Thanksgiving: a wonderful way to begin the holiday season!

The holiday season is off to great start!

My parents and Jennifer came up for Thanksgiving, and we all had a blast! Thanksgiving dinner was a success! It was nice for Kyle and I to celebrate our first Thanksgiving together in our new home with some of our family. God has given me so much to be thankful for, that's for sure.

I got to take Mom, Dad, and Jennifer to Hot Springs, AR, to see Bath House row. We did a little shopping while there too. Needless to say, me Jenn and Mom loved that part, but Dad was less than excited. He was itching to back and watch the Alabama/ Auburn game!!

Jennifer is coming back up here in about a week and half, and I am super excited about that. More fun sister time, which means more shopping! (Sorry Dad!)

I have not started my job yet. They have to run a background check before I can begin, and the process usually takes about 2 weeks. If all goes well, I should start right after Christmas. It's definitely a blessing to not have to job hunt during the holiday season, but get to spend the holidays not working!

Christmas is just around the corner, and I am having a blast celebrating my first Christmas with Kyle! We decorated our first tree together a couple of days ago! Now, we are busy buying Christmas presents, and looking forward to a few Christmas parties on the calendar. I am attending a cookie exchange next week, and have been practicing different type of cookies to decide which to make for the party. Kyle definitely has not been complaining!! :)

Both Kyle and I have been a bit under the weather, so we are anxious to leave the colds behind!

Most of you I will be seeing soon! Can't wait! Merry Christmas!

Being Content in Christ Alone

In our community group on Tuesday we talked on the subject of being content only in Christ. Most of us answer yes, but then when we really get down to it, it's probably because we like where God has us. We are comfortable in our lives. The group challenged me to think, "Would I be content in Christ if my circumstances were less than desirable?" I think this is a question we should all constantly be asking ourselves. We serve a mighty God who loves us more than we can ever know... a God who ALWAYS has our best interest in mind...a God who knows what's best for us even if it means going through a tough time to show us. God uses all things for good- even the times of suffering and hardship.

In Romans, it says to "rejoice in our sufferings because suffering produces perseverance... and perseverance hope." This hope in Jesus is ultimately our motivation for everything we do. We this hope to keep moving.

It's during these hard times that I believe God shapes us the most.It's how we respond in the hard times that truly answer the question "Am I content in Christ alone?" Sometimes, the hard times are tragic; other times, the hard times are just a bit frustrating. No matter the hardship, let's ask ourselves, "What is God trying to teach me,and how will I respond?"