Fear and joy and Christmas

Holly: Merry Christmas, dear readers! I hope that wherever you are in the world that your Christmas has been full of smiles, laughter, good food and family, and the comfort of memories that will keep you cheerful for weeks and months to come.

Kelly had to work today so I spent the better part of the day by myself with the kitties.  To be honest though, it wasn't bad. Life has been busy and full of people and merry gatherings lately, and it was nice to have the day to myself with some Doctor Who and making a small but nice Christmas dinner. Of course that I wish that we could be in Ohio with our family, but that's life: full of obligations and commitments that we sometimes can't ignore. I've been reading a lot of negative stuff on social media lately. People getting frustrated over little things, people worried about what others think of them, people complaining about their circumstances, their job they hate, their living situation they hate...I think you know what I'm talking about.

Guys, it's Christmas. And yes, I know that this day and this time of year tends to inherently bring out the best in others, but what I don't understand is why it's just these few days out of the year that we're somehow obligated to be nice to those around us. We, and especially we as Christians, ought to be spreading Christ's love and joy all the time, regardless of whether or not we "feel" like it. It's sometimes a challenge for me too, but I'm thankful for grace, and for those in my life who are struggling just like the rest of us.

I'm going to end by sharing something that I wrote on my Facebook earlier today:

While sis is at work today bringing Christmas cheer to those at her work who no doubt need it, today it's just me and the kitties celebrating the holiday. This is the second Christmas we've spent in Kentucky, and while I honestly wish we could be in Ohio with our parents and brother, I realize that there are those around the world, and even in our neighborhoods, who also are unable to be with their families today, but for circumstances much worse than the temporary "inconvenience" of a job. It's easy to lament our circumstances, our funks, and celebrate negativity. It's easy to let fear, frustration, and disappointment steal our joy. But today I choose just that: JOY! How can I not? Today I choose, as was the message at Vineyard last night, to celebrate! Today I celebrate not just the birth of Christ, but all the ways, the sometimes seemingly insignificant, ways that God has blessed me! And once you do that, well....to me, there's no more room for all that other negative stuff.

"O come, let us adore Him!"

Kelly: I just got off work actually. I was a bit saddened at first upon finding out I had to work at first, because I asked for it off and didn't get it. Oh well. I accepted it and realized it was something I wasn't able to change. And with the exception of nearly having to break up a fight at the end of my shift, it wasn't a bad day at all. It seemed like the Christmas spirit hit everyone today, which was a good thing. Not to mention I wore jeans and my TARDIS kitty shirt! And time and a half pay...holla! Last night was wonderful as well; spending the evening with friends, new friends, and children. It was a bit loud at times, but it reminded me of how loved I really am. The gestures were not big and grandiose by any means, just simply getting invited to Christmas Eve service and then dinner with our pastor and family. Nothing fancy, huh? Again, feeling the love. 

At church last night, one of the things that the pastor said was "do not let fear steal your joy." Fear....fear of what? What in the world are we all so afraid of? Sis and I were talking about this not too long ago, and it seems like that society is crippled with it lately. And I came to the conclusion that if we let fear run our lives, then we'd never leave our houses. So as this Christmas comes to an end and eventually as we see the end of 2015, the question that was asked was this; what or who are we following? Are we following fear, something else, someone else, or Him? I know who I'm trying to follow. 

Growing up is hard to do

Kelly: As you all know, yesterday was Thanksgiving. I had to work, so as a result we went back to Ohio last weekend to do Thanksgiving then. One of the things I've learned about being an adult in the real world is that sometimes, actually a lot of times, it requires sacrifice. Time away from family and loved ones, and sometimes it involves being away from your family and loved ones when you really really want to be with them. That was me yesterday; driving on the way to work and instead of working wanting to be snuggled up on the couch under the roof I spent 18 years of my life, smelling the aroma of turkey and pumpkin pie while watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade followed by the National Dog Show. Memories. Fun-filled and joyous memories. If there's one thing I've learned though about being away from the home you grew up in is that some people end up finding another home away from home. That's how we are still here in Berea, because this has become our home away from home. And part of finding your home away from home is finding your family, whether or not they are related by blood or not.

