Fire in the Manger

What a sermon title! Yet, one of the most compelling sermons about Christmas I have ever heard.

There was fire in the manger along with the "Love came down at Christmas" sentiment. God's fire is either a refining fire for the believer, or a consuming fire for the unbeliever. To summarize a 45 minute treatise into a simple blog is not worthy - however important enough to try.

Pseudo Christianity says "God is love" and ends there. True Christianity knows and declares the love of God equally with the judgment of God. God Himself shows us Who He is - we don't create a system of beliefs - He tells us in His Word how we are to see Him.

If we take out the judgment of God, we also take away our need for a Redeemer! Oh the cheapening of the true meaning of Christmas should put us all to shame, and cause us to declare the entire counsel of God!

Thanks be to God for peaceful sleep, for acceptance of things I cannot change, for knowing that He is a consuming fire, and for me that means life.

As we end another year I am so grateful for forgiveness, redemption, and God's purifying fire in my life. A favorite verse stands out to me: "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

Yes, it IS OK to play with fire - and not get burned :)

I Still Make Jammies for my Kids

'Nuf said....

I Love Christmas!

Christmas is just not Christmas without hearing Oh Holy Night by the Northwest Boychoir and Vocalpoint, joined by the Alumni.


Before the evening, Kelly and Julianne exchanged their Christmas gifts - and I made hats for each of them.

Dressing up and going to dinner before was a nice treat - Kelly came along (Julianne's "adopted" sister). Those two girls warm my heart in how they care for each other.

I never tire of hearing this choir - and Benaroya was and is amazing.

Love So Amazing - Perfect Christmas Song

I love this song at this time of year! Not one of us can claim that we have deserved or earned God's mercy and grace in our lives. Truly, it is Love so Amazing!


He became sin Who knew no sin,That we might become His Righteousness
He humbled himself and carried the cross: Love so amazing, Love so amazing

Chorus:
Jesus Messiah, Name above all names, Blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners, The ransom from Heaven, Jesus Messiah, Lord of all

His body the bread His blood the wine Broken and poured out all for love
The whole earth trembled And the veil was torn, Love so amazing
Love so amazing, yeah

Chorus:
Jesus Messiah, Name above all names, Blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners, The ransom from Heaven, Jesus Messiah, Lord of all

All our hope is in You. All our hope is in You. All the glory to You, God
The light of the world
Chorus:
Jesus Messiah, Name above all names, Blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners, The ransom from Heaven, Jesus Messiah, Lord of all

Went to a Christmas cookie exchange with wonderful friends:



Crazy hat making with sister in law and mom at my mom's house for 3 days - we made 20 hats over the weekend!

Mary, Did You Know?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.

Please take a few moments to listen to Mark Lowry perform this song - he wrote the lyrics, and this arrangement does it justice...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0WIJw8JVeU

December #2 Gratitude Hangover

Yes - gratitude hangover. I think that is exactly what I have. I have been trying to figure out my heart wrenching feelings at these Christmas songs - playing non stop in my house. Some of them bring tears to my eyes (Mary Did You Know and Joseph's Lullaby, by MercyMe to name a few).

By the way, the music is especially wonderful this year due to Joseph's (my husband, not Mary's husband) amazing brain - he hooked my wireless laptop so that I can play Itunes, Pandora, or anything directly to my home stereo with no wires (wireless). Oh man, I am really grooving on it!

So, these Christmas songs - I remember my first Christmas after I really knew who Jesus was. It shocked me that the words had true meaning, that they were about a real baby who was really God. I was about 15 years old. Ever since then, Christmas songs have a totally different impact on me. Sure, there are lightweight songs about bells and snow that I enjoy, but the ones that proclaim the birth of the Son of God just break me.

Yup - I have a gratitude hangover and hope it will last well into March. Wanna join me?

December #1

To start the month on the right foot, on November 20 I had my left foot bone surgery after a 5 year wait. Since ProTech is moving to Pennsylvania, I want to get myself all fixed up while we have health insurance.
BUT this time, I am having extra care - complete with a personal ultrasound machine that insurance bought for me - I use it 3 times a day and it stimulates bone regrowth.
This time I was prescribed a knee scooter too - I end up sitting on it and Joseph or Julianne pull me ~ it goes super fast in Costco! hahaha


I was up and around in time for the Quantivate Company Christmas party. Yes, it is a family business, started by my nephew Andy, employing my other nephew Charles, and my two sons Jason and Jaron.



Moving on to Julianne's school program at New Albion Academy. I loved holding my grand nephew Abraham during the candlelight singing of Silent Night, where he whispered to me "This is so beautiful"


Last night was the Pro Tech very last Christmas party here in Washington. It was bittersweet - we have appreciated this wonderful company for many many years. Joseph got his game on against Roland in pool ~

A Beautiful time, wonderful people...the Lord is good to us.