Christmas Expectations

Wow, what a year it has been. As I look back on all that has happened this year I realize that this is definitely the hardest season I have ever walked through. And not only me, but most everyone I love has been affected in one way or another.

But it's Christmas!

And Christmas means time with the family, Christmas dinner, presents (grr), laughter, stockings, Mom's quiche, my brother putting on every single present he opens (even if it isn't clothes), and so much more.

At least that's what I was expecting.

But this Christmas is definitely not that. It looks a little more like medical bills, chest xray, new meds, Dad in the hospital, no time for dinner, no money for presents. And honestly, my first reaction was: This Christmas is a bust.

Until I remembered something...

Last week while leading worship, I said something that I was reminded of this morning: "Jesus does not disappoint." This has been a hard year for most people - losing jobs, losing loved ones, losing faith. And if my expectations for Christmas, or any other season for that matter, are placed in the "stuff". Stuff like dinner and quiche and "how it's always been", then I find myself disappointed - disappointed because my expectations were not met. But, if my place my expectations for the season in Jesus - that He will be just as good this year as last, and just as available, and just as much my Savior - He will not disappoint. And suddenly everything else is an add-on. Spending Christmas in the hospital with my family goes from a miserable thing to a wonderful blessing.

Expectations are a funny thing, and I'm learning a lot about how they change my thinking. What do you expect Christmas to be? I hope you find your expectations exceeded in who Jesus is and that you find yourself blessed beyond measure, no matter what comes your way. Merry Christmas!

Thankful and so blessed,

Katie

Snow Survival Tips

Well, it finally happened. The first snow has hit and Bend (and all the rest of the state) is freaking out appropriately. Since I know many of you bloggers out there may have just moved to the area, I thought I'd offer some insight and wisdom from a seasoned snow lover like myself. So, get a pen and get ready:

DO

1. Get an ice scraper. This is priority # 1 people.
2. Get some thick gloves - the kind that make you have sausage fingers. (This helps with #1)
3. Get a spare key and hide it somewhere good.
4. Learn to crochet or knit - it comes in handy when you're poor and cold.
5. Run to the window expectantly every morning to see how much snow has accumulated (if this is done with some sort of ridiculous slippers such as giant ducks, there is a bonus).
6. Stock up on airborne and vitamin c.

DON'T

1. Try to scrape your windshield with your debit card. Just trust me.
2. Forget gloves - they are like gold. Thick gold that keeps your hands at a temperature that is not painful.
3. Lock yourself out of your house in 4 degree weather. Let me just save you some time and tell you that the recycling can is not tall enough to get you high enough to get to the roof...and it's slippery.
   
4. Spend lots of money on cute hats and gloves - just don't. If you're going shopping - invest in boots because you can't knit those.
5. Run into the window when you check to see how much it snowed.
6. Stop taking vitamin c. Never, ever, ever, ever stop.

Well, there you go. Now you are wise and seasoned and ready for anything.

Happy Snow Days!

"Finish what you start."

As dictated to me by the Holy Spirit this morning. Thought I'd share.