My Christmas Weekend

Well, let me first start with sharing some photos from The Story Tour I told you a bit about last week.  I didn't have pictures of everyone, but Selah, Francesca Battistelli, Natalie Grant, Newsboys, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Anthem Lights all sang 18 different songs telling stories from the Bible.

Selah

 Steven Curtis Chapman

Natalie Grant

 It was fabulous!

 Now, on to Christmas.  I had such an awesome weekend!  On Saturday, we went to my uncle's house, ate my aunt's delicious Swedish dinner (she's an amazing cook), opened presents, and then hung out for a while.  So much fun to be with the family!

My cousin and I 

 Sunday, we woke up and opened gifts as a family.  

 My brother and I put our money together to buy my sister a fish tank and a gift card to buy her own fish. :)

 My brother got a hat from my parents.

 Yes, I know there's a deer on my wall.  His name is Bobby.  Just kidding.  I'll be covering him up in January.  But, I got this awesome comforter for Christmas!  I had picked it out and stood in line for 2 hours with it on Black Friday.  It was worth it! :)

 This was a gift from my brother.  I saw it a couple weeks ago and fell in love!

 Gift card for Maurice's and some gloves from my sister.  Now, these are no ordinary gloves.  The black fingertips are made of special fabric that can be used on touch devices, more specifically my iPod touch!  Amazing!

 On Sunday afternoon, my aunt, uncle, grandpa, and cousin came over to play games and such.  A couple hours were spent on our frozen pond playing shoe hockey, as is tradition.  And I think a couple days will be taken for recovery. :)  We also had a great dinner prepared by my mom and played a round of Name 5, a new game our family got for Christmas.  It didn't go as smoothly as we had hoped, but I blame it on the fact that it was boys against girls and the boys were being unfair. :)

 On Monday, we had my dad's family over.  It was a fun day; pretty laid back.

 On Thursday, I have LIVE for Christ's Christmas party.  Pretty excited about that.

 I also get to go visit a friend on Friday!  Can't wait!

 During my break, I created a 10 page, 30 day study schedule for my next CLEP test that I'll be starting to study in January: Introductory Sociology.

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week.  Take advantage of your break if you're on one!  

This week I'm thankful for...

161. having a whole day at home

162. a fun time with a new friend

163. Christmas movie night

164. safe driving

165. Swedish dinners

166. thoughtful gifts from loving people

167. Christmas trees

168. frozen pond to play shoe hockey on

169. family time

170. late movie night to relax

 In Christ,

   ~Sierra

Only One

 Since Black Friday, the number of times I've heard the song How Many Kings by Downhere is innumerable.  Almost so many times, it just slides by.  But the lyrics in that song are just amazing:

Follow the star to the place unexpected                                                                          Would you believe after all we've projected                                                                           A child in a manger                                                                                                         Lowly and small, the weakest of all                                                                         Unlikeliness hero, wrapped in his mother's shawl                                                                 Just a child                                                                                                                            Is this who we've waited for?  

Cause how many kings stepped down from their thrones?                                                 How many lords have abandoned their homes?                                                                 How many greats have become the least for me?                                                               How many gods have poured out their hearts                                                                       To romance a world that has torn all apart?                                                                       How many fathers gave up their sons for me?   

Bringing our gifts for the newborn Savior                                                                              All that we have whether costly or meek                                                                      Because we believe                                                                                                          Gold for his honor and frankincense for his pleasure                                                           And myrrh for the cross he'll suffer                                                                                       Do you believe, is this who we've waited for?  

How many kings stepped down from their thrones?                                                           How many lords have abandoned their homes?                                                                 How many greats have become the least for me?                                                               How many gods have poured out their hearts                                                                       To romance a world that has torn all apart?                                                                       How many fathers gave up their sons for me?                                                                    Only one did that for me

 That last line is what makes this song my favorite.  I always get goosebumps when I hear those last words.  Do you realize just how amazing it is that not only did God send us, undeserving human beings, a Savior, but He sent the Savior as a child.  A little baby.  And He did it so that Jesus could relate to us!  No, He never sinned, but He was tempted, He had to grow up in the world, He had friends that betrayed Him, He was mocked, He even had to go to school!

