Where's Jesus?

I don't know about you, but I'm wondering "Where's Jesus" in this Christmas season. This is an old argument, but I feel one worth visiting each year.
Have you gone to the store and tried to find a Nativity? Walmart has them, but they are crowded out by Santa and all his cohorts. Now don't get me wrong, I believe in "Santa" :), but it bothers me that due to consumerism the true meaning of Christmas is often lost.

I live in a neighborhood that takes great strides to decorate their small patch of American soil with expensive displays. For instance, the neighbor across from me has so many light up displays you almost need shades. But among the train, snowmen, etc. I ask, "Where's Jesus?"
Donny and I silently protest by hanging a lonely star in a bedroom window. I'm sure the neighbors think we're either cheap or scrooges. The other day while at Home depot we were looking at the yard thing's and there was not one Nativity. If I wanted to put one in my yard, I'm not sure I could find one that compares to the array of fancy ones available.

They have moving ones. Even hot air balloons. I don't get that one. LOL Why not a moving Nativity? Hmmmmm. I wonder if they make them? I'll have to google that. :)

Anyways, if you have yard art please don't take my rantings as judgement. I love looking at Christmas lights. I'm just wondering, what we did with Jesus?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends in blog land. I'm so glad I started blogging this year. My friend Kary got me hooked. It's been great therapy and lots of fun. I love being able to stay up with what friends are doing.

I wanted to share a Thanksgiving gift I received today. 

This morning I got a call from a very excited April. Now I have to tell you that because of all the things that happen this summer with April, I find myself thinking the worse when I see her name come up on caller id. But, today I heard music to my ears. April had called to tell me her and Scott got the keys today to their new townhouse on base. She was so excited! The house they are currently in is very small and old. She was telling me she had a dishwasher and 2 bathrooms. :) It brought such joy to my heart to hear her so excited. Then she told me her and Scott visited a church Sunday and they both really liked it! She said, "We both need to be in church." OMG! Could it be April is growing up? Can you see me doing twirls? No? Be glad. :)

I wasn't looking forward to our Thanksgiving celebration his year because Bridget and April aren't coming. Plus my mom decided not to come either! 

However, Donny and I will be going to his mom's and Amber will be there too. So, I'm counting my blessings near and far and thanking God for His unchanging faithfulness.

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Chili Cook Off Champion

Well friends our very own Christina won the best chili tonight in our annual chili cook off! It was called, (correct me if I get this wrong Christina) Toot- i - licious  Congratulations!

            

 Autumn was so tired!

Read last post before this one.

I thought I could put this post behind the other one, but I can't seem to figure a way to control the order of the posts. So read the entry before this one to get the story on these pics. :)

                       


              This is the disturbing one.  

  Windy and I being silly...imagine that!




Valentino (background) she's from Germany and Jessica.  

BRR...It was cold out there.....

Boxcar Willie for a Moment

Thought I'd share some pictures from my adventures as Box Car Willie!

This morning our teacher gave us an assignment where we had to research graffiti and make a logo from one of the graffiti signs we found. We could go to the library to research or go look around town. 

Well, I just so happened to have my camera with me today, so three of us set out to the rail yards downtown. We had so much fun taking pictures of interesting pictures and graffiti markings. I've never looked at graffiti as art until today. I always thought it was rude of the people to paint on someone 's property. But, I put my judgements aside today and looked at it as art. I guess we all have a way to express ourselves through some form of art. Today I saw life through the eyes of graffiti artists.  There were funny ones, confusing ones and a very disturbing one. 

Oh, I almost forgot that the railroad guys drove up and asked what we were doing because we were in a restricted area. But, they allowed us to stay when they realized our purpose for being there. Dang, it might of been fun to play the harmonica in a cell just like boxcar willie. J/K :)

I've also added a few pics from class this morning before we got started. 

One cool side note. One of the girls that went with us is from Germany. I had a blast learning about life in Germany. Guess it goes without saying, I had a great day!

Finally an "A"

I finally recieved my first A on a graphic design project. We had to create a magazine article headline and then design the font. Thought I'd share it with you!

"Relentless Faith, Fervent Delight"

G/F Weekend

Here are some pictures from a recent trip I took to Branson with some friends. We celebrated Lynette's 50th in style. We laughed, drank a little:) , played, ate, and of course shopped! The

house we stayed in was incredible!

                         

Ps 20

I've been meditating on this scripture. It has brought me some peace lately. Thought I'd share it.

biblegateway.com

You can look it up here if you like.