Prince of Peace Day 30

Day 30 

3 Gifts Astonishing! 

1- Thanksgiving this year was one of the best. No special reason just simply the fact I found myself, my heart more thankful this year. A heart that was seeking gratitude in the little things in life. A heart that was thankful for every blessing, every wrong turn, every mountain I had to climb and every bit of hope for the future. Our first annual Turkey Bowl was pretty fun too! 

2- How amazing is this house?! Something magical and whimsical about this house. 

Dream house for sure. 

My poor future husband will have a lot of lights to hang! 

Tis the season!

3- Our Savior came in the most humble way to save us. 

He is called our wonderful counselor, might God, everlasting Father and Prince of Peace

Astonishing

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Give Thanks Day 28 & 29

Give thanks to The Lord for He is good; 

His love endures forever. 

Psalm 118:1 

Turkey trot around Enumclaw Thanksgiving morning

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year I am changed

I feel different than years past 

I know I am different

Thankfulness floods my heart, daily

That has not always been the case

I have learned that happiness is not found in things, status or food

I have learned that the only true fulfillment is my relationship with Christ 

Because of Him, I have chosen to chase my dreams over complacency  

Because of Him, I have chosen to seek joy over self pity and doubt 

Because of Him, I have so much HOPE about my future I get giddy

Because of Him, I have found more peace 

I am Thankful 

The only explanation is the fact that I have chosen to seek the Lord in my life more intentionally 

I have chosen Him to lead, to guide and move in my life than ever before

I chose Him and He has provided 

I am thankful 

I have been so overwhelmed at times I catch myself saying "that is just crazy" 

When really it is just our God being who He is 

My life brings new challenges, blessings and adventures daily  

Sometimes I wonder how I deserved such a blessed life

Then I remember that we don't deserve anything in this life

He graciously sacrificed for us on the cross so we can receive Him 

I am thankful 

God graciously gives us His Grace daily

He deeply loves and always forgives us 

He wants a relationship with us still 

We don't deserve, but He gives

Because that is who He is

He is worth all our praise and thankfulness

Day 28

3 Gifts in Community

1- Family

2- Friends 

3- Enumclaw

I don't live there anymore

In fact, somedays I don't know if I will ever live there again

But it has my heart

It has my friends, family and memories forever

It will always be a place I call HOME

A place I come count on for support and love

We started our first "Turkey Bowl" It was such a hit!
Nothing better or more American than playing football on Thanksgiving

More pictures from Thanksgiving 

Cousin Brenden (right) and spanish cousin (exchange student) Guille 

Give Thanks unto the Lord

Day 29 

3 Gifts RED

1- CHRISTMAS! Everything is red during the holidays. 

I am thankful for the excitement of Santa Clause coming to town

2- Holly berries- One of my favorite Christmas decorations! 

My parents have a holly tree in their backyard. 

I always bring some back up to Seattle to decorate my place. 

3- Chris Tomlin Christmas CD (the cover is RED!) - Glory in the Highest

He is one of my favorite singers and his christmas CD is amazing!

Best SONG ever - HERE 

O, Come All Ye Faithful 

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Preparing Day 26 & 27

Day 26

3 Gifts Preparing

1- DREAMS-I know God is preparing me for something big. You know how I know? Because I have dreams about my future that I never dreamed of, never ever thought of accomplishing when I was younger. In fact most of my dreams have formed within the last two years when I fully committed to letting go and letting God work in my life. The only explanation is they are from God! He knows my true hearts desires and He is slowly preparing me for those dreams.

Refer back to THIS blog to read about my dreams

2- One of our athletes and one of our coaches are preparing to head over to the Philippines to play for their National team. We did a last minute clothing/canned food drive with our department and fans. We received way more than I thought we would! So grateful for this community and to be able to have the platform to help. Below is my office full of the items!

3- Preparing for Thanksgiving! My mom and dad are at home setting the table, gathering the extar chairs and cleaning every square inch of our house. Preparing for a day full of family, food, laughter, joy and of course thankfulness.

