A young woman gently rests her newborn child on the hay in the manger. Her first born, she already knows God has great plans for Him. She already knows her son, no, God's Son, would be teaching her, not the other way around. The Messiah, King of Kings, Prince of Peace, was here. Their Savior had come.

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, for there was no room for them in the inn. ~ Luke 2:7

A shepherd sits silhouetted against the night's mysterious light. His gaze remains transfixed on a star shining vividly above the town of Jerusalem. He has never seen it so bright. He turns to the other shepherds and points. He does not need to use words. Their eyes follow his finger and they marvel at the star, shining so brilliantly. An Angel of the Lord stands before them, and the glory of the Lord shines around them. They tremble in fear, and fall to the ground in awe. The Angel speaks, telling them of great tidings.

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ~ Luke 2:11

Another man sees the same star the shepherd has been watching. He also calls others to look, showing them the star of the King of Jews. Their clothes are not like those of the shepherds, coarse and rough, but  are fine and rich. The wise men prepare for a journey, bringing gifts and hearts ready to worship an infant King.

"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."  ~  Matthew 2:2

Today I'm Thankful For...

61, Christmas movies

62. Christmas anticipation

63. The Christmas story

64. Christmas wrapping paper

65. Christ in Christmas

66. Christmas decorations

67. Christmas cards

68. Christmas clothes

69. Christmas candy

70. Christmas joy

What Are You Thankful For?

And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to Thy holy name, and glory in Thy praise. ~ 1 Chronicles 16:35

Christmas is a week away. I feel like it was just a few months ago that we last celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus, but then I think of everything that has happened since then and it makes it feel like a few years ago.

Last year at this  time I would never have imagined that I would be living where I am now. I would never have imagined that I would meet one of my best friends, or that I would be driving across the United States.  This isn't a New Year's post though so I won't go over everything that has happened.

Things haven't been so busy around here since my last choir performance last Sunday. When I got there I found out it was being filmed for television so the pressure was on, but it went really well. I miss choir and can't wait for it to start again in January, but I'm also happy for the break.

What have I been doing with the time that break has given me? Writing! Several weeks ago at a Christmas party I saw a painting and it inspired me. So suddenly, without warning, I started writing a novel with the working title Dancing in the Rain. The title will probably change because it sounds way to much like Singing in the Rain, but I'm loving the plot so far.

I'm also still working on Rejected Joy, plugging away at it. Thinking back over everything I've realized how many holes, and problems I'll have to fix in further drafts, and groaning at all the work that will entail. I'm determined to finish it though.

Other then that it's pretty much just been little things. Decoration the house for Christmas, watching movies as a family, chatting with Mum and Eyebright, and always trying to remember why this time of year is so important.

Merry Christmas!

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Posted in: California, here I come...

Hey! We leave for Richmond in about half an hour. We're going to the airport there, and then on a flight to
California!!!!!!

Last night we gave everyone Hannukah presents. I gave Rebekah bookmarks (that I made myself), Sarah exclusive cupons (that I made myself-ask her what they are for), Daddy a remote control holder (that I made myself), and Mom I gave a shirt for her bear Edward (which...I made myself!). Sarah gave me a necklace/bracelet/anklet, and daddy gave me a PVCC baseball cap, and a some ear phones for my MP3 player. Mom (known for collecting lots of gifts throughout the year and giving a LOT) got me a  Snuggie (which came with a reading light), a Cats Of The World book, a Tinkerbelle water bottle, purple gloves, and I think that's about it! Yesterday, daddy got us Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Night at the Mueseum-Battle of the Smithsonian.

There's also something that I might be going to...but in case I'm not, I won't tell you yet. I will tell you in January.

In case I'm not on very often in California, have a Happy Hannukah, Mery Christmas, and a Happy New Year!!!!

TTYL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rachel

P.S. Celina, I'm sorry we couldn't talk on the phone on Saturday!! I might be able to talk to you in California, but I'm not sure. Say hello to your kitties for me!!!

-Rach

This is my first review for Crossway, and I was glad to discover it would be a relatively easy one. 

Today I am Thankful For...

51. My wonderful Daddy

52. Paintings that throw inspiration on you

53. Trashy movies that make me want to write something better

54. Christmas shopping

55. The book of Luke

56. The story of Robin Hood

57. Narniagirl/Sam/Kylie

58. Hair clips

59. Green notebooks/green pencils/green headphones

60. The perfect sentence

What Are You Thankful For?

Oh give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever. ~ 1 Chronicles 16:34

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Posted in: Hannukah

I can't talk long, but I wanted to tell you about the party yesterday. It went pretty well, although two of my friends couldn't come and about eight other people. It was still fun. We have lots of food leftover!

We'll be figuring what we want to pack today, packing tomorrow, and leaving on Wednesday! We'll be leaving in the afternoon, so I'll have time to post an entry before we leave!

TTYL,

Rachel