Holiday Trivia & Tag

Can y'all believe Christmas is 2 days away??

Time sure does fly, am I right?

Well, to help you get in the Christmas spirit, if you aren't already (which how can you NOT be??), my friend Robin and I filmed a couple of videos that tested our Holiday trivia.





Here's the link to Robin's video!

Robin also tagged me in her Blogmas post and so, being the good sport that I am, I decided to participate in it….

Holly Jolly Tag(ish)

1. Do you have an embarrassing family Christmas picture? 

Probably somewhere…It's not like I'm going to show you anytime soon, though. ;) 

2. Have you ever had a White Christmas? 

Actually, yes! It happened 3 years ago. You can read all about my first White Christmas here. Honestly, this was probably my favorite Christmas ever. 

3. Where do you spend Christmas Day? 

At home with my family. It's a nice, simple, and quiet day. 

4. Do you open any gifts on Christmas Eve? 

My parents open their gifts from me and my brother and then me and Jason exchange gifts. My parents save their gifts to us for Christmas morning. 

5. Can you name all of Santa's Reindeer? 

Dasher

Dancer

Comet

Cupid

Donner 

Blitzen
Vixen
Rudolph

6. What do you look forward to the most for Christmas? 

Food, family, and the celebration of Christ's birth! 

7. Do you have a real or fake Christmas Tree? 

Fake. My parents like to save money so we've had the same Christmas Tree for 21 years. I'm not even kidding y'all.

8. Do you enjoy giving gifts or receiving them more? 

I love to give gifts and see people's reaction when they receive them. 

9. Where would you like to visit for the Holidays? 

NYC. Boston. London. 

10. Are you good at gift wrapping? 

It all depends on what I'm wrapping. ;)
{Side note: Gift bags are the best invention.} 

11. What's your favorite Christmas memory? 

My favorite Christmas memory was when my uncle was still alive. He and my aunt would spend Christmas Eve & half of Christmas Day with us. My uncle would read the Polar Express to us on Christmas Eve and tell me and my brother that if we didn't hear the bell, we wouldn't get any gifts the next day. ;)

It was really sad when he became sick about 8 months before Christmas one year. He was too sick to travel to Alabama and ended up passing away a couple of months after Christmas. The memory still lives on and I have the hope that I will see him in heaven one day!

I hope y'all have a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year! 

I'll be back next week to share my Christmas adventures with y'all! 

My Heart is So Full {Guest Post}

{Today, y'all have the opportunity to hear from my wonderful friend, Waverly. She currently blogs at For the Love of Potentially Organized Chaos, where she writes about her life as a college freshman.}

Christmas is no doubt my favorite time of year.  

I love the cold crisp air, the time off of school, searching for the perfect gifts for my loved ones, spending time with my family (despite my occasional urge to throw myself off a cliff), and every other thing that comes with season (trust me this whole post would be a list if I went on).

That being said, there are many people who don't share in this joy like I do.  

For some, the holiday season is filled with pain.  It's a reminder of what they don't have.  It may be a relationship, loved one, or just the resources to provide nice things for the people they love at this time of year.  

I was talking with one of my friends who lost his mother after a long battle with cancer 2 years ago around Christmas time and he told me that it's not really so painful as it was, but it is just a constant uncomfortable itch in the back of his mind: something is missing...it will never be the same...you will never be as happy as you were. 

Personally, I do not have experience with any of these feelings at this point in my life, thank goodness, but when he told me that, my heart broke for him. 

It makes me so negatively emotional to think about all the people I know feeling that way, or anything short of joy during this time, or ever really.  

{not that I'm just this muffin basket of joy everyday, but I definitely want that for others}

PLOT TWIST:

While my world was being shattered by the thought that not everyone is as infatuated with Christmas as I am, my friend told me something else.  

Waverly, I just want what you have. 

Please elaborate, señor.   

You're joyful and confident and certain. Your faith is beautiful. I so want to believe in God and heaven and hell and that there is something more than this, but I just don't. I want what you have.

Whoa bro. I'm not like fabulously spiritual or anything, I'm definitely still learning.   

I still don't know why I was so floored by this, but I was.  And after I pressed him a little more for what he meant, I realized that this is real. 

He wants this.

