Monday, December 31, 2007

Hebrews 13:8

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

This is such an awesome verse to cling to! Everything else around us changes. Jobs can change, relationships can change, situations in the world can change. But our Lord NEVER changes. We can always count on that. The great I AM, our loving and forgiving God stays the same always.

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is a lot of fun. A time to reflect on the blessings of the past year and look ahead to the coming year and think of all the opportunities ahead. I used to always enjoy having a bunch of friends over on New Year's Eve to play games and watch movies and so on. The last few years my New Year's Eves have gotten more low key, but that's fine. My mom and I the last few years have spent the night playing games, watching movies or our fav. TV shows on DVD, eating (of course!). It's nice to spend the evening with loved ones.

The Two Natures in Christ "The Divine Nature in Christ"--Martin Chemnitz


"And since it is the greatest and sweetest consolation for us that, although our wretched human nature because of sin has been torn away and alienated from God, who is life itself (Eph. 4:8, Is 49:8 ff.), yet His physical body, which is of the same substance with us, is most intimately joined and united with the divine nature in the person of the Son of God because of the hypostatic union, that in this way the restitution and reparation of it [our human nature] becomes surer and more certain, and thus we in turn are made participants of the divine nature in Christ (2 Peter 1:4), and thus also receive fellowship with the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost. (1 John 1:3)...Paul in Col 2:9...states the foundation of all our comfort is the fact that the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily in Christ."

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Wheatfield

This restaurant is located in Tinley Park, IL. Though this place has salads and sandwiches, what really makes it spectacular is its breakfasts and drinks. They have more than just standard breakfast things. They have things like Mexican French toast and Cajun breakfast pizza and a whole variety of other things. There hasn't been anything I haven't liked from this place. There are also a variety of coffee drinks and variations on hot chocolate. The other day I had hot chocolate that was called chocolate covered strawberry. They also have a variety of juices. Awesome place! It was my friend Cassie who first introduced me to this place, and now it is one of my favs to eat at when I'm up north.

"Never Been Unloved" Michael W. Smith




I have been unfaithful
I have been unworthy
I have been unrighteous
And I have been unmerciful

I have been unreachable
I have been unteachable
I have been unwilling
And I have been undesirable

Chorus:

Sometimes, I have been unwise
I've been undone by what I'm unsure of
But because of you, and all that you went through
I know that I have never been unloved

I have been unbroken
I have been unmended
I have been uneasy
And I've been unapproachable

I've been unemotional
I've been unexceptional
I've been undecided
And I have been unqualified

Chorus:

Unaware, I have been unfair
I've been unfit for blessings from above
But even I can see the sacrifice you made for me
To show that I have never been unloved

This is one of my absolute favorite songs! It is a song that as many times as I've heard it can make me want to cry because it reminds me of my sinfulness and unworthiness, and of God's great love and sacrifice for me. That love is so amazing, and it blows me away when I hear this song and ponder that again.
Clip

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Timpani

The timpani is so cool. It has such a deep, powerful, rich sound and adds so much to music. I love hearing timpani played with hymns, especially a joyful Christmas or Easter hymn.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Handel's Messiah


Handel was so incredibly talented. I love listening to the Messiah. It is so powerful. It is awesome how Handel created this music to go with Scripture. Often when I read certain sections of Scripture, I hear the Messiah, for instance when I read sections of Revelation, I hear the "Hallelujah" chorus. In addition to "Hallelujah" other parts of the Messiah I really like are "And the Glory of the Lord Shall be Revealed," "For Unto Us," and "Glory to God."

Ms. Pac-Man

This is such a great arcade game. Yeah, it's a little stressful with those ghosts chasing you, and with the stick, sometimes it's hard to have perfect control, but it is a lot of fun. They have the joystick you can plug right into your TV with this game on it. So I've been playing it again.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Christmas Day

Celebrating the birth of the Savior is awesome! Jesus was born in a lowly way, and later suffered and died for us. He lived as one of us, in the flesh. Christmas is about the birth of the Savior and the incredible love of God for all mankind though many try to obscure the real meaning of Christmas.

