The Best Year of My Life...So Far

   2013 has been an amazing year!  I look back at this year and can smile and praise God for all He's done.  There have been some difficult things such as losing my grandpa to cancer at the beginning of this year, and some friendships have not lasted, but God is good and has provided exponentially more things to thank Him for!

  At the beginning of this year, I made a cute little jar to fill throughout the year.  On little slips of paper, I wrote down special times which stood out to me; days I learned a lot, or just had a great time.  It was a super fun thing to do, and looking into the jar now, makes me realize just what an awesome year I had!

  I wanted to type them all out here now.  I have to admit, the main reasons are 1) because I love reading them, and 2) I have a weird need to make lists.  They make me happy. :)  But I also thought maybe some of you would enjoy seeing what happened throughout 2013 in my life.  I'm a pretty sentimental person, so these will be going into an envelope to be kept and I will continue doing this for as long as I can. :)
  So...here goes!

• picking Erica & Gilmar up front he airport (and the car-ride with Terri & Sandi!)
• going through pictures with my dad
• tubing at Wild Mountain with my family, Erica, Gilmar, and the Slacks
• passing Principles of Marketing CLEP
• getting pink roses on my 18th birthday

• the entire day of my 18th birthday :) (and the fact I turned 18)
• started going to Westwood -- I couldn't be more grateful for the people who are there.
• CollegePlus gathering in Virginia

• Bible study on Ephesians (one specific evening was really good)
• Friday night hangout -- Scavenger hunt!
• passed the Biology CLEP (finally!)
• spent the day with Megan & baby Piper

• LIVE's Minute to Win It party
• graduated high school (!)
• passed ALEKS Statistics in 2 weeks -- brought my credit count up to 51
• sleepover with Brooke, Ashley, & Jess
• my high school graduation party

• Christine invited me on the August mission trip to Haiti
• laser tag with my family, Lynda, Daniel, Marcos, and Gislaine
• paintball games with my family, Gislaine, Marcos, Daniel, Blake, and Jenna
• helping Gislaine and Marcos with their English homework
• game night playing Ticket to Ride with my dad, Frankie, Aidan, Blake and Jenna
• Trollhaugen adventure park with my family, Marcos, Daniel, and Gislaine
• River walk in Haiti

• New Jerusalem and climbing mountain in Haiti and going to Power Girls there
• swimming in the Caribbean Sea in Haiti
• alright...the entire trip to Haiti :)
• laser tag and whirly ball with my family, Marcos, Gislaine, and Jônatus
• Valley Fair with Aidan and Jônatus
• became a college Junior!!
• trip to Florida (and Disney World!) with my dad

• Bible study on Mark 8 at community group (Westwood)
• evening with Lindsey: Noodles & Co., Grace Unplugged, and Cold Stone
• LIVE meeting on modesty
• girls' night with Ashley and Jess and helping Jess move

• a late dinner at Applebee's with Lindsey
• CollegePlus Texas gathering (dancing, card games, meeting friends, etc.)
• phone call with Lindsey and making lists :)
• swimming with the manatees in Mexico

• snorkeling in the reef at X-Caret (Sea Turtles!)
• Trainer for a Day at Xel-Ha
• day at Xplor - zip lining, ATVing, and paddling through stalactite caves
• the entire trip to Mexico
• getting 75 credits before Christmas!
• our first Christmas as just our family
• LIVE's Christmas party

 I know, that was a lot. :P  I'm looking forward to 2014 as I will get to travel a bit more this year, continue in school, continue to develop LIVE, as well as develop new friendships.

 God bless you in 2014,

    Sierra

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

of math, LIVE, and shopping...

 This past Saturday was a wonderful day for me!  It was the 2nd Annual Harvest Party for LIVE.  We had 18 girls attend, and it was a blast!  We sang a couple fun songs, played a few games, and did a fun craft!  Here are a few pictures from the day.

 one of our outside games

the craft.  the girls were oh so creative! 

another game: Balderdash.  this was one of the favorites!

 During the game of Balderdash, one of the favorite words was: epalpebrate, which means 'lacking eyebrows'.  This caused bouts of laughter from everyone.

 Last week, we figured out a way to combine my high school math and college math.  So instead of doing math for the next 6 months, I should be done by Christmas (Lord-willing!).  Of course, I will still have Statistics to do, but otherwise, I will be done with math! :D

 Along with working on Natural Sciences, I started working on Intermediate Algebra with ALEKS.  I have been understanding math SO much better than I did last year, it's so nice!  Hopefully by Christmas, I will have a total of 9 more college credits.