I continued to talk to him, just encouraging him to continue searching and that I could answer/find an answer for all of his questions.  

All this to say, that it's great and all to be joyful and thankful during this time. It's great to remember Christ's birth, life, and even death and resurrection during this time, but what are you going to do about all that? Are you going to sit there and say to yourself, Awwww. Jesus has such a great story... ? 

That is a great temptation in today's Christian culture – sit back and relax and bask in the glory that is Christmas.

What I'm Not Saying >> Go out to the mall and bible beat people.

What I am saying is that this time of year is a whirlwind of crazy for everyone and people get caught up in it and overlook those people that are hurting. 

Take time to really notice people.  

Ask God to show you people the way he sees them.  

Love people.  

Go out of your way to serve people and show them that someone noticed them.

Sometimes all it takes is a smile and a kind word to turn someone's day around.  

You have no idea what their day has been like.  

Also, semi side note: If you notice something about someone that is good/awesome/cute/etc. 

TELL THEM.  

I'm from the south and we talk to people we don't know.  

"Hey girl, your shoes are SO cute."

When someone tells me I look nice it makes my heart smile. Ask about your cashier's day and listen when they tell you.  It's a much more enjoyable process for everyone when you do that. Although, some people maybe just don't want to talk and that's fine, just be sweet for goodness sake.  

Y'all, as Christians, we have the greatest news ever and at Christmas, we have a great avenue to share! So, what are you going to do about it? 

Social Media and The Gospel

Recently, I created and conducted a Social Media survey for the company I worked with this semester.

The more I thought about the Social Media Survey and the results, the more I have thought about how we can use Social Media more effectively as individuals.

Social Media was created to build and strengthen relationships. It was not meant to become an addiction or a platform for self-promotion. It was created because people needed other ways to connect with people online.

Did you know Facebook was started solely for college students to connect with other college students around the world? It would be a couple more years before it would be open to everyone. Now, 10 years later, it has 1.15 billion users.

I have enjoyed the way Social Media has allowed me to connect with my missionary friends in Africa, my friends that live from the East Coast to the West Coast, & people who I have never met but share common interests with. Through the use of Social Media, I have been introduced to a whole another world beyond my small town in the heart of Alabama.

More importantly, I have learned how to impact the Nations for the Gospel simply by using Social Media. I have no idea who reads my tweets, looks at my instagram pictures, reads my posts on my blog, etc. While that can be scary a thought, it has just fueled me to further preach the Gospel.

Who knows? The person who “randomly” found me on Twitter, could be someone who is searching for Christ. Through a simple tweet, I could either turn them away from Christ or draw them in towards Him.

I have people that I’m friends with on Facebook who do not know Christ as their Savior and, because I took the time out of my day to post a verse, a quote, or simply shared my story, they could potentially be saved! Is that not encouraging, dear Christian?

I challenge you to think of ways that you can influence people for Christ through your use of Social Media. Who knows what could happen?

Do-able Healthy Holiday Party Tips {Guest Post}

{Today you have the privilege of hearing from my longtime friend, Kelli Gilbert. Kelli is a Registered Dietitian and lover of all things that involve food. She currently blogs at Food from My Thoughts where she shares many delectable recipes. I hope you enjoy her healthy holiday party tips!}

Hi you guys, I’m Kelli. And I love Christmas.

But seriously, who doesn’t? 

One of the best parts is going to parties, meeting new people, catching up with old friends and family. 

However, sometimes the parties can be a trap for overeating because you’re having such a great time and aren’t that concerned with paying attention to what you eat.  

SO, I’m going to give you a few tips on how to avoid eating more than your share when you’re at a party. 

1.) Realize that you are there for the people and fellowship, not the food.

            

This is a hard concept to grasp sometimes. 

Like last night, I was at a Cookie Swap. Clearly, we are there for cookies. BUT more importantly, we were there to make stronger connections between the women of our church and the lost friends that they may have brought with them. Not between us and the cookies. 

Even if you’re super excited about all the delicious food at XYZ party you’re going to, remind yourself that your family and friends are more important than that plate of little smokies.

2.) Step away from the food table.

            

That was clearly said in a loud speaker voice.  However, this is true. I know that I am more apt to continuously eat if I am within arms reach of the food table. So move away. Take your plate and step away. Make the decided effort to go away.

