guess who?

catch-up.

Well, I've done a pretty sad job recently of keeping everyone up to date on the goings-on here in Grenada.  Mom, Dad and Olivia arrived early early Saturday morning [Christmas Eve] and it's been pretty much non-stop from there.

 

They are staying at the Grenada Grand - a very very nice resort here with two amazing pools, and their own little beach front property for the week.  It is also a two minute walk from our apartment - can't get better than that!  J and I actually feel like we are on vacation in our own home: working out at the hotel gym, reading poolside, and walking around looking at other resorts [namely for their Christmas lights...which we did on Christmas Eve to get into the "spirit" of things since there is no snow or cold weather.]  It's been very nice.  So to do a little catch-up, here are our day-by-day updates:

Saturday: Everyone took naps at some point during the day [worn out from travel] and we hung out on the beach/poolside.  Olivia and I did a little tubing on the ocean, it was very fun :)  To quote as we were bouncing around on the waves and taking in the St. George's scenery: "I can't believe we are doing this on Christmas Eve!"  Yup, welcome to my world...it's Christmas Eve?? Haha...We also opened gifts and J got all his new doctor supplies - he was ecstatic :)  Family also sent us some festive decorations, which Olivia and I proceeded to use to decorate our house that night before we ate dinner and watched our Christmas family classic, While You Were Sleeping.

Sunday:  Christmas breakfast of snowmen pancakes [I will add a picture] and advent readings through the whole Bible.  "Church service" [about 10 people total] on Grand Anse Beach, followed by more poolside/beach bumming and that night my Christmas dinner: mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and chicken.  We also watched Captain America after that...one of J's gifts...how festive ;)

Monday: J and I have fallen in love with a local German restaurant here called The Schnitzelhaus.  We called ahead of time, and they were indeed open [most things weren't] and so we thought it might also be a good day to get downtown and check out things while the city was slow.  Well, slow was an understatement. It was DEAD.  But we enjoyed a really great lunch and amazing desert [ice cream stuffed pancakes!] at The Schnitzelhaus, and then went on our merry way through the city.  In a way, it was really nice - we weren't haggled, and we were still able to get some things in the souvenir side of the market - though the fruit/veggie vendors were no where to be seen.  We wanted to do the Fort George tour, but it was also closed, so we just walked all the way around it and tried to give our own tour instead :)  We got some great views, maybe not AS great as the top of Fort George, but we may go back...We also happened upon an art gallery!!! I have been looking for local artists forever now, and we finally found one who invited us to his art show tomorrow at one of the resorts.  I'm going to see if we can get to it at some point...it might also be nice [although slightly overwhelming] to see the city in full swing. We came home and Mom, Dad and Livie hung out on the pool/beach before coming to our place for dinner, after which we started watching Thor [another gift] before heading out for....crab racing!!! We walked along the deserted streets and then walked through another [gorgeous!] resort to get the beach and kept walking from there.  Finally, we made it to The Owl in time to see the last two races.  We bet on 4 out of the 6 crabs and none of them won! Haha, but I did get to "start" the last race [take the big bowl off of the hermit crabs so they could "race"].  It was very fun, and I'm glad we made it for a bit at least - and then we walked all the way home on the beach under the huge, clear, beautiful canopy of stars and constellations, all the while enjoying the crashing of waves and warm water - it was amazing. 

Our Christmas lights courtesy of Anna, who is in Honduras for Christmas :) 

 Photo courtesy of my hus, who was determined to get a good shot of our lights from outside...see our apartment window??

 All the goods for the Christmas snowmen on Christmas morning...surrounded by the cutest "confetti" I've ever seen - thanks, Aunt Beth!!! :)
 
Dad's snowman...we didn't have enough coasters for coffee AND water...so this was the compromise :)

About to dig in :) Note our "Christmas tree" and other festive decorations - thanks, Aunt Sue!

 Exploring the beach that she loves.

 Mom with one of my "hardy" umbrellas....haha - NOT!  The thing is so pathetic...

 Mom and Livie's footprints...

 The whole clan that came to visit.

Merry Christmas morning!

 At the resort.

Christmas dinner!

Today we are going to head to campus [we need to buy eggs] and show everyone around there.  I think we are also going to try to make it to Trivia Night at Prickly Bay, so that should be fun :)  Plans for the rest of this week: Belmont Estate, Seven Sisters [with Olivia and J], golfing [Dad and J] and just more chillin' at the resort, which is SO relaxing :) 

Hope everything is well with anyone reading this! Much love from Grenada.

Christmas Reading 2011.

Galatians 4:4-7
In the fullness of time, the Christ was born so we can be adopted. 

 

When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.  And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

Our Savior Reigns!  Let Him rule in your life!  Merry Christmas, Everyone!!!!

adevent reading 27.

Matthew 2:1-11
The wise men follow the star to the baby. 

Now after Jesus was born in  Bethlehem of Judea  in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men  from  the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born  king of the Jews? For we saw  his star when it rose  and have come to  worship him.”  When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where  the Christ was to be born.  They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler

who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared.  And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.  When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.  And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and  frankincense and  myrrh.

movies in grenada.

