I indeed had a merry Christmas

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! I got to spend 4 lovely days with my family (both immediate and extended). Here were some highlights:

* I ate. A LOT.

* Christmas morning is always fun chaos. As I've grown older, I have realized I enjoy watching other people open their gifts more than I like opening mine. I love watching their faces.

* We saw Sherlock Holmes. It was ok, but I was hoping it would be better. If you're going to see any movie this holiday season, go see Avatar in 3D! Best movie of the year!

* singing Christmas carols

* playing the Name Game (thanks Amy and David for introducing that to us - I have the image of Aunt Susie pretending to be Donny Osmond in my brain forever). Most popular names of the game were: Michael Buble, Michael Jackson, Fabio ("Buttah"), Mr. T! ("Foo!"), and Philip of Macedonia.

* Christmas treats - chocolate chip bread, fudge, Christmas cookies, banana bread, almond rochas, even cake to celebrate Jesus' birthday.

* singing karaoke with my cousin on the Wii

* Speaking of singing, spending time with the cutest baby in the world (my nephew) was a HUGE highlight:

Advent Conspiracy

This video was made last year (2008) and completely changed the way I view Christmas. (BTW, I think it is amazing that a VIDEO can change ones mindset about something)



It was made by an organization called Advent Conspiracy. This is from their website:

"The story of Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love.

So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists.

And when it's all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas?

What if Christmas became a world-changing event again?

Welcome to Advent Conspiracy."

WORSHIP FULLY
SPEND LESS
GIVE MORE
LOVE ALL

I am so blessed. I have everything I need. A place to live. Food. Clothing. A job. Income. Health insurance. A car. I even have many things I don't need, but want. This video reminds me that there are so many people in the world who don't have things I take for granted - like clean water. What if I spent less on Christmas and spent more on showing God's love to others? What if for Christmas, instead of gifts, I asked for money to be donated to Compassion International or World Vision? And instead of stressing about gifts and shopping, I focused more on spending TIME with the ones I love? And spent the most time focusing on the ONE for whom we celebrate this holiday?

What a conspiracy.

back to life

What a perfect vacation. Just what I needed; exactly when I need it.

I did everything on my vacay list. Went to Disneyland, slept a lot, the 3 of us got massages one day, we went and saw The Princess and the Frog one night (super cute - yeah for classic animation!), we drove around Orange County and looked at Christmas lights, I read alot, sometimes I just did NOTHING. I felt like I could finally Breathe. Think. Process. Pray. Just BE.

I came home Saturday night and then Sunday my parents, youngest sister, and some of my parents' friends drove over to my church so we could watch the Christmas concert. For those of you who remember my blog posts about the drumline, they did FABULOUS. It was the finale and what a way to end!!

And now I'm back at work for a few days and then it's CHRISTMAS! Wow, this month has flown by.

Christmas break

Ya know how in school, you always got "Christmas Break"? But then you grow up and enter the real world and suddenly you don't get Christmas break anymore? Well suck it, "Real World"...I'm taking it anyway!! I leave today for a week vacation. Yup. A whole WEEK. I am flying down to So. Cal to spend time with my BFF and her hubby. Their place is like a second home to me and a great escape from life. My plans are always the same: sleep, eat, read, go to Disneyland, go shopping, go to the movies, sit in the hot tub, go on walks, and SLEEP more. Oh bliss. This could not have come at a better time.

Off to pack!

college students make me happy

It has been a very hard, tiring week. However, two days ago I woke up feeling a bit better. A bit more hopeful. I had a bit more spring in my step. Praise the Lord! It was a scary time for me, stressing at work and realizing my dad is not immortal. But I've been praying a lot and I feel the Lord bringing me peace in the midst of chaos. Which is so funny, because that's exactly what we talked about two weeks ago at our advent night. The second candle was "Peace". Peace in the mist of chaos.

Wednesday night was our last college group meeting for the year. We always end the fall with a Christmas Banquet. Everyone gets all dolled up, we have dinner, play games, and end the night with a white elephant gift exchange. Even though things have been stressful at work, these students remind me why I love what I do. I love them and enjoy them so much. Here are my highlights from the gift exchange:

um, this is not ok

Last week my dad told my sisters and I that he had been talking to some friends and suddenly felt "thick-tongued". He was having trouble saying words and putting his thoughts into sentences. Other times he said he was slurring his words and sounded drunk. My mom took him to the emergency room where they took a bunch of tests. They made an appointment for an MRI to see what was going on in his brain. He got the results late last week and called and told us.

