Because It's Just Too Beautiful Not to Post

Well, back to the airport again. This time, I was dropping off my better half. One the way to the airport, we got to talking about flying. I think Scott mentioned how terrifying it really can be when you really think about it. (to which I murmured, "I'd rather not at the ungodly hour of 4:30). This then led to my discussion of a recent video I watched about two ladies who flew for the first time.

With all my flying woes and travel stories lately, I hesitated to watch this video for fear that it would give me another thing to fear during travel. However, it kept popping up on my Facebook news feed, so I figured it must be pretty good. What I found was not disappointing.

Sometimes it is easy to see the negative in things, like traveling, flying, work, other people, or just life in general. And then that negativity can lead to anxiety, worry, and flat out terrifying thoughts (aka: plane going down). But watching this video gave me a much needed fresh perspective. I found this video inspiring. I hope it inspires you too. All you have to do is insert something that you have considered mundane or boring or even terrifying. Then watch this and realize that sometimes those things that you do all the time, others don't get to experience, so you might as well relish the moment and enjoy it from a different perspective. Because God's handiwork does look pretty beautiful from that angle.

Until Next Time Be Blessed…...

With a Side of Brussels Sprouts

Well, I suppose I have officially hit adulthood or something because I officially admit to liking brussels sprouts. You know, those things kids usually turn their noses up at. But alas, my "nose turning" at brussels sprouts has ended, thanks to a very tasty recipe from one of my favorite restaurants in Greenville, SC that we eat at occasionally when we travel there for work.

So since I thought some of you might like to get on the brussels sprouts bandwagon, I thought I would share three of my favorite brussels sprouts recipes for your tasting pleasure.

Before getting to the recipes, I should mention that I originally priced sprouts at the grocery store and they were a little more than I wanted to pay. But then one day I was at Costco browsing their produce and saw a large bag for only $4! So, if you are looking for somewhere to buy your sprouts at a more affordable price-try Costco! (I realize that when you divide how much a Costco membership cost over the price of everything we buy there in a year's time, combined with the fact that I can never seem to get out of there without spending $100 may not make the items purchased there "cheaper," but enlighten me….) (I should also mention that I realize I shop at Costco when we are feeding a mere two and not a family of oh say ten or twelve, but we go through a lot of food, and I cook for four most meals….that is a different blog for a different day, but it basically sums up to the fact that my husband is on some protein kick where he only eats a can of tuna (gross) and yogurt for lunch and is starving when he gets home) (I should also note that when he says he is "starving" I sometimes (most of the time) remind him that African children are starving, he simply hasn't eaten in 4 hours….)

So without further adieu, the recipes:

1) The Lazy Goat Recipe: This is the recipe that turned my taste buds onto brussels sprouts. Were it not for the lazy goat and their delicious brussels sprouts, I would not have gained the courage the branch out, try them, and play around with the following two recipes below. I have only made this recipe once because some of the ingredients are pricey, and it takes a little bit of time. But if you have the time and money, it is well worth it. Also, I made it with asiago and bacon to give it a slightly less expensive flair, and that was good too!

Side Note: if you are ever in Greenville, SC, give The Lazy Goat a try-it is on the river, has a nice atmosphere and, is very delicious! It is a little pricier than my usual dining dig, but I like to simply eat appetizers and there are enough to share and fill you up! A few of my other favorites are fried goat cheese and toasted garlic shrimp. Oh and olives. I like to get olives. I'm salivating as I write. Why is The Lazy Goat so far away???? Where is that lazy goat when you need her?

2) Soy Sauce Brussels Sprouts:  I made these with pork chops rubbed in soy sauce and brown sugar, so it was a good side for that dinner (along with some brown rice). Very tasty.

3) Balsamic Vinegar Brussels Sprouts: These are the ones I cook most of the time. They are super tasty and SUPER easy and quick. I cook these probably once a week with some seasoned chicken (my favorite is to marinate the chicken in Italian dressing) and some couscous. SO yummy. I usually just cut up half a bag, toss them in a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper, and balsamic vinegar and bake them for 15-20 minutes. They are delicious!

So that's all for the sprouts recipes! Side note: I had no clue brussels sprouts had an "s" on the end of "brussel" until this blog. Which led me to thinking of saying that three times fast before signing off….and made me think of how grateful I am that I don't have a lisp because that is a hard word to say…...okay enough shenanigans…….

Happy Cooking and Until Next Time….Be Blessed………….

