The Nativity Story

So it's not a book review, but.... Jon and I went to see The Nativity Story this past Sunday and were amazed. We entered the theater with popcorn in hand and left having truly worshipped. I highly recommend this film. It's got drama, a love story, tearjerking moments and even a bit of comedy from our Wise Men (who by the way, look strikingly familiar to the three wisemen from my parents' nativity set when i was growing up-- coincidence???). I shouldn't be surprised really, it was of course, our Creator Father who wrote the original story anyways!

I am particularly taken by Joseph's humanity and the humble shepherd. Joseph is rarely mentioned in the Bible and so liberty was taken in his character I'm sure, but I have to think that he was just as honorable in real life for God to choose to use him. I love how he held his head high as he and Mary walked through their hometown while all ther friends and family shunned them, in the movie. What a worldview, to be concerned only with how God saw him and not worrying about his reputation with his peers. My very most favorite character was the elderly shepherd-- maybe because that's who we focused on this week in Kid's Church. I was telling our kids how the shepherds probably smelled bad and didn't have many friends, but that God cared enough to invite them to see His Son's birth because of how much He loves even the meekest. What a lesson to my heart, a few hours later to visually see that love portrayed in film. I cried--shocker.

Oh God, this Christmas hold my focus on you alone-- that I might not be concerned with my reputation, but how you alone see me. Humble my heart in knowing that my righteousness is but filthy rags, smelling like a forgotten shpeherd except that you have invited me to your Son and it is You who have made me worthy. Make me like Mary, treasuring up in my heart the story you have written for me. I'm so baffled and grateful that you would choose to make me your own and see righteousness in place of rubbish. In my own little Nazereth, be pleased with my day-to-day living as worship. Amen.

December Oops

So... this past weekend, Jon, Beau and I trekked out to the park behind our home to take our annual Christmas picture. Beau was great and posed the whole time I set up the camera and adjusted the self-timer (Jon too!). I hit the button and ran into the shot; when low and behold, Beau (forgetting of course that he was on a leash)caught sight of what must have been a very appetizing squirrel. Beau tugged hard, Jon wobbled a bit, Jen hit the mud, Jon slid in, and Beau stood watching and wondering why we weren't as interested in his squirrel! We had the greatest moment laying in the mud laughing at the picture we knew we'd captured. This isn't the picture you'll find in your Christmas card this year, but it certainly is the one going in our scrap book! We hope that as you get ready to celebrate the birth of our Christ, God blesses you with moments of sheer hilarity and joy too.

Appol

EMG

Supermoms

Bealls BDS 2

Bealls BDS

Bealls and Burke Pic