Saturday, December 19, 2009

Emerald Energy




This year in Girls of Praise (our youth program for girls in the People of Praise), Kate is an Emerald. Each year the girls are named a different jewel - reminding them that they are precious to God like a jewel is to us. This year's theme is Christ Our Life. Kate hosted the last GOP gathering and as you can see, these are giggly, energetic, and fun girls.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Feast Day


St. Lucy's Day is today and we began the tradition I grew up with - the eldest daughter wears a gown of white and a wreath and serves her family coffee and rolls. This morning Maddie served us rolls and eggs and juice. We had read about St. Lucy of Sicily last night and learned some of the traditions associated with her feast day. Maybe one day, we'll find a creative and safe method for wearing a crown of candles. For now, we'll have the daughter carry one in her hand.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Pumpkin Carving 2009





So we are a couple holidays behind here, oh well. The kids and Ben had a great time planning, designing and carving. Kate's is hers from the garden which we later cooked and used in bread. More is in the freezer for more yummy treats!

2nd Annual Usborne Christmas Show

Today we delivered $140 worth of books to the Highland Life Care Center - the free books earned from the show we hosted this last week. It was fun to share these amazing books with friends and family and to meet new people as well. Thanks for all your support!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Reflection on the Annunciation


I did a scripture meditation on the annunciation text found in Luke. I spent some time imagining the scene with the angel and Mary, then asked the Lord for some clarity on the subject and wrote down my thoughts. Two things occurred to me, both of them new thoughts to me. One is that Mary in her "troubling and wondering" probably had thoughts that were more practical in nature - Questions and problems with the fact that she would not be married when she conceived. She would have known the actual effects of this in her culture. I imagined her recalling a friend she had in a similar situation and the rejection she felt from those around her. What struck me was that Mary said "Let it be done just as you say." She totally accepted the time line the angel gave her knowing full well it would be her reputation on the line.

Secondly, I was struck by the Lord's mercy on her. The angel let her know of Elizabeth's expecting and told her, "Nothing is impossible with God." With this 'evidence', I think it was even more palatable for Mary to believe in God's acting in this way through her. Knowing her kinswoman, her situation, and loving her, she could share with her in the joy of motherhood. Leaving immediately to visit Elizabeth also gave Mary time to digest and accept even more the message of the angel. She was spared rejection for awhile and was able to rejoice and be glad in waiting with Elizabeth for the coming of their children. I have experienced this anticipation alongside friends and it is really a precious time. God blessed Mary beyond the announcement with at least some family around her to share in the amazing reality of his living on earth.