We went to the movie theatre last night with a bunch of friends and other people who are staying over the Christmas break.  There were over 10 of us and we took advantage of the the 2-for-1 deal on Wednesday nights :)  We saw "Real Steel" with Hugh Jackman, and while we would have never seen it in the states based on the trailer, J and I really liked it.  It got good ratings on IMDB, but we had never heard of it before, so we didn't know if it would actually be any good.  Turns out it was a very redeeming story about a father being reunited with his estranged son...and they bond over robot boxing.  I know, I know...sounds far fetched, but it was really very Rocky-goes-robotic style with an endearing twist, so it worked for both J and I :) 

Here's the synopsis:

A gritty, white-knuckle, action ride set in the near-future where the sport of boxing has gone high-tech, Real Steel stars Hugh Jackman as Charlie Kenton, a washed-up fighter who lost his chance at a title when 2000-pound, 8-foot-tall steel robots took over the ring. Now nothing but a small-time promoter, Charlie earns just enough money piecing together low-end bots from scrap metal to get from one underground boxing venue to the next. When Charlie hits rock bottom, he reluctantly teams up with his estranged son Max (Dakota Goyo) to build and train a championship contender. As the stakes in the brutal, no-holds-barred arena are raised, Charlie and Max, against all odds, get one last shot at a comeback.

Also, just so you know...Grenadian movie theatres are very different from back home.  People scream, yell, laugh at the wrong times, root on characters, etc.  It is very much an experience.  In fact, with all the fights going on in the movie, the theatre crowd was almost as loud as the on-screen crowd.  I guess you could say its the most realistic movie experience we've ever had...although at times annoying, i.e. when there would be shouting at characters because they didn't like them, or they thought something they said was stupid, or thought their face looked funny, etc....oh well :)

Anyway, we would recommend those of you who might have ignored it stateside to get it on Redbox or something...it's a worthwhile movie :) Today is going to be errand running and studying for J...yes, he is studying over break ;)  Other than that, we may try to make it to the gym at some point, and maybe venture out later or something.  We'll see...

Much love.

advent reading 26.

Luke 2:15-20
The shepherds go to the manger.

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”  And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby  lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.  But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them

advent reading 25.

Luke 2:1-7
Luke tells of the birth of Jesus.

In those days  a decree went out from  Caesar Augustus that all the world should be  registered. This was the first  registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town.  And Joseph also went up  from Galilee, from the town of  Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.  And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.  And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in  the inn.

advent reading 24.

Revelation 5:1-14
John reveals the glory of the completed work of Christ—the exalted Lamb of God.

Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals.  And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?”  And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it.  And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah,  the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”

And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with  seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.  And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne.  And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb,  each holding a harp, and  golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.  And they sang  a new song, saying,

“Worthy are you to take the scroll

and to open its seals,

for  you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God

from every tribe and language and people and nation,

and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,

and they shall reign on the earth.”

Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering  myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice,  “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard  every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures  said, “Amen!” and the elders  fell down and worshiped.

Yesterday was a great day :)  We went to the gym together, had lunch together, went to the pool with a bunch of other people together, and then J made me my favorite meal for dinner: Eggplant Parmesan!  It was so awesome, and wonderfully delicious - I was so excited that he wanted to do that for me :)  He also finished another book [he started reading on Sunday] and I finished another book [that I started months ago - ha!]  Oh, the differences between us sometimes ;)  Anyway, I'm so grateful that he is finally feeling so much better - AND so grateful that apparently the antibiotics were what he needed!  Praise the Lord :)  Anyway, today is bagel-making-and-laundry day, so I'm not sure what else will happen.  J is going fishing tonight with our friend Phil, and he is very excited about that.  I can stay home for that, though - not exactly my cuppa tea ;) Glad there is another man here who appreciates those things!  Maybe I will start and finish a book just to show I can do it, too :)  Much love to all!

BTW, I love this blog that I follow [some woman in the states somewhere] but I think I share her affinity for wanting to feel and cherish more things in life.  Anyway, here is a little blog she wrote about Christmas...and since it couldn't feel less like Christmas where we are in the world, I am living vicariously through her and others that post about cold weather, warm fires, holiday parties, and the general sweetness that Christmastime brings - all ultimately pointing to our precious Savior.  Enjoy!

advent reading 23.

John 1:15-37
John unfolds the great mystery of the incarnation—the coming of the Lamb of God.

(John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said,  ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”)  And from  his fullness we have all received,  grace upon grace.  For the law was given through Moses;  grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.  No one has ever seen God;  the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known. And this is the  testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him,  “Who are you?”  He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”  And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you  the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”  So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”  He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight  the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

(Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.)  They asked him,  “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”  John answered them,  “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.”  These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold,  the Lamb of God, who  takes away the sin  of the world!  This is he of whom I said,  ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’  I myself did not know him, but  for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.”  And John  bore witness:  “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and  it remained on him.  I myself did not know him, but  he who sent me to baptize  with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain,  this is he who baptizes  with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold,  the Lamb of God!”  The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.

