Artic Blast....Snow days....Falling Trees....Jesus' birth...

Well as anyone who lives in Portland knows we just had the biggest snow storm in 40 years! It's finally over after only working 1 day in 2 weeks...having 2 feet of snow...a tree falling on my house...plenty of family time...game playing...movie watching...sleeping in...wow it really was great!

Our family was all able to make it to my parents for Christmas. It was shorter than usual but nice to spend time with family...we didn't know if it would happen the days leading up to Christmas. I think having more time on my hands made me appreciate some things more than usual this year...that I have a family to drive me crazy ;o) and they love me, too, when I drive them crazy...that Jesus chose to come into this world...I don't think I could've done that- leave Heaven knowing what his fate was...it is a huge sacrifice! I am so grateful for Him choosing to leave perfection to come to earth to save us. I think having time to think also made me saddened for all the people I know that haven't yet met Jesus...I was thankful for the simple pleasures in life- electricity, a warm home, a job to have snow days for, I was even grateful for rain- when it came to melt the snow away I was happy :) It was a different Christmas for sure but I feel like the Lord had a purpose in making us all slow down during this time of year. We are usually out hustling and bustling forgetting to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

A tree fell on my house which is crazy since it didn't cause any major damage...just a big tree in my yard and some minor things to take care of. Anyone need some wood? You cut, you haul ;o)

Oh and after missing 2 weeks of church I was longing to back with my church family. That is something I haven't felt for a long time...I was so happy to see people...and though I still don't know anyone really well...it's starting to feel like home :) The sermon this week was right where I'm at...as I've said in previous posts I've been reading books on the presence of God...and guess what the sermon was about? Yep- the Presence of God- namely in the birth of his son, Jesus. It was amazing to think of it a different way and to be reminded as His child the presence of God is in me through the Holy Spirit.

So for anyone who actually reads my ramblings it was a good week...lessons learned...memories made...and ready for a new year to begin :)

~A

Snow days

This has been a week of snow days for me! At first it is super exciting but I have to admit I am getting a little stir crazy/bored. But I can't complain- paid days off are a blessing! I have used this time mostly to relax, get some things done around the house and spend time with family. The best part of the week is the snow itself...it's SO beautiful! Maggie loves it and I'm including some picture of her enjoying the snow. We'll see what the next few days holds...

Christmas parties and good friends.

The funniest present!
My gift

The girls...
Nikki, Bec, me and Jen

This weekend was filled with Christmas parties and friends! It was fun and I'm tired today :o) I have to say I have some of the best friends in the world! Saturday morning I had coffee with Laura while Matt insulated around my front door (it had old windows around it that sweat and let in a draft). So nice of him to spend his Saturday morning helping me! I enjoy hanging out with Laura and Madeline- we've been friends since preschool.

Saturday night I had my friends from high school over to my house. It was a low-key Christmas party but I enjoyed catching up with everyone.

Last night was a White Elephant gift exchange at the Distler's (see pics). It was fun...lots of laughter! I love these people...I'm the youngest and only single one but I always enjoy myself so much.

It was a great weekend!

Saying good-bye to friends...

Unfortunately I have to say good-bye to another friend soon. She is following what she feels is the Lord leading her to Nashville. She has an AMAZING voice and is hoping to use it to God's glory in some way.

Yesterday was a good-bye party for her. She will be missed! This pic is some of my great co-workers and friends (from left to right: Christy, Tara, Me and Amber).

Blessed by His presence

I have been reading two books lately..."Practicing the Presence of God" and "Walking with God". Sense a theme? I am trying to learn about how to walk with God all throughout the day and not just a designated prayer or devotion times. I'm learning slowly and I'm sure there will be more blogs about it.

One of the things in "Walking with God" that John Eldredge talks about is asking God how to spend your money. Now I honestly haven't really done this...I have heard of asking before making a big purchase and waiting until you feel you have heard from the Lord....but I am just not exactly sure how to do this...or know for sure you've heard from Him.

Well I tried it out yesterday :) My washing machine broke over the weekend and I don't really want to put money into it as I know I have to replace it before I can move (long story). So anyway...I started looking into buying a refurbished one. The kind I need is stackable so even used the best deal I found was $700+. That's A LOT of money for me and I wasn't sure what I should do. So I asked the Lord, "What should I do? Should I buy it?". I didn't hear an audible answer but this is what happened...

I went upstairs to our break room to eat my lunch. I was praying some, weighing my options & reading the paper when a co-worker walked in. She said, "hey I heard your washing machine broke". I told her what I was thinking and then she says..."Oh, well I just bought a new one and was going to offer you my old one if you want it". I said, "You're not going to try to sell it?". Basically she found this AMAZING deal on a new front loading, energy efficient set (a deal that I will keep my eyes peeled for over the next year) and couldn't pass it up. So she decided to go for it although her old set works just fine. Her only stipulation is that when I buy a new set to pass it on to someone in need! I can certainly do that!! So now to find a way to haul away mine and get hers...

Basically I really felt the Lord answering my prayer! It was really cool and I am feeling more confident about trying it out again :) He is listening and desires us to seek Him in all decisions we make!