Friday, December 30, 2005
Late! Or Not...
*Christmas--a time that has come to be known by its incredible decorations, shopping, and Santa Claus displays. So why do Christians even bother anymore? Why not just shove the holiday back on the pagans and go on our merry way? Well, my brain is on break, so I'm not promising anything profound, but I thought I'd just share some of my thoughts. Y'all are lucky I only do this once in awhile 'cause I tend to think a lot! ;-)
Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the shopping, gift giving, carols, decorations, break from school, and getting together with friends and family. But it's so much more than that. While Jesus may not have been born on the 25th of December, it's a day set aside to remember Christ laying aside His majesty, taking on the form of man, being born of a virgin, Word becoming flesh. This is more than just theological terms we casually throw around, this is mind-boggling reality! If Christ had not been born, He could not have died for our sins. His resurrection to give us eternal life would never have happened. And guess what! God Himself was the first to celebrate His Son's birth! I know I've never had multitudes of heavenly hosts appear at my birthday parties! *starts singing parts of the Messiah*
At the end of the year, when life seems to rush at me at a speed too much for me to handle, Christmas sets aside the usual to put my focus back where it belongs. It helps me to start my year off on the right foot. One of my favorite Christmas songs is called "Start at the Manger...Then Go to the Cross."** The birth of Christ was not the end. While I begin praising God at the stable, I end up on my knees at the cross. It's the cause that produces the effect. And this, in fewer words, is why Christmas is such a special time to me. Luckily, in my family, our celebration is not over. As our decorations stay up until mid January, we'll continue into the new year with the nativity as the centerpiece of our home and hopefully our hearts as well.
*I would have posted a picture of our nativity (it's really quite beautiful!), but the lighting is so bad in that room that I can never get anything decent. Really.
**If anyone knows all the words to this song, I'd love to get them!
Saturday, December 24, 2005
It's Christmas Eve! Already. Well, I haven't had time to write about how churches are closing their doors for more "family time," the crazy traffic in Sacramento, that the church service last night made me sad about the direction of churches in America, the play we're going to see tonight, my love for my church, or how much I'm excited about Christmas being on Sunday. And much more. But I've loving the break and less time on my 'puter!
Friday, December 23, 2005
It's Christmas Adam! Good memories...
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Emily Update XII
Emily is scheduled to be discharged from HealthBridge Children's Hospital on Thursday, December 22. We can hardly believe it. It took prayers and a lot of hard work getting it all set up, but it looks like it's going to happen. She hasn't been home in 4 1/2 months.
She is scheduled for outpatient therapy evaluation at Memorial Hermann on Friday, Dec. 23. This will only cover OT and PT. We still have to get set up somewhere for speech therapy. She still has a LONG way to go, but at least we can work on it from home and hopefully get Rachel home in the near future.
We will keep you updated. Merry Christmas to everyone and thank you for your prayers.
I didn't really post pictures of Emily when she was going through everything, but let me tell you, she looks sooooooo much better! Her pictures used to make me cry. Praise the Lord for this miracle!
Labels: Prayer Requests
Giving with a Joyful Heart
As you may have heard, Salvation Army is not collecting as many funds this year as they usually do. Places like Target are no longer allowing the Salvation Army to set up their kettles in front of their stores, which is a shame! In the midst of all the shopping, some people are teaching their children to love giving to the Lord!
Today [Andy] and [Katelyn] were playing "Bell Ringer" in the kitchen!! :oD [Andy] was shouting 'Meeerry Christmas' as [Katelyn] was running around the circle stopping each time to drop 'money' in the bowl. [Andy] would then say in his most grown up voice, 'Thank you. Merry Christmas.'
Monday, December 19, 2005
Ok, I'm done with school (really as of 12/11) and not sick anymore! So I can now resume my random postings.
Has anyone noticed the weird links on haloscan? No idea what they're for, so please ignore them. I'd get rid of them if I knew how.
If you're family is looking for something to do to help another family this Christmas season, may I suggest contacting your local Salvation Army? While their Adopt-A-Family program might already be over, I'm sure they still have people that need things. It's so much more fun shopping for them than for yourself! :-)
Something neat from today is the new postage stamps I got. They're called "Distinguished Marines." Very cool!
I taught my last violin lesson for the year. The recital my sisters and I had earlier for our students went really well. They did us all proud!
Speaking of recitals, I was the great older sister ;-) and attended both their piano and viola/guitar recitals over the weekend. They did great at both. One of them performed Fantasie Impromptu. It's incredible watching her fingers move! You can listen to a not-so-great rendition of it here.
