good news {merry christmas}

I bring you good news that will cause great joy 

for all the people. Today in the town of David 

a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Luke 2:10-11

Merry Christmas!

xoxo.

good news {love}

This is the fourth week in my Advent series. Advent is an ancient Christian tradition, celebrating this season of preparation and an anticipation for the birth of Christ. Many churches light one candle each Sunday on the four weeks leading up to Christmas. I'm following that pattern, with the themes of hope, peace, joy and love.

love

For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing. You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. -- Deuteronomy 10:17-19a

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. -- John 13:34-35

Oh, how He loves us. I have been reminded, confronted, surprised and comforted by God's love this year, perhaps more than any other year. When we decided to move to Texas, our family and friends cheered us on, encouraged us and are even operating as storage units for us. When our car was broken into during our move, there were phone calls to sympathize with us and open arms to comfort us. The love of our family and friends is what got us here in one piece. But it's the love, blessings, honesty and generosity of thirteen people that have kept us here, thriving and growing in God's love.

Those thirteen people are our Lifegroup at church. The first Sunday we were in Abilene, Landon and I decided to try the closest church to us. It's just down the street, and the huge building fooled us into thinking that the congregation was in the hundreds. When we walked into the sanctuary, there were about 90 people in the service. And we felt awkward. We're keep-to-yourself kind of Oregonians, so the hug 'n' howdy time of course made us uncomfortable, but I couldn't say that Texans aren't welcoming. People walked from across the room to greet us. And by the time the service was over, I just had a sneaking suspicion that this was place for us. We came back, and kept coming back. Not because of the worship. Not because of the preaching style. Because of the people (although the worship and preaching are great too!). We have been so blessed by the people. People who see a need and give with urgency and generosity. People who know you and allow themselves to be known. People who will dance to The 12 Days of Christmas in front of the entire congregation together. People who know what life is about, and live it. It has been such a blessing to witness the love of our group, and the love in our church. As the verse above says, I have learned to love the stranger, because we were once strangers here, but God, through his people, provided for us and revealed his everlasting love. 

Teach us to love, O Lord. May we always remember to put you first as we follow Christ's footsteps, that we may know your love and show it in our lives. As we prepare for our celebration of Jesus' birth, also fill our hearts with love for the world, that all may know your love and the one whom you have sent, your son, our Savior. Amen.

xoxo.

[prayer and verses via]

good news {joy}

This is the third week in my Advent series. Advent is an ancient Christian tradition, celebrating this season of preparation and an anticipation for the birth of Christ. Many churches light one candle each Sunday on the four weeks leading up to Christmas. I'm following that pattern, with the themes of hope, peace, joy and love.

joy

"But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight." -- Isaiah 65:18

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. --Philippians 4:12

Joy is a delight in life that runs deeper than pain or pleasure.

I remember hearing these words from one of my dad's sermons a few years ago, and it's really stuck with me. My joy is often rooted in my location. I grew up in Portland, a beautiful, fun and quirky place that is really unlike any other that I've been to. We drive 55 mph on the freeway, we have killer parks (which my best friend's dad is now in charge of, side note) and the best, most smooth, foamy, beautiful latte you've ever had on the corner of 28th and Ankeny. Even now as I type, my heart aches for that place, because it's filled with so many memories, and because I know the city and I feel like the city knows me. It's about comfort really. I am familiar there, I'm understood. It's where my family is, it's where I was shaped, it's where I'm rooted. And roots are important, but so is growth.

So, with my joy rooted in a city I loved, I packed up and moved to San Diego for college, 1,000 miles away. And naturally, I was homesick. Terribly homesick. I cried weekly (if not daily) for an entire year over a decision that was entirely my own. And my sweet mom listened to endless phone calls, endless complaints about San Diego (I know what you're thinking, how can you complain about San Diego? I promise, it can be done), and her response was always the same: Choose joy. Choose joy.

But, I didn't really want to choose joy, because I was more comfortable thinking about where I wasn't than where I was. I didn't want to do the hard work of getting involved in a community in San Diego, because it was easier to be sad about not being in Portland. And while I had wonderful, fabulous years in college, I wish I had done more during that first year. I wish I had learned to choose joy by acknowledging my roots, but also opening myself up for growth. I guess I'm a slow learner.

Fast forward a few years, and I'm now in a small town in West Texas. And somehow, even though there's no ocean, no fabulous coffee shop, no running trails and no curbside recycling pickup, I have joy here. And more joy than I've ever had. Because I know that my roots are in Portland, but my growth is now. And now is West Texas. I don't want to waste my time crying over what isn't when I could be acknowledging the fabulous things that God has blessed us with. 

