Grateful Heart : Christmas Edition

I am not sure how it is the week of Christmas - I feel like advent was just upon us and now the most joyous time of the year is knocking at the back door.

This past weekend we finally got our home all decorated, we are ready for it to be filled with laughter and love. We also had a test run with our Christmas meal and our family is in for a treat and full bellies.

This year for Advent I had full intentions of keeping up with a devotional every day and I failed miserably!! I got to about day four and then it just wasn't something I made time for - sad, because that is the reason for this amazing season and I can't even make time for it! {Yes, I understand I can catch up now but it isn't the same as actually making time for it every day leading up to the celebration of The Birth}
Does that happen to anyone else? You have every good intention of reading the Bible every day or doing a devotional and in the beginning you start out strong and determined but then, you lose steam halfway through {however you probably make it past day 4} and you just stop all together. It makes me realize how Human we are and how we needed someone like Jesus to be born to save us, to keep us on track, to follow… someone who didn't lose steam and always stayed on the destined path.

I hope this Christmas Season you remember why we celebrate, remember what the hustle and bustle is REALLY for and even if you stray remember that Jesus is there for you, waiting to help you get back on that destined path.

He was sent here to save us, so this Christmas: 

:remember Him

:thank Him

:praise Him

:REJOICE in Him!!

Follow along on Instagram with all the Christmas Cheer >> @mrslaurabeth

grateful heart

i am grateful for...
Best Friends. Sisters. Husband. Home. Coffee. Jesus.

Photo Cred: Caitlin Killoran Photography

 

Tea With Mrs. Laura B

I'm just over here in North Dakota blowing around like a tumble weed - Seriously - the wind the past couple of days has been out. of. control.

I have some stuff on my mind and I'm sure you do too - so come, sit, let's catch up & relax.

** I took a free calligraphy class last weekend and it was SO fun, I hope I can perfect my horrible handwriting and learn to write pretty. If you are interested in any April Classes Click HERE to sign up.

** I'm obsessed with florals. Real Flowers. Drawings of flowers. Anything and Everything flowers! I have even been contemplating a half sleeve - my husband shot down the tattoo idea REAL fast but I'm dreaming...

** Bootsy. Goodness I miss that puppy so so so much. She was going to be that dog that was around forever, the perfect mannered, spoiled pup - and that is when reality wound up and slapped me in the face; and yep it still stings!

** There is something so rejuvenating about Holy Week. I love everything about it, especially these next days - The honor yet sadness of The Last Supper - The goosebump inducing somber experience of Good Friday - and finally the most Glorious day finding out HE LIVES on Easter

I'll leave you with those thoughts of mine and I'm off to church.

linking up with nicole

We Can Do All Things Through Christ...

I started writing this on Facebook and then thought 'no one likes GIANT status posts' so here is an impromptu blog post!

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Over the course of a few weeks I have been attempting to watch this video after numerous times of getting interrupted and pausing & playing it, I finally finished. It is 1 hour and 47 min long and I'm glad I watched every second. 

This is a video showing what a funeral should be like, a celebration of the life lived - and wow, did she ever Live! 

I did not personally know the woman who passed away so it may be odd that I watched her funeral; but I have been drawn to this story of love, loss, faith, joy and cancer since day one. You may not know her either but I promise you'll be inspired by the life she led! 

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I went to college with Leanne's sister, Aimee, so that is how I know of her journey. I have never seen a family more devoted and so certain of their faith and trust in Jesus - it is beyond inspiring, and makes me want to be a better follower of Him. 

Now, I really encourage you to watch the service and I don't want to spoil the whole story but Leanne was diagnosed with breast cancer -while pregnant- at the age of 26 {I am 26} and died at the age of 28 - 24 days before she turned 29 - this is what scares me, the realization that it could happen to me or my best friend or my sister. 

Leanne wasn't scared though, she knew God had a plan and He was in control - His plan didn't end how anyone had hoped but I think that too was His plan!!

You seriously won't regret watching this or having it play in the background while you make supper or play with your dog or with your kids >> CLICK HERE or HERE <<

If you decide not to watch the video at least check out the Team-Chin Blog and take this one thing away:
God is bigger than all of us, He is in control - Put all of your trust in Him! Oh and never pass up a moment to tell someone you love them and know that YOU are Loved!!

The Holy Spirit

Guess who I just spent 2 hours with?! 

God

It was pretty amazing and very eye opening. 

I learned about the Holy Spirit. Who He is and the role He plays in our life. Until today I didn't fully understand the Spirit. I never really thought much about Him, and for that matter I never thought of the Spirit as a "Him" until today. 

For me it was just the words I had said and memorized since I was young. 'In the name of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.' These became words that just flowed off my tongue, that I heard my pastor say Sunday after Sunday. Not until today, the 6th day of my 26th year, did I question who the Holy Spirit was, what His role is, and how He shapes my day to day life. 

The thing about the Spirit though is He has always been there, with me, in me, surrounding me - pretty amazing huh?!

He is the Helper, the one who guides us through this Earthly life and directs our hearts into truth. The one who helps us figure out The Word - and maybe now that I recognize Him, the word will be easier for me to read!

I have no doubt the Holy Spirit helped me in my lesson today, and now that I understand Him a little better I know my journey will be guided towards the truth; the ultimate Truth that God wants me to know!

Do you know the Holy Spirit? I would love to hear how He impacts your life

Rejoice: Love was born on Christmas Day!

Merry Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and The Day After. I have a feeling I won't be blogging any of those days so I wanted to cover my bases! 

I want to wish all of you and yours a WONDERFUL Christmas. 

Remember the Reason For The Season!

Tuesday and Wednesday we will be celebrating with my husband's side of the family. I will be singing with some ladies from church for Christmas Eve Service which is one of my All Time favorite times to be in church surrounded by so many loved ones and celebrating Jesus! 

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Another one of my favorite things about this season is Christmas Cards. I love to send them out {also love getting yours} and have been doing so for many years! Here is a little look back of all the cards I have sent out over the years. Starting in 2008, back in college when we lived with Steve's cousin! Enjoy and don't mind the poor quality, screen shots was the only way I could get most of these images! PS anyone recognize the Tree in the first card, back when it was brand spankin' new and had all it's legs! 

This year we had two cards, only for the simple reason that I realized I needed more and decided to go with a different style so below are the 2013 Editions!

Do you love giving Christmas cards as much as me?!