Secondary to that is enjoying time with family. We worship together and spend time talking and enjoying each other's company. And my family is big on gifts. I love giving gifts to people, finding something I know each person will like. My mom is very generous and I get my love of giving gifts from her. We maybe go a little overboard, but I don't think that's a bad thing because we know what the real meaning of Christmas is and celebrate that first and foremost. Then we have fun giving gifts to each other.

Christ the Savior is born! Alleluia!

Monday, December 24, 2007

Luke 2:1-21

The Birth of Jesus Christ
1In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4And 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, 5to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7And 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.

The Shepherds and the Angels
8And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

15When 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." 16And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

21And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
______________________________________________________________
The Savior was born in Bethlehem in a lowly way, just as the prophets foretold. He was born for us so that He could die for us. And we rejoice, just as those shepherds rejoiced. I love the shepherds--they went with haste to see the Baby, and they praised God and told others about Jesus. And God choosing to have the angels come to lowly shepherds is a great reminder that Christ came for ALL people. We have heard the Christmas story so often, but it should never fail to awe us each time we hear it or read it. God taking on flesh to redeem sinful mankind. What an incredible, loving God we have!

"Silent Night, Holy Night"

Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heav'nly hosts sing, Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Christ, the Savior, is born!

Silent night, holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

Text: Franz Joseph Mohr, tr. John F. Young
Tune: Franz Xaver Gruber

Such a beautiful Christmas hymn, telling simply of the Savior born for us. It's awesome singing this hymn Christmas Eve by candlelight.

Christmas Eve

There's an excitement about Christmas Eve--right on the verge of Christmas, pondering Christ coming into the world. I love Candlelight service on Christmas Eve--hearing the message of Christ's birth, singing those familiar Christmas hymns, and finally singing "Silent Night" by candlelight. That is always so powerful to me. And also, it is fun to be with family on Christmas Eve--to enjoy a meal together and then open some presents.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Ravanelli's

What a wonderful restaurant in the metro east St. Louis area. Their chicken is excellent, and also their various pasta dishes and pizza. I've never gotten anything I haven't liked there. I also really enjoy their salad with blue cheese dressing. Delicious!
http://www.ravanellisrestaurants.com/

Hearts

I used to play hearts with friends when I was college age. Recently I got into playing it again with some friends up in the Chicago area. It's a trick taking game, and basically you don't want to end up with points. Any hearts you take are worth a point each and the Queen of Spades is worth 13 points. But if you can take all those points it's called shooting the moon, and everyone else gets 26 points. It's really a fun game. And one of my most recent times playing, I shot the moon 3 times. Awesome!

A Christmas Story

This Christmas movie has grown and grown in popularity, and according to one recent article, is now considered more of the classic Christmas movie than It's a Wonderful Life. Nine year old Ralphie, who wants a BB gun for Christmas is the main character. I think people love this movie so much because they remember what it was like being a kid like Ralphie. Some funny parts in the movie involve the leg lamp, the pink bunny suit, a kid getting his tongue stuck on a freezing pole, and one of my favorite parts--the Christmas dinner at the Chinese restaurant with the employees there trying their best to sing Christmas carols. Funny movie.
"You'll shoot your eye out!"

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Alice White Lexia

This is an Australian wine I've gotten to like recently. Lexia is "a classic white Muscat with fragrant aromas of apricots, mangos and lilacs and sweet luscious flavors balanced by a crisp, refreshing finish. Give it a go on its own or with spicy Thai and Indian dishes or with light desserts like fruit tarts and almond cookies." In addition to its great taste, it is also an economical choice!
www.alicewhite.com

"Angels We Have Heard on High"

Angels we have heard on high,
Sweetly singing o'er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspires your heav'nly song?
Gloria in excelsis Deo;
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ, the Lord, the newborn King.
Gloria in excelsis Deo;
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Text: French, translator James Chadwick
Tune: French; setting: Edward S. Barnes

I have always loved this Christmas hymn. I have great memories of singing this when a group from my home church would go caroling. My mom and I would do a descant thing on it, and it was cool. It's awesome to ponder these lyrics and think of how amazing that must have been seeing those angels fill the sky, and hearing the message they proclaimed!

