The Wonder of Christmas

After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:9-11 ESV)

When I think of the Magi, I am filled with wonder.  They had a lot of confidence and had studied a long time to leave their homes and take off on a journey to a destination they were not quite sure of.  These people, seems like there may have been quite an entourage, felt that the birth of a new king was important enough to make such a trip.  And, all they had for a map was a star.  Oh, I can't wait to talk to some of the people from this group when I get to heaven!  They must have some great travel stories!

This summer when friends were visiting from Japan, we stopped out in the middle of a corn field on a clear, moonless night.  The night sky was amazing!  I am awestruck that in the midst of all of that, these people could recognize a new star and knew its meaning.  I am Wonderstruck that God made such an amazing universe and that even at night we can see His handiwork.

The Wonder of Christmas

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:26-28 ESV)

Mary has gotten a lot of attention through the years.  With a greeting like that from an angel, I can understand why!  She is favored by the Lord who is with her.  There is also the next part, where she births the Savior of the world!  But, she does have a significant role in the wonder of Christmas.

I know a lot of women who are mothers-my own mother, many friends and relatives-who I consider to be amazing women and mothers.  Today, though, as I think of Mary, I am thinking of my friend, Melissa, since it is her birthday.

Melissa has reminded me many times, through her actions and her words, the I am favored by our Lord who walks with me.  Melissa believes with all her heart that we are God's beloved.  She wants all women, and men, to understand that God whispers "I love you" in our ears each day.  

Sometimes I feel like a failure, like I messed up, like I do not deserve God's love.  Melissa is there to remind me that I, too, am my Lord's beloved, his favored one.  She reminds me that I am loved.

I am grateful for a friend who reminds me.

I am wonderstruck that our Lord loves us, loves me.

The Wonder of Christmas

Yesterday my dad and I visited a couple of friends from church who now live in assisted living.  As we left, I was given an Advent devotional.  Recently, I had found a different devotional I was planning to use.  However, since this was given to me the day before Advent, I decided to read it.  It is called, "The Wonder of Christmas."  

Some friends and I have been reading and discussing a book called "Wonderstruck."  This new devotional seems to go with the theme of wonder we have been exploring!  So, I wanted to share some thoughts of wonder this Advent season.

Today's verses are from Luke 2:6-7

 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:6, 7 ESV)

There are so many points of wonder in these verses!  Today, I am filled with wonder that the God of the universe, our creator and Lord, chose to come to this earth as a baby.  He came in human flesh.  I am so filled with awe right now that no more words come to mind!

Father, thank you for sending Jesus.  Jesus thank you for being the most amazing gift.  Holy Spirit, thank you for revealing these things to us and guiding us as we seek the wonder of Christmas.

Out East

I have three supporting churches in Michigan who worked together to make my trip out east wonderful.  I had fun at VBS, outings with friends, attending the ordination service of a friend, and even spending time with a childhood friend and her family.

To those who live in the middle of America,  Michigan is out east.  I loved my drive out there through corn country.  I loved getting to share about Japan with hundreds of children, as well as hundreds of adults.  One of the three churches has been supporting me the longest and they have become like a second home church to me.  My trip "out east" was truly a blessing!

Taking Pastor Lyle for a ride!

Fun with Flat Coco!

Ice cream run after VBS

Another group of kids having fun with Flat Coco!

Jonna's ordination service

Lunch with friends!

Friends for over four decades!

Our mean pirate looks

Dinner with friends, an evening filled with laughter!

Learning about the Ford family

Benefits of Home Assignment

While I am in the U.S. I miss being in Japan and part of ministry there.  However, I do get to join some events I miss while I am in Japan, like Father's Day.  (I also missed it in the chronology of blogging!)
I loved being with my family for Father's Day-and all of the other holidays this year.  The day before the holiday Dad, Tom and Andrew cut down a tree in the backyard.  Then, on Father's Day, we had a fun time making S'mores.  Flat Coco even liked them!

The hard workers!

Mom and Marietta enjoying the swing.

Abi and Flat Coco enjoying the flowers in the yard.

Front yard

Andrew demonstrates how to eat a s'more

All ready!

Kim gives Flat Coco a taste

Helping Flat Coco roast another marshmallow

Roger is all ready!

Along the Way

I spent over half of June going to and staying in Michigan.  I had a fun drive out to Michigan, stopping along the way to visit friends.
６月に半分以上ミシガン州に行くと泊まることです。行く途中で、友達の家に尋ねました。楽しい旅だった。

Iowa has some cool rest areas!
This one was dedicated to Iowa authors.

Illinois has some nice rest areas, too.
This is the view from...

...here!  Very cool lookout tower.

I went a little out of my way to go to Springfield, IL, where I saw Pres. Lincoln's home.

This is where Abe Lincoln was sitting when the message came  that he had been chosen to run for president.

The front hall where he would have hung his hat.

The 'family' room where Abe played with his boys and his wife sewed.

The bedroom, with a cute little heating stove.

The house as it was probably situated when Abe lived there.

After seeing Lincoln's home, I rushed on to Champaign
where I went to a Sidewalk Prophets concert with Dan and Molly.

A models the Peruvian tablecloth.

Z had a different look.

Coco helped Donna with some electrical work.

This indoor park is inside a church.

Z and his friend with Coco.

Selfie of the girls

Me and my friend-sister

The big kids being blinded by the sun!

Dad's Check-up

After flying all over the country, I arrived back in South Dakota just in time to hop in the car with my parents to go to Minnesota.  Dad's 12 week study had come to an end and the doctors needed to do some tests to see how his body had responded to the treatments.  All of the tests went well.  His doctor called him the star student because his body was responding so well to the treatment.  Praise God!
アメリカのあちら、こちらへ飛行機で移動した後、SDに戻りました。そして、帰ってすぐに両親とミネソタ州に行った。父のチェックのためだった。その結果はよかったです！お医者さんはすごく嬉しかったです。私たちも嬉しかったです！神様に感謝しています！

We had some fun with the statues in front of the clinic.

The Mayo brothers

Mom sat on the cat bench to share the good news!