Thanks!

This weekend I spent some time in Pleasanton with my folks. It was a good time. Dad surprised me by taking my car to get the headlights cleaned and a full tank of gas. So appreciated! Our iTunes/iPod tutorials went well. Mom and I did some shopping and talking. Girl time is always good with her. Lots of time for all three of us to visit. I survived the "church of the Spurs" on Saturday night and finally got to meet my friends' sweet baby this morning.

No trip to Pleasanton would be complete without a trip to Wal-Mart. I REALLY don't like Wal-Mart and only go when I'm visiting the parents. Since I don't like it, I don't give it the time or energy to look nice going there. So when I walked in to grab something for Mom on Saturday, here is how I looked: no make-up, pony tail, glasses, t-shirt, and yoga pants. Not "People of Wal-Mart" worthy but Clinton and Stacy would have had a fit! So I put my head down and focused on getting what I needed so I could leave quickly. As I walked through the produce department, I noticed from the corner of my eye a man putting out tomatoes. He was an older man that was about 5 inches shorter than me and quite stout. His teeth were not in the best shape. We met eyes for just a moment so I nodded and smiled a quick hello. He stopped what he was doing, looked me straight in the eyes, and said, "You have a pretty smile." I thanked him and kept on going.

As I grabbed the couple of things Mom needed, I noticed I was smiling a lot. It's amazing that one sentence from a random stranger can make you feel so good - especially when you know exactly how you really look! While it may not have come from someone expected or hoped for, that compliment totally made my day.

So to the produce packer at Wal-Mart, thanks for smile. Apparently it was very needed.

Ezra 3 - Roots Style

Last fall, it became pretty apparent that I was needing to change Sunday Bible Studies. I had heard about a new one starting up called Roots. I went a few times and knew that I had found the place I needed to be. I've been there about 5 months now and love it.

Currently we are going through the book of Ezra. We are taking two weeks per chapter and discussing the historical and theological lessons we can learn from the Israelites as they returned to Jerusalem to build the temple. We are a very discussion based class. Tonight was no different. We had a lesson in chapter 3 (obviously) in which we discussed the roles of sacrifice and worship. Ezra 3:3 says that the Israelites literally had fear ON them. No one wanted them there and they were in constant danger. So how did the Israelites respond? They did not build walls of protection. They built an alter to sacrifice on and then to worship. They recognized the need for God's protection over what they could physically do themselves. Our discussion questions were really good and very thought provoking. I'll be thinking about them all week long. In case you want to join my pondering, here you go:

1. What about God requires sacrifice?

2. What can God's response to sacrifice teach us about Him?

3. What does it mean that Christ did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped (Phil. 2:5-11)?

4. What did it cost God to humble himself and become obedient to the point of death?

5. In preparation for Holy Week, how does understanding the cost of God's sacrifice inspire you to respond in worship (Romans 12:1-2)?

Growing Young

Every other Wednesday, I have dinner with my grandparents at their church. We visit for a while, go eat at their church, and then visit again at their house. It is good to see them but I often feel a little weird about dinner at their church. It feels like I'm showing up for the food and that's it. I know the grandparents like it so we go. This past Wednesday, I was actually really excited to go to SBPC Wednesday night supper - it was All American Night.

As odd as it sounds, I L.O.V.E. this night. Every year, the men take over the meal on the Wednesday after Opening Day of baseball season. They are an older congregation so the men are all nearly old enough to be my grandpa. They really do go All-American. The meal is hot dogs with ballpark fixins and sides. They have apple pie for dessert. They walk around with little paper hats and drinks on serving trays yelling "Cold (root) beer!" They toss cracker jacks and peanuts at your table. Abbot and Costello's "Who's on First" played on a loop while we ate. When the meal was over, we played baseball trivia (provided by AARP) at our tables and sang a rousing rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" while a sweet little old man played his banjo. They had a list of the best baseball movies on each table and they put together a decent list (for the most part).

