Wonders of His Love

 MERRY CHRISTMAS

From my family to yours

May you enjoy the wonders of His love!

Dress Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

The Greatest Christmas Gifts

Only 2 more nights until Christmas! This year is particularly special because for the first time in 4 years Ryan is off of work!!!  I can't wait for us to share the magic of that day all together!

While shopping is a very big element of this season, I want to share some things that you can gift that don't require money or shipping!

PRESENCE

It's been said and shared a lot - but your presence is more valuable than any present!

Spend time with those around you listening and sharing with one another.

And for goodness sake laugh as much as you possibly can!

A HUG AROUND THE NECK

I love a good squeeze! One that's just a little too hard and holds on longer. 

HANDWRITTEN NOTE

I have boxes of handwritten notes that I cherish and often carry some in my purse for when I need encouragement. Take the time to write down your appreciate and care for someone. I promise it will be one of the most valuable things they open. 

Above all, the greatest gift any of us will ever receive, is the love of Jesus!

I hope you have a Very Merry Christmas

XOXO Sarah Louise

Merry Christmas

 Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Dress Beautifully & Be Merry

XOXO Sarah-Louise

A Mary Heart

Gals, we are 3 sleeps away from Christmas morning! Squeal! When I look at our fireplace and see the 3 stockings hung, I stop in awe that I have this sweet family of mine.  I'm blessed beyond measure and deserving to have Ryan & Vivian to love!!! I don't say that to be boastful but to emphasize that we ALL have so many gifts to be grateful for.

Rather than share an outfit on this Wednesday I'm going to share something a bit more lovely than holiday plaid, red or warm. Dressing your inside is far more important than the outside!

Last December I wrote a post on being more like Mary.  It was so encouraging to me to pursue a heart like hers that I felt compelled to share it again. 

This Christmas I hope that you have a 'Mary' heart 

that's humble, willing, trusting, joyful and enduring. 

Post:

MORE LIKE MARY  

Dress Beautifully with a Mary Heart

XOXO Sarah-Louise

MERRY CHRISTMAS

 MERRY CHRISTMAS

A Savior is Born

With LOVE from my family to yours, 

we wish you joy with those you hold dear!

XOXO Sarah Louise

More like Mary

Happy Monday! The Christmas spirit is strong in this gal's world! Jingle jams are playing, the halls are decked and my mind, soul and heart are deep in His word, the story of our Savior's arrival. 

Now that I'm a mother, I have a new perspective on Mary, the mother of Jesus. I find my self trying to imagine what it was like for her and well, I just can't. It just seems so overwhelming and hardly comparable. While it's impossible to put ourselves in unknown situations we can prepare ourselves so that we are ready when life hands us challenges. 

I want to learn from Mary as she exemplifies unwavering humility, willingness, boldness, and trust!

Here are ways we can be more like Mary ...

1. Be Humble

When God asked Mary, through the angel, to be the mother of Jesus she didn't get a puffed up sense of herself. She also didn't argue saying she wasn't good enough. She simply said " Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word" Luke 1:38

Have you ever had someone ask something big/important of you? I feel flattered and so special.  That can easily turn to thinking too much of myself. 

Finding ways to be more humble may look like doing a chore that no one will notice without mentioning it. It could be holding your tongue when you want to defend or even just smiling and saying 'Thank You' when someone pays you a compliment. 

2. Be Willing

Mary said yes to God. It was a charge filled with questions but she accepted and God did amazing things for and through her. 

She could have said no that's too big for me, you'll have to find someone else. 

As a type A person, I easily pass and resist things because they don't fit into my plan BUT this life I've been given isn't to be lived according to my plan but for HIS! Rather than attempting to get out of something or ignoring it we can ask God to help us have courage to face what God's placed on our hearts.

 

3. Be Trusting 

Mary knew God's Word. She knew of angels and the promise of the coming Messiah. 

When we are in the scriptures daily we gain confidence, peace and faith in His promises and provision. 

His love never gives up or turns away. When we pray we can know that He will never let us down.  The outcome may not be what we want but we know we can boldly go to him with ALL things.  There no room for questioning whether He's got it or not. 

4. Share Your Joy

Mary didn't keep the news of carrying the son of God to herself. She went and told her cousin Elizabeth, who was also carrying a baby boy.  They were both miracle pregnancies and they embraced each other in celebration. 

Sometimes it can be hard to share in another's joy when we are hurting or to share our good happenings for fear it will be perceived as bragging. Being a part of a family and friendship isn't just about sharing some fun times but truly reveling in the joys of others. 

5. Embrace the Hard

Mary, pregnant outside of marriage, faced criticism and disownment from Joseph. And gracious, we could never imagine the horror that Mary faced when Jesus was crucified. She was with him.  Her love never turned away or gave up. We ourselves and those around us will have struggles. In the face of a crisis we can be there for others with a listening ear, lending a helping hand or just by their side in their hurt. 

Let's be inspired by Mary in saying yes to God's will for us!

Dress Beautifully with a Mary Inspired Heart

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Merry Christmas

From My Family to Yours

Our Christmas Card

Mr and I have never had two Christmases alike and this year was no exception.  However, worshiping the birth of our Savior remains constant.

My favorite is the candle light service on Christmas Eve.  Seeing the light in the dark from each person's hands reminds me that we all have hope!

Mr barely made it both Sunday morning as our family lit the 4th 'Joy' candle in the advent wreath and  Sunday night as he had to work (the ER never closes) but we sat in the same pew we've been in for over 8 years now hand in hand giving thanks for our undeserved blessings.

Christmas Eve night was quiet, until we decided to bust into our presents! Of all the pretty new shiny gifts the precious gift of our baby girl is the greatest.  Her due date is in one month and I can honestly say I've never wanted something so much!!! (mostly because I'm still throwing up and uncomfortable as ever)

Christmas Day has been even more quiet as Mr was back treating patients in the ER.  I'm no stranger to missing him on holidays as his service heart called him to military that included a deployment to the Middle East and a career practicing medicine.  I took today to reflect and have gratitude for all that I do have.  And I enjoyed watching Hallmark movies undisturbed :)

Baby girl had me sick as a dog this evening and as frustrated as I am it's a small price to pay.  PS how in the world does this belly keep growing when I can barely keep food down?! sigh

Even Scragley enjoyed the day sleeping away in the left over gift boxes.

This year truly has been merry & bright!

May Your Christmas Be Dressed Beautifully Surrounded By Those You Love

XOXO Sarah Louise