First Sunday of Advent

Christmas time is really here and I can't believe it! This morning at church we lit the first candle of the Advent wreath. I love seeing the adorable young families read the scripture and light the candle together. It makes me warm inside.

I also spent all day decorating the house! I am super tired and need to get a good night's sleep for my big day tomorrow! Oh how I love Christmas!
XOXO,
JM

Back on the Blog Bandwagon...

My sincere apologies...I am a total failure at blogging lately! I was asked over Thanksgiving if I had posted anything recently and it stressed me out...literally I could not go to sleep because I was saddened by my laziness.

Well a few things have come up since I have been away! First and most importantly, I am starting a new job on Monday! Since I am going to be taking a lot more hours starting Spring term, I can't have a full-time job so I really have not been looking for one. Well, I got a call to come and interview at this adorable little school for a Title 1 tutor position. Well she must have liked my spunk because I got the job! Starting Monday, I will go everyday from 7:39-11 or so and help with struggling 5th graders. Now yes some of these kiddos are bigger than me and I might have to refresh on my math skills, but I am really excited about being in the schools everyday! As we all know, I do not do well with downtime, so this added structure is going to be so welcomed. Hopefully I will have some good stories to share about my new 5th grade friends.

Today, we got home from a relaxing trip to OIB for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday, and it was a great one this year, just a bit stressful for me. With Christmas right around the corner, Mimi is in full gear in the kitchen. Of course, this creates anxiety for me, but I am going to just take one day at a time...

Plans for tomorrow....DECORATE DECORATE DECORATE!
I can't wait to share pics of the tree we purchase this year...hopefully it will be taller than me this year!
Merry Christmas!
JM

Practice Peace with Our Bodies

Even if you do not suffer from an eating disorder, this is an amazing method of staying present to our inner experiences. Cissy Brady-Rogers, a psychotherapist specializing in food and body conflicts, developed the idea of practicing peace with our bodies. This is a way to learn to fully inhabit, care for, appreciate, and enjoy the very flesh we have criticized, hated, feared, and punished. I truly believe that this can be a powerful means of connecting with our bodies and practicing mindfulness.

Mindfulness is rooted in Eastern meditation traditions. The Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh stated this:
"Peace is present right here and now, in ourselves and in everything we do and see. The question is whether or not we are in touch with it. We don't have to travel far away to enjoy the blue sky. We don't have to leave our city or even our neighborhood to enjoy the eyes of a beautiful child. Even the air we breathe can be a source of joy. We can smile, breathe, walk, and eat our meals in a way that allows us to be in touch with the abundance of happiness that is available."
I find that I constantly dwell on the negative aspects of my life and am never fully present. My motto..."tomorrow is a new day." But...why don't I tell myself that each minute is a new minute provided by God and should be glorified! Why do I not take the time to enjoy the blue sky? Just some food for thought...yes that was an intended pun (teehee).
Tonight I am going to practice mindfulness by concentrating on this very moment without concern for the past for the future.
XOXO,
JM

Temptation

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes"
-Ephesians 6:11
We must defend ourselves against the evil wrongdoings of the Devil by...
1. Focus on Jesus
2. Keep your relationships right-breastplate of righteousness
3. Get involved in service- boots of the gospel of peace
4. Keep trusting God in difficult times- shield of faith
5. Win the battle of the mind- helmet of salvation
6. Know your Bible- sword of the Spirit
Starting tomorrow, before I get out of bed in the mornings I will put on my armor to defend myself and fight the evil temptations that are placed in front of me to harm not just me anymore, but the ones who I am closest too.
Ponder that verse for a while...
XOXO,
JM
*Special thanks to Nicky Gumble from Alpha!

Go Green in a Lilly kind-of Way

What could be more fun that helping out for a good cause, Lilly Pulitzer, and puffy dresses??!!?? Join in on the fun and donate to the Princess Project today!

Time for some reflection

Are you compulsively looking to the future? Are you always planning planning planning? Well I sure do and it makes us lose touch with the here and now. I often get discouraged and frustrated because my so called plans never seem to turn out exactly like I expect them too...Read on...
"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." -Matthew 6:34 MSG
Live one day at a time--While you can plan for tomorrow, you can't live it until it arrives. Most people spend so much time regretting the past and worrying about the future, they have not time to enjoy today!
So for now...I will not try to dwell on the mistakes I have made but enjoy this fall day curled up on the couch with Lola and a good movie (is it too early to watch Christmas movies??!!??)
XOXO,
JM
*devotion written by Rick Warren

What a Win!

Tonight I am in the best place to wear orange and lots of warm clothes. The Tigers killed the Seminoles with a 40 to 24 score! C-L-E-M-S-O-N!!!!

What I am Reading...

I may not be planning a wedding or even have a special someone, but oh how I do love anything to do with flowers, frills, white dresses, and a reason to put bows on everything! I am reading Nora Robert's second book in her bride quartet series. Now if you are all for sappy romance novels and some lighthearted fun, I highly recommend this great read! Its so entertaining...
I am being far too lazy today and enjoying my good book!
XOXO,
JM

Its been a while...

I'm back and guess what else is?!?!?! Lilly Pulitzer Originals!

The originals are back with classic prints and vintage styles. The collection is beautiful and is sure to get you ready for your winter getaway. I know Lilly brought this out just for me, because I have secretly wished I lived during the 60's soley due to their fabulous wardrobe!

What have been up too...

Well lots of family time and lots of school work. It seems that this "break" I have taken since college has made be quite the procastinator. I have a confession though...my biggest reason for not blogging is lack of creativity! I really have had nothing I felt interesting to share. Life can get a little to dull at times.

I'm glad to be back in the swing of things. I am off to make my Lilly originals wish list. I hope Santa reads this...

XOXO,

JM