Monday, December 21, 2009

It's Christmas Time in St. Louis

I suppose it's not really Christmas until you give the first present. Most of us will get at least one gift ahead of schedule. And this was the case for me on Friday afternoon when my two oldest nanny kids got home from school after their class Christmas parties and noon dismissal.

AJ, my 4 year old, said, "Nanelle, I got you something!" Naturally this was in his best whisper voice since his baby brother was sleeping. My eyes got big with excitement when I said, "Really?? That's so cool because I got you something too!" It was then he noticed the brightly wrapped gifts waiting for him on the table. But to be honest, he was more excited about giving me his present than he was about opening mine.

Life change moment: I realized this Christmas what beautiful givers children are.

We started opening our presents and when Jasmine and AJ were done they asked if they could open mine for me. ;) Of course I let them. :)

Giving has always been in my nature. Now I won't deny that receiving presents would be a daily occurrence for me if I had my way. But, since the world does not revolve around me, as I must constantly remind myself, I have limited myself to only expecting gifts during Birthday Month and at Christmas.

But giving? I love to give. I'm a great advocate of opening a couple presents before Christmas day, mostly because that lessens the amount of secrets I have to keep. But I simply adore the look on someones face when they open a gift that happens to be something they really wanted. And then I can't stop smiling.

In recounting her day, my sister told me a story about a little girl she had seen. The child was in a stroller and had a pacifier in her mouth. The little girl's mother said to her, "Do you want to make someone's day?" To this the little girl pulled the pacifier out of her mouth and flashed a sweet smile at my sister then promptly put the pacifier back in her mouth. :)

One smile can make a person's day. A smile is a gift we so often take for granted. The world is a much better place when we give. You don't have to give your money. You don't have to spend time at the mall or be frustrated at wrapping paper or ribbons. You don't have to search and search for the perfect gift. Though those things are appreciated. But I have found that one of the best gifts that you can give someone is your time. Your ear to hear them, your shoulder for them to lean on, your hand for them to hold.

The gift of self is the most valuable of all. And no one taught us that better than the One who gave Himself for us.

So, during the hustle and bustle of this holiday season, don't forget to slow down and smile. Make someone's day. :)

Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Love As Defined by....Me :)

"Love comes to those who still hope although they've been disappointed
To those who still believe although they've been betrayed,
To those who still love although they've been hurt before."
-Unknown

Peter and I thought alike I feel. He once asked Jesus how many times you're supposed to forgive someone. "Seven times?" he asked. Jesus astonished Peter by telling him, "Seventy times seven, Peter." Seriously? Yep. That's for real.

There are so many times when I'm just ready to give up. Throw up my hands and say "Forget it!" really, really loud so all my neighbors will hear me. Sometimes I think that might make me feel better. But here's the thing. Running away from the things that hurt us will never solve the problem.

So what, you just let the world walk all over you? No. That's not the answer either. I don't have all the answers to every situation that comes my way and threatens to stomp out my sparkly enthusiasm. But I'll share a secret with you. Here's one answer from Someone who knows a whole bunch more than I.

"Love suffers long and is kind. Love does not envy. Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up. Does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil. Does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth. Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." 1 Cor. 13:1-8

Love. Love one another. Do good unto others. Love. Let the love of God shine through you.

Does this mean that you'll never hurt if you just love everybody? Nope. It most certainly does not. It means that you have a choice to make. It means that you can choose to be hurt or hold a grudge or be angry. Or you can choose to love. To forgive.

But why chance loving the thing that hurt you? Because that's what Jesus did.

Life change moment: Realizing that He loves me. Always.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Fireflies Light My Way...

Well...first off--

Life change moment: The "Best Birthday of My Life" award goes to...2009!!

My life has been changed so many times in the last week I would need an entire library to document each moment. But I'll just give you the highlights.

Monday (my actual birthday) came with lots of sweet wishes, text messages, and facebook posts. I felt so loved. :) I began receiving cards and phone calls, voicemails, and e-mails. Not many people dare to forget my birthday.

Monday night my sister and I went out with an old friend to celebrate my birthday. We stayed up until about midnight remembering the fun days at youth camps and conventions. Oh the stories... :)

I got to open presents from my family on Monday night. Mom and Dad gave me a beautiful watch and an adorable jacket, and Sister gave me the best movie in the entire world.

Life change moment: Disney's Rocketman.

Tuesday dawned bright and I busied myself at both of my jobs, anxiously awaiting Thursday's Birthday Bash.

Wednesday came and went (not without gracing us with our first snow) and as I closed my eyes that night I thought, "Tomorrow is Thursday...I get to party tomorrow!!"

Thursday came. I got to work. And the day began to slowly creep by. I paced myself and tried to find things to do to pass the time. I got to get off work an hour early by some miracle and by 4pm I was running to get ready for the big night.

Sister and I traveled to Texas Roadhouse where we were to meet up with all my friends. :) I walked in and what do I see?

Life change moment: Pink roses. Balloons. Corigan.

Best surprise of the year!! He came baring gifts of all shapes and sizes. Wrapped in princess wrapping paper. Topped with colorful bows. Presents he had carefully chosen, some that he had made, just for me. Just to see me smile.

Naturally MelbaJay's gift was the best of all. But Corigan, he came in a pretty close second. ;) Which one is my favorite of all his gifts? Well there's like a million to choose from. They range from neon pink Chuck Taylor's to twenty-three $1 bills, each with it's own Post-It note attached with something sweet written on it. A hoodie and a hat, a highlighter and a gift card...he thought of it all. :)

Surrounded by my friends, I felt the love and support that I have always received from them. It was such a strong feeling that there were several times throughout the night when I almost cried. But then someone would do something stupid, or Corigan would do something sweet, and I would smile again. :)

Life change moment: Realizing who my true, and cherished friends really are.

Smiling. It's the best, most fun, and easiest task to do in this life. You never know how a smile can change a person's day. Don't you love that feeling when your cheeks hurt because you've been smiling so much? Definitely a life changing feeling. :)

Looking back over this fabulous birthday week that still isn't over, I have realized how much I have to be thankful for. Has it been perfect? Well, I would have left out a thing or two...but God knew every life changing moment that I would experience this week. He planned them all. That makes me smile a whole bunch, knowing that He wants to see me as happy as all my friends do.

What's in store? Stay tuned and find out. :)


*****A special tribute to my dear, precious canine friend, Basil, who tragically passed away today. You will be missed my darling.*****