We are visiting family in Grand Rapids, a red area in a blue state

I'm originally from Michigan and we will be retiring (eventually) an hour from Grand Rapids...actually if you look at the map...most of Michigan is red except for Detroit, Ann Arbor and a few other places....

Have you ever visited Meijer's gardens in Grand Rapids. I've never been there...but my parents have many times and say it is simply wonderful. Have a blessed holiday in one of my favorite states!

December 26, 2004

Letdown

Read: Luke 2:8-20

Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God. —Luke 2:19-20

Bible In One Year: Haggai 1-2; Revelation 17

The night of Jesus' birth was exciting for Mary and Joseph. There before their eyes was the miracle Baby whose coming into the world had been announced by an angel. The shepherds too were excited when they saw and heard "a multitude of the heavenly host praising God" and heralding His birth (Luke 2:13).

But it wouldn't be long before Mary and Joseph would face the ordinary tasks of caring for a new baby and all the accompanying responsibilities. The shepherds would be back on the hillside tending their sheep. All the elements were in place for an emotional letdown, which often follows an emotional high.

I don't believe they experienced any "after-Christmas blues," however. Mary didn't quickly forget all that had happened, and the shepherds couldn't easily forget what they had heard and seen (vv.19-20). The angelic message had proven true, and their lives were filled with new hope and anticipation.

There's no reason for an after-Christmas letdown. We have the full story. Jesus came to die for our sins, then conquered death for us by rising from the grave. We have more truth to ponder and more reason to glorify God than Mary and the shepherds did. —Herb Vander Lugt

Life's ebb and flow that moves our hearts
From heights of joy to feelings low
Cannot exhaust God's matchless grace
Nor stem that never-ending flow. —D. De Haan

Feeling let down today? Try looking up.

Western Michigan is beautiful...the hills, the oaks, the lakes everywhere...and very friendly people compared to the negativity and despair of Western NY where we live.

Even the Dims here are closet Pubbies but still have not gotten the message - that the Republican Party is for the uncommon common people. Unions still have a hold on the mindset but on most cultural issues people are quite conservative. Main problem it seems is that they have got to get rid of Granholm, the Canadian born Demorat governor.