 My family is really big on traditions on my mom's side.  I don't remember any Christmas that has been different.  It's hard for me not to get wrapped up in family time during Christmas.  Playing games, and celebrating Christmas together is really special for me, but I think sometimes I focus on that more than the real Reason for the season: Jesus.  Some people focus on gifts, some on family or friends, some on decorating, some on traditions, and maybe we don't mean to, but stop and look: why is there a time in December to give/receive gifts, continue traditions, spend time with family and friends, decorate?  Why is there Christmas?  Because this is the time when Christ came as an infant--it's His birthday!  You know, we get presents on our birthdays, but why do we get presents on Jesus'?  My family's main celebration is on Christmas Eve, and on Christmas Day we have relaxing, fun day.  On Christmas Day, we have a birthday cake for Jesus.  I think this helps to take the focus off of ourselves during this season.  I'm just waiting for Jesus to blow out His own candles (that would be super cool)! :)

 So, to conclude:

Merry Christmas!!!

An Amazing Week

 *sigh*

 I had a great week!  You already know that I passed my Psychology test, but that was such a blessing that I'm not letting you forget it! :)

 Thursday was an absolutely awesome day!  My mom drove me to the cities to meet up with some other CollegePlus! students and we went to Feed My Starving Children.  That was so much fun!  I love it how at the end, they pray over the boxes of food that were packed with the volunteers.  After that, we ate a deliciously healthy dinner at Culver's.  But to end our day, we went to see Triple Espresso, a hilarious, clean comedy show.  My stomach hurt so bad as we were walking out.  Of course the ride home was fun because everyone was very wound up from laughing so hard.

 The only sad part of my day was that I didn't bring my camera.  On our way home, the moon was just rising and it was a half-moon, huge, orange, and beautiful!  There is no way to actually describe that moon.  

 Saturday?  On Saturday, my dad took my brother and I to The Story Tour, like I told you last week.  I didn't really know what to expect.  I knew Natalie Grant, Newsboys, Selah, Steven Curtis Chapman, Francesca Battistelli, Anthem Lights, Randy Frazee, and Max Lucado were all going to be live, but never dreamed it would be as great as it was!  Not only did those artists alternate singing 18 different songs, they had an amazing corresponding video to go along with each song!  Each song told the story of someone different: Adam & Eve, Abraham & Sarah, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Ruth & Naomi, David, Daniel, Esther, Job, Mary, Jesus, the Thief on the cross, Mary Magdalene, the Disciples, Paul, and the Second Coming.  Check out this video!  If they ever do this again, do yourself a favor -- you will not be disappointed!  You can also go onto The Story's store and order the DVD of what I saw!

 Yesterday was a very special day also, for me.  I had two separate video calls with my CP! (which is an abbreviation for CollegePlus!) "sisters" and friends.  What an encouraging time as we talked about school, life, and God's blessings and guidance.  I can't wait to see how God continues my friendships with these girls!

This week I'm thankful for...
151. CollegePlus! friends
152. Do Hard Things by Alex & Brett Harris
153. The Story Tour
154. Skype video calls with friends
155. orders arriving in the mail
156. little boys volunteering to pray in front of 88 people
157. clean comedies
158. the privilege of lighting the advent candle at church with my family
159. anticipating Christmas
160. my parents

 My favorite Christmas album this week is: A Christmas Story by Point of Grace.

 And this week, most Minnesotans actually have to dream of a White Christmas.  I wonder how long we'll have to dream? :)

 Have a blessed week,
    Sierra

Living in the Moment

 I read something in the Bible the other night.  It's found in Luke 10:39-42 and it says,

"She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.  She came to Him and asked, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?  Tell her to help me!'  'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed -- or indeed only one.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'"

 This was part of my Christmas Bible plan I'm going through right now.  Especially during this time of the year, how often do we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season?  Many people this time of year are thinking about Christmas plans, Christmas gifts, school mid-terms, and getting distracted by so much more. I, myself, have been very wrapped up in school this month so far.  Studying for the Introductory Psychology CLEP test has been difficult, and if you know me, you know that I don't deal well under stress.  I encourage you not to get caught up in "tomorrow", but live in the precious moment you're in.

