Lizzy’s Latest – Burnside Bridge at Antietam Battlefield – Merry Christmas 2021

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MERRY CHRISTMAS to my family, friends, followers, and visitors!  I can’t believe how fast December flew.  It felt like just yesterday I was writing out Christmas cards.  Now, I will enjoy “Midnight” Mass at 8PM this evening with my parents.  Then after, I will be up late wrapping presents and baking my famous chocolate chip cookies. 

My sister, Jeanette, and my brother, Michael, and his family will arrive tomorrow afternoon just in time for Dad’s legendary turkey feast and chocolate pudding pie – mont blanc, anyone?  😉  I can’t wait!  It is such a joyous time of year for me and my family.

Yet, I also realize this time of year can be difficult and challenging for some.  People who are alone and/or estranged from family and/or friends.  I’ve had years like that in the past growing up and it’s not a good feeling.  Long before my deeper conversion to my Catholic faith (read about it here), I was spiritually lost.  I ignored the true meaning of Christmas and blamed God for whatever suffering I was struggling with, never looking myself in the mirror for the true architect of my misery…me. 

In my past struggles, sometimes it “appeared” easier to carry unnecessary baggage and simply settle for current circumstances.  Giving into my flaws, I became use to my misery…even when God would put people and situations in my life to lift me out of it.  My pride and my fear kept me in the darkness for a very long time. 

Fortunately, my faith saved me in the form of my best guy friend, William.  William and I used to go to Mass together every weekend and he never gave up on me.  There was never any preaching from him to get back to church and faith, but like St. Therese and her little ways, he would nudge me every so often to remind me that God always works everything out for good.  It was a slow build back to my faith, but once that mustard seed took hold of my heart, my faith grew quickly and continues to grow with each day.

Though, I’m still flawed, I love God and faith and work to be a better Christian every day.  Case in point, this past Wednesday, my good friend, Norma, and I received the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession).  I hadn’t been to Confession in many years, but the desire to go had been building since January when I first started a daily Rosary podcast.  You can check out my post on that here.  My stomach was in knots the entire day and while in line, a part of me felt like walking away. However, I always keep my commitments and remained disciplined.  Norma asked if I wanted to go first and I shook my head in the negative.  She took my hand and assured me it would be ok before she went into the confessional.  I was dreading my turn at that point.  She came out some time later and then it was my turn. 

Afterwards, I realized, there was nothing to fear and so much to gain!  I received absolution and felt pure and at peace, a peace I hadn’t experienced in a long time.  It was a wonderful feeling.  Norma and I did our penance and prayed.  Then, we stayed for a special healing Mass and we also received Communion.  Confession and then Communion!  What a wonderful combination of Sacraments and I felt so close to God in that moment.

We celebrated at the Outback, Norma’s favorite restaurant.  She always gets the sirloin steak and I always get the salmon.  When we’re together, we’re always getting into mischief!  She is so young at heart and she likes to say that I keep her young.  😊 

This shot was taken when we first sat down. So…we were in a state of grace in that moment having arrived from Confession. Unfortunately, all our gossiping at dinner made us lose our state of grace status. SIGH…well, it lasted for about 2 hours. 😉

That night, we gossiped and gabbed as girls always do.  Norma, revealed how she prefers spending time with me because when she spends time with people at her senior community, the conversation is always about funerals, medications, and bodily functions.  EWWW, GROSS, right?!  Then, Norma being Norma, proceeds to tell me…TMI!  LOL! 

Merry Christmas everyone! 

The birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ is upon us.  Let us celebrate and realize the magnitude of Jesus’ birth!

Luke 2:10-14:  The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people.  For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.  And this will be a sign for you:  you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

We are no longer alone!  Trust in Jesus, offer up all your sufferings to His cross and let Him lead you.  I promise, you will see so many blessings.  I know I do in my life!  The key is to remain unattached to the outcome.  That has saved me so many times from disappointments in my life.  And reach out to the people you care about and/or may have hurt.  This is the time of year for forgiveness and peace.  Let that new chapter in your life begin now.  😊 

And if you want more inspiration, check out The Chosen’s Christmas special.  It is an inspiring movie with music, monologues, and a retelling of the greatest story ever told.

 

Lizzy’s Latest is featuring the BCBGeneration Hailey smooth patent pumps.  I love the rich mocha colored hue of the heels.  At a heel height of approximately 4 inches, they are pretty comfortable.  I find the stilettos super sexy with the d’orsay styling.  They are one of my favorite heels to wear…at least when I was dressing up and going into the office.  😉  I paired the heels with a plaid skirt and cream colored top…my farewell to fall look.          

Style with a Smile!

XoXo

Lizzy