Sunday Thoughts: What's the Big Deal about Jesus?

*Here on SOM, we talk about the things that matter most to us--for many of us that includes our faith and religious beliefs.  I hope that we can all show respect and learn from each other's perspectives, even if they are different from our own.  Thank you for allowing me to open my heart to you!*

By Amy 

Happy day, Christmas is coming! :)

Even though it can feel a little stressful and expensive--and I never get everything done that I want to (...yeah, I didn't get a Christmas card done this year. Oops!)--the Christmas season is magical. The beautiful decor, the lights, thinking of others, picking the perfect gift, cozy blankets/hot chocolate/Christmas movies, carols...and the love.  And of course, the reason for the season: a time to celebrate the birth of Christ!  And most people, even if they're not Christian or religious, feel and show increased love and service for others.  We all try to be a little more loving and kind at Christmas time. It's so great  :)

I was thinking the other day about how gift-giving is a tradition at Christmas time because the wise men gave gifts to Jesus to honor Him.  I love that they gave him the fanciest gifts, too!  It seems kind of funny from a mom's point of view.  Really, gold?  What is a baby going to do with that?  And frankincense...isn't that some kind of perfumed oil?  He'll either drink it when you're not looking, or spill it all over his swaddling clothes.  And myrrh....whatever that is, it doesn't sound like a toy.

But, even though those aren't like your typical baby gift, the gifts of the wise men were actually very fitting.  I mean, this wasn't a baby shower, this was the birth of the Son of God!  And though he was a tiny little infant, they knew that He was the most important infant to ever be born.  So they gave Him highly treasured, valuable gifts...to show reverence and honor for who He was.

Isn't this so beautiful!?  "The Holy Night" by Carlo Maratta

But the wise men didn't give the only gifts.

Christ gave a gift too.  He came down from His Heavenly throne and was born here on earth into the humblest of circumstances.  I mean, He was born in a barn and laid in the cattles' hay manger!  He came, knowing that He would suffer and give His life to fulfill His Father's plan; He came for all of us. His life was a gift to us too, an example of love, purity, and obedience.  His teachings were a gift to the whole world, giving us the path to follow and the right way to live.  And ultimately, the greatest gift He gave was his life.  He suffered pain and sorrow that would have killed any of us, and didn't let it end until He had paid the full price; that's when He told the Father while hanging on the cross, "It is finished." before dying.  He lay down his perfect, unblemished life as the only acceptable, worthy sacrifice to pay the price so that we can repent and become clean.  And He loves each of us, collectively and one by one.  John 15:13 says, "Greater love hath no man than this, that He lay down His life for his friends."

God gave a gift too!

His gift, we also celebrate every Christmas, "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)  His gift was also motivated by love and required a great sacrifice; to send His beloved son into the world, knowing that He would suffer greatly and then die at the hands of evil people.  His pure, good, kind son!  He could have stopped it all so easily and sent an army of angels to squash those Roman soldiers and the Jewish leaders who were condemning His son (well, Jesus could have stopped it too!) but, God loved US enough to let it happen.  Wow, what a choice!  I don't know if I could ever let my son suffer and die, even if I knew his death would save others.  It must have been agony for the Father.  He must love us SO deeply.  Each and every one of us.

Sometimes people will ask a Christian, "What's the big deal about Jesus?"  

I remember asking the same question myself when I was a teenager.  But, now I know: Our Father sent Jesus to atone for our sins, so that we can be clean if we chose to follow Him!  That is the only way we can return to live with God after we die and receive all of His blessings.  So, that's the big deal about Jesus and Christmas: the greatest Gift is the chance to return to God and have eternal life.  And we celebrate Jesus, because he made that possible.  And, I know it can be hard to comprehend sometimes....like, "How can we even know that there's a God?  What is the proof?"

But I know it's true, cause I've felt it many times and I can't deny it.  I know that God is there.  I've felt His love in quiet ways that are powerful witnesses to me.  I've felt my heart expand and swell when learning about Jesus Christ, and I know those feelings are the Spirit testifying to me that this is REAL!  It's all real!  There is a God, and He sent His Son who gave His perfect life for me.