3.) Eat a healthy snack (or meal) before you go.

          

If you’re headed to a Cookie Swap and you know that there’s not gonna be any dinner, eat something before you go. Having a balanced meal or snack before you go can help you make better decisions later when you are standing around 30 plates of cookies. 

Your mother was right. 

Cookies are not a good dinner substitute.

4.) Drink water.

            

I love water. And I always have. It started a long time ago when I made a conscious decision to drink water instead of sodas. The logic behind how I did it is too much info for this post. BUT, drink water. 

Before you go. 

While you’re there. 

After you leave. 

Drinking water before you go will help you be hydrated and prepare your body to work best when you start feeding it food. While you’re there, drink water instead of punch or sodas. 

Save those calories for the food. Don’t drink them. 

Drink water after you leave to help clear out the extra salt and sugar that you obtained from the party foods. I promise you will feel better when you drink water all day instead of sodas.

5.) Bring something healthy to the party.

            

If you know that everything at the party is going to be full of sugar and calories, offer to bring a food to the party and make it something lighter and healthier. This will give you a good food option to choose instead of HAVING to eat all junk. I do this for almost every single event I go to for a few different reasons. 

1) I love to cook. 

2) I want to make sure there is a healthier option. 

3) I have food allergies. 

Like last night for example: I volunteered to bring white chicken chili to the cookie swap since they asked for people to bring soups. When I got there and started quietly asking people what the ingredients in their soup were, I ended up only being able to eat the soup I brought. 

The same can go for you at parties. If you bring something healthier, you know exactly what is in it and you know that it’s a better option for you to eat. 

You will feel better about that decision instead of chowing down on chips and dips.

And that’s it. Easy peasy lemon squeezie.

Enjoy the holiday season in a healthier fashion! I promise you’ll have just as much fun.

Much love,

KG, RD

A Tale of Two Giveaways {+ Blog Name Change}

Hey y'all!

I thought I would catch you up on a few of the things that have recently (or not so recently) around here.

Why don't you grab yourself a cup of coffee and settle in?


{1} So, remember that time when I had my Blogaversary Giveaway??

Yes?

Well, I never formally announced the winner on the blog. In case y'all were wondering who won, it was Natalie!

She chose the Found: God's Will book by John MacArthur and she also received gift cards to iTunes & Starbucks.

Congrats Natalie!! I hope you have enjoyed your book and the coffee!


{2} For the most recent giveaway, the winner is Robin LeAnn!

You won Jeff Bethke's new book Jesus & Religion and a $5 gift card to Starbucks! Yay!

{3} Now to address the elephant in the room, the name change of the blog.

Last week, when I was procrastinating studying for finals, I began to brainstorm on how to market my blog more effectively/make it more memorable.

I realized I needed a more accurate title and description to capture my life and that's when Noscriptomylife was born.

I was already using that name as my username on Twitter and figured I would just transfer it over to my blog!

So, welcome to Noscriptomylife: Because Life is not about the scripted, but the unscripted.

With that said, make sure to update your subscription to www.noscriptomylife.blogspot.com on feedly and bloglovin'! And if you link to my blog on your blog, change it to Noscriptomylife with the above mentioned URL. Thanks so much! 

I'll be back in a couple of days with another post...that is, if finals don't drown me.

3 Holiday Inspired Outfits {Guest Post}

{Since I'm dashing off to a holiday party tonight, I thought I would ask my friend Allison to share with y'all some holiday inspired outfits! She currently blogs at Thanks to Eve where she writes about her fabulous sense of fashion. And I'll address my blog name change come Sunday! Stay tuned!}


Hey guys! 

I'm Allison. 

I'm so excited to be guest posting for my good friend, Giann today. 

To help you get into the Christmas spirit and give you a little wardrobe inspiration, I've put together 3 holiday-inspired looks. 

1 // all cozied up. 

This look is perfect for a December night out: Christmas shopping at the mall, going Christmas caroling, or catching a Christmas movie at the theater. 

Sweater – JC Penneys 
Maroon pants – Target 
Boots – Kohls 
Necklace – Charlotte Russe

Worn with Moonstone & Sweet Plum eye shadow by Mary Kay. 

2 // tinsel town. 

