Merry Christmas!

May you have a Merry Christmas! I hope you have a day that is filled with the joy and love that Jesus brought to us! May we spend the next 12 days in preparation for the Epiphany, when the Wise Men come to bring their gifts to Jesus. I want to wish you a happy 12 days of Christmas!

Our Pope's Wish

"This is my earnest wish for you who are listening. A wish that grows into a humble and trustful prayer to the Child Jesus, that His light will dispel all darkness from your lives and fill you with love and peace."
- Pope Benedict XVI

Final Candle

Yesterday we lit the 4th candle of the Advent Wreath signifying the final week of Christmas preparation. The final purple candle is lit and so all four advent candles are glowing around the Advent Wreath. What a beautiful reason to celebrate!

Christmas is only days away...hope you are able to sit around your tree and enjoy this joyous holiday season!

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." ~Norman Vincent Peale

"I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys." ~Charles Dickens

"May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace,
The gladness of Christmas give you hope,
The warmth of Christmas grant you love."
~Author Unknown

Christmas Wish

It's Christmas - that time of year that is usually romantic and whimsical. People are giving and hopeful. So...would this be the opportune moment to step out of my comfort zone and just "go for it"???

Is this the perfect time of year to find that someone special? Ideally - YES...but that is not always the case. Is it time to bring out the mistletoe and hope for the best? Maybe if I stand under it long enough...do you think?

If you can't express how you feel at Christmas, then when can you...right?!?!

Green Christmas

I am trying to join the "Go Green" fight and in doing so I wanted to share an article from TIME magazine. The article How to Have a Green Christmas can be viewed by just clicking on the title.

This article talks about reducing, reusing and recycling to help benefit the Earth and still part take of the holiday season. The article gives ideas for your Christmas tree, wrapping, lights, ornaments and much more! Please check it out! You should really check it out if you are still in need of gifts ideas for someone on your list.

Have a Merry Green Christmas!

Christmas Angel

I was surfing deviantart.com under Christmas because everyone on this site is very talented. The picture on this post was under user: ~xaninha:Alexandra

I love it! Isn't it just perfect?

Angels are perfect for Christmas! Angels go on top of Christmas trees...inside churches...put up in Nativity scenes...glowing in window displays...they are everywhere to remind us of the coming of Jesus, our Lord.

Seeing an Angel at the top of a Christmas tree is one of my favorite things.

Christmas Favorites

"Brown paper packages tied up with string...these are a few of my favorite things..."

Here are a few of my favorite things around Christmas:

--Christmas music playing on the radio
--Lighting Advent candles
--Watching holiday movies with family and friends
--Driving by houses and seeing them decorated with holiday lights
--Drinking hot cocoa because it tastes better this time of year
--Wrapping gifts with pretty paper and bows
--Singing carols during mass
--Seeing a production of A Christmas Carol at a local theater
--Watching friends and family open their gifts
--Walking by stores and seeing their holiday window displays
--Decorating the Christmas tree
--Sending out Christmas cards
--Going to holiday parties
--Getting away with wearing Christmas pins and decorative attire
--Saying Merry Christmas to everyone you meet

Pink Candle

Happy 3rd Sunday of Advent! We are drawing even closer to the long awaited coming of our Lord!

Today we light the Pink Candle to highlight the closeness of His coming. May we truly glow in the glow of the Pink Candle.

Carpe Diem

I have reached a point in my life where I have to stop making excuses for myself. I need to simply live with the philosophy: Carpe Diem. Goodness...how hard is it to "seize the day"??? Well, it's pretty hard in most cases. Sometimes fear kicks in and holds me back...sometimes my pride holds me back...

Really though, I just need to realize and ask myself one question. "When I look back on my life, will I regret this?" I need to take time to not only "seize the day" but to also smell the roses. My life is short. Very short in fact. I have no idea how long I am here, but you bet I am going to enjoy everyday because God has created such a beautiful place for all of us.

Please, take this moment to appreciate all that you have and "Seize the day"...seize THIS day!

Santa's Helper

This movie is perfect around Christmas! It is especially great for kids of all ages! Here is just a taste of the memorable lines that Buddy says from the movie:

"Buddy the Elf! What's your favorite color?"

"The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear."

"Francisco! That's fun to say! Francisco... Frannncisco... Franciscooo..."

"I just like to smile! Smiling's my favorite."

"SANTA! SANTA'S COMING! I KNOW HIM! I KNOW HIM!"

This is my favorite Will Ferrell movie. After watching it, I had so much more admiration for his work as an actor. This proves that he has the capability to be a well rounded actor.