So thankful for another morning...Wish I could say it was snowing here, but I actually do feel a little chilly in the mornings and at night...a strange feeling ;) Currently sitting on the couch with freshly brewed cocoa tea about to read our reading for today in Revelation.  I can't believe we are almost done with reading the Bible in a year!  It has been of great benefit to do - it has allowed for more exposure an understanding of the cohesiveness of God's plan of redemption, and our desperate, desperate need for it!  Praise the Lord we live in a country where we can worship freely, have His Word readily available to us, and can dig deeper with so many resources granted to us!  Such blessings!  I think we are going to hit the gym today, followed by some time at the pool at the University Club with other people who have stayed over break :)  Much love to all.

break forth, o beauteous heavenly Light.

Well, praise the Lord, today has been a much better day than as of late! We were able to go to the mini church gathering on campus this morning, get a bunch of reading done, and head to the beach! The waves at Grand Anse were HUGE, so our plans to snorkel were thwarted by murky water; however, we were able to walk along the beach and just be outside and in the beautiful water. It felt great! Praise God that J is feeling much better - still a little tender, but so much better than the past few days [as evidenced by the aforementioned activities :) ] We also got some Christmas music today since all mine was wiped from my computer before we left, and I've felt not very Christmas-y here. I have fallen in love with the following song by Jenny & Tyler...you can preview it on iTunes, or here on Amazon. I warn you, though...you might fall in love with it as much as I have :) And here are the glorious lyrics:

Break forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light,
and usher in the morning;
Ye shepherds, shrink not with affright,
but hear the angel's warning.
This Child, now weak in infancy,
our confidence and joy shall be,
the power of satan breaking,
our peace eternal making.

Break forth, O Light shine down
Restore, these barren grounds
Behold our Savior now
Break forth O Beauteous Light

Break forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light,
to herald our Salvation;
He stoops to earth---the God of might,
our hope and expectation.
He comes in human flesh to dwell,
Our God with us, Immanuel,
the night of darkness ending,
our fallen race befriending.

Break forth, O Light shine down
Restore, these barren grounds
Behold our Savior now
Break forth O Beauteous Light

Also, if you want some free streaming of great Christmas music, check out Sojourn's new Christmas "A Child Is Born" album here.  We love it, and you can listen to the whole thing all the way through!!! J's favorite is "Go Tell It On The Mountain"...hilarious :)
Continue to pray for us - for full healing for J, and good quality time for both of us :) Love to all!

advent reading 22.

John 1:1-14
John unfolds the great mystery of the incarnation—the coming of the Lamb of God.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and  the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.  In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man  sent from God, whose name was  John. He came as a  witness, to bear witness about the light,  that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.  He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Update on J: 

We went to ANOTHER dentist yesterday who did a deep clean and desensitized his tooth, and he felt a bit better, but he is still feeling bad.  He says it is a little less the toothache, so hopefully the antibiotics take care of he sinus pain he is in.  Keep praying for us!

Rejoice in another day the Lord has made, worshiping Him in grace and truth!

update on J.

Well, it certainly has been an eventful week, although maybe not in the sense that we were hoping for.  J went to the dentist yesterday who told him that either: 1. the cavity he had filled in the states was too deep and hitting a nerve, or 2. he has sinusitis and needed to be on antibiotics to stop the inflammation in his sinuses from irritating his tooth nerves.  So, we took the antibiotics route since the doctor seemed more and more convinced that was the problem.  She suggested that our house was "too wet" and we should move someplace dry.  Back home, perhaps?  Yeah...too late for that.  So he was pretty miserable all day yesterday and in a lot of pain.  So far this morning he is feeling better, but he said that yesterday, too.  It gets worse at night, apparently.  So I did more laundry and things yesterday, and finally went to the gym because I was going stir crazy.  I think we are going to try to go to the beach today...J hasn't left the house in a day or so, so we need a change of scenery.  

I took my last load of friends to the airport this morning, and wanted to fit in a suitcase again, but I know that's not realistic.  Anyway, be praying for us that we DO have some good hang out times before everything gets crazy again...I know these breaks in medical school are precious, so it would be nice if everything would stop going haywire...although we know the Lord is allowing all this to happen.  I hope you get what I mean :)  Anyway, whoever is reading this stateside: enjoy the lead-up to Christmas as it is so quickly approaching! We miss everyone! Much love.

advent reading 21.

Titus 2:11-3:7
The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

 

advent reading 20.

Philippians 2:5-11
The humility of Christ.

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death,  even death on a cross.  Therefore God has  highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

What a glorious morning to revel in this truth! Sitting here with a cool breeze coming through the open window, about to make breakfast for my hus and [he's making his own] drink my cocoa tea :)  However, on a somber note, I read this morning that Christopher Hitchens, the world's leading atheist, lost his battle with cancer.  As far as we know, he died as an unbeliever, scorning his Creator, unwilling to come into humble submission to Him.  While many Christians may take different stances on Hitchens and his life, death is never to be rejoiced over, especially when you know that a life ended without knowing and honoring the Lord.  

What a blessing to read this verse and know and understand it - that my eyes have been opened to truth.  I could very well have been just as blind as Hitchens, but God, in His supreme mercy, saved me from that.  If you are in Christ, and these words from God are glorious to you, revel in your salvation.  

It is the most treasured possession you can ever own, in communion with the most perfect Savior you could ever have.

we are supplied with every grace...even when life feels crazy.

WOW.

