My Wonderful Wife

This day 1 year ago, I got married to the most amazing woman in the world!
Happy Anniversary Lindsey! I love you!

Peace and Justice Christmas

We've been exposed this year to some creative ways to continue to follow Jesus (instead of the consumerism of our culture) as we celebrate His birth. This one has been especially exciting--Advent Conspiracy--"substituting compassion for consumption."

In our apartment, we're pretty excited about the "relational gift giving" where the focus is giving the gift of presence as opposed to just the purchase of an item to own. I'm kind of sensing that we're going to be trying it out on each other this year, but I'm still not sure what it looks like...seeing as it's still a surprise!!! ;)

Thought this "song" was interesting. It's what got me rambling about this today. It was in the weekly email from www.sojo.net. Sojourners is a faith-based organization whose mission "is to articulate the biblical call to social justice, inspiring hope and building a movement to transform individuals, communities, the church, and the world." I love this time of year with the traditions, Chrstmas lights, movies and songs and the amazing time to spend with family. Hopefully, like this song says, Jesus' call to love others doesn't get lost in the mix by those of us who are His followers.

Have Yourself a Peace and Justice Christmas
Have yourself a peace and justice Christmas,
Set your heart a-right.
Flee the malls and focus on Christ’s guiding light.
Have yourself a peace and justice Christmas,
Give your time a way.
Share God’s love,
And serve “the least of these” today.
Here we are, as we pray for peace,
We’ll live simply and give more.
We care for those far and near to us,
Which brings cheer to us, once more.
God brings down
The haughty from high places,
And lifts up the low.
God cares for the hungry and the humble,
so –Forget the stress and let the peace and justice flow!

Christmas Quiz

This came from my friend Emily and then Gretchen (also my friend) so I thought I would give it a shot!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? depends on the gift, I like the anticipation of wrapping paper

2. Real or artificial tree? Artificial, real trees make me itchy

3. When do you put up the tree? the weekend after Thanksgiving, I love getting my Christmas stuff out :)

4. When do you take the tree down? New Year's Day

5. Do you like eggnog? I think so...I have only tried it once. I always want to try the eggnog milkshake at Steak n Shake but I am too chicken.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? probably something Barbie or Cabbage Patch Kids

7. Hardest person to buy for? My dad or David's dad

8. Easiest person to buy for? my mom or David

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, a Willow Tree nativity - - one of my favorite xmas things! (this was Gretchen's answer and I am going to keep it because I have one and feel the same way.)

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Definitely mail, I love to receive mail and mail.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? hmmm....I don't remember, I pick out a lot of mine so they are usually pretty good.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? After Thanksgiving and I try to be done my mid December

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Probably...I regifted a lot of Wedding presents for a silent auction and some gifts are going as White Elephant gifts this year (pooping reindeer and I Love Jesus hat)

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? my Nana's peanut butter fudge...mmmm yum!

16. Lights on the tree? white or multi color, my mom and I found out last year that all red are scary.

17. Favorite Christmas song? O Little Town of Bethlehem (I just love the line, "O come to us, abide with us our Lord Emmanuel") or O Holy Night

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? With family, this year at my parent's house.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? yes but I am not going to list them right now

20. Angel or star on top of tree? star

21. Presents on Christmas Eve or morning? My mom always gets me pjs to open on Christmas Eve, they are always in the same box. Although, this year I told her I was at pajama capacity so I don't know if I will open anything or not.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Worrying about gifts...

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I have a lot of Moose ornaments but I like more country ornaments because they remind me of home and my mom's taste.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Definitely ham and my nana's homemade noodles

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? To have some great time with my family and friends. My family always spends Christmas afternoon doing ridiculous skits my grandpa puts together and playing cards. I love it and I can't wait!

26. Who are you tagging? Katie and Debra!