And I can't remember what it was like to be in God's presence, but I've had glimpses--those moments when I've felt the closest to Heaven.  When my son was born.  When I cuddle with my sweet little family.  Times when I've been heart-broken, crying myself to sleep, praying for relief...and He comforted me.  Being at church and hearing a beautiful song or talk and feeling the desire welling up in me to be more loving, more patient, more like the Savior.  And the simple little moments, like seeing the sun sparkling on the frosty trees and I'm so happy for a beautiful world.  Or when I get home from teaching art classes in the evening, I walk through the door, and my son starts running to me and yells, "MOMMA!"  Oh man, my heart is about to explode!  These little snatches of soul-filling joy are just little tiny glimpses of the joy we will feel in the presence of God.  It's going to be more amazing than we can ever imagine; the greatest and warmest happiness...if we could only remember how it felt to be with Him, we'd long to be back.  And He longs for us to return to Him!  That's why He could let His first-born suffer and die, cause He knew it was the only way for His other precious Sons and Daughters to get to return to Him again.

I know it's true.  I feel it so strong!

And I can't perfectly understand everything and I know I have a long ways to go, but I know what I know, and I'll depend on faith for the rest.

So, our loving Father and His Son already gave us the perfect gifts.  That's kind of a hard gift exchange!  How do you repay the PERFECT gift?  We can't.  Anything we could give them would be like us receiving a Lamborghini, and giving a little hot wheels car in return.  Ha!  But we can still give our heart.  We can do our best to follow him and keep His commandments, teach and love our children, and reach out to others.  Like He said, "Feed my sheep."  I try to live like the Savior the best I can, though I trip up a lot.  (Um, I have a toddler, so yes, I lose patience.  Like 500 times a day. *sigh...)

So, this Christmas, even though anything I could give would be hopelessly small in comparison to His gifts to me, I wanted to give something to my Heavenly Father.  And I wanted it to be something that He knew I was holding back from Him.  I didn't know what to give, so I prayed and asked.  As I pondered my question, the thought that came to my mind.

I need to give Him more meaningful prayers.

I felt a little ashamed at myself when that answer came, cause I knew it was true.  I've had times in my life when I was much more deliberate and thoughtful in my prayers, and I felt closer to God.  I mean, having quality conversation with anyone will deepen a relationship, and I was missing that.  Lately, I wake up by my son yelling, "Momma!" from his crib, so my morning prayers are either rushed or forgotten.  Prayers at meals are usually said quickly, finished before Hayden starts flinging food.  And at night time I'm exhausted and thinking of bed, so my prayers are not as real as they should be.  And I've been busy and distracted from the little, quiet through-out the day prayers that I used to send Him.  This is sad to me.  I know that God could be guiding me more in my life, but I am not seeking His help like I use to.  So, that is my gift to Him.  It sounds meager, but I want to figure out when to take a few minutes for a heart-felt prayer, right after I put my son down for a nap, turning off the music when I'm in the car to talk to my Heavenly Father, even praying in the shower!

I love the story of the little drummer boy playing for the Savior: that was all he had to give and he gave his best.  Our heart-felt efforts are seen and appreciated by our Father and the Savior.  (Read this incredible post from Momastery--it inspired me SO much!  I wish I could explain things like her!!)

I'd love to hear from you....what are your favorite parts of Christmas?  What do you want to give to Jesus this year?

I am so glad for this time of year, even though I suck at baking and I didn't get out Christmas cards.

I love all of you!  I hope you have joy and love this holiday season!  You are loved. :)

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Amber's MacGyver Christmas Wrapping

By Amy

Hey friends!  So, my friend and across-the-street neighbor, Amber, dropped off some Christmas goodies for us last night!  Of course I was happy to see the yummies (fudge!!!) but I was intrigued by the package!  Can you tell what it is?

It's a Pringles can!  

Haha!  Cool, huh?  Just add a little wrapping paper and...viola!  Fancy little Christmas package!

Yummm...

And, my son is grateful for "Hamber" as he calls her, cause he looooves that chocolate!

Anyway, cool little idea for you today!  Feel free to pin or share this idea if you think it's clever too.  :)  Happy week before Christmas, friends!  And now I'm gonna go scarf some goodies...

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Party Food Disasters.

By Amy

Well, tis the season for Holiday Parties.

This is my last party contribution.  Sorry, that's a lie.  Sigh.  Isn't it beautiful?

Which means...making food for other people.   (Oh, the terror!!!)   For us cooking-impaired, whether we're hosting a dinner party or just taking a dish to the church Christmas social, we are bound to experience some major anxiety.  I've told you before that I stink at cooking--so the thought of my inability displayed for others to see makes my stomach churn.  And to have my pathetic dish sitting in comparison to the classy dishes of all the other ladies with foodie skills?  Yikes.  I usually give up before a pot-luck and beeline it to the Oreo section of Walmart.  And I invite Papa Murphy to my dinner parties.

