A Light Shines in the Dark

I watched my single white candle flickering and pondered on my devotional reading earlier in the day as I let my mind meander. That single light in the darkest of nights was so bright it lead the way to Bethlehem where the tender babe would be born. A light as a promise to shepherds who watched their flocks by night. A light that led the Three Kings on their long journey to the infant King. One light shines in the darkest of nights and brings hope to the world.  This Christmas that light reminds me of how close Emmanuel   "God with us" is in our darkest nights.
We have been singing "Joyful is the dark" each advent Sunday at church. I re-visited this song today and these verses moved me.
"Joyful is the dark holy, hidden God, rolling cloud of night beyond all naming, majesty in darkness, energy of love. Word in flesh the mystery proclaiming."
"Joyful is the dark shadowed stable floor, angels flicker God on earth confessing. As with exultation  Mary giving birth, hails the infant cry of need and blessing." (Brian Wren text, music Philip K. Clemens)
Whatever your darkness may the light of our glorious King shine brightly giving you hope this season.

Advent- A time of Waiting

This advent a time of waiting on Jesus.  The other day I was thinking about Mary and Joseph and the waiting of the birth of their baby. The unknown of what would be. Where would they go? Who would be there to welcome them in Bethlehem? How many of you feel the agony of waiting for a promise? Maybe it's for healing in relationships, physical healing, waiting for a job or a change in a job, or maybe it's waiting for a baby.  This moment for me is waiting for a baby. We are seeing a fertility specialist who is working with us to determine the best options. The first consultation was grim, we were sent away with little hope. The next appt. seemed a bit more hopeful after an utrasound.
We aren't the only ones of this journey and many others have been there too. What is it that you are waiting for this advent? Whatever it is we are expectant with expectation. We claim that Jesus is good and desires to give good gifts to his children. As you wait for Jesus to answer that longing be filled with hope that he will deliver as promised.

38

Today I am reminded of life and how grateful I am the Lord has given me 38 years of life. Birthdays are a great reminder of this.  Today I got up early and found two e-mails from family reminding me of how much they value my life. I share this birthday with my beautiful sister who is 42 today. My mom says she had twins but 4 years apart. She always wanted twins. What a great sense of humor God had when my sister and I shared a birthday. For today, unike many mornings when I am just barely getting out of bed, I got up early and had some time reading love letters from God. These are the words of encouragement I heard him speak today to me.

Psalm 129- God brings us through tough times.
Ezekial 4:11- Having greater boldness in my witness.
Jeremiah 4:9- Becoming an intercessor for others.
Psalm 29- God reveals his great power through nature.

Continued... we just got back from a great weekend with long time friends. Here is a picture of all of us together.  We decided that we want to plan already for next Fall. Red River, NM good times together.

Fall Leaves and Trunker Treating

Here are some beautiful pictures of my little girl. Awww she is growing up so fast.

Rios Family

We just got back from Chicago where my husband attended his 25th high school reunion. Yes, I know is this really possible. He doesn't look as old as he is :) I heard one of his classmates say, "you look better than you did in high school man!" I think it's a compliment :-) Anyhow, I was very sick on Thurs we flew out Friday so I missed most of the reunion. I made an appearance at least. I have to say having a sore throat and being glued to the coach and drinking I don't know how much tea wasn't my idea of a good time. At least my mother in law took such good care of me. She is such a good caretaker. Here are a few pictures of the Rios family gathering. We are a very multi-cultural family :-)

shut down

Hi Ramon and Peter,
last week I was wondering, whether the government shut down is affecting you directly or not?
I hope every thing is fine.
greetz

Renovations

What have we been up to? Renovations, Renovations, Renovations! We bought this house a year ago and knew there would be much painting to do. Unless we wanted to live with Disney colors upstairs and brown ceiling and walls downstairs. So, we hired painters and the saga begins. They did a terrible job! Painted over drips, sloppy job most of the rooms. So, we fired them before they go finish. Oh and they ruined our carpet! At least the carpet needed to be replaced anyways. So, my wonderful hardworking husband and I have been fixing the damage. I have to say we have done a pretty good job. Most of the credit to my husband. Today I am finally putting up our wall art and getting the house back together. Next project is carpet. I hope and pray this is less of a headache. I plan to post pictures soon. I hope you appreciate the before and afters as much as I do. Will post in a few days :-)

Aspen Leaves

We took a little trip last weekend. Colorado leaves change end of Sept early Oct. We read in the daily newspaper that the leaves where beautiful along Guenella Pass. Beautiful drive. Here are some pictures of our little family hike.

Our little family

This morning I was browsing friends blogs and thought I really need to start blogging again. Here are a few pictures of our little Hannah growing up.