Well, it has been a crazy past two days.  We are all moved into our new home, and I love it so much better than our old one, praise the LORD!  It is so refreshing to have TILE instead of CARPETING. But don't think this has been an easy past few days...oh no, tears have been shed.  I've been utterly ridiculous and emotional and it hasn't felt much like a vacation yet, but I am thankful all the same.  Bear with me as I recount my tales of the stupid little things that can so easily throw you off sometimes...By the way, I am in no way, shape or form trying to get pity here...this is just me being a little more real about my emotions...and it's hilarious now, anyway, which I knew it would be [it always is...after the fact...please laugh with me - seriously! I'm sure those of you who know me well can imagine all of this]....

First of all, our landlords sprung a $75 cleaning fee on us for moving into another one of their apartments, and our place has had LOADS of problems already.  $75 might not seem like a lot, but the fact that I have thrown away several things from mold damage, spent a bunch on trying to wash/salvage other things...I have no motivation whatsoever to pay THEM money.  So, I am determined to clean our apartment on our own and avoid the fee [hopefully].  Remember that is in the back of my mind as you read on...

I also went to the doctor's office yesterday to finally address a health issue that has been persisting since August.  More fees.  But I did get a prescription, so hopefully everything will be fine in a week or so...

I have also been trying to get my contacts prescription taken care of and ordered so that my parents can bring them down in a week.  I went back to the doctor [for the second time, last week she was sick] and asked if they could fax the prescription to an international 1-800 number since that was the policy of the site I was using to order them.  Easier said than done, apparently.  I quote, "If she wants to order off the internet, that's her own problem."  Wow, thanks.  And this comes from the doctor who said it would be "no problem" to order off line since it would be at least a $100 in price difference.  So I am pretty much hating Grenada at this point.

So about 20 minutes later, I am in the laundry "closet" washing some of the afore-mentioned mold-damaged goods and one of the girls who works in the apartment office comes up to me [the same one that informed me of all the cleaning I would have to do to avoid the cleaning fee] and says that our new place is ready if we want the keys to move in that night/next morning.   I look at her without much grace and say "Yes, that would be fine, thanks"...and burst into tears.  Geez, pull yourself together.  Grenadians don't appreciate that kind of stuff anyway.  So she shows me the place, goes through inventory, and then my gracious husband proceeds to move EVERYTHING over in one night [I reminded him that it was "great that we don't have to do this in the hot daytime sun, right?"...Right.  Still sweaty.]  Anyway, all this time I am re-cleaning so that I feel comfortable with the cleanliness of my own house [something that I lacked at the other place] and so we are both pretty shot on patience and hydration.  End of the night:  we are showered and in our new bed [two twins pushed together] and very happy to have some better air flow, but rather overwhelmed with all the unpacking/reorganizing we have to do again.  To quote my husband, "I am sick of moving."  I reminded him that this was going to be the norm for a while at least...God's grace is sufficient, and I need that grace.

Anyway, this morning was filled with me cleaning the other place some more...and J in bed with a horrible headache that he thinks is stemming from a toothache.  Awesome.  If it isn't gone by tomorrow, we are going to the dentist down the road.  The adventures never cease...Thank God He is allowing all these things to happen for reasons unknown.  I keep reminding myself that every little "something else" is from Him, and for a reason...and life is only going to keep 'em coming, so how will I react?  With anger/bitterness/rebellion?  Or gratitude that His ways are better and beyond my understanding - meant for my good and growth in godliness?  Don't you long for eternal, glorified bodies?  No more toothaches. No more moving.  No more change.  Just beholding supreme, perfect, unchanging glory in unending joy.  Ah, yes!!

ANYWAY, finally, around 2pm, I am done [and J did help when his head wasn't about to explode, plus he moved everything last night].  I walk into the apartment and exclaim that I need the pool.  I am hot, sweaty, and gross, and I need to stand in some aqua.  Plus, it is pool day at the University Club, and J is feeling a bit better [and I think he understands that we both need to get out of the house], so we grab snorkel gear and head out.  It was the fastest we had ever tried to leave somewhere in a long time.  

We got to the Club and tried to snorkel, but the beach there is mostly sea grass, and further out is mostly sea urchin infested.  I told him I couldn't handle it, but he could go on his own if he wanted.  Eh, he didn't want to.  So we kayaked for a bit instead.  It was fun, and a much needed break for the both of us.  Then we hung out in the pool for a while, met up with some friends, and then headed home.  I made dinner and we have been chillin' ever since.  So the day ended pretty well if I do say so myself.  *Sigh.  Let's hope things feel a bit more vacation-y from here on out, shall we?? :)  And pray for J, he still has a headache...but we have some friends who went to the dentist here and they said it wasn't so bad...

I praise God that we are in a new place...that we have been given the means to rent an apartment, the means to clean it, and the means to eat and live here comfortably.  I am excited to share a home with dear friends in January, and visiting family and friends sooner than that :)
Much love to all.  I will post pics of the new place once everything is settled/decorated by Marieke.  :)

advent reading 19.

We were able to move into the new place tonight, but I am heading over to clean the old one, so I will update later.

Luke 2:15-20
The shepherds go to the manger.

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”  And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.  And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.  And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.  But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

advent reading 18.