When my hub Patrick is there to cook, or when we can teamwork it, I do much better.  He's got cooking skillz and he usually keeps me from burning things.

But, I know I'm not the only one who dreads making food for parties.

Here are some of my sister Julie’s hilarious stories about party food fiascos.  For you that love making delicious deserts and delectable dishes, hats off to you!  Please come to my next party and bring your fabulous food with you! :)  But to my non-foodies out there, maybe my sister's experiences will bring you tidings of comfort and joy this holiday party season!  They made me feel better!  :)

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When my husband and I were first married, we moved into a new ward (local church group) in a pretty fancy area.

At our first potluck party, I wanted to impress--ya know, really make friends and influence people.  I decided to make banana pudding.  First, I made the pudding and put the whip cream on top, then nicely arranged bananas on it to make it look all Martha Stewart.  I got to the party and set the pudding down on the table full of beautiful food.  Then, like one minute later, the bananas looked brown and shrively.  And nasty.  Well, I think by the end of the night, one person tried the pudding.  Oh wait, that was probably me.  I was so embarrassed.  I took my pudding home and bawled.

Julie and her cute fam!

But, I've had more bad experiences.

My stew was burned and turned into this thick gravy stuff, instead of soup.

I burned the potato casserole, then I tried to take out the burned parts--it didn't work.

I bought rolls from the grocery store last minute and the only ones they had were super hard and crusty.  Those were not the hit of the party.

At potlucks, the pressure’s on to prove your domestic skills.  It’s almost a competition.  I'm kind of jealous of the moms who are well-known for their specialty.  Like, "Oh, I hope ____ is bringing her incredible Apple Pie!"  Those ladies are amazing!

But, I guess at the end of the day, we all have our talents.  Mine isn’t baking.  I felt better when I heard the bishops's wife (like the pastor's wife) say she couldn't cook!  Well, at least that means that I'm not the only one! :)

-By Julie

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Hahahha, thanks Julie!  It really doesn't matter if she can't cook...She is kind and fun, and a great mom and one of the most talented artists I've ever known!  So, in this holiday season of fanciness of all kinds, just remember that whatever your talents, they are worthwhile!  If you're not Betty Crocker, NBD.  There's nothing like some store-bought cookies to bring a little holiday cheer!  :)

So, how about you?  Does it stress you out to make food for other people?  Have you had any party food fiascos?  If so, please tell!  :)  (We're laughing WITH you, not AT you.)

And ladies, lets help each other out; how about we make a pact that we'll take a big scoop of any food that is barely touched at the next holiday party, huh?  :)  And if you loved Julie's stories and you can relate, please Like or Share this so others can get a laugh too! :)

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On Thanksgiving, Weddings, and Overnight Trips without Your Kids

By Amy

Hey friends!  How was your Thanksgiving?!  I hope you got plenty of family and delicious turkey.  Oh, and cranberry sauce.  I love that crap so much, I could eat a whole can.  In fact, when I was a kid, I would!  I'd grab a can and spoon then go to town...yum!  But, anyway...

My thanksgiving was fun!  Family, tons of little kiddios running around, fabulous food, and then, before bed, a dance party in the living room!  Good way to work off the over-eating, huh?Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday; You get all the food and family, without all the stress, decorating, and gift-giving anxiety/expense that comes with Christmas.

Since I was partying it up, I didn't end up posting anything last week.  I'm feeling like a lame-o blogger lately.  But, it's ok right?  You all know that November and December are full of family, partying, and busy-ness, so we should all be out enjoying life!  After all, I started this blog to enjoy connecting with others; it would be a shame if I miss spending time with my real-life peeps, cause I'm too busy tapping away on my laptop.  But I miss hanging out with you ladies when I post less often.  I love hearing from you through the stories you submit and the comments you post!  Yes, I'm cheesy, but I love YOU, baby!

And, guess what...This here blog is coming up on it's birthday....1 year old!  Crazy.  (Are you rolling your eyes like I do when someone tells me it's their dog's birthday?  Haha...)  I think it's even called a blog-iversary.  Hahah...oh boy.  I'm trying to think of something AMAZING to do here on SOM that will knock your socks off in celebration.  I mean, at a typical one-year-old party, you let the baby smash their face into a ginormous chocolate cake, but I'm pretty sure that smashing my laptop into a cake would be much less adorable.  And super expensive.  Hmmmm, any ideas?  A give-away?  A contest?  Maybe I'll try posting a video for the first time...But, I'm not eating a spoonful of cinnamon, so don't suggest it.  (Hahaha...go watch GloZell's cinnamon challenge if you haven't seen it.)  Maybe YOU can send a video of your best birthday party dance moves, I'll post them all, and we'll have a big virtual dance party together!  WOO!!!

