Words Mean Something

The idea that each word has a weight of its own, a meaning, has been the recurring theme in my communication disorder classes. Sometimes I give great consideration to my own words and the words of others. Other times, I speak and listen with little thought. The following words, which I first heard several years ago, have meant something to me. Each time I hear them, they speak a particular truth about my life, about all of us. Today, they have echoed in my ears.

In the economy of mercy
I am a poor and begging man
The currency of Grace
is where my song begins
In the colors of Your goodness
in the scars that mark Your skin
In the currency of Grace
is where my song begins

Their original context is the song "Economy of Mercy" by Switchfoot. On their own, they are extremely poetic. In the context of the song, I like them even more. The title words strike me most. I know not how to give more weight to words which, in my mind, are already so heavy. I can only say that I have no currency but the grace of God. For that, I praise the Lord above.

Drooling...

over this.

New Year

I've been contemplating a New Year's post for several days now. Originally, I made no resolutions. I never stick to them, so why make them, right? After some consideration, I decided that might not be the best attitude. I can't go through life not setting goals just because I think I'll fail. So, while I still don't have any definite goals or resolutions, I have decided that this year, I'm going to try to stop thinking in terms of "someday," and "eventually." If there's something I want to do, I'm going to just do it. Not everything can be done right this second, but I can start working towards it.

So right off the bat, I have a few things that I simply had to do. I saw these circles on one of my favorite blogger's site. I like her fabrics much better, but I'm thinking I can always change them out if I find ones I like better. Anyway, I've been wanting to complete this quirky little project for quite a while and I finally did it.

Ah, my good old trumpet. It's been several years since I picked it up. I've been saying that some day I'll pick it up again. I played for almost ten years, so I'd be foolish to let myself forget completely. It felt surprisingly good in my hands. I'm pretty rusty, but hopefully I can get back in the swing of it soon. Kyle also picked up his old trumpet. We're hoping we can play some duets.

I'm also attempting to read my Bible in its supposed chronological order this year. According to my reading plan, it started, of course, with the first few chapters in Genesis. Currently, I'm reading in Job.

I have a few other ideas of things I want to accomplish, but perhaps they can wait for another time. I better go practice that trumpet!

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas

lent his ear this way. This afternoon Santa Claus came to the bank to do some business! It was such a delight. He was happy and endearing. My face must have lit up when I saw him. I greeted him with a very happy "Hi, Santa!" He grinned and called me a nice young lady. I think that means no coal for me. I was so flustered by his sudden appearance, that I messed up his transaction. Oh, well. He knew that I was excited to see him.

We purchased our yearly Christmas book last night. After searching through many magical books full of Christmas wonder, we decided on "Christmas Day in the Morning." It is a sweet little story by the very accomplished Pearl Buck. I am very pleased to add it to our collection.

I'll be spending the next few days at home baking, wrapping, and being joyful. I hope everyone has a lovely and happy Christmas!

Feeling Sentimental

Maybe it's the lights on the tree. Maybe it's all the Hallmark movies. All I know is that it's been an emotional couple weeks for me. This time of year is a roller coaster for a lot of people. I'm unsure why that's so for me. For the three years Kyle and I were dating, I was always utterly devastated at the idea of leaving him for a month while we were on break from school. As of last year, my sadness was replaced with the pure joy of not having to part ways. I am so thankful for him and for the love God has given us to share. I get to share my life with this wonderful man!

I've been wrapping Christmas presents all day. I feel so grateful for all that we've been given and all that we can give. I am glad that we have a church and friends that remind us to keep a holy perspective this time of year.