We wish you...

...A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

You serve the Lord Christ...

"Whatsover you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ." Col. 3:24

This saying ennobles the weary routine of earthly employments, and sheds a halo around the most humble occupations. To wash feet may be servile, but to wash His feet is royal work. To unloose the shoe latchet is poor employ, but to unloose the great Master's shoe is a princely privilege. The shop, the barn, the scullery, and the smithy become temples when men and women do all to the glory of God! The 'divine servce' is not a thing of a few hours and a few places, but all life becomes holiness unto the Lord, and every place and thing, as consecrated as the tabernacle and its golden candlestick.

We read this in Spurgeon's daily readings the other day, and I've thought back on it several times since then. During the holiday season, when my work in addition to my holiday to-do list becomes a burden, this was a good reminder to do all my work for His glory. The admonition and comfort (what a promise to receive the reward of our inheritance in Christ!) of this Scripture was also a timely encouragement to me to spend time each day learning at the feet of my Savior.

The Teacher's Wife

For the record, I want to say that I love being a teacher's wife. There are downsides, which I won't go into now other than to say that at times, Stephen comes home emotionally drained. But there are so many benefits. This is my top-ten list as the wife.

10. Stephen is home by 5pm most days.
9. His "clients" are adorable.
8. The PTO -The events they organize are amazing.
7. Christmas vacation and more time off for other holidays, too.
6. Christmas goodies from students. CHOCOLATE, chocolate, and more chocolate.
5. Christmas giftcards. My favorite: Starbucks!!!
4. The praise from parents and students. From what they tell me, I would have loved to have him as a teacher!
3. Parent training. Stephen has said the experience is making him a more patient, understanding parent.
2. The stories. I love to hear Stephen tell me what "Johnny" did or said or how Stephen entertained the class when he told them his dream from the previous night.
1. The teacher. I love that although I'm at home, I get to share in his work. (the gift card sharing is especially nice :)

Picture crazy

am I. (apparently, at this late hour, I also turn into Yoda.) I just wanted to prove that I can post something without a picture. Oh, this is hard. Here goes.

I am lame

...according to this Napoleon Dynamite personality quiz. I knew there was a reason I don't ever take these quizes. I really wanted to be sweet like Napoleon. I thought about re-taking the quiz and selecting the chapstick, dance moves, liger-themed answers. But, who am I kidding? I'm a tot, and there's nothing I can do to change that. I do wonder. What in the world is "light and crispy" and "a bit on the greasy side?" I gather it's not very flattering :-P I think I'll have Stephen take it. (Please, oh please, don't be Kip)

Snow Day

Stephen had a snow day today, and I spent the morning in bed --sicker than a dog. Thankfully, that passed, and I was able to get up and start making a dent in my Christmas to-do list. Once I was able to enjoy it, I realized how much I love lazy days. We ate grilled cheese and Campbell's tomato soup- very reminiscent of our childhoods. Nora seemed to sense it was a day to chill and obliged us...sleeping in and then napping easily. I was able to get visual proof that she is cuddling more. I know I am WAY biased, but did you ever see such a precious baby?! I am a very blessed momma.

Comfy cozy

Nora saw her first snowfall Monday. Honestly, she didn't seem all that impressed. She was more excited that it meant daddy was able to stay home 2 hours longer on Tuesday morning...one of the perks of being an elementary school teacher.

Tuesday night we attended the school's Christmas concert. I couldn't believe how little the first graders looked. It made me long to be a fly on the wall during one of Stephen's classes. So many of the kids, with obvious admiration, come up to Stephen that night. Hello, Mr. Shipp. Look, there's Mr. Shipp. You have a cute baby, Mr. Shipp. It was so precious, and made me very happy to see the influence Stephen is having in the lives of many children. Should God direct our steps away from the school next year, as is our plan now, I know that Stephen will miss them.

Nora's personality is developing more every day. She jabbers and coos all the time now, especially in response to people talking to her. Another positive development is Nora's growing taste for cuddling. For some time, she had too many other important things to explore to take time out to snuggle with mom and dad. Snow and falling temperatures now keeping us indoors, Nora has decided there's only so many things to explore in a cream-dominant, 2-bedroom apartment, and has found cuddling is not too bad :) In all seriousness, it is a powerfully emotional experience to hold your young child who with such trust snuggles close to your heart. I say- "let it snow, let it snow, let it snow."

