It's a Boy!

Every year, I look forward more and more to Christmas. Every year I'm excited to learn more about God and why he decided to send his son to earth to be with us. I do feel more of a disconnect with all of the other "stuff" that surrounds Christmas in our culture this year. I have decided that most of it is perfectly fine and mostly enjoyable and simply just a "cultural" thing we do. Traditions that are harmless, that bring family and friends together. This time of year seems to make people more generous. Why not be generous all year round? Why not celebrate the fact that Jesus was/is year round? Hmmm.......

I enjoyed our Christmas Eve Eve service at Genesis this past Sunday. It was a great time of worship in many forms- laughs, contemplation, singing, praying, and being thankful to God for all he provides, especially his best gift- Jesus. I particularly enjoyed the birthday party our children's ministry, "The Garden", was having during the service. They had cake and decorations and everything. They sang so loud during their party, you could hear it down the hallway, through the lobby, and all the way into the auditorium during the service. Knowing what was going on, I couldn't help but smile. I snapped this picture on my phone before it was eaten up:


Merry Christmas (from Old English Crīstes mæsse, Christ's festival : Crīst, Christ; Christ + mæsse, festival; Mass.)!

Angel PSAs

The fine creative folks at Genesis created these little promos for our Christmas Eve (eve- it's on the 23rd) service....

They're kinda funny...check em out:

Angel PSA #1
Angel PSA #2

(we're wrapping up a series called "Christmas Dreams and Visitations" we studied the many dreams and angels that came to people surrounding the birth of Jesus)

Oh the weather outside is frightful...

I can't remember the last time it snowed this much! It started last night and hasn't stopped yet, almost 24 hours later! It's been fun so far. I almost got stuck on the way to church, but after doing a little rocking between drive and reverse and a few zig zags, I escaped the side streets of Royal Oak to the plowed main arteries of the city.

We had a small turn out this morning for our 10:30 service, but there was a core group of fearless attendees and volunteers to hear about Joseph's second dream from God and sing some Christmas songs to celebrate the birth of God on earth, Jesus. We canceled our evening service in Detroit, a city that is known for not being able to plow much, if at all, on the side streets. Depending on where you're at and if the strong wind has made a snow drift yet, you could be in 6-12 inches of snow!

I tried to have some afternoon snow fun with Ari, but she wasn't having it. Her actions clearly stated: "Let me back in! Ok, ok! I really am more than fine with being an indoor cat!"

"What the heck happened to the dirt and grass I was gazing at yesterday from my perch?"

"Should I go back in? I feel torn...warm inside, cold outside...uhh...."

"Ok, I'm out. Weird. Snow is odorless."

"I decided against my planned snow angel. My delicate feet are uncomfortable."

"OPEN THE DOOR NOW."

Picea pungens

I'm still around, though quiet, if you're wondering. I'm kind of in a state of self reflection and contemplation, as intense as that sounds, it's quite the truth.

I'm trying to enjoy my first Christmas is my own place in Michigan. I've done Christmas in Los Angeles, Taiwan, and leading up to it in college at Michigan State, but this year I have my own real tree and complete decoration authority. My tree is a lovely blue spruce (picea pungens - its species name of course). The smell is my favorite part about it. She drinks a shocking amount of water daily and seems to be irritated by the heating vent that blasts uncomfortably warm air towards her top. Here she is:


The other day I went out on an adventure to find a book I am now reading; Atonement by Ian McEwan (it's a page turner, which is quite a statement from someone like me who is bored by most things). My travels took me to a hidden little town just 15 minutes from my doorstep; Franklin, Michigan. It's a town that is somewhat familiar to me due to the fact that my father grew up there, my grandparents lived there long ago, and growing up my family took many trips there to visit the Franklin Cider Mill, after visiting my Dad's grave- he is buried in the Franklin Cemetery.

Franklin is the most adorable little town from end to end. There's not much to speak of, but the historic buildings and sites that are still standing (the town or village as it really is known was founded in 1824) are intriguing and unique in every way. Some interesting facts about Franklin:

- Mitch Albom lives there, author of Tuesdays with Morrie & The Five People You Meet in Heaven.
-Franklin was a station on the Underground Railroad
-Franklin has the cutest, coziest, little library that I visited to pick up my book:


I took the photo below in the same spot I took the one above. I turned a bit to my right to capture this nice scene. The Franklin Cemetery is just over the hills off to the left of the church. It's a beautiful old cemetery too.


More historic visits to Franklin in the works.

One Cold Hand

Haven't been in my blogging suit lately, nor have I felt like jumping back in. Things are chugging along here in the city of motors. Was delighted to step outside last night and see the courtyard covered in a blanket of snow, but was frown-faced this morning when I stepped out into the rain and later an all out downpour. Happy it's officially ok to blast the Christmas tunes though.

Before signing off before my shabbat, I will share one interesting piece of information with you that will change your world this winter. Oh, wait, I just realized the site is for Pittsburgh only. Oh well, it's a good idea anyways.

Check out this site for your one lost mitten or glove:
http://www.onecoldhand.com/

I have yet to lose one or find one, but it's only a matter of time.