28 Blessings

Today is my 28th Birthday and I get just as excited about it as I did when I was younger. For me birthdays mean newness, fresh start, possibility, expectation of what could happen, and thankfulness for what has happened. This year I want to do things a little different and just focus on the blessings in my life:

1. Fresh excitement in my relationship with God
2. Family that loves me for who I am, and not who they want me to be in the future
3. I can freely worship in my country
4. I can read my Bible whenever I want to
5. Church family
6. Old friends
7. And new friends (thank you, Jesus!)
8. Books....glorious books
9. My local library...it feeds my addiction
10. Diet Dr. Pepper
11. Weight Watchers
12. ExemplifyOnline.com
13. A home to live in
14. A job that I LOVE
15. A boss that teaches me
16. Co-workers that are genuinely kind and helpful
17. Traveling for work...I love to travel
18. Health
19. Zumba....everyone needs to try it at least once!
20. Bloggy friends
21. Realized dreams
22. Being single...yes, it is a blessing and not a punishment ;)
23. Veggie friendly restaurants
24. Health Insurance
25. Glee! (a little TV joy never hurts! haha)
26. Google Reader to keep my blog reading organized
27. HEAT...it's been flippin' cold in Florida lately!
28. Another chance at another year to LIVE

What are your blessings? Both the big and the small....I think God delights in my delight even if I find it in Glee or Zumba or my Relationship with Him. -Alison

A New Kind of Giving

For most of my life Christmas was about making a wish list and hoping to get everything on it. Selfish, I know. As I've gotten older (and hopefully more mature Ha!) I began feeling like Christmas giving should mean something more than just giving and receiving "stuff". So, over the past few years I've made at least one gift for each family member, or tried to find the perfect gift that they never knew they always wanted. It's almost like a treasure hunt! To me gifts should say to the receiver, "I found/made this, and specifically had you in mind. I love you." For me, giving back during the Christmas season is putting into physical form how I feel about those I love the most. It's not about spending outrageous amounts of money or buying piles of presents. It's about the moment when they open the gift and the look on their face tells me they realize I have been paying attention. It's that moment of "I am loved." I know good and well that presents do not equal love, but think about how you feel when God blesses you with something above and beyond your basic needs and you have been desiring it for a long time. Don't you feel loved and think, "He did hear my secret whispered prayers!"? Me too, friend, me too. Giving presents is my way of expressing not only my love, but also God's love for the people in my life. Giving back can mean a multitude of things, and my meaning of it should not diminish the fact that there are people in our communities that need our help this Christmas season. There are many options to get involved, and here are some practical ways to get help out in your community and beyond:

• Serve food at your local homeless shelter...they need help not only on Christmas day, but all year long.
• Give gifts to your local toy drive.
• Donate food to a food pantry.
• Drop a box off for Operation Christmas Child (a personal favorite of mine!)
• Adopt a local family and provide Christmas dinner and/or gifts for their kids
• Donate money to your favorite charity or ministry by decreasing the amount you spend on gifts this season. You can even make a card for your friends and family that tells them a donation has been made in their honor!

I hope this Christmas season you do not become so consumed with stuff that you forget the people for who you are buying the gifts.

-A

Peace On Earth and In My Soul

During the holiday season stores are filled with greeting cards and decorations that read some version of “Peace on Earth”. This year it is making me ask myself, “Do I have peace in my little part of the earth? Do I have peace in my soul?” If I answered honestly, it would probably be... To read the rest of Peace on Earth and In My Soul see page 19 in the December issue @ www.exemplifyonline.com (You can also read it in blog form here)!!!

A New Christmas Tradition

My family's Christmas traditions have changed a lot over the years. After my parents divorced, it was inevitable that things would change during the holidays. Then add remarriage, siblings getting married and having kids, and I realized new traditions would have to be forged. Christmas day has really changed. I used to wish Christmas day could always be the same every year, and now every year Christmas is different. So, not only do I have split my time between two parents, I don't get to see all of my siblings every year either. They all have in-laws to see now too. After I mourned the loss of my old Christmas traditions, I began to realize that each year is an opportunity to for new memories. Our new tradition is that every year is different than the one before. I think it's going to remain that way for me until I have my own family and we can make our own traditions together. So, until that day comes, I will choose to be thankful that I have a family that I love and loves me back. That is more than what a lot of people have this Christmas season. To read about other people's Christmas traditions please visit www.exemplifyonline.com.