My dad had a mild stroke.

Needless to say, I am a bit of a wreck.

Advent

Last night at the college group, we celebrated advent. We had a wreath with four candles inside. Here are some things we talked about:

* Advent comes from the Latin word "adventus" which means "coming". The expectation and preparation is growing as it gets closer to December 25th. The celebration of Christ's birth is coming!

* Some people celebrate advent with a wreath and candles. Starting the fourth Sunday before Christmas, one candle was lit. The following Sunday, two candles were lit. The next Sunday, three candles and so on. The candles represent the growing anticipation of the birth of Jesus, the "light of the world".

* The wreath's circle shape symbolizes the eternity and unity of God and the evergreens and lighted candles signify the persistence of life in the midst of winter.

We had a student leader get up and share about each candle (I copied and pasted below what they said). Then they would light it and we'd have a few minutes of quiet reflection time.


1) FIRST CANDLE – PROPHET’S CANDLE

Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

Isaiah was a prophet in 8th century BC. He prophesied that 700 years in the future, God would come to this world in human form. He will be called Immanuel, which means “God with us”. This candle represents HOPE. At a time when things seemed helpless or hopeless, a savior was coming. Do you believe in this hope?


2) SECOND CANDLE – BETHLEHEM CANDLE

Luke 2:1-5 “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.”

Chaos. Absolute chaos. Caesar had ordered everyone to go back to their hometowns and register there so they could figure out how many people lived in the Roman world for taxation purposes. Mary had to leave her hometown of Nazareth to go with her husband Joseph to his hometown – Bethlehem. Mary left her family, her friends, her support system and she was about to give birth. That must have been scary for her. Bethlehem was crowded and chaotic, with everyone coming back to their hometown. And yet, this second candle represents PEACE. Peace in the midst of chaos. In the middle of a city, country, WORLD that is chaotic, Jesus brings peace.


3) THIRD CANDLE – CHRIST’S BIRTH CANDLE

Luke 2:6-7 “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

We know Bethlehem was crowded – there were no rooms available at any inns. So Mary and Joseph had to take the only place available to them. Maybe it was a stable or maybe it was a cave. But it was probably cold and dark and unfamiliar. And Jesus was born. Mary wrapped him in cloths and put him in a trough used to hold food for animals. God humbled himself and came to this earth for us. This third candle represents LOVE. This is the ultimate show of God’s love for his children. He sent His one and only son who would grow up and one day die for all of our sins.


4) FOURTH CANDLE – SHEPHERDS AND ANGELS CANDLE

Luke 2: 8-20 “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

A bunch of shepherds were nearby, protecting their sheep at night from wild animals or thieves. And BAM! Suddenly an angel appears with God’s glory surrounding them and they understandably freak out. But the angel tells them about great joy – a Savior has been born! Christ the Lord! A bunch of other angels join the first one and they all begin praising God. The shepherds go off and find Jesus and then they start praising God too! The fourth candle represents JOY. Both the shepherds and the angels express JOY at the birth of their savior. What is your response when you think of Jesus’ birth, which is what we celebrate at Christmas? Does it bring you JOY?

world record!

Can you find me in the picture? ------>

A little over a month ago, I had the fun opportunity to dress up as a zombie and dance to Michael Jackson's Thriller downtown with tons of other people. All around the world, people were doing the dance at the exact same time. We were trying to beat a world record.

Last year's results: 4,179 people from 10 countries simultaneously performed The Thriller Dance as part of the Thrill The World event.

This year's results: 22,923 people danced in 32 countries and broke the Record Holders Republic!

WOOOOOOO!!! Who's joining me next year??

young'ens

Today I found out that another one of my college girls got engaged over the weekend. This is the fourth girl to get engaged in 6 months and ALL OF THEM ARE 18!! These aren't the 22 and 23 year olds. These are the young'ens. Everytime I hear of a new one, my first reaction is shock. I mean, am I the only one that thinks 18 is super young to get married?

