I'm Erika of the blog and shop rouge & whimsy and I'm here to talk about waiting. Waiting is not fun. And Advent is a time of waiting. When I was little I thought waiting during Advent was referring to the horribly long time between Thanksgiving and Christmas-- the long, long time I had to endure before Christmas morning. I am older now, but I am still terrible at waiting. I think most Americans are. We live in a time and a place where we can get whatever we want, when we want it. When I'm hungry, I can eat. If I need clothing, I can buy it-- even if I don't have cash; I have a credit card. Nearly anything and everything is available to me. Yet Advent reminds me that waiting is important. All through the book of Isaiah in the Bible, we read how the Jewish people were longing for a savior-- waiting for the Messiah to show up. When He did show up, years and years later, He came as an infant in a stable-- not as the king on the battle horse the people expected. Today, I am reminded that I need to wait on God. There are so many things I long for, I ask for-- so many places that I demand God to show up, but He asks me to wait. To listen. And when He does show up, He likely won't show up as I expect Him to. Like he showed up as a baby over 2,000 years ago, He may show up in situations in a quiet and humble manner. This Advent, I am asking myself, do I wait for God? Or do I try to plunge ahead, try to fix things myself? And if I do wait on Him, am I looking for Him to show up in a certain way? Or will I be okay with just a baby in the stable? One of my favorite songs right now isn't a hymn, or anything Christmas-y but the song "I Will Wait" by Mumford and Sons. The lyrics are from my heart and what I am singing all Advent. Thanks Jen, for letting me share what was on my heart today. :) You can find me here: blog // shop // facebook // twitter ... Read more
Hard To Shop For… No More!
Hi, everyone! My name is Claudia and I blog over at Lashes & Beard. That's my little corner of the blogosphere where I write a lot about my faith, delicious food, my wonderful family, and anything that inspires laughter and creativity. Beyond the blog, I'm both blessed and humbled to call Josh my husband, Isaiah my son, the Pacific Northwest my home, and Jesus Christ my Savior. Oh, and I get to call Jen my friend... that's pretty cool, too. Christmas is officially upon us, and many are making out their gift lists - the list of people you are planning on purchasing a Christmas gift for, and what that gift might be. You've got some cool cooking gadgets in mind for your gourmet chef of a mother, pottery lessons for that artistic little niece of yours, and some Pinterest project you've been saving up all year for your quirky college roommate... But as you scroll your merry way down the list, you come across that person. You know who I'm talking about. The person who is Hard To Shop For. These HTSFs, as I'll call them, have managed to eek their way onto every gift-giving list that ever was and is to come! It may be your spouse, your mother in-law, or that one aunt that you're not close to but you want to make sure you stay on her good side (and in her will). They may be an HTSF for different reasons, too (i.e. they already have everything, they "can't think of anything," etc.). Have no fear, because I have some helpful ideas that will make even your worst HTSF a thing of the past... without resorting to gift cards! 1) Ask yourself if they collect anything. Whether they're admitted collectors or not, if they have a room full of nothing but lighthouses... chances are, they collect lighthouse paraphernalia and would welcome more. Keep in mind that collections can be subtle, like old books or Depression-era glassware, which get staged in various places throughout a home. 2) Listen for activity cues. Has your HTSF recently mentioned wanting to see a movie, perhaps, or go to an exhibit at the museum? Take a cue! Don't just give them a gift card to the theater - take them! Not only are you giving them the gift they wanted (to see the movie), but you're also giving them a memory made with you. 3) Do they have a cause near-and-dear to their heart? My son, Isaiah, is now 6 months old and he was born with complex congenital heart disease. Since his diagnosis, I've done everything I can to learn more about heart disease in children, and I've also spent a fair amount of time at our local Children's Hospital. Maybe your HTSF has had a life-changing experience, too? Consider donating to a charity that supports their cause, in their honor. 4) What are their hobbies? Be it jogging, reading, or learning computer programming languages (shout-out to my hubs!), everyone has a hobby! And every hobby has a magazine or website! Try looking through those publications for news and reviews on a product that your HTSF might enjoy. Additionally, ask any friends who share similar interests what they would want for Christmas and you'll likely get an answer that applies to your HTSF, as well. 5) Where do they live? Whether you and your HTSF share a bed, or you're 1,000 miles away, websites like LivingSocial and Groupon have deals for everyone. Check out the deals local to your HTSF's area and pick one that you think they'd enjoy. FYI: Everyone enjoys food, so pick up one of those 1/2 off deals for a restaurant in their neck of the woods. If you still can't come up with something, try a nice neutral gift. Fruit baskets from retailers like Harry and David are always well-received, as are homemade baked goods. Remember that the reason we give gifts is not to gain favor, or get on anyone's good side... it's to reflect the gift of grace that Christ gave to us through his death on the cross. Keeping that in mind when bestowing gifts to others will radiate gladness, and the gift receiver will know that you were giving from a genuine heart. ... Read more
Keyword Analysis #7
It's that time you've all been waiting for... another edition of "Keyword Analysis." These are the terms that people typed into a search engine that led them to my blog. The moral of the story is... people on the Internet are CRAZY. Read past Keyword Analysis posts HERE. Khaki pants closet... Yes, please come over and I will show you my entire closet filled with khaki pants. You haven't heard of a khaki pants collection before??? But, they are so common... and what is more attractive than khaki? {via} Biblical back splash for kitchen... Oh my! The opportunities are endless!!! I am picturing Abraham, Noah, and Moses staring at me while I cook. I hope Old Testament animal sacrifices aren't included in this mosaic, although they might be most appropriate for the kitchen. {via} Granny in bikini... Come back in about thirty years, and I'll see what I can do... Elephant face bodysuit... For baby or for me? {via} Nascar t-shirt with water bubbles... What does this even mean? And how has it led MORE than one person to my blog??? My sexy grandma Who types this stuff? Although, my sweet little grandma is pretty cute. More classy than sexy, though, I'd say... XOXO! ... Read more
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