One of my "grown-up" lessons I've held onto the past 6 years I've lived here is that no matter what the circumstances, how old you are, or whatever is running around in your head, you should never feel ashamed or uncomfortable to tell your extended family "hey, life is great right now" or "you know, things are just sucky and I need prayer or a hug" or "oh my gosh I love each and every one of you." And when it comes to family, sometimes it turns out they need you too. I don't really know how to wrap this up but with this; I have grown up a lot. Circumstances and changes have somewhat in a way forced me to. But one thing is for sure, in an ever changing world is an unchanging God who gave me a big ol' Earthly family. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and remember to keep thanking God for your many blessings.

Holly: If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that most of my "wisdom" has come from my observations of just watching those around me live.  I've never been much of a crowd follower, and it really irritates me...actually, makes me sad...that so many my age are still acting like they're stuck in high school.  Don't get me wrong, 99% of the time I'm a complete goofball.  But what in the world is with all the DRAMA? Still?! If the worst thing that happens in your day is that you're pissed at your parents or someone "told you off", then you still have it pretty well off, in my opinion.  I'd love to be pissed at my parents sometimes, even if it meant that I got to spend one more day with them.  As it stands now we're lucky to see our folks 3-4 times a year.  If that.  I don't mean to whine, but it's like what Kelly said earlier: being involved in the real world means sacrifice sometimes.  Also part of my "wisdom" is perspective: there is always someone who has it so much worse than you do, and when it's all said and done, we have a lot more to be thankful for than we realize.

I have an amazing support system, serve an amazing God, have the best parents a girl could ask for, a job that I adore, and yes, I'm still single and enjoying that as well.  Society thinks female 20-somethings should either be in a serious relationship or married with kids by then.  Something else I see so many my age doing is just bouncing around from one relationship to the next...it's almost as if singleness scares them.  IT SHOULDN'T.  Ok, I've been jumping around a lot, but there is a point to all of this, I suppose: I had someone tell me last night that Kelly and I are admired because of our attitudes regarding our circumstances.  Yeah, life is hard sometimes, and yeah, sometimes it's easier to mope and feel sorry for ourselves, but it's a choice: how we feel about it, how we react, despite how we may be feeling.  Heck, it's a choice to breathe a prayer of thanks to God for what you DO have despite how you may be feeling.  Is it easy?  No.  No, sometimes it really isn't.  But one last thing about growing up is that you do not have to be a victim of your circumstances, and you have the power to choose who remains in it for the long haul.

What are some lessons you have learned over the years?

Just for fun, here's H and K at 17

Potpurri post #6

Kelly: To start this post, I would like to point out that it is 11:30 and I am still in my PJ's! Goodness I love Christmas break already. Also, I would like to mention that today is my parents 31st Anniversary!!! :] <3 I hope that one day I can find somebody who can put up with me for that long. But yeah; even after 31 years it is so evident that my parents are still crazy about each other. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! I got my final grades on Tuesday; not bad...didn't fail anything but still got one C. The rest were A's and B's. At first I was rather upset because I always think I can do better, but hey, I actually did try. I utilized excellent work/study habits and for my nursing classes it paid off! I scored the highest on my two nursing finals than I ever had before! Must have done something right! So yay me. Ok now I'm done bragging about myself.

The world didn't end yesterday as it was said to. Obviously. If we all went back to the simple truths from Scripture, then there wouldn't be this problem in the first place (for reference please refer to Matthew 24:36). It just irritates me that so many people bought into this whole world ending thing. I mean really? Ok, suit yourself; I'm going to stick with the truth and what I actually know is true, which is God's word. Enough about that. I find it hard to believe that 2012 is almost over!!!!! Is it just me or did this year go by really fast? Like...REALLY fast! If this is any indication on how fast 2013 is going to go then shoot! Graduation will be here in no time! I have so many goals for this upcoming year that I want to accomplish; something sis and I are going to do is keep a jar and write down good things that happen throughout the year. When the year is over we're going to re-visit it and see what happened! :] That's enough for me now; time to shower and actually become a decent individual in the world again. Cheers! Hope everyone has a good Christmas!