This look is great for any Christmas party. 
The sparkly sweater makes it nice and warm so you won't freeze while looking fabulous. 

Sweater – Goodwill

Skirt – JC Penneys

Boots – Kohls

Worn with Wild About Pink lipstick by Mary Kay. 

3 // the red lipped reindeer.

My final look is for the fancy parties. We don't have really formal Christmas parties in Delaware but I think I might wear this on Christmas Day! 
Worn with leggings of course so I don't freeze. 

Blazer – NY&Co. 

Top – Kohls

Skirt – JC Penneys

Boots – Kohls

Worn with Firecracker lipstick by Mary Kay. 

Well guys, it's been fun! 

I hope that these outfits have inspired you or maybe given you some ideas for some cute holiday outfits!

{Untitled}

I remember the day when I took this picture. 

It was a Monday after a long day at work. I had just returned from a Costco run with our front desk girl. I had seen these leaves when carrying stuff to and from the car and thought how perfect a picture it would make.

The more I reflected on the leaves–during the dozens of pictures I took to get the perfect shot–the more I thought about my future. The more I thought about the decisions that weighed heavily on my heart, the more I thought about God's promises in Scripture. 

Not the standard, "He will never leave you or forsake you," or about His steadfast love and faithfulness, but the verses that talk about His perfect way & timing. 

"This God—his way is perfect;
    the word of the Lord proves true;"

Psalm 18:30a 

Yes, this truth. 

The truth that should be written on my heart day in & day out. 

The truth that is true because His words are true. 

* * * * * * 

The decision didn't come easy. 

In fact, I wrestled with it for 33 days and then some. 

I remember crying out to God and telling Him I didn't like this plan. 

"But, God. I have dreams and plans…Father, I don't want this for my life. I want to know where I'm headed. I want to see the road that lies before me."  

"Unless the LORD builds the house, 

those who build it labor in vain. 

Unless the LORD watches over the city, 

the watchmen stays awake in vain."

Psalm 127:1

Then, in the midst of my tears, it all made sense. 

"Giann, unless I build your career, you're pursuing it in vain. 

Giann, unless I watch over your plans and dreams, you're accomplishing them in vain." 

The reason the LORD is leading me down this path is because He knows me far better than I know myself. He knows what my ultimate dreams and desires are for my life. 

Therefore, He knows the best way for me to accomplish them. 

And I just have to trust Him. 

Thanksgiving {2013}

As I sit and reflect on all that I'm thankful for this year, I remember who I'm thankful for the most: 

My Family. 

26 1/2 years since the founding and looking forward to 26 1/2 more. 

19 years ago I joined the family and 2 /12 years later, my partner-in-crime came into the world. 

So Thankful. 

A Season of Thanks {From the Archives}

It's the time of year where it flies by so quickly that I forget to blog or journal or do anything, really.

I'm done with my two classes for the year and now I'm in the midst of studying for finals, CLEP tests, and preparing for the new year. The LORD is leading me into beautiful places come 2014 and I'm so excited!

I'm working on the giveaway post and my holiday blogging schedule + several other things on this little blog.

Since I'm currently working on those posts, I thought I would pull a post from the archives. This little gem is from November of 2009.

Yep, four years ago. {Wow.}

Anyway, I hope y'all enjoy this piece of history from yours truly! :) Have a wonderful week!


* * * * * *

This month, November, is what I call "A Season of Thanks". 

A time to be thankful and to look around and see the last of Fall until next year. 
A time to sit down around the T.V. to watch football. 
A time to visit the Rock (a place in our neighborhood that has a gorgeous view!) 
A time to take a nature hike through the woods.
A time to gather around the table and celebrate Thanksgiving with family and eat delicious food. 

We have many things to be thankful for such as a family, a house, clean water, nutritious food, good health, and our Saviour Jesus Christ. 

I think Thanksgiving is a foreshadow, so to speak, to Christmas. 

Christmas celebrates Jesus' birth and God's Plan to save the world from sin. 

As we enter into this Christmas season, be reminded of what we are truly thankful for and who we celebrate, Jesus. 

* * * * * * *

So, what are you thankful for this year? What are you looking forward to most about Christmas this year? Let me know in the comments below!

I May Be Single, But I'm Not Innocent.

Let me be honest with you from the start, I am single.

