Jesus, the baby in the manger

I have been meaning to blog for several weeks now, but have been putting it off because I didn't want to botch my words...truth is that I would still be putting it off, but as we are leaving tonight for our Christmas travels and I wanted this done before Christmas it seems as though now is the best time.  So here we go :)

Thoughts leading up to Christmas this year...

I am so exceedingly thankful for the church that Michael and I have been attending.  We are undergoing a change in our lead pastor and it has been amazing to see the transition taking place.  We have been so blessed to be under the teaching of truth that both of these men share.  The sermons from the last three weeks (which I HIGHLY recommend and can be found here! ) are primarily where my thoughts have been stemming from.

First, as we approach Christmas time and all of its festivities, let us not have a lowly view of this baby Jesus in the manger.  This baby Jesus is the living God.  He is the perfect intersection of every excellency.  He is perfect love, perfect justice, perfect joy, perfect peace, perfect patience, perfect kindness, perfect goodness, etc...all together in perfect unity!  His perfect love does not negate perfect justice.  He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords!  He was God before He came and He came with incredible purpose.  He came to save his enemies, all the sinners of the world.  He came to save them by being crushed by them.  The cross was his purpose.  The cross, where love and justice come together perfectly.  Perfect judgment for sin and perfect grace in saving sinners through Jesus.  Consider that for a moment...as unsaved sinners we are under God's wrath, destined to be crushed by him; but through Jesus taking our place and being crushed for us we are reconciled to God!  We no longer need to be crushed because He has taken our sin upon himself and been crushed for us!  But it didn't end with the crushing!  No, he overcame and conquered death!  He lives!  Consider this baby Jesus in relation to the lyrics of one of my favorite songs, "The First Place"...(Listen here!)

Jesus, the perfect picture of the unseen God

Maker of things we cannot comprehend

Wisdom, the earth displays your strength and beauty

Sovereign, yes every throne knows you are God

Every inch of this universe belongs to you, O Christ

For through you and for you it was made

Your creation endures by the order of your hand

So you must have in all things the first place

Victor, over sin and death you triumphed

Firstborn, you've shown us life beyond the grave

Bridge groom, we long for you in expectation

Jesus, your church rejoices to proclaim! 

Incredible.  Awesome.  Amazing.  Ah, how I love truth!  Next thing on my mind: Grace.  So much grace!  Grace is the only reason I can see truth, the only reason I feel conviction for sin and the desire to be more like my Jesus.  Grace is the reason any of us (sinners or redeemed) are living and breathing right now, let alone all the other blessings we are given.  Hallelujah!  

Finally, I wanted to share with you my favorite Christmas song, "Joy has Dawned" ( Listen here :) ).  I was a freshman in college when I first heard this song and its truth touches my heart and excites me every time I consider its lyrics. 

Joy has dawned upon the world

Promised from creation

God's salvation now unfurled

Hope for every nation!

Not with fanfares from above

Not with scenes of glory

But a humble gift of love

Jesus born on Mary!

Sounds of wonder fill the sky

With the songs of angels

 As the mighty Prince of life

Shelters in a stable!

Hands that set each star in place

Shaped the earth in darkness

Cling now to a mother's breast

Vulnerable and helpless!

Shepherds bow before the lamb

Gazing at the glory

Gifts of men from distant lands

Prophesy the story!

Gold, a King in born today

Incense, God is with us

Myrrh, His death will make a way

And by His blood He'll win us!

Son of Adam, Son of heaven

  Given as a ransom

Reconciling God and man

Christ the mighty champion!

What a Savior, what a Friend

What a glorious mystery

Once a babe in Bethlehem

Now the Lord of history!

Ah, and there I am again, absolutely in awe of my savior.  I beg you not to have a lowly view of this baby in the manger.  The world did not end yesterday, but it will end someday and we will come face to face with a holy God who hates sin.  Jesus the lamb was crushed for our sin, but the lion king is coming to crush those who have not chosen to repent and follow Jesus.  I pray that God's grace would allow you to see truth this Christmas and that you would treasure this Jesus. 

Finally...I know I have shared two songs already, but I want to share my favorite song of celebration for God's conquering death with you.  "Christ is Risen" by Matt Maher...Hallelujah!  Celebration in song here!

Let no one caught in sin remain

Inside the lie of inward shame

We fix our eyes upon the cross

And run to him who showed great love 

And bled for us

Freely you bled, for us.

Christ is risen from the dead

Trampling over death by death

Come awake, come awake!

Come and rise up from the grave

Christ is risen from the dead

We are one with him again

Come awake come awake! 

Come and rise up from the grave

Beneath the weight of all our sin

You bow to none but heaven's will

No scheme of Hell, no scoffer's crown

No burden great can hold you down

In grace you came

Forever let your church proclaim

Oh death!  Where is your sting? 

