparents' house.

Of course the day ended with an amazing meal followed by a good nap.
We are also hardcore puzzle builders.

No trip to Carnegie would be complete without a picture in the apple tree (yes it was cold and yes Hubby blinked...opps).

We spent two days in PA followed by a couple at my parents' house in NC. Putting up the Christmas tree is a big deal in our family and I wasn't about to miss it this year. So we spent a cold, wet and awfully dreary Sunday afternoon

unwrapping tons and tons of Christmas ornaments (most of which were made by my great-grandmother)

and hanging them on the tree.

Ta da!

It was a delightful Thanksgiving weekend that unfortuantely ended on a sour note...someone got into Hubby's car while we were gone, stole his CD player and broke things inside (cup holders, ash trays, etc.). Yuck!

But I'm attempting to not let that dampen my first day of December. Today I plan to play Christmas music loudly and guilt-free. And the decorations will probably make an appearance too. I'll keep you posted on how that goes!