The Month of November in Review

1. My Best Friend's Wedding. At the beginning of the month I traveled to South Dakota for Brandi and Casey's wedding. It was such an honor to stand next to my friend Brandi in a beautiful white dress as she married a wonderful man. This was the first "friend" wedding that I have ever been in and it was truly a blessing to be the Maid of Honor in this wedding. A lot of pastors talk about how they like funerals more than weddings, but at this point in my vocational journey I am almost positive that I will like weddings more than funerals.

2. Time At Home. Over the years I have learned to adjust to new places to call "home." Yet, it still isn't the same as being in a place that is really my home-home. It was absolutely wonderful to sleep in my bed, to shower in my shower, and drive in my town, to look out my window, to shop in my favorite stores, and to be in the same place as my family. Even though it was a very busy time...it was still wonderful to be HOME.

3. My First Sinus Infection. After I came home from South Dakota I started to get sick. I had never had a sinus infection, so I didn't even consider that the symptoms I was having were related to a sinus infection. So after letting myself continue to get even sicker, I decided to go to a doctor. The first doctor, yes I ended up at more than one, though I had pneumonia. She sent me to an urgent care. The second doctor took one look at me and said that I had a sinus infection. The medicine seems to be helping and I am starting to feel much better. Once again I am reminded how hard it is to be so far away from the people who will take care of you when you are sick.

4. My First Time Cooking Thanksgiving Dinner. On Thanksgiving I was blessed by the presence of Diane, Andrew, and Katie. I managed to prepare a turkey breast, stuffing, squash, cheesy potatoes, and a caramel apple cheesecake without burning the house down or even setting off the fire alarm. It was so great to surrounded by friends on a day filled with much Thanksgiving!

5. Visits With Friends. Diane spent the night and on Friday morning we had a pizza lunch at Pete's, which was incredible, and went to the movie Tangled in 3-D. I learned that 3-D movies freak me out a bit...I tend to duck at flying objects. Then Diane headed back to Alabama. On Saturday Matt stopped by for a quick visit on his way back to Virginia, too. It was so great to spend time with friends!

6. A New Year. Yes, one church year has ended and today another one began. Today is the First Sunday of Advent and we begin preparing for the coming of Jesus, both a babe born in Bethlehem and the Savior of the World. As we prepare our homes for this holiday season may we also prepare our hearts for the unexpected promise of Jesus Christ the Hope of the Nations and the Light of the World. If you would like to read my sermon for the First Sunday in Advent click here. Blessings to you this Advent season!