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Day 27

A Gift Homemade, Held, and Happy

Homemade- Every year when the kids were little, my parents took us around Deep Lake and we collected leaves. We then made placemats with the leaves. My mom still not onlyhas them still, but she puts them up as decorations around the house. Something so loving and nostalgic seeing them around the house when I come home.

Held- Cant wait to hold my nephew Jace! It has been almost two weeks and I am dying. The love I have for the child amazes me.

Happy- My parents- true joy and happiness.

Now that they are both retired, they have more time to live a life of adventure. Its is like they are "dating" all over again! They go on dates, they make time for eachother to just enjoy life. It makes me happy to see them so in love and taking care of themselves! So proud of them and their committment to eating healthier, taking supplements, being more active and growing in their faith...together.

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Ugly-Beautiful Day 25

Day 25 

3 Gifts Ugly-Beautiful

1- Crying- like deep from the soul, gut wrenching, ugly face cry. Girls, you know what I am taking about. Crying is not always a "sad" thing. I cry when I am frustrated, when I am happy and excited, and lately I have found some tears when I am praying at night. But you know what, crying is good for the soul. It helps release tension, pours out emotion, excitement, joy, pain or frustration. Yet, when we find the tears all dry, a peace can be found and that is a beautiful thing

Go ahead, open the flood gates and let it rain

2. Enjoy every single moment. The good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly- 

THANK GOD through it all. 

3. My life. Lets be honest there are some parts of my life that are pretty ugly. And I don't mean the laundry that is piling up next to my bed. Times I wish I would have been bolder, stronger, smarter and more confident. There are moments I said things that I wish I could take back. I remember times I wish I said something different or even worse take back what I said. 

I was not always the best example of living a Christ-like life. 

Jesus doesn't care how "ugly" our lives were or are 

He knows we are human and fall short sometimes daily 

He knows our past sins and the future ones

He knows we make mistakes, do and say the wrong things...a lot

But Jesus..

Jesus loves us anyway

He forgives us anyway

He gives us grace freely and abundantly anyway

He brings us salvation anyway

He sacrificed for us anyway

He shows us the way, truth and the only life worth living

...And that is beautiful 

My life is beautiful because of Christ

We are beautiful in Him

Not by who we are, because as I mentioned we can be ugly as humans

He makes us beautiful because that is who HE IS

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Galatians 2:20 

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Fantasy Football Day 24

Day 24

3 Gifts Humble 

1- Friendsgiving with the Mannings! Quinn, one of my best friends, who played basketball with me at SPU and her husband Matt invite their good friends over for dinner. Quinn and Matt have been married for 5 years and have two children. You can believe they have many other married with children friends as well. Now, I am going to be honest. It used to be hard for me because I would be the only single gal there. But this year was different. I have been humbled in many areas in my life and embracing my singleness during the holidays has been one of them. I am learning to enjoy life right where I am at. Embracing my life journey, ups and downs, passions and dreams. It is all about fellowship anyway. I don't need a "husband" to enjoy the stories, new recipes and laughter. 

2- My parents- I have been meaning to share with my parents some dreams of mine. Honestly, I dont know why I was so hesitant. My parents have always been supportive in ALL I do. I shared it with them this past Friday and was so humbled but the love and support by them. My parents never cease to amaze me. 

Family dinner for my moms birthday in May 

3- Fantasy Football- Yes, yes, I know this sounds silly but if you know me you know I love football! I love our Seattle Seahawks and I love watching football on Sundays. However, my fantasy football not so much. I forget to set up my line up during the week. I don't check who has a  BYE week. FOr instance, I am waching Denver and New England and I forgot again to add T. Brady to my line up!  Man oh man. I am not good. Regardless, I am having fun and I am thankful for the exctiment it continues to bring me! 

I cant leave this post without sharing my new favorite holiday treat! 

These bad boys are amazing! 

Put in the microwave for 6-8 seconds and it pretty much melts in your mouth

I usually am not a fan of gingerbread but these are A. MA.ZING

 AND low cal,  high protein (11g) 

The AdvoCare holiday treats ALWAYS sell out so I stock up! 

If you are looking for a healthier option for a snack, dessert or even a quick meal 

These are the perfect option!