No snow yet. :-( But I'm back to crocheting scarves. Oh, they have the coolest camo yarn at Walmart! I made a scarf and beanie out of it for Matthew. He looks so cute in it! I'll have to get some pics!
I can't wait for Christmas! I can't imagine a better way to celebrate than with your family and friends singing and praising God together!
Yay, my Christmas cards are finally finished, and I need sleep!
Has anyone noticed the weird links on haloscan? No idea what they're for, so please ignore them. I'd get rid of them if I knew how.
If you're family is looking for something to do to help another family this Christmas season, may I suggest contacting your local Salvation Army? While their Adopt-A-Family program might already be over, I'm sure they still have people that need things. It's so much more fun shopping for them than for yourself! :-)
Something neat from today is the new postage stamps I got. They're called "Distinguished Marines." Very cool!
I taught my last violin lesson for the year. The recital my sisters and I had earlier for our students went really well. They did us all proud!
Speaking of recitals, I was the great older sister ;-) and attended both their piano and viola/guitar recitals over the weekend. They did great at both. One of them performed Fantasie Impromptu. It's incredible watching her fingers move! You can listen to a not-so-great rendition of it here.
No snow yet. :-( But I'm back to crocheting scarves. Oh, they have the coolest camo yarn at Walmart! I made a scarf and beanie out of it for Matthew. He looks so cute in it! I'll have to get some pics!
I can't wait for Christmas! I can't imagine a better way to celebrate than with your family and friends singing and praising God together!
Yay, my Christmas cards are finally finished, and I need sleep!
Monday, December 12, 2005
Yankee vs. Rebel
48% (Yankee). Barely in the Yankee category.
I'm kinda surprised. I know I say "y'all" every now and then, but I can hear the difference between me and southerners! Though I can hear the difference between me and Pennsylvanians, which is a whole different story...
Save the What?
SaveThewheel.com has finally revealed what is the wheel! Be sure to check it out to see if you were right!
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Fresh Apple Cake
2 1/2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups apple sauce
2-3 tsp. vanilla
4 cups chopped raw apples (Around 2 large apples or four small ones)
Mix all dry ingredients. Add eggs, apple sauce, and vanilla. Fold in apples.
Grease and flour a bundt pan very thoroughly. Bake for one hour at 350 degrees. Test carefully to ensure that it is done. You may have to cook it a bit longer to if it is still mushy. However, be careful not to overcook, as it will quickly dry out.
Let it cool in pan for at least 20 minutes. Take cake out carefully, so that it does not fall apart. Enjoy!
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
The Day That Lives Down in Infamy
Sixty-four years ago, the United States was given its final push into World War II with the attack on Pearl Harbor. War is said to bring out the worst in people, but it also has ability to bring to light heroes that otherwise might never have been noticed. Today was spent reflecting on those great men of the past--men who fought for good, for their wives and children, and for their country. They did what they knew to be right. For our todays, they gave their tomorrows.
One man who fought was a bombardier named Jake DeShazer. He was part of the first attack on Japan as a Doolittle Raiders. After successfully releasing the bombs, his plane was lost in the fog until the gas ran out. As Jake parachuted out, he remembered back to his days of growing up in church. He'd heard the Gospel before, but never paid attention to it, until now. Yet somehow He couldn't bring himself to trust God's mercy. How could He accept him when he hadn't lived a life for God?
Landing, he found himself in enemy territory and in the hands of the Japanese, along with others from the Doolittle Raider unit. Torture came, as was to be expected. It was only after one of them died that better treatment was received. With that came the allowance of books. One was allowed to pick a book to read for three weeks. Jake's choice was a Bible.
In those three weeks, he read the Bible over and over and over again, memorizing passages as he went. It was when he came to Romans 10:9, "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved," that the Holy Spirit broke into his darkness and revealed to him the Truth. Jake said, "Lord, though I am far from home and though I am in prison, I must have forgiveness." As he prayed, joy swept over him! The change in Jake was seen by all those around him. "Loving your enemies" became a theme in his life.
Jake had been in prison over three years by the time the paratroopers stormed the prison and released all the prisoners. He was taken to a hospital to recuperate before being taken back to the United States and his family. It was there that he felt God's call on his life to full-time missions work--in Japan. Graduating from high school a whole 14 years earlier, Jake entered college to begin training. While raising money to go, Jake wrote a tract called "I Was a Prisoner of Japan."