Oh hell!  Where is your victory? 

Oh Church!  Come stand in the light!

The glory of God has defeated the night!

Oh death!  Where is your sting? 

Oh hell!  Where is your victory? 

Oh Church!  Come stand in the light!  

Our God is not dead, he's alive!  He's alive!

Blessings on your Christmas!

Charlsea Lynn :)

18 years ago I became a big sister for the third time!  I am so thankful to have a sister like Charley--she is truly a delight.  Here are some of the things I love about her:

• I love her love for Jesus and her desire to glorify him with her life
• I love her sense of humor
• I love how she cares for others and how selfless she is
• I appreciate her confidence in who she is in Jesus
• She is so fun to spend time with
• She is a great friend
• She is humble
• I can be myself around her
• I love talking with her
• She is absolutely beautiful

I could go on and on, but bottom line: I love her and am so thankful to have her in my life not only as a sister, but also as a friend.  I am so excited to see her later today and spend the long weekend with her :)

Blessed with the Best

Today is the birthday of both my mom and my dad!  What a wonderful day to celebrate the wonderful parents God has blessed me and my siblings with.  Here are some of my favorite things about my parents:

Dad
-I love his love for Jesus and his dedication to the gospel. 
-I love his laugh and sense of humor.
-I love the ways he has invested in my life and my siblings lives.
-I love his genuine heart.
-I love how he loves my mom. 
-I love the positive example he provides of manhood and I so appreciate seeing some of these same characteristics in my own husband. 
-I love how he provides for our family and how willing he is to help me when I need it. 
-I love that if I am confused by anything or have a question about anything I can always approach him and know he will do his best to help me out. 
-I love talking with my dad and I love getting to hear him preach.  
-I love seeing the love he has for others.

Mom
-I love her love for Jesus and her dedication to the gospel. 
-I love talking with her and having her input on what's going on in my life. 
-I love her positive (Pollyanna) attitude.
-I love seeing her with the people she loves most.
-I love how she loves my dad.  
-I love how nurturing she is with my and my siblings as well as the other people she comes into contact with.  -I love the positive example she provides of what a godly woman should look like.  I am so thankful to have this example to follow now as a wife and someday hopefully as a mother.  
-I love our shared interests--certain movies, certain foods, going on walks, etc.
-I love her humility.
-I love the key phrases/pieces of wisdom she has shared with my and my siblings over and over again in our growing up.

Ah, there are so many more things I could share...but 10 is a good number :)  I am so very thankful for both of them and the blessing of having them as parents.  I always miss them when we are apart and am always excited to be reunited with them again.  Blessings on your birthday, Mom and Dad!  I love you both so much!

 

The Servant Song

Before I begin, please excuse me if the phrasing doesn't make complete sense.  

This morning at church I had a song shoot straight to my heart.  It struck me in such a way that for several of the verses I could do nothing but read the words and worship in my heart because allowing them to leave my lips would cause a fountain of tears to rush from my eyes.  I had never heard the song before.  I was struck with the importance of Christian community and relationship.  Human relationship alone is important.  I have been reading Jane Eyre and have been so sad by how lonely she is through different parts of the book.  Life is hard.  It is filled with joys, but also sorrows and having to walk through it alone is a sad, sad thing.

As believers in Jesus, we know that God is always present and that He loves us deeply.  Our life, however, was not meant to be only us and God interacting.  This is seen throughout scripture.  Relationships are important to God.  Jesus himself had his group of 12 who he spent his time with, not to mention Peter, James, and John who he interacted with more closely.  There is a distinct difference in spending time with those you share a common faith with and those you do not.  At least in my experience there is a difference in the way you relate to each, the things you share with each, and even the emotions you feel afterwards.  As believers it is important to reach out to unbelievers, but it is also important to share life with others who love Jesus.  We must encourage and serve one another, continually pointing one another to Christ.

Allow me to share the lyrics to this song with you:

Brother, let me be your servant. 
Let me be as Christ to you.  
Pray that I might have the grace 
To let you be my servant, too. 

We are pilgrims on a journey. 
We are brothers on the road. 
We are here to help each other
Walk the mile and bear the load. 

I will hold the Christ-light for you
In the night time of your fear. 
I will hold my hand out to you; 
Speak the peace you long to hear. 

I will weep when you are weeping. 
When you laugh, I'll laugh with you. 
I will share your joy and sorrow
Till we've seen this journey through. 

When we sing to God in heaven, 
We shall find such harmony
Born of all we've known together
Of Christ's love and agony.  

