Final-ly!

It's Christmas Break... finally!
What a week!


It was finals week and I knew it would be crazy, but not to this extent!  This is why:

1) My computer crashed and lost random documents/pictures/music. This was discouraging as I lost major projects, some of my favorite documents, and pictures.

2) Two of my best friends received college decisions. This added up to a lot of pressure, excitement, and counting down the minutes.

3) I was able to visit with college friends back in town for the Holidays!  And I got to go to the 18 to 33 year old church service with them.  It was amazing hearing about what God is doing in their lives as they are in different universities in different states pursuing different majors but all following God.

4) My friend's birthday was on Friday so her birthday dinner was at Cheesecake Factory and then my friends and I went to a Christmas Pageant.  After a stressful week, it was wonderful to relax, laugh, and take oh-so-many photos.

5) I got some Christmas shopping done yesterday in the mall and met up with my friend to talk.  Not exactly the quietest place this time of year... And yet, it was so worth it.  Hearing about how God is showing up in someone's life and family never gets old.

6) ... days until Christmas!

7) I just finished a couple projects that are due tonight/tomorrow morning.

8) I'm helping to organize my small group Christmas party.  I love my small group and can't wait to see if I can finally have some of our small group leader's home-made chinese food.

9) I got a wonderful letter of encouragement in the mail from a friend and keep getting texts of bible verses of inspiration from another. I feel so blessed.

10) Since I have been driving a lot, I have had a lot more car worship times.  Yes, I am that girl.  One of my favorite things in the entire world is driving at night and singing along with worship music.

For a while I just couldn't wait for the week to pass, but now that it's over I can see I had a lot of great moments...  I hate wishing time will fly by because I know God calls us to "redeem the time."  We don't ever even know if we have tomorrow, so we have to make the most of each moment for Christ's glory.  My mentor wisely reminded me the other day, "Time is short and we must be the master of it."  Love her :)  This past week was so long and short at the same time.  My prayer now is that my faith, strength, patience, and boldness for Christ will be renewed as I have more time to grow closer to Him during break.  Christmas Break is finally here!  How can I celebrate, serve, worship, and glorify Christ this Christmas?