Christmas Time is Here!

It's mid-December, and it's cold outside. Hot Cocoa is a must when you're sitting by the tree, watching a movie with a warm, cozy blanket, next to your little brothers and sisters. I find myself singing Christmas songs often, and when I think about Christmas and the certain feeling this time of year brings to me, I am filled with happiness. It truly is the "most wonderful time of the year". Even with the stress of buying presents for everyone, attending all the Christmas parties preparing the big Christmas dinner, everyone still finds time to relax and enjoy the holiday season. I am so thankful for that!

Sadly, even though many take time to rest and spend time with their family, they aren't celebrating what Christmas is really about. We've talked about that every year, but this year I got a different take on it. I thought about it in a new way, and it impacted me a lot. Instead of just knowing that a lot of people in this world, and even people that I know, love, and are maybe even celebrating Christmas with, don't understand or appreciate what the holiday really signifies, and just accepting it, I should TELL THEM WHAT THEY'RE MISSING OUT ON! I should tell them what they don't understand, and how the world has twisted Christmas to be something different than what it should be. Not just knowing that they don't get it, and know that I do, so I'm all right. I should be telling them that they're missing out on the joy of celebrating and truly understanding what Jesus' birth means! I've been thinking about that a lot this holiday season, and I want to do something about it! As I try to not just know that I am one of the few that understands the true meaning of Christmas, I encourage you to think about this as you celebrate Christmas this year as well.

Another reason I love Christmas time is spending time with the people I love and care about most. Talking to my little brother Christian about the Christmas story, and seeing that he understands what the story means. The joy and excitement he gets when he learns something new about the story that he didn't know before, is so cool. Hearing him tell the story is adorable, too.

It has been so fun to get together with friends and spend time with each other, too. The youth group had a big Game night, where we all got together and played board games, ate cookies, and watched the Survivor finale. It was so much fun!

Four of my closest girl friends and I also got together and exchanged Christmas gifts. The five of us hadn't been able to all hang out toegether in a long time, so that was really great.

We get to do so many fun things at Christmas time.... exchange gifts, decorate the christmas tree, listen to fun music, make yummy Christmas cookies, spend time with family....but most importantly, reflect on the incredible, life changing story found in Luke chapter 2.

Merry Christmas!

Weekend at the Cabin with Friends

Last weekend six of my close friends, my brother, my mom and I, along with all of our duffle bags, loaded in our Suburban and headed up to my grandparents Cabin in the mountains. (see previous post)

We spent an incredibly fun weekend together up in the snow, riding snowmobiles, sledding and snowboarding, playing games, and watching movies in the warm cozy cabin. It was a great relaxing time for all of us to get away from the stresses of school and our busy lives, to enjoy a calm, peaceful weekend together. During the day it was only about 15 degrees...let's just say that we had several layers, and I mean several, before we stepped outside. Except for one time about one in the morning when I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt... I decided to step outside to watch the snow falling on the deck for a minute...Jarren thought it would be funny to lock me outside. That was fun.

I want to thank my Grandparents for letting eight crazy teenagers stay at their cabin for four days. I LOVE YOU! And Thank you Mom and Grandma for making us all of that delicious food. You guys are the best!

To all my friends that went up there with me, Jarren, Justin, Jack, Brent, Hannah, CoCo, and Melody. I love you guys more than you could ever imagine! Spending time with you guys is always fun. We have created memories that I will cherish forever.

One of my Favorite Places in the World

I wake as the bright winter sun rises just above the snow covered pine trees. I put my slippers on and peek out the frosted window to discover a new fresh layer of sparkly snow has fallen during the night. I walk downstairs and find my warm, cozy blanket waiting for me on the couch, right where I left it the evening before. As I watch a bit of TV and sip my warm hot cocoa, I gaze out the window at the Stellar Jays as they sing their morning song and perch on the deck to eat their breakfast.
Soon, one by one, the others awake and make their way downstairs and join me on the couch, and we enjoy the peaceful winter morning together.
Every moment is relaxing, and the atmosphere is amazing. Nothing is planned out, you just go with the flow. Perhaps that's what being at the cabin at the top of the Blue Mountains in Oregon does to people. If that's what it is, I like it. People should come up here more often.
After breakfast, the snow can't wait for us any longer, and the fresh powder that fell the night before is calling our name. We put on all of our snow gear and head out into the gorgeous, white, winter wonder land. Sledding, snow ball fights, building snowmen, and snowmobile rides are just a few highlights of our fun daily activities that we experience outside at the cabin.
As we go on a snowmobile ride across the mountain, it feels like we are on top of the world. The view of the white and green luscious mountains surrounding you, seem never ending. The trees still contain a layer of whiteness and as the sun gently hits it, some of it falls from the tree tops. The brisk winter air flowing through your hair and as you ride through the beautiful forest, is incredible. Often on the side of the trails in the untouched snow you will see tracks...I love it when shortly after that you spot the animal that carries those tracks.
The view is breath taking, and as we stop to enjoy it for a moment, I am captivated by God's creation. I am also reminded of his unfailing love. He created this for me, because he loved me, and wanted me to be in awe of His creation, and because he wanted me to enjoy the beautiful world that He himself made. As I stand at what has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth, I am reminded of that, and so ever thankful for my Creator.
As we make our way back to the cabin, my toes, finger tips and nose are beginning to get a bit cold. I am excited to get back and eat some M&M's and enjoy another cup of hot chocolate, read my book, and maybe play a game of Monopoly.
The Cabin: One of my favorite places in the world.

As I Fall Asleep Listening to the Rain

Its late, well past midnight and the house is silent. I lay down in my bed and try to sleep, but my eyes
don't close. I listen to the rain drizzle outside as I ponder the countless thoughts running through my mind.
The house is quiet, makes it easier for me to think, and the rain soothes me. So much is happening in my life, and when I finally allow my mind to consider everything, and try to sort everything out, I am overwhelmed. Some happy thoughts, others sad, tedious, exhausting, frightening....how will I ever figure it all out?
Sometimes I feel like my life is going great; things with my friends are going good, my family, my relationship with God, and my future is looking pretty bright. Whereas other times, I feel the complete opposite. I don't know what to do with myself and my life; where I should go, what I should do...I feel so confused, lost and far away from God.
As my eyes slowly start to close, and I begin to drift away in to the relaxing sounds of the rain hitting my window just a foot or so above my head, I am reminded that God will always be there for me, and that no matter what His plan will be worked through it all.
I will forever be blessed by Him, and His omnipotent love for me. No matter where life takes me, He will always be there to hold my hand and guide me through it all. Even when I wander away from Him, his loving arms will forever be there, waiting to embrace me once again.

Senior Pictures

Hello friends!
I got some of my senior pictures done last week. If you would like to check them out you can go to:

http://www.robinlongphotography.com/2009/11/jess-salem-oregon-child-photographer/

and

http://tuckerbleu.com/thescoop/?p=781

I will let you know when I get the rest done! Let me (and my photgraphers) know what you think! ~Jess