Use your discount to order yours now or you can get them HERE! 

Enjoy and you are welcome ;) 

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Joy, Forgiveness & Love Day 22 & 23

Day 22

A Gift Grateful

I am grateful for this little one 

Emma Joy

She is one of my co-workers little girl

She comes and helps out during events

AKA- the best, little helper there is

She is blessed me more than I ever imagine being touched by a child

She is strong, beautiful, and smart!

Not to mention one of the biggest hearts I know

She doesn't have the easiest or most normal life for a child but you know what?

She gives, she shares and she smiles all the time

She is FULL of JOY!

I can see why her parents had that as her middle name

They just new 

I am grateful for Emma coming into my life and changing it forever 

  

Day 23

3 Gifts in Christ 

Just three?

The more time I spend getting to know Christ

The more time I spend getting to know our Savior

The deeper my faith grows

There are an abundance of gifts found in Christ

1- Eternal Life

"For God so loved the world He gave His only son, that whomever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" John 3:16 

2- Forgiveness of sins

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

3- LOVE

"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:8

"But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Romans 5:8 

I dont know what my future holds but I know Who holds my future
#goodenoughforme

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave himself for me
Galatians 2:20 

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Family Ties Day 21

Day 21

3 Gifts Family

The gift of gathering around the table at Thanksgiving 

The gift of siblings

Jon, in the back  -31

Beth white dress and mullet haircut - 28

Me, blue dress and awesome haircut- 28 

Chris, little boy- 26 

The gift of having my sister as my best friend and mother of now TWO baby boys 

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Pumpkin Spice Day 19 & 20

Day 19

3 Gifts Autumn

1- The smell of pumpkin spice candle when I walk into my parents house. I will always remember the coming home on Friday nights from a HS football game and having an overwhelming sense of comfort. The candle, the fall decorations, the pumpkins on the porch

2- Walking out and feeling the sun on my face and the crisp Seattle air

3- Thanksgiving table settings! I have visions of how I would want to set my table. Of course, it changes every year :) From napkins, to plates to the center pieces. You guys, my heart skips a beat when I look through the Pottery Barn catalog. 

AMAZING Right?! (sigh) 

Day 20 

3 Gifts of Tradition

1- My dad, brother Chris and myself go to the same christmas tree farm and we tag our tree before Thanksgiving. I mean we have to get the best one! and then the 3 of us go cut it down together. I treasure this tradition because I know one day I will have to start my own. 

2- Thanksgiving at my parents

Love. Faith. Family. Comfort. Laughter

3- Macys Thanksgiving Day parade. I know this is not my own tradition and honestly our family never sits and watches but there is something so soothing about having it on in the background Thanksgiving morning. While we are cleaning, baking or doing a puzzle we have it on.  It is there. It is always there. The comfort and excited of what is to come. 

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Playing Catch Up! Day 14-18

3 Gifts silent

1. Silent Night- one of my favorite Christmas carols

2. Sleeping- ok, so I don’t actually know if I am silent- Maybe I talk in my sleep. I don’t think I snore. I will have to ask my husband one day J

3. “Quiet times” The morning is a time I cherish so much. For one I have never been a morning person, so the fact that I am saying this is a miracle. But not only do I love the mornings, I love my time with the Lord the most.

Love the trees until their leaves fall off, 

then encourage them to try again next year

3 gifts Golden

1.     SUN! There is nothing better then a sunny day in Seattle AND during the fall.

2.     Golden color of the fall leaves. Beauty abounds this time of season

3.      Golden Tate!- I know, I know, silly right?! BUT he is helping the Seahawks win AND he is on my fantasy team and helping me win too :)

3 gifts Hard Eucharisteo

1. Grace

2. Grace

3. Undeserving Grace

Grace is like tall, blades of grasses.
Always bending. Never breaking. 

Stretched through time to the Cross of Christ. 

This grace is a free gift to you, to me.

3 gifts of laughter
1. Inside jokes- family or friends. This time of year the inside jokes come out and laughter never stops.

