What makes an ordinary person extraordinary?

As I was perusing some local hot spots tonight (or really, camped out on the hotel bed browsing other blogs), I came across someone's post honoring her friend.  While I didn't know the person she was writing about, I could sense the love and admiration she held for her.  It didn't seem she had written it because of any event (you know birthday, she did something nice for her, etc.), but rather just because she simply wanted to honor her.

It got me thinking about what it means to be an honorable person, or an extraordinary friend.  This whole thought has been bubbling to the surface because of Brian's grandma's funeral which was just a few weeks back.  As I mentioned previously, the entire events surrounding her burial were very bittersweet.  She was quite literally an extraordinary woman, a woman to be honored.  She took me into their family when I first met her at Brian's graduation, and ever since she has been a shining light in my life. And to others, she was so, so much more.  During the funeral, family and friends had the opportunity to share different stories about her.  So many stood up and shared about the love she poured out, what a blessing she was, how much she gave to those around her, and how her Spirit was always dedicated to God.

Not to get dark here, but in some ways, her funeral made me think of mine.  It made me think of what legacy I would leave on this earth, what things people would say about me.  Would people say I was admirable?  Would they share stories of how I loved selflessly, and gave until it hurt? Would they share that my life wasn't really about me?

Am I the extraordinary person I wish to be?  No, of course not.  But, I hope that I have some years left on this earth to keep striving towards it. While I don't tend to make resolutions, maybe I will keep this thought in my heart and mind through 2012 (and beyond).  How might I lay my life down, to serve & glorify Jesus, and in doing so - others, through love, commitment, grace, and selflessness?

"A worthy woman, who can find? For her price is far above rubies."  Proverbs 31:10 (ASV)

Monday Musing

via pinterest 

What are you doing this week to shine in other's lives this week?  You have a fresh start this week to make a change; a fresh start to make an impact in the life of someone else this week. Go shine, my friends! 

Channeling Winter & Daniel Fast

Loving these winter looks below..would so love a pair of brown booties like those below - lovely.

   

 

via pinterest 

In other news, we are beginning the Daniel Fast today.  It's a time for the church to corporately 'fast' and seek God.  Seek Him for vision for the future, for providing a word for the church, the city, our family, and to grow in our relationship with Him.  The 'fast' portion is essentially eating vegan - anything that is natural and comes straight from the ground.  Some things we won't be eating / drinking are: sweets, white grains, caffeine, processed foods.  Ahh, Lord help me now.  It's 21 days, and I'm actually very excited.  I think this will prove to be a rich time in the lives of those who commit to this.  Hopefully I'll have a few recipes to share after this is all said and done!  

Monday Musing

......hey, it's my Monday, ok?  :-)

Hope each of you are starting out your week with grace (for yourself and others) and anticipation of good things to come.

via pinterest 

Holiday Recap: Thanksgiving, Christmas, NYE

Ahh, it's good to be back, friends.  I've missed this little internet blogland.  Our days have been filled to the brim lately, and I wouldn't have it any other way.  I've had the past two weeks off of work, so I've been home and enjoying every minute of it.

I haven't shared many personal pictures lately, because, well mainly, I just haven't taken the time to upload them.  But here we are, January 2nd, and finally getting around to it!

This year for Thanksgiving, we celebrated at Brian's aunt's house.  His cousin, Rit, and her boyfriend, made an incredible meal.  I'm talking - a humongous turkey, ham, 20 sides (slight exaggeration, but not really). We had a really great time soaking up family time and just enjoying everyone's company.  This was also the last time we had the opportunity to spend quality time with Brian's grandma, who passed away Christmas day.

A few days before Christmas, Brian's family came up to our house to spend a few days and celebrate Christmas.  For the Christmas weekend, we ended up going down to Columbus to spend a few precious hours with his grandma and family. She passed Christmas day in peace and surrounded by family.  I may share more on this later - it was such a bittersweet time.  She loved Jesus, and is now in heaven, so that is the sweet part. Loss is such a hard situation, but the celebration of her life was in fact, quite beautiful. 

Ahh, we are now to NYE.. Brian and I made a fun sequin wall photobooth so that we could get pictures with friends.  I'll let the fun photos speak for themselves :-)

Life Lately

Life has been both fun and crazy lately.  Last week was my last travel week of the year, and Brian took a bus from downtown Cleveland to Pittsburgh so that he could have lunch with me and drive me home.  I was shocked and so so happy.  He rubbed my back and neck the whole drive home (multi-talented, that man is).

photos {1,3} Omni William Penn Hotel {2} huge nativity scene

We spent this past weekend putting up our tree, decorating, and last-minute shopping.  We've also had lots of events at church and with friends, so our calendar has been full.  But full in a very good way.  A way that instead of draining you, rather refreshes and revitalizes you.  We are having lots of family in town, starting Wednesday so I'm off to finish up some work, start cleaning the house, and think through what in the world we'll be eating for all these meals (any advice would be appreciated)!

photos {1,2} Brian, Char and me with our tree {3} a little peak of our living room gallery wall

Christmas Anticipation

Ok, I'll be honest.. I didn't think I would happen upon the "Christmas Spirit" as I had in previous years (read: when I was a littleton).  Yes, the story of Jesus is still fresh and real to me, but this season with the music, and festivities, and gifting.. it just wasn't really exciting to me this year.  I thought I'd have to wait until we had kids to really have those same 'feelings' as in past.

Well, I was wrong.  We started wrapping gifts today, we put the tree up yesterday, there's music on and hot cocoa made, and it is seriously bliss.  The little tingle of excitement for Christmas is back! All it took was a little attitude refresh, some time of reflection, and lots of love.  Hoping you have a joyous Christmas season too!

 
 

Images via pinterest