Last night we went to Trivia Night at Prickly Bay [a local restaurant].  It was fun and a much needed get-out-of-the-house.  I wasn't the happiest camper yesterday, mostly because our landlords told us [surprise!] that there was going to be a $75 cleaning fee when we moved out of our apartment and into our new one.  This may seem small, but the fact is, we have fought mold [I threw out a pair of shoes, and tried to clean two other pairs of J's, plus one of his belts, and now one of his bags, too] and a myriad of bugs here, and so I think that charging us money for a place that hasn't been all that great afterall is a little absurd.  Plus, it wasn't in the contract, and our landlord is so contract oriented, I'm surprised she is letting herself get away with this.  Anyway, I wasn't/am not extremely happy right now, and I just can't wait to get into the new place that doesn't have carpet and seems a little more updated overall.  Please pray for a smooth transition tomorrow! And the patience to clean well even though I don't think it should be our responsibility seeing that we are currently paying closer to $1,000 a month to live here...*sigh.  I need some patience...So today will be filled with more cleaning and packing and tomorrow we are OUTTA HERE!

Anyway, here is the reading for today, and I will stop complaining :)

Psalm 98
The Lord has made known his salvation.

Oh sing to the LORD  a new song,

for he has done  marvelous things!

His  right hand and his holy arm

have worked salvation for him.

The LORD has  made known his salvation;

he has  revealed his righteousness in  the sight of the nations.

He has remembered his  steadfast love and faithfulness

to the house of Israel.

All the ends of the earth have seen

the salvation of our God.

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth;

break forth into joyous song and sing praises!

Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre,

with the lyre and the  sound of melody!

With  trumpets and the sound of  the horn

make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!

Let the sea roar, and  all that fills it;

the world and those who dwell in it!

Let the rivers  clap their hands;

let the hills sing for joy together

before the LORD, for he comes

to judge the earth.

He will judge the world with righteousness,

and the peoples with equity.

advent reading 17.

Luke 2:8-14
The angels proclaim the birth of Christ to the shepherds.

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord  appeared to them, and  the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.  And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all  the people.  For unto you is born this day in  the city of David a Savior, who is  Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby  wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

advent reading 16.

Well, after switching up locations for the movie part of the Christmas party, everything turned out to be a success :)  I will put pictures up later, but we had TONS of food and our friend Jade [Natalie's husband, and it was also her birthday last night! :)] was the mastermind behind the movie hook-ups.  It was a great, relaxing night to end a hectic semester.  This morning we went into St. George's with Phil and his mom who is visiting til Saturday.  The guys needed to get their visas extended, so we stopped at the government buildings first, then after that was over [MUCH faster for them then for me!] we toured Fort George, walked around the market, walked around the Carenage and then ate at the best restaurant here so far - The Schnitzelhaus. That's right - it was real German food by real Germans, done with a little Grenadian fling, and it was EXCELLENT.  We finally came home wiped out, and I just woke up from a 3 hour nap [still feeling sick - guess I needed it!!] And J is still snoozing a bit on the couch.  Such a WONDERFUL feeling to just go home and NAP! With nothing else pressing to do!!!  Hooray! And now it is raining which makes naps all the better.  I might just make myself something warm to drink just because :)  I have no idea what we are doing tonight, and that feels great, too :)  Hope all is well as the days count down closer and closer to Christmas!  Much love.

PS - J got ALL A's in his first term classes!!!!! :):):)  Congratulations, my love!! I'm so proud of you!!!

Micah 4:1-7
All nations shall find peace from the God of Jacob.

It shall come to pass  in the latter days

that the mountain of the house of the LORD

shall be established as the highest of the mountains,

and it shall be lifted up above the hills;

and peoples shall flow to it,

and many nations shall come, and say:

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,

to the house of the God of Jacob,

that he may teach us his ways

and that we may walk in his paths.”

For out of Zion shall go forth the law,

and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between many peoples,

and shall decide for strong nations far away;

and they shall  beat their swords into plowshares,

and their spears into pruning hooks;

nation shall not lift up sword against nation,

neither shall they learn war anymore;

but they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree,

and no one shall make them afraid,

for the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken.

For  all the peoples walk

each in the name of its god,

but  we will walk in the name of the LORD our God

forever and ever.

In that day, declares the LORD,

I will assemble the  lame

and gather those who have been driven away

and those whom I have afflicted;
and the lame I will make  the remnant,

and those who were cast off, a strong nation;

and the LORD will reign over them  in Mount Zion

from this time forth and forevermore.

advent reading 15.

Can you believe we are already on advent reading 15?? Time is FLYING.  And I've already taken one load of friends to the airport this morning - I told them I was living vicariously through them, and to have a great time at home :)  Recently, I have been a little sick [in fact, right now I am achy all over and I think I have a fever, which is great in this weather - so much for thinking I would evade my annual winter sickness!] so last night, while some friends were watching The Incredibles at our house, I went to bed :(  I woke up at 2:45am and it felt like every hour after that thinking it was 5:30am, when I had to pick up our friends for their flights home.  