The best part of the night is watching these men really get into it. While each man had gray hair (if they had any left), they were just little boys again. Each one of them were remembering the game they love. Each trivia question didn't just get answered, they got explained and stories were told. Their voices may have warbled but they were full of enthusiasm. They were highly engaged and making a night of it. I imagine that this is what "The Sandlot" kids will look like in their sixties and seventies.

I don't think we ever outgrow our inner child. I truly believe that no matter how old we get, there's still that little kids who wants to play. That night, I have no doubt that those men would have given anything to slide into home for the winning run or struck out the last batter in the bottom of the ninth to win the game. They were itching for it. Though our bodies age, our spirits never do. I saw it Wednesday night. It was in the twinkle in their eye.....

TraffickJam 2011 - Houston

TraffickJam 2011 is coming to Houston! On May 7th, individuals nation wide will participate in a walk-a-thon aimed at helping to eradicate human trafficking (specifically young children) in South East Asia.

Official Website: http://www.traffickjam2011.com/

TraffickJam Houston FAQ:

1. Why should you participate?
Everyday, children (specifically little girls) are sold to be used and abused by men - most in horrific circumstances. We can do something to stop this. By raising awareness and funds, we can step in and help a child escape this life. We can stop trafficking.

2. What is the distance for the walk?
The goal/route is 10 miles but feel free to walk what you feel comfortable.

3. Is there a cost?
Yes and no. If you would like to purchase a shirt, the cost is $15 to a contact person by April 17th. Email one of us and we will meet you to collect your shirt money This is not mandatory to participate. To help raise funds, here is the requested information: Ask ten people to sponsor you a dollar per mile. Basically, ten people donate $10 for a total of $100 per walk participant. Again, not mandatory but recommended. Anything we can give will help these children! All donations will be collected the day of the walk.

4. What should we expect on the day of the walk?
We will meet in the parking lot at the corner of Memorial Dr. and Memorial Mews (Between Hwy 6 and Eldridge south of I-10) at 7:30 a.m. We will be collecting funds and distributing shirts at that time. The walk will begin at 8:00 and will last as long as it takes you to take your walk.

5. Given the nature of the event, is it family friendly?
YES! All details are given on the official website for you to see there. The goal on the day of the walk is to raise awareness and unify for those children who do not have a voice. Bring your best friend, a stroller for your kids, and a leash for your dog Walk to get your cardio in for the day or take a long leisurely stroll.

6. Will water be provided?
There are water fountains throughout the park but participants are encouraged to bring a bottle of water with them.

7. What if I can't participate but want to donate funds?
Contact one of the individuals above and we will be happy to help you with that OR visit the website to donate online. Also, consider sponsoring someone you know that is walking.

If you have any other questions, leave a comment and I'll be happy to visit with you! We hope to see you on May 7th! Also, feel free to invite anyone you know that would like to participate! We would love to see as many people love these girls as possible!

The Key to Finding a Man

I saw this on a friend's blog. It is an enlightening two and a half minutes as to why I'm still single. This is obviously the key to finding the one!

The Missing Link

I've been in a bit of a blogging freeze. Everything I have to write about seems too personal to put on a blog and everything that is OK to put on a blog gets trumped by something coming up that is too personal to put on a blog. It's happened again but I'm going to try to give you a new post. I've been told its time. :)

This year, I have really struggled with my job. I still love my students but the politics, changes, and parenting (of the students and parents) is starting to get old. If I could just teach my students, I would still love it. For now, I'm not. I've questioned myself as to why its so difficult this year as opposed to past years many times. I've gone back and forth but here's what it comes down to:

There are so many more important things kids need to know that what I'm teaching them.

I'm sure we have all heard of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Basically, if their basic needs are not being met, nothing else will make an impact. If they do not have food, shelter, love, and security, then I'm basically running in circles. And that is what I feel like I'm doing this year - running in circles. It's making me tired.

In my class, I have students on behavior charts because they are so attention driven that they do anything to get my attention - because they don't get it at home. I have kids that freak out when I'm not there because I'm the only adult that is a constant in their life. Some students don't know what a dad looks like. Other students have parents that ask me how to raise their child. I'm single with no kids! What advice do I have to give that carries any weight?

