Chels in Progress

So Christmas felt a little different this year.  My step-grandpa passed away this summer while I was in Asia, and he was definitely missed.  No one mentioned his absence, but I knew my grandma was heartbroken. It was her first Christmas without him in about 25 years.  The other side of my family got sick, and no one was up to play Apples to Apples or go outside, two things I was really excited to do.  Even so, I am overjoyed that we got to celebrate another Christmas, so here are my top ten things I'm most thankful for this Christmas season: {1} Family to spend time with & laugh with & learn more about. {2} Christmas trees. {3} Christmas Eve candlelight service & worship. {4} Gifts: CBU Alumni Association membership, GRE study books, Green Bay Packers hat, Love Propagation gloves, self-defense/handgun course, M&Ms, & the Ragamuffin Gospel (: {5} Christmas lights late at night. {6} Tradition: OH Bakery Kringles. {7} Tradition: new orn...

I struggle with my family.  It seems so ridiculous to say.  They love me more than anyone else in the world, they've been by my side through all my ups and downs, and I love them tons.  But they also drive me the most crazy.  I'll spare you the elaboration, especially because this post is supposed to focus on the things I'm most thankful for about them. Top Ten Things About My Family That I'm Thankful For : {1} That my mom can do many basic functional things, like eating, showering, writing, et cetera.  It sounds crazy.  And she'd probably hate that this is on a public blog, but it's one of the things I'm most thankful for.  Her MS has robbed her of so many things, and these basic abilities are such blessings, even though they too have also slowed down. {2} That my dad is a local small business owner.  Even though we struggle, the fact that he is his own boss has been a blessing.  He was always able to make it to my sports games, plays...

Rain. 4am shifts. Youth Group. Our Christmas tree . Mod Podge. Quiet times. Model clay. Jeremiah + Job . + Romans + Psalms... Coconut smelling things. God's sweet and funny surprises. ♥ Thank You, Lord. Even in my unbelief. Even in my mistrust . You are solid . You never let go. You are patient. Sweet . Gentle. Nudging . Thank You. For Your faithfulness . And love. And promises ( always kept). And Your timing. And the ways you make me laugh . And cry . Thank You for the little joys. And the big joys. The heart aches . And the good breaks. For Your gracious forgiveness . Your daily mercies. Your abundance of life.

{1} Joined the high school youth group leader squad. and got asked if I was a) a senior in high school, b) someone's sister, c) a babysitter. {2} Sold my guitar to a sister who wants to use it for worship. check out my last post. {3} Hearing testimonies + worship music with dear friends and new faces. {4} Freesoulcaffé + thrift store hopped with Allie Ray. {5} Discovered that Air1 now reaches Orange and LA Counties. {6} Warmer weather = skirt + tights + boots. {7} Comfy reindeer sweater twice in one week. {8} Made a paper chain by firelight. {9} Found a rad book on U.S. National Parks for 50¢ at the thrift store. {10} Christmas cards, decorations, smells, and music. and red cups at Starbucks.

“But do you believe miracles still happen?  Many Christians I’ve met do not. Often, this is because they confuse miracles with magic. I remind them that miracles don’t have to break that laws of nature to be a supernatural event.” - Bruce Wilkinson Today was so cool. So I've had this guitar (which I've never learned to play) for about four years, give or take.   It was a gift from an ex-boyfriend, and it's a beautiful guitar, but it's been just sitting in its case for a great deal of time now.  After figuring out that the guitar is not my forte, and guessing it wouldn't be a good idea to try to give it back, I decided to sell it.  We put it on Craigslist the day before Thanksgiving, but only received one offer, from a man offering half of what I was asking.  I may not be the best at bartering, but I was determined to not give up.We decided to re-list it this weekend, hoping it would be seen. Today my dad stopped by my work to tell me that a gir...