Christmas in November

Jen and Luke were home last week and we simply had to do Christmas while they were here. It felt a little strange since Thanksgiving is still two weeks away, but Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without everybody. I kind of forgot about my camera for most of the night and did a pretty sad job of taking pictures, but here's what I have. The first picture on top is of my luxuriously soft slippers from Kait. I'm wearing them right now and will continue to do so until the sun comes out in the spring. Thank you Kait for keeping my toes warm through the winter.:)
Ann and Kait getting us into the Christmas spirit with some carols before opening gifts. :)Us, getting into the Christmas spirit while listening to aforementioned carols...Ann's pretty tank top...from Jen I think. You can see Ann's cute little pregnant belly in this picture.:) Yay for babies!
I wanted to get a picture of Kurt with his gifts...but I got this nice shot of his Frappuccino instead.We love you Jen and Luke...thanks for coming, it was great being with you last week!

Time for Change?

So, it looks like we have a new president. I've been a little worried about what America's future holds throughout this presidential race (and with the economy tanking like it did), but I read some amazing verses earlier this week that really challenged, convicted, and encouraged me. I'll share them here for you guys.

Romans 13

1. Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

This is even more powerful when you think that Paul was writing this in response to the anti-Christian Roman authority during a difficult political period. I think respect and honor for our leaders is something that America has been missing for a while. Regardless of who is president, as Christians we need to trust that God is in control and be that example.

And remember to keep praying for our country through all of this change!