Just recently I was told that I always have a smile on my face. Yes, I try my best to smile because frowning really isn't all that hot, ya know? However, there are times when I frown....sometimes more than I would like to. Stress is a part of everyday life, but sometimes I stress 10x more than the average person. My folks always tell me that it's detrimental to my health so I really try not to............buuuuuuuuuut it's hard.
Stressing about work...stressing about future career decisions...stressing about finances...stressing about my daily walk with God...I think most would agree that these are all challenges that we face at some point in our lives. Sometimes it feels as though I get 2 steps ahead....and then I take 21415515 steps back....but again, I guess that's part of life. I have really been meditating on God's word. When things are going good, the devil has a way of stealing your joy. But, I guess that's his job, right? Well, my job as a Christian is to remain faithful. I KNOW that these small road blocks are just a test of my faith. Galatians 6:9 really keeps me grounded. It states "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." This verse really speaks to me. There are times when I get so tired I want to give up, but I know the reward is far greater than any obstacle.
I guess I said all of that to say.....PRAY for me. PRAY for my daily walk with God. PRAY that I make the right decisions concerning my future. PRAY that I make the right decisions concerning my finances. PRAY for my strength. PRAY for my temper/attitude. PRAY that I may be the daughter, sister, and girlfriend God has called me to be. While reading my daily devotion I came across something I'd like to share. "We worship God because of His love for us and because of who He is, not because loving Him can help our bottom line. Don't worship God to gain His benefits; you already have them!" Let that marinate :)
I hope you all had a great 'extended' break and you're ready to tackle 2012! ...sending peace and blessings your way!
Until next time...
t.RAE :) XO
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
A Christmas Story
I hope each one of you had an awesome Christmas holiday! If you're still on vacation, please exit my page now...some had to return to the workplace :( Just as always, I enjoyed my Christmas break but this time was a little more special. I have always enjoyed time with my family and friends but "time" is a little more precious the older you get.Working for the county now I only got Friday and Monday as vacation days. I headed to Corinth as soon as I woke up Friday morning! Friday night a group of my high school classmates decided to do dinner at Pizza Grocery, wonder pizza might I add. With everyone out of college and on with our lives, we hardly find time to reunite. I am glad we were able to part with our busy schedules and enjoy a night of laughter and memories.
On Saturday, I woke up and decided to spend the day with my daddy. This was the perfect idea at 10am. However, by 1pm, it was not so perfect. Granted I love spending time with my dad, but he deemed Dec 24 as his shopping day! Yes, you heard right...the man waits until Dec 24 to do ALL of his Christmas shopping. So we were running around like chickens with our heads cut off looking for gifts. Everything I picked out was "ummm, not exactly what I'm looking for". Well daddy, it's December 24...less than 24 hours until Christmas...you might want to take what you can get! After the hustle and bustle of shopping I was able to coerce him into buying dinner. So we met with the newly engaged (Keitra and Creston) for a lunch/dinner at Sweet Peppers.....which was like the only thing open on ................Christmas Eve.
Saturday evening I hurried home to watch A Christmas Story for the first time...ever in life. Don't judge me (as many have). I really enjoyed the movie with mi familia! So much that we watched it a second time! After the movie Braxton, myself, and my little cousin Devon Luke made cookies for Santa. These were not normal cookies...they were gigantic McAlister style cookies! Needless to say, Santa enjoyed them :)
After putting baby brother to bed, I drifted off to sleep. Around 8am Sunday morning I heard a little voice saying "mama, it's Christmas!!!" Braxton was extremely excited.
He woke up to tons and tonssssssss of toys under the Christmas tree! After opening gifts, exchanging a few tears (of joy of course) and many hugs and kisses, we were off to church to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. After church we made our usual rounds and ended back at our house Sunday night.
After a peaceful night's sleep I woke up bright and early to head to Joey's to visit with his family. To my surprise, it was Christmas all over again.
Being brought up in a Christian household, I acknowledge and respect the true meaning of CHRISTmas. It is a time to reflect on Christs' birth and be forever grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us {daily}. Although gifts should not be the main focus, I am thankful for those who took the time out to purchase things for me. Some of my items include....
a new tv (which was verrrry much needed)
a necklace from Tiffany's
I heart NY shirts (that I've wanted since 6th grade)
a beautiful MS State coffee mug
new towels to match my bathroom
a Delta lapel pin
and much much more!
I am forever grateful for those who unselfishly give and I pray that as people bless me, I can be a blessing to others!
