Rejoicing Always...Even After Christmas

Christmas is now past...ornaments are put away, lights (half of the string didn't work...but nobody new unless they looked at the back of our tree. :) )  have been thrown away, and all the boxes from the different presents have been burned (in the burn pile...that's what we do out in the sticks) as well as our beautiful tree.   Even though December 25th is past and the excitement of the special day is past we as Christians have so much to look forward to.  

I can rejoice in the fact that I have a Savior who has taken upon Himself every drop of God's wrath that justly should have been poured out on me. I can rejoice about this:

 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us, we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

As I mentioned in a previous post, (Depths and Riches of the Gospel), I didn't realize for the longest time that I don't just have a "clean slate" but I have Christ's righteousness imputed to me! In other words, I have ALL the righteousness I will ever need in order to be part of God's kingdom. Wow! This then motivates me to do good works! Not because I am trying to be "good enough", but because I love the One who saved me from eternal punishment AND gave me HIS righteousness. What hope and joy I can always experience! I am no longer guilty for my sins...I am  no longer a slave to sin but a slave of righteousness, no longer an enemy of God but a citizen of Heaven,  now that's something to always be rejoicing about...all throughout the year.

Christmas Vacation

Here are some things we were blessed to do during the past week.

We took a vacation to Newport.  Here is an exhibit at the Aquarium.

An anaconda...this was a favorite.

Hands on with the sea creatures.

Shark aquarium.

Braving the winds...and rain!

Back in the warm hotel for some food.

Christmas morning.

Battling tops game. (One Grant remembers as a kid.)

 

I think their faces should be on the front of the game box. :)

Lamplighter Publishing

My friend Jessica turned me on to this website, http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com/ , awhile ago.   I recently recieved a new catalog of their newest books, and I always admire how beautiful they are. They are old books (many written in the 1800s) that have been reprinted. These are books worth collecting, as they are "treasures of truth through stories from days gone by." I hope to begin collecting them for our own family. 

To add to these great books are the audio dramas. I must say, these are better than even watching a movie! It's very professional and the stories are helpful for teaching character. I found this free download of one of the books called "A Peep Behind the Scenes". I have only listened to the first two episodes, but look forward to hearing the rest (on my stationary bike). :) I thought I might share this neat resource with you all too!

http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com/theatre/A-Peep-Behind-the-Scenes.html

Enjoy!

Tree Time and Grandma's Birthday

We found the perfect tree!

Pretty serious about decorating.

It's getting there.

Finishing touches.

Celebrating Great Grandma Ernie's 88th birthday!

Hope Ink Art

Hi all! This is just a quick note to share with you some of my friend, Emily's work. http://www.hopeink.com/
She is a wife and homeschooling mother of four...and has an amazing way of incorporating scripture with art. Please check it out and enjoy!

And many more!  http://www.etsy.com/shop/hopeink