These are the important things - love, food, shelter, and security. Instead, I'm stuck making sure minutes are met on computer programs, filling out mountains of paperwork, and trying to plan about 20 different activities a day (for once, I'm not exaggerating). So as much as I want to meet these basic needs, I can't. Since those needs aren't met, nothing else matters. I know how I sound - like a grump. I really do love my students this year but feel like I don't have time to show it.

Above all of this, I see the most important thing missing - Jesus. So many of them have no idea. I have the most important person they will ever need to know and my hands are tied. If they ask, I answer. However, I can't look them in the eyes and share the greatest learning there is. Some of them talk about Him time to time but overall, its nothing real. This year more than any other, that is deeply bothering me. I can teach them about a plant but not about its Creator. I can teach them to add and subtract but not about the Multiplier of fish and bread. I can teach them how to read but not about the One who read in the temple courts. I can teach them to be good people but not about the One who sat on a mountain and taught social justice. I can love them but I cannot tell them about Love in the flesh. I can be a teacher but I can't tell them about the greatest Teacher.

So at the end of the day, what was it worth? I'm not saying that teaching is a bad profession. I still believe that knowing how to read and problem solve can change a life. But what good does it do if they still don't know Jesus?

With Everything

Last night, Erin and I got a glimpse at what I hope and pray a bit of heaven will be like. We worshipped with a band that has deeply effected both of our lives - Hillsong United. OH! MY! GOODNESS! I didn't want to do a list but I'm having difficulty putting my experience into words that flow.

• Hillsong United gives us the most honest, heartfelt songs to worship with this side of heaven. You can't sing them half heartedly. They will undo you and rebuild you at the same time. These men and women know who God is, what our freedom in Him looks like, and the responsibility that comes with that freedom. I know God loves them because He uses them powerfully.
• Lord willing I get married one day, I want him to be a man that has the passion for Jesus that these people have.
• I don't care what anyone says - The presence of God is tangible. He absolutely inhabits the praise of His people!
• I love watching God love my sister. I love watching my sister love God. I love loving our God with my sister.
• As powerful as "With Everything" has been in my life, singing it last night took it to a whole new level. I can't wait to sing it when I am not bound by my humanity.
• I already miss worshipping with them. ALOT!

Loving Jesus Through Country Music

As I have mentioned previously, I have found that not having TV makes you less relevant to those around you. I've done a few things to help with that including listening to a country radio station on my drive to work. They actually report news and keep me pretty up to date with what is going on. Besides, country music is my guilty pleasure. I like many types of music but there is something about a good country song that makes me pretty happy.

The other day I was driving down the road and heard the song I Run to You by Lady Antebellum. As I listened to it, I fell in love with it. It's been a tough school year and the lyrics were something I felt my heart singing to God. I don't call Him "baby" so I just sing "Jesus" in its place. Hope it encourages you today too!

I Run to You by Lady Antebellum

I run from hate, I run from prejudice

I run from pessimists, but I run too late

I run my life, or is it running me?

Run from my past

I run too fast or too slow it seems

When lies become the truth,

That's when I run to you

This world keeps spinning faster

Into a new disaster so I run to you, I run to you Jesus

When it all starts coming undone,

Jesus you're the only one I run to, I run to you

We run on fumes, your life and mine

Make the sands of time slippin' right on through

And love's the only truth

That's why I run to you

This world keeps spinning faster

Into a new disaster so I run to you, I run to you Jesus

When it all starts coming undone,

Jesus you're the only one I run to, I run to you

The Full Story

Since I hate those blog posts that are super vague and because Mindi asked (I'm really hard to convince), here is the story of my worst first date. I need to start off by saying that since this happened, I have talked to this man a few times. He is a nice guy and is very happily married. I mean no ugliness to him at all.

