Emmanuel, God With Us
December 24, 2009
Finally, tonight we’ll be still and reflect on the miracle of Christmas. We’ll celebrate with Rob’s family here in our home. Another year nearly complete, another unfathomable array of blessings, not least of which are health, family and freedom. It is health, right now, which is particularly close to mind, brought home to me through the ongoing ups and downs around my mom and my aunt’s health. Perhaps our dear friend Jeff Peck said it better than I ever could as he and Marcie face down Hodgkins Lymphoma in their son Riley. Their last several weeks remind us of the vulnerability of our humaness and the ultimate goodness of God. I am in awe of their courage, grace under fire and humility….Below, is Jeff’s journal entry today…
“I spent a lot of time listening to the words of the Christmas music we played at home today while waiting for Riley to come home. I am stunned as if I was hearing it for the first time, at the absolute miracle of my heavenly Father sending His son into dire circumstances to grow up and become the suffering servant and sacrifice for my sins. As a parent, we continuely ache to subject Riley to treatments that cause him pain, which he doesn’t completely understand, but that will result in his healing. The love of God is just beyond words. So, please drink deeply from the well of joy and glad tidings that is Christmas–emmanuel, God with us.”
Merry Christmas.
True Model
December 2, 2009
There have been some amazing women in my life under whom I’ve had the privilege to learn… starting of course with my Grandma Naomi Good (the essence of faithfulness and humility) to the model my mom is to me today — demonstrating the priority of taking care of family, while simultaneously pursuing excellence in career. Even my sister-in-law’s creative spirit sparks my own energy day after day as I read her blog and talk to her when I drop the kids off at school.
There are many others, but one of my mentors who comes to mind is State Rep. Katie True. In short, she rocks. From her I have learned the following:
– what fantastic customer service looks like (in part, thanks to her right hand, Barbara Kauffman)
– how to tell someone no with humor and kindness
– when to be blunt
– how to articulate what the gal next door is feeling
– how to keep your promises (Katie term limited herself and always stuck to that commitment)
– how to choose a few issues and really own them — she’s done this consistently on womens issues, childrens’ issues and in the fight against drugs
– the importance of sticking to conservative principles but in a way that still allows you to be a bridge builder and catalyst for change
The Lancaster New Era just had a great editorial on her impact. All the usual suspect Lancaster County white boys are lining up to take her spot, but they won’t be able to fill her shoes… Two of my favorite quotes from the Editorial:
“Over the years, True’s tireless advocacy for children and families sometimes put her at odds with House leadership. She is a conservative, but one who has put principle above blind obedience to party.”
“Because of True’s work, children are safer in their schools and women are safer in their homes. All Pennsylvanians owe this remarkable legislator a note of thanks for making Pennsylvania a better place to live.”
Sunny with a chance of wilting
December 2, 2009
Always reminds me of the vast fields of summer sunflowers in Hockenheim, Germany
We are still enjoying them.....