Pause-

I had such great intentions to blog about our trip to Opryland, my tacky Christmas Bunco (which was hilarious), and lots of other fun things that have taken place this holiday season. It's been such a busy few weeks. I've so gotten caught up in the shopping, parties, luncheons, plays, travel plans, etc. that I've very easily allowed my focus to shift from what it's supposed to be, which is Jesus.

I stopped in the middle of getting ready to head out for a few last minute errands on Christmas Eve to read the story of Jesus's birth. I was once again reminded of the necessity I feel and the urgency to just be still. I have felt so happy and so thankful recently- getting to spend time with some close friends and laugh, enjoying time with family, but I've lost focus of many important aspects of my life that I am convicted to put back into place.

I am writing this for myself, way moreso than any of you reading. I feel that putting this on my blog for public display will hold me more accountable, and it's also a form of therapy for me to just write my thoughts. I am looking forward to spending time with family in the upcoming days: making new memories, taking tons of pictures, and relishing the blessing of another blessed year. But when the "madness" is over, I will welcome some quiet time and normalcy. I am looking forward to 1) re-building my relationship with God and making Him a priority, which will start now. I have let God slide to the back of my "to-do" list and instead placed shopping, parties, and all the Christmas chaos ahead. 2) re-focusing on losing more weight. I have somehow managed to maintain my weight loss within a couple pounds thusfar. Maintaining during the holiday season has been my goal. But, I'm ready for more. I'm ready to work hard and tighten up on my diet again. and 3) having more quiet time. So often we pray for answers and for God to speak to us, but we(I) never slow down long enough to wait for His voice. I want to stay centered and focused on what God is calling me to do, feel, think, etc. This is the only way I think I can make that happen.

My heart feels lighter already after getting this off my chest. I feel excited about a new year and new blessings. PRAISE GOD for life and for grace and for Jesus, whom we celebrate today and everyday. To my blogging family- I hope each of you have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy every single minute with your family and friends, thanking God for these richest of blessings. Love to you all.

Here We Come!!!!!

Opryland Hotel, here we come!


My entire family is off early Friday morning to begin a weekend trip we've been looking forward to for a couple months. All 22 of us are going to the Opryland Hotel for the weekend! I received my itinerary today, all typed out with the map of the hotel attached. Yes, my aunt is super organized and as excited about this trip as anyone. It's because of her and my uncle that we are able to go. (Thanks so much to you both if you're reading!) We're meeting at Cracker Barrel for breakfast early Friday morning, then headed on to Nashville. We are going to Treasures for the Holidays, Hall of Trees, Gingerbread Corner, and Holidays' Kid Train- and that's all before lunch Friday! Then we're going to the Louise Mandrel Dinner Show (HA!), Rockabilly Christmas, Brightest Star Fountain Show, and an outdoor nativity display. Saturday is "Charlie Brown ICE." I've never been, but rumor has it there's a big slide made out of ice that we're all fighting to go down first. THen we're going to see the Rockettes and going on carriage rides!!! I CANNOT wait! My main hurdle is going to be to get through the temptation of eating all the snacks that everyone is bringing. We are all supposed to bring snacks in five individual containers for all five rooms. That way we all have a variety. I doubt there will be much I am able to eat, but this special trip may call for just a few indulgences. :)

I'm SOOOO thankful that God blessed me with the best family I could ever ask for. Lots of pictures to come when we get home!

HILARIOUS!

I always LOVE to read what my students write, especially when I can choose a topic that will invite some humor. Today, I asked them to write a letter to Santa Claus. I gave them an envelope and told them to seal it up and I would send it straight to the North Pole. (Is lying okay in the context of Christmas, because I told my share of them today.) I totally expected to hear a few "There is no Santa Claus!" comments from several of them. My first class said nothing. They seemed so excited to get to write a letter asking for special things for Christmas. The other class...not so much. I heard the comments during this class period. After reassuring them that I believed (ha), I said that if they didn't, to write a letter to whoever they thought Santa was. Here's what I got. Brace yourselves.

And I quote...(spelling/grammatical errors intact)

Dear Fake nonreal Santa,
I don't beleive in you because you're a over weighted large person who goes down chimnys. You would get stuck in chimnys because you suposedly eat cookies that kids who are not me belevie in you. Christmas isn't about you Its about God and Jesus you shouldn't steal children away by giving them presents. You better stay away from my house because Christmas is about God not you. But I also sorta beleve in you because I feel terible being mean to you if you exist. If your real please don't put me on the notty list because I'm realy a nice person.

Sincerely,
Nonbeliever #1

Hold on readers, because this one is unbelievable!

Dear fake Santa
I do not belive in you because you would get stuck in the chemnie cause you eat so many cokiees save one for me pig. (OH MY WORD!!!) Plus I pulled your beard in the mall when I belived in you and it flew to the end of the picture stand. and, by the way I put up video cameras so you can't turn me into a elf and work for you at the office I am onto you chubbie.

P.S. save me one cookie

By: Nonbeliever #2

I think it's safe to say these two letters made me laugh more than anything I've ever read in my entire teaching career. Made my day!!!

P.S. And they just thought they could be rude to Santa since I was "mailing them straight to the North Pole." Oh how they would feel if they knew I read those words. Negotiations are in the works for a "Operation Get Back at 'Em." A letter from "Santa" explaining his disappointment in their attitudes? A phone call from "Santa?" Ideas appreciated.