Christmas Playlist Link Up

Can I be honest? I've never bought Christmas music! My play list has mainly been supplied by my mom's collection from over the years. In the spirit of sharing and the Christmas season, here is I will be listening to and/or singing this:

• The Elf soundtrack....the whole thing, but especially 'Baby It's Cold Outside' sung by Leon Redbone & Zooey Deschanel. Elf is my favorite Christmas movie of all time.

• The Nutcracker Suite - London Symphony Orchestra...In 5th grade I danced in the Nutcracker. I tried out for one of the children in the party scene, but was cast as a rat. My costume was definitely better than what the party children had to wear!

• Mannheim Steamroller has always been a staple in my family. When I hear it, it takes me back to Christmases of my childhood!

• I don't have many Christmas carols downloaded onto my ipod, but I can't wait to sing them at the Christmas Eve service at my church! Some of my favorites to sing are Oh Come, Oh Come Emanuel; Silent Night; Away In the Manger; and Joy To The World.

You don't have to tell me twice that my play list is pitiful, but Christmas music has never been my passion. I would much rather watch Christmas movies! Here's what I'll be watching to stay in the Christmas spirit!

• Elf
• Little Women
• Just Friends
• Christmas Vacation
• A Christmas Story
• The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
• The Polar Express
• The Muppet Christmas Carol
• Home Alone
• Lifetime channel Christmas movies - I'm a sucker for the cheese factor

So, what's on your play list this year? What are your favorite carols to sing? Anything I must download to expand my Christmas music selection? To read what other people are listening to this Christmas season visit www.exemplifyonline.com.

The Writing Groove and Christmas Fun

Can I be honest? I'm struggling to find a writing groove with my blog. I have a lot of great intentions, but I think it's now a matter of just writing. I've asked several of my blogging friends for tips and writing resources, and the one piece of advice they all gave me was to write and write and then write some more. Of course, we can all improve in the craft and skill of writing, but to get into the mindset of writer, you have to write! So, this month www.exemplifyonline.com has given me the perfect opportunity to get back into a regular blogging habit. Throughout the month of December Exemplify is hosting:and I will be participating! Ok, so here is the schedule of events for "Exemplify's Christmas Spectacular!" that I will doing: [For a full listing of scheduled events or to get involved please www.exemplifyonline.com] Tuesday, December 1

Thursday, December 3

Friday, December 4

Friday, December 11

Thursday, December 17

Tuesday, December 22

I hope you enjoy the holiday fun around The Process of Exchange over the next few weeks! Don't forget to sign-up for your FREE subscription to www.exemplifyonline.com online magazine! My first article is being published on December 3, 2009...HINT, HINT! -Alison

Procastinitus - it's a technical term

I've recently begun writing for another project that is not blog related (more details to come in the future). It is the first time I've had a writing deadline since college, and last week I was not coping well with the pressure. I felt like I hit a wall. Not just any wall either. It felt like the Great Wall of China. I had writer's block, procastinitus (read: procrastination issues), and a major case of "oh crap, what did I get myself into?". Have you ever been in that place before?

Each time I sat down to write it felt like steel doors closed off the part of my brain that supplies creativity. Every time I would get an idea, it remained just that, an idea. I was beyond frustrated and my deadline was looming in the near future. My thoughts were a mess and I was definitely buying into the lies I was hearing and saying to myself. You know the usual suspects, so they don't warrant repeating. I have a theory that the devil has only a few tricks that he spins 1,000 different ways. Let's face it, either we're stupid or he's an amazing liar. Maybe it's a bit of both? ha!

So there I sat having a nice little pity party. Fortunately, I have great friends. Michele talked me down from the "I can't/don't want to do it!" whining ledge, Shelby gave me some awesome writing tips to help me think from a different perspective, Jen was my resident proof-reader/encourager, and my Bible study girls were interceding for me the 2 weeks leading up to the deadline.