I met him on a Sunday night when he was visiting the church I was worshipping at the time. He was passing through for work and we seemed to really hit it off immediately. We did the long distance getting to know you thing for a few months when he decided to come visit for the weekend. As much as you can get to know someone online, it's so not the same! So for starters, it wasn't just a date. It was a weekend. The story itself is long so I'm going to bullet point this thing. There is more than I am sharing but I'm leaving several things out so not to share things that are not mine to share.

- He brought me a gift. It was a box with a collection of every thing he saw over the past couple of months that reminded him of me - notepads/cards, windshield shades, key chains, cds, etc. It was a bit overwhelming but not as overwhelming as what he told me he wanted to bring me: a nice ring from a jeweler - two months after meeting and spending only a matter of hours face to face. I think he said something about emeralds and the only reason he didn't was because he didn't know my ring size. I told him he was wise to listen to his friend and NOT do that.

- He wanted to meet my parents so we met up with them in a small town midway between me and them. Part way through dinner, he started reciting a ballad he memorized using over 20 different voices. Turns out he was a voice actor on the side. It was not what I expected. Then he started sharing his life history with my parents. Several of the things he shared was new to me as well. It was in depth and very detailed. Since the table was needed, was went over to the Wal-Mart, set up camping chairs in the middle of the aisle, and for the next hour, he finished telling his story.

- Since we were both single, he stayed at my apartment and I stayed with some friends. After he left I went home. All over my bedroom were notes - on my light switch, in my closet, under my pillow, in my drawers, in my cd player, etc, etc, etc.... One on the light switch was OK but all over the room was a bit much - considering he has to go into drawers and closets to put them there.

So at the end of the day, a nice guy that I'm glad found someone else to make him happy.

Reflecting on Bad Dates

After a long week, I usually do one of two things. I either go home and crash or I meet up with some friends for Mexican food. I prefer the second and got to do that tonight. So much fun and I do love these girls. We are all single so often dating comes up - well, it always comes up. To give us some credit, it comes up in various forms. One of my favorites is the first date horror stories. They are the single woman's battle scars. We moan and groan at these poor, clueless men. We laugh at the bullets we've dodged. We shake our heads that this is reality instead of something from a bad movie.

Tonight, when it was my turn to share, I told my fall back bad date story of the guy who played with his face fat and refused to talk all night long. Believe me, it was painful. We all shared and had a good sigh that we survived to tell about "it". However, I found myself sharing another story after that. Since blogs are public and there is the very slight possibility that he may have access to it, I won't go into all of the details here - I do believe in some privacy no matter how bad it was. Let's just say that as I heard the words coming out of my mouth and saw the horror on my friends' faces, I knew that this was THE worst date ever. I know that I am prone to exaggeration but this time, there was none of it. It was THAT bad. My parents were even witness to some of it so they can vouch for me. At the end of my retelling, they all stared at me and said, "You win!"

As I told the story, I found myself thinking, "Did that really happen? Did I really experience that? What in the world!?" It was one of those things that while I was going through it, things didn't seem that bad. But hearing myself say it, watching others react to it, looking at it nearly 10 years removed, it was that bad! It was a good reminder that sometimes being single is a huge blessing!

"Snow Day" in Houston

I know that many of you have seen this on facebook but it is too funny! What makes it even better is that my friend's husband actually made it! He works for Michael Berry and this is totally his sense of humor!

Persistent or Stubborn

This year I didn't make a New Year Resolution. I know myself well enough to know how that will turn out. Instead, I've been seeking what the Lord will have for me this year. He's been faithful to reveal some threads that are already running through. I know some areas He is choosing to work though in this season. For some, I'm glad they are easy. For others, I'm glad I have a year to see how this will play out because I think they'll take that long to work through.

One of the common threads I've seen is asking God to increase my "want to". Let's just be real here - there are things we all know we need to do but don't really want to. I was talking to a friend of mine on Sunday about an area of my life this applies to. Her response was to ask God to increase my desire to let it go. Unless I want to turn it over, my hands will be firmly grasped around this one desire. Only after I want to let it go will I be able to give it to God. Grrrr..... only because I know she is right.

