2010 And a Happy NEW YEAR 2010

Here are some pictures of our family. Tyler gave me a new camera for my birthday to replace the one I left on the back of my car bumper and the neighbor two blocks away returned to me. It was a big chunk of change to replace, but I do enjoy photography, so I was thrilled with my new historical documentary toy. Enjoy some pictures of our children. We wish you all, a very MERRY NEW YEAR, with much joy and happiness!!

Coulson
Marshall
Coulson, Katherine, Sarah, & Marshall
Marshall out front, background Coulson, Katherine, Sarah
Christmas Snow
Brrrrrh!!!
where is Marshall?
The parents
The girls
Sarah
Katherine

Savior of the World

It is now one week before we commemorate our Lord's birth. This Christmas, more than ever before, I have felt a certain closeness to those sacred events proceeding His entrance into this world, His world. I look upon this inspired artwork and I am overcome; the power of Joseph, the beauty of Mary, her tender glance towards the lone shepherd boy, the flock of sheep, the over hanging of the olive branches, the gentle light, the humble donkey. It is simply breathtaking. I cannot put into accurate words the love I feel when I am drawn into this scene, a scene that was indeed a reality 2000 years ago. The infant that lay in her womb, our Savior, the promised Messiah, the King of Kings, is saying His final goodbyes as He prepares to enter into this world of sin, for on the morrow, He comes into the world.

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:7

We live in a time that allows us to prepare much for the arrival of our little ones. We purchase an infinite amount for the wee one: infant seats, decorated nurseries, pacifiers, mobiles, cribs, travel cribs, infant swings, diaper bags, maybe a new camera, the list is ongoing really.

I remember, as a child, when I read of Mary wrapping her son in swaddling clothes, I thought, "Poor Jesus, was wrapped in a mere sheet." I worried He was cold. I was so sad for Him and His mother. Oh, how poor they were! It wasn't until I was older I learned the significance of the swaddling bands or clothes. I now think of sweet, sweet Mary and her humble preparation for infant King, her first born son. I imagine her long slender fingers wrapping Him tight, to keep Him from startling, to keep Him safe. His mother wrapped Him in swaddling clothes. A simple gesture recorded by Luke, that offers so much insight into the heart of our Heavenly Father's most valiant and choicest daughter.

I find it difficult to view these two paintings so close together. However, it is necessary to REMEMBER what He came to do. This sweet, little, innocent, meek, lowly, pure, perfect and Holy Infant would enter this world to rescue us. He would take upon Him our heartache, our loneliness, our pain, our sins, our meager sufferings, and allow His tiny infant hands to one day be pierced through with rusty, dirty nails. His sweet feet would one day bear scars as well, as His wrists and side. It is for this purpose I lay these pictures side by side. It is done so in a selfish effort to demand my heart to remove Him from the manger, and REMEMBER Him as my Messiah, my deliverer from death and sin, MY ALL.

He is our Redeemer. He did come and fulfill all the Father asked of Him. He was born of Mary. He is God's Son. He did come. And, He will come again, in power and GREAT glory. I long for that day. As Mary weaved the threads of the swaddling clothes in preparation for the coming of our Lord, I hope I too can weave the threads of His life and light through my heart; deep within, in preparation for that day when I shall fall to my knees, and bathe His feet with my endless gratitude for His Atonement. It is my hope I will one day commune with Him forever.

Christmas Time is Here

Christmas is my favorite time of year. It is no surprise that the adversary fills this most glorious season of import with tons of to do lists, numerous activities, endless decor, ongoing bustle, and strain on our bank accounts. Granted, I do think all things can be kept in proper balance, as we diligently seek the better part. None of the listed distractions are evil. They all have a great deal of goodness wrapped within them. A to-do list that includes, Family Home Evening, Visiting Teaching, a story by the Christmas tree, or baking cookies, for me, is choosing the better part. Activities that put me in a place where I can feel the Spirit and teach by the Spirit, are wholesome to me. Decorations around my home with a Christ-centered theme, invites in feelings of pure love for that Infant Holy. Bustling along in service is always my Christmas wish. And strains on my bank account in attempt to sacrifice our small means in fasts and offerings, is my humblest plea.

I do not profess to be good at any of the things I have listed as the desires of my heart; but they are just that, the desire of my heart. I do believe that as I make these desires complete with truest sincerity and ongoing repentance, the Lord will look upon my heart and see the woman I desire to become.

The true belief behind Christmas, is a belief in His Holy Son, even Jesus Christ. There never has been a sweeter story told. I love all the details we find in the scriptures surrounding His birth. I love reading of prophecy fulfilled. But even more than this, I love what the infant King was sent here to accomplish. That child of Bethlehem is my Redeemer. He is my all. He is my Savior. HE IS THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD!

So, as I look upon my Christmas tree, I hope to be a little kinder, a little gentler, a little more like Him. I will remember that even during times of sorrow, loneliness, and grief, that He came and completed the work He was sent to do by our Heavenly Father. He is truly wonderful, and because of Him we too can declare, "It's a Wonderful Life!"

I will remember Him and all the countless blessings I have in my wonderful life. I will invite Him into my inn. There is a place set for my Savior today and always.

I love that Holy Child. I love his earthly mother Mary and his gentle guardian, Joseph. It is important to me to teach my children of the miracles surrounding His birth and that the child did grow and did fulfill His Messianic mission. Indeed, Jesus once of Humble Birth, now in Glory comes to EARTH!