A price break on car insurance

...for the old man, Stephen Shipp, who is now a quarter of a century old. He turned 25 years old on December 3. I wanted to do something special for him for such a momentous occassion, so I invited one of his longtime friends from GA on the sly. Amazingly, Michael bought a ticket and planned his trip in response to my email invitation just a week prior to Stephen's birthday. I enjoyed getting to know M better as we all enjoyed a weekend of good coffee and even better conversation. It was a lot of fun to plan something so spontaneous, and even pull off the surprise successfully -yeah! Thanks again, Michael.

I just want to say publicly that Stephen is the best husband a woman could have and the best father any girl could want. (Nora told me to add that...as well as the above picture since we didn't take one of Michael and Stephen to mark the occassion.) Stephen is a compassionate leader, a wise counselor, a loyal friend. You know, it just struck me as humorous that as I'm writing this sweet post in dedication to the love of my life, I'm elbowing him in annoyance telling him to give me more room on the couch. Oh, the blissful days of "happily ever after." :)

Setting the record straight...

This is a more true-to-life picture of my sister, Abigail. She is very talented. I especially admire her way with children. (Abby- Nora can't wait to see you at Christmas!)

Happy birthday, Abigail!

This post is dedicated to my smart, fun, special, goofy (wait, scratch that), beautiful sister, Abby. She is turning 12 today. Wow. It seems like just yesterday that she was 11. I thought this picture (she's on the right) captured her sweet spirit so well. I just had to post it.

Abby, since you were naughty and opened your package early, I had to think of something special to do for you on your birthday :)

I LOVE YOU!

Tennessee snapshots from Nora

My Thanksgiving destination...

I love you, Oma and PawPaw Shipp!

Mom enjoys the view from the Shipp property. For some reason, I'm not in the picture...very odd.

Dad and I strike a pose for mom. She says we're her favorite people to take pictures of...well, pretty much just her favorite people.

I had my first piano lesson from my talented Aunt Anna. Her fingers move really fast! It's so much fun to watch her play. Sometimes I even sing along.

My Uncle Jeremy really likes to backpack...here he's helping me get ready for my first hiking trip.

It's good to thank the Lord

The Shipp family enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving break with the extended Shipp family. Nora was able to meet her Aunt Anna and Uncle Jeremy and received lots of loving from them and her Oma and Paw Paw Shipp ("Oma" is German for grandma) .
For Stephen and I, we were amazed at how much more you're able to enjoy holiday breaks when you're not recovering from college midterms and papers. It was a very restful time highlighted by family games and talks in front of the fireplace, naps on an amazing leather couch, good food, hiking, shopping (the Shipp women did brave the crowds on "Black Friday"), a date alone without baby, an early birthday party for Stephen, pie baking, going through Stephen's old toys and MORE good food. Of course, Nora was a highlight. I think some of her favorites were (first of all) more family to dote on her, her first Rite Aid visit (where Paw Paw Shipp works), the Tennessee great outdoors (she pretty much loves to be outside anywhere) and watching Anna play the piano.
I am happy to report that Nora is a great traveler. Thanksgiving traffic was plenty thick turning our supposed 9 hr. return trip into a 12 hr. one (it was better on the way down). We were able to take an alternate route at one point though and saw some beautiful VA landscape. I especially enjoyed going through Lexington, VA.
Traditionally, Christmas has been my favorite holiday, but Thanksgiving might soon pass it up. It was special to see Nora experiencing her first Thanksgiving. She didn't get any turkey this year, but Stephen did give her a sip of water from a glass for the first time. Our baby is growing up so quickly. The holiday season, even more than usual, reminds me to treasure every moment.

Til death us do part

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wiley
November 19, 2005

This weekend Stephen and I traveled up to PA for the wedding of Thomas and Carrie Joy. It was a beautiful ceremony, and very God-honoring. The church and the organ music were breathtaking as was the bride. It is such a joy to attend a Christian wedding, and be reminded of Biblical principles regarding marriage. Stephen and I did not sit together as he was standing with Thomas, but for both of us our thoughts were with the other and the vows we made a year and a half ago.

