"be still and know that I am God."

with the hustle and bustle of christmas it's so easy to be distracted. stressed. worried. exhausted. frustrated.

it's ironic since the holiday itself celebrates news of great joy, peace, love, and hope.

just another case of our fallen world taking a beautiful thing and warping it. i know i fall into the stress of "America's Christmas" which is why i need reminded of the joyous, and true meaning of this time. our Savior and Lord, Jesus.

with the craziness of this time of year it is good to sit back and remember what this time is truly about. it is good to remember why we are here. i know i need this reminder so much.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, thought its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.

The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth.

He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.

"Be still nad know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." ~ Psalm 46

Lord let this season be foremost and always about You, and You only. Help us not to be overcome and consumed with this world, but rather focused and ever more in love with You. Let us remember that You are enough, and You always will be. And Lord help us to sit and be still, and remember with awe the tidings of great joy You bestowed on Your children. Thank You! Amen.

handmade christmas.

i can't believe christmas is two weeks away. i have not even gone out christmas shopping yet, and i fly out to pittsburgh this upcoming thursday! i also have not done any christmas baking either.

the plan is making christmas cut-out cookies with a vanilla glaze (a favorite recipe my family has done for years from "cooks illustrated") and some buckeyes. i'm going to make a ton, get little christmas baggies, tie them with a bow and give them out to our staff of boys and the other RD's. baking is about as far i go for homemade things. i was reading my friend suzannah's blog and she was showing the adorable things she was getting her daughter from various vendors at etsy.com. i am such a sucker for handmade things, and so far the only christmas shopping i have done has been the online variety at etsy.com.

here are the things i have purchased and i'm quite excited:

some pretty stud earrings for my cousins. (sofiamasri.)

these lovely little pouches to put the earrings in along w/ gift card/lip balm. (GimCarry.)

this adorable set of heart dishes for me madre. (redhotpottery.)

ok and i couldn't resist it. i gave in and bought myself this dress. *sigh* i know. her stuff is absolutely gorgeous. i wish i could afford to get her whole line. (heirloom08.)


i love buying handmade though, because you can get some beautiful and unique things for people that you aren't going to find in department stores. it's a lot of fun searching through etsy and seeing what you will find.

now if i could just finish my christmas shopping and start baking.