My Jet Plane Is Back

Well, I am sure that most of you have been on pins and needles since my last post just wondering if I made it home safe.

I had a wonderful week in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina for work. I should clarify: things are always good once I get to my destination. I love my job, and I always love the time I get to spend with my co-workers. Not only because we all work well together, but because it is the nice change-up from my typical days working from home by myself. It is just the getting there that can sometimes be anxiety-filled.

Best rest assured, I made it home safe and sound. It was not without a few mishaps, a delayed flight, and a run through the airport, but other than that, it was relatively smooth sailing. So thanks for the prayers and encouragement as I made my way to North Carolina by way of 35,000 feet. It was felt and much appreciated. Despite the smooth sailing, I did come away with a story:

I was sitting in the gate area waiting to board the plane. As I sat there reading my book and "minding my own business," the lady came on overhead announcing that the plane was too small to fit rolling bags in the overhead bins (side note: this typically means prop plans, which are not my favorite, but this time I was lucky that the plane was just small). Anyway, we were told to please check any rolling bags at the gate and to remove any items we needed from the bags, as well as lithium batteries for safety reasons (can anyone explain why lithium batteries are a safety hazard underneath the plane but not in the cabin-this has always confused me and slightly terrified me) (also, who carries lithium batteries on a plane anyway….I digress…..)

Luckily, I had already checked my bag at the previous gate. But those around me started unloading things from their rolling bags (such as medicines and stock piles of lithium batteries) that they didn't want to go under the plane. Thus began my people watching. In addition to my neo-flight anxiety, frequent traveling has also given me a new affinity for people watching in the airport. Yes, I am the girl that stares (actually I have always been the girl that stares and mom would always say, "Amy don't stare," but we will blame it on the frequent traveling as of late). But honestly, people fascinate me and sometimes do the oddest things in public places. And I am of the impression that you can't miss a beat because as Dad always says, "Stories are all around you." Boy isn't that true. So I stare.

Anyway, the couple sitting across from me gained my attention. They starting pulling all sorts of things out of their rolling bag, like medicines (they literally had enough to fill an entire pharmacy), books, and even a purple plastic bin. I wondered how that fit in the rolling bag small enough to fit in the overheard bin in the first place, but that is neither here nor there. It was in this moment when the man said to the woman, "Will you hand me my purse?" And said wife reached inside her carry-on bag, pulled out a purse, and handed it to him. And he put it on like a purse (a cross-body purse if you must know). And I stared, slightly in amazement and slightly in shock and slightly in embarrassment for him. Now, I have heard about a man carrying a murse (man bag for those of you that are behind), but this was not such item. A murse is almost like a satchel, a book bag, a laptop case, or even a briefcase. And most men who carry a murse call it a "bag." And carry it as such. And that is completely normal for a man to have a bag or satchel. Nothing odd about that.

Not this bag. And not this man. He called his bag a purse and wore it like one. And did it unashamedly. As if it were completely normal for a man to call his "bag" a purse and wear it as one. I kept wanting to say, "It's a bag!!! Please call it a bag! Wear it however you want, but call it a bag!!!!!" No such luck. But hats off to him….I actually admire his confidence and ability to be comfortable in his own skin…despite societal norms….

So, there is my story of the man that carried a purse and called it such and wore it as such. And did so proudly in gate D18 of the Atlanta Airport.

See…traveling isn't all about anxiety. It can be fun too….and funny…and enlightening…and if nothing else, it gives me something to write about on this blog…because stories are all around you….

Until next time be blessed…….

Leaving on a Jet Plane and a Weekend Recap

Well, this weekend was a great one. The past few weekends Scott and I have really gotten spoiled with just being able to spend lots of time together and relax. To say it has been nice is an understatement.

Friday night we shopped (I am looking for the perfect flats and have come up empty handed-boo). Then we came home, popped in a California Pizza Kitchen pizza and watched basketball. Last year, I did a bracket with the men on Scott's side of the family. I am not trying to brag, but I basically dominated. This year, we decided to extend it to the men on my side of the family. Basically our brackets are all messed up due to the crazy wins (Need I say more?). Anyway, despite a few missteps and the fact that I did not win a billion dollars, I have been holding my own in a bracket group full of men. I currently stand in second place, however, if Florida takes it all, I think I will too. Basically, every time one of my teams win, I just look at Scott and say, "And boom goes the dynamite." We'll call it my way of rubbing it in...