I find this very convicting and very confusing at the same time. I see in scripture the example of the persistent widow and read verse that tell us to ask, seek, and knock. Then I also see scriptures about dying to yourself to live more as Christ. So how do you know which applies to you? I've wondered this for years and am still wrestling with it. When we are being hopefully persistent and when we are being just downright stubborn? The last thing I want is to be fighting the will of God.

Maybe I'm the only one out there that struggles with this. In a way, I hope so because I would love to learn from your wisdom.

Update for Jen

I just got an update via facebook (Thank you, God, for social networking) that my friend Jen is going to leave Cairo on Monday morning her time and head to Cypress. So thankful that she will be in a safer place for the time being. Keep those prayers coming, friends. This isn't looking to be over any time soon!

Prayers for Egypt

I'll have to admit that for years I've not kept up with the news. To state the obvious, it is scary and depressing with very little unbias. I've been happy to keep my head in the sand. Then a few months ago, I made the decision to get rid of television all together. Only then did I make two important realizations: 1) It is hard to be relevant when you have NO idea what is going on in the world or in entertainment and 2) You really can get a lot of the news from commercials. In an attempt to be able to carry on a conversation with anyone, I decided to make CNN my homepage. I'm surprised to say this but I'm really glad I did! Especially this past week....

I've been keeping an eye on what has been going on in Cairo. I'm no expert and I most likely can't even hold a decent conversation about it. But I know what is going on - I've seen video and read articles about it. But CNN isn't the only place I'm getting updates. You see, I know someone who lives there. Her name is Jen and she teaches at an international school there. According to a facebook post via her mom (internet is completely down over there right now), she is hunkered down in a friend's second story apartment because there is gunfire outside her first floor apartment windows and teargas. Until the past day or two, she has been removed from the protests and now they are knocking on her door. She has been in contact with the American Embassy but has been told there are 70,000 Americans in Egypt. Her chances of getting out are not looking too good.

So today I ask you to pray for Egypt. Pray for the protesters and the government. Pray that Mubarak will do the right thing. Pray that the nation can withstand this.

But personally, pray for my friend Jen.

Back Where I Come From

This week, part of our bible study homework had us reflect on our childhood. I've been thinking about things I remember and I thought I would share a few memories. Thanks for walking down memory lane with me:

- We always ate dinner together at the table. Every night. Not many people can say that but we would wait until everyone was home together before sitting down at the table to eat. However, every once in a while, my very wise parents would spread a round table cloth on the floor of the living room and we could eat dinner while we watched a movie. It was like an indoor picnic. Who can blame them? Do you want primary and elementary aged kids eating on your living room carpet?

- For years, part of our bedtime routine was a bedtime story. Usually Mom did the reading and one of us would pick the book. For a short time, Dad read to us. We took turns with whose bed we would read in but each night, Dad read us a chapter of Old Mother West Wind. I don't remember much about the book but I remember loving Dad reading to us before bed.

- After my first year of camp, my family picked me up and we headed from to Texas Hill Country to the Rocky Mountains. We drove the whole way. To pass the time, we had books, games, colors, walkmans, and all sorts of other distractions. What did we do? We sang camp songs the WHOLE. WAY. THERE. AND. BACK. My poor father.....

- One time, the city came out to drain the fire hydrant on our street. They opened it up and that water came gushing out. Erin, Casey, and I ran inside to tell Mom and next thing we know, Mom is snapping pictures of us playing in the fire hydrant. Probably not the most sanitary but so much fun!

- My whole life, my grandparents have slept in different beds. Including when they came to visit us. I loved it. My parents, bless their hearts, would either have to give up walk ways in their bedroom or their entire closet to make pads for Erin and I to sleep on. The closet was the best.

- Many summers when we were little, Mom would pull the card table out and we would put together a huge puzzle while we watched movies. For days, we would work on that thing until we finished it.

