Thoughts Along the Journey

It seems to have snuck up on me quite too quickly this year! Have a wonderful Christmas! May your celebrations be filled with the beauty and wonder of the greatest Gift of all...our Lord Jesus Christ!

When Jesus was before Pilate, Pilate posed this question to Jesus: "What is truth?" (John 18:38) In another passage, Jesus had told His disciples the answer to that question: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) Truth seems to be a hot commodity these days. At least, in name. Politicians, media, and the talk show hosts all proclaim to have the truth for our society. The truth for our world. They promise that their version of the truth is "the truth." Of course, when there are contradictions between them all, it is sometimes hard to discern what the REAL truth is! I find this to be true among Christians as well. We are all supposed to believe the same things: that Christ was born of a virgin, grew in grace and wisdom, preached and taught and healed as a Man, died on the cross, and rose again from the dead. And, I think for the most part, we all do believe this. However, when it comes to issues ...

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone, and Advent begins tomorrow! I truly love the season of Advent, though: four weeks of heart preparation for the coming of the Lord. What an awesome time of the year. I especially love the dual meaning of it all. As we prepare to celebrate the Lord's birth, and the entire meaning of Christmas, it is with the privilege of knowing the entire story: He was born, He lived and taught, did incredible miracles, suffered and died on the cross, and rose from the dead--all for the love and salvation of mankind. So as "every heart prepares Him room," it is with the advantage of knowing the history of it all. But there's the dual meaning I mentioned. For as we prepare for His coming, it is also with hearts full of the knowledge that He will indeed come again. His second Advent. The fulfillment. The completion of it all. There is so much unknown about that future day. But it is with great hope that we prepare ...

I just wanted to take this quick chance to wish you all (in the U.S.) a wonderful Thanksgiving. I guess I missed Canada's...but hope you all had a wonderful one, too! My family started this week with a bad case of the stomach flu...first me, then hubby, then, eventually both the boys. Ugh! But, thankfully, we're all on the mend. We're in Michigan visiting family now. I hope you all have a wonderful day as you reminisce on all the goodness of God in your life! "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." II Thessalonians 5:18

This is pretty much what life feels like right now. Just trying to keep everyone happy and well-cared for, and keep it all in balance. Work is going okay. I can't say it's something I want to do for the rest of my life, but it's a good job. I work with some really nice people, too. The kids are doing okay. School is humming along. We've had some bumps along the way this semester, but overall all is well. Our oldest son is growing too tall, way too fast. He's about my height now! Hubby is doing well, too...other than a nasty cold. We are making some progress in future plans, so I'll have to clue you in when I know more on that subject. I do drop by your blogs from time to time, even though I'm not doing well with keeping new posts on my own. Happy fall, friends!

A friend from Kansas e-mailed the following to me. It was written by an educator in Kansas. It touched something deep within me. I felt I should share it with my blog readers. This message far transcends any building or school district and it is about kids everywhere. This email was written by Bonner Springs High School Industrial Technology Instructor, Kris Munsch. A few years ago, Kris lost his son to a tragic car accident while he was still in high school. Kris shares his story of loss with an incredibly open heart and mind and he welcomes the discussion of his story in hopes that it can make a difference in this world. He sent this message after we finished Parent/Teacher Conferences. I have read it over and over and am moved every time I read it by the raw emotion and incredible resolve that Kris has demonstrated. I have told Kris that he should publish this but he is far too humble to do so. We are truly fortunate to have Kris here in our community and I feel blessed for the oppo...

I have a couple of great ones to share today! For those who don't know, these kiddos are not my own, but my great-nephew and great-niece. I hope to share a new one of the new nephew soon, too. Sorry if these are too small. I don't know what happened!