Actions speak louder than words.

One week from today Hubby and I will celebrate Christmas at our house and then a week from tomorrow I'll be headed to Philly to visit my sister with my Mom and then it's off to Vermont for a week!

Last night I got some shopping done- more than I expected to actually, which is awesome! (I LOVE HOME GOODS!) I got a lot of gifts purchased, and even though I don't like to buy for myself when I could be buying for others, I had done so well with finding Christmas gifts that I picked myself up a few treats: some awesome plates (2 of each design, just $2.99/each!) and some Moose Munch. And no, I haven't finished half the box already... by myself.

Okay, yes I have.

I only have a few more gifts to purchase, and then the rest are DIY projects that I hope to get mostly completed (if not all) by the end of the weekend. After I've completed the DIY gifts, I'm hoping to do a bit of baking next week. I bought some cute paper plates at Target to put treats on for my coworkers in CID, as well as some other friends from the department. So next week I'll be sharing some of my favorite holiday treats, including cinnamon sugar roasted nuts, peppermint bark, and of course, sugar cookies. Mmm, I can't wait for the taste-testing! :)

P.S. I've been to the gym 4 days a week since I got home from Thanksgiving. Yes, I know that's only two weeks, but it's a great start. Hence my non-worry about eating delicious sweets and holiday treats. Not that I'd really care that much even if I wasn't going to the gym. Aw well, my point is to enjoy the holidays (and all year round) to the fullest, including having a treat now and then- just don't be gluttonous about it.

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."

The Advent verse for today was one that I felt the need to share because it's about love, specifically agape love, which is the kind the pastor spoke about at our wedding. This is relevant to my relationship with my husband because a lot of times I can be very harsh with words, like I jab back with them when I feel the need to be defensive. I admit I say a lot of things on reflex, and it's not something I like about myself. I also admit that I get defensive far more often than I have justification for.

However, I also use actions that show that I love and care for my husband no matter what I say with words. I'm not using my loving actions to condone my snappy nature, but rather I am glad for this reminder that loving with our actions is very important. I also take it as a reminder that I should be more thoughtful about what I say, because even though the Lord puts emphasis on our actions, I think it would be best to learn to use both words and actions to love, to be kind, and to give care. Especially in a marriage.

Happy Friday! Just 13 more days until Christmas!