One million of these tracts was distributed all over Japan by the time of his arrival. People crowded to hear his speak. How could a man who was tortured by their people come back to try to help them? Lives were changed as many trusted Christ as their Savior. Not all were touched through Jake's speaking, though. Mitsuo Fuchida was on his way to a war criminal trial when he saw someone handing out pamphlets. You guessed it, it was none other than Jake's tract. Reading it made him want to find out more, so he got a Bible. When he got to Jesus crying out, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing," he fell down on his knees and began to weep. It was that day that Japan's top aviator, the man who led the attack on Pearl Harbor, repented and trusted the Lord Jesus as his Savior. Jake and Mitsuo together went on to lead many to Christ.
In those days, "uncommon valor was a common virtue." These men left not only a physical legacy, but a spiritual one. They stood up for what is right and true. They recognized God's hand in their lives, leading them to defend their families and country. As the next generation, it is now our turn to take the helm. Like them, we need to give our todays for the next generation's tomorrows.
For all you that made it this far, congrats!! This is why I rarely write out my thoughts; they're too "roomy," as a friend accurately described them. One thing I did in honor of the day was to watch "The League of Grateful Sons." It took less than three minutes of watching it to totally wow me! Parts made me want to cry, while other parts inspired. Also, how the Botkin family worked together to make it is very impressive! The movie is now on my list as a movie everyone has to see! Because of this, I'm going to be placing an order for more to give away. Vision Forum has discounted the DVDs for those ordering 3 or more. Instead of the $18 (already a $2 discount), they are only $12 plus shipping. I'm taking orders for people who want to take advantage of the discount, so if you're interested in buying a copy or two or three, let me know! [Offer no longer available]
One man who fought was a bombardier named Jake DeShazer. He was part of the first attack on Japan as a Doolittle Raiders. After successfully releasing the bombs, his plane was lost in the fog until the gas ran out. As Jake parachuted out, he remembered back to his days of growing up in church. He'd heard the Gospel before, but never paid attention to it, until now. Yet somehow He couldn't bring himself to trust God's mercy. How could He accept him when he hadn't lived a life for God?
Landing, he found himself in enemy territory and in the hands of the Japanese, along with others from the Doolittle Raider unit. Torture came, as was to be expected. It was only after one of them died that better treatment was received. With that came the allowance of books. One was allowed to pick a book to read for three weeks. Jake's choice was a Bible.
In those three weeks, he read the Bible over and over and over again, memorizing passages as he went. It was when he came to Romans 10:9, "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved," that the Holy Spirit broke into his darkness and revealed to him the Truth. Jake said, "Lord, though I am far from home and though I am in prison, I must have forgiveness." As he prayed, joy swept over him! The change in Jake was seen by all those around him. "Loving your enemies" became a theme in his life.
Jake had been in prison over three years by the time the paratroopers stormed the prison and released all the prisoners. He was taken to a hospital to recuperate before being taken back to the United States and his family. It was there that he felt God's call on his life to full-time missions work--in Japan. Graduating from high school a whole 14 years earlier, Jake entered college to begin training. While raising money to go, Jake wrote a tract called "I Was a Prisoner of Japan."
One million of these tracts was distributed all over Japan by the time of his arrival. People crowded to hear his speak. How could a man who was tortured by their people come back to try to help them? Lives were changed as many trusted Christ as their Savior. Not all were touched through Jake's speaking, though. Mitsuo Fuchida was on his way to a war criminal trial when he saw someone handing out pamphlets. You guessed it, it was none other than Jake's tract. Reading it made him want to find out more, so he got a Bible. When he got to Jesus crying out, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing," he fell down on his knees and began to weep. It was that day that Japan's top aviator, the man who led the attack on Pearl Harbor, repented and trusted the Lord Jesus as his Savior. Jake and Mitsuo together went on to lead many to Christ.
In those days, "uncommon valor was a common virtue." These men left not only a physical legacy, but a spiritual one. They stood up for what is right and true. They recognized God's hand in their lives, leading them to defend their families and country. As the next generation, it is now our turn to take the helm. Like them, we need to give our todays for the next generation's tomorrows.
For all you that made it this far, congrats!! This is why I rarely write out my thoughts; they're too "roomy," as a friend accurately described them. One thing I did in honor of the day was to watch "The League of Grateful Sons." It took less than three minutes of watching it to totally wow me! Parts made me want to cry, while other parts inspired. Also, how the Botkin family worked together to make it is very impressive! The movie is now on my list as a movie everyone has to see! Because of this, I'm going to be placing an order for more to give away. Vision Forum has discounted the DVDs for those ordering 3 or more. Instead of the $18 (already a $2 discount), they are only $12 plus shipping. I'm taking orders for people who want to take advantage of the discount, so if you're interested in buying a copy or two or three, let me know! [Offer no longer available]
Monday, December 05, 2005
Weekend Madness
What a weekend. On Saturday, friends from out of town came. We stayed up late beading, playing choirchimes, singing, and talking. It was so refreshing and encouraging to be able to see them! They're some of the few friends that share the same beliefs on church, feminism, leadership, college, evangelism, and so much more. They do Civil War reenactments, so now I want to go see them do it!