Holly: It's now 11:36.  Still in my pj's.  lol.

I really don't have much to say.  I know that may come as a surprise to many of you.  haha.  But no, really.  Like Kelly I too am surprised that 2012 is coming to an end so quickly.   It's been kind of a big year for me. It's hard to believe that when this year started I was still in school.  In that same span of a year I've been in school, graduated from school, been done with school, moved out on my own, and am now on my second "real" job.  And gotten hopelessly hooked on several entertainment franchises that now consume the majority of my free time.  lol.

I am eager to see what 2013 awaits for me.  For many people that I'm close to it's going to be a big year for them.  But for me, it's kind of a question mark.  All I know is I don't want to fold clothes at Old Navy for the rest of my life (NO. OFFENSE!)  My dream is to work for my alma mater.  It gave so much to me and I would love to give just a little bit of myself back to it.  That's all.  Maybe 2013 will open a door for me there.  I pray it does.  But other than that....question mark.

Tomorrow we meet up with an old and dear friend and return to Middle Earth again.  Christmas is three days away.  And we're with family.  Life is good.  I hope all of you have a magic-filled, wondrous Christmas.  Hold close those who are closest to you, and ALWAYS count your blessings, because you have more than you could possibly realize.

Hugs from Ohio.  <3

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!!

Kelly: Honestly, I had a rather rough morning. The results of my MRI came back normal, much to my surprise. Though I was relieved that surgery is ruled out, frustration soon took over as I left the office. Great, it's not this, but...what is it? SOMETHING is still going on, and nobody can figure out what. The doctor even told me "I'm just grasping at straws." Talk about comforting. So my next step has yet to come; nerve conduction studies. I left the office crying and eventually broke down in my sister's room. I guess the unknown of what is going on and on-going frustration just got to me. This vicious cycle....is exhausting. But I am keeping the faith, even though these times are really hard, but faith is all I've got.

Tonight was also the first night of the entire college music department's Christmas concert. The church we were at was full and the spirits were uplifted and joyful. During one of the songs I was singing, I really took the time to listen to the words. And during one part of the song...I just felt something inside me just....become happier.

Thank you for the Lamb
The precious lamb of God
Because of your grace I can finish this race
The precious lamb of God


And now, I'm in such a good mood. It just amazes me the wonderful power of Christmas and Christmas music can totally change one's outlook of an entire day. God is...awesome and amazing, and I thank Him that he can make a seemingly small situation and exposing it to me after a rough start. Peace be to all of you.

Holly: I too am in a fantastic mood! I received a good grade on an exam I just took (and this professor is notorious for rough exams), and I work with some really awesome people who always cheer me up and put me in a silly/good mood (I will blog about that at a later time).  But the moment that Kelly came in and was deeply frustrated and upset by the "normal" MRI, I put on my sister hat and just hugged her.  I didn't say anything.  There aren't words to describe how it feels when your sister is hurting.  But the power of presence is more that can be said.  Actions really do speak louder than words.

Anyway, the Christmas concert tonight is something that I have been looking forward to for a while now...mostly because I just LOVE Christmas.  But there is something to be said when you hear a church full of people singing carols! It's just heartwarming! I left the church smiling.  :) 

The content below is a conversation I had with a local pastor (who is a graduate of Berea and the temporary college band director).  I am not making any of this up:

"Do you sing in BME? Do you have a twin sister? I just LOVE watchin' y'all sing, cause y'all look so happy! And you actually have rhythm! 'Cause white people usually don't have rhythm! You represent white people well!"

I hope that you all are blessed by the sounds and sights of Christmas! :)