As I read the lyrics again to "The Servant Song" I continue to be filled with emotions.  I think of those who have walked alongside me in my faith journey thus far and am thankful.  I think of those who have challenged me spiritually and have helped me to see truth and feel loved.  I think of those I know who are struggling and those who have sorrow and my heart aches for them.  Similarly, I think of those who are going through joyful times and I smile and celebrate with them.  How good of God to give us hearts that relate relationally to others.  Oh the picture of the body of Christ, the church.  May we be servants to one another, walking together on this journey and pointing one another to Christ.

If you would like to listen to the song, here is a link to it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdmgpMfnjdU&feature=fvwrel

Shelby Dawne

What a blessing to have sisters!  21 years ago today my first sister was born.  We have always been close and there is no doubt that she is one of my very dearest friends.  Not only is she a physical sister to me but more importantly and infinitely more precious she is my sister through Jesus Christ.  How sweet to share such a bond!  I love you so much Shelb and I am so very thankful for you! 

In honor of Shelb's birthday, I wanted to share a brief list of things that I LOVE about her:

• Her love for Jesus and desire to grow
• I can be the real me around her--singing, dancing, emotions, and all
• I love talking with her!  Especially when it is late into the night
• She is one of my very favorite people to shop with
• She makes me laugh so hard and I love her laugh!
• She has a beautiful smile
• I know she has my back and I have hers
• She is a great running buddy!  I miss running with her (she totally makes it a good time)
• So many memories
• She is sincere
• She loves people.  Not the love that makes you want to please people, but she genuinely cares about others.
• She is one of the most compassionate people I know  

I could list many more things, but instead of continuing to go on, I wanted to share some pictures of my time spent with Shelb so far in this earthly life:

Love you Shelb!  Can't wait to see you again this weekend :)

Wedding Vows

Today I finished writing our wedding thank you notes--though I am not completely done addressing all of them.  Goodness gracious we have been so blessed!  While I have been eagerly anticipating the day I would be free of this task, I find my self a little sad it is over.  It seems like the real closing of our wedding day.  Praise the Lord that it isn't the end of the covenant we entered together with God!  In honor of finishing our thank you notes and acknowledging with joy that our marriage is continuing on without that, I looked back in my wedding folder today and found the vows I wrote to Michael.  I cannot believe it's been two and a half months since I spoke them to him in the presence of God and family and friends.  I thought I would share them as I celebrate God's faithfulness in our marriage thus far and look forward to the days to come! 

Michael, in taking you as my husband today I promise to put God first in my life, seeking after him daily so that through his grace and love I may love you better each day.  

I promise to be a strong support for you.  I will communicate with you honestly and affirm you in the leadership role God has given you.  

I promise to be on your team and stand alongside you in times of rejoicing, times of sorrow, and everything in between as we seek to glorify God with our lives.  

I promise to love you specifically, to bring you good, not harm all the days of my life.  I will practice humility both in asking for and giving forgiveness when one of us has hurt the other.  

Through God’s grace, I promise that you may have full confidence in me.  I will never leave or abandon you.  I will be your loving and faithful wife until death parts us.  

Seeing my handsome groom on our wedding day!

Learning to love each other more like Jesus everyday as we walk in covenant with one another. 

Pictures of our place :)

Well, in an earlier post I had said I wanted to post pictures of our new home.  It isn't completely ready yet (we need to get pictures in frames, paint a dresser for our bedroom, etc.), but this is the best it has looked so far! 

A view of our living room...yes we have the Olympics on :)

A different view of the same thing because you can see some different things :)

The back of our living room :)

Kitchen table and a bookshelf :)

Our lovely kitchen :)

If you came to visit, you would walk through that door :)

Our extra bedroom...good for exercising and random storage :)

bathroom--we are mad for our shower curtain!

pretty shower :)

messy and HUGE closet :)

The back of our bedroom

The front of our bedroom

I am just really happy about this whole arrangement :)

We are well blessed and so very thankful :) 

19 Years with a Brother

19 years ago today my brother Sam was born.  Now this changed our family in a number of ways: instead of a family of 4 we became a family of 5, instead of only daughters a son was added, and we gained the blessing of a family member with special needs. 

I don't think I really remember Sam being born (who can blame me, I was only 3 1/2 at the time) and as a result I cannot remember (or think) of life without him and nor would I want to.  Sam has been a wonderful gift from the Lord.  He is such a blessing and a delight.  It breaks my heart a little bit inside to know that I can't be with him today to sing his favorite songs (including happy birthday to him) and repeat his favorite lines from Veggie Tales. 