Sunday was rest home day. Almost everyone played choirchimes as we sang. My sisters and I played "What Wondrous Love Is This" on the piano, viola, and violin. It was sad, one of the ladies was crying as we left. :'(
Skipping to after church, 'cause this is getting too long (!), my friends left, and the Ds and my family went to cut our Christmas trees. It is a beautiful 11' white fir! I'm not sure if I'm going to post the pic of me cutting it...not sure if I want people in France seeing me. ;-)@C Pizza for dinner completed a tiring, but very nice day. Now my sisters are decorating the house, and I'm about ready for a nap. And so ends the weekend.
Oh wait, I have some prayer requests and praises:
-A pastor's wife I know in Chico had a heart attack on Saturday and as of yesterday, is still unconscious. She has three children 10th grade and under. Please pray for them!
-Emily, with a special walker and help, was able to take 5 steps last week!
-A guy my church has been praying for accepted Christ yesterday! His marriage is falling apart, so please pray for his wife's salvation and restoration of their family.
Sunday was rest home day. Almost everyone played choirchimes as we sang. My sisters and I played "What Wondrous Love Is This" on the piano, viola, and violin. It was sad, one of the ladies was crying as we left. :'(
Skipping to after church, 'cause this is getting too long (!), my friends left, and the Ds and my family went to cut our Christmas trees. It is a beautiful 11' white fir! I'm not sure if I'm going to post the pic of me cutting it...not sure if I want people in France seeing me. ;-)@C Pizza for dinner completed a tiring, but very nice day. Now my sisters are decorating the house, and I'm about ready for a nap. And so ends the weekend.
Oh wait, I have some prayer requests and praises:
-A pastor's wife I know in Chico had a heart attack on Saturday and as of yesterday, is still unconscious. She has three children 10th grade and under. Please pray for them!
-Emily, with a special walker and help, was able to take 5 steps last week!
-A guy my church has been praying for accepted Christ yesterday! His marriage is falling apart, so please pray for his wife's salvation and restoration of their family.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Thursday, December 01, 2005
God Works in Mysterious Ways
The other day, my mom was forwarding the latest update on Emily and accidently clicked on a wrong address. She didn't find out about it until we got a letter saying the person was no longer working there. Then yesterday we got a letter from the secretary of Shasta Bible College, addressed to Ken and Natalie, saying how she didn't know how she got their e-mail, but she believes God works things for a certain reason. She wants to post Emily's picture in their chapel so the students can pray for her every day, the teacher's will be praying for Ken, and she will be praying as a mother/grandmother! To make it even more interesting, my parents are actually friends with the president of the college, but as we don't see them often, hadn't talked to them about Emily. But God has His own plans!
A couple of you have mentioned my cousins' attitude during this time. I can not express in words how their godly attitudes have been sooooo encouraging and convicting! Listening to Natalie over the phone today, I was just blown away by her faith in God. They're saving a box of all the letters and things they receive to show Emily. The newest thing to be added is the first bill from the hospital: 90 pages, singled spaced of amounts owed! It'd be neat to see a map of people all over who are praying.
EDIT: I heard this last night and it fits under this title. Not too long ago a young man in the Army in Iraq accidently shot and killed an innocent. As punishment, he was demoted, taken from his unit, and moved to another place. He didn't understand why all this happened to him. Why would God allow something like this? Then he learned that the group he used to be with was all killed when their Humvee exploded. God must having something special in store for this guy!
A couple of you have mentioned my cousins' attitude during this time. I can not express in words how their godly attitudes have been sooooo encouraging and convicting! Listening to Natalie over the phone today, I was just blown away by her faith in God. They're saving a box of all the letters and things they receive to show Emily. The newest thing to be added is the first bill from the hospital: 90 pages, singled spaced of amounts owed! It'd be neat to see a map of people all over who are praying.
EDIT: I heard this last night and it fits under this title. Not too long ago a young man in the Army in Iraq accidently shot and killed an innocent. As punishment, he was demoted, taken from his unit, and moved to another place. He didn't understand why all this happened to him. Why would God allow something like this? Then he learned that the group he used to be with was all killed when their Humvee exploded. God must having something special in store for this guy!
