After three hours out in the snow, Ramone was suffering from the first stages of hypothermia. So it was necessary for him to take some time to warm up in front of the fireplace in the lobby.

I made a nativity scene with items I found in my yard this morning. 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are quartz of various shapes and sizes that my daughters had already collected. I have an abundance of mosses, so I used some as a bed for the baby, and another bit for the roof over the family's head. I used a piece of our firewood for the backdrop/building. 

It's just a simple representation that I put together as an act of worship to God. As I worked on this, I contemplated the mystery and wonder of the Incarnation and how it changes everything. 

Not only our souls, but all matter has been redeemed, and even the rocks and plants take on a new glory, now that God has condescended be a human and make and keep for Himself a physical body, so He could be with us, Immanuel.

Then I found a quote that I feel fits this particular nativity scene really well. 

“For, indeed, everything about is glorious, and wherever a man turns his gaze he sees the Godhead of the Word and is smitten with awe.” 

-Athanasius of Alexandria, On the Incarnation

Ramone took his snowboard to work. 

This made his thirty minute commute take a full three hours. So Ramone would have been better off just waiting on the next train.

But he's a bit juvenile and he just wanted any excuse to ride his snowboard. 

Late for the train, 

Answer the Next Question

It came to me as I looked up the answer for the millionth time... This is learning. All learning is simply answering the next question.

I just dropped Norah off to work at the church cafe. I looked down and saw what she left behind in her seat and my heart swelled. 

 She is so much cooler than I was at her age.

Eggs!

Marilyn is laying one egg almost every day.

I take it as a sign that she and Dan are healthy and happy and that brings me joy and peace.

We don't have space for any more birds, so we eat the eggs, rather than letting them grow to hatch, etc.

They are delicious, taste just like chicken eggs, actually, though they are much, much smaller.