Don't you want to live on your own for awhile before you get hitched? Don't you want to experience life away from your parents and where you grew up? (they are all going from living at home with their parents to living with their husband) Don't you want to go to (or finish) college? Don't you want to travel and have life experiences? Don't you want to figure out who you ARE? Heck, I changed so much from 18 to 25, it's ridiculous.

When you hear about an 18 year old getting engaged, how do you react? Has anyone you've known gotten married that young?

Happy Thanksgiving!

This morning we played our annual flag football game against the high school group. College group won by one touchdown. Final score was 35-42. Woohoo! We get to keep our trophy! And now I am at the parents' house and just finished the most amazing meal. I hope you all had a wonderful day. This video is in honor of the Macys parade this morning. Happy Thanksgiving!

recently

* I am apparently the ONLY female in the U.S. who didn't see New Moon this weekend. $140 million in 3 days?! Holy crap, America.

* The ladybugs are baaaaack for their annual Torture-Sarah-Party. I have resorted to keeping the vacuum up in my room for October and November. Suck it, ladybugs! Literally.

* Have you ever watched a movie and then afterwards thought, "I can never get those 2 and a half hours back"? (Transformers sequel - F)

* Had another fun Saturday night at the monthly farm potluck and barn dance. Because we've gone so many times, we have most of the dances memorized. So fun!

* Took some college students to Target to buy toys/school supplies/hygiene items, etc for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Have you heard of this organization? It's so awesome. You put together shoeboxes and they send them around the world to kids who might not have Christmas gifts otherwise.



* Do you guys remember me blogging about the Kay family back in July? I ran into them today at Target! It was the first time I've seen Jacob since his accident. He looked great! I mean, the poor guy has a huge skin graft on the left side of his head. But he was alive! Walking, talking, smiling, arguing with his mother about which puzzle they should buy. I almost started crying. He is a miracle. His journey is far from over but it was still so encouraging to see him.

* Watched the Christmas concert drumline practice. They're getting good! They were outside this time, bless 'em.



* And last but not least: Happy 1st Birthday Judah! In the past year, you have filled my life (and so many others) with JOY! I look forward to our Fun Fridays SO MUCH. I have loved watching you grow bigger and stronger. I have loved watching you look around, explore, stick everything in your mouth, smile, learn, laugh, jump in your jumper, grow teeth, grow hair, go on walks with me to Farmer Joes or the park, eat solid foods, read, roll over, touch things and try to figure them out, crawl, pull yourself up, play, watch me sing and dance to make you smile, and it's especially cool when you show us how smart you are. I can't wait to spend another year with you, little monkey! I love you so much.

Love, Auntie Sarah xoxoxo

braces update

I had an orthodontist appointment this morning.

Me: "Dr. Anderson, do you know how much longer I will have my braces?"

Dr. A: "Hmmm..." (looking around at my teeth and muttering dates under his breath) "Let's see, 6 weeks, then 4...Sarah, I bet we could get you out of these in 10 weeks."

Me: "REALLY!?!"

Dr. A: "Yep, you are almost done."

Me: "HELLS YEAH!"

Ok I didn't actually say that last part. I think I just smiled really big and maybe let out a small squeal.

The end is in sight! Only 10 more weeks of silver in my mouth, nightly 15 minute flossing sessions, getting food caught in my braces (this is the worst offender), pain everytime they get tightened, wires poking into the sides of the mouth, rubberbands pulling my jaw closer together, and looking like a high schooler!!! HAPPY DANCE!

pah-rum-pum-pum-pum

I'm sitting in my office. Everyone else has gone home for the day. It would be very quiet - except for one thing.

The drums.

Two days a week, a group of about 10-15 people gather here at the church to hit drums. Or I should say trash cans. They have a collection of bright silver trash cans that they turn over and bang the bottoms of. They are practicing and getting ready for the Christmas concerts that will be in a month.

I am trying very hard to be productive, but it is so hard when the drums are right by my office. Drums drums drums. They might as well just come in here because they're so loud.

However, I know the end result will be SO WORTH IT. Here is what they will look like in one month (this video is from last year's Christmas concert):

cast the first stone

A friend of mine shared something really cool this week and I wanted to share it with all of you. We were talking about John 8.

"Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, 'Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?' They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, 'If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.' Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.

Jesus straightened up and asked her, 'Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?'

'No one, sir,' she said.

