One day as I was browsing through my favorite website ever, http://www.etsy.com/, and I came across a very beautiful Christmas wreath (I think Christmas wreaths are usually very cheesy). Problem is, it was $88 and I think that's a lot to pay for something you hang on your door. So, being the some-what crafty person that I am, I decided, "I can totally make that".
So I took my first opportunity to stop by the best place on earth, Hobby Lobby, and picked up the 50% off christmas ornaments I wanted to use to make my wreath. Then I talked my mom into letting me make her one too so we went BACK to Hobby Lobby and picked up more supplies. I really like the different size ornaments and the 'messy' look of the wreath's leaves in the one pictured above, but I think mine came out great for only costing $25. What do you think?
To vote again. If you remember my last post on voting, you'll know that I think it's very important to vote for not only national races, but local races as well.
On Nov. 3, Houston did not elect a mayor. No one showed up to vote so no candidate won the majority. So we have a runoff race between Gene Locke and Annise Parker. I've included some information I've found about them, but I encourage you to do your own research and PLEASE vote.
There is an awesome song by Chris Tomlin that is a re-make of the hymn Amazing Grace. I've always loved this song but it has recently taken on a new and deeper meaning for me. I think every word of this song is powerful but it has an amazing chorus that says "my chains are gone, I've been set free, My God, My Savior has ransomed me".
It first took on a deeper meaning as I heard it sung at my grandfathers funeral. God had rescued him from his long battle with cancer - he is free and will forever be with his savior! It means so much to me now, not only for my grandfather but for the things in my own life that have a hold of me. Every time I hear this, I'm reminded that whatever is going on in my life, God has covered me with his amazing grace. It's so powerful to me. All the things that I worry about and stress over and when I wonder what the future will hold I'm reminded that everything has been taken care of by My God! I'm free!
Whether it's fear, stress, doubt, worry, lonliness, restlessness, complacency, etc. God's amazing grace can set you free from that chain that has a hold of you. How powerful and truly amazing is our God?! Read these words and listen to this song and think about the things in your life that God has already paid the price for and released you from. His grace is new every morning. . . and I know I need it!
"Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)"
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine
Oh man do I have the post vacation blues. This week is tough! We just got back from a great vacation. We went on a 7 day cruise and had a blast! We had such a great time that we weren't ready to come back at all and I'm SO not into work this week. Not to mention, we left for vacation the morning after the time change, so I hadn't even noticed that it was getting dark SO MUCH earlier now. Leaving work after the sun sets is depressing me. It's giving me the "back from vacation blues". I have no idea what this video is from but you can find some interesting things on YouTube. I thought this was appropriate for how we felt before we left and how we feel now! Actually this song is a little dramatic! It's not THAT bad.
Sorry for the gloomy post, I'm just being grumpy and selfish! I promise my next post will be all cheery again! I'm looking forward to the Women's Night of Praise at my church on Thursday and the Nutcracker Market on Saturday with my friends!