Saturday Scott went to fulfill his civic duty of block walking to Keep Texas Red. I was supposed to go with him, but I begged my way out of it and in turn, paid my civic duty to the economy and went shopping. (remember said quest for the perfect flat? Nordstroms, Dillards, and all other 50 stores I tried turned up short as well, and now I am depressed). Anyway, we met up that afternoon back at the house for lunch and just hung out until church. Yes, that's right, you heard it, church on a SATURDAY!!!!

Our church is in the process of building a new building, but in the meantime, there is a shortage of parking and seating on Sunday morning. So, we decided to do our civic duty and attend and serve on Saturday night. (Did I mention Scott is a greeter? He pretty much rocks at it). Anyway, at first, Saturday night was difficult for two people who grew up going to church on Sunday, but it took all of two weeks where we got to sleep in on Sunday and we are LOVING it. Saturdays have become so busy these days with Scott's events, weddings, baby showers, etc. that Saturdays pretty much seem like an extension of the week. However, now that we attend church on Saturday night, that frees up SO much time on Sunday. And we get to treat it like an actual Sabbath. It is heavenly. If you are looking for a church in the Keller area, come visit Milestone! And if you come on Saturday night, you just might be greeted by a super friendly face!

So, what did we do today on our Sabbath? Well, we stopped by Subway and headed to the Botanical Gardens in Fort Worth. It was a BEAUTIFUL day. We had a picnic, played some Rummikub and then walked around for a bit. It was the perfect little afternoon date. So much fun. We are really looking forward to summertime and concerts in the garden. Can't wait! :)

This leads to the last point of this blog: tomorrow I'm leaving on a jet plane. Isn't there a song about that? I think the words go something like, "I'm leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again…" Those are my sentiments exactly! And here's why. Ever since I started this job, I started traveling quite a bit, sometimes as much as 1-2 weeks out of a month. Ever since then, my travel anxiety has gotten exponentially worse. As in I didn't have it before and now I do. You see, before, I loved traveling because it was a relatively rare occasion. There was something exciting, fresh, and adventurous about it. For the most part, the newness has worn off. However, I suppose the "adventure" aspect of it has not. And by that, I mean going through security is an adventure in and of itself. That combined with the alerts every ten seconds warning us what color the terror alert is on and "please do not leave bags unattended." One time recently, as I was going through security, the security lady YELLED (I mean yelled) at the top of her lungs, "Everybody get down!" I literally almost died of a heart attack right there. And thought a gunman had come in to take my life. Basically, I had a quick come to Jesus meeting right there on the airport security floor. (the cleanliness of my soul was much more important at that point than the uncleanliness of that sick airport floor). After a solid two hours (okay maybe ten seconds) she relayed that it was simply a drill. SERIOUSLY!?!?! Are you smoking crack??? Is this April fools??? Could you not yell, "This is a drill!" first???? I mean seriously. We already have alerts every ten seconds warning us of how dangerous things are and you make us basically get undressed and step into an x-ray machine where we are exposed to all kinds of radiation. I know it's for our safety. I get it. And I agree. But for the love of any little bit of sanity and peace we have left in traveling, just let us know it's a drill! And I am pretty sure that was the day my travel anxiety started…and I fear it isn't going anywhere soon…..

As if the security shenanigans don't create enough anxiety, there is the whole actually getting on a plane and going 35,000 feet into the air part. With the increased travel frequency, I feel as though my chances of being on a highjacked or malfunctioning plane has gone up, hence the (slightly irrational) anxiety. It was even so bad at one point that I literally leaned across the counter, told the ticket lady that the bag (and perhaps the man) that was in front of me was suspicious (I mean he had a black duffle bag and the guy wouldn't hold his bag. He shuffled it with his feet as if he wanted to keep some distance from it, so clearly there was some sort of shenanigan going on there) (I should also mention this was the day after the Boston bombing, which already had my antennas WAY up and didn't those guys have a black duffle bag of some sort???). Anyway, the lady assured me that it goes through three stages of security and screening once it gets checked and that it was all going to be okay. And then I am pretty sure she flagged my ticket with "crazy lady coming through-BEWARE!" Needless to say, as of late, flying+Amy=lots of stress and crazy stories. I really wish I could say here that I'm exaggerating to make a good story better, but I'm afraid its all true (and I didn't even tell the worst stories mostly due to lack of time, space, and political correctness). Yup, it's that bad…..