Cats


I like cats that aren't standoffish, cats that are affectionate and will come sit in your lap or play with you. The cat in the top picture is my dear friends Cassie and Berto's cat named Snickers. Snickers always comes to me when I'm at Cassie and Berto's house and jumps up on my lap and lies there for awhile.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Writing

I have really loved writing fiction since high school. I wrote several short stories then. And I started a lot of things I never finished. I took some writing classes in college and wrote a few things. Currently I am working on writing a novel. It is my dream to get it published. There's a long ways to go before there's even any possibility of that, but it is my dream, and I need to keep working at it. I like writing relationshippy kinds of stuff--stuff about friendship, family. And I love writing "wounded characters," people who have been hurt or experienced significant loss, and maybe feel they can't trust and have to put up walls. I like to write the story of how that character changes, usually as a result of someone caring for that person and helping them to break down those walls. And the novel I am writing now is ultimately about someone coming to faith in Christ. The main character is someone who prides herself on her strength, but stuff happens that eventually brings her to the realization that her own strength is not sufficient.

It is fun to create something. My favorite part is playing out scenes in my head. Wherever I am, I can have a little movie in my head whenever I feel like it, playing out scenes, fine tuning dialogue and so on. The physical writing or typing is difficult sometimes, especially because I am a perfectionist. And I love writing dialogue, but descriptions are challenging for me. Writing is pretty cool, and I hope I can press on with my novel. I already have ideas for other works too!

Snickerdoodles

Delicious sugar cookies rolled in cinnamon sugar! I have loved these since I was a kid.

"I Surrender All" Newsboys

The Newsboys are a lot of fun. They have some great music, a lot of which is pretty upbeat. "I Surrender All" from the Love Liberty Disco album is more mellow. I really like it, and my favorite part is into the song a ways when they sing, "He doesn't love us cause of who we are; He only loves us cause of Who He is." It's really pretty the way they sing that part, and I usually crank it up and sing along with it. Hear some music here:
Samples

Monday, December 17, 2007

Pastor Fred


I think the first time I met Pastor Fred was when I was moving some stuff into my office at church. I think actually I was storing some things there till I got a place, and Pastor E. and my mom were helping haul some things. Pastor Fred had come up to church and ran into us and he said he was just in time to help and started carrying stuff in. I think I always remember that because as I've gotten to know him more in my years working at church, I've seen over and over again that that's just the kind of guy he is--glad to help, friendly etc. A few years ago, he got some chairs for my office and put them together which I appreciated so much--he knew it was something I had wanted and just went out and got them for me. His laid back, easy going personality is good for me to be around. Pastor Fred is a faithful shepherd to God's people, and a kind hearted person. Also, he has a great sense of humor!

Sunday, December 16, 2007

"Otherside" Red Hot Chili Peppers



Otherside
By Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Best Video Codes


I really dig this song musically. As far as the lyrics go...well, RHCP are interesting in that department. I don't always fully get or like their lyrics, but I will listen to certain songs over and over again because musically they're so good. I love in this song how the music keeps building throughout. The lyrics basically are about struggles with drug addiction. Something foreign to me, but it is interesting to get a glimpse into what that's like for someone. The lead singer of RHCP and others in the band have struggled with drugs. The video to this is very unique. "A cartoonish story line is juxtaposed upon the song; that of a young man's dream sequence. The band members appear dressed in black in unusual locations, with props intended to appear as surreal instruments. Throughout the video Anthony Kiedies with his short, platinum hair is seen in a castle tower. His stage persona is different and quite dark when compared to his more energetic performances in other videos. John Frusciante plays a rope down a long corridor as if a guitar, although reluctant wanting just to play his guitar normally. Flea is hanging on telephone wires and playing them as if they were a bass guitar, and Chad Smith is up on a tower with a rotating medieval clock that serves as his drum kit."


If the video isn't working properly, you can go here to listen to an audio clip:


Samples

Don't You Just Hate That?: 738 Annoying Things by Scott Cohen

I picked this up at Barnes and Nobles one day and started reading it, and it cracked me up. I decided to get it as a stocking stuffer for my mom, but have been reading through the whole thing. I was laughing out loud over some of it. It's funny to me because it's that everyday stuff people can relate to. Here are some of the author's annoying things:

Having to make that face to people in the hallway at work that implies "Hey."