- The year we got a Nintendo for Christmas, I was pretty excited. Shortly after the ground rules for the game were laid, we dove in. Later that night, I woke up to a quiet house but a glow coming from the living room. I peeked around the corner and there say Mom, taking on the fireball spitting Venus Fly Traps.

Beautiful Heartache

This is going to be one of those lovely vague posts that everyone loves to read. I'm sorry in advance.

There is a people group that has been burdening me the past few weeks. They have actually been on my mind on and off for years but this time it is different. It's a heavy, heartbreaking burden that increases daily. I think about them all of the time - ALL. OF. THE. TIME. As I lay in bed, thoughts of them send me to sleep. When I wake up, they greet me with the new day. The children's eyes, the mothers' hands, the fathers' brows. Their home looks nothing like the city around me but in my mind's eye, I see it clear as day. They make my everyday seem insignificant/vacant. It's almost suffocating. In a way, I want it to stop because it seems too much to bear. At the same time, I don't want it to stop. It feels meaningful and important. But....I don't know what it means. So what do you do when your heart breaks (aches) for someone you've never met? What do you do when you're waiting? How do you go about everyday life when they are all you can think about?

Oh Lord, quiet my spirit and give me ears to hear....

Only an Hour and a Half?

A few weeks ago, our minister delivered a message about scripture - where it came from and its importance. You can hear the full message HERE. In it, he shared a statistic that really has stuck with me. At the adult average reading rate, it takes 70 hours to read the entire Bible. It only takes 18 hours to read the entire New Testament. That is an hour and a half a month. What!? That is all? I am sad to admit that I did not read the entire New Testament last year (let alone the whole Bible). However, I often watched more that an hour and a half of TV a day or read an entire novel in a day. I was (and continue to be) fully convicted.

At the end of 2011, I don't want to make the same confession. This year, I am going to go through the entire bible using a chronological plan. As I have glanced at it, it only ends up being about 2-5 chapters a day. That is all! So far, I'm please to tell you that I am on track and have kept up with the daily reading. :) I would love to hear from you now and then to keep me accountable. If you would like to join me, feel free to look HERE at the schedule.

Let's not waste our time this year. It only takes a few minutes a day. Let's let the scriptures master us in 2011.

December 31, 2010

2010 has turned out to be quite a year. Despite some very trying seasons, I will remember it as one of my favorite so far. Here are a few of the events that made this year so memorable. Most link to a blog post about it:

Participating in my first protest

Turning 30

Grandma's fall

Staying with Grandpa

A Weekend Rodeo

Taking my first skydive

4th of July party

Houston Project

Moving back to first grade

Experiencing support in trying times

A life changing weekend in Colorado

Paintballing for the first time

A sweet Christmas season

In between events, I got to experience so many special "everyday" things. Talking about our precious Lord with Erin so often, loving on two adorable Johnson children, dinners on Friday nights with friends, growing a deeper understanding about love through my grandparents, gaining a greater appreciation for family, and a stronger desire for God.

The greatest lesson of this year was the importance of listening: to God speak, to breaking hearts, to great joys, to prayers, to people's passions, to each other. Not only listening but patient, open minded listening. It amazes me how important the act of keeping quiet can be. It's humbling and changes you. I still talk a lot but much less than I did this time last year.

Thank you, Lord, for standing stone moments that marked this year. Thank you for letting us see you move and do your work. Thank you for experiences that draw us so much closer to you. Thank you for the joy you brought us. Thank you for the tears you cried with us and dried for us. Above all, thank you for your presence with us, for going before us, and for pointing us all back to you. Praise you for the gift of 2010! All glory goes to you!

My Favorite Gift

A year and ten months ago, I visited Houston's First Baptist Church for the first time. I remember dragging my feet to go because I was scared - Not because I was concerned about not liking it or not knowing anyone but because I knew that I would love it. What would that mean? What choices would I have to make and how would they be received? What would my response to others be? More specifically, what would my response be to my family? I knew it would be hard but I went. I loved it, like I knew I would. Telling the family was scary and it has definitely been a growing process for us all. When I first told Mom and Dad, I told them that I would love for them to come visit with me but I wasn't going to pressure and bug them about coming. It was an open invitation for any time they were here. I never asked again but hoped and prayed for the day I would be able to share where I am now. Friday night, it happened.