Anyway, I have not had to travel since November. So, things have been pretty calm. Until Malaysian Flight 370. Kill me now. I cannot even handle this. 9-11, heightened security, drills, unattended bags, and the color wheel of safety was bad enough, but now a huge jet 777 has disappeared into nothingness never to be found again?!?!? How do you lose something that big!?!? I don't even understand. So now, not only do my flight thoughts go places they shouldn't regarding terrorism and malfunctioning wings and the pilot forgetting to put down the wheels (did I mention irrational anxiety and perhaps too much Fox News), I now have to worry that my flight might literally disappear off the radar never to be seen again. And needless to say, I am beside myself. Can't even handle this. I am going to need some serious Xanax tomorrow. Or sedatives. Or something. Anything. Anybody? Okay, maybe it's just me…..

So, tomorrow I will leave on a jet plane. I am supposed to be back Friday, but if I don't, please know that the song "Oceans" has been playing on repeat on my iTunes. It is my happy place. So, if the plane does disappear into nothingness, you all know what I was listening to when I disappeared or went down or whatever happened….and that song just took on a whole new meaning….

Okay, that's enough shenanigans for today. I hope everyone has a great week.

I'm leaving on a jet plane……..and I WILL be back Friday…….

Until next time, be blessed…..

Happy Spring and Some Random Things I'm Diggin…..

Greetings to all. All my teacher friends are on spring break. And since spring break was SO much more fun when I was in school, I had to do something to bring some spring cheer! Below are a few things that I have been totally digging (aka: obsessed) with lately. And even though I may not have much of a break around here, I am SO glad it is finally starting to feel like SPRING!

1) THIS SONG is ROCKIN ME. Every.single.time. He's never failed and He won't stop now…..

2) THIS TALK. And then THIS TALK. My husband has recently become obsessed with Ted Talks. And by obsessed, I mean he listens to one nearly every night before bed. Clearly, I am probably behind the curveball on this one, but a friend told me about Brene Brown's talks. So naturally, I went home and listened to them before bed. Because apparently that's when you listen to Ted Talks. These were both short talks that I found so interesting. I am looking forward to finding some more talks on Brene. It is almost like free therapy from my computer screen. Side note: apologies in advance for any language.

3) THIS SITE. Okay, so I have a slight obsession with Pick Your Plum. In fact, I am borderline needing an intervention. But those deals that occur on a daily basis are just too hard to pass up! All you do is sign up for the daily emails and you will get two deals sent to your inbox daily. Enjoy, but beware-it is slightly addicting! 

4) THIS BOOK, Oh this book….I ordered this book online because I COULDN'T FIND IT ANYWHERE IN STOCK IN STORES!!! Like not a single copy at not a single store for many, many weeks. I got so fed up, I finally sucked it up, paid for shipping, and ordered it online. (for those of you thinking I am behind the times and need to get on the Kindle bandwagon and have it delivered to my iPad, I am and I do…but sometimes I just can't knock the desire for an actual book in my hands-this was one of those moments and it was out of stock...). Anyway, now, I know why it was out of stock EVERYWHERE (did I mention it was out of stock?). I digress….I started this book as soon as I got it and have not wanted to put it down since. I was reading it last night on the couch while Scott was sitting next to me doing some work, and I literally was laughing out loud-at one point I was in tears I was laughing so hard. Scott asked what was up and so I then had to read it out loud to him. HYSTERICAL. I totally relate with SO many of her hilarious stories. This is a must read. The author's blog is pretty great too. Go buy it. Then read it. And prepare to laugh your head off. 

5) THIS BLOG. I cannot get enough of this blog. This is Sean's (The Bachelor) sister, Shay, and I have fallen in love with her! Like I want to be her friend. Her faith, her fashion (totally went out and got myself a military jacket…), and her food (spicy spinach artichoke dip to die for). I love it all. I could go on for days, but I'll stop there. Become a follower and a fan. You will look better from all her great fashion advice and feel better from all her tasty (and SUPER simple I might add) recipes. 

Until next time…be blessed and Happy Spring (Break)!!!! 

Be Still My Soul....

Well, it is February and the newness of this year has officially begun to wear off. However, my thoughts of all coming up in the year to come has not. I am excited about what this year has to offer!

I wrote last summer about a book I read. Last year I focused on Euchariesto, learning the art of Thanksgiving. It was so enriching to meditate on one word for an entire year. Just yesterday during the menial task of vacuuming, I found myself thanking God for having a little place to call home in which to vacuum, which is quite the feat considering how much I hate vacuuming.