While in PA, we stayed with a wonderful couple from Carrie's church. They were so generous, and made us feel right at home. In the morning before the wedding, we talked with them for a couple hours about marriage, family, hospitality, and most encouraging of all -their salvation testimonies. They came to faith later in life with the wife believing first. She told us how she worried for her unbelieving husband and two grown children. Her pastor wisely said to her, "Casey, God takes care of families." Within a couple years, Christ worked in the hearts of her son, her daughter and then her husband. Now, they have Christian grandchildren, and a real passion for telling others about Christ. Christian hospitality is a beautiful thing. I read part of a book on the subject called "Making Room." (Excellent book, btw) This visit reminded me of one point in the book regarding how being a "stranger"/being the one receiving the hospitality can better equip you be one who gives it. I sure learned some neat lessons about the spirit of hospitality this weekend. It's not about a five-star accommodations or gourmet food. It's about Christ-like love, service and sincerity.

The weather outside is frightful...

Nora says: "...but, thankfully, mom and dad (read: mom...like dad really would have gotten me an all pink coat) bought this really warm coat with a hood that makes my head look twice as big and very alien-like."

New moms

I love being with new moms. There is a camaraderie of shared experiences that is so much fun. So, it was a double pleasure to see Amy Koons this past weekend now that we're both moms. Her daughter, Meredith, is 3 weeks older than Nora. They were holding hands right before the picture was taken -so cute!

Comfort Food

The weather here has been just incredible recently. I have been relishing every minute I can spare to be out enjoying it. The unseasonably warm weather is about to come to an end though, and winter is just around the corner. Winter is the season of comfort food. Soup of every variety, homemade bread, warm chocolate chip cookies...the foods that make me feel so happy and nostalgic. I came across this link to some of "the best" comfort foods recipes. I can't wait to try them.

In a year

Although I've read the whole Bible, I've never done so in a year. Stephen and I started using this Bible reading schedule this September on recommendation by Stephen's co-workers. It has been really great. If you're interested in following it yourself, you can find a copy here.

"Using this Bible reading schedule you will read four portions of Scripture each day (two in the morning with "family" or individually and two in the evening in "secret" or privately), and read through the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice in a year."

Like a good neighbor

Today Stephen had the day off and we met with our State Farm agent to set up a rollover for my 401K savings from my time at PHC. Anyway, in regards to our financial situation, it was the best 2 hours we "invested" since we've been married. I highly recommend it for someone just starting out. For people like us, who don't have much background in money matters, it was quite the education. Our agent was probably a pretty unique one -former major league baseball player, very down to earth though. You'd have thought we had a lot more money than we did by his attention. Nora even got a downright cute State Farm bear for being so good. The meeting reminded us of things we knew, I guess, the importance of saving and planning wisely. Good stuff.

When we arrived home, though, it was great to hear my husband pray over our meal and ask that God would make us good stewards of His resources. Without that starting point and foundation, things like planning for retirement and college funds and life insurance by themselves can create, I imagine, very selfish, fretful and materially-minded people. Even just on the drive home I was trying to think of how to squeeze every penny we can to put into savings. That's not necessarily bad, but is if it keeps us from being faithful in giving, hospitality and tithing generously. So, thanks to my hubby and ultimately to our Faithful, heavenly Father, I thought that was a good end to a very productive day off.

Who is Lazarus?

Tonight Stephen and I were watching watching Jeopardy. (And here I will digress to say that Stephen beats me in answering most of the questions, but that's only because he forgets to say "who is/are" or "what is/are." If he played fair, I'd have him beat...yeah right. Well, if knowing the correct phrasology would get me there, I'd be on Jeopardy. "What is Fiddler on the Roof" or "I'll take 'pithy quotes' for $1000, Alex." Saying Mr. Trubeck's name is really important, too.)