I do not know what it is like to be married or what happens when adultery is committed within the context of marriage.

I hope I never have to know, either.

On the other hand, I have had the experience of being single for almost 20 years.

Therefore, I do know what it's like committing adultery while being single.

How? Read on.

* * * * * * *

Recently, I have been listening to Mark Driscoll's sermon series on the 10 Commandments. I started with the IV Commandment due to curiosity and have worked my way through the series. I have loved what he has taught so far and I imagine I will love the rest.

Sunday, I listend to his sermon on the VII Commandment - You shall not commit adultery.

If I could sum up his sermon in one sentence, here's what it would say:

Adultery begins in the heart and moves to the hands, first against God and then against man. 

{Side note: I wasn't trying to make it rhyme, it just happened.}

I thought I was exempt from this sermon because I was single.

"I'm good, Pastor Mark. I'll listen to this sermon for future reference just in case this happens to me one day."

Then the Word of God hit me.

The verses in Matthew 5 stung me like a yellow jacket.

"You have heard that it was said, "You shall not commit adultery." But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

Yes, I may never have slept with anyone, but I have committed emotional adultery.

In other words, I'm not innocent. 

* * * * * *

As I was reflecting on the sermon, I remembered a blog post by my former small group leader, Shara.

She wrote a post to guys and girls talking about the dangers of not stating your intentions (aka not being honest with one another).

In the post, she wrote two letters, one to the guys and one to the girls. I think she has some good points in regards to emotional purity.

Guys: "...please do not continually and consistently flirt, ask us/take us out, call us, text us, etc. if you don’t [like us]." 

Girls: "We do not need to lead guys on. Don’t be the super flirtatious girl who plays with all the boys’ emotions and desires. Don’t do it. Have respect for yourself and have respect for the men in your life."

Because here's the underlying message – every time you flirt, every time you share your heart with someone who is not your spouse, every time you view that image online – you are committing adultery. 

And girls, in particular, every time you match your name with that guy's last name and daydream about your future together, you are committing emotional adultery. 

We've all done it whether we knew it or not. I'm just as guilty.

Like I said earlier, adultery starts in the heart.

It's the intent behind your words, your actions, and your attitude.

That's why we need a plan, one with which to fight the battle of adultery.

We need a "How–To" to avoid the "Want–To." 

Mark Driscoll wrote what he calls a "10–Point Battle Plan."

It lays out practical ways that singles and couples can avoid falling into adultery - emotionally and physically.

I would encourage you to check it out and spend sometime adapting it to your own life.

What are ways in which you can guard against emotional adultery?

Feel free to leave them in the comments below!


I'll be back next week to talk about the personal guidelines I have set and how we, as singles, can guard against adultery in our day–to–day lives.

101 Posts {A Giveaway!} CLOSED

Guess what?!

This is my 101 post on my blog!

Since I have reached 101 posts, I decided to host a giveaway! How does that sound?

What am I giving away this time?

The new book, Jesus > Religion by Jefferson Bethke along with a $5 Starbucks card!

For those of you unfamiliar with Jeff, he is the mastermind behind the viral video Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus. In the video, he basically compares religion versus following Jesus. 

A few months after he debuted his video, he began writing the book Jesus > Religion. He turned his 4-minute Youtube video into 200 pages worth of information explaining how following Jesus is greater than practicing a religion.

I had the opportunity to read the book before it was released and loved it! Below are a couple of my favorite quotes from the book.

“That’s the truth with God’s grace. It’s not that we are holding on tight in hopes to not be seduced by our old life and sin, but rather it’s that God’s grace is so sweet and precious it compels us to stay with it. Grace is better music than sin.”

Did you catch that? "Grace is better music than sin." 

Grace meets us where we are and takes us in just as we are. Because of that truth, we should be compelled to stay with Grace and not fall back into sin. 

"No matter how we come to Jesus—whether we are coming to him for the first time or finding our way back to him after faking it, or even if we have tried to be righteous by adding our own rules to the Bible—we are all in need of his grace and truth."

Honestly, that is just a taste of the many truths talked about in the book.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has questions about following Jesus or who wants to know more about the Jesus they follow!