I feel like the Lord is calling me to slow down this year. However, He is not calling me to slow down and browse Facebook more, or watch more mindless TV (although I may do that at times). I feel the Lord is  calling me to slow down to focus on Him; to lean into Him; and spend more time doing things that He has given me the passion and giftings to do. Hopefully in slowing down, I will gain more clarity for the path the Lord wants for me in my career and in areas He wants me to give back in my spare time. I definitely don't want to waste this life. I am hoping that slowing down will help me gain a deeper love for Jesus and a more clear view for God's plan and will for my life.

When thinking about my goals for the year, there were many words that came to mind: simplify, renewal, identity. However as I prayed and thought about it more, I realized that I cannot do any of those things until I slow down and become

Still.

So this year I am choosing to be proactive in taking time to still my heart, soul, mind, and body.

"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10 (ESV). 

"Now therefore stand still and see this great thing that the Lord will do before your eyes." 1 Samuel 12:16 (ESV)

So, as the snow falls outside my window, I am at peace. It is the perfect day to begin practicing the art of being still. 

Until next time, be blessed.........

A Little Rum Pa Pa Pum Amidst the Christmas Chaos...

Well the Christmas Season is in full swing. This means holiday shopping, Christmas trees, and twinkling lights are sights to behold everywhere I turn. This also means one other thing: Christmas cards are coming like a steady horse each day in the mail. Yes, cards are coming in by the dozens. For some reason, this causes me great anxiety each year. Like immense anxiety. I think I finally figured out why....it is a reminder of how NOT put together I am. As in, a daily reminder that I do not have my act together. I am not trying to knock those that send Christmas cards. Actually congratulations to you. You do have your act together. I am proud of you. And, I am not trying to dissuade you from sending the Stiers Christmas cards. Those cards that come in do hang above our mantle and we enjoy those smiles and pictures throughout the season. However, I have found that the steady stream of "Christmas card perfection" has not necessarily added to making my days very merry and bright. In fact, I found it becoming quite the opposite. The cards have become a daily reminder of how little money we have: to hire a photographer to take the picture, to order the cards, and then the $0.48 per card to mail each card. It reminds me of the time I do not have: to hire a photographer, pick out a picture and a card, decide who to send the cards to and then track down the addresses. Not to mention making sure they actually get in the mail. And let's not even talk about finding the perfect "Christmas card outfit" for the pictures. Stressing me out just thinking about it. Oh and has anyone mentioned where Christmas cards usually end up once they are done hanging above the mantle?? Yes, that's right those cards everyone spent so much money on eventually end up in the trash can-right along with my raw chicken scraps. 

Yes, Christmas cards stress.me.out. Just call me Ebenezer. 

You see, there are two kinds of Christmas cards. The first is one with merely a picture-usually the perfect picture with the family (complete with the dogs) surrounding the Christmas tree or on some outdoor park bench. Everyone is looking perfect. The kids are not screaming. The dogs are not eating the shoes. It is a snapshot of the picture perfect moment. Literally. And not to mention the outfits. To die for. Usually complete with some happy message (usually in some red type font) that says "Merry Christmas," or "Season's Greetings," or "Joy," or "Peace on Earth." Or from those "politically correct" families, it might read, "Happy Holidays." Yes, everyone and everything is picture perfect. It is beautiful perfection in a card. 

Then there is the Christmas card that may or may not include a picture. However, it does include a lengthy explanation of the past year-complete with Johnny made the band, or Susie won the cheerleading competition. With the rare instance that the letter chronicles every single incident complete with Timmy's first stomach bug (yes, I've seen it done), this Christmas card usually highlights the year's high moments. Again, everyone and everything is picture perfect. And while it may not be beautiful perfection in a picture card, it is the same.....only it is beautiful perfection in writing. 

There is too much pressure surrounding the Christmas card phenomena. Out doing the best cards and trying to put off that aura of perfection. You see, most days we are just trying to get by. But I guess a Christmas card with merely a picture of me make-upless forcing myself out of bed, with a pile of laundry on the bed (unfolded) and the Husband forced to eat tuna out of a can for dinner would not make for a Season's greeting. And most definitely would not win the award for "best outfit." However, if you were to follow us around, this might be a snapshot of our day. 

Or I guess a Christmas letter detailing all the depressing aspects of our year would not be considered "festive." You see, some would label that as the "grinch that stole Christmas." I would label that life. Life is chaotic. There are medical tests and bills to be paid and uncertainties. Snapshots of our lives are not always pretty and definitely not always perfect. I guess sometimes I wish someone would send a Christmas card that expressed that. But I guess that would not be spreading "Christmas cheer." 

