Fixing My Gaze

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with our families. We ate our fair share of turkey and dressing along with quite a few other things. I did not brave the crowds and go shopping. But opted to stay in my pjs and clean out closets. Not a lot of fun, but it feels good to have it done.

So, I have been thinking a lot lately about the season that is upon us. My goal is to not miss it. I know I will be physically present, but I want to be spiritually present also. And I think the key to staying spiritually focused is in where I fix my gaze.

It is easy to think of all that has to be done and get stressed out. It is easy to think of all the gifts that need to be purchased and get stressed out. It is easy to think of the parties you have to host, the food you have to cook, the cards you have to send and get stressed out. I know its easy because I have been there so many times. But this year I want things to be different.

And here is what I have learned...when I set my gaze on Jesus and not on my cirsumstances, boy I have a totally different attitude. My circumstances may not change and nothing may get taken off of my To Do list, but when I am focused on Jesus those things just don't seem that important.

That is my plan going into the Christmas season. My plan is to think about Jesus more. To spend more time with Him. To talk about Him more with my family and those I come in contact with.

I would love to hear your thoughts on how you can stay spiritually present during the Christmas season.

These are a few of my favorite things...

October is going down in the books as one of my favorite months ever! I love, love, LOVE FALL!

This past month I celebrated 18 wonderful, carefree years with my husband. That is not really the truth, there have been some tough years mixed in there too. But I wouldn't trade one single day because I am more in love with that man today than I was 18 years ago.

This is a picture of Dog the Bounty Hunter and Beth at our Sunday School Costume Party! (Help us...what were we thinking?)

I have also really enjoyed being at the football field watching my son play. And my husband also coached this year which was fun. I love football especially when the weather gets cooler. This past Saturday was their last game and we were huddled up in blankets freezing, but I still loved every minute. I was sitting there all wrapped up with my sunglasses on and tears streaming down my face. I wasn't crying. It was just so cold that my eyes wouldn't stop watering. Fun, fun, fun!


We also had a blast with the fall festival at our church and then going trick or treating. We went trick or treating in my in laws neighborhood. It is always so much fun. And my mother in law is the hostess with the mostest. She made soup and cornbread so after we walked our legs off we came back and had a hot bowl of soup. We walked so far that we called for some of the family that stayed to pass out candy to come and pick us up. We met up with friends while trick or treating and just had a blast. So much fun!

Carving of the pumpkins!

This is my favorite picture. I love my daughter's expression...they are just too fun!

I hope you are having a great fall too!