Restaurants with indistinct figures, like a rooster and a chicken, indicating which restrooms are for men and which are women.

Finding a rusty AA battery, old packets of mild Taco Bell sauce, and a picture of your aunt and uncle tossing a Frisbee, as you frantically search your glove compartment for your registration while the state trooper grows impatient.

When a woman calls out "Thanks a million!" and waves as her car pulls away, and you realize you just gave her totally wrong directions.

When your thigh rubs against a leather chair, emitting a loud, ripping noise, and every time you rub your leg against it again, in an attempt to make the same noise to prove it wasn't a fart, it sounds nothing like the initial noise.

When the driver pushes the unlock button, but you pull the handle at the same moment, and you remain locked out.

When you've accidentally broken something in someone's home, and the host doesn't try to comfort you by saying, "Oh, it was already broken" or "It does that all the time."

When the person you are waving hello to doesn't see you waving, but then catches you awkwardly retracting the wave.

Stumbling over something in front of strangers and immediately having to decide between two options: (a) ignore your misstep and try to walk nonchalantly onward; or (b) look over your shoulder while making a slightly exaggerated look of annoyance at the thing that cause you to stumble, as if to imply, "They really ought to fix that!"

When an audience claps to a song out of rhythm.

When the person you're eating with aggressively wipes his mouth causing you to wonder if he's hinting that you have a glob of something dangling from the corner of your mouth.

People who stop telling a story "because it's too disgusting to tell during dinner," leaving you to try to envision what was so disgusting about it as you continue eating.

Waking up with your arm numb and thinking, This time it's paralyzed.

High fives that don't quite come off right.

The white thread your vacuum won't pick up no matter how many times you run over it.

When movie characters make out after sleeping all night and not brushing their teeth.

When you have to cancel plans because you're sick, but you don't sound sick.

When the person holding the camera can't locate the right button, forcing you to stand with a fake grin frozen on your face.

People who say "Let's grab some din-din."

Bending to pick up the subscription cards that fell out of the magazine you're holding.

That the most intense laughter you have usually comes at the least appropriate time.

Not listening when someone tells you her name as you're being introduced, causing you to obsess about whether her name will be repeated, leaving you unable to follow the conversation.

Isaiah 7:14

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

I love the name Immanuel which means "God with us." It is awesome to ponder God taking on flesh to dwell with us. And of course He is always with us.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

The Yada Yada Prayer Group by Neta Jackson

This was one of the first "for fun" books I read after I finished my Master's degree stuff. The novel is basically about a group of very different women who are assigned to a prayer group at a Christian women's retreat and then continue to meet. It is really cool that though they are so different they have a bond as sisters in Christ and really support each other with prayer and in other ways. They face various challenges and trials and learn a lot about grace and forgiveness. There are 7 books in this series, and I will be reading all of them as the story lines continue through each of the novels, and I can't wait to see what else will happen with these women. These books, while fun, also really made me think more about prayer. These women pray about everything, even when there are things that are difficult to pray about for whatever reason. It made me think about my prayer life, and how I want to be more regular in praying about things.

"Joy to the World"

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room
And heav'n and nature sing, And heav'n and nature sing,
And heav'n and heav'n and nature sing

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found,
Far as, Far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love, and wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.

Text: Isaac Watts
Tune: George Frideric Handel

Though I enjoy so many Christmas hymns and songs, this is one of my favorites. I have bought many different versions, arrangements etc. of this hymn. It truly is a joyful hymn causing us to ponder how awesome our God is and all He has done for us. True joy is ours because of Christ coming into the world to save us.

