Happy Wednesday friends! It’s crazy that December is almost over – whoa. Time to sneak in some December crushes for you, enjoy!

1 – The Podcast Series “When God Doesn’t Make Sense”

I love listening to podcasts and this month, Pastor Craig Groeschel from Life.Church crushed it with these 3 messages. The teaser about the series says: “Life doesn’t always go the way we expected. You pray with faith, but God doesn’t do what you asked. You seek Him, but don’t feel His presence. You’re going through pain, but your cries for relief seem to go unanswered. What do you do When God Doesn’t Make Sense?” I highly recommend downloading the audio to your phone and giving them a listen! I was encouraged and comforted by so much of what He taught.

Link to the website: http://www.life.church/watch/when-god-doesnt-make-sense/ 

And for those who need a little bit more to gain your interest, here are some of the Key Points:

• Just because God is silent doesn’t mean God is absent.
• You don’t have to understand the plan to trust God’s purpose.
• God’s delays are not necessarily God’s denials.
• If God always met your expectations, He’d never have the opportunity to exceed them.
• With God, a waiting season is never a wasted season.
• The scene of your greatest disappointment may be the setting of your greatest miracle.
• True prayer isn’t about getting our way but surrendering our will.
• Prayer reminds us we are not in control and keeps us close to the one who is.
• Prayer isn’t just asking but trusting.
• God’s grace fills the gap between our pain and His promises.
• Me: “This is what I need.” God: “No, I’m what you need.”

2 – My TTC Mug Exchange Box

My partner Katie sent me such an awesome TTC Mug Exchange box! It’s been a blast watching all the boxes being exchanged over the last few weeks and I may be a little biased, but this box couldn’t have been more perfect! Included was the CUTEST “hello darling” mug; a santa dog toy for Cali (that she is obsessed with), a doggie “latte” (treats, that again, she is obsessed with); a Winter Candy Apple candle, Christmas pens and Kleenex, a little journal, the dreamiest hand lotion + hand sanitizer, planner tabs and prayer verse cards. So cute! Thank you Katie for spoiling us! We adore you! (Cue your chance to say a little prayer for Katie and her hubby as they try to grow their family!)

3 – Christmas Parties

Can we just love on all the celebrations that happen in December? I feel like I have been eating bad for a month straight (January – new goals!) but it has been so worth the laughs, smiles and memories. Here are just a few pics from my favorite gatherings! Of course I managed to not grab pictures from actual Christmas Eve or Day (figures right!?) so just use your imagination. We are celebrating with my family this weekend so the celebrations are still going! Such a great way to make the season last.

4 – Reindeer Throw pillow

This reindeer pillow from Target totally made my month. Seeing the sparkly beads + bright colors on the couch made me smile every day and also, makes me never want to put it away. (Nothing says Happy Memorial Day like reindeer right??) Want a pillow of your own? It’s on clearance and won’t be around for long! Shop here: Target Multi Color Reindeer Pillow

5 – Light of The World by Lauren Daigle  

This song was so refreshing to me this Christmas season. I won’t pretend like this has been a great month for me – it’s been a bit rough and my emotions have felt all over the place. So this song, wow. It refocuses my heart on why we celebrate this December. It refills my Hope tank just a little bit more. I pray it blesses you as much as it blessed me!

The world waits for a miracle
The heart longs for a little bit of hope
Oh come, Oh come Emmanuel

The child prays for peace on earth
And she’s calling out from a sea of hurt
Oh come, Oh come Emmanuel

And can you hear
The angels singing

Glory to the light of the world
Glory the light of the world is here

The drought breaks
With the tears of a mother
A babies cry is the sound
Of love come down
Come down, Emmanuel

He is the song for the suffering
He is messiah
The Prince of Peace has come
He has come, Emmanuel

Glory to the light of the world
Glory to the light of the world
Glory to the light of the world
Glory to the light of the world
For all who wait
For all who hunger
For all who’ve prayed
For all who wander
Behold your King
Behold Messiah
Emmanuel, Emmanuel

Glory to the light of the world
Glory to the light of the world
Glory to the light of the world
Behold your King
Behold Messiah
Emmanuel, Emmanuel

The world waits for a miracle
The heart longs for a little bit of hope
O come, O come Emmanuel

6 – Triple Tie for Sixth

How cute is Cali’s specially made doggie shirt? Want one for your little human babe? Check out my friend’s Etsy shop over at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mayberrybowtique

This sign. All the tears and feels. And yes, it has now made it’s way into my home.

Lastly, Louis Giglio’s Waiting Here For You: An Advent Journey Of Hope devotional. I know I shared a little bit about it in my Emmanuel post, but this devotional saved my spirit a lot this Christmas. It was hard to find and I would totally order it and set it aside for next Advent if I were you! (Or go through it in January because you are wild + crazy + can. Go you.)

Click here for the link to find out more and/or purchase

There you have it! December’s crushes according to me. But of course, we can’t end a Favorites post without some funnies! Enjoy!

I’ll see you all in 2016! XOXO.