And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Luke 2:8-20
For some reason I am constantly thinking about this verse that I bolded and italicized. I'm not quite sure why. But honestly, I feel that God is continually putting this in my mind to challenge me to be more like Mary. And who wouldn't want to be more like Mary? ...The mother of Jesus? ...The one God chose to deliver His only Son?
I do long to follow the example of Mary in more ways than one, but I specifically want to learn how to ponder things in my heart, as she did at such a significant point in her life. One that we still read about and focus on at least once a year.
So...I try to constantly think of how to take in and remember each moment...especially ones with Justin and Elijah. Problem is, my memory is terrible and I'm honestly bad at just being in the moment sometimes. So I tell myself I'll scrapbook. (Hasn't happened yet, but I have enough photos to fill a scrapbook library). I tell myself I'll journal. (Works for a day or two...and then a day or two again a month later). Obviously I'm terrible at this. But I want so badly to treasure up these moments that I have now with my sweet baby boy and be able to remember them fondly and as clearly as possible. So, I need your help. What are some ways you try to hold on to the wonder of the memories you are currently making? Are you a scrapbooker? Journaler? Writer? What are some ways you have found to remember and continue enjoying the moments you have with your family or friends? I'd love to hear about them and begin implementing some of my own!
I snuck in and caught a picture of Elijah sleeping one night
Elijah's teachers surprised me and took him to crafts one night! So sweet!
Justin and the kids leading a song at the final worship rally.
Let the pieing begin!! (Justin and our pastor, Johnny)
And everyone got pied!!
