I LOVE the HOLIDAYS

I had a WONDERFUL Christmas and I hope everyone who reads this has as well.

The kids slept until 8 am and although Zac and I were quite sick we didn't let that dampen our spirits.

We started by opening our stockings and talking. We then prayed as a family giving thanks to God for how blessed we all felt and for sending us the best gift, Jesus.

Our family observes Advent throughout the whole Christmas season, and on Christmas morning we lit all the candles, finally lit the Christ candle, and let them burn all day until they burned out. Reminding us of hope, peace, joy, love and Jesus. THEN we opened presents, had ALOT of laughs, reminisced, played, Zac and I even snuck in a nap while the kids played, got dressed, and headed over to an awesome Christmas dinner at Grandma's house with family.

WEll this is the last day of 2006, and I for one will be sad to see it go. I am completely excited for what 2007 will bring, but I can't complain about 2006. It was a good year. Infact a very good year. I had a great time with my husband and all my kids this year. Many adventures, lots of family gatherings, quiet love times, inspirations and successes. God continues to show me how faithful and loving He is, and as long as I continue to be a willing student He will teach me marvelous things.

Happy New Year everyone! May you be blessed in all that God has to offer, may you continue to follow Jesus, and may you be an example of love in all that you have and all that you do.

amen.

My favorite Christmas Movies

so I recently had the privilege of "preaching" at my church last Sunday, I got to give a "meditation" on Christmas and I was deeply honored and a bit troubled,....

I had a hard time sorting through alllllllll the things that came to mind when it comes to Christmas. ( you can read how I was inspired at http://www.theplace.ca/ )

But what I came to realize is that movies played an important part of shaping a balanced Christmas view in my life. The bible story is the best and the most important, but it's been movies that remind me that the story of Jesus is the best and most important.

Here is my list of favorite Christmas movies in order :

1. One Magic Christmas ( 1985 -Disney/hallmark, starring Mary Steenburgen)

2. Elf ( 2003 - New Line Home, starring Will Ferrell )

3. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965 - Bill Melendez Films)

4. Joyeux Noel ( 2005 - Sony Pictures,Director Christian Carion, starring, Benno

Furman) * fantastic movie set in WWI

5. A Christmas Story ( 1983 - Warmer Bros., starring Peter Billingsley)

6.Scrooge ( 1970 - 20th century fox, starring Albert Finney )

7. Miracle on 34th Street ( 1947 - 20th century fox, starring Natalie Wood)

8.How the Grinch stole Christmas (1966 - Warner Bros.,starring Boris Karloff)

9. The Bells Of St. Mary ( 1945 - Republic Pictures, starring Bing Crosby )

10. Love Actually (2003 - Universal Studios, starring Colin Firth)

You may be wondering where your favorite is or why I haven't included some... I love ALOT of Christmas movies, I like even more.... but this is my top ten for this time in my life. There are some that will always remain in my top 10, they'll just move around. AND still others that will be replaced and move down into my top 30 :o)

Merry Christmas!

**if you have favorites tell me about them!