Qdoba

After a Qdoba opened in town, I started going there on a pretty regular basis. I especially love the Poblano Pesto Burrito and steak hard shell tacos. Good stuff!
http://www.qdoba.com/

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Mama's Family

This is such a great sitcom which was actually a spin off from a sketch on The Carol Burnett Show. Vicki Lawrence plays Thelma Harper or "Mama" who is outspoken and often cranky. One of my favorite episodes is "Mama Gets a Job" in Season 1. Mama gets a job at The Raytown Travel Agency, but between family interruptions and her tell it like it is attitude, she doesn't keep the job long--her facial expressions and the way she talks to people just cracks me up. This is such a funny show.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

The Hammer of God by Bo Giertz

When I'm asked questions about what my favorite movie, song, book, etc. are, my first reaction usually is that it is too difficult to pick one favorite! However, I think would say The Hammer of God is my favorite book. It brings out the proper distinction between Law and Gospel in the format of a novel. The ways Law and Gospel get mingled in this book are ways Law and Gospel get mingled all the time today. People relying on their works, people self-righteous in what they're doing or despairing because they're not "good enough." But when God crushes with the hammer of Law and strips all that away and people rely on Jesus only and know they are saved only by faith in Him, well it's awesome. So many beautiful passages in this book that lay it all out. You can check some of the passages out in my Theology posts.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Ewoks


The Ewoks are characters that are featured prominently in Return of the Jedi. They inhabit the forest planet Endor where Han, Leia, and Luke come on their mission to destroy the shield generator of the Death Star. The Ewoks end up being heroes, fighting the Imperial troops and enabling Han, Leia, and the other Rebel forces to succeed. The Ewoks are so cute. I still have my Ewok action figures.

Return of the Jedi

This is my favorite of the Star Wars movies. I mean, I like all of them, but this one ties everything together. You've got the final confrontation with Luke and Vader. Luke finds out he has a twin sister. Han and Leia's romance blossoms. And Return of the Jedi has the Ewoks. The Ewoks are so darn cute, and they save the day in this movie! I like the whole beginning sequence too with Luke coming to Jabba and rescuing his friends.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

The Hammer of God Section 3-On This Rock "A Heart of Stone and a Rock of Salvation" (Conscience)--Bo Giertz

"How can you know what the Spirit says today?" asked the pastor from Ravelunda. His voice was like cold steel.

"It becomes a matter of conscience."

"It means, then, that the conscience is the highest authority. No thank you! Then both you and I are lost. The conscience does indeed know quite a bit about the law, but it knows absolutely nothing about the promises of the gospel. Can the conscience tell you whether Jesus was crucified? Can it say whether He died for our sakes? Can it determine whether He rose again? Can it know that He is to return again to judge the world? These are the chief truths of the gospel, and no man would have the faintest idea of this, if we could not read it in the Word. Christianity must therefore cling to the Word to the end of the ages, or it must cease to be Christianity, since it would no longer have the gospel of Christ to proclaim."

Saturday, December 8, 2007

The Empire Strikes Back

Great part of the Star Wars Saga--Luke finds out who is father is and learns more about the power of the dark side of the force, great banter (and romance) between Han and Leia, more battle between good and evil, and great wisdom from Yoda as he is training Luke, "Try not. Do or do not. There is no try."

Friday, December 7, 2007

Sarah

I knew Sarah's dad from when he was serving at the same church as me. And I always appreciated his dry sense of humor. When I got to know Sarah more, I realized she had her dad's dry sense of humor. I enjoy her humor a lot. Sarah is a complex person, and it is always interesting to see different sides to her. It is really cool to see that soft side of her when she talks about how much she loves her daughter. And now she has a son too!

Texas Hold'em

I started watching Texas Hold'em tournaments on TV a few years ago, and then got into playing it with my friends Gene and Jean. It's so much more exciting than regular Poker! Waiting to see what all the community cards are, the rush of pushing All In! It's a fascinating game cause it's not just about playing the cards; it's about playing the players. It's reading people, bluffing sometimes. It's a lot of fun.

Star Wars

I loved the Star Wars movies from when I was a kid. In fact, at one sleepover when I was a kid, I was known as "the girl who likes Star Wars." This movie was pretty awesome for its time in terms of special effects, and the characters are interesting. One thing that really cracks me up now when I watch the movie is how whiny Luke Skywalker is, especially in the beginning of the movie. I enjoy watching this now from time to time because it really is an enjoyable movie and because it makes me think of my childhood.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

The Hammer of God Section 3-On This Rock "A Heart of Stone and a Rock of Salvation"--Bo Giertz

"But first the conversion must be properly completed through repentance and faith. And that is something God must do, and not you. It is evident that he has gotten you a considerable distance on the way. But you lack faith. You lack the right faith in Jesus only. And that is why you are unable to show others the way to faith."

