Time is Approaching...

Christmas is almost here.

Friends and family are traveling from far away.

My roommates are leaving to go home.

Everyone is in a shuffle, trying to get as much done

in as little time as possible.

I have a fun week planned for my mom and friend

who are coming from the States and London.

A couple of days in Nuremberg, Germany

to see the famous Christmas markets,

couchsurfing with strangers, and

a snowy bus ride in the Czech and German countrysides.

A Christmas Eve Candlelight Service,

then a nice cozy dinner in a pub

with a roaring fire,

just along the Vltava River.

The tickets are bought.

Four of us will be going to the Prague State Opera

on Christmas

to see Swan Lake.

Then a big feast back at the flat.

I can't wait!

"Leave not thy chamber this morning without enquiring of the Lord."

~C.H. Spurgeon

I love love love this quote.
Not only does it sound beautiful when uttered aloud, but it is a truth I often forget.
How can I face the uncertainty of each day without first enquiring of God?
He knows all and sees all. I do not.
And that is oh so comforting.

What's in your bag?

What's in your bag?

I thought this was a fun idea that other bloggers have done in the past.

So I'm giving it a try.

Here's what I carry with me on a daily basis:

Top Right to Left: Anthro planner, Moleskine journal (keeps my mind clear of fretting about forgotten things), 1940s gloves, Italian leather purse, digital camera, lotion, tissues (who knew the winter brings a runny nose?), my special pens (both gifts), all three keys to my flat, Alba lip balm & Bath & Body Works gloss, Anthro change purse, Czech Crowns (currency), my Czech cell phone, mini i-pod shuffle, Flagler College tin advil case, silver engraved compact mirror (bridesmaid gift), vintage-style watch, Barnes & Noble olde-world-map passport holder & passport, and, of course, a novel.

I'd love to hear what you carry with you!

love&laughs,

H

A Year Ago Today...

I graduated from my dream college

after four amazing years

in and out of beautiful St. Augustine, FL

Flagler College was my Harvard

and I loved every minute of it.

I can't believe it's already been a year...

a year since I've been a student

a year since I've gone to classes

a year since I've written a paper.

And now I'm going after another

dream,

living abroad.

 I encourage you all to go after your dreams,

even if they're hard, even if you fail,

even if you don't think they're possible,

even if you struggle. They are worth it.

How can we as followers of Jesus make a difference

in this world if we are not happy or pursuing our dreams?

How will people understand the true nature of God

if they do not sense our own passions for living?

Follow God's will by living out your dreams

and reach people with your testimony of it.

I must admit, I am sad today, thinking of past times.

Truly, the only negative of living a dream-filled life.

But sadness is natural, and a positive part of moving forward,

for my memories will always remain deep within my soul.

love&laughs,
the flagler alumna

The Nutcracker

Every Christmas my mom and I go to see the ballet, The Nutcracker. I remember first seeing it when I was just a young girl in a quaint little theater by the sea. It has had a lasting impression on me. So much so, that I love anything that has to do with The Nutcracker. The story itself is enchanting and the little toy soldier is much more dashing than Prince Charming. I mean, he fights off evil mice in front of a giagantic Christmas tree with Father Time watching from above. Then he dances with Clara.

How romantic!

This year we'll be in Prague watching the ballet at Narodni Divadlo, or the National Theatre for those English readers. I am so excited for a fun evening out with my mommy! Hopefully it will snow and we can wear pretty dresses and have dessert across the street at Cafe Slavia, a famous old-world coffeehouse. It's just along the Vltava with a spectacular view of Prague Castle.

The National Theatre

Love&Laughs,
H

Christmas Lights

Pia Jane Bijkerk

I really like this music video from Coldplay's newest Christmas Album.
I forgot how much I love this band.
Walking around Prague at night is magical, much like this video.
Enjoy! :)

this is glamorous

Happy 49th Birthday, Mom!

My mom turned 49 today,

switch those numbers around and it makes 94.

She's not that old...yet.

My mom has given me so much

and all I'm giving her in return is a post on my blog.

Life just doesn't seem fair.

She gave me life.

She gave me my sense of style

and my love of all things thrifty.

She gave me an obsession with dark chocolate.

She gave me a safe childhood,

with lots of room for imagination. 

She showed me how to respect others,

especially my elders and my crazy family

(on both sides)

 She gave me room to grow

and direction when I asked for it.

She introduced me to God

and all of his love and grace.

She taught me to be the perfect hostess

and to treat people equally.

On this birthday of hers,

even though she's so far away,

I hope she feels my love

and my gratitude.

Early in life she traveled alone,

now she has a family of her own.

Our lives will always be linked,

even if our paths are not always in sync.

Happy Birthday Mom!

I love you

& miss you

a lot.

love

your only daughter,

H



Ponderings & Meditations

"He will fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy." ~Job 8:21

This verse was sent to me by a good friend. And it reminded me to laugh more and show more of my inner joy. The Czech Republic can be a very dark place. Over 70% of its population are Atheists. In many ways the older generations still have Communist tendencies. Laughter is rarely heard, unless it's from a group of drunk teenagers late at night on the trams. And joy, I think, is a foreign concept. How can they know joy if they do not believe in the source of all joy? Especially with winter fast approaching, I think it will be important to keep this verse in my near thoughts.

~~~

"There is a legend which tells of two angels who come from Heaven every morning and go on their rounds all the day long. One is the Angel of Requests. The other is the Angel of Thanksgiving. Each carries a basket. The one belonging to the Angel of Requests is soon filled to overflowing, for everyone pours into it great handfuls of requests; but when the day is ended, the Angel of Thanksgiving has in his basket only two or three small contributions of gratitude." ~Mrs. Charles E. Cowman from Streams in the Desert

I read this today in the wonderful daily devotion of Streams in the Desert and felt convicted. How often do I pray for numerous things that I want, but never give thanks for what I already have? This Thanksgiving I was away from family, but I was granted a wonderful group of people to share the holiday with. I may not get to see the sun everyday, but I get to sleep in a cozy, warm apartment and watch the snow fall outside. I may not speak Czech and always understand what's going on around me; but I do speak the lingua franca of the world, which is a hot commodity in Prague. God has always provided for my needs, my mouth should always be filled with more thanksgiving than requests.

What are you thankful for?

love&laughs,

H