Christmas Eve came filled with visiting, playing, and cooking. However, at 5:00, there we sat in the in Worship Center: Gregg, Erin, Liz, Mom, Dad, Bladen, and me. I felt like it was already Christmas morning and I was five years old again. We were sitting in this place that has grown to mean so much to me. On stage were the worship leaders that I worship with every week. We heard a message by a minister that the Lord uses in my life weekly. All around us were the body of believers that walk out this life together. All things and people that I have grown to love. On that night, I sat surrounded by all of these familiar things side-by-side with those I love most. It was a beautiful service - scripture intertwined with song only briefly paused by a wonderful reminder of what our response to Christmas should be. The kids did great. We stopped. We sang. We focused. We worshipped. We. We. We. All shared with my family. They got to experience a taste of this place I love. I got to share this part of my life with them. I got to show them the heart of where I worship. It was sweet.

Of everything that I received this Christmas, that service together was the best gift I was given. There are a lot of things that I have been hoping for in life. Not many of them have come to be yet but God was sweet to fulfill this greatest hope this Christmas. A nearly two year prayer answered - my family together at HFBC. Just once was all that was needed. They came because they love me. They came to see this part of my life. They came.

Hope fulfilled and prayer answered.

The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. - I Thessalonians 5:24

The Hope of His Presence

In a couple of days, we will be celebrating Christmas. This holiday has grown to have deeper meaning to me each year. The past few months, I have been looking forward to Christmas a lot - the music, the lights, the joy of children (my family and students). However, this isn't even the part of Christmas that has captured my mind and heart the most.

A few weeks ago at Celebration, there was a section in which the prophet Isaiah sang of the lost state of Israel and the coming of a promised Savior. It immediately shifted to a scene of the Jewish people throughout the 400 years of silence between the prophecies and the birth of Jesus. I've thought about this scene a lot over the past few weeks. I've known this fact for years but can you imagine? Nothing from God for 400 years. That would be like not hearing from God since before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. Nothing. Silence.

What would that be like? Everything promised met by what must have seemed like nothing. All of the hope of generations of people unrealized in their lifetime. They heard the stories and promises from their grandparents and parents. They told them to their children and grandchildren. They looked and listened in hope. For generations......

Then He came.

Not what they were expecting. Not what they were looking and longing for. He was all they had hoped for and more. While they would not see it, He was fulfilled promise, realized hope, God Himself. While they were looking for a king, God left Heaven and brought His presence to us. Our Emmanuel.

I think of Anna and Simeon - two of the first to see their hope fulfilled. Both were promised to live to see salvation. In comes this infant promise with His teenage parents. Both praised God, blessed the child, and left knowing they had been in the presence of God.

In case you haven't figured it out, hope and presence are the themes of this season for me. We can all say that the past few months have been sprinkled with things that have brought joy and pain. I'm no different. I've experienced disappointment, exhaustion, doubt, injustice, joy, beauty, and laughter. There have been times when hope has been hard fought for but there aren't many better things to fight for. There have been times of experiencing the presence of God so closely that the only thing keeping me on this earth is this flesh my spirit is wrapped in.

Many will celebrate the birth of a baby this weekend. It's so much more than that. It is God's fulfilled promise of salvation. He closed the gap that stood between us and God. He not only brought the forgiveness of sin but He destroyed the barrier between us and Him. We now have full access to Him! We can come to Him and He longs for it!

My prayer is for the joy of hope - that we would not lose ourselves or give up to discouragement in this life. My prayer is that we would be open to seeing God's fulfillment of our hope and not being blinded by our expectations of what that would look like. That we praise God, bless Jesus, and long for the presence of God.

Emmanuel has come! He is here! He wants to be your fulfilled hope and He wants you to know His presence. This is the message of Christmas.