I hate mice!!
I was just sitting in my bed minding my own business and this but fatty mouse came running through one wall and out another. EWWWWWW, GROSSS, ICKY, Yucky, can you think of any others?
I guess that is what happens when you live in a really old place and aparently all the flats in the Marchmont area have them. Oh well that is what happens when you live in a foreign country, oh wait its Scotland not some um yeah I need to go to bed.
Happy Birthday to me!!
Yup, today was my birthday. It was lots of fun. I didn't do a whole lot during the day-- and that made it nice. Christmas mailing out! yipeeeeee, cards a couple weeks late, just keeps the Christmas spirit going.
Oh and I am the
coolerest! It's official.
One of my flatmate's birthday is in early Jan so we had a combined celebration with her. Her parents have been visiting and are leaving tomorrow. They brought like a whole suite case of food over. We had a very Scottish dinner of tomales with home made salsa and guacamole. Oh so yummy. We even had margaritas- they are rare here.
We had this great peanut butter crumble cake and played Phase 10. I won!! woo hooo. cards are our new thing, so much fun. If anyone knows a good place to get the Settlers of Catan game let me know. The only bad thing was wearing the cup of hot chi tea. But after a few minutes (and a change of jeans- it was all over one of the legs) there was "no evidence it ever happened".
I hope you all had a great day also.
My day
Today was pretty uneventful so I am sure you want to hear about it.
I slept in since I was up until 3 last night (that seems to be my new bed time). At 11 o'clock the phone rang so I figured that was time to get up. So nice to not to have to set an alarm clock.
I didn't do much for the rest of the morning (there wasn't much left). I was waiting for my Christmas packages to come, but after going to the post office to get a bunch of stamps came to realize that today is a bank holiday and that means no mail service. Hopefully tomorrow I will get all my packages, if not they can be birthday gifts.
I watched an OC marathon, getting to see the first episode of the season, I see what you mean Aubrey, hot lawn guy!
After that I decided I should get out for a while. I went to the cinema to see Phantom. I had never seen it before and I got to see it on an IMax. It was really good. Would be great to see live sometime.
Walking home there was a lot of black ice on the side walk. I couldn't believe that at 7 there was already frost and ice. Brrrr.
To keep myself warm I was filling up a hot water bottle and managed to pour scalding water all over my had. Now that felt great. I have burns on the front and back of my hand.
I think I may try to get to bed a bit earlier tonight. I have gotten over half of my Christmas cards done. I figure if they are late, oh well! Over half way means I have done about 100 of the 150. Tomorrow they will be in the mail.
That was my exciting day@!
Christmas Presents
I was thinking about how I spent Christmas. I had such a wonderful time somewhere that isn't really my home. I know this is my home for this year and probably another one and I do consider it home, but it isn't home home. When we first got here a lot of people were asking us what we were doing for Christmas and we told them we didn't know. Most people were like, oh--but Phil and Ceri wanted to make sure we felt at home for Christmas. The are just a young married couple and they could have done many things this Christmas, but they opened their home with warm hearts and took care of us.
That really makes me think about the true meaning of Christmas. It isn't about gifts or trees or anything. It is about the gift we have in Jesus. How He humbled himself and became human to die for our sins. He is God and so much more than a human, yet he bore all of our sins. I don't think I will ever be able to fully comprehend what that means.
Sometimes it takes being thousands of miles from what is comfortable to be reminded (again) that God always provides and is always there and is the best gift we can ever get. Happy Birthday Jesus!! Who else on His birthday gives us a gift?
Christmas is all around us, go on and let it show!!!
White Christmas
I had a very lovely Christmas in Birmingham with our friends there. They were so nice to host of for four days and feed us SO well. It was like being at home. They have a nice cozy home and we played loads of games. Settlers of Catan had to be the best one. I had played that a couple of times back in the states, but it was good to get to know the game better.
Other than that we had so much yummy food. We went out for Balti, which is a B'ham original- an Indian dish. For Christmas eve we had salmon and for Christmas we had a turkey. With all these dishes we had so many extra good veggies. We were very spoiled.
At the Christmas eve service the vicar asked if we could be God for one day what we we do. That really got me thinking. There are a lot of things that I would do, and one thing in particular I would really want to do. BUT-What is comes down to is that I am not God and He knows what is best and works things out for the best. Even if I don't understand why. That is the hardest thing to understand. Why? I don't know, I just have to have faith and know that God is in control and does so much better of a job than I ever could.
Walking to church on Christmas morning there were a few snow flakes, but it wasn't really snowing. We had a very nice Christmas day and Ceri and Phil were so sweet to put together stockings for us with the trafitional British stuffers, so nicre! After more games we were getting ready for bed and noticed that it was all white outside. Too bad it was 1 am. We went out and played in the snow for a while and then went to bed.
Boxing day was also very lovely and we vedged in the house for a while and what do you think we did? If you guessed played more games you are correct.
