The Holidays are just around the corner..

Thanksgiving is one week away.

Christmas is like 37 days away.

Is it just me or does time go by faster every year? I feel like my life is flying by..

Here in the past year or so, I feel like I've gained a lot more understanding of things. Why this is so I can't really explain. Maybe because I'm more mature or smarter or something. I don't know.

So as the holidays approach us this year, I have began to think more and more deeply about them and what they really mean to me.

In elementary school, we are taught about the Mayflower and the pilgrims and indians and how they feasted together.

"This is why we celebrate Thanksgiving." All our teachers would say.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad the pilgrims came over from England and established their own colony that eventually led us to having this wonderful country to live in called the United States of America.

But is that really the only reason for Thanksgiving?

I think not. It's about being truly thankful for everything we are blessed with.

Here lately I have realized how much I have that others don't and how I take these things for granted. I won't even try to make a list. I really do appreciate everything I have in my life, but I do a poor job of expressing that most of the time.

For example, I was given two eyes that I can see the beautiful word and people that God created for us. Sure, I have to wear contacts, but I can see clear and perfect with them. I can't imagine being blind, and there are so many people out there that have to deal with that. And I go around looking at everything like it's nothing.

Everything in our lives are gifts from God, even though we don't always recognize them as that.

Let your friends know you are thankful for them, let your family know your thankful for them, and most importantly let God know you're thankful for Him and everything he has given you!


Everyone can probably say that Christmas was more fun when they were younger. Writing letters to Santa and making him cookies. Singing all those childish Christmas songs and watching those cartoon specials on TV. Being in Christmas plays at church and school. Taking forever to fall asleep on Christmas Eve.. Then waking your parents up early Christmas morning to open all your presents.

I have to admit, I still can't sleep Christmas Eve, but all those other events are a thing of the past for me. It makes me kind of sad, knowing that I'm growing up and all. But really, it doesn't matter how old you are, how many presents you get, or what you do to celebrate.. Christmas is about honoring the birth of of Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Everyone says, "Remember the real reason for the season." But how many people honestly do that?

We think it would be the end of our lives if someone took away all the materialistic things of Christmas such as presents and decorations. But what if Jesus was taken away from us?

This holiday season, I am going to strive to be thankful for the thousands of things God blesses me with each and everyday. And remember that without Jesus being born, only to live and die for the sins we commit on a daily basis. There would be no life for me or anyone else without Him, no great food on Thanksgiving, no presents on Christmas, there would be NOTHING.

Enjoy the holidays, the food, the gifts, and the family gatherings, but don't forget why we celebrate.