Musings of a First-Time Snowboarder

Yesterday, I hit the slopes for the first time in my life. I've never skied or snowboarded in my 19 (almost 20!) years of being on this earth. I've had plenty of friends try to get me to go snowboarding with them, and I finally took a chance yesterday.

Dad, Tabitha, Amanda, Uncle Rick, and I headed off to Bluewood yesterday morning around 7. I had no idea what to expect or if I'd even been able to stand up on a snowboard. I'm not exactly the "athletic type" so believe me, I had my doubts on being able to accomplish anything my first day. So Amanda, Tabitha, and I took a snowboarding lesson. After spending most of the time falling on the bunny hill, I traded my "platter-pull" pass in for a lift pass in hopes that the steeper hill would be easier to learn on.

My first time down Triple Nickle was literally hell. I had no idea how to carve and control my board so I just would go really fast and fall every 4 seconds. I think it took me 45 minutes to get down on my first run and believe me, it was not a pretty sight. I did a face plant into a pile of snow as this 8 year old kid goes by and asks if I was ok. But I refused to give up, I knew I'd regret it later. On my third run, Uncle Rick gave me a couple pointers and went on his way. I took those pointers and applied them to my snowboarding... Guess What?!? I GOT IT! I was starting to carve and turn, I truly amazed myself! I went on a total of 7 runs and on my last one, I only fell a few times :-)

I couldn't believe that I actually learned how. I am so thankful that I didn't give up and kept persevering... hmm something I can apply to my day-to-day life.

Today, I'm completely sore. I could barely roll out of bed this morning. Every muscle in my body is screaming with pain, but I don't care. I had an absolute blast and am planning to go again in 2 weeks.

Silent Night

Silent Night, Holy Night
All is calm, all is bright

This morning as I was drinking my coffee I decided to put on our Josh Groban Christmas album, and in an instant our downstairs was filled with the sounds of Silent Night. For the first time, I let the words of that song really sink in. As the song continued to play, I stared at our Nativity Scene and saw the Shepard's and Wise men bowing before Him. Then, the meaning of the song hit me.

A lot of people find this song ironic. They say "How could it have been a silent night? They were in a barn with a newborn baby. Of course it was loud." I, too, have had those same thoughts until today.

God showed me this song had little to do with the natural relm, but had everything to do with the spiritual relm. Jesus came to earth to save and redeem us. The night He was born signified hope. All was calm and bright because He was born and willing to take on our sins. I have this feeling that at the moment of His birth, all of heaven was quiet; standing in awe and reverence of baby Jesus. Which makes that night one silent and holy night :-)

So next time you sing or hear this song, think of the spiritual relm. You will never view this song as ironic again, I garantee it.

May God bless each and every one of you this Christmas Season. May the hope that He brought that night fill your homes and hearts!

Just for Kicks

As most people know, I love kids. I love being around them because I truly feel like I am in my element. Well, I was cruising around youtube and found some really cute America's Funniest Home Video clips on kids/babies. So take a few minutes out of your day and have a few laughs. I think sometimes we forget how precious and wonderful each child is and hopefully these videos remind you of that :-)










I'll leave you with my favorite clip. I hope this makes you smile