The true turning point came when I was reading through my twitter feed. Michele re-tweeted Rev Run and it so hit home for me:

RT @RevRunWisdom if youre under attack, its because your blessing is CLOSE! Thieves only come to loaded vaults!

At that moment my prayer changed from "God I can't" to "God, I know you having something to say through me. Please give me the words to say." I found that place of believing the truth about what God was telling me of him being able no matter if I feel like I can or not. How quickly I forget that he is God and that my battle is that the devil doesn't want God's truth to be made public.

What are you giving up because it seems too difficult? Are you willing to take that first step into your destiny even though it feels like you're walking naked onto a stage?

One last question for the writers out there. What is your writing process? All help for this novice writer is great appreciated!!

Hi, again...

So, it seems like I am incapable of blogging on the regular, but I think I'm OK with that. 1) I don't need to and shouldn't post every little thing that happens and 2) I like this no pressure blogging thing I have going on right now.

I don't really have much to say tonight other than God is so faithful. I have a lot of dreams for my life that I've tucked away because the timing has not been right yet. Friends, one of those dreams is in motion. I'm in the first steps on a path I've wanted to walk for a long time. I don't want to go into too much detail right now, but as soon as I can, I will be posting about it all!

Oh yeah! Just something fun is that I will be getting my very first business card today and in a couple of weeks I'll be going on my first business trip. By myself. I love traveling on someone else's dollar! ;)

Remembering and Suggesting

This morning as I read through the blogs I subscribe to, I was not surprised to see several 9/11 memorials. Like most, I too remember where I was and what I was doing as the events unfolded. It's something that's hard to forget. My memory of that day is in flashes of words and emotion. "Did you hear about the plane crash?" my classmate whispered to me as the Professor of our Middle Eastern Civilization class began his lecture. "Florida State University has been closed due to the events of the morning..." were words I read in my inbox from the University President. "The planes that crashed into the World Trade Towers this morning were done in an act of terrorism..." is what I heard on the news. "Alison, I saw the second plane crash live while watching GMA." is what my mom told me when she called to check on me that morning. "What's going to happen?" were the panicked words I asked back. I could go on about the words I remember, but the emotion of the day is what has stuck with me the most. I grew up a little bit more that day with a greater appreciation for the fragility of a life that isn't guaranteed. I think it was the first time my generation realized that our country is not invincible. Those of us born in the 80's and 90's had no personal memory of our country in crisis. We had been through Desert Storm as kids and even lost family & friends over there, but our home soil was never compromised like it was on 9/11. I didn't lose anyone on that day eight years ago, but I still grieved. I grieved for my friends that did lose family and for those that didn't yet know if their loved one had been found. I grieved for the collective loss of innocence of my generation. I grieved for those who died without knowing God. I just simply grieved. Today, though, I thankful. Thankful for my life, thankful for the men and women that sacrifice themselves for the safety of my country, thankful for a better perspective on finding security in my relationship with God. Just plain thankful. Let's end this post on a lighter note though! I don't participate in Follow Friday on Twitter, but I would be remiss if I didn't share with you three of my favorite blogs! Amy Beth @ www.ministrysofabulous.com has me laughing out loud on a daily basis. Especially this week with her British boy and her Ryan Gosling look-a-like friend Nicholas! Ree @ www.thepioneerwoman.com has some of the BEST recipes with loads of pictures of the food, and even tells her story going from a city woman to marrying a cowboy and living on a working ranch! Annie @ www.hootenannie.com - priceless sense of humor...that's all that needs to be said. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do! -Alison

Since May 18

Ok, so this unplanned 3 month blog hiatus was glorious! I have had the opportunity to be a part of some very incredible (and fun!) events in the lives of family and friends.

The hiatus kicked off with Stephanie's annual Memorial Day visit to me! This year did not disappoint (as it never does). Well...ok, so there was a minor blip at the beginning of the weekend when my body decided to revolt and gave me a fever/chills/kidney infection. BUT thanks to the great team at my Dr's office, they got me feeling better in no time at all! Thanks Steph for putting up with my sick-self and making the rest of the weekend so much fun :) She was then off to interview for an amazing job in a new city so she can be a part of a church plant....of course she got the job! Who want this girl on their team?!