Grab some treats and watch this family-fun Christmas movie! :)

Classic Christmas Movie

The classic Christmas movie, for me, is White Christmas. I have been watching this movie since I can remember. I love this film so much that I even watch it in July. Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye light up the screen with their singing and charm. And what dynamic duo isn't complete without two wonderfully talented women. The Haynes sisters are played by Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen. I simply adore their duet, Sisters. Yes, I do sing along. But my absolute favorite song is when all four of them are on the train and they sing, Snow.

Every year around this time, I tend to watch this movie several times. It is the perfect movie to get into the holiday spirit. There is singing and dancing and a special message about selfless giving of the heart. And who can experience Christmas without Bing's version of, White Christmas? I highly recommend sharing this movie with family and friends.

2nd Sunday

Happy 2nd Sunday of Advent! Today marks the beginning of the 2nd week of Advent! Such a beautiful time for celebrating...so much anticipation...so much joy! This post is short and simple...I just wanted to share my excitement for today. Happy 2nd week of Advent!

Holiday Warmth

I love this picture. I love it so much in fact that it is the background for my computer at work. There is just something about it. This picture is full of warmth. I feel at home when I see it. It's very comforting. Christmas has always embodied the warmth and comfort of being at home. I love the idea of a decorated Christmas tree housing wrapped gifts underneath beside a warm fireplace. That's where my tree is at my parents'. So when I go home to visit, I see our beautiful tree in the living room beside our fireplace. This picture must provide a sense of "home" to me and that is why I am drawn to it.

I want to encourage you to take a picture of your home decorated for Christmas. That way you have it for years to come. And if you have kids, I am sure they would want copies. Even if you don't think you have a home that looks like it came out of a magazine, take the picture anyways. You will be surprised how it turns out. And trust me, your kids do think it looks like a magazine. And it might a be fun idea for a gift ---- Once you take the picture of your house decorated for Christmas, make copies and send it to your kids or family members that live far away. This way they get a little taste of "home." I think I may even do that this year. When I go home for Christmas, I am going to take a picture of our living room and have it for many Christmases to come!

The Role of a Life Time

It is always around this time of year when I remember one of my first "play" experiences. My church was going to showcase the Nativity scene during Christmas Eve mass. I was about ten years old at the time and some of my friends and I were going to the church to "audition." I was hoping to be an angel. I remember all of the kids who came lined up and a woman walked up and down the line picking out certain children for each part. She walked by me and looked at me for a moment. She then asked me, "Who would you like to be in the play?" I repeated to her my hope to be an angel. She smiled and said, "My dear, you are going to be Mary." What? I could not even believe it. Me? Why? I had little time to ask questions. She then showed me where to go and what to do for the scene. I then remember walking down the church aisle with the little boy playing Joseph. I had my Mary outfit and he was dressed for the part of Joseph. I was nervous as I carried my little Cabbage Patch doll with me. He was the only baby boy doll I had. Yes...Jesus was played by my Cabbage Patch doll, Rufus. My mom still finds that funny to this day.

Looking back, I realize how special that moment truly was for me. I wanted to be an angel because I knew that I could never be Mary. But God had another plan to show me that I could. It is a life lesson I continue to struggle with. I need to work on not selling myself short. In life, all of us have to work towards our ideal versions of ourselves. Never settle. Never. Keep pushing yourself to do better. Always. I may have only been ten when I played Mary, but it was a role of a life time.

Warm & Cozy

I want to recommend this tasty hot chocolate sold at Williams-Sonoma. Check it out on their website. Once you are at the homepage, type in "hot chocolate" into the search window. My aunt sent this hot chocolate to me and it is a dream come true for the winter season. It's rich and creamy and the perfect texture to sooth any cold chill. I wanted to pass this on and to encourage you to think about getting it for any hot chocolate lover in your family.

JOY

JOY...such a short word encompasses so much. Yesterday, I was blessed to receive such joy in one simple phone call. I called the Mater Ecclesiae College in Rhode Island to ask a question. The young lady who answered the phone was very polite and thorough in her response. Somehow we then began to talk. What can I say, God has blessed me with the gift of conversation. :) Anyway, she was curious how I knew about the college. I had explained that I came to visit two summers ago to see a friend of mine. I proceeded to tell her that I was going to be visiting again very soon. I will be attending the retreat held from Dec 26th - Jan 2nd. She was overjoyed! "That is the best news I have heard all day," she exclaimed. Such a simple mentioning of a future visit made her so happy. This is an example of why I am anxiously awaiting my trip to Rhode Island. When I am there with the women of the Regnum Christi movement, my heart is filled with endless JOY. The Holy Spirit's presence is very strong within the walls of this school. As a Christian, I am called to have a light within me. It is the light I am to carry around with me to show people Christ. This same light beams through the windows of Mater Ecclesiae. If you are interested in learning more about Mater Ecclesiae please visit here. And/or if you are interested in learning more about the Regnum Christi movement, please visit here.

