Pondering Incarnation

The following is an excerpt from the article, "Pondering Incarnation," taken from the blog Radical Womanhood.

The question everyone asks in the dark night of the soul is "Why did a loving God allow this?" The answer is not to expect perfection in this fallen, short, sin-riddled life but to contemplate the One who came to live with the creatures whose sin marred His creation, and who did so in order to rescue those who put their trust in His salvation. He did so much more than we would ask Him in our pain and misery. Our suffering is very real ... but so was His. And His was more excruciating because it carried with it the Father's judgment for the sins of the world. We do not worship a God who outsourced His solution to our pain, suffering, and alienation from Him. We worship one who humbled Himself to be born with a whiff of scandal, grow up unremarkably, and take on the weight of the world's sin while suffering excruciating physical torture -- all to rescue us. That's the glory of His incarnation.

Joy to the world! Merry Christmas, one and all.

-Carolyn McCulley

Merry Christmas dear ones...

I'm so thankful for the precious Christmas gift we recieved so long ago that still transforms our lives today. Simeon described Him beautifully...

"Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation that You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel." (Luke 2:29-32)

Praise the Lord for the gift of His Son, the only Christmas present that will last into eternity.

Measure Of A Woman

Mom is sorting through some old pictures and just pulled out this poem that was given to her by her grandmother, Marie Pridgen (wife of Paul Pridgen, Sr., pastor and founder of 1st Baptist Church North Charleston). The picture to the left is from their gospel radio station. Marie (on the piano) and Great Grandaddy (Paul Sr.) is sitting next to her. Mary Eva (my grandmother's sister) is the first girl on the left in the singing group!)

"Measure of a woman" by Mrs. Roma Scott

NOT -- How did she die?
BUT -- How did she live?

NOT -- What did she gain?

BUT -- How did she give?

These are the units - To measure the worth of a woman - as a woman

Regardless of birth

NOT -- What was her station?

BUT -- Had she a heart?

AND -- How did she play

her God-given part?

Was she ever ready with a word of good cheer

To bring back a smile - To banish a tear?

NOT -- What was her church

NOT -- What was her Creed?

BUT -- Had she befriended

Those really in need?

NOT -- What did the sketch

IN the newspapers say?
BUT -- How many were sorry
When she passed away?

One more picture... here's Great Grandaddy Pridgen again ... look at those Pridgen eyebrows! I wish I could have met him but I am excited about meeting him and talking with him in Heaven one day! I've always heard great things about him and about his love for the Lord.

I'll be home for Christmas... part 1

This is one of my favorite Christmas decorations. A dear man from FJBC made him for us over 20 years ago and I can't remember a Christmas without him! When I was a little girl I used to love taking him apart and putting him back together. During my college years at Clemson I loved coming home to Rudolph. I knew he was waiting for me to put him together.

I can’t believe that Christmas is just a few days away! It is so nice to be home during this season and spend time with sweet family members and friends. I’ve had the joy of seeing extended family and visiting with good friends while experiencing their gracious hospitality. Sunday morning the choir sang beautiful songs and a few men put on costumes and acted out well written monologues. Mom and I delivered some pears to a few of our shut-ins where I was told that they pray for me ... daily, by name. WHAT A BLESSING! What a reminder of the gift we have in the church! This cold has forced me to sit still and rest ... something that is terribly hard for me to do! Even though it is difficult, it is needed. This evening I was reading Carolyn McCulley's latest blog entry and was encouraged by her desire to "prepare our hearts for celebrating the incarnation of Christ." What an encouragement in this materialistic culture. "Santa" is almost in every store and little children are busy writing letters to ensure that they get their current desires. I do love the music, the fires and the old Christmas movies. I love buying gifts for people and seeing family members that I don't get to see often. But honestly, have I allowed myself to dwell on the TRUE purpose of Christmas? How much more do I devote my time to materialism instead of to the savior in the manger?

Let's focus on the true story... the story that is and will continue to be worth celebrating through Eternity. The story of truth, hope and redemption; the story of Christmas.

Miss Kyndall part 1

I can't believe that I met Katie over 7 years ago. We were both juniors in high school and new to West Ashley. We had both moved from different cities in Georgia to Charleston and we instantly hit it off. I knew right away that she was a gentle, sweet person but lots of fun and really loved the Lord. We have so many memories together!

Today, she is still one of my best friends and is such a joy in my life. I love visiting with her and Matt when I'm home in Charleston and talking with her on the phone when I'm not. It is always so encouraging to sit with Katie and hear Matt preach. WELL... tonight... they had a little joy added to their life... specifically 6 lbs and 1 oz of it ;)

Her name is Kyndall Morgan and she is PRECIOUS. I have a little cold left over from last week so I haven't met her yet but I cannot wait to get better so that I can hold her and hug Katie! It has been such an incredible blessing to watch Katie become a wonderful wife and now I get to observe her as a mother. I am so thankful for this friend and for her role and example in my life.

Katie, we've been through a lot and I am so thankful that you're my friend! I am filled with so much joy for you and Matt! See you soon :) PS. I can't wait to be called Aunt April ;)

Below is a VERY old picture with Allison and Katie and a picture of Little Miss Kyndall... can't wait to see her now!!!









Part two is coming as soon as I get to go see Miss Kyndall!!!! Welcome little one! I already love you!

Birthday with Miss Sarah Greene :)

Happy Birthday Sarah Greene! We're so happy that you're in our life :)
April

Azerbaijan

Oh Baku. It's a beautiful city of rich history, poetry and generous hospitality. It sits on the Caspian and makes you feel like you've walked back in time 1500 years. I so enjoyed my time there last March and felt pretty confident I'd be going back. However, I didn't expect it to be soon. There has been a lot on my heart lately but I would like to ask you to join me in prayer as I consider going again this March and perhaps going on a "longer trip" in the future. Thank you all for being my encouragers and my prayer partners. It is a joy to have you in my life, whether near or far! I would love to tell you more if you're curious... just ask me!

So thankful for you all,

April

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Our little white house in the snow :)

Gabrielle and Emily's gingerbread house!!!

It snowed early this year! We've already enjoyed rudolph, snow, gingerbread houses, hot chocolate... I love this season!!!!!