Worship Songs on Repeat

I really struggle with having a consistent quiet time each day to spend time alone with God in His Word. Have you ever been there? Wether it be because of oversleeping, rushing around in my every day routine, not having enough time in the day, or so many other excuses–it’s not ok and it’s a reflection of where my priorities are.

I savor my commute times though because it gives me time to pray and worship in the car before I start my busy work day. There are a few songs that I have had on repeat lately and so many of these words have been a huge encouragement to me.

Who You Say I Am By Hillsong Worship

Do you ever have those days when lies can seep into your mind and you start believing wrong things? I’ve definitely been there but I have learned (and am still learning) that it doesn’t matter what I or anyone thinks about me because it really only matters what God thinks about me. You may believe lies about yourself or others may say wrong things about you–but God sees you in a way that no one else can.

I am chosen
Not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me
Not against me
I am who You say I am

Your Promises by Elevation Worship

When lies begin to creep in, it’s vital to focus on truth. God is so good and He has promised so many abundant things to those who love Him and follow Him. Promises to use us for his glory (Genesis 12:2), promises for a future (Jeremiah 29:11), promises in suffering (Isaiah 43:1-2), promises to never leave us (Hebrews 13:5), etc., they’re so undeserved but so wonderful.

Doesn’t matter what I feel
Doesn’t matter what I see
My hope will always be
In Your promises to me
Now I’m casting out all fear
For Your love has set me free
My hope will always be
In Your promises to me

So Will I (100 Billion X) By Hillsong Worship

This entire album is incredible. This song has been so meaningful to me lately in thinking about the magnitude and power of God. It’s so much more than I can imagine or fathom and that’s so comforting. This song has been an encouragement to me to continue to worship God, no matter the circumstances that may be surrounding life.

If the stars were made to worship so will I
If the mountains bow in reverence so will I
If the oceans roar Your greatness so will I
For if everything exists to lift You high so will I
If the wind goes where You send it so will I
If the rocks cry out in silence so will I
If the sum of all our praises still falls shy
Then we’ll sing again a hundred billion times

You Won’t Relent by Jesus Culture

This song has been reassuring to know that God never gives up on us, His love is so strong, and that He continues to pursue those who love Him.

You won’t relent until you have it all
My heart is yours

I set you as a seal upon my heart
As a seal upon my arm
For there is love
That is as strong as death
Jealousy demanding as the grave
And many waters cannot quench this love

 

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For the Heart at Christmas

It’s Christmas weekend! Have you finished all your shopping and made all your preparations? I hope you have just a wonderful and special weekend of savoring this season with your family and friends. I can’t wait for all of my siblings, nieces and nephews, and parents to all be together–it’s chaos, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I wanted to leave you with some scriptures for this weekend as we celebrate the birth of Christ and remembering of all He has done for us. I hope these will touch your heart as you go about your weekend.

Galatians 4:4-5 But when the time had fully come, God sent His son, born of a woman, under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

1 Timothy 1:15-17 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Isaiah 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.

Luke 1:46-55 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

Merry Christmas! I am taking all of next week off from blogging but I will be back in the new year! Thank you so much for your support this year, it means so much to me!

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Give the Gift of Stitch Fix | AD

Sometimes it can be really difficult deciding what to get someone for Christmas. Maybe you have a family member who lives far away and it’s hard to get a present to them. Maybe you know someone who seems to have it all and you’re stumped about what to get them. If you need an idea of what to gift the special people in your life, no matter who they are or where they live, Stitch Fix is a great one! I have written a post with Stitch Fix before, but if you’re not familiar with the company–I’m here to give you some information.

**Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links–I earn a small commission which helps to build my blog and provide you with continued content.**

Stitch Fix is an online styling service that delivers a personalized shopping experience to you doorstep. All you need to do is complete the Style Profile online and a personal stylist will hand-pick pieces that complement your needs, style, and budget. Each box contains five items of clothing, shoes, and/or accessories and you can try them on at home. Once you have tried them on and decided which items you want to keep, exchange, or return–you simply send the rest back in an enclosed, pre-paid USPS envelope. No subscription is required for this service–you can receive boxes as often or seldom as you would like.

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Sweater Details: Pixley Cardigan from Stitch Fix

Stitch Fix carries styles for men, women, maternity, plus size, or petite sizes–so there really are options for all of the adults in your family! Giving gift cards to Stitch Fix are great for anyone–your mom, dad, brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts/uncles, in-laws, parents of your friends, best friends, co-workers, etc. Gift cards start off at the $20 amount or you can choose any other amount above that. Pick what works for you!

There are a few ways you can gift Stitch Fix gift cards and the direct links are down below. You can choose options such as print-at-home, email, or have a gift card mailed.

Stitch Fix Gift Card – Mail. The gift card will be mailed within 2-5 business days. Make sure to order your gift cards by December 15th to ensure it will be delivered before Christmas Day.

Stitch Fix Gift Card – Print-At-Home. Print off a gift card and then write a hand written note to go along with it.