And now I can't go back to sleep [it hurts to lay down, anyway] so I made some banana pancake batter to surprise the hus, and now I am typing here :)  I am picking another friend up at 7:30am, we have church at 11am, then we take the Cappas to the airport tonight around 5pm, and then we have the Christmas party at 7pm!  Loaded day :)  And I need to make chocolate covered, graham cracker-rolled marshmallows in the meantime [for S'mores - less messy style :) ]   

I'm excited for it all, but I'm also going to miss our new [although they don't seem very "new" :) - great feeling!] friends quite a bit :)  I know that J and I will have a great time reading and relaxing though, so that is a blessing :)  Pray that I get better!  Good news, though - if I am sicker than I think, antibiotics are over-the-counter here...along with Vicodin.  Yup.  Have a great Sunday rejoicing in our Lord and Savior, I am grateful that He has allowed me to already experience such a beautiful, early morning full of His glory :)

 

Luke 2:1-7

Luke tells of the birth of Jesus.
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

 

advent reading 14.

This morning, J woke up like a little kid on Christmas.  Seriously, he was wired from the very beginning, while I couldn't wake up for anything.  I finally got up an hour later and he proceeded to call me a "bump on a log" ;)  Needless to say, he is very happy that he has a whole month off of school and I am excited to have him all to myself for that whole month, too!  It's so nice not having to go into work and miss out on these times of rest during medical school...I guess that is one perk of not having a job :)  Anyway, he has headed off to the gym [which he has been greatly missing] and I am going to meet him on campus later for lunch and reading in the library for a little bit before I meet up with Nicole to get supplies for our Christmas party on Sunday! :):)  Then we are going to head to the beach for some snorkeling and then who knows what...it feels so good!!! And I can't believe my parents come in exactly two weeks!!! We are so excited! And here is the advent reading for today:

Exodus 20:1-17
The Law of God that we in our own strength cannot keep.

 

And  God spoke all these words, saying,

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

“You shall have no other gods before  me.

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.  You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am  a jealous God,  visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.  Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the  seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the  sojourner who is within your gates.  For  in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

“Honor your father and your mother,  that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

“You shall not murder.

“You shall not commit adultery.

“You shall not steal.

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 

“You shall not covet  your neighbor’s house;  you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.”

cliff jumping.

Wow, well today has been QUITE the day.  J is FINISHED with his first term of medical school and life already feels so different  - what a load off!!! Campus felt suddenly light and free - seriously, it was a amazing.  And after his test, a bunch of us went to get smoothies and then jump off the cliff at the very end of the point of campus.  I didn't bring my camera for obvious reasons, but my friend Andrea was able to snap a couple photos of us.  I was scared silly.  I only jumped twice...the first time J held my hand until we hit the water, the second time I braved it on my own :)  Glad to know I can check cliff jumping off my list of things I've done that were stupid...J calls it "adventurous."

After this, we came home, showered and J took a brief nap and then we headed back to campus to go to dinner with a bunch of people again at a place called Dodgy Dock. There was a jewellery show with small glasses of complimentary champagne, and then we ate $1 wings and fries...so healthy, but fun with friends and so nice to feel so relaxed.  We just got back from getting ice cream at the local ice cream joint across the street from our apartment.  So far, Christmas break is looking swell :) Well, it is time for a movie night folks, so here are the pictures from today and be on the lookout for more adventures :)

Holding my hand :) Thanks boo :)

 He looks like a flying squirrel ;)

 Yeah, that's right.  I'm plugging my nose and scared to high heaven.

advent reading 13.

Well, J is officially taking his last test of the term!  I am meeting him and a few others in an hour or so on campus for smoothies and cliff jumping...yeah.  I will fill you in later.  

Here is the advent reading for today:

Isaiah 60:1-4
Arise, shine! For your light has come.

 

Arise, shine, for your light has come,

and  the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.

For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,

and thick darkness the peoples;

but the LORD will arise upon you,

and his glory will be seen upon you.

And nations shall come to your light,

and kings to the brightness of your rising.

Lift up your eyes all around, and see;

they all gather together, they come to you;

your sons shall come from afar,

and your daughters shall be carried on the hip.

We have some plans for tonight, and we are eating an Indian lunch on campus, J's request :)  He is all about celebrating all of a sudden - haha :)  He has worked very hard!  

Much love.

a christmas carol - read to you FOR FREE!

Quick!  Before the deal is up!

Do you want someone to read to YOU for a change?  Or maybe you just don't feel like reading aloud to someone else?  Never fear - the free deal of the day is here! [I think it's actually free for the month - but hurry anyway!]

Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol is a free audiobook download right now...read in a wonderfully animated British accent!  Get it while it's hot by clicking here!

I should've been a newsboy, eh? Eh??

advent reading 12.

