a combination of Christmas thoughts

I have to write a 2000-2500 word essay on Christmas for my final writing paper. At first I thought I would write about the history of Christmas and how we are to keep Christ in mind as we celebrate, and I still am going to write about that, but something else too.

We should always be celebrating Christmas. Christmas is forever now - because Christ is always with us. 

We save Christmas hymns for church services in December, but we should always be singing glory to the new born King. I look over at the tree, and the star on top and think "the wise men still seek him". A little angel dangling on a low branch; do we continue to worship him as they did on that night? I see JOY in a window, is that a reminder, or is it just a part of the season as well?

I love Christmas, I really do, and I know it would be hard for me not to have Christmas. I could live without presents, and the turkey dinner, but our family time, not. I know I will have to let go of that someday, but hopefully I will be able to start traditions of my own when that happens.

Wow, 2013 is just days away. Seriously, where has the time gone? 

the tree is crooked...the lights will cover it

I think our tree is crooked. I don't care. I'm home.

It's been crazy, I was employed at the piano for my first church service back home, helped my brother with his farm work, Monday was my one down day so I did house chores, Tuesday we watched The Hobbit, and today my Bestie came over and we made bagels and ganache swirled brownies. Yum. (And for those of you who go and check the link out, we did NOT put alcohol in them.)

Downside: I am getting a sore throat. It snowed and slushed today. I haven't finished my Christmas essay. But it's okay.

I can't think of anything profound to say at the moment. Nothing thought-provoking, or heart felt. I should think up something soon because a lot of my posts have been pretty empty and boring. Just me talking about myself and what I do. I will work on that.

Day Twelve

Day 12: summary of first semester

I never thought I'd get here.

Well, I'm here, writing this blog post on my journey home. It's been pretty crazy, the final exam yesterday, and a crazy afternoon to follow. Woke up this morning, quick ride to the train station, went on a train and a subway for the first time. Explored down town Toronto, and spent this afternoon with some pretty crazy, amazing people.

Now I am heading home. Oh, I am so excited.

This first semester at Gillespie was like nothing I have ever experienced. It was so different, it was so good, it was hard too. I cried, I laughed, I got tired, I worried, all about things I had never cried, laughed, got tired, or worried about before. I have met some amazing people, learned some astounding things about that which I put my faith in, and sometimes felt like my brain would blow up; and this was only half of it. They say next year is harder, but I take that as more amazing, more knowledge, all the better for me. (At least I try to take it like that)

Well, I'm ready to go home. I'm ready for a break, I'm ready to see my family, my friends, my church family, and those furry little things that I have missed so much. I miss Nova Scotia, the country, familiarity, and home.

 Home, here I come.

Day Eleven

Day 11: a song for Christmas

this one by Casting Crowns. I love their Christmas album, I love this song.

Oh, and I am done the exam. It's all over. 

Day Ten

Day 10: a dream...

Enjoy the rest of my Gillespie life. Including the next twenty hours. My brain is blowing up and almost fried simultaneously.

Aristotle makes no sense.

Aquinas really wasn't that great.

John Calvin was amazing.

Francis Bacon thought he was; he wasn't.

I can't wait for pizza tomorrow, not because I love pizza, but because we'll be done. DONE.

Day Nine

Day 9: a quote for Christmas

from this post on girl talk

"The Christmas message is that there is hope for a ruined humanity - hope for pardon, hope of peace with God, hope of glory - because at the Father's will Jesus Christ became poor and was born in a stable so that thirty years later he might hang on a cross. It is the most wonderful message that the world has ever heard, or will hear" - J. I. Packer

Day Eight

Day 8: biggest worry

Will I make the walk home? Or will I die of hunger?

I'm kidding, my life would be pretty pathetic if that was by biggest worry.

Right now, I am really concerned about my history exam. Not necessarily passing, but my motives. I want to gain knowledge, and learn from every experience in all my schooling. If I fail, I want to use that to push me to further learning. If I pass, I still want to continue that learning, and not throw away what I know as soon as a get through this.

Our Old Testament teacher called me a priest today. Then we gave him Cap'n Crunch which he was very grateful for. It was a good morning.

Day Seven

I am presently at the library with my room mate because the internet is down at the apartment. That is why this post is a day late. And that is why there will be two in one day. And that is all I have to say.

