"I'll take this one, Mom" said Addison to Christina.

Yep. That's what she said. After surprising the girls with their carriage ride downtown, Addison said she wanted to plan this weeks Christmas surprise. She said it wasn't fair that we had to plan and never get to have a surprise on our weekend memory gifts, so she planned our outing this weekend.

Honestly, I think this weekend was/has been my favorite Christmas outing so far. Addison took us to a very charming Christmas market in an area of town called Am Spittelberg. The brick walk ways, cozy artist galleries and giant pretzels were a sight to behold! Despite the rainy and cold weather, we had such a wonderful time.

Trotzdem is a word in German that means ... "never the less". I love this word. It has such a savy ring to it and I feel so sophisticated when this word trickles off my lips. This word has been of particular importance to me this week.

While in the midst of holiday concerts, parties and gift exchanges, we've come face to face with the reality of death. Trotzdem, it's merely a doctor's diagnosis not reality. Rodney, our brother-in-law, was told this week that he now has fungus in his blood. This is not a good report to say the least. Trotzdem, we still believe God can do a miracle. The doctors are going to try one last minute effort to try to extend his life by way of an experimental drug. Trotzdem, we still believe God can raise the dead.

It seems particularly special that God would trust Rodney and Bettina to walk through a crisis of this magnitude during the Christmas season. Trotzdem, what a wonderful time to expect a miracle! Rodney and Bettina are not expecting a child, riding a donkey for a census, nor seeking a place to stay in a busy village. Trotzdem, they find themselves in a state of hopeful wonder just like that couple so many years ago. They had been given a promise that seemed too incredible for words, troztdem, they believed! Rodney and Bettina have been given news by the medical community, troztdem, we believe God can do a miracle!

I'm learning not to look with my eyes or even believe with my heart but rather believe in the power of a mighty God who can do - the impossible!

During these final days that lead up to the climax of Christmas, may you take time to notice the trotzdem's in your life ...
Christina