2. Jace- How sweet the sound of children giggles.

3. Sense of Humor – One of my top qualities I look for in men is a sense of humor. Someone who can make me laugh without trying. Someone who is funny, likes to laugh and can make me smile even in the midst of trials.

A gift made, shared, passed on

1. My parents home-made with love, laughter and faith

2. The gift of sharing how God has answered prayers with a best friend

3. My grandma and moms wedding dress

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Joy, Peace and Hope- Day 13

Day 13

3 Gifts Behind a Door

Thoughts of doubt, anxiety and uncertainty 

So silly right? 

I mean it is the season of Thankfulness

And for petes sake I even put up the Giving Tree at work!

However, there they were today

I told myself it was ok

Then I felt guilty I wasn't grateful

Then I was ok...

One roller coaster of emotions

A vicious cycle of emotions

Do you ever feel that way?

It is not only exhausting but most importantly, it is not the way we are supposed to live 

I looked to the only truth that makes sense in life

The Word

And you know what it reminded me?

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances

In ALL circumstances, Jessie

Even when I am full of doubt, anxiousness and uncertainty

Even when I am tired and weary

Even if....

IN ALL things give THANKS

I sat in my car for awhile before I walked into my house after work

I knew I needed some good ol' fashion clean up of the heart

I turned on my Christmas music and I started saying, out loud, everything in my life I am thankful for

Something happened deep in my soul 

The load lightened

My thoughts turned towards blessings

And even though it was small, a grateful smile returned

My heart started to beat joy 

I am blessed

3 Gifts Behind a Door

1- JOY- behind the door of self-pity

"For the JOY of the Lord is our strength" Nehemiah 8:10 

2- PEACE- behind the door of anxiousness

"Be anxious for nothing, 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" 

Phil. 4:6-8 

3- HOPE- behind the the door of uncertainty

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11

Joy, peace and hope are always right behind the door if you are only willing to open it and walk through

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Comfort and Joy- Day 12

Day 12

3 Gifts at noon

This morning was rough and I didnt get my quiet time in during the morning

Sadly, story of my life lately

So, I headed to my happy place for my lunch break to get it in at noon

Starbucks on Westlake 

Gift #1- A place I can go that gives me a sense of comfort away from work. The view of the city, the american flag blowing out in front, lake union right below me. No matter what time of year this places is beautiful. But today was a treat! It was decorated for Christmas- insert happy dance!

Gift #2- The excitement of the holiday season. Yes, I know, its only Starbucks but I cant help it, my heart leaped a little when I walked in. 

Gift #3- My quiet time with Jesus Calling. Always what I need to hear.  A constant reminder that God loves us . NO greater gift. 

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Remembering- Day 10 & 11

A beautiful day in Enumclaw today 

Day 10

3 Gifts Found in Bible reading 

This one hits home real hard today

I haven't been doing my morning devotions the past couple mornings and I am noticing

I can tell I am more anxious, more on edge for what the day holds

Even now as I am writing this I am anxious for what the week holds

The peace that I find from reading the Bible is not there

The Bible is the Word of God and is powerful and life changing

All promise are inspired by God- 2 Timothy 3:16 

And you guys, the Bible is full of His promises!

Here are 3 of my favorite gifts

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Matthew 11:28-29

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

John 14:27

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Day 11

3 Gifts in Remembrance 

Something so special and magical about the season of fall 

1- Today I was reminded of the beauty of seeing fall through the eyes of a child- or toddler :) My dad was busy raking up the leaves that have taken over their yard so we took my nephew Jace (13 months) outside to play. At first he wasn't quite sure what to do with the leaves but you could see his mind spinning. He would bend down and touch them, then try and kick them. 

I think he was in awe of the beauty of fall :)

Next year we will be piling those leaves up for him to jump in!

2- The gift of remembering my past with gratitude and thankfulness that none of my plans worked out because God has more in store for me than I can ever imagine or ever plan. 

Keeping my hopes higher than ever tonight! 

3- Today we are reminded of the sacrifice that many men and women have made and make everyday for our freedom. 

 "Greater love has no one than this; to lay down ones life for ones friends" 

John 15:13

Thank you Veterans

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