Torvik would certainly have made objection if Britta had not said something like that just the other day. Instead, he simply asked, "What, then, shall I do about it?"

"Read the Bible, of course."

"I read the Bible every day."

"I believe that. But how do you read?"

"You mustn't be so critical, Olle, of everything a poor fellow does. I try to read devotionally and for edification, so that I take to heart that which I feel is meant for me."

"Feel, feel! That is just what is wrong. Don't you believe the Bible is God's Word just as truly, no matter how you may feel? Don't you see, Brother, that this won't do? Here you are with your sore conscience and your awakening by the law, and you are as sensitive to every threat of the law as a sore tooth to ice water. But since the conscience is dead as clay toward all the gospel promises, you feel nothing when God's Word speaks about Jesus, who died for us sinners, and about the righteousness that comes from God and which one way believe in spite of every accusation of one's conscience. Because you make your feelings your barometer, you pass by the gospel and are held fast in the law. Look in your Bible and see if the passages you have especially marked are not just those that speak of what you shall do. But you have not given half the attention to that which tells what Christ has done through His atonement."

Torvik gave inward assent to that. It was true, completely true. but he said nothing.

"We are in the midst of Lent, Brother," said the rector. "Read God's Word now as God's Word, without skipping anything. Underline heavily everything about what our Savior has done for us. And if you like, write 'For me' in the margin. You need this yourself, and it is your duty to preach it to your congregation, as well."

Christmas Cookie Yankee Candle

"Buttery rich, vanilla scented, holiday sugar cookies." Such a wonderful aroma! And even when I'm not baking, my house can smell like I've been baking!

Dexter

Okay, it's weird to admit enjoying a show about a serial killer. But after my friend Cassie and someone else told me about this show last year, and I started watching it, I found it really intriguing. I mean, Dexter obviously has this really dark side, but he still manages to be likable. As the show progressed, events in his childhood came out that explains a little why he is the way he is. And though he says he doesn't have feelings, it's obvious at times he really does care about people. And Dexter is a serial killer with a code--he kills serial killers who have killed innocent people or criminals that have slipped through the cracks of the justice system. Not that that makes it okay, but it is interesting. And the fact that Dexter works for the Miami police department as a blood spatter analyst adds suspense--will the people he works with figure out who he really is? It's a very different kind of show.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Deep Dish Pizza

Deep Dish Pizza. Chicago is known for it, but interestingly, I didn't fully appreciate deep dish pizza till I left the Chicago area and realized it was hard to get good deep dish pizza farther south. So now when I go up to the Chicago area, this is usually one of the things I want. I go to Beggar's Pizza a lot, but of course Giordano's is awesome too. All that cheesy goodness and sauce. Delicious! My friend Jeannie likes this too and we usually get pepperoni, mushroom, onion, and garlic deep dish pizza.

Monday, December 3, 2007

Stitch! the Movie

This is such a cute movie! I loved Lilo and Stitch, and this picks up where that movie left off. Stitch is funny; Lilo is cute. And this movie has Hamsterviel who is such a funny villain (I mentioned him in a Characters post). A great Disney flick.

Isaiah 9:1-7

To Us a Child Is Born
1 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan-
2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.
4 For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.
5 Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.



It is so awesome to read prophecies in the Old Testament that point to Christ. Isaiah has a bunch of them. We would all remain in the darkness, under the oppression of sin, death, and the power of the devil, if it weren't for the Savior born for us. The Light shines in the darkness, and we rejoice! Prince of Peace is such an awesome name for Christ. It is only through Christ's death for us that we have true peace, a peace the world cannot give, a peace that transcends all understanding.

Sunday, December 2, 2007

The Nativity Story

I am so glad people make movies like this! This is a beautiful portrayal of the birth of Christ, and what led up to it. I think the movie really captures the range of emotions of everyone involved, and what life was like for people in that day. And the scene with the birth of Jesus Christ--incredibly moving and helps the viewer to really ponder God in the flesh FOR US. Great movie!