Gifts!

Last night we had a very impromptu bible study with some friends. The topic was Gifts of the New Testament. I thought it was very fitting, considering that we are in the gift giving season. The main gift we talked about was the Holy Spirit.

We started out in Romans 6:23 and read about the gift of God being eternal life. From there we went to Romans 6:3-4 and read how we receive this new life through baptism.

In Acts 2:38 we read that we obtain the gift of the Holy Spirit at baptism. Acts 5:32 talks about how the gift is the Spirit himself, who intercedes on our behalf (Rom 8:26). We talked about what an intercessor does. It is humbling to know God gives us a gift that speaks on our behalf even when we don't know what our hearts want to say.

Then in I Corinthians 12:4-11 we read how not only is the Holy Spirit himself a gift, but he also is a spiritual gift giver. Paul talks about how the Spirit gives us an inheritance in God's kingdom (Gal. 4:6-7). Gal 3:26-27 speaks of how we become sons of God when we are baptized, and as a result (Eph 1:13-14) we are marked with a seal and that the Spirit is our deposit protecting our inheritance. That seal shows that we are authentically God's.

In a season where I love to give gifts, I am learning that there is no gift greater than that which God has given me. I will never be as thoughtful in my gift-giving as He is.

**Sherry, this one's for you!!! And we didn't have any fun. We sat around with pouty faces talking about how it is no fun without you!

Thank Goodness for Christmas Break!

My friend, Paige, wrote on her blog about the Bah Humbugs. I seem to have caught them myself. Don't get me wrong, I am so thankful for the break. I am just not into Christmas this year like I usually am. I generally buy a real tree, and go all out, but this year I couldn't bring myself to do so. Friends and family are going to be lucky if they're presents are even wrapped this year!

My aunt Susan sent me a homemade, Montana, spruce swag. I have it on my door, but that is the extent of my Christmas decorating. It is beautiful and it is cheery on my door.

It is odd though, I have talked to some of my friends and they have kind of have the same Christmas blahs as I do. I wonder if its something in the water.

I am really excited about going skiing next week through New Years. I have some friends who have a cabin in Angel Fire and several of us are going for a few days. It should be a fun time! I called my friend, Julie, whose cabin we are going to. We were talking about food and what to cook and what to bring. She said I could just bring the stuff and cook it there. I was thinking "Uhhh, I'm gonna be on the slopes from the time they open til they close everyday we are there!" Of course I'll be glad to cook before I get there, but I intend to be skiing & sleeping!

Ok, I'll stop rambling. I would like to know some of your best christmas memories/traditions. My fondest memories include sleeping under the Christmas tree at my grandparents' house in Muleshoe. So do share!

Evil Eye

This is the cutest baby I have ever seen! I love people who don't take themselves too seriously!

More Tina!!!

Actually I think her name is Christina. Anyway, she's back with a High School Musical favorite.