So, here's something I wanted to hear your input on: overnight trips once you have a kids.

For you mommas, do you go on many overnight trips away from your kids?  Is it hard to leave them or do you love the freedom?  Do you worry about them when you're gone?  Do you feel guilty for being away?  Or is it fabulous?  Have your ever had to be away from your kids for an extended amount of time?  (hospital stay, work trip, military service, etc.) How did you stay connected?

Patrick and I went on our FIRST "just us" overnight trip since Hayden was born--and he's almost two years old!!  When he was an infant, leaving him overnight with a sitter was out of the question, cause he was a horrible sleeper for a long time, waking up many times a night (like 15 times, no exaggeration) till he was 10 months old...I couldn't ask that of anyone, not even my mom.  Plus, my husband has always been in school, so hotel stays were/are way out of the budget.  So, any trips were to visit family and of course we'd want Hayden with us for that!  But this trip was going to be a LOOOONG car ride, then a fancy wedding: both bad ideas for a toddler.  So, my momma-in-law watched Hayden, while we drove 10 hours to Bend, Oregon to see one of Patrick's best friends get married.

And It was SOO awesome.

You may say, "Sitting in the car for over 20 hours in 2 days does not sound awesome.  But, I assure you, I thoroughly enjoyed it.  (I mean aside from my minor freak-out moments when I realized that most of the other women at the wedding were dressed WAY more fancy than me, with stilettos and prom-like dresses, and I felt like an under-dressed fool in my blue cotton dress and flats....oh, and then when I could not figure out which fork to use for my salad.)  But, the wedding was SO beautiful, the food was amaze-ZING, and it was so fun to talk and dance with friends.  But the best part?  Hanging out with my hub.  That was the most un-interrupted time I've had with him for a long time.  I kept thinking, "Holy cow, you are so cool!  I forgot how much I love talking to you and just being with you!"  Haha :)

And of course, we quoted and laughed about funny things our son says and does, and called my momma-in-law several times to check-in, but, we knew he was fine so we didn't worry.  I felt oddly un-occupied at the wedding and reception; I saw other parents chasing kids and pulling them away from the decorative candles, and we were just...chatting.  Or eating.  Or dancing.  Not doing those things while simultaneously wiping noses, calming a fit, chasing a child, looking for a place to change a diaper, etc.  And we danced our bums off.  I didn't feel guilty for enjoying the trip, cause Hayden was having a lot more fun with his grandma than he would have had at a fancy wedding and on a 20 hour car trip!

Patrick and I with the bride and groom!!!  We love them!  Sorry the pic is crappy and blurry, the girl who took it apparently drank a bit too much...haha.  That was another funny part of the wedding--Patrick and I aren't usually around people drinking, since we don't drink alcohol. (We're Mormon)  I'm pretty sure the servers thought we were weirdos since we said "no thanks" every time they offered us a drink. :)  

Patrick and I with Brandon!  Check out the lodge where the wedding and reception was held.  It was SWEET!

Scotty and Brandon at our wedding three years ago!  It's nice when you like your spouses friends. :)  They're so cool!

But, I was missing him like crazy by the next day.  When we finally pulled up to our little house, we left all of our stuff in the car, ran up the stairs, and burst through the front door, dying to see our little stinker.  He smiled so big when he saw us and we all hugged and cuddled... he kept saying, "missed you!"  Oh my gosh, it was so freakin cute.  I almost cried holding him, cause he was just so sweet and funny, giving me high fives and knuckles over and over.  It's weird how you can totally enjoy a break from your kid and miss him like crazy at the same time. :)

I've decided that we need to go on more trips, just Patrick and I.  I love our busy day-to-day life, and we have so much fun with our little son, but ...MAN, it was really nice to be just my hub and I again for those 24 hours.  So at least once a year, I want to do a little overnight trip, so we can just be "us."  And, that will be enough! :)  Also, we'll appreciate our son all the more when we get back! :)

What are your thoughts?  Do you have a hard time taking trips?  What mini trips have you taken with your spouse?  Any ideas for us?  Can't be expensive, though. :)  And, for you parents, I'd love to hear about your experiences going on trips without your kiddios!

Also, any blog-iversay ideas would be appreciated.  :)

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