The train ride back to Edinburgh was very pretty as all the hills were covered with snow. I am not sure if there was any snow in Edinburgh, but it is VERY cold here in the flat and I am by myself for a couple of days. I think I am going to need to venture out and enjoy some free heat.
I hope everyone else had a Very Merry Christmas. God bless
Heading to Birmingham England for a few days to spend Christmas with Friends there. Will be back on the 27th some time. Merrcy CHRISTmas to everyone. God bless you all.
This is what the end results are. Do you like it?
Ok, so I thought I wanted to do something new with my hair and this is what I did!!!
Productiveness=none
I have been so productive the last few days. Friday I Baby sat for half the day and then met up with one of my team mates. Saturday I slept in until 10 or something and worked on a puzzle of the USA for half the day. I got it all done, it was lots of fun. There is something about accomplishing a puzzle.
Sunday I spent most of my day at church. There was a carol service in the morning and another one in the evening. The college group had a social with a music quiz, it was a lot of fun and went until about midnight.
I was then on the phone until after 3 am. I had told someone I would be up at 9, so I was. On Monday night we had our team Christmas night and went down to Princess Street where there are a lot of festivities going on. We didn't end up going Ice Skating, but we rode the Ferris Wheel that over looks the entire city. Seing a castle all lit up is awesome!
We then went back for our secret Santa exchange and goodies. I made peanut butter candy 7 layer bars and egg nog! It was a good night, Texas Hold'em is a lot of fun.
I will post again on my unproductiveness!! and add pictures
Its been a long week. There was a group visiting from Texas, doing short term mission work. They lead Action Groups all week. One guy came to know Christ during a survey. yeah God!
I am now oficially on vacation for two weeks. I am going to enjoy that. We are watching National Lampons Christlas Vacation to start our break off.
Trying to think what else has been going on. Very tired from the term and all. I can't believe that the first semeser is already over, time flies.
I am late on getting my Christmas cards out and all of my addresses are on laptop, which isn't working, again. I think that shall be taken care of tomorrow.
I have been reminded that
*You are not leaving the battle field. You are not safe from the enemy.
More than anything during this time we all need to keep our guard up. It could be so easy just to take time and relax and enjoy a break so much that we don't make it a priority to spend time each day with God. Please, please walk closely with the Lord over break. Commit yourself to time in the Word. Make it a priority to block out the time. Take advantage of the longer time you can spend in reading and mediation. Don’t let the enemy take you out with sniper fire—wounding you, side-lining you, or disqualifying you from the calling you’ve received.
This is part of an email I received and realize how it is for all of us, where ever our ministry field is, this is a time to remember the real reason of the season.
Assignment for the Week-- if you choose to accept
This week try to take time out with God and see what He reveals to you about how He feels about you. Right it down and reflect on it.
We have been doing a series on relationships and tonights was on God's relationship with you.
Here is a closer look at the message our tree has this year. We had a very fun Christmas breakfast. I got a pink pancho. We all got Christmas Crackers and did the traditional opening of them. They are little packages that pop open when you pull the ends and have a surprise inside of them. Lots of fun.
This pumpkin has a message for you....
I bet you never had a pumpkin tell you this before!
what more can I say?
Christmas is All Around Us
Tomorrow is Christmas in our flat. We are all going to get up and exchange gifts and have breakfast togther. This is the absolutely amazing tree we carried home over a mile from the shop. Let me tell you, the comments you get when 3 girls are transporting a Christmas tree on a bike. Hmm, that isn't a weird thing to see or anything. I have seen much weirder since I have been here. Maybe it will finally seem like Christmas.
I had never realized that things that make it Christmas before. Like being able to go to Target, and giving your money to the bell ringers, and trying to find parking spots at the mall and Christmas parties with friends. This is the start of it here. I need to make sure to remember the real reson of Christmas and things will be good!
Maybe those two weeks will help aslo.
I am going to make egg nog for my Bible study on Monday night. Wasthinking about the "real" stuff with the extra kick, but may not as we will never use the extra alcahol and there will be Mulled Wine there.
Have I said how fun Uno can be? Try playing Sponge Bob Square Pants suicide style. You have to play with all the extra rules, so much fun. Our team has really had some fun getting to know each other over card games.
I need lots of sleep tonight if I want Santa to bring me something good tomorrow!!
Peace out!
