Waiting

I thought of this post after I realized that several of my friends are in similar places, but through different circumstances (if that makes sense). We all have times when we have something on the horizon (or right in our faces) that (a) worries us (b) makes us wait for resolution and (c) is completely out of our control. Whether it be test results, sick kids, financial stuff, job stuff, family stuff, relationship stuff, etc...etc...etc...the situations stir up the same feelings: fear, worry, anxiety...As I've been thinking about this type of waiting, & praying for friends over the last few weeks, these are some things that have been on my heart: Psalm 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. Waiting Room by Shane Barnard I will run when I cannot walk I will sing when there is no song I will pray when there is no prayer I will listen when I cannot hear Sitting in the waiting room of silence waiting for that still soft voice I know Offering my words up to the rooftop to your Heart Trusting that this closet's where you are Lord I know if I change my mind You will change my heart in time Sovereign Lord this time's from You So I sit in the waiting room...of silence 'cause it's all about you I will fight when I cannot feel I will trust when you don't seem real I will tell when I cannot speak I will step when I cannot see Sitting in the waiting room of silence Waiting for that still soft voice I know Offering my words up to the rooftop to your heart Trusting that this closet's where you are Lord I know if I change my mind you will change my heart in time Sovereign Lord this time's from you so I sit in the waiting room Daniel 9:22-23a He instructed me and said to me, "Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given..." Philippians 4:6&7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Holiday Wrap Up

My 2 weeks off from school is coming to a close & I'm ready to get back to work. I miss my kiddos & I miss my schedule - believe it or not. So...before I jump back into things, I thought I'd update the good ol' blog. Here's what I did during my 2 weeks off: The first week was dedicated to family & holiday preparations. I am so grateful for the quality time I got with my family - especially my sister, who came in from Los Angeles. We shopped, ate Mexican food, saw Sherlock Holmes, talked, laughed, & acted silly (as sisters tend to do).

We made cookies with John's folks - this is one of my favorite holiday traditions. We added a reindeer cookie cutter to the mix this year - very exciting indeed.

Christmas Eve at church - Since John is involved in all of the services (5:30, 7:30, 10:00) on Christmas Eve, I usually go with him & hang out/ help him out in between services. This year I went to the children's service & loved the message. Families actually put together their own Christ Candle to take home with them (complete with scripture & a clay stand for it) and Pastor Steve encouraged parents to light the candle with their kiddos & share the story of Christ's birth. He also encouraged them to share their child's own story with their child & I can only imagine the precious conversations that took place as a result of this prompting. At 7:30 I got to sing with my favorite people in the Praise Band & my favorite moment was the end of O Holy Night - Dori is amazing. After the 7:30 service, Etta (Pastor Steve's wife - and one of my favorite people in the world) brought us all taco soup & beef stew (my fave!) for dinner. The 'dinner' hour has become tradition & is always one of the best parts of the night. Finally, we ended the night with the 10:00 service which consists of scripture & carols - it's always so peaceful.

John and I have our own tradition that has developed over the last few years: we get home from church around 11:30 or 12 & wrap each other's presents (yes, we procrastinate until then). By the time we're done wrapping, it's Christmas! So...we open our presents to each other!

Christmas day was spent at John's parents' house in Fort Worth - complete with snow. If you've seen the pics on Facebook, you've met Ned - the snowman we built (by 'we' I mean John & Billy).

Once the holiday rush was over, things slowed down a LOT! I stayed up late, slept in every day, read 6 books, met friends for lunch, cleaned the house, watched movies, & spent time with John & my snuggly puppy dog. It was pretty awesome. :)