Currently, you can order the book from Amazon or you can find it at your local bookstore! Right now, if you buy the book from Target, you can score some pretty sweet swag! {Details here.}

If you would like to win Jeff's book via the blog, here are the ways you can enter...

How to Enter the Giveaway:

1. Comment below and let me know where you like to read a book! (Mandatory Entry)

2. Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest. (Leave a separate comment for each entry.)

3. Follow my blog. (Leave a separate comment.)

4. Tweet, Facebook, or blog about the giveaway. (Leave a separate comment with a link to the tweet/post for each entry.)


Giveaway Rules: 

1. Must be a U.S. Citizen

2. Must complete the mandatory entry.

3. Giveaway will close on November 13th at 11:59pm CST.

{Disclaimer: I was in no way compensated to write this post. However, I did receive a book to review and one to giveaway to my readers. All my opinions are my own. I love Jesus. }

Relationships with Guys {Part 3}

Are you ready for the final part in this series on Relationships with Guys? I know you have all been anxiously awaiting for this one!

As we move into the last point, let's not forget that making Jesus #1 in your life and having girlfriends is just as important. Honestly, the first 2 points are good and should be practiced in addition to the third point.

So, are you ready?

Let's do it.

* * * * * * *

3. Let them be Guys.

I don't know if you have ever seen this video from Blimey Cow, but I encourage you to watch it before you read any further.



Did you catch #2?

Give Him Some Space. 

That can also translate to Respect His Life.

* * * * * * *

We, as girls, have a tendency to talk. A lot.

I know I love to talk. And on top of loving to talk, I really love having deep conversations with people.

While talking isn't necessarily a bad thing, it can be if you talk to much.

Proverbs tells us that "where words are many, sin is not absent."

As a result, we have to be careful in how much we talk and what we talk about.

So, how does this apply to guy relationships?

Take a minute and evaluate how much time you spend talking to guys and what you talk about with them.

I know for me, I realized I didn't have strong enough boundaries when it came to talking with guys.

I began to reevaluate my conversations and interactions with the guys in my life.

I remember asking the question, "How can I allow the guys in my life to be the initiators? How can I allow them to be the guys that God has created them to be?" 

The LORD brought a few things to mind and, as a result, I have created guidelines that have helped me in my guy relationships.

{Disclaimer: I don't believe this is right for everyone and I have made a few exceptions. I believe the LORD convicts us in different ways so, it's totally up to Him and not me to tell you what you need to do.}

{a.} I don't text, call, or talk with a guy every single day.

I just don't.

It's so simple.

Okay, maybe not that simple. It was a struggle for me when I first created the rule.

But, I just told myself that it's okay if we didn't talk everyday. I mean, if we did that all the time, what would we have left to talk about? 

I would guess mindless things or maybe we would share too much of our hearts. 

Truth be told, there are times when I will go 2-3 months without talking to a guy and it's perfectly fine. 

And it's even better because then we have more to talk about when we do have a conversation.

And quite frankly, I think I have the best guy friendships because of that decision I made 3 and half years ago.

{b.} I don't friend request guys on Facebook, start a casual conversation with them on social media or text them first.

Friend requests on Facebook and letting them start the conversations are a great way for me to allow the guys in my life to be the initiators that they were created to be. 

I read a quote from Leslie Ludy's book Answering the Guy Questions that basically sums up my belief on this decision.  

"Taking the initiative with a guy, even in the friendship stage, can be dangerous. God designed men to be leaders, the initiators, and the pursuers in male/female relationships. If God desires the friendship to happen, He is perfectly capable of moving on the guy's heart to take the first step and reach out to you."

That doesn't mean I never talk to him, I just give him some space. Like Jordan, from Messy Mondays, is talking about in the video. 

If I do start a conversation with a guy, it's usually about a particular subject – school, theology, an event, or maybe a technical problem. This allows for the conversation to be a guided conversation and not a, "I-don't-really-know-where-I'm-going-with-this-conversation-but-I-just-wanted-an-excuse-to-talk-with-you." 

Does that make sense? 

If not, let me know in the comments or message me and I will try to clear things up for you!

* * * * * * *

So, for this week's challenge, I would encourage you to ask the LORD how you can let the guys in your life be the initiators they were created to be!

It might be something completely different than mine and that's okay!

I promise, if you ask the LORD, you will not be disappointed.