I've decided to blog a little bit each day of December, using the Christmas story directly from the Bible.  Usually, I pic up a day or so on another friend's blog, but he's burned out this year, and the Christmas season kinda snuck up on him, so I'm going to pick this up and run with it.  Here we go...

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And he came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee. But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this might be.

Luke 1:26-29 New American Standard

In generally, people prefer to start with Luke 2, overlooking this part of the Christmas story.  However, in my life, I seem to be surrounded by friends who are getting married and/or getting pregnant, so I thought it fitting to start with Mary and her pregnancy.  I have never paid attention to Mary's reaction to Gabriel, to be honest with you.  What would I do if an angel appeared to me and told me I am highly favored with the Lord?  I think I would respond like Mary, with a little bit of hesitation, wondering what is going to follow this greeting.  However... to me, this hesitation makes Mary just a bit more human.  So often, I am caught up in the idea that Mary was this ideal woman, this woman that I will never even come close to being.  After all, she took this huge leap of faith... and I wonder if I would do the same, if I were in her shoes.  I would like to think I would, but as I look at my own walk with Christ, I find that I sometimes come up lacking when I should be trusting.  Reading this passage from Luke reminds me that Mary was human, just as I am human... and that comforts me greatly.

Father God, we are all human.  We all have moments where we are greatly troubled.  It is how we respond in these situations that help shape us to become better people.  I know that I struggle with my doubts, and I only hope that when I come face to face with my doubts, that I turn to You, that I trust in You. 

This goes out to Miss R.

"See, it's like sugar under the foam," he said quietly.  "The foam is the first thing you can taste, and it always seems to be bitter.  No matter how much sugar you pour in your cup, it doesn't affect the foam.  But it still affects the drink - still affects us.  Too much sugar and you're left with a sickeningly-sweet taste in your mouth, and not enough sugar and it's just bitter.  But the right amount... is perfection."

Didn't make any this year, so none to evaluate... sorry to those who like that.

2009 Resolutions

Resolution Number 1: On compliments

I'm going to learn how to accept (and believe) compliments when they come from friends.  The friends I have wouldn't say them without meaning them.

Resolution Number 2: On church

I'm going to find a new church this year that I like, and get involved somehow.  I miss that communion between the family of Christ.  Right now, I feel like a visitor passing through, not a member of any church.  Going to fix that.

Resolution Number 3: On work

I'm going to find a job I like.  Or, at least, one that pays rent.  But hopefully, one that fills both requirements.

Resolution Number 4: On God

I spent a lot of time in 2008 questioning Him and His timing.  I'd like to get past that in 2009.

Resolution Number 5: On life

I'm going to find the small things in life that make me happy and do them.  Live life to the fullest and not regret and doubt myself.