New Christmas memories. :)

This year for Christmas, there were several things new and different.

Sure I was in the Christmas Eve service at church - as I have been for the past 5 years or so. However, this year we did something different. The entire service was comprised of a drama that told the story of Jesus birth from an Elderly Mary's point of view. The drama was interspursed with various Christmas songs, and was a big hit overall. I am thrilled we did this, and hope that we can find more ingenius ways to Celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Christmas day my church opted to have one service. I was supposed to sing in that too - but I got sick. I was fine the night before, and even went to my worship pastor's home for a late dinner. Robert and Bear came as well. (In case I have not previously mentioned, Bear (short for Roberto) is Robert's 5 year old son) We had a good dinner, and then went home. On the way home, I started feeling nausiated. By early morning, I realized that I had a good case of the stomach flu that lasted through Christmas day and the day after. I did not mind so much. Robert took care of me.

I am not used to anyone taking care of me. At my parent's home, when I would get sick, they would just leave me alone to fend for myself. Robert did not do that. He did all the things people do for those who are ill. I found myself appreciating the care.

Bear had a wonderful Christmas morning. I know for a fact that he did not sleep at all the night before as he was SOOOOOOO excited about the presents that had been arranged on the kitchen table. We did not have a tree this year for financial reasons. The gifts were more than enough!

Robert gave me 3 books. Two to help me grow, and 1 that gives all sorts of information on Narnia. I am thrilled by the books, and I hope I can do justice with that information. I have started reading one of them, "Only a Woman" by, um...not sure at the moment. I can write that info later. However, I was not sure about it as I do not think of myself as less capable because I am a woman. This book is about that, but I can tell that it was an inspired choice. There have already been things in this that are helping me to change my perception of who I am in Christ.

The other is a book about priorities. I have not yet started that one but will do that after I finish the book I just mentioned.

Something else great happened this week.

I got a skill/interest evaluation back from work. I typically do not put much stock in those things as they usually tell me that I can do pretty much whatever I would like to do. This one was different. It has pointed me in a direction I was not aware of yet. I am in prayer about this and feel it may be the right thing.

It showed my strengths to be in public speaking, music, teaching, and helping people. Also I was shown to have a high interest/ skill in religion. So, I have added all that together - along with something that came up several months ago...and decided that I need to go back to school. I started going to college, but have never gotten very far. I applied at Grand Canyon University yesterday. We even chose my classes for the spring semester.

When I made this decision and started looking around, joy deeper than I have known welled up inside and I almost started weeping right at my desk at work. I have not been this thrilled about doing something - ever! I was disappointed that I was not able to continue going to school before. Robert is behind me on this, but is concerned that I will not continue working on my emotional baggage.

I think doing something I have wanted to do, something that is good for me mentally would help with the baggage. I cannot spend all my time dealing with the past. I need to also work on a good future. The good news is that the first classes I am taking are basic and will still allow for the time I will need to continue dealing through my hurt.

the other thing I pointed out to him was that God has been amazing at shutting down the things I was not supposed to be doing. When I am following His leading - the doors just open up and things go smoother than I could ever imagine. So far, this has been one of those kind of things.

I trust in Ephesians 3:20 - that God's plans for me are more than I can imagine. I hope I am able to continue reading His signs for me so that I can be the woman He wants me to be.

Christa