New Year's Resolution:

For the past couple of weeks, I've been writing out goals and coming up with a more diligent schedule for the new year. I must say, I really do enjoy this time. I love being organized! It's my hope for the next year I can get into a diligent and more productive lifestyle. Now don't get me wrong, it's not like I lay around in bed all day and eat bonbons or anything. I have a job, plus school, and other activities to keep me busy. But, I want to accomplish and learn more things that can help me to grow inside and out.

I have come up with a pretty long list, so to keep from boring you to death I'll tell you only 5 of them.

Goals For 2011:

1. Read a book a week. I have said in previous posts that I love books and am an official bookworm. But, unfortunately I don't give myself enough time to do something as simple as read a book a week. I hope to change that. Also, I want to read a lot more non-fiction than fiction. I do have a habit of doing the opposite.

2. Teach Josh piano. I feel so bad that I haven't done that already. He is so eager to learn and I know he would love playing. But that's going to change; I've already told him that he's got piano lessons on Tuesdays.

3. Write posts on my blog 3 times a week. There, I said it! Now I'm committed. So hopefully you'll be seeing a post every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.

4. Make dinner 2 times out of the week. I absolutely LOVE cooking and baking, but I tend to bake more than I cook. So, by making dinner a couple nights a week I hope to broaden my horizons a little.

5. And last but not least-Work on my piano skills. I'm hoping to put 2 hours a day into practicing. I'm thinking 1 hour in the morning, and then 1 hour in the evening. We'll see how that goes!

Well, there's 5 out of the 30....or was it 40? Just know that I intend to be a very busy girl this upcoming year!

How about you? Do you have any goals for 2011?

In Him,

Rachel

Merry Christmas!!

Ok, so I'm a day late posting this....but you guys are still in the Christmas mood aren't you?? I also must admit that I have been very lazy at posting and keeping up with my blog, and so I apologize to you guys for that. It is one of my goals for next year to post more often. So hopefully you won't have to wait for weeks on end for me to post something.

Alright, onto Christmas!! We got together with some family before Christmas due to the fact that my grandparents were not going to be around on the 25th. But, it was still special none the less. On the 25th we stayed home and had a wonderful time reading the Christmas story, drinking coffee, opening presents, eating a WONDERFUL dinner, and just enjoying everything that Christmas brings.

Unfortunately, I only have A FEW pictures to share. I guess we got so caught up in enjoying everything, that we forgot about the little camera sitting in the corner waiting to be used. Poor guy. Another thing I have to work on.......

These 3 upcoming pictures are when we got together with some family before Christmas.

I hope each one of you had a blessed Christmas, and was reminded all the more of why we celebrate. God Bless!!

My sister and aunt laughing.....at who knows what.

My beautiful sister showing me what she got.....I believe it's some kind of handwarmer.

And this is a picture of Lutefisk . It's a family tradition....some call it fish jello.

In Him,

Rachel

Who Am I?

Alright, for those of you who don't really know me, I thought I would write a post about 10 things about....me! And for those who do know me...well....maybe you'll learn something you didn't know! Scary thought right?? =D So anyway, here goes!!

1. I am an official book worm. I absolutely LOVE to read!! It's probably one of my favorite things to do.

2. I play the piano and have been for about 6 or 7 years. I really really like to write my own songs as well.

3. I make people laugh....like A LOT. But the funny thing is, I don't even try sometimes....guess I'm just talented that way. =P

4. My sole purpose in life is to live for Christ, and to bring Him glory and honor.

5. I am VERY interested in becoming a nurse. I'm currently a CNA (certified nurses assistant) and really enjoy working in a nursing home.

6. My brother and I are 6 years apart, but it hasn't hindered our relationship. I really enjoy being around him.......

but we tend to be totally nutso and insane together. He is definitely one of my best friends!

7. I LOVE LOVE LOVE to ice skate!! It's SOOO much fun!!

8. My family is super important to me. I love each one of them so much!

9. I am a very active person. I really enjoy playing sports and running around...literally. Even when it comes to TV my most favorite thing to watch is football!

10. I am so grateful to God for everything He has done in my life. From salvation, to family, to life experiences, for the trials He sends......EVERYTHING. Because without Him, I could NEVER be the girl I am today.

THE END.

Christmas Time:

On Sunday, a lady at our church shared this song with us and as I was listening to it I was gripped by the lyrics. It stated so clearly the meaning of Christmas. Jesus Christ, the little baby that was born, came to this earth because of us. Because of our sin. He came to die and to pay the price of what our awful sins cost. That's the true meaning of Christmas. So as you come into church on Christmas, and slide into the pew, look up at the cross. As you look, drift back to that day when our Savior gave His life for us, and be reminded of the price He paid.

"About the Cross"

It's not just about the manager

Where the baby lay

It's not all about the angels

Who sang for Him that day

It's not just about the shepherds

Or the bright and shining star

It's not all about the wise men

Who travelled from afar

It's about the cross

It's about my sin

It's about how Jesus came to be born once

So that we could be born again

It's about the stone

That was rolled away

So that you and I could have real life someday

It's about the cross

It's about the cross

It's not just about the presents

Underneath the tree

It's not all about the feeling

That the season brings to me

It's not just about coming home

To be with those you love

It's not all about the beauty

In the snow I'm dreaming of

The beginning of the story is wonderful and great

But it's the ending that can save you and that's why we celebrate

It's about the cross

It's about my sin

It's about how Jesus came to be born once

So that we could be born again

It's about God's love

Nailed to a tree

It's about every drop of blood that flowed from Him when it should have been me

It's about the stone

That was rolled away

So that you and I could have real life someday

So that you and I could have real life someday

It's about the cross

It's about the cross

- Go Fish

I want to also share this painting I found in a magazine, it's entitled "Simeon's Moment" and it was painted by artist Ron Dicianni. The artist says " In this painting, Simeon's Moment, I tried to let Simeon's face tell the story: Ecstasy." He also says, " I have a feeling Simeon clutched that baby like no other. He knew that he held the 'light' of the world."

Luke 2:29-32

"Lord, now You are letting Your

servant depart in peace,

According to Your word;

For my eyes have seen Your

salvation

Which You have prepared before

the face of all peoples,

A light to bring revelation to the

Gentiles,

And the glory of Your people

Israel."