Preparation

Happy 1st Day of Advent! Advent is a beautiful time of year to prepare for the birth of Jesus. Advent is four weeks of celebrating and making ready for the Nativity! This is a time to gather around and be with close family and friends. This is the perfect time to get further into the holiday spirit of giving and sharing. My favorite part of this time of year is the decorations. Every home has lights and holiday trimmings. Christmas trees are being put up and lights are being hung. Stores have beautiful displays and charming gift ideas. This year, I am definitely giving gifts that are truly from the heart and unique to each person. I am not going to get caught up in finding the best thing at a store. I am going to create and/or find unique treasures that will show the meaning of Christmas. It's not in how many boxes or bags you give to each person; it's about the quality of the one gift you share.

Here are some holiday ideas that will save you from long lines at the store.
1. Never deny the beautiful in a family photograph. Online photo places such at shutterfly and photobucket and even kodak offer great online gift ideas using your wonderful captured moments. Even changing a picture from color to black and white offers a whole new look. Online sites even offer the ability to turn a photo into an ornament. This would be a timeless classic to relive every year. Even with a combination of several pictures you can create a photobook from the same online sources and have a great coffee table edition.
2. For the people in your life that are looking for a way to establish an even deeper connection with God this Advent season, put together a journal for them. One of my friends gave me a reflection journal one year and it was a true blessing. Take a simple journal found at any store and add Bible verses, quotes and other inspirational messages to encourage your friend to continue his/her spiritual journey.
3. Plan an outing. Take time to plan a special event for a friend or family member. Sometimes it is hard to find that special gift for someone. So turn to creating a memorable moment. Plan an activity that both you and the other person would enjoy. Make the proper reservations if necessary. Make sure to bring a camera to thoroughly capture every moment. Plan how you will arrive to your destination and bring all necessary items for the trip (if it is a picnic make sure you have a blanket, food, etc.) As for "wrapping" it up to give. Get create on the computer and find a picture of the event and add a fun message, print it out and place it in a small decorated box or bag.

Well, there is some ideas to get you thinking. As Christmas draws closer, I will try and share some more ideas. Always remember that this time of year is not about the gifts but more about the sharing of your heart. Have a beautiful 1st Advent week! Use this first week to "clean" and get ready.

May you have a blessed Advent season!

A Thankful Heart

The beautiful holiday of Thanksgiving is quickly approaching...it's 2 days away! I wanted to invite those of you who are reading this to prepare yourself for this holiday by reflecting. Reflect on what it is in your life that gets you out of your bed everyday. Take time to really and truly count your blessings. Meditate on where you are going in your life and the steps you are taking to pursue personal happiness. Make sure you say "thank you" a lot this season. Honestly, we do have a lot to be thankful for... what are you thankful for? Why are you grateful? Take time this holiday season to let people know how much they mean to you...thank them, hug them, call them, give them a gift, take them out, ...make sure you shower them with kindness. Gather around close family and friends, neighbors and co-workers. No one should be alone this Thanksgiving. Extend an invitation for people to come over to your house. And make sure you bring things to share if you have been invited to a friend's home. This is the time to share in the love that is Thanksgiving.

I too need to reflect on my blessings and what I am thankful for. I am thankful for every new day. I am thankful for my parents, who not only love me but are also very supportive and keep the artist in me alive. My job is great. It offers a creative environment where I can explore non-profit theater. My co-workers are friendly and supportive. My family and friends are my life support. I have people in my life who are there for me at any hour of the day at any time of the year and they are so close to me that I have adopted them as family. God knew what He was doing when he put these wonderful people in my life. His graces bless me everyday. For all of this I am grateful. I consider myself very lucky to have the family and friends I have been blessed with. I have a college education and a job in an area that I am passionate about. I have rough times too but they do not compare to the countless hours in which I know that I am loved and cared for. Everyone has a purpose. We are all here for a reason.


I know that there are people around the world who are struggling and I pray that they will find peace this holiday. It is important to know that the season of "giving" also means giving of yourself. I know that financial times are not what they have always been, but some how we have to get through this. Even if it is a small contribution, please consider donating to the less fortunate this year. Even if it is to only one organization, your donation will go a long way. When you give to a charity, you tend to be a little happier and your smile is a little brighter. I know my heart is always warmed after I make a donation.

From my heart to yours - Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Twilight

I saw the midnight showing of twilight last night/this morning. So in honor of the book that inspired the movie...here are a few of my favorite quotes:

"Do I dazzle you?" -Edward Cullen

"About three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was part of him — and I didn’t know how potent that part might be — that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him." - Bella Swan

"And so the lion fell in love with the lamb…" - Edward Cullen

"You’re intoxicated by my very presence." - Edward Cullen

Beauty

"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within."

-Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

True Light

This picture was sent to me in an e-mail and I wanted to share it with those of you who have not yet seen it. I simply love this picture. It truly speaks volumes. It is in its simplicity that we are able to be truly touched. The flag glows from the sunlight beaming through and the heart of the flag is revealed through the sun's true light. A symbol of a cross shines brillantly reminding us of why we are here.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands: one nation under God, indivisible,with liberty and justice for all."

If I Could Not Fail

"What would you do if you knew you could not fail?"
-Anonymous

My wonderful friend reminded me of this quote in reference to my last post. She is brilliant.

So..What would I do if I knew that I would not fail???

I would probably pack up and move...knowing that I would magically find a job. Theater would not be as intimidating as it is now. I love theater, but most of the time it scares me and that is what gives me the rush of a performance.

I would write. I have many small plays in the works - no where near complete. If I knew they would not fail, I would push myself to publish.

I would let my guard down every once in a while. Sometimes, even as outgoing as I am, I feel like I am keeping myself "protected" from getting hurt. Don't we all do that though?

Think about it...If there was nothing holding you back...what would you do?

Inspiring Words

When I need a little push in the right direction, I tend to look to wise words...


If you can imagine it, you can achieve it;
If you can dream it, you can become it.
---William Arthur Ward


I am only one,
But still I am one.
I cannot do everything,
But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.
--- Edward Everett Hale



Life is a great big canvas,
And you should throw all the paint you can on it.
--- Danny Kaye


The following was sent to me through an e-mail forward...

"To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did." When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but really opening your hands to receive something better. Concentrate on this sentence... "The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."

Things I Love This Week...

These are the things in my life that helped me get through this week.

Books:
---The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose By: Matthew Kelly

This book was loaned to me from a dear friend and I am so grateful to be reading it. This book provides the inspiration I need to continue to pursue the things I want out of life.

Movies:
---Sleeping Beauty - the new Disney DVD

This is one of my favorite Disney Movies and this new special edition DVD provides extra footage and features for those of us who are fans.

Songs:
---"Come On, Get Higher" - By: Matt Nathanson

This song puts me in such a good mood.

---"If Every Day Could Be Christmas"

I know it is too early to be singing Christmas Songs, but my co-worker and I have been randomly breaking out into this song this week and it has gotten us to laugh and enjoy the work day even more.

Online Sites:
---www.passiveaggressivenotes.com

Seriously, this is pretty amazing

---www.blogger.com

I have a blog now! Needless to say, I am excited about it!

---www.goodreads.com

This is site where you can post what books you have read and review them, plus put up books you would like to read. And...you can even invite friends and view the books they have read. It's a great way to look for books to read and share with others your favorites!

---www.vastagelife.com

This is a site to promote a theater in Norfolk, VA. You should check it out...it looks pretty cool!

---www.thefacebook.com

It's true...I am addicted.

---www.regnumchristi.com

This site is devoted to share the message of this beautiful movement within the Catholic Faith. I am a member of Regnum Christi and it has truly impacted my life.

Without Hesitation

It is without hesitation that I unleash my first blog entry. This blog was established earlier today and, thus far, I have been thinking about how to begin. This is my first blog. A blog, from what I gather, is personal. It's a commitment. I guess I am ready then. By sitting down and naming this blog, I have therefore established my relationship with it. And now, I commit to the upkeep of this blog. Hopefully, regularly there will be new posts. Posts that will offer a chance to laugh, think, inspire, encourage, challenge...(among other things).

For now, an introduction...Welcome, to this area of the world wide web that I am able to "own" (through blogger). I have put out the Welcome Mat and have officially offered you a personal invitation to Aurora's Beam. You may wonder why it is that I chose "Aurora's Beam" as my title. Well, so many of my top choices were taken. Many of my ideal blog titles are "owned" by people who no longer keep up with their blog. That definitely upsets me. I feel it is a waste of potential blogging space. I then decided to brainstorm things that interests me, my hobbies, likes, passions, etc. Aurora is my favorite name...and yes, it is also the name of my favorite Disney princess (but that is clearly beside the point). I also love the images of an Aurora Borealis. I have yet to actually see one, but it is on my to-do list. I ideally wanted "radiant beam" as my blog title, but it's taken. So, I thought of a compromise. I then molded Aurora Borealis and radiant beam.

As for my blog tag line - "An Aurora Borealis contains beautiful rays of light. Hopefully, this will be a place for words, thoughts, quotes and ramblings to inspire those who admire morning's first light." I included the meaning of "Aurora" to also showcase that another reason why I like the word is because it also means "dawn." I sincerely want to "inspire those who admire morning's first light." Mainly, I hope to "inspire."