This Christmas

 Today, I had thoughts like this running through my head, "I need to wrap those presents at the end of my bed", "I still have so-and-so to buy a gift for...wonder what I should get them".  Today, dozens and dozens of children were trying to shake the horrible memories from Friday.  Today, kids all over the country went to school with fear.  Perhaps teachers did also.  Today, 27 families probably began to think about funerals for their family members, whether they were 6 or 56.  Some of them even buried their loved ones.  They cried once again at the thought of what they went through.

 Over 2,000 years ago, a tiny newborn baby came into this dark, sin-filled world.  And He gave hope.  He gave hope of God's eternal and enduring love.  Hope that we will one day be with Him in heaven.  Hope that, if we just accept Him, we are cleansed from our sins!

 Next Tuesday, twenty homes will be missing a 1st or 2nd grader.  There will be one less child running down the stairs to rip open the presents.  One less child getting dressed up in their new Christmas outfit.  One less child listening to the Christmas story.  It will be a sad, sad day for those families.  Some of us might feel a bit guilty that we are having such a wonderful day with our family.

 When Jesus came as a baby, He gave hope.  He gives us hope everyday.  This Christmas, not even two weeks will have gone by since the horrible tragedy of the Connecticut shooting.  But, this Christmas, Jesus can and will give hope again.  Hope that He is with us always, even when it doesn't really seem like it.  Hope that one day, if the families accept Him, they will see their loved ones again.  Hope that we all can be free from our sins!  Hope that one day, there will be no more pain.  No more tears.  Just smiles, dancing, love, and peace because God give them to us.  He loves us so much!

 This Christmas, be grateful you have your family near you.  Hug each family member and tell them you love them.  Have hope in God.  But most of all, celebrate Jesus' birth.  Celebrate His life that He lived and died for us.

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."    ~Revelation 21:4

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.'"    ~Luke 2:13-14

God bless,
    Sierra

photos of what I've been up to

Wow!  I kind of didn't realize that the last post I posted was...almost three weeks ago!  Well, good thing I was working on this post! :)  I've been pretty busy lately.  My life has been filled with high school, college, Sunday school, and some other things mingled in here and there.  Here are a few photos to show you what I've been up to:

Sunday school lesson!

Wrapping Christmas gifts

Studying Principles of Marketing

I received this coloring page from a girl in my Sunday school class

My December itinerary

Highschool 3rd year Latin

I am just starting to be involved in a Skype Bible study with several other girls internationally.  I will be diving into this book soon.

The next few photos are photos of some crafty things I did over a weekend right after I finished my Leadership Theory & Practice course.  

It is kind of hard making wire unbend when you've already bent it a certain way. 

This wreath type thing looks pink, but it's the same color red (deep red) as the 'S' shown above.

Getting cards in the mail!

Working on Economics and American Government for highschool work.

Finished math in two weeks! :D  Whoo-hoo!

There's my little update.  Not much is super new.  Looking forward to Christmas: just one week and two days! :)

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It's been a long, long while since I've posted what I'm thankful for.

351. an awesome LIVE harvest party

352. a wonderful Thanksgiving

353. paintball wars with my family

354. Black Friday shopping with my mom

355. going to Operation Christmas Child's processing center

356. going to the MOA with friends

357. getting Christmas packages and cards in the mail from friends

358. Bible study over Skype with girls internationally

359. fun LIVE meetings

360. going to The Hobbit with my family

361. teaching Sunday school

362. caffeine

363. finding fun games that my LIVE girls enjoy

364. watching movies while I clean 

365. shoveling our long driveway after a beautiful snowfall

366. Pinterest :)

367. God's goodness all the time, even in the midst of tragedy

368. my "sub coach" and friend who is willing to give me school advice and tips

369. finishing highschool and college math

370. having 39 college credits

371. cute journals & stationary

372. being able to lay in bed all weekend when I'm sick

373. wrapping presents

374. Christmas music

375. visits from cousins

376. hugs from my Sunday school kids

377. a quiet Saturday

378. gifts from my LIVE girls

379. my white fleece jacket

380. a fresh snow fall

 Have a blessed week.  I will get better at posting regularly....I hope. :P

Love in Christ,

  Sierra

my thanksgiving weekend

 How was your Thanksgiving weekend?

 I took half the day off from school on Wednesday and helped ready the house for company the next day.  I didn't do any school the rest of the weekend which has been super nice.