 For Thanksgiving, my dad's family is coming over for lunch and to play paintball!  I'm excited about it!  Paintball is always fun. :)  Then....*drumroll* it's SHOPPING TIME!!!  :D  I can't wait!  Last year, my mom, sister, and I left around 11:30pm, came home around 9:00am, slept till 3:30, and went back shopping until 8:00.  :P  This year, my sister and I are planning on watching Christmas movies on Friday after our shopping excursion.  I've made a rule that there is to be no Christmas movie watching or Christmas music listening until after Thanksgiving.  I'm looking forward to delving into the Christmas season at 11:30 Thursday night. :)

 What are your Thanksgiving plans?

Have a wonderful week!

 Sierra

Isaiah 55:9

"So as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

 This verse was my "verse of the day" one day in December of 2010.  I read my verse of the days each morning when I wake up and each night before I go to sleep.  On that particular day, I was preparing for a Christmas party for my Bright Lights group.

 Each party I'd had for my group before, I had over-estimated how many would be coming.  Therefore, I would purchase too many supplies all because I had just hoped more girls would attend.  But this Christmas party was different.  I asked God to bring who He wanted to the party.  Of course, I did have to purchase supplies, so I planned on 15.  Because I was buying some things in bulk, I would have a few extra items.

 So the day of the party arrived.  I woke up, read my verse of the day, and set about preparing the house for about 14 girls, food, games, and fun!  Throughout the morning, I got a few emails from some girls telling me that they were bringing a friend.  One by one, four more places at the table were added; four more favors were made; four more chairs were brought up to the living room.  Wow!  God was adding to our day and I prayed that we would be a blessing to our guests.  

 The party went well!  18 girls attended and all together, they brought $110 for Samaritan's Purse.  We also sang, played a couple games, and had a wonderful Christmas tea!

 That night, I crawled into bed and read my verse of the day.  Isaiah 55:9.

"So as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

 God showed me that night that His ways are SO much better than mine.  I may have only planned for 15 and expected 14, but I gave the rest to Him.  We had 18 girls come and had enough favors, food, and chairs to go around!  

 HE is GOOD!!!

 God bless,

    Sierra

To My Dad...

 As I was with Mother's Day, I'm a day late with my Father's Day post.  *sigh*  This is for you, Dad! :)

For supporting our family -- thank you.  For first suggesting homeschooling -- thank you.  For supporting me and encouraging me in my college -- thank you.  For giving me a job -- thank you.  For supporting LIVE and praying for it -- thank you.  For giving me your love for music -- thank you.  For helping me study as much as you can -- thank you.  For taking me to concerts -- thank you.  For taking me camping all those years -- thank you.  For being the best dad ever -- thank you.

For all you've done for me --

Thank you, Daddy!  I love you very much!

Love,

   Sierra

To My Mom...

I tried writing this last night, too, but I couldn't seem to find the right words.  Any words that would properly describe my gratitude to you, Mom, just seemed very inadequate.  This past year, you've become my best friend, and I'm so thankful for that.

For always being there for me -- thank you.  For patiently reading and discussing my blog posts before I post them and my LIVE for Christ lessons before I teach them -- thank you.  For loving me unconditionally -- thank you.  For listening to me when I'm happy and when I'm upset -- thank you.  For not only being a friend to me, but letting me be a friend to you -- thank you.  For going shopping with me -- thank you.  For homeschooling me for 11 years -- thank you.  For being a godly example to me of a wife and mother -- thank you.  For your daily sacrifices you make for our family -- thank you.  For supporting me in my calling of leadership -- thank you.  For reading me those awesome books when I was little (as discussed earlier today) -- thank you.  For letting me be your walking buddy -- thank you.  For watching movies with me -- thank you.  For being my motivator -- thank you.

For everything you've ever done for me --

 Thank you, Mom!  I love you so much!

Love,

Sierra

He's Alive!

I hope you all had a wonderful Resurrection Sunday!  I know this is a day late, but I didn't get a chance to share this yesterday, and I wanted to.  This song is such an amazing song and I encourage you to listen to it.

HE IS RISEN!!!!  Praise the Lord!