Anyway, tonight on Jeopardy, one of the few (literally, one of only 2-3) questions that none of the contestants even guessed at was whose death Jesus was mourning when it was said of Him, "Jesus wept." It was a sad commentary on the Biblical illiteracy this reavealed not only among this triad of intelligent minds, but of many in America today. It reminded me of this article I read today about the findings of the "Bible Literacy Report," which includes this pathetic fact that "...eight percent of American teens...believe that Moses is one of the twelve Apostles."

The author misses the heart of the Bible's message -the Gospel. However, in his recounting of the profound impact the Scriptures have had upon every discipline -literature, politics, and on from there- he raises some thoughtful questions and relevant points.

The public square should be a support for promoting Bible literacy, but not the sole facilitator. He rightly says: "What kind of parents leave their children's Bible education to the public schools, anyway? How do we go beyond public schools in attacking a nationwide problem of Bible illiteracy?" That is the question, and he touches on the answer when he promotes that places of worship take up the banner. But again, in missing the heart of Bible's message -the Gospel -the answer to the problem of Bible illiteracy is also lost. The Scriptures changed the course of history not because men and women knew the facts of the Bible, but because they knew the God of the Bible.

Autumn

Fall is my favorite time of year -the brilliant color, the crunch of the leaves, the nip in the air. Nora is all set for the season -red cowboy boots and all -thanks to her Aunt Lauren and Uncle Matt :)

September 2005

Nora loves lights and the outdoors. She keeps us entertained with all her expressions. So, which one of us do you think she looks like?

August 2005

Nora meets her grandparents -both Shipp and Marcisz. She is baptized August 13 at Purcellville Reformed Presbyterian Church by Pastor Kent. Friends, Layla and Katie D., surprise us with a beautiful, handmade gown complete with a little ship button at the back. She sleeps a lot, but also dazzles us with her baby blues.

Children are the Lord's good gift

Parenthood changes your life. It's amazing, challenging, delightful, nerve-wrecking, fun, work and more all at the same time. Nora brings us such joy each day. In those early days, we would just watch her in wonder. Sometimes we still do.

Introducing baby Shipp

Our daughter, Nora Kathryn Shipp, was born on July 28, 2005 weighing 7lbs., 7oz. and measuring 19" long. She had a lot of dark hair when she was born.

Bring out your dead?

Let me see if I can breath some new life into this nearly extinct blogspot. About two months ago, I began to hear a faint protest, “I'm not dead, yet...” Yes, indeed, it was my blog that a while back I had thrown on the plague cart. Do I even try to revive it? There are so many diseases that could yet kill it, and I don't know that I can take another failed attempt. The voice keeps getting louder though, and what can I say? I want to try.

In an effort to be more thoughtful about the commitments in my life, I wrote out a personal “pros-and-cons” list for keeping a blog. The idea of it appeals to me as a journalist (by training), but it intimidates me as a wife and mother (by God's wonderful providence). Where would I find the time? Well, I don't know the answer to that, but here goes anyhow. I've found that the more I have to do in a day, the more I get done. My inborn laziness is mitigated by the sheer number of things I have before me each day. Maybe having the goal of blogging each night will motivate me to get dinner on the table sooner. And hey, that'd be worth it whether or not I blog. So, for your viewing pleasure (as I'm sure you're hanging on my every incoherent word), I decided to post my list. I think I had already decided to blog before I even started the list, but it made me feel good that I came up with more pros than cons. Or maybe my "cons list" was short because I had already decided. Okay, sometimes thinking too much is not good...for the blissful peace of mind that comes from ignorance anyway.

Benefits of blogging:
-Inform friends and family of our goings-on
-Monitor current events
-Get in the habit of crafting informed opinions
-Share and glean interesting facts and helpful information
-Have fun
-Develop creativity

Downside of blogging:
-Time
-Peer pressure ("everyone else is doing it")
-Less private and personal form of communication

Closing remarks:

There is no way I can go back and recap the past year in the Shipp household, so I won't even try. Although, I might let pictures fill in a few of the holes including the arrival of our daughter, Nora.

Amy Koons is my blogging inspiration. She doesn't know that. In fact, I haven't talked to her in over a year, maybe two. She has a nice mix of personal updates with relevant, thoughtful entries. I'll see her this weekend, and I don't think I could hold up my head in her presence if I didn't make an attempt to blog again ;-)