 Thursday, I woke up with the cold that has kind of gone through the family now.  Not a great start, but I wasn't going to let it get the better of me!  I woke up, helped my mom peel potatoes, and then went to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - a little tradition of ours.  We always celebrate Thanksgiving with my dad's family, so they were joining us at our house this year.  Not everyone was able to make it this year, but it was still a good time!  After lunch, we played paintball in our woods which was a blast!  I think some people got a few welts/bruises, but I say they are worth it!

 I decided I should try to take a short cat nap before our shopping excursion, so I went to lay down at about 8:30.  That way, I would have about two and a half hours to sleep so we could leave at 11:30.  My mom and I ended up leaving around midnight, and the drive took a while because the weather was terrible.  Plus, we were following a snow plow. :P

 We didn't find a whole lot of good deals, but it was fun shopping with my mom (my sister didn't feel well enough to join us this year).  I got a new electric blanket (I get really cold easily), some new pajamas (as per tradition), and a new fall/spring type jacket.  By the time my mom and I got home at 8:30, I was worn out.  I slept for only about 4 hours, and then laid in bed all day and played a Nancy Drew computer game.  In fact, that's what I did all day on Saturday, too, since this cold did end up getting the better of me.  Saturday night, our family sat down and watched A Christmas Carol the musical (with Kelsey Grammar).  We try to watch it every year, as it's our favorite version.

 This morning, I still wasn't feeling up to much, so I had to stay home from church.  But now it's officially Christmas-time.  Today was spent listening to Michael Buble's Christmas album, setting up Christmas decorations, doing a tiny bit of kinda Christmas shopping, and watching a Christmas love movie on Hallmark. :)  I love this time of year!  Now I need to start making a list of gifts I still need to buy. :)

 This coming Wednesday, my sister and I are heading to Operation Christmas Child with some friends. Then we're heading to MOA!  Can't wait!

 Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Love,
  Sierra

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~

Christmas Time

 This time of year always makes me feel light-hearted.  For me, it starts with Thanksgiving -- a time to gather with family, share your thankfulness, and enjoy fellowship.  This year, we had family over at our house, which was a lot of fun.  In fact, it was unanimously voted that we host Christmas, too! :)  It was fun to see the guys in the family enjoying themselves -- my dad fired up the forge and the men did some blacksmith-ing.  After watching them for a while, the girls went back inside to chat (and eat chocolate and drink punch).  I also was busy going through dozens and dozens of ads and clipping out great coupons!

 My sister, mom, and I stayed up and left our house about 11:30pm to drive to the nearest town with all of our "Black Friday stores": Herberger's, Kohl's, and JC Penney.  I was surprised to see how many men were out shopping with their wives at Herberger's!  It was pretty much me and five other men standing around the $10 14pc. Pyrex sets to find out how many we needed to grab!  We got to Kohl's about 2:30 (Kohl's and Herb's opened at midnight, if you didn't know), and decided at about 3:15 that we better get in line and take turns between looking around and standing in line.  To make a long story short, we were still in line at 4:45 with about an hour and a half to go.  Thankfully, we discovered a second line that everyone said was equally as long -- NOT!  It was WAY shorter: we jumped in at the back of the line at the 15 min. mark.  Anyway, I picked out a few Christmas presents for myself, so I know what I'm getting this year (it's better this way than getting something you don't want and having to wait in line after Christmas to return it).

 I am pleased to tell you that I got my pajamas at JC Penney.  My tradition is to buy two pairs of pajamas a year...on Black Friday...at JC Penney.

 We went to a few other stores and then headed home around 8am -- the entire way home I was nodding off, trying to stay awake to help keep my mom awake! :)  I slept from 10 to 2:30 and when I woke up, guess what we did!  Went shopping again!  This time it wasn't very exciting because we went to Cabela's and yes, their clothes are cute, but even on sale, I can't afford them!

Black Friday makes me so happy for two reasons.  One, because of all the sales!  Two, because it's the start of Christmas!  Friday night, I went on Spotify and made a 20 hour long playlist filled with dozens of Christmas albums, which I'm listening to now.  Also, on the way home on Friday evening, we saw mini-vans with trees atop them!  That's just a pretty sight to me.  Oh, and another favorite is the sound of bells outside of stores: the Salvation Army bell ringers!  Love it!

This week I'm thankful for...
121. Christmas music
122. beginning of advent
123. e-cards from friends
124. relaxing after a hard day
125. sleeping in!
126. family gathering
127. delicious food
128. Thanksgiving being a national holiday
129. Black Friday shopping with mom & sister
130. good deals :)

 My favorite Christmas album this week is: Home for Christmas by BarlowGirl.

 Have a blessed week,
   ~Sierra