Until next time
t.RAE :) XO
On Saturday, I woke up and decided to spend the day with my daddy. This was the perfect idea at 10am. However, by 1pm, it was not so perfect. Granted I love spending time with my dad, but he deemed Dec 24 as his shopping day! Yes, you heard right...the man waits until Dec 24 to do ALL of his Christmas shopping. So we were running around like chickens with our heads cut off looking for gifts. Everything I picked out was "ummm, not exactly what I'm looking for". Well daddy, it's December 24...less than 24 hours until Christmas...you might want to take what you can get! After the hustle and bustle of shopping I was able to coerce him into buying dinner. So we met with the newly engaged (Keitra and Creston) for a lunch/dinner at Sweet Peppers.....which was like the only thing open on ................Christmas Eve.
Saturday evening I hurried home to watch A Christmas Story for the first time...ever in life. Don't judge me (as many have). I really enjoyed the movie with mi familia! So much that we watched it a second time! After the movie Braxton, myself, and my little cousin Devon Luke made cookies for Santa. These were not normal cookies...they were gigantic McAlister style cookies! Needless to say, Santa enjoyed them :)
After putting baby brother to bed, I drifted off to sleep. Around 8am Sunday morning I heard a little voice saying "mama, it's Christmas!!!" Braxton was extremely excited.
He woke up to tons and tonssssssss of toys under the Christmas tree! After opening gifts, exchanging a few tears (of joy of course) and many hugs and kisses, we were off to church to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. After church we made our usual rounds and ended back at our house Sunday night.
After a peaceful night's sleep I woke up bright and early to head to Joey's to visit with his family. To my surprise, it was Christmas all over again.
Being brought up in a Christian household, I acknowledge and respect the true meaning of CHRISTmas. It is a time to reflect on Christs' birth and be forever grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us {daily}. Although gifts should not be the main focus, I am thankful for those who took the time out to purchase things for me. Some of my items include....
a new tv (which was verrrry much needed)
a necklace from Tiffany's
I heart NY shirts (that I've wanted since 6th grade)
a beautiful MS State coffee mug
new towels to match my bathroom
a Delta lapel pin
and much much more!
I am forever grateful for those who unselfishly give and I pray that as people bless me, I can be a blessing to others!
Until next time
t.RAE :) XO
Friday, December 9, 2011
Where has time gone?!
Sooo it's December 9, 2011! It's been so long since I've talked to you guys! I know I constantly say I'm going to remain a "faithful blogger" but in reality....who has time?! The past few weeks have been....busy to say the least. Between after hour events at work, and night shifts at Charming Charlie, I barely have time to breathe...let alone blog!
My mom and baby brother Braxton came down for Thanksgiving. This was a huge relief, because we didn't have to travel 4 hours north for one day. We had a great time; shared laughs, recipes, and life lessons. Only thing missing was my dad...he was not able to get off work :( WE MISSED YOU DADDY!
In other news, I have 92.5% of my Christmas shopping DONE! If you haven't yet, please please please check out pinterest. There are millions of DIY crafts (Christmas ideas and recipes). I have yet to receive my invite and I'm already addicted!
One last thing to add to my short post....today marks 8 months that Joey and I have been together. I guess time flies when you're enjoying life! 8 months is not a long long time, but it seems like a long long time (you following me?) "We still all up on each other aint a {darn} thang changed" -courtesy of Beyonce. But seriously, in these 8 months I've learned so much from this guy. He really challenges me to be a better person and I think that's what love is all about. So 8 months down........a lifetime to go!
Until next time,
xo
t.RAE :)
My mom and baby brother Braxton came down for Thanksgiving. This was a huge relief, because we didn't have to travel 4 hours north for one day. We had a great time; shared laughs, recipes, and life lessons. Only thing missing was my dad...he was not able to get off work :( WE MISSED YOU DADDY!
In other news, I have 92.5% of my Christmas shopping DONE! If you haven't yet, please please please check out pinterest. There are millions of DIY crafts (Christmas ideas and recipes). I have yet to receive my invite and I'm already addicted!
One last thing to add to my short post....today marks 8 months that Joey and I have been together. I guess time flies when you're enjoying life! 8 months is not a long long time, but it seems like a long long time (you following me?) "We still all up on each other aint a {darn} thang changed" -courtesy of Beyonce. But seriously, in these 8 months I've learned so much from this guy. He really challenges me to be a better person and I think that's what love is all about. So 8 months down........a lifetime to go!
Until next time,
xo
t.RAE :)
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