The east face of the Washington Monument reads “Laus Deo,” which is Latin for “Praise be to God.” It is just one of numerous inscriptions on Washington, D.C. monuments that point to America’s founding on Judeo-Christian principles.

I felt like going down memory lane.  I was stationed aboard aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk for 4 years.

Kalli, my 4 year old loves to play Yoville on facebook.  You can see her room decorating skills.  She always wants me to send her a gift.  She’s excited that Yoville is going to add pets in January.  I told her to save her money (on Yoville) but so far she hasn’t.  I enjoy playing the game with her. 

Eugène-Alexis Girardet came from a family of Swiss Huguenots, including many famous artists. Several traveled in northern Africa, where they created paintings noted for their great authenticity.

Girardet, born in Paris in 1853, achieved fame as an artist at an early age. Following in the footsteps of family members, he traveled to northern Africa several times. He, too, received the kind of intimate insights that only can be gained from personal experience.

We sense this knowledge when we study Girardet’s paintings on Biblical subjects. For example, in “The Flight into Egypt,” he sought to capture the journey of Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus into Egypt, where they had gone to escape Herod’s relentless pursuit. This painting helps us realize the risk, danger, and loneliness of their journey.

In this painting, Mary rides on a donkey, holding baby Jesus while Joseph leans forward against his walking stick. In the background are faint images of pyramids. All around, Girardet pictured sand…a few rocks…and desolation.

Joseph must have wondered at times how they would survive. Had he truly heard God’s voice? Would they ever see their homeland again?

I’m reading a book right now about the journey of several children traveling across a war torn Europe.  It caused to me think of a guy I once knew.  He was a young jewish child when WWII hit Europe.  He and his sister had to flee Austria to stay alive.  When I asked him about it he gave me very little information, not wanting to talk about it.  But the information he did give me painted a very terrifiying ordeal. 

As Joseph learned, it takes courage and faith to believe the words of God and obey Him. As we obey, we, too, can feel alone and face uncertainties and dangers. But in every situation, we must continue to trust that God is faithful. If He has called and directed us, He will protect and provide.

 
We had baby Cody last night, so his Mommy & Daddy could
get some sleep. 

Our Ginger Bread House.  We wish you a Merry Christmas.

Well we did scare Danielle.  It was funny.  She screamed outside of her room for a minute and then walked in and screamed louder when she saw me next to her bed video taping.  (I’m still trying to get the video processed.)

I’m glad for a few days off.  Today Kim and I will go to the grociery store around 8:30.  Then we’ll go get our Foster Boy back from his visit.  Around 4 this afternoon we’ll go to my Mom’s house in Crofton.  It’ll be a great day. 

We’re getting ready to scare my 18 year old.  We put this in her room.  I’m gonna video it.

Austin & Cody

Kalli/Noah playing x-box

Long before comic books and films, philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche introduced the concept of “super man.” Born in Prussia in 1844, Nietzsche thought the world’s hope was tough, hardened men. To Nietzsche, “good” was defined as “all that heightens the feeling of power, the will to power, power itself in man. What is bad? All that proceeds from weakness. What is happiness? The feeling that power is growing, that resistance is overcome.” To him, Christianity encouraged failure and weakness.

This philosophy has been adopted, in various forms, by many governments and leaders. It has inspired wars and politicians, writers and athletes. Still today, many look for super men. But all such efforts are ultimately in vain-chasing the wind.

Many in Jesus’ day looked for a kind of super man to solve their problems and overturn Roman rule. Yet God sent a Child, born in a humble stable, announced not to the powerful or rich, but to humble shepherds.

Jesus taught that the key to power and greatness was not human strength or achievement, but childlike faith. That faith opens the doors to God’s Kingdom and blessings (Mark 10:15). God has “hidden” His truths “from the wise and intelligent” and “revealed them to infants” (Luke 10:21).