'Then neither do I condemn you,' Jesus declared. 'Go now and leave your life of sin.' "

For some reason, this story hit me in a way it never has before. We don't know who this woman is - we never learn her name. But she has just been group-busted in the act of adultery, publicly humiliated in front of religious leaders, and in danger of losing her life. And Jesus basically tells the men who want to stone her "He of you without sin...cast the first stone."

Here's what my friend shared: out of all the people there, JESUS was the only one who could have thrown a stone at her. He was and will always be the only person to never sin. I never thought about that before! And yet his reaction was the complete and total opposite. All the men leave and Jesus goes and approaches her. He, a man. She, a woman. He, a religious leader. She, a sinner caught in adultery, which Jesus taught against. And he offers her no condemnation, no judgment. He offers her grace and love and tells her to go and leave her life of sin.

I am so not worthy of God's love and grace. I am a sinner and I deserve death. But God loves me so much, He sent His son for me. I receive forgiveness and grace and love. I am humbled. I am sobered. I am in awe.

I found a clip of this scene from the 1977 film "Jesus of Nazareth". Even though I think it's a bit strange that Jesus has blue eyes and somewhat of an english accent, I can look past that and see how amazing this story is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k0RzhVJSxE&NR=1

day off

I'm taking tomorrow off.

Wednesday is Veteran's Day so the church office will be closed. However, I have college group Wed. night so I will still be at work. To compensate, I have to take another day off this week. Gosh, twist my arm! I'll be chillin' tomorrow and I can't wait.

P.S. Anyone else dealing with a cold that loves to linger? I am at two weeks and still going strong. Off to blow my nose...

more GLEE news

If you're sick of me talking about my new obsession, I mean, my new favorite TV show, please pass by this post. Because I'm about to blab like a 12 year old.

So, um, my sister Emily MET SOME OF THE GLEE CAST TODAY!!

I'm a "fan" of GLEE on facebook and they're always posting sneak peeks, info about cast appearances, behind-the-scenes stuff, etc. And I read a couple weeks ago that to promote the GLEE Volume One cd coming out soon (with songs from the first 9 episodes), the cast would be doing a cd signing tour in New York and LA.

I immediately contacted my sister Emily who lives in LA and told her she had to go. I prepared myself for living vicariously through her. She had to get to the Barnes and Noble bookstore at the Grove (swanky) at the crack of dawn on Tuesday to be one of the first 400 people to buy the cd. She then received a bracelet to wear to the signing.

Today she went back to Barnes and Noble and waited in line with the other 399 peeps (and other people who were trying to sneak in). This is a picture of her and her friend Ryan waiting in line.


The GLEE kids that showed up were Artie (Kevin McHale), Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz), Kurt (Chris Colfer), Puck (Mark Salling), and Finn (Cory Monteith). Woohoo! Puck and Finn! (They are 27 in real life so it's totally ok for me to crush on them)

Emily called me on her cell phone and then stuck her phone in her purse so I could hear what was going on when she met them (security guards were not letting phones or cameras get near the autograph table). I heard alot of screaming, muffled conversations, more screaming, a guy ask, "How are you?" and more muffled talk.

Emily then called me when she left the store and filled me in on everything:

* she said they were all so nice and friendly!

* she went through the line VERY FAST.

* she had secretly bought a second copy of the CD and had them sign it...for me!! The security guards said only one CD per person, but Emily said she heard she could have 2. Happy early Christmas to me!!

* Artie was first. He said hi and then asked her if she was enjoying the show and what was her favorite song. Emily said she liked them all and would have to think about it. And then she added, "By the way, I wouldn't even be here if it weren't for my sister. She's 32 and an even bigger fan than I am. She couldn't be here but she called and told me all about it." Artie smiled and said, "Oh really? Cool. Tell her we said hi."

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Remember, I am 12 years old in this post, so bear with me. But when Emily told me that I almost peed my pants. I was squealing like crazy. I got a shout-out from Artie.

* Tina was next. Didn't say much, but was very nice, smiled, and signed the cds.

* Then Emily came to Kurt. She then realized her favorite song and said to him, "I just want you to know 'Defying Gravity' is my favorite song.' " (it's on the album and on this week's episode) She said he broke out into the biggest smile and said, "Oh my gosh! Thank you SO MUCH. That was so sweet." She said he was so nice and genuine. And Tina on the other side of him said, "Seriously, it's the best song on the album!"