When God Ran - Shaded Red (Red Revolution)
Almighty God, the great I am
Immovable rock, omnipotent, powerful, awesome Lord
Victorious Warrior, commanding King of Kings
Mighty Conqueror, and the only time
The only time I ever saw Him run
is when
He ran to me, took me in His arms
held my head to His chest, said "my son's come home again"
looked at my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
with forgiveness in His voice he said "son, do you know I still love you?"
it caught me by surprise, brought me to my knees when God ran
the day I left home, I knew I had broken His heart
I wondered then if things could ever be the same
then one night, I remembered His love for me
and down that dusty road ahead I could see
and the only time, the only time I ever saw Him run
Words and Music by B. Hester
BUD LIGHT PRESENTS:
Today we salute you, stressed out college student during exam week. As you sit in your lonely cubical in the library, doped up on starbucks & aderol, you think to yourself, am I ever going to need to know this stuff in life? The distractions are tempting and you have suddenly diagnosed yourself with ADD along with advanced delusionary schizophrenia with involuntary narcissistic rage. I'm sure by now you know exactly what everyone is doing because you have checked your buddy list 800 times. Christmas break is just days away, and your Prozac prescription will be in tomorrow. So crack open an ice cold Bud Light after that last exam, because for most of us christmas will be spent in rehab.
Personally i think i will enjoy a nice dr. pepper or coke instead.....
good luck on exams everyone!
Pazookie Break
For the sake of my 3 flatmates who are students and revising for their exams I had to make them a yummy treat for their study break. It had to be pazookie, bring it on!! I made m&m with peanut butter pazookie. I was a good girl and ate it with out ice cream. They really enjoyed it (and so did I).
Now I need to get cracking on my book review that is due tomorrow. I feel like I am a student again, this thing is due tomorrow morning and I haven't done it. Once a procrastinator always one. What can I say, I work better under pressure.
Priceless
A Coke a Gray Friar Bobby’s Tavern…………….£1.50 ($3.00)
Admission to Edinburgh Castle ……………….......£9.95 ($20.00)
A ride on the Big Wheel..........................................£2.50 ($5.00)
Ice Skating in Princess Gardens...............................£4.50 ($9.00)
To Glorify God by playing our part by challenging every student to a life transforming relationship with God………..
Priceless
These are the girls I live with this year. Beth, Renata, Kristen, Jo, Leslie, and me!!
Below are pics of our decorated Christmas tree. It didn't turn our how I had imagined it, but let me use on of the famous quotes from our flat to explain it. "I wish we lived in a normal flat." Beth, the only non-American living here. So we have some interesting decoration and you can't forget the disco ball and the turkey that is on the other side. Oh well, it is fun! We still know the real reason for the season.
You may be asking yourself, "self, what are those orange things on the tree"?!
Yes! Those are jack-o-lanters on the tree, but they have a message of the coming of Jesus!
There is our Christmas Tree!
There’s a Lot of Pain
by Birtill
© 2000 Radical UK Music
There’s a lot of pain, but a lot more healing
There’s a lot of trouble, but a lot more peace
There’s a lot of hate, but a lot more loving
There’s a lot of sin, but a lot more grace
Oh outrageous grace! Oh outrageous grace!
Love unfurled by heaven’s Hand
Oh outrageous grace! Oh outrageous grace!
Through my Jesus I can stand!
There’s a lot of fear, but a lot more freedom
There’s a lot of darkness, but a lot more light
There’s a lot of cloud, but a lot more vision
There’s a lot of perishing, but a lot more life
There’s an enemy
That seeks to kill what it can’t control
It twists and turns
Making mountains out of molehills
But I will call on my Lord
Who is worthy of praise
I run to Him and I am saved
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas tree!!
Today we got a Christmas tree!! We had to walk about a mile to the store to get the tree. Only the best for us, so we picked an absolutely gorgeous tree, rather large. Here is where the fun part came in, we had to get the tree home, doh! We had originally thought of bringing it home in a cab, but this one is too large. Kristen had met us at the store with her bike, so we put it on there and used that to help get it home. Below you will see pics of the tree. We are letting it drop over night and then decorate it tomorrow. Our flat smells so good and it looks really good in the turret. Enjoy the pics and I will put some more up after the tree is decorated.
Look at the beautiful person with the Christmas tree. :)
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Look at our beautiful Christmas tree.
This sunset made me think of the wonders that God has created and shared with us.
Amazing
I love this one.
Holidays approaching
Ok, the more I think about the holidays the sadder I get. I know it isn't suppose to be that way, but I have never been away from home before. I totally love it here and know this is where I am supposed to be, but it will be a very different Christmas for me.
We have been invited to spend Christmas with some friends in Birmingham. They are a very nice couple on staff with Agape. It will be great spending some time with them, but not the same.
Please just keep me in your prayers, as it can be a hard time of the year. I am really looking forward to the two weeks off, but I am not one who is able to do nothing very well.
I have been given a big assignment. There is a National Student Conference in February and I will be working with a lot of the speakers and then putting together all of the printed materials for the conference. They figure that it is so much work that the week before the conference it is all I will be working on. I will get back from Spain and then have loads of work to do.
Yes, I did say Spain. We are heading to nice warm Malaga Spain Jan 23-29th for a mid-year conference. This is some training and learning, but mostly a good time to recuperate from the hard year, I am already looking forward t it, and hope that the conference the week after doesn't take away from it.
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