Emmanuel

Merry Christmas to all! :) For the most part, my Christmas was very normal with exception to a slight switch in the "routine", a change I was skeptical of since I am quite fond of traditions, but it actually was really nice. Things didn't wrap up at mom and dad's house until about 7 or so, when normally we all leave about 3. So, the new version of the family Christmas was actually an extended version. And I approve. :)

In addition to extending my love on Christmas, I also wanted to mention this book I just finished. It's by Anne Rice, an author well known for her historical and cultural accuracy. This one is about Christ, as you may have inferred from the title. This isn't your typical book on Jesus, however, as it is told in first person narrative (the first person being Jesus) between the ages of 7 and 8. The story's center is two fold: the physical journey of the family from Alexandria, Egypt where Jesus had lived since fleeing Bethlehem, to Nazareth coupled with the spiritual journey of Jesus as he discovers the mystery surrounding his birth and the fact that perhaps there is a greater purpose to his life.

It is a very interesting book, to say the least. Although obviously, there is no biblical context on which to base the book, Rice's description of the cultural and religious ways of the time is engagingly informative as she tells the story from such an intriguing view: that Jesus did not always realize that he was God. Which makes sense, but is something I have never thought about before. Jesus was born human; he was born a baby. Which means he had to learn everything in the manner humans must: how to walk, how to talk, how to interact with people. He essentially had to grow into himself just the same as we must, figuring out who he was and what his purpose was here on earth. Although the idea is something I had never thought of before, it all makes sense when realizing that he did not even begin his "ministry" until he was 30. From birth until then, he studied, he worked, and essentially, he grew. "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." - Luke 2:52.

All this to say, the book is very interesting. Very thought provoking. At the very least, it's a fictional book laced with accurate descriptions of the times surrounding Jesus' childhood and the customary ways in which he would have been raised. For me, it was somewhat difficult to read at parts due to the depictions of a country at war with itself (something I was not expecting). However, the image of Jesus as a boy, the compassion and love he poured out on others even then, the idea of him "growing" into his ministry, it was all very encouraging and interesting. Definitely worth the read.

An interesting idea was presented several times throughout the book though, and I'm not quite sure what I think. So I pose this question to you. Please let me know what you think and feel free to back up with scripture if you so desire. Or don't because I'm not sure if there are any scriptures to argue either way. My question is: Do you think Jesus felt fear? And how does your answer play into Jesus being both fully God and fully human?

Alright, folks. Thanks for playing. Merry Christmas. In case you don't know them by heart (because I certainly don't), check out the lyrics to O Holy Night. I think last night, for the first time, I truly understood the lyrics and melted due to the amazing grace of God. "Long lay the world in sin and error pining, Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth." Amazing. Blessings and love to all. :)

Hero

Your results:
You are Wonder Woman

You are a beautiful princess with greath strength of character

Wonder Woman 75% The Flash 75% Superman 70% Supergirl 65% Green Lantern 55% Spider-Man 50% Catwoman 50% Iron Man 50% Robin 43% Hulk 25% Batman 15%

Click here to take the "Which Superhero Are You" Quiz

I like these little quiz-guys.

Friends

Many of you have been asking me about who these friends are that I continuously mention in my blog. I thought I would start a new thing of telling you about my people, as I like to call them. First up is Becky and Jason. For the most part, I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. Jason is a dear friend who has brought much joy to my life through inappropriate jokes and ridicule. Plus, he's pretty much a pansy and I've won every rumble we've ever had. As you can see from the photo, his unruly hairiness came in handy during high school when his abnormally small town didn't have enough money to buy all the boys football jerseys. Jason took one for the team, bypassed the jersey, and wore his number, literally, on his back. Always sacrificing for the greater good, that Jason. Becky, his better half, is an angel. This isn't the most flattering photo of her I've ever seen (she's the one in the blue), but her inner beauty is overwhelming. She makes me laugh like no one else can and always has great stories to share from her work. I'm not sure how Jason got so lucky to end up with her, but let's just say I've heard rumors that there was a sizeable amount of money involved. Ok, folks. That's all for now. Stay tuned until next time when I give you the run-down on GalPal Tyler, the man who can't be trusted.

Winter Wonderland

Ah, I love the snow!!! We got such a massive dump of snow last yesterday and last night that when we let the dogs out this morning, all you could see of Scooter was his head floating in the snow. Buster was leaping around like a school boy, beckoning us to come outside and play with him. We didn't, but it looked like he was having fun. :) Anyway, since the roads are so bad, I'm working from home today also with the hopes of feeling better. I've been sick these last few days and I want to kick it before the weekend rolls around.

Speaking of the weekend, lets just say I am excited. Going to the 'ville for some much anticipated times with friends in celebration of my and Laura's birthday. Plans include a stop over at the Daum's festive Christmas hut, fun times at Smitty's with Bercos and Tab, hanging out at Emily's, seeing Narnia with a DEAR Friend, hopefully getting to see my old bible study girls, and then dinner at the Vaq followed by WORLDS of Leisurely fun. Bowling. I am excited. Many are the friends I hope to see. Mad props to the Frickster for taking a hit and willingly looking like a dork with me. May the Lord bless her for such friendship in action.