 ~Sierra

Someone Who Loves Me

  Today is Valentine's Day.  Although I don't have a boyfriend, I do have a Special Someone.  Someone who loves me -- unconditionally.  Someone who would die for me -- Who did.  Someone who gives me gifts -- all the time.  Jesus.  Jesus loves me unconditionally.  Jesus died for me.  Jesus gives me everything I could ever need.  And in order to ever fall in love with someone here on this earth, I need to fully realize how much Jesus loves me.  And I need to love Him back.

 One year, my mom came back from a used book sale with a series for me.  When I began reading the book, a little piece of paper fell out of the back.  It was from the previous owner.  On it, was a letter.  A letter to this person's future spouse.

  My love, I am waiting for you.  I'm waiting till you come.  I know you'll come on time.  If we're supposed to be together forever, you'll hear the clock when it chimes.  When the time is right, you'll come right away.  I'll be ready for your call.  I really am eager to fall in love with you.  When you knock on my door, it may take me a little while to realize it's time to answer.  If I run outside before you arrive to meet you down the street, I pray that God will let me know I'm rushing.  I hope you're as excited as I am to meet you.  I really want to know you.  you're the best friend I'll ever have.  I know that the clock is gonna tick for a while, but its all right cuz I'm busy loving someone else.  You see, I'm to love Him forever and it's not a sentence.  It's the greatest gift ever.  I'm learning to love Him no matter what.  Deeply.  I need to be intensely satisfied with Him before I meet you.  When I meet you, I will still love Him.  Yes, more than you.  If I didn't love Him more than you, I couldn't love you at all.  Jesus, the man I'm loving, is teaching me to love and preparing me for you.  To conclude, I want to tell you that if you don't come, it's alright.  I'd love to love you, but I don't essentially need you.  You won't make me happy or complete.  Only Jesus can.  But I know that till you come, I'm waiting.  I want to love you.

 I don't know who wrote this, I don't know how old they were, but I ask the Lord to give me the same attitude this person has.

 On a side note, I had a great birthday!  I was overwhelmed with the birthday wishes on Facebook, and the forums.  I woke up to a special email that made me cry.  And I got a couple cards in the mail and e-cards.  A very special birthday was had. :)

 This week I'm thankful for... 
211. successful spaghetti dinner at church for Brazil
212. passing Introductory Sociology CLEP
213. a blessed birthday
214. homemade birthday cards from friends and family
215. White Chocolate Mocha
216. planning for the 1950's dinner at church for Brazil
217. applying for passports
218. calls with friends
219. my aunt's chocolate cake
220. spending time with family

 God bless,
    Sierra

A Year Behind Us and a Year Ahead of Us

 Let me tell you, I am excited for 2012!  I'm ready for some new beginnings.  A new year with a clean slate.  2011 had some ups and it had its downs, too, as with any year.  But I've put together a list of some of the events that happened in 2011:

• I turned sweet 16 and my mom threw me the greatest party ever
• I got my driver's license
• At age 16, I started college and earned 27 credits
• For the first time in my life, I moved :)
• I started developing sweet friendships with "sisters" that I can't wait to continue to get to know
• My mom and I developed a close relationship
• My family found a church we love
• I applied (and got accepted!) for my first mission trip
• I witnessed, first hand, how God answers prayer
• I discovered more about myself and who God wants me to be
• I made sweet memories with friends

 Those are just a few things that happened this, excuse me, last year.  As for 2012, I have some goals.  In fact, I have quite a few goals.  For the first time, I am actually dead serious about sticking to my New Year's Resolutions.  Below are only a few on my list of 19 goals:

• Become a junior in college by December 31st, 2012
• Take at least one picture each day
• Blog at least once a week
• Journal once a week 
• Trust in the Lord with all my heart
• Be a better encouragement to others
• Be a reflection of Him
• Try to attend at least one prayer call each month
• Have at least one video call with someone a month (try to have more)
• Buy a laptop
• Read 20 books

 Lord willing, I will be able to accomplish my resolutions.  Lord willing, I will grow closer to Him.  Lord willing, I will become a better student, sister, daughter, and friend.  And Lord willing, I will live 2012 fully for Him.

 May you have a blessed 2012.

 ~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

Happy Thanksgiving!

 Happy Thanksgiving!  I hope you have a lovely day with friends and relatives while you eat, be thankful, and maybe eat some more. :)

 I wanted to share a couple verses with you.  I have heard these three verses uncountable times within the past week.

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ."    ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, everyone!