Merry Christmas!

On this Christmas day I wanted to share with everyone a part of my absolute favorite Christmas hymn. Let us remember the reason for this season.

O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining.
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh hear the angel voices!
Oh night divine! Oh night when Christ was born!
Oh night divine! Oh night! Oh night divine!

Chains shall he break for the slave is our brother,
and in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise his holy name.
Christ is the lord, that ever, ever praise we.
Noel! Noel! Oh night;oh night divine!
Noel! Noel! Oh night; oh night divine!
Noel! Noel! Oh night; oh night divine!

Of all times, it is Christmas when we must surely realize that there can be no true worship of Him who is the Christ without giving of ourselves. At this season let us, each one, reach out a little more generously in the spirit of the Christ. It is not enough to give toys. It is not enough to give alms to those in need. That is important, yes. But it is also important that we give of ourselves. May the real meaning of Christmas distill into our hearts, that we may realize that our lives, given to us by God our Father, are really not our own, but are to be used in the service of others.

Mind over Music - Video

I came across this poem last week and it is quite intriguing. It had an instant connection with my spirit, and confirmed things in which I struggle with... MUSIC. I am an avid listener of Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, Gospel, and Rap. Actually, I should have listed rap first, it being the primary genre synced into my iPod. The melody of rap music is the heart beat to why I struggle. Trying my best to hone in on the sound alone not realizing that my spirit is slowly being contaminated with filthy content. I believe that God is the creator of ALL things...including music, but some of these messages that are being produced are clearly not of Him. The world has a way of taking things and perverting them, and rap music is one of those things. Some rap music has a tendency of celebrating sin, and honoring unrighteousness. This is something I wanted to look further into, and as with all things in life we should refer to the Bible for guidance and direction. Speaking with my Pastor and family about this topic, we were able to compile a few scriptures that gave insight on this issue. The ones that stood out the most to me were:

Matthew 15:17-18
1 Cor 3:16-17
Romans 8:4-11, 16
Romans 12:1-2

I don't know about you, but I want the Holy Spirit to be with me at ALL times, so I pray in due time I will be released from this stronghold without an ounce of desire to return. What are your thoughts and scripture references if any? I'd love to hear all feedback.

This is the poem that got my wheels turning, check it out below.

First Frost!

So we woke up this morning and we THOUGHT there was snow everywhere! There wasn't. We got quite the freeze though and everything was covered with a thin layer of frost. It looked so pretty. Needless to say my walk to the store isn't anywhere near as fun as it used to be, especially with this cold weather. There was also a super thin layer of ice above the water; before you know it, I'll be able to walk on water and make my trip to the store even faster! (haha, honestly it would take a Christ-like miracle to get me to cross the ice) There is even snow predicted for this week! You can look at the forecast for Leeuwarden under the "How's it looking over here" section. We found this really awesome weather application called YoWindow and I am completely in love. Its so accurate and neat to look at, go ahead and play with it!

Whose House... Run's House!

Today was a lazy day for the Spencer fam as we sat back and watched the Run's House marathon(or Weekend Break as they say here in Holland). I have probably seen each episode close to 6 times, and still get a kick out of the Revs humorous personality. What I admire most about this loving christian family is how driven the children are. Each one of his kids has been blessed with talents, and they are actively taking strides towards attaining their goals. Being born into a financially blessed family, it is so easy to come to the realization that you will be set for life. Although the Simmons kids may have more than the average family, Rev and his wife Justine are committed to rearing their kids with morals in today's fast-paced and money-driven society. Though-out the episodes, Rev embraces his kids career concepts while making a conscious effort to allow them to cultivate on their own. He always finds clever tactics to reach and teach his children, along with the delivery of his words of wisdom which I am often inspired by.

A Day in the Life of Keith - Video

Here's a video of the in's and out's of Holland life through Keith's eyes. Complete with a trip to downtown, Dutch lessons, practice, and a home cooked meal. Let us know what you think!

See What I See in Holland from Natasha Spencer on Vimeo.

Spirit of Christmas

Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit. Enemies are forgiven, friends remembered, and God obeyed. The spirit of Christmas illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world’s busy life and become more interested in people than things. To catch the real meaning of the “spirit of Christmas,” we need only drop the last syllable, and it becomes the “Spirit of Christ".

Just Elfin Around...

Tis the season to be jolly! Introducing America's Next Best Dance Crew! :)

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Sinterklaas or Santa Clause?

This weekend in Holland is all about a man named Sinterklaas. There are many similarities between Sinterklaas and Santa Clause, so many, that in fact it's obvious they are meant to be one in the same.

Our American version of Santa Clause is derived from a real man named Saint Nicholas of Myra. Nicholas was raised in a Christian family and when his parents passed away, he took his wealth and distributed it among the poor. A famous story includes one where Nicholas gives 3 women a large inheritance, so they do not have to become prostitutes. He was then given the title of saint and bishop because of the miracles that were performed through his prayers. Here in Holland Sinterklaas is still portrayed as a Saint/Bishop; with his staff, bishops hat, robe, and all. In America, Santa Claus is not viewed as a Bishop (although the character is modeled after Saint Nicholas as well) but instead a very happy, round man who delivers gifts to children late at night on Christmas Eve (December 24th). This American view of Santa Clause is credited to a cartoonist named Thomas Nast, and the man who wrote "The Night Before Christmas", Clement Clarke Moore.

Some differences are that Sinterklaas rides a white horse (no reindeer here), and lives in Spain! One striking difference between the two "Santas" are their helpers. In America, Santa has elves, many small elves, with pointed shoes and pointed ears. Here in Holland, Santa's helper is man by the name of "Zwarte Piet", translated in English to mean Black Pete. This is definitely the most controversial aspect of the Dutch Sinterklaas. People will paint their faces black, and place afro wigs on their heads to dress up as Zwarte Piet. From an outsiders perspective (us being outsiders) this is quite the shock. Whats going on here?

I've spoken to many different Dutch people about Zwarte Piet's origins, and many don't know. Some say the origins come from slavery, others say he is black because he is dirty from climbing up and down chimneys. The story that makes the most sense to me (considering who Saint Nicholas was as a person) is a story saying that Piet was at one time an Ethiopian slave. He was liberated from a slave market by Saint Nicholas himself, and the boy was so incredibly grateful to Saint Nicholas that he vowed to stay by his side for the rest of his life. What is the truth? No one seems to know. I've been told by quite a few Dutch that it's definitely not something meant as racial or degrading. They say the American's come here to Holland and see it as racial, when its not meant to be. Zwarte Piet is adored by all the children. "We don't see color," I was told, "Everyone is equal here."

What I find to be really neat is that Sinterklaas is separated from Christmas. Sinterklaas celebrations start on December 5th with gift and poem exchanges, and continues on through December 6th with a feast. Christmas is a separate holiday , celebrated December 25th like us, but is a time to be with family and for those that are Christian to remember Christ. This is so refreshing! It think it would be wonderful to have Santa Clause completely separated from Christmas. It is, by all means, a celebration of Christ and should be remembered as such.

We're so blessed to be able to take part in and learn the new culture, festivities, and holidays here in the Netherlands. Happy Sinterklaas!!