on one of the snowy, blowy days (read 0 degrees, 20 mph wind, icy snow) we've had this week, the kids and i spent a couple hours sorting through our christmas cd's and loading our favorite songs onto itunes so we can listen to them . . . we've been loving being wrapped in music.
on one of the not snowy, blowy days, we went traipsing through our woods and prairie and down by the river and brought in all sorts of interesting, weedy, seedy things and strung them up with twine and sparkly ribbon.
on sunday, ben went out and came back with a huge cedar tree. it smells SO good. we wrapped our lights around it - but it's the biggest tree we've ever had. our lights didn't reach . . . my dad brought us some more yesterday, so we'll finish lighting it, and start decorating - maybe tonight.
we are lighting our advent candles each morning and talking about prophecies of Christ. it's so interesting. God prophecied about Himself so many times . . . this morning we talked about Genesis 22. if you are interested, read through the story and think in terms of Christ - the wood carried, the journey lasted 3 days, on the 3rd day deliverance was provided, "God will provide the lamb for the sacrifice," lifted up on a mountain, a son - an only son, the promise of blessing to all, . . . . God telling His story through all of history. always pointing to Christ. always pointing to deliverance. always pointing to the Gospel - the Good News.
and thank you, my friends, for your encouragements. i am weak. i am tired. i am worn. but i am blessed. and i am cared for. and i am wrapped in arms of love. i am leaning on the Everlasting Arms. i am pressing in to Him. and my family is pressing together. and God is good. so very good.
and the verse of the day today is "Lord, you have established peace for us. All that we have accomplished, you have done for us." Isaiah 26:12 amen. and amen.
God bless each one of you today. i love you. ~e