merry christmas!

Luke 2:8-20

[8] And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. [9] An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. [10] But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. [11] Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. [12] This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
[13] Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

[14] "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

[15] When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
[16] So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. [17] When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, [18] and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. [19] But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. [20] The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

That is my favorite part of the Christmas story. Amidst all the craziness of the holidays let us remember what the season is really all about.

texas football

Today I watched some of the state championship football games with my dad. It made me realize how much I love the importance football in Texas. I was on the drill team in high school, so naturally I went to every football game. I love whole atmosphere of a high school football game, with the band and a city that rallies behind their team. Today after one of the teams won, the coaches and the players were so emotional about their win, but it is because they put so much effort into making their team great and it paid off. It was a really special moment to see.

'tis the season

Last night was the annual candlelight carol service Hendrix does. I've gone every year that I've been here, and for some reason last night I was the most moved I've ever been by the service. I don't know if it was at a time I really needed it, or if it was the people I was sitting next to, or if I just paid more attention to the scriptures than in years past, but I was just "in it". That's the only way I know how to describe it. Not to mention, the music is BEAUTIFUL. A few of my good friends are in the choir and I know they've worked really hard on this service. Plus, it's always fun to watch someone do what they are good at. The service really just put me in the Christmas spirit.

happy birthday jonathan

I very much have a heavy heart today. One of my dear friends lost her brother last year to leukemia. Today would have been his 19th birthday.

I met Mel the summer I worked at Glen Lake. By that time Jonathan had already been in the hospital for a couple of months. I was always so moved at the amount of love and support people had for Jonathan. We all spent our summer praying he would get better, but Jonathan endured setback after setback and in October he lost his battle with cancer.

I am so amazed at the amount of faith this family has. They've been through so much, yet they continue to praise God even in the hard times. They are truly an inspiration to me.

Here is a video Mel and her sister made for their brother. I want to share it because I think it's a beautiful celebration of a life well-lived. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYc-rx3dznY

i'm not a good blogger

I really enjoy reading other people's blogs, which is why I started one of my own. However, I've realized I'm no good at it. Some of my friends write the most eloquent blogs about what's going on in their minds. I just can't do it. While I enjoy being introspective, it's never come naturally to me. I'm going to continue with this blog because I think at the appropriate time it can be therapeutic; until that time comes I'll just continue on knowing I'm not great at blogging, and that's okay with me.