Just last Friday night, Scott surprised me with tickets to see The Nutcracker at the Bass Hall-complete with dinner downtown at P.F. Changs-one of my favorite places to eat. I was so excited all week. I was looking forward to the night so much. I have been busy, busy with work and traveling and he has been busy with work, and honestly, life has been crazy. Chaotic actually. I was looking forward to reconnecting. So, I even spent extra time getting pretty and even put on my favorite and most expensive dress (thank you anthro). And what happened? Scott showed up after work to pick me up, I was not ready, he did not want to be late for our dinner reservation, and thus began the grumpy trek downtown. And thus continued the grumpy trek all.through.dinner. Even though we had a (somewhat) successful attempt to salvage our (somewhat) expensive Christmas season celebration date night, you can imagine the romantic evening I had envisioned with sugar plums and dancing fairies did not quite end as I expected. And to my surprise the low point was not when I looked over to see my husband asleep, yes asleep in the middle of the (somewhat) expensive performance. Did I say expensive?!? Ok, I think you get the point. But, I guarantee if you were to look at my twitter, it was laced with sugar plum fairies dancing. Yes, sometimes from the outside looking in, things seem much sweeter.......I guess asking for us to all be a little more honest might be on my Christmas wish list...

At church today, the pastor started a sermon series titled, "Christmas Chaos." The perfect sermon. So needed to hear that. You see, he said that even the birth of Jesus was chaotic. He was born to a virgin. Oh and by the way, a very pregnant Mary rode into Bethleham on a donkey! A donkey I say! I don't know about you, but that sounds pretty chaotic. And then when they got to Bethlehem, there was no room for them in the inn, so I can imagine the panic and chaos that must have been going on as Joseph was trying to track down a place for his very pregnant wife on a donkey to have a baby-not just any baby but the Lord of Heaven and Earth. Yes, chaos. But from the chaos came beauty. And peace. 

So amidst this crazy, hectic time of year, I want to see a Christmas card that says: "Keep Calm and Carry On." And maybe a crazy picture thrown in there. And maybe a gentle reminder that the season is not about the perfect Christmas card representing the perfect life. In fact, most of the time, it is about somehow, some way trying to find peace in the chaos...even if it's for just a little while....and in those moments when you can't seem to avoid the chaos, it is about embracing it because God might be trying to do something through the crazy chaos, like bring forth His son. Maybe, just maybe. 

So, maybe one day my view on Christmas cards will change. Or perhaps one day I will get my act together enough to actually send them out. But as you can imagine, I have not had time for Christmas cards this year. Or maybe it's that I have not taken the time. Either way, once again, as usual, the Stiers will not be sending out Christmas cards. Amidst all the presents, where would the money for said cards come from??? Not to mention the time: the time to track down a photographer, or the outfits for said pictures, or the cute card or even time to think about what it would say. Joy? Merry Christmas? Peace on Earth? Happy Holidays? (gasp). Yes, maybe it would say "Happy Holidays." Because that would make Christmas cards from the conservative Stiers much more interesting......

So, here's to embracing the crazy chaos and being a little more honest and transparent along the way. After all, our life is not perfect, but I pray we find the beautiful piece (peace) along the journey. And since you will not be getting a Christmas card from the Stiers this year, consider this it: 

Season's Greetings from the Stiers or Happy Holidays if you prefer! 

 Today at church, we also got a special visit from the Little Drummer Boy. Watch the video HERE. It was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. This video doesn't even do it justice. It was a wonderful reminder of the awe and wonder of Baby Jesus.

We hope this holiday season we can all grasp the same awe and wonder of Baby Jesus as the little drummer boy. Many days we may feel as if "we have no gifts to bring" but may we all do our part this upcoming year to "play our best for Him." After all, it is often times the humble acts of worship and service that make the biggest difference. 

The past year has been a reminder that we are not perfect and life is not perfect-in fact most days are pretty chaotic and we are just doing our best to get by. But we are learning each day how to manage the chaos-both internal and external-that is our lives. Today, we found that by serving hot chocolate and cookies we were reminded that tis the season-now and always-to serve. After all, it is in the small things, like serving hot chocolate and marshmallows that often make the biggest difference. It helps make the crazy seem a little less crazy and puts our lives in perspective. 

Our hope is that amidst the hectic holiday season, you find the beauty in the chaos and are filled with peace...if even for a little while. And may this beauty through the chaos lead you to a Happy Everything!!!! 

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Everything in between from the Stiers!!!!!