Wow!   These days keep zooming by!  J has ONE MORE FINAL tomorrow and then we are off to celebrate doing...something.  The plans aren't solidified yet, but we won't be sitting at home :)  And this means: TONIGHT is his LAST night of studying for his FIRST TERM of MEDICAL SCHOOL - no small feat!!!! I am SO proud of my husband, more grateful to the Lord for providing him with the ability to study and study well - and only 4 more terms to go [here in Grenada], two years of clinicals, then residency.  Whoo! Not so bad [haha...I'm kind of joking, that is a LOT of stuff...but grace is sufficient :) ]  

We also found out that we can move into our new apartment by December 15th!!! We will be all moved in and settled by the time my parents come, which is an answer to prayer! Nice relief that we won't have to spend time cleaning/moving while they are here :)  Well, here is the advent reading for today - to be honest, J and I have some catch-up to do ourselves, but then we will stay on top of it :)  Quick story: last night I came home to a plate of cookies and a Christmas card waiting outside our door from one of our neighbors - it was SO sweet and felt so "homey," if you know what I mean.  Sweet blessings from the Lord :)  

Today: gym, bagel making, any other shannanigans I can get myself into.  Whoo!

Luke 1:57-66
The birth of John the Baptist

 

Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son.  And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.  And  on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father,  but his mother answered, “No; he shall be called John.”  And they said to her, “None of your relatives is called by this name.” And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called.  63 And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they all wondered. And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke,  blessing God. And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all  the hill country of Judea, and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?” For the hand of the Lord was with him.

advent reading 11.

Luke 1:39-56
Mary visits Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist.

 

In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and  blessed is  the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of  my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” 

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my  spirit rejoices in  God my Savior,

for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for he who is mighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his name.

And his mercy is for those who fear him

from generation to generation.

He has shown strength with his arm;

he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;

he has brought down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of humble estate;

he has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy,

as he spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

sinterklaas & avent reading 10.

Well, yesterday was Sinterklaas, the Dutch holiday that resembles our Christmas traditions, although a little different...I totally forgot about it until almost dinner time, but when I remembered, I wanted to do a little celebrating.  Since I used to live in Holland, my family celebrated Sinterklaas and Christmas.  I think I liked Sinterklaas better, maybe because it was a "new" tradition, maybe because it was Dutch and I always wanted to feel more Dutch.  You can look it all up in Wikipedia, but here are some of the traditions I remember/we practiced in Holland:

• There was always a huge festival [plural, actually] of Sinterklaas arriving from Spain on a big boat.  I remember my dad's workplace having such celebrations for the the kids of the employees.  Awesome!
• Sinterklaas would get from house to house on a white horse that was able to walk on rooftops...
• His helpers [Zwarte Pieten] would be the ones who would go down the chimney. Zwarte Pieten means "Black Petes"...not very PC, but it's Dutch, what can I say??  Apparently, they are black from going down all the chimneys, but there is variation on this tradition...
• You leave a shoe out by the fireplace and receive gifts overnight, and often sing songs as you do so...the only one I really remember was one that said something about Black Pete being stealth - that you could hear him, but you never see him...ninja-like ;)
• Everyone gets the first letter of their first name in chocolate [usually very big, very delicious letters of chocolatey goodness]
• You get a poem about you
• You get papiernoten [small cookie "disks" of gingery goodness] and other delicious snacks
• You get a few presents [I usually got a CD or book from Mom and Dad :) ]

I think the argument is that Santa Claus originated from the Dutch colonies that settled in America, and so my arguments for not celebrating Santa would hold here, too.  However, since this tradition was so dear to me during my time in Holland, I want to try to incorporate it somehow into our Advent celebrations.  So, last night, after I realized what day it was, I ran to the store, picked up some hot chocolate and ginger cookies, cut out some wooden shoes and wrote poems for J, Marieke and Ryan.  It was kind of lame, but fun just the same, and I surprised everyone with a mini Sinterklaas celebration when I went to campus to drop off dinner :)  I wrote poems that incorporated the letters of their names, and reasons why I am grateful for each of them.  I think this might be tradition in our family, and would have nothing to do with a man on a horse.  But I think anticipation is fun for kids, and so I think it would be fun to have a mini celebration in the middle of Advent - just an extra night of special snacks [homemade chocolate letters?!?] and cute poems to accompany our advent reading...or something like that.  We shall see :)  Anyway, just thought I'd give you that little tidbit for what is going on across the ocean right now, and here is the good stuff:

Matthew 1:18-25
The angel of the Lord comes to Joseph in a dream.

 

Now the birth of  Jesus Christ  took place in this way.  When his mother Mary had been betrothed  to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child  from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling  to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.  But as he considered these things, behold,  an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will bear a son, and  you shall call his name Jesus,  for he will save his people from their sins.”  All this took place  to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and they shall call his name  Immanuel”

(which means, God with us). 

When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Happy Tuesday!  Continue to pray for J as he studies :)  Much love to all.

baby, it's cold outside...?? & advent reading 9.

Well, this morning has to be one of the most idyllic mornings I have had since being in Grenada.  I'm sure my husband would disagree seeing as of right now he is in the middle of his Anatomy exam, but my morning has been quite wonderful.  

First off, [and although this didn't happen this morning] I was able to Sykpe with these dear, dear sisters in Christ [missing Jessi] last night while I was at Marieke's apartment while she packed up stuff to store at our place - so everyone got to "meet" :)   

It was SUCH a blessing and joy to my heart, I started crying at first, then I realized how ridiculous that was - but I felt like I was there in the living room with them, although they were wearing sweaters, drinking tea and eating Christmas cookies, and I was wearing a t-shirt, drinking cold water, and snacking on some homemade popcorn ;)  I am so grateful for technology that maintains connections across the world!!!  Love and miss these women! :)

Then I came home, made J's lunch that he took today [another quiche - his request :) ] and then headed off to bed.  