Stitch Fix Gift Card – Email. Emailed gift cards can be scheduled to be received on a certain day or they can be sent same-day.

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Sweater Details: August Mist Estela Shearling Trim Detail Cardigan from Stitch Fix

I have personally been using Stitch Fix for the last couple of years and I have always been impressed by the quality of the items I have received. Plus, it’s a nice surprise to see what your stylist picks out for you or for another person! I love using Stitch Fix because it’s personalized, convenient, fun, budget-friendly, and no monthly subscription fee is required.


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No Gifts for Christmas: Things to Do with Family Instead of Buying and Giving Gifts

Last night I finished all of my Christmas gift preparation! Gifts have been wrapped and are just waiting for Christmas day. However, although it’s fun to give and receive gifts at Christmas–you don’t need gifts to have a wonderful Christmas. As my siblings and I have grown up, some being married and have children now, we have changed the ways in which we approach gift-giving at Christmas. We all seem to agree that Christmas is less and less about presents and more about quality, special time together. My whole family is probably all together only about once a year and so our time together has become one of the most precious gifts.

Today I’m giving you some ideas for how to celebrate Christmas with your family (and/or friends)–without having to have gifts involved.

Go on a trip together

The Christmas before my oldest sister was married, my family went on a skiing vacation to North Carolina. We rented a huge van and road-tripped all the way from Oklahoma. That was also the year that we each had portable, personal DVD players (anyone remember those?). Although the majority of the road trip was probably spent watching 5 seasons of Gilmore Girls, I still remember that experience and it was so much fun. Once we arrived at our destination, we checked into our cabin rental that overlooked the mountains and the ski lodge. We cooked food, watched movies, and prepared to go skiing the next day. The weather was so warm that the ski resort had to create fake snow–that was interesting to watch! Once there was enough “snow,” we headed out and had a great time. Who knew skiing in t-shirts wouldn’t be so bad? Haha! I’m so thankful for that time we had together before the dynamic of our family changed. We have been on trips together with my brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephew since then–and it just keeps getting better. Why not save and invest in a family vacation instead of buying gifts? I highly recommend it!

Make and serve a meal to a family in need

Last year my family and I made some meals for the families of patients at our local hospice house, instead of doing gifts. I loved being able to do that for some of our local families who were experiencing grief, loss, and sadness during what should be one of the happiest times of the year. We weren’t able to personally meet any of the families, but it was an awesome experience to know that we helped to take care of them in a small way during Christmas. There are so many other ways you can help others during Christmas and it doesn’t have to even be a grand gesture–anything, no matter how big/small, helps!

Have a family night

Instead of gift exchanging, have a day/night just for family fun! You could bake cookies, make hot cider, play board/card games, watch Christmas movies, drive around and look at Christmas lights, make a bunch of Dubsmash videos, etc, and just focus on spending time together. My most favorite memories are definitely of my parents, siblings, grandchildren, and pets all housed up together and it being just wild!

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Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas

Only 20 more shopping days until Christmas! If you’re done shopping–way to go! If you aren’t done yet–remain calm and have no fear! Over the last few years, my family has changed the way we exchange gifts and, to be honest, it’s actually taken a lot of the stress away. However, I always like stocking stuffer gifts and the process of filling the stockings. If you are doing stocking stuffer gifts this year, I have a list of gift ideas in case you need some inspiration. I also have a blog post coming out on Friday with alternatives for gift-giving, so make sure to read that one.

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For Kids

-Socks (I think silly socks or fun patterned socks are way better)
-Books
-Subscription services (ie. Highlights magazine)
-Chapstick
-Gloves
-Lego
-Hot Wheels
-Games
-On-the-go cups
-Fun patterned Band-Aids
-Rubber duck
-Milk straws (you can find these on Amazon but they are straws with flavor pods inside and they turn milk into different flavors)
-Silly drinking straws
-Gift cards
-Candy

For Her

-Essential oil blends
-Candles
-Tea
-Coffee
-Socks
-Nail polish
-Subscriptions (i.e. Birchbox, magazine, etc)
-Jewelry
-Wallet
-Hand cream
-Mug
-Chocolate
-Gift Cards

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For Him

-Pen
-Graphic print t-shirt
-Shaving kit
-Beard oil
-Movie
-Coffee
-Yeti (or similar insulated coffee mug)
-Socks
-Gloves
-Gift cards
-Beef jerky
-Candy
-Watch

For Friends

-Passport cover
-Sunglasses
-Coffee mugs
-Coffee
-Novelty print socks
-Gift cards
-Candles
-Snacks
-Photo gifts

Basically, I don’t think you can go wrong with getting anyone socks, haha! These are the main things that I think would be great to gift as stocking stuffers. I hope this list was helpful to you if you are trying to figure out stocking stuffer gift ideas! If I am forgetting any ideas that you like, make sure to comment below what they are. I hope you are having great December and that you’re enjoying the Christmas spirit!

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