Different family members told me at different times today that I was "in a bad mood". The thing is, I didn't feel like I was in a bad mood--in fact, I felt very happy. *halo*  But later on, when I hadn't SAID anything for a long time, I listened to another family member who was feeling sick and tired. They didn't think they were in a bad mood, either, but the their words told a different story.

I thought back to the words I had spoken, the tones I had used, and the attitudes I had expressed throughout the day. I was reminded of Philippians 2:14-15--powerful verses that could change my life and the lives of those around me: "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe." I memorized these verses in the 5th grade through Bible Quizzing, and even today I can recall them word for word.

I remember another time in my past where I was convicted about this exact thing. God helped me remember that verse for some time and I was a lot happier when I avoided little complaints and unnecessary comments. I extended it to rephrasing requests and making sure my comments were not accusatory.

But over the past semester, in my family life and social life, I have slowly regressed. It is discouraging to think about, but nonetheless, I will start over now. I will do everything without complaining and arguing... so that I may fulfill my destiny and shine brightly for Christ! To my family and friends who still read this--please alert me gently if you hear me complaining.

I think the holidays will be a lot happier for my family as I live out these verses!

To start off, I will be thankful. Not just now, but the whole week. All next year would be good, too!

I thank God for....

*babysitting jobs --what could be better than part-time, relatively easy, well-paying, easily found, temporary jobs over break?

*shopping--my dear sister Margaret and I had a great blowing our entire Monday together! We got some great thrift store finds, and there's nothing like that rare trip to Starbuck's to share some Hot Cocoa!

*hugs! I am so delighted that Jonny gave me TWO hugs last week! He is ten, and I'm lucky if he'll hug me a couple times a year! But it makes me happy and maybe, just maybe, his heart is softening. Maybe, just maybe, I am learning to be a kinder big sister...?

*cameras and pictures--David bought a highfalutin digital camera recently and very kindly lets me borrow it. I haven't had a camera for awhile since mine broke last year, and disposables are very unreliable. David has taken some really cool pictures! It's something we both get excited about. =)

*baking--I'm not really a bad cook, but you wouldn't know it if you had watched me last night with my friend Stacie! Everything seemed to go wrong! But I had FUN, and in the end everything tasted decent. Of course, decorating is the best part, and doing it with a friend is even better! =)

*ministry--Margaret brought two Chinese students over this week, and we had a great time together! Sadly, many of them will be leaving in a couple of weeks.

*free clothes--and stylish ones at that! One of the said students, Juliet, gave us several fashionable items. Us girls had a heyday trying on Chinese dresses and a western-chic shirt I smiled to think of Juliet wearing!  I guess that's why she gave it to us. Anyway, I got away with a lot of cute things, and I can't wait to make my debut in them! =P

*Daddy--took me out to breakfast on Saturday morning. I couldn't finish my second pancake after two eggs and some bacon, but it was a rare treat and I treasured the time with him.

*wrapping gifts--I wrapped all mine in coordinated silver and royal blue snowflake paper, with lots of curly and straight ribbons and bows. They look very pretty under our tree, if I do say so myself. And I do.

*Xanga--because it is infinitely better than Facebook even if no one ever uses it. I do, so there! That should count for something.

*My Savior Christ Jesus--because of everything, and because He is so patient with me!

*Christmas Eve--because it is a day of expectation, an evening of our annual Christmas party/family reunion, and a time of peaceful togetherness.

*CHRISTMAS! I know ours will be wonderful, complete with real strawberry shortcake with homemade whipped cream on top for breakfast, and vegetable soup with homemade wheat bread for lunch. Mmmmm. I hope yours is just as delightful! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

.... my oldest sister Pamela got engaged!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It feels very strange, I must say. But I am absolutely ecstatically happy about it and I know God brought the perfect man for her. =) Before long I will have my very own big brother.... wow!

See Pamela's site for all the romantic details: www.xanga.com/pamelala05