Good news of great joy

Christmas has a whole new meaning since having a baby...it is so much more amazing this year. I can't even fathom what Mary felt as she held her baby, knowing that He was God. And what was God feeling, knowing that the reason Jesus came to earth was to die for the sins of the whole world? "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" 1 John 3.1

It has been so fun to be in Hawaii with all of Aaron's family for Christmas! Duke got more presents than anyone! :) All his Aunties and Uncles love having him here and they also love giving him gifts! Our favorite gift was a baby seat for the bike so we don't have to put him in the basket! :) But, as fun as it is to be showered with love and gifts, I can't help but feel a little nervous, as a parent, that Duke might grow up thinking Christmas is all about getting gifts....when in fact, Christmas is solely about one gift. The most important gift that was ever given, or will ever be given. Jesus Christ. Without the gift of Jesus, all of mankind would be doomed...destined for eternity in hell. But because Jesus came as a baby, lived a perfect life, and died on the Cross for our sins, we are blessed beyond measure! I hope and pray that Duke (and all of us, for that matter!) will understand that Christmas isn't about getting things, but celebrating Jesus' gift of love to us!

A little excerpt from my Bible study this week...

"Untried, untrodden, and unknown as your future path may be, it is, each step, mapped, arranged, and provided for in the everlasting and unchangable covenant of God. To Him who leads us, who accepts us in the Son of his love, who knows the end from the beginning, it is no new, or uncertain, or hidden way. We thank him that while he wisely and kindly veils all the future from our reach, all that future——its minutest event——is as transparent and visible to Him as the past. Our shepherd knows the windings along which he skillfully, gently, and safely leads his flock. He has traveled that way himself, and has left the traces of his presence on the road. And as each follower advances——the new path unfolding at each step——he can exultingly exclaim, "I see the footprint of my Lord; here went my Master, my Leader, my Captain, leaving me an example that I should follow His steps."

-Octavius Winslow 'Daily Walking with God'



I am so thankful that God is in full control of my life, that He walks with me, and fills me with strength to look at my sometimes unknown future with a sense of adventure and fun instead of feeling anxious or scared.

Well, I told myself that I wouldn't ever join the blogging world, but I've finally given in....it just makes sense! Such an easy way to keep far-away family and friends updated on life and keep an online journal at the same time! Why not? I most likely won't have anything new or profound to say, I don't really know how to make anything cool, and I don't have any diet or exercise tips. But if you would just like to hear a little about how life is going for us, things we are learning, or Duke's latest tricks, this is the best place to be (unless you just want to call me!). :) So, to fill you in so far, Aaron is in Hawaii and is starting his first day of Police Academy as we speak (or type) and Duke and I are planning to join him right before Christmas. We are so excited for this next season of life and I look forward to sharing it with you all!