Christmas Gifts

I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas! I know I did. All the family and friends always make this time of year amazing but just having knowledge of what the true meaning of Christmas is, is more than to keep my heart warm during such a chilly winter season.

I know when I think of Christmas and all the memories I have of the twenty December 25th's I have lived through, besides the nativity scenes and christmas trees, the gifts are where my mind lingers. Gosh have I gotten some great stuff :). But lets be honest. If I were to look back on all the years my true gifts come in bigger sizes.
*parents that have loved me no matter who I look like or act like
*a brother who will always be there for me no matter where in the world we end up
*a work family that will always have my back no matter my age or size
*a church family that welcomes me and all my craziness
*great friends at a great school that always make any bad day better
*and so many more people that I cannot explain how much they mean to me

to each an every person in my life I give a gift

To my enemy....forgiveness
To my opponent...tolerance
To a customer...service
To all men...charity
To every child...a good example
To a friend...my heart
To myself...respect
--Author unknown

Merry Christmas to everyone in my life and in my heart!

filter

What if for one day whatever you thought you said out loud?

Would your thoughts break hearts or fill them?

Sometimes I find myself thinking things that, yes, the person may need to hear and what I think for a second may truly change their situation or who they are but honestly am I the one who they should turn to for the truth? Our minds are still a battlefield. The thoughts flowing freely are not all truth in any way. Yes a filter free world would be easier but would it be better? If it were up to me, everyone would have a filter and would use it constantly. Sometimes checking your words can be the hardest but most rewarding thing in the entire world. I know I am thankful for a filter that helps me build bridges and not create canyons between friendships.

Make sure you check yourself before you need a bucket for all your word vomit..

growing up

Isn't it scary to think how when we were 11 years old we couldnt wait to grow up and have a "big girl job" and drive a "big girl car" and wear "big girl clothes"....

Lets be honest, when do we truly grow up?

For me hitting 20 I always thought would be such an important milestone. I am no longer a teenager, I'm on my second year in college, I've traveled the world by myself (somewhat). I've successfully achieved things by this point I thought would make me a grown up..

Truthfully...I am nowhere close to being grown up..

The best part about feeling young is sometimes overlooked. Feeling/being young comes with an innocence. Many people claim "ignorance is bliss" but I truly think it should be "innocence is bliss". By making decisions as a grown up but living life daily with an innocence like a child there lies a breif moment of peace.

I hope I never get to that point where every aspect of my life is of a grown up...hopefully somewhere deep inside lies a little girl that just wants to explore and fly like a bird :)