Now read this:  I woke up COLD this morning!!! What a GLORIOUS feeling!!!  I actually felt like I may have needed another blanket :)  We had to leave the house by 6:50am to get J to campus on time for his exam, so I made him Nutella oatmeal [another request - see how I cater during exam time?? He knows it, too...haha!] and a hard boiled egg, and we were off!  I dropped him off, went to the gym, printed off some pictures using his color printing credit that doesn't roll over into next semester, and then drove the car back home where I took a very refreshing shower.  Now I am blogging, eating MY oatmeal, and drinking some cocoa tea [that has currently replaced coffee - I think I'm off coffee for good now! :) At least for a while...we'll see...]  

So anyway - doesn't that sound like a wonderful, productive, refreshing morning?? Especially considering that it is just now getting hot outside, and I am inside?? :) :)  I'm hoping many a morning is like this over break ;)  So now, dear readers, I am off to read a bit of the good Word and rejoice in the Savior that allowed for this morning to happen :)  Then I have some projects to work on for Christmas, mainly...fun times!  Here is the advent reading for today if you are following along:

Luke 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel’s annunciation to the virgin Mary of the Incarnation.

 

In the sixth month the angel  Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named  Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed  to a man whose name was Joseph,  of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings,  O favored one,  the Lord is with you!”  But  she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for  you have found favor with God.  And behold,  you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and  you shall call his name Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of  the Most High. And the Lord God  will give to him the throne of  his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob  forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

And the angel answered her,  “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of  the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born  will be called  holy— the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her  who was called barren.  For  nothing will be impossible with God.”  And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant  of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And  the angel departed from her.

Much love from Grenada Isle :)

avent reading 8 & happy sunday!

Luke 1:5-25
The birth of John the Baptist is foretold to Zacharias.

 

In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah,   of  the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.  And they were both  righteous before God, walking  blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.  But they had no child, because  Elizabeth was barren, and  both were advanced in years.  Now  while he was serving as priest before God when  his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot  to enter  the temple of the Lord and burn incense.  10 And the whole multitude of the people  were praying  outside at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of  the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and  fear fell upon him.  But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for  your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and  you shall call his name John.  And you will have joy and gladness, and many will  rejoice at his birth,  for he will be  great before the Lord. And  he must not drink wine or strong  drink, and  he will be  filled with the Holy Spirit,  even from his mother’s womb.  And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and  he will go before him  in the spirit and power of Elijah,  to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and  the disobedient to the wisdom of the just,  to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”

And Zechariah said to the angel,  “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.”  And the angel answered him, “I am  Gabriel.  I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.  And behold,  you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”  And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in  the temple.  And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in  the temple. And  he kept making signs to them and remained mute.  And  when his time of  service was ended, he went to his home.

After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying,  “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me,  to take away my reproach among people.”

I LOVE this passage of scripture - God's power manifested even when men are doubting and sinful.  I pray everyone has a great Sunday worshiping our great God, refocusing our lives for the week to serve and honor Him with everything.  Continue to pray for us!  Much love.

thoughts about santa...

This was taken from the book Treasuring Christ in Your Traditions by Noel Piper, which I previously mentioned I read last month.  It was excellent, to say the least.  She included a lot of thought-provoking insight to family traditions, the most insightful being Christmas.  J and I have already thought about this issue, but she lays it out so clearly, I thought I might share it here as well.  She has also been posting segments about Advent on her blog [some of which I have already shared here] and this one was posted today...so read and ponder...weigh and question...come to your own conclusions, but remember that in all things Christ should be glorified above all else.  Let me know if you have any thoughts regarding these things!!

"I’m not on a campaign, but I thought some of you might be interested in the way we think about one of the very visible “symbols” of the season.

For several reasons, we chose not to include Santa Claus in our Christmas stories and decorations.

First, fairy tales are fun, but we didn’t ask our children to believe them. On the contrary, they’re a good way to learn the difference between real-life and make believe. Second, celebrating with Santa and manger will postpone a child’s clear understanding of what the real truth of God is.

It’s very difficult for a young child to pick through a marble cake of part-truth and part-imagination to find the crumbs of reality. We wanted our children to understand God as fully as they were able, at whatever age they were. So we tried to avoid things that would inhibit or distort that understanding.

Third, think how confusing it must be to a straight-thinking, uncritical preschooler. Santa is so much like what we’re trying all year to teach our children about God. Look at the “attributes” of Santa.

• He’s omniscient—he sees everything you do.
• He rewards you if you’re good.
• He’s omnipresent—at least, he can be everywhere in one night.
• He gives you good gifts.
• He’s the most famous “old man in the sky” figure.

But at the deeper level that young children haven’t reached yet, he is not like God at all.

For example, does Santa really care if we’re bad or good? Think of the most awful kid you can remember. Did he or she ever not get gifts from Santa? What about Santa’s spying and then rewarding you if you’re good enough?

That’s not the way God operates. He gave us his gift—his Son—even though we weren’t good at all. “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). He gave his gift to us to make us good, not because we had proved ourselves good enough."