Mary...what DID you know?

This morning as I listened to Christmas music gently filling the rooms of this old farm house, my baby boy wiggling excitedly on his blanket in front of the fireplace, this song came across the stereo.

Mary Did You Know

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.
I got to wondering; Mary...just what did you know? What was it really like?

Having given birth to my first son in this last year, my mind began tumbling end over end with questions.

What was it really like to be a young woman, a virgin, having never touched a man, yet carrying a growing life within? What fears followed you along this journey? In the quiet of the night, what questions plagued your mind? Or was the Holy Spirit so thoroughly resting with you that you knew nothing but peace? Having experienced the extreme discomfort of those last weeks of pregnancy, how on earth did you handle riding on the back of a donkey for so many miles? I had all the comforts of a hospital bed (ok you snickering ladies that are thinking that hospital beds are NOT comfortable...) I had a full medical team at my fingertips, the room was warm and full of light, fresh and clean. I cannot even begin to fathom what it would be like to lie on a bed of straw on a cold dirt floor, the only medical team present chewing their cud, and the room full of manure...far from that crisp, fresh cleanliness that I experienced. My husband was by my side, he was my support and I never could have gone through birth without him. But he was simply my support, my love, my strength...he didn't have to deliver our baby. What was it like for you, to not only have Joseph supporting you and giving you his strength, but also putting on the catcher's mit and guiding your son to his first breath? I felt God's presence with me with each breath I took throughout the labor of my son; what was it like for you? Could you feel God watching the birth of His son? Did He whisper encouragement into your ear? Was He there cradeling you in His arms, wiping the sweat from your brow? Just how aware were you of the enormity of the miracle that you were a part of?

My questions could go on and on. Mary, your story has never captured my heart or felt so real to me as it does this Christmas. What a blessed role you played, to be the mother of our Savior. How I would love to sit and chat over a cup of coffee, from one mother to another, to share the secrets that only mothers understand.

I find myself examining my own heart, wondering if I am capable of being as humble as Mary, to set aside my own agendas, my own plans and dreams and allow God to have full control of my life. Do I trust Him enough...?

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Luke 1:38

My prayer for this Christmas is that I follow in Mary's footsteps of humility, bowing before my Lord with these words, redardless of what is ahead of me, that I might also be able to say "May it be to me as you have said."

Merry Christmas everyone!

Four-month-old Forgiveness

Dark brown eyes sparkle as they intently look into mine. Peals of laughter dance on the air, a smile like none other brightening the room. Every inch of the little body is quivering with excitement, coos and razzing all desperate attempts responding to the sound of my voice. It's a conversation that no one understands, no clear communication is happening save the pure enjoyment of mother and son soaking up a moment that will all too soon end. Standing in my lap, my hands wrapped around his waist, his fists crammed to his lips as drool slithers its way down his chin, the moment suddenly shatters as mommy makes the mistake of sitting him down. What a split second before had been sheer joy was now replaced with a frowning face, a pouting lip, eyes scrunched shut and a sob that was quickly becoming a fit of tears. I lift my little imp back to his feet, soothing him with a kiss on the cheek and an apology on my lips; his eyes open up and with a squeal of delight his smile returns. Mommy was just forgiven.

I have to take a moment to stop and ask myself: What would this world be like, if we could so easily let go when someone needs forgiving? Can I so easily put a smile back on my face, genuine and authentic, no faleshoods or niceties to cover my heart? Can I love so freely that the love so consumes me that there is no room for holding a grudge? Can I forgive?

Christ did. He carried every bit of the burden of my sin, every wrong I've committed from the day I was born to the day that I die. His arms open wide, his heart so full of love for me; He not only forgave me but let go and the stains upon me are forgotten. Much like the smile that lit up my precious 4 month-old's face; so my Savior is smiling upon me.

My prayer tonight as I fall into bed; that I may so easily let go, and with love, smile upon those around me who need forgiving.

Ephesians 1:7-8 "In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding."

2am and All is Well

In the late night hours of no sleep thanks to a certain smiling, cooing, drooly-faced wide-eyed munchkin; the Lord knocked on the door of my heart and reminded me of something He's been asking me to do.

Start a new blog.

So here goes: Redeemed Ramblings.

Fanny Crosby couldn't have more accurately portrayed the words that I hope to share here.

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child and forever I am.

Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed,
His child and forever I am.

Redeemed, and so happy in Jesus,
No language my rapture can tell;
I know that the light of His presence
With me doth continually dwell.

I think of my blessed Redeemer,
I think of Him all the day long:
I sing, for I cannot be silent;
His love is the theme of my song.

I know I shall see in his beauty
The King in whose way I delight;
Who lovingly gaurdeth my footsteps,
And giveth me songs in the night.

I know there’s a crown that is waiting,
In yonder bright mansion for me,
And soon, with the spirits made perfect,
At home with the Lord I shall be.



This life I live has been one full of my Heavenly Father's redeeming grace; His redemption has been the theme of my life; for me, my husband, our pasts and our lives together; threaded like a colorful tapestry that only the Great Redeemer could orchestrate.

With that thought, my bed is waiting; I can't help but smile that He "gave me this song in the night". I look forward to sharing as my mind rambles on...

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