Day 7: a recipe for Christmas

I have always wanted to make this cheesecake ever since I saw it. I love chocolate. I love cheesecake. My mouth is watering. I haven't had lunch yet. I am hungry. I am going off topic.

See, doesn't it look deathly delicious. 

This is just one of many recipes I have bookmarked for Christmas. I wanted to make it last Christmas but I made these babies instead. SO GOOD. 

Well, I should move onto tomorrow, I mean today, since this is yesterday. Confusing much?

Day Six

Day 6: wish list

This was dumb.

A pass on my philosophy exam would be great.

A safe flight home with no glitches would make my Saturday.

A white Christmas.

umm...

Chocolate.

That's it.

Wait.

And home sweet home.

Day Five

Day 5: something I have learned

It's the little things that add up to make a difference; I mean it. Like reading Psalms before I go to bed instead of a novel, listening to Christian music instead of secular, thinking good thoughts of people, even if you are making it up, going for a walk instead of watching a movie, reading an inspiring blog post instead of watching AFV on YouTube, a cup of tea instead of coffee... the little things. 

I haven't nailed down any of those things; I know they are simple choices, but when I don't make the better one, it really sets the tone for the rest of the day. Sometimes it is the little steps in the right direction that, in the end, will bring you where you need to go. 

Day Four

Day 4: a movie for Christmas

My web browser doesn't recognize 'movie' as a word. What???

Home videos. It's been a while since I've watched them. I hope we spend at least one Sunday night during Christmas arguing over which person we are going to embarrass next. The little boy voices that you can still kind of recognize in the now man voices, my dad's moustache, my Opa, our old house, such good memories.

So that's my movie for Christmas, unfortunately, I don't have a trailer for it to share. :)

Day Three

Day 3: happiness is...

Oh boy, why did I choose something so broad? 

Or maybe this is too simple. 

Well, we just finished the Tenth Commandment in Practical Ethics class, so my mind is kind of soaked in contentment at the moment. If you have complete faith in God's will, it leads to perfect contentment in where he has placed you, and that leaves no room for unhappiness with your situation in life.

Happiness is doing God's will, it is thankfulness for everything he has provided you. Anyone who understands that what he ordains is for your good and his glory, would not desire anything more than that perfect plan which he works out for good for those who love him. (Romans 8:28)

Day Two

Day 2: funniest moment of the day

Oh man, there were too many, and mostly during logic class. I think the best one was when I was told to marry a reformed seminary student and move to New Zealand to could start a reformed church. Sounds like a plan.

Tomorrow is our last Old Testament test. Today was our last Practical Ethics class. It was sad, in one way, and yet I have learned so much. I can't even begin to imagine what we will learn next semester.

Day One

Day 1: Bible verse of the day

I read a lot of blogs in the run of a day, and most of them quote a Bible verse or two. I went with this verse that I read on girl talk at lunch break.

Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."

I've been thinking about this verse for a while now, and realizing the implications in effect. I never really realized what I been trained to do, until I am told differently. You don't go about aware of what you are if you have been like that all of your life.

I have also begun to realize that you don't become something in a moment; and then when you do become something, you probably won't notice it. It's called growing, it's called sanctification, and you won't get any further ahead in it than God intends you to. There is nothing wrong with desiring to become more generous, or discerning, or thoughtful, just don't be ungrateful for where you are at in your spiritual growth at the present. I am not excusing those who don't try, but try trusting that God will bring you to where you need to be, when you need to be there. Contentment is key in spiritual growth, if you are anxious about your spiritual growth, you should question the root of your motives.

I believe I went far too off topic with that one. I think I also may have used up an option for day five. Oh well, I've learned lots of things, the well is far from dry.

A dozen days till Christmas.

I know what you're thinking: since when is Christmas on the 15th? Let me tell you something, it isn't. It starts on the 15th, for me at least. So I am going to do a countdown till the day I go home, for no reason at all, just something to do everyday besides the numerous school tasks I already have before me. 

So, here's the plan. 

Day 1: Bible verse of the day

Day 2: funniest moment of the day

Day 3: happiness is...

Day 4: a movie for Christmas

Day 5: something I have learned

Day 6: wish list

Day 7: a recipe for Christmas

Day 8: biggest worry

Day 9: a quote for Christmas

Day 10: a dream...

Day 11: a song for Christmas

Day 12: summary of first semester

Let's see if I stick to it. I usually don't stick to things I make up and tell myself to commit to. 

Tomorrow will be Day One. 

See you then.