AND THEN

EMILY GOT TO PUCK.

* He totally flirted with her.

* Apparently, Emily was so concerned with keeping track of her two CDs being signed, she wasn't looking at him. He was the one I heard saying "How are you?" and I guess he was trying to make eye contact with her. She finally looked at him and they spoke for a minute or so and she said he was being all smiley and eyes and flirty. She told him not many people could rock the mohawk, but he did. He thanked her and signed her cds. She said he is even hotter in real life.

* Lastly, she got to Finn. Also super friendly and smiley. She said, "You can sign your face," which I thought was hilarious. She meant his face on the cd cover, but it just sounded funny when she told me.

So fun!! I wish I could have been there to meet them with Emily, but I am so happy to hear the play-by-play and know my sister got to have this special experience. Thanks for doing this, Em!






Two more quick things:

1) New episode this Wednesday November 11th at 9 pm. I think it's the one where Rachel and Kurt sing "Defying Gravity". SWEET.

2) I recently found out the GLEE kids will be going on tour next summer. I will be buying tickets the day they are available.

I am filled with glee.

Hollywood Movie Night

Last night at the college group, we had a movie night. But to spice it up, we made it like a Hollywood movie premiere. We wanted all the students to feel like celebrities, showing up to see the first screening. One of our adult leaders got dressed up and played chauffeur. He picked up the students in groups of 1-3 in a huge Tahoe Suburban and drove them to the entrance of the house. When they got out of the car, they got interviewed by my intern Dan (who called himself Bryan Seabiscuit, a spoof on Ryan Seacrest) and videotaped by another leader. Then myself and some other people pretended to be paparazzi, roped off from the red carpet and screaming their names and taking their pictures. "Michael! Look over here! *click click* Katrina! Who are you wearing!?!?"

Inside the house, we had decorations everywhere and a table where a couple students served drinks (sparkling cider, coffee, etc). When everyone had arrived, we headed into the garage where we had set up all the couches to face the screen. We passed out popcorn and red vines and settled down to watch an oldie but goodie: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. Great night!

*yawn*

I have been so tired lately. There are probably a few different reasons. I am busy. I am fighting off a cold. It's gets dark so early now (thank you Daylight Savings) so I always feel like bedtime is near.

But I can get 8 hours of sleep at night and still yawn my way through the day. What is my deal?!

Halloween

I had a fabulous Halloween.

Usually, most people in this area end up downtown on Halloween. It's so lame. I went one year and I swore I'd never go back. Tons of people are drunk, all the girls are dressed as skanks, and there always seems to be at least one gang-related stabbing. Plus there's nothing really going on. People just walk up and down the street, looking at each other's costumes and acting dumb.

So anyway, we wanted to give the college students an alternative option for the night. We went trick-or-treating. Who doesn't love free candy? (FREE was the theme of the night, because our students have no money) We took a ton of pictures of everyone's costumes and then headed out. Very successful collections! Woot.


Then we headed back to the church and played in the gym. Basketball, football, dodge ball, anything. We also had one of our students play DJ so we listened to techno music and Michael Jackson which was awesome. Everyone started heading out around 11:30 pm. I went home, pooped but happy.

My favorite costume: the Geico money commercial. This is Scott. He made this amazing costume. When we all walked out to look at it, he had a boom box and started playing the song "Sometimes I feel like...somebody's watching meeeeeeeeeee...." We died laughing! He is so creative!

Extreme Makeover: Office Edition

My office is getting a makeover. FINALLY.

Stage 1 - move a couch in so students have a place to sit when they come visit us. Done.

Stage 2 - paint the walls. Done this past weekend.

Stage 3 - paint my door and Jessica's (our new Director of Student Ministries - congratulations, Ese!) door with magnetic AND chalkboard paint. Then we can hang pictures (and whatever else) on it with magnets and draw all over it with chalk. How fun! 1 door painted, 1 to go.

Stage 4 - carpet (I am reeeally excited about this. Our bare floor is nasty.)

Stage 5 - new desks and chairs for 2 peeps.

Stage 6 - move out unnecessary furniture and move in a new filing cabinet and mini fridge.

Stage 7 - get a plaque for the door that says "Student Ministries" so we can feel official.

Stoked.