The First Day of Christmas....

If Christmas is just starting for you (or if you like great Christmas music), you might want to check out Sacred Christmas Music for the Christmas Season. While many people are done with Christmas today, we are just getting started; this music is excellent quality and we are enjoying it very much. Happy 12 Days of Christmas!

Christmas Catch Phrases and the True Meaning of Christmas

"Jesus is the reason for the season" is an oft-repeated phrase during the Christmas season. What does this mean? Sometimes the best way to explain what something means is to start by saying what it does NOT mean. To "Keep Christ in Christmas" does not mean that Christians should expect non-Christians to celebrate Christmas in a way that puts Jesus at the center. Why should they? Similarly, Jesus as the meaning of Christmas does NOT mean that I must show the world how much I love Jesus by demonstrating my holy life and my Christian themed family traditions, thereby giving people an irresistible reason to be a "fully devoted follower of Jesus". In other words, the Christmas season should NOT degenerate into a "me for Jesus" campaign. Jesus does not need my vote on facebook, and he does not save people because I love Him. The main point of Advent, Christmas, and Christianity is NOT that "I am for Jesus,", but that "Jesus is for me." In His perfect life of obedience, His death on the cross, and His resurrection, He paid for the sins of the whole world and gives eternal life to those who receive Him. At Advent we remember that He came to earth and was born of the virgin Mary; we remember that He will come again to take those who believe in Him home with Him. What better way to receive him this Advent and Christmas than by being in His House, hearing His Word and receiving His Sacrament. For to receive Him is to receive the forgiveness of sins, which is why He came that first Christmas. Then we can say with Simeon, who saw the baby Jesus, Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace according to Thy word, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people. a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen Nunc Dimittis (Song of Simeon), from Luke 2:29-32 (Lutheran Service Book)

Stepping Back in Time

Last night we attended a homeschool Family Historical Ball, dressed in Regency period clothing (early 1800's)

Last weekend we attended Civil War Days, which included reenactors (one was in the movie Gettysburg!), and a town hall dance (which included the Virginia Reel!)

A Day at Netherfield Hall

Last Saturday, I went to South Bend, IN with some friends to my first Regency Ball. The Regency Period was between 1790 and 1820, during the Jane Austen time period. The ball lasted from 11 a.m-3, and lunch was served there. My friends lent me the lovely dress I wore and Mom did my hair (she did a great job on it!) :)
I had a great time with friends; I really enjoyed the English Country style dancing. It was also fun to see all the different costumes worn there.

"My idea of good company...is the company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company."
"...that is not good company, that is the best."
-Jane Austen (Persuasion)

Fall

Fantastic!


Friends! (college roommates from KU at my house)



Fun! (hanging out with friends at a fall party)




Fairy! (complete with fairy dust, aka glitter)

Civil War Days

Discussing the various bugle calls and drum rolls used. Four soldiers slept in that small tent.





This weekend we attended Civil War Days in Angola, IN with a fellow homeschool family. My friend lent us our outfits, and even made the dresses that Elise and I wore.
There were many authentic reenactments. I learned that a soapstone (which is a stone cut into the shape of a cutting board) was used not only as a cutting board, but also as a knife sharpener, bed warmer, and seat warmer for cold buggy rides.
Saturday night we attended the dance, which I think is more fun than any homecoming dance I attended in high school. Young and old dancing together to the fiddler, mixing as they follow the directions of the caller. And no, I didn't take any pictures-I would rather dance! I also enjoyed looking at the gorgeous hoopskirt evening gowns. It was like being at a prom from150 years ago. I am definitely hooked on old-fashioned dances.

Spring Ball 2010

Last Friday, I went with a friend to a spring ball, which was organized by a Christian homeschool group. It was lots of fun, and I had a blast getting to wear a formal prom gown. The theme was "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," from Wizard of Oz, so there were lots of rainbow/Oz themed decorations. It was a great evening. Here, I have posted some pictures of me in my dress. Mom did a great job on my hair! :)

All Dressed Up

Last Saturday, I got to go to a murder mystery party at a friend's house. Everyone attending got a part to play in it, and my part was a young lady in an ambassadress contest. This part required dressing up, so I had a lot of fun with that. I am very thankful that I was able to find a nice dress (thank you, seminary co-op!) I had a great time at the party.

Guests in the Parsonage

We had our first overnight guests at the parsonage last weekend, our dear friends the Allens, whom we met when we lived in Lawrence. We toured the seminary, played Apples to Apples, watched the film "Luther", and just had fun being together. Darrell Allen enjoys photography, and took our pictures Sunday after church. These are the ones taken by our camera while he shot his photos on film.