Wandering Into a Wonderland

Global Warming? Ha! Not in Tennessee. Kevin's very insightful comment yesterday was that when it's hot out, we think the world is clearly coming to an end; when it's cold out--it's just winter. Hm.

Needless to say, the snow/ice has proven some extra time at home, no church this morning, and a chance for me to walk to my old job (which I still freelance at) in 17 degree weather at 6:45 this morning. Yay for extra money! :)

And some pictures....

This was the scene Friday night:
And then much of the evening and yesterday, it was a slushy, rainy, snowy mess.Kevin couldn't pass up the opportunity to make a snow angel. On the ground. Of the parking lot. I mean, seriously, what guy could pass up that opportunity?
So, from our warm, cozy winter home to yours, we wish you a safe, restful day of praising our Lord and celebrating his goodness! :)

How We Spent MLK Day

What's the best way to spend a day celebrating a man who loved peace, fought for justice, and celebrated the American right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?

We went down to Vonore and shot some guns.

For those of you a little shocked that this is how I wanted to spend one of my rare days off, you're not alone--Kevin was shocked, too. Guns are not something I grew up with, nor are they something that I'm completely comfortable with, which I blame more on my nurture than my nature.

Needless to say, I do enjoy pretending to be Annie Oakley and seeing how good my aim is. Beside that, the silhouettes will make great guest-room wall paper. :)

A Fresh Start

I came across this picture the other day from our old apartment, and I thought I'd share it with you. It reminded me of the freshness of this season of a new year. It's never too late (or too early) to make changes that need changing; however, I'm reminded all the more at the beginning of a new year that our Lord is merciful, gracious, and ever-willing to help us on our way as we try to put bad habits behind us and trust and rely upon His leading.
Some areas I wish to grow in this year:

~Reading my Bible. Period.

~Eating healthier. (This will require lots of planning for days I'm gone from 8am-9pm!)

~The two-second rule--put away my shoes; hang up my clothes; rinse out my dish...

~More time with Kevin. Though we anxiously await a time when our family will expand, I want to cherish and pour into this time that is ours.

And that's all. That's all? I think that's enough for now, don't you!? :)

Lydia's Guide to Gift-Giving

I know what you're probably thinking.

"Gift-giving guide? Christmas was just two weeks ago--I've got eleven more months before I have to being thinking about gift-buying, and then I've got another month beyond that before the actual buying begins!"

And you're right...sort of.

You see, I've known for a long time that my love language was gifts. I love receiving gifts. I love looking at a gift received and thinking of the giver every time. I love being surprised by someone thinking enough of me to present me something. But even more than that, I love giving gifts.

I grew up with a mother who is an expert in the gift giving field, namely because she loves giving gifts, too. It gave me a great example to watch, and I thought, instead of waiting until right before Christmas when everyone is scrambling around trying to find that last-minute purchase, why not share what I've learned and observed along the way now?

Maybe next Christmas, you, too, can enjoy giving more than receiving! :)

1) Always be on the lookout. I've bought wedding gifts from Kroger and Christmas gifts at Cracker Barrell. No store is off limits.

2) Think practical. Most people don't need another snow globe lying around. That's why, with such a large family on Kevin's side, we've opted for some food options the past two years--everybody loves food!

3) Budget. I confess--this one is hard for me. I like shopping; I like spending money; I like buying things for other people. But if you decide on a dollar amount or even set aside a specific amount all year leading up to Christmas, you won't be in post-Christmas debt.

4) Keep a list. I tend to do this about two weeks before Christmas. I gather all the items I've been collecting throughout the year, and I write down who's getting what. That way, I won't chance that we forgot nephew number one when gifts are being exchanged (and, yes, before he saw his gift under the tree this year, he did come up and ask if we'd even brought one for him :).

And last...

5) Begin shopping now! I learned this one from my mom, and I must confess, it's my favorite. The day after Christmas was always when she would get a head start on next year's gift buying--fabulous sales and markdowns on items that won't be out of season when next Christmas rolls around. It also creates great stories to share with those you love about how when you saw their gift in the middle of June at a Lavender Festival in the hills of Tennessee, it just spoke their name to you.

Now, I realize that the true meaning of Christmas isn't gifts and stocking up on piles of loot. I do, however, relish the opportunity we have to bless our family (and sometimes friends) and share with them through gift-giving some of the bounty the Lord has allowed us.

May your 2010 bring the joy of the Lord!!!