There are certainly times when I really wish that we could just have a dishwasher for a day. Or where I'd give anything just to walk into a Winco and pick up a box of Wheat Thins for cheap (never thought I'd say that, but crackers are steeply priced here). But I wouldn't trade my joy for a dishwasher or Wheat Thins, because I know what it's like to have my joy rooted in something other than Christ, and it doesn't work. Because inevitably, at one point or another, that thing will run out, and you'll be left looking back at what you had with sadness, rather than thanking God for what you have with joy.

We joyfully praise you, O Lord, for the fulfillment of your promise of a Savior and what that means in our lives. Thank you for the gift of salvation through the birth of your son, Jesus. Create us anew as we wait, and help us to see your glory as you fill our lives with your living Spirit. Amen.

xoxo.

[prayer and verse via]

good news {peace}

This is the second week in my Advent series. Advent is an ancient Christian tradition, celebrating this season of preparation and an anticipation for the birth of Christ. Many churches light one candle each Sunday on the four weeks leading up to Christmas. I'm following that pattern, with the themes of hope, peace, joy and love.

peace

"For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." -- Isaiah 9:6-7

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." -- John 14:27

Ahh, peace. Peace and I have grown to become good friends, but not without a few bumps along the way. Landon and I live a very calm, peaceful life. We live within a mile of school, work and church, have wonderful friends and are loving our place in life right now. But this past summer was anything but peaceful. We were battling hot summer temps that we didn't even know existed, I was looking for a job and we wondered just how long we could go before the money ran out. Peaceful thoughts were few and far between in this noggin of mine. But I think that sometimes God stretches us so far that we have to surrender. For me, surrender comes in the form of sleepless nights and puddles of tears, and there were a number of those.

God has allowed me to be changed through this move to Texas and transition in life. He has taught me that while I may be a great planner, but I've got nothin' on His plan. He's showed me that humility and vulnerability will take you farther than sarcasm and a judgmental attitude. He's shown His grace, forgiveness and generosity to us in ways we never could have imagined. And He has given me a grateful heart. I tell Landon almost every day that I love our life. I think that living with less makes me more aware of our blessings, because I know they aren't of our own accord. Every day is a journey to seek the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, and will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

Gracious God, Grant that we may find peace as we prepare for our Lord’s birth. May divisions in ourselves and in our families be peacefully resolved. May there be peace in our cities and in the countries of our world. Help us to see the paths of peace in our lives, and then give to us courage to follow them. Lord, let us remember that you only are the giver of lasting peace and that you are always with us. Amen.

xoxo.

[prayer and verse via]

good news {hope}

I've decided to start a new series for this holiday season, following the four weeks of Advent. Advent is an ancient Christian tradition, celebrating this season of preparation and an anticipation for the birth of Christ. I know there will be lots of gift guides and holiday projects popping up on blogs this season (mine included), and the spirit of giving is certainly integral to Christmas, but it's the coming of Christ that inspires us to give and serve one another, and I'd like to take the time to reflect on that. Many churches light one candle each Sunday on the four weeks leading up to Christmas. I'm following that pattern, with the themes of hope, peace, joy and love. For the next four Tuesdays, I'll post on one of those themes and how Christ has brought the gifts of hope, peace, joy and love into my life. 

hope

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness -- on them light has shined. -Isaiah 9:2

Just a few weeks after we moved to Texas, we got word that my Grandpa's health was quickly declining. He had been ill for some time, but it had gotten drastically worse. Amidst the feelings of culture shock and discomfort that come with moving to a new place, I was now grieving the impending loss of my Grandfather. Just two days later, he died surrounded by my Grandma, his children and lots of hymns and prayers. 

The next day, I boarded a plane for Seattle, still a bit in shock and longing to be with my family. Because I had booked the flight so last-minute, I was in the middle seat of the last row on the plane. Sitting on my right was an older African-American gentleman with a thick accent. He started to ask about where I was from, and where I was going. I told him I was headed to Central Washington for my Grandpa's funeral. He looked me in the eye, nodded and said, "I'm so sorry."

A few seconds later, he looked up at me again and said, "Did he know the Lord?"

I smiled. "He did," I said.

"Ahh, then this is a homecoming!"

What a beautiful reminder that there is hope in death. That because of Christ's coming and because of his love and sacrifice for us, death is not the end, but a homecoming. This stranger on a plane (who later patted my back gently while my I held that little baggie as my body revolted against the turbulence) reminded me of the hope of Christ, even in times of darkness. And I have full confidence that if I hadn't been a believer, he would have boldly shared the gospel of Christ with me.

Hope is knowing that death and darkness have no power against our Savior.

Hope is trusting that God knows exactly what he's doing at all times, and that it is for our good.

Hope is living in anticipation of the homecoming.

Lord as we look to the birth of Jesus, grant that the light of your love for us will help us to become lights in the lives of those around us. Prepare our hearts for the joy and gladness of your coming, for Jesus is our hope. Amen.

xoxo.

[prayer and verse via]