As we move towards a new year, many of us think about a "fresh start". We all have things in our past that we would like to forget or regrets of things we wish we had done or not done. This quote reminded me that we need to "move forward" - we cannot move forward unless we stop looking back.
"Effective men and women are forward thinkers. The nineteenth-century preacher F. B. Meyer wrote, “It is a mistake to be always turning back to recover the past. The law for Christian living is not backward, but forward; not for experiences that lie behind, but for doing the will of God, which is always ahead and beckoning us to follow.”"
So, I love Christmas movies. From all the movies, these are my top picks. I know that many of them are pretty predictable (and cheesy) - so I usually only end up watching a few.
When writer Kayleigh has her column cancelled before Christmas, she heads home to reconnect with family. Sparks fly when she gets an unexpected visit from the man who cancelled her column.
Longing to be accepted for herself and not just her wealth, an heiress heads to the small town of Glenbrooke, where she discovers the joys of a simple Christmas, community, and maybe even love.
Cheryl heads home for the holidays. While there, she somehow goes back in time to five years earlier. The time she spends "back in time" helps her find a new appreciation for what she’s doing in life and starts to see a guy she knew in high school in a new light.
Former classmates Lina and Max are traveling home for the holidays, until a storm hits and they have to work together to make it home in time, no matter the mode of transportation.
This red puffer jacket is one of my favorites - and also is the warmest puffer jacket I have owned. I have had North Face and Patagonia - and this one is the best. I love the pop of red - and how it looks styled with an off-white sweater (on sale for only $23), black jeans and black hiking boots .
MONDAY INSPIRATION
This was my devotional this morning - which I thought I would share. I know many have had a difficult year - and it has definitely been a different type of year. Through it all - may we all be filled with hope.
"So this Christmas, invite Jesus to shine His light into the profound recesses of your heart. And thank God for the great, liberating gift of His radiance, which mends your deepest wounds and helps you experience His glorious freedom."
Hope you have had a great week! In case you missed it, yesterday I shared my five favorite daily beauty products. You can read the post HERE.
My encouragement for today:
I bought a new book that I am starting to read. It is all about "discovering what your purpose is" and "dreaming and visioning" what the future holds. Here is an excerpt from the book.
"This book is about the rest of your life. It’s about tomorrow. Your tomorrow—and the day after that... to encourage you to push forward, whatever your age or circumstances. Get on with your life and chase your unfolding future—and do it with focus, faith, and fervor... So don’t dread tomorrow. Leverage it for the Lord and for others."
It is almost Friday - and only a week away from Christmas.
This year has felt a little different since we have not been going out to eat in restaurants decorated for Christmas - and we will not be getting together for our usual Christmas gatherings - or traveling to Chicago like we some times do. However, I am reminded of the "hope of the season" - and that next year things will be different. I am enjoying this extra quiet time - and looking forward to the future.
Today, I thought I would share my five favorite beauty products that I use daily. My make-up routine is pretty simple. I do not use foundation or powders or do any contouring. I keep to the basics - mascara and lipstick with some concealer and moisturizer.
Happy Wednesday! Christmas is only two weeks away!
I bought those cognac combat boots during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales for $64. They also come in white and black. They shipped super quick - which doesn't always happen lately. The boots are comfortable; however, I would recommend sizing up a 1/2 size. I typically wear a size 7M in boots, and I had to get a 7.5M.
FIVE FUNNY (AND FUN) GIFT IDEAS
These note pads are funny. I think we have all had some of those days.
This docuseries chronicles the rise of superstar Michael Jordan and the 1990s Chicago Bulls, with unaired footage from an unforgettable 1997-98 season.
This show came out in April and is free on Netflix right now. I enjoyed it - and would recommend it.
A feel-good movie based on the best-selling book "The Secret" which focuses on the power of positive thinking.
This was a new release movie that came out this past spring/summer - and when it became free on Amazon, I decided to watch it. It was a good and enjoyable movie.
I hope you are having a great week so far. I shared the rose pink version of this puff sleeve sweater earlier in the week on Instagram. Both the off white and pink are on sale for $14.
I haven't done this in a long time - but I thought I would share an encouraging word. Our thoughts and words are very powerful - and negative thinking can have a big impact on what we achieve and do in life. A positive attitude is something we should strive for - and something that can make a big change in our life.
"Don’t let someone else’s limited thinking limit you. Negativity can be contagious; you have to pay attention if you don’t want to catch it! Even if you are the only positive person in your family, your social circles, or your work group, be the one with an optimistic attitude and outlook in every situation. Remember, negative attitudes produce negative responses while positive attitudes encourage positive responses."
- From this book on how to win the battle of the mind