"Yesterday's the past and tomorrow's the future.  Today is a gift -- which is why they call it the present."    ~Bill Keane

 In other news, I passed my Introductory Psychology CLEP test this morning!  That brings me to 27 college credits!  I have one more test to go before I become a college Sophomore!

This week I'm thankful for...
141. fabulous performances of my church's Christmas play
142. being able to be a part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
143. willing, helpful friends
144. another great LIVE for Christ meeting
145. seeing The Gospel According to Scrooge with my family
146. making cards all day
147. Grandpa visiting
148. girls' movie night with my mom and sister
149. prayer call with people around the country
150. passing Introductory Psychology

My favorite Christmas album this week is: How Many Kings - Songs for Christmas by Downhere

 In Christ,
     ~Sierra~

How It Works and more

 For those of you who have been wondering, follow this link to see how CollegePlus! works; to see how I'm earning my Economics degree...in high school!  If you're interested in enrolling, click here and you will get a discount!  As a Junior in high school, I have 24 credits with 3 more pending.  CollegePlus! is faster, for less, and for sure!  Let me tell you: you can't get much better than that!  Especially when earning your college degree!  And this program is not only for high school students.  It is for all ages who are looking to earn or expand their degree.  May I remind you that you are earning your degree at your own pace?!

 Now that I got my biased advertisement out of the way... :)

 Yesterday, we had our 5th LIVE for Christ meeting!  It went great!  We talked about Understanding the Fear of the Lord which is something we all need to be reminded of time and again.  How often do we worry about what others are thinking of us?  How often am I changing myself to "fit in" better with who I'm with?  Honestly, how often do we say to ourselves, "Who cares if they disapprove of this music!  What does God think of it?!"?Unfortunately, I don't say that very often.  Yes, I ask myself the latter part of that; "What does God think of ____?", but I also worry about what others are saying about it; about me.  My favorite song that talks about this (which also happens to be my favorite song of all time) is Beautiful Ending by BarlowGirl.  Love lost cause they all forgot Who You are/And it scares me to think/That I would choose my life over You/My selfish heart divides me from You/It tears us apart*chorus: So tell me/What is our ending/Will it be beautiful, so beautiful?/Will my life find me by Your side/Your love is beautiful, so beautiful.  Only God's opinion matters; He's the One Who'll be judging us in the end!

 On Wednesday night was the Christmas performance at my church.  My mom, sister, brother, and I are all in the play: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!  This play is hilarious and it's so much fun to be in!  Can't wait for Sunday when we perform it again!  Tonight, my family is going to a different Christmas play called The Gospel According to Scrooge.  I'm looking forward to seeing what it's like.  Next weekend, my dad is taking my brother and I to the sold out show The Story Tour.  I'm very excited to see that!  A night with Steven Curtis Chapman, Natalie Grant, Francesca Battistelli, the Newsboys, and Max Lucado?  Hurry, please! :)  It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, but not look like it.  There's no snow!  The paper-thin layer that's covering the ground right now doesn't really count.  In Minnesota, no snow is quite...unusual.  I just hope it doesn't get added to the end of winter, because that will be a looong winter!  I remember one year, we had snow till the end of May.  I think God skipped Spring that year... :)  Anyway, I just want it to look like Christmas by Christmas.

 Have a blessed day!
 ~Sierra

It's Sunday

Today's Verse: "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.' The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him."   ~Lamentations 3:22-25

Today's Quote: "Time is a very precious gift of God; so precious that it's only given to us moment by moment."    ~Amelia Barr

Today's Photo:

 Today we had another Brazil team meeting.  I'm so excited!  We had a few more answers today such as a closer estimation price wise, what we'll be doing while there, and got a little closer at knowing the dates.  The big ball that was dropped was the price estimation...quite a bit more than we initially thought.  However, if God is calling us to go, He will provide!

This week I'm thankful for...
131. youth group
132. great dress rehearsal for the Christmas play
133. relaxing Sundays
134. texting friends across the country
135. informational Brazil meeting
136. serving at the Operation Christmas Child processing center
137. receiving birthday wishes when it wasn't my birthday
138. game time with my mom and sister
139. watching I Love Lucy with my sister
140. decorating our Christmas tree

Favorite Christmas album of the week: It's a Wonderful Christmas by Michael W. Smith.

 Have a wonderful week!
 ~Sierra