Sunday, November 30, 2008

Black Friday

Cheers! What a day Black Friday was! I had been looking forward to this for a while and it was fantastic! My mom, sister, sister-in-law, and I headed out on the road at 4 am where we hit Woodfield. As we entered the mall, there were TONS of people already there. People were waiting in line for stores to open. Most stores had some great bargains and we were out of there by 11. Next we hit a few surrounding stores and then we stopped at Yorktown. Following that we headed to Fox Valley where we hit a few stores for my sister since they weren't at any of the other malls. Our last stop was the Coach Outlet which had some amazing deals! That wrapped it up and we were home by 6 pm. Most of us got a lot of Christmas shopping completed. Oh what a good feeling that was. A few more gifts to go and then onto wrapping. Couldn't this day be more often?!?!?!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Dilema

With the economy as bad as it is, I still want to purchase Christmas gifts and give to different needs around the holidays. BUT there seems to be a guilt for me. Not sure what it is. I feel guilty that I'm spending money on gifts, instead of saving it for if the times get worse or whatever. I really enjoy buying gifts and seeing people smile. Does anyone else feel this way? Where is this coming from? I need to get past this so that I can enjoy what I love to do, shop.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Youth of today

I feel really old writing this post but here it is anyway.

I've had the opportunity to work with high school students over the past few weeks. I wasn't sure what I'd be getting myself into, but I thought I would try it despite the unknown.

And boy I was shocked. The swearing that is used is like a part of their normal vocabulary. Boys and girls just hanging all over each other like they will never see each other again. The lack of motivation and disrespect was also very evident.

What is happening to the youth of today? Where are the parents? Is it only going to continue to get worse? How can we change this?

With having a sibling in high school and one that will be there next year, I'm scared and concerned for what they have to encounter on a daily basis. How strong will they be? Will they be able to resist temptations? There's a million questions, it's time to get back on my knees.

Monday, November 17, 2008

That's right, lets have some fun!

A quote that I recently read and enjoyed:

"Fun in the wilderness is a matter of perspective, God is greater than all our turmoil, God is the only One who knows and holds our future and we can lighten the grip after all and enjoy the moment at hand!"

Friday, November 14, 2008

Spewing thoughts

My mind is filled with so many thoughts about one topic. I'm torn inside. There are so many pieces about this topic that I love and I miss. It's comfortable, loving, enjoyable, easy, encouraging, good memories...But then on the flip side, I was badly hurt by it. I was betrayed, taken by surprise, beat up... I know that I've worked through the pain, but my dilema is if I should allow myself to open up to it again. It's scary, is it worth it, what do I have to gain or lose? Big stuff to prayerfully consider. sigh

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

It's that time


I'm sure some will criticize me for this post while others will agree....

I am SO in the Christmas spirit. The weird weather with snow flakes, wind, frigid temps, rain, and overcast skies just seem to solidify that Christmas will soon be here. I searched and found a radio station online so that I can listen to Christmas music, it was so fun to here those tunes. At the malls, the decor is all set up and everything looks beautiful! I have even started a little Christmas shopping. And to look forward to wrapping gifts, baking, seeing the Macy's Christmas windows, drinking egg nog...the list could go on and on.

I absolutely love this time of year! Yet, I know that we haven't even gotten to Thanksgiving yet, but I want to soak up every moment that I can and savor it until the end. Wanna join me?!?!?!

Friday, November 07, 2008

An opportunity for YOU!

In the past I have enjoyed serving people, children, teachers, and families on mission trips. It's been a little time since I've gotten to do this and I feel like it's time to go on another one. But in the meantime while I figure that out, I would still like to serve. There are a million reasons why I enjoy this but I won't go into them. :)

I found out about a place called Feed My Starving Children. This organization packages dried food (chicken, veggies, rice, and soy) and sends them to the outer parts of the world to children who have no food, are starving to death, are ill...Currently they are shipping the food to Haiti. And considering that I've been to Haiti and have seen so many children digging for food in garbage dumps, I couldn't be more thrilled that those kiddos will get some nourishment.

What I love about Feed My Starving Children is that I can go and package the food and help those who are in need. All it takes is to go on a volunteer night (it's about once a week) for two hours and give your time to help. Also, it's right here in the suburbs, Aurora, so you don't have to go far!

I find that giving up some of my time to help bless others helps me too. I encourage any and all to try it out one night. There have been lots of families that do this as well. Check it out at http://www.fmsc.org/

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Election Day

As I continue to hear more and more about the presidential candidates (which I'm pretty tired of) and about how people are voting, I can't help but think about President George Bush. Despite whether you thought he did a horrible job, a good job, or decent job, this man led our country for 8 years. How is feeling? What is he thinking? Is he relieved to be out of the White House? What will he do with his time? How will he make the transition from being the leader of a country to now a normal citizen like you and I?