Friday, December 25, 2009
We were watching
The Nativity Story last night, and one of the wisemen quoted this passage. Even though it is not from the standard works, I think it is still good.
And after this there shall arise for you a star from Jacob in peace. And a man shall arise from my posterity like the sun of righteousness, walking with the sons of men in gentleness and righteousness, and in him will be found no sin. And the heavens will be opened upon him to pour out the spirit as a blessing of the holy Father. And he will pour out the spirit of grace on you. This is the shoot of God most high; this is the fountain of life of all humanity. Then he will illumine the scepter of my kingdom, and from your root will arise the shoot, and through it will arise the rod of righteousness for the nations, to judge and to save all that call on the Lord. (from the Testament of Judah 24.1-6)
Last Sunday in Sacrament meeting, I was privileged enough to give one of only two talks. I opened with the following excerpt from Max Lucado's Book
One Incredible Moment:
"There is one word that describes the night He came- ordinary.
"The sky was ordinary. An occasional gust stirred the leaves and chilled the air. The stars were diamonds sparkling on black velvet. Fleets of clouds floated in front of the moon.
"It was a beautiful night -a night worth peeking out your bedroom window to admire- but not really an unusual one. No reason to expect a surprise. Nothing to keep a person awake. An ordinary night with an ordinary sky."
And here is what I got to thinking (but didn't end up sharing with anyone except for my mother). Despite the Night Wonder of the world (I mean, hello, a new star?), why did no one take notice, except for the Wise Men? People had already been told what the signs would be of the Savior's coming, yet they didn't notice this? And then I thought, will we notice when He comes again? Or will we be too accustomed to the wonders in the sky and all the other signs that have been given throughout the years? Likely it will seem to be just another "ordinary" day. "Ordinary" night.
"An ordinary night with ordinary sheep and ordinary shepherds. And were it not for a God who loves to hook an 'extra' on the front of the ordinary, the night would have gone unnoticed. The sheep would have been forgotten, and the shepherds would have slept the night away.
"But God dances amidst the common. And that night he did a waltz." (One Incredible Moment)
I leave with you one more thought, this one from Benjamin Franklin:
"How many observe Christ's birthday! How few, his precepts. O 'tis easier to keep holidays than commandments."
Labels: Christmas, Religion, Svithe
Thursday, December 24, 2009
This is for you, Mom.
And, even though this has nothing to do with Christmas Eve, or even winter, for that matter, I've got one more. FeFe, I dedicate this one to you.
Labels: Christmas, Comics, Holiday
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Before I was sent home from work tonight*, I helped a customer on the phone who, apparently, had just been in to buy some books and hadn't gotten her free bookmarks that were supposed to come with her purchase. When I informed her that we don't even
have free bookmarks,
ever, she said, and I quote (but edit as well, for sake of personal and company protection), "Well! I'm not shopping at [bookstore] anymore!" And then she hung up.
And here I was thinking that, after working for Disney, nothing would surprise me.
*I have a sinus infection, an ear infection, and a "mild" fever. Plus, we were so not busy in our section of the store and there were 5 of us working until 8; we don't get customers after 7:30 as it is, so they did not need me.
Labels: work
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Apparently it's been a while since I last updated my blog. I was not wholly aware of this, and I'd apologize, but I have a life now and have been busy.
One, it's Christmas/Holiday hours at work now. I work a lot. Two, I moved! Now I spend what little free time I have mostly unpacking boxes. Oh, except I need my desk put back in the house so I can decide what goes on the desk, what goes on the dresser, and what goes on the bookcases. Oh, and Three, I've been busy putting Christmas lights on my tree. I think it has enough, but now I need to put them in my living room windows (I got some awesome snowflakes and star lights for that). Also on the mantle, but that requires Dad putting it back.
Oh, and basically I don't have internet unless I am at the Parent's house (my other house?) because that is where my computer is living. Therefore, if you email me, don't expect a reply for like a week, because that is how often I seem to be even turning on my laptop.
So, moral of the story, when I have time/energy, I will take/post pictures and we will all be happy.
