As I was reminded yesterday by the fantastically applicable sermon delivered by our fantastically gifted pastor, as Christians we are incredibly blessed (this is an understatement) to be saved from the punishment for our very grave sin by the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. These are not new concepts but it was truly wonderful to hear a sermon so close to Christmas that was about the necessity of the cross and Christ as the demonstration of the Lord’s righteousness. Romans 3 says, “for there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received through faith.” I don’t think I understood and grasped the severity of this passage until yesterday.
I like “aha!” moments.
I did not intend to start this post with some preaching, but I trust the Holy Spirit will use it well. And if you want to hear the sermons from the past few weeks given by Dr. Barcley (prepare to have your face melted off) then stop on over at http://www.sovereigngrace.org/audio.
Joshua and I have been busy bees since our families left in November. We had all the shopping done the first week of December, the presents wrapped that same weekend, and our two foot tree decorated too. We had the help of some Caribou hot chocolate and our new favorite obsession, “How I Met Your Mother”. In addition to all these things, we’ve finished up the semesters for our schools, worked 40 hours each week, managed to hang out with our friends on numerous occasions, and create some holiday traditions that belong just to us. I think we’ve done pretty well, if I do say so myself.
We have trucked right through the first and second seasons of HIMYM with three and four soon to be delivered to our door in time for lazy days off. If you’re not already a fan check it out. We love Barney because he’s definitely the funniest, but all the characters are pretty lovable. It’s not anywhere close to the caliber of our newest show, “The Wire”, but I kinda think that’s ok. Joshy and I have also started playing some regular games so that our eyeballs don’t cross from too much tv. We bought Yahtzee awhile back and I got to teach Josh something for once. He’s only beaten me once but he sure does try to whip my tail each time. I’m sure he’ll catch up to my wins eventually. We’ve also gotten into Bananagrams, a speed Scrabble type game that is challenging and fun. We’re tied at this point but I plan to take the lead in this one (Don’t remind me that my husband was an English major and makes puns with words all the time. I somehow think he’ll win just fine.)
Our friend Shalaine is a runner. I mean the hardcore, can run for hours, kind of runner. Her dad is also a runner and he came out to run the half marathon with Shalaine last weekend. While Josh and I would not be supporting them by running with them, we did go out and shake our homemade signs and yell for them as they ran by. I got a picture but I’m not gonna show you because they ran by way too fast and I only captured the back of their heads. Suffice to say they were bookin’ it and I am jealous they were not even winded when they passed us at the halfway mark.
Runners are a neat sub-culture. These people were out quite early for a Saturday and it was freezing! Literally. It was very cold. And they ran for hours. All four thousand of them (I actually don’t know the number but I know it’s a lot.) There were drummers, jugglers, crazy costumes, interesting methods, and incredible willpower. It was totally neat to be there and cheer these folks on. It makes me wanna run a little too. Josh not so much.
Thanks to Josh’s generous grandparents, we were able to treat the Breedens to a meal at one of our mutual favorite restaurants as part of their Christmas present before they left for Tennessee. We got some wine, some beer, a couple Fuzzy Navels for me, some food, and some good conversation. We sure do like them a tremendous amount and we’re glad we were able to take them out and do it right. Thanks Sam and Betty!
We had to go back to work the following day and earn some money but Josh and I were able to enjoy some television, pizza, cookies, burritos, and Avatar this weekend. Not all on the same day. I didn’t clarify that very well. Steve has been groomed and is ready for his trip East in a couple weeks and I think we are too. We’re glad for the opportunity to create some purely “young Hurst” traditions that we can share with the children we may have one day.
Hope you guys have had good weeks leading up to Christmas and the fast approaching new year. Until next time.