Author: Allie Zottola

Dog Puzzles, Candy Bars, and a Wet Basement

Hi! This week has been a busy one so far, but I’m here and ready to blog! I’m currently waiting for a person from our water company to arrive and have a look at our water meter because Jimmy and I woke up to a soaked basement floor–eek! Hopefully the worker doesn’t ask me if my parents are home like last time 😉

Alright, here’s some randomness from my life lately!

I’ve developed a bit of an addiction to dog puzzles. It’s just so neat to see Mavis and Lola use their brains to get their food. In case any puzzle lovers out there are wondering where I get them, I’ve bought most of mine at TJ Maxx or Marshalls. The two below were only $5 each!

Outward Hound Dog Puzzles

I’ve even been lending the puzzles out to my pet sitting clients for their pups to give them a try. I’m thinking of doing a post on our favorite dog and cat products, but I don’t know if that would be a total snooze-fest, ha.

Jimmy and I attended a wedding on Saturday and he was the best man. It was so sweet to see him give his speech and watch the bride and groom tie the knot.

Couple at wedding reception table in black and white

Okay, random question. Have you heard of the new Hershey’s Gold bar? Apparently, it’s the first new Hershey bar in 22 years. I have been hearing all about it and literally couldn’t find it anywhere. I went to our local Walgreens and a worker told me our area of Pittsburgh was completely sold out.

On Sunday after church, Jimmy and I stopped at a gas station for coffee and gas and lo and behold, I found one! If anyone in Pittsburgh is looking for the Hershey’s Gold bar, I found it at the Sheetz in Monroeville!

Hershey's Gold bar Hershey's Gold Bar

Can you believe Christmas is on Monday? Our church puts on a special Christmas Eve service each year and I’m excited for it. There’s nothing like celebrating Jesus’ birth with our church family. Jimmy and I didn’t put up a Christmas tree this year since Mavis is still so young (and we’re lazy…), so I’ve been keepin’ it festive around here with cute coffee mugs.

Merry Christmas mug with labrador holding candy cane

Well, I think that’s all the randomness I have to share for now! I hope everyone has a great rest of the week!

What are your plans for Christmas?

Why Christmas is so Special

Jesus’ story is is so incredibly beautiful, and I love that the world takes time to reflect on it as we celebrate His birth.

Isaiah 9:6 watercolor and marker hand lettering for Christmas

Jesus’ birth was prophesied time after time in the Old Testament, His family line carefully chosen by God. The Messiah was longed for by God’s people from the beginning of time.

He was born of a virgin. His forerunner, John the Baptist, was born of a barren woman past the age for child-bearing. Angels made announcements to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. His name was chosen before his birth. Angels saved Jesus from being murdered by Herod.

Wise Men were guided from distant lands to bring Jesus gifts, which likely provided the means for His escape from Herod. The gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh each had a special meaning pertaining to Jesus. Gold was a gift traditionally given to kings. Frankincense was used by priests. Myrrh was used for embalming, a symbol of Jesus’ coming crucifixion.

Matthew 1:21 Jesus birth Christmas scripture

Even Jesus’ birthplace had special meaning, as it was the center of many historic associations. The city of David. Rachel’s burying place. The home of Ruth. The home of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was just 15 miles to the south. Joshua had made the sun stand still only 10 miles northwest in Gibeon. David killed Goliath 12 miles west of Jesus’ birthplace.

When He was presented in the temple after his birth, two righteous people–Simeon and Anna–spoke to Mary and Joseph about how Jesus fulfilled God’s plan for a Messiah and gave thanks.

Today, archaeologists have confirmed, even to the most minute detail, the historical accuracy of Bible statements about Jesus’ birth. Even more amazing, the complete story of Jesus’ life is plainly foretold in the Old Testament.

Luke 2:6-7 Christmas Bible verses about Jesus

God used humble and unlikely people and circumstances to bring about the birth of His Son. Mary and Joseph were poor and unwed. They had to travel 100 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem, which couldn’t have been easy for a young woman about to give birth. Jesus’ cradle was an animal feed trough. The Wise Men saw a supernatural star. The announcement to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds was supernatural. Jesus being born of a virgin was supernatural.

God sent Jesus into the world as a baby. He lived a difficult and obedient life. He was persecuted and crucified, but rose from the grave. Victory is assured, and that is why there is true joy and peace for those who put their belief into active and obedient living for God.

That is why Christmas is so special ❤