This past weekend, two of my girls got to be part of a recreation called "Bethlehem Revisited" at a local church. It's fairly elaborate, starting with your "journey" to Bethlehem for the Roman census.

(These camels even gave rides in the afternoons.)

Nearing Bethlehem, we got to hear the angel announcing Christ's birth.

Just outside of Bethlehem, this man was begging for alms.

I forgot to take a picture of the Roman guards at the gate of Bethlehem, registering all entrants for the census.

Inside Bethlehem were shops of all kinds.

Here, Fairywings kneads dough at the bread shop.

Anony sold food in another shop.

There were candles, jewelry, baskets, clothing, pottery, rugs, weavers, artists--a plethora of potential purchases.

Bethlehem had a well, a tax collector, and a contingent of prominent Roman noblemen (and women).

But of course, best of all, Bethlehem had a stable with Mary, Joseph, and a newborn baby, destined to be our Savior.

The girls had a great time being involved with this and hope to do it again next year.

Lessons I learned from my dad:

My dad was all about hard work and duty, doing well what you know you’re supposed to do before relaxing. Through his example, he built within each of us a strong work ethic and a stoic, uncomplaining attitude.

As he grew older, his emphasis became more on the eternal and soaking up spiritual truths. Our phone conversations when I was an adult usually centered around something he was studying on his own or learning in a Bible class. I realized that spiritual growth was ongoing as my dad imparted new spiritual lessons to me and I heard his heart for each of his children and grandchildren to spend eternity with God.

Memories:

My dad loved to read aloud, and he was pretty good at it. I remember being regaled with Thurber’s “The Night the Bed Fell,” Twain’s “The Frog Jumping Contest of Calaveras County,” and Ralph Moody’s “Little Britches” series. Typically, he would read these to us right after supper. He took such pleasure in sharing his favorite poems and stories.

As a young teenager, I remember my dad crying after watching a video by James Dobson. He regretted not spending more time with my brothers and me and realized we would not be at home with him much longer. As a result, he offered to take us to the park to play. Now, we were all a little old for that, but I thought, “Hey, I’d better take what I can get while it’s being offered.” And we laughed and played at the park—climbing, sliding, chasing, and swinging. I’m glad I didn’t miss that memory.

I remember one particular summer vacation when I was a teen. My dad used some of the time with us to study through the book of Nehemiah. In a chapter on rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, he particularly emphasized the passages that speak of people building that part of the wall next to their homes. He wanted us to understand how much more care they would have taken in making the wall strong, since a weakness at that point would have allowed the enemy to breach the wall right next to their homes.

As my dad matured, I think he understood more clearly that the Enemy was seeking to destroy his home and that prayer, Bible study, and right fellowship with his family would fortify the protection around it. He did pray for his children and grandchildren, that they would each come to know the Lord.

Growing up, I wasn’t always as understanding and respectful of my father as I should have been. Thankfully, he didn’t hold that against me, but loved me anyway, often expressing his pride in the woman I had become. I’m thankful for the many memories I have of my dad through the years, and I look forward to making many more with him when I one day join him in eternity.

1 : companionship, company
2 a : community of interest, activity, feeling, or experience b : the state of being a fellow or associate
3 : a company of equals or friends : association
4 : the quality or state of being comradely
5 obsolete : membership, partnership

I think we could all use some more fellowship (company, community, association, partnership) don't you?

Christmas really isn't about the presents.

And I tell myself that every year but this year I think God is helping us all to understand it's about relationship, not gifts.  And I find myself relieved, in a way, that we can't buy, buy, buy for Christmas.  Because it makes me stop and think.  What really is important to me at Christmas?

Is it that I want to have enough gifts under the tree for my kids?

Or is it teaching them about love, and fellowship, and togetherness?

What do I really want my kids to learn?

I'm sure, in my heart, that it's about relationship.

Now, if I can only get my brain to follow my heart I'll be in good shape.

IN HIM ALWAYS...

This past Saturday, we helped Gary's parents celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary.

The girls covered tables in photos, then wrapped them in clear plastic.

AnonymousGirl made the scrumptious chocolate cake on the lower right of the picture. She separated the layers with pineapple slices and cream cheese filling. It was a definite hit with everyone who tasted it!

This year, we again find ourselves grateful to God for His many blessings on our family. We’re glad for the 7 ½ years we were able to spend getting to know Gary’s parents while they shared a home with us. Now, we’re thankful they are being cared for in a nice assisted living apartment that Gary’s sister picked out for them. And we’re happy for the extra living space, especially after finding out that God is granting us another sweet little relative who should arrive by next February.

We’re pleased to have been able to spend some time with my parents in July at Yellowstone Bible Camp near Pray, MT. And I’m particularly appreciative to have seen my parents again in late September when they flew out here for a few days. Though my dad was obviously in pain from his bone cancer, he seemed to enjoy their visit.

Gary’s long hours and the hard physical labor of his job made it easier to be enthusiastic about his unexpected job loss in September. We have all benefitted from his daily presence, his calm demeanor and abundant wisdom.

Dragon's decision in June to put on Christ in baptism was overwhelmingly welcome, and it’s a joy to watch her thirst for the Word and speak spiritual truths. She has continued her Japanese studies as well, hoping that God will use her skills to His glory and the benefit of the kingdom. She amazes me with her clothing design abilities. She patterns as she cuts, uses only what we already have, and sews every stitch by hand. She created a unique jacket with super-large pockets out of extra drapes we had, lining it with old tablecloth material. She has also knitted several large scarves this year, using the abundance of yarn others have given us.

God continues to hone Book's and Anony's character and integrity, drawing them to a deeper walk with Him and solidifying the commitments they each made in previous Junes. Book hopes to graduate this May, frantically cramming required credits into her senior year. She plans to attend a state college locally, living at home while working toward her nursing degree. If scholarships allow, she would love to transfer to Harding University’s nursing program with her associate’s degree in a few years.

Anony is our newest “driver in training”, increasing Gary’s gray hairs as he instructs her. She is enjoying her junior year, taking several classes through a homeschool co-op and involved again on the yearbook staff.

The winged one and her oldest brother, Jay, both volunteer with MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers) twice a month, babysitting the children while their mothers take time to be encouraged and refreshed. Bee (she of the aforementioned wings) is slowly maturing, gradually learning duty, consistency and cheerfulness.

Jay bought two parakeets in early September. Their cage is in the boys’ room, so they’re surrounded by activity and noise. So far, he has cared well for his birds, keeping them clean, fed, and watered. He’s disappointed that they won’t step one claw outside of their cage or even onto his finger, but he’s not giving up yet.

Nick continues to make up stories and games for his siblings to play. He still struggles with dyslexia, but has begun showing some encouraging signs of improvement. He has recently been having fun riding a smaller-sized motorcycle around our property, taking turns with Jay.

Lately, Mike has become a reader, devouring stories about the Littles. He also impresses with his kitchen prowess, whipping up scrambled eggs, omelets, breakfast burritos, and quesadillas. He is all boy, wrestling his older brothers—though he has yet to beat Jay. He has more scars than the rest of the kids combined, and he wears them proudly.

Cade just turned five but is eager to be much older. She enjoys having tea parties with KC and playing with her brothers’ Lego people. She has a quirky sense of humor. KC admires Cade and is developing her own peculiar wit. They play well together most of the time.

All of the children are looking forward to holding their new baby sister, though Jay is hoping the ultrasound technician made a mistake and we’re actually having a boy.

May you all have a blessed 2010 and revel in God’s goodness to you.