Next up was my nephew's pre-school graduation. Believe me. pre-k graduation was big news around here with most of his family living in our city AND he is the first grandkid/nephew on both sides of the family. Let me tell you, this boy is LOVED!

Of course I can't mention the nephew without mentioning the niece! You cannot deny her cuteness factor. You just cant. I mean, I will not allow you to deny it. She'll be 5 months this month and is lovingly nicknamed The Princess. She is turning into one girly little girl! The apple does not fall far from the "Auntie Tree" or so my sister in-law tells me ;)

Now, this next event is what really made this whole hiatus glorious. My best friend went and got married to the man of her dreams and I had the privilege of being her Maid of Honor! (Thankfully, those duties were shared with her Matron of Honor and my very dear friend, Amy.) The whole weekend was such a great reminder of expecting and waiting for God's best in all areas of life. Shelby and Tanner's wedding was probably the most emotional/God-filled wedding I have ever been to. You could not deny their love or that they are perfect for each other. Not to mention they're both absolutely beautiful people! You should seriously check out their photos here and then immediately hire Jen McDonald for your next event.

While at Shelby and Tanner's wedding (or affectionately known as Shanner) my brother turned the big 3-0! He is certainly handsome, a great husband and an amazing dad. Love you big-bro!

Just call me world-traveler because exactly 24 hours after I got home from Shelby and Tanner's wedding, I hopped on a plane for France. Yes, France! I went there for my step-sister's wedding. Talk about wedding-palooza. Two in one week, but I wasn't in this one. I just got to attend and enjoy the beauty that is Nice, France. It really was one of the most gorgeous places I have ever been in my life. While there I stayed in a villa (with views of the Mediterranean from my room), was a part of a wedding scavenger hunt that took us all over old town Nice and through some ruins, climbed to the top of Eze Village, walked the streets of Monaco, bought food in an Italian open air Market, dipped my toes in the Mediterranean Sea, spent some quality time with my Dad & family, ate some of the best food I have ever consumed, and witnessed my sister marry her man in one of the most beautiful settings ever. (you check out my photos on facebook)

Even though I had a spectacular time in France, I was thankful to come home and sleep in my own bed! Which is what I did as soon as I crossed the threshold of my room...fell head-first into bed and woke up the next morning for work. Yes, as crazy as it sounds, I actually went to work the morning after I returned from Europe. Would you believe me if I told you that I didn't have jet lag? Well, you should because it's true. I somehow missed out on the whole jet lag thing both going to and coming home from France. I think I'll take that as confirmation I should travel the world more often.

As if all that wasn't enough to fill 3 months, there's still more! Shortly after my return from Europe I went to my darling nephew's VBS program. Y'all, VBS is a BIG thing at my church. Over 400 kids and over 100 volunteers. It's a HUGE undertaking and it blesses my community on so many levels. What I love about it is that the kids get to learn about God in a fun environment and aren't kids the cutest in music programs? I just love all the waving they do to Moms, Dads, Nanas and Aunties too!

July 4th was something I was looking forward to because it meant a day off from work AND going to visit my good friend Angela in central Florida. We walked 3 miles (6 miles round trip) to and from the July 4th festival, ate lots of Tijuana Flats, visited with college buddies I haven't seen in a long time, shopped, and went to her church (her pastor is 7ft tall!).

Think I'm done? Not quite....my next adventure was tubing down the Ichetucknee River with a group from my church....highlight of the tubing adventure? Passing a woman in her tube that got the rear of swimsuit caught on something under the water...ha!

Alright, now to cap off the three month glorious adventure of a blog hiatus with a trip to my dad's for a quick weekend visit. We ate Thai food from Thai Nana (the BEST Thai food ever), went out on the boat, anchored at an island and swam for awhile, took the niece into the Gulf for the first time, looked for shells with the nephew, saw Mama Mia and sang Abba songs with several hundred other show-goers, and relaxed at the house before we had to make the trek back home.

I think I've done enough to fill a year, but I would do it all over again. For sure. I have no clue what the next 3 months holds other than family, friends, work, zumba, reading, church life and hoping in God. If that's all I get, I'll be full. Although, I have a feeling there is more to be had than that. We will see, wont we? :o)

-Ali