In honor of Sam today, I wanted to share some of the things I love most about him:

• Sam does not go light on showing affection.  He gives hugs and kisses all the time and if you're one of the select few, he will play with your hair (this is mostly Mom and Charley).  
• Sam has some groovy dance moves and he is not afraid to show them--pure joy and delight!
• Sam has very pure emotions.  What you see is what you get.  If he is excited you can expect giggling, a huge smile, and him 'tickling' his hands together; if he is sad you can expect big tears falling from his big, brown eyes.  
• Sam is a goofball and he really is quite clever.  Sometimes he might pretend he doesn't know who one of his favorite people is when they aren't where he wants them to be (for example, Sam loves the chorus teacher Mrs. West at high school but will many times pretend he doesn't know who she is at church).  Sometimes Sam will sneak upstairs to get a snack (bread, crackers, cookies, etc.) and if he succeeds in eating it all he will put the box or bag back where he found it completely empty.  If he gets caught, he will generally start dancing in order to distract us from what he's up to.  
• Sam loves to take people's drinks, he loves hiccups and burps, say P.U. skunk to him along with a few other words (gross, ick, nasty, feida) and you will have him laughing immediately.  
• He has a selection of songs he loves and a selection he does not want sung to him.  
• He loves being a part of the group.  For example, last weekend when Michael and I went to hang out with my family at the lake house we all sat down to play some Mexican Train Dominoes and Sam came over and plopped down with us at the table. 
• Sam loves pictures of himself and the people he loves.  We found a picture of the 5 of us with our cousins Jessi, Jordan, and Jackson from like 8 years ago and as soon as Sam saw it, he had to have it for himself to look at and admire, pointing out different individuals.  
• Sam in ornery.  Try taking him on a walk sometime...I promise he will try to walk in the opposite direction every chance he gets.  :)
• Sam loves routine and he knows exactly the way things should go.  For example, if we start driving down a certain street in Story City and don't follow through with going to Grandma's, he is not pleased.  At church he runs out of the 'sanctuary' and down to the high school Sunday school classroom as soon as he is sure the service is over (sometimes this is a little early haha)
• Sam loves pizza, cookies, pop, Subway, apples, carrots, beets, and potato salad (to name a few things).  
• Sam loves our dog Lacey.  He loves going and laying on/next to her when she is on the floor, he pets her every day, and loves when she and our other dog Libby wrestle.  
• Sam has the best smile and the greatest laugh. 

I could truly go on and on about the other ways Sam is a delight.  He is such a beautiful picture of joy and honesty and truth.  I am so thankful for him and wouldn't trade him for anyone else.  The only thing I wish was different about Sam is his lack of desire to talk to me on the phone or over Skype...this makes me miss him more when I can't see him, but oh well :)  I will just have to wait to sing him happy birthday another time.

Hanging out with Dad :)

Snack by the steps--I love this picture!

Family Picture after Jos came along :)

Hanging out on the trampoline--did I mention Sam LOVES the trampoline? :)

Vacation to Colorado and other western states a few summers back.

Sam giving Mom some love at my wedding rehearsal.

Sam and some of his favorite girls :)

Family picture at the wedding :)

Sam and I at his graduation party this spring--he rocked it!

Thirty-seven

Goodness gracious!  So much has happened since I last wrote...here are some of the biggies :)

• I married my best friend!  We had a lovely and well blessed wedding.  The day went more smoothly than I could have imagined and made all the months of planning worth it.  It was wonderful to be surrounded by so many family members and friends.  Here are a few pictures from the day: 

Michael's family

My family

Our wedding party (unfortunately my amazing personal attendants and beloved guestbook attendants aren't in this picture)

Bride and Groom

•  After our beautiful wedding, we went on an Alaskan Cruise for our honeymoon.  It was incredible!  We had a lot of time to relax, got to see a lot of God's majestic creation, and had some really good food.  I don't think we could have asked for a better honeymoon and we both are so very thankful to have gotten to take that trip.  here are a few pictures from that: 

After dinner one night

Enjoying the scenery around the ship

At the Mendenhal Glacier

Walking along the road in Sitka

Visiting Fortress of the Bear

Kayaking in Ketchican

The whimsical and romantic Butchart Gardens

After the wedding and honeymoon...

• We have spent a lot of time settling into our townhouse.  We are loving it!  I am planning to share a few pictures up here after we get a few more things finished up :)  
• We have gone to several weddings which has allowed us to see many friends and lots of family.  
• We spent last weekend with my family at a lake house further north in MN as they began their vacation.  It was a lot of fun to get to go and relax with them for the weekend.  
• Michael has been enjoying his job (Praise the Lord!) and I am still on the job hunt for the fall.  
• We have gotten to have several friends and family members over to visit our new place--I love getting to share our home with others so if you ever want to visit, let me know :)  

 There are many other things that have happened in the last 5 weeks, but as far as I can remember right now, these are the big ones.  Hopefully now that things are in more of a routine I will write more often, but we will see :)  And now I am off to bake some cookies and work on some thank you notes!