snowfall

ad·vent /ˈædvɛnt/
–noun
1. a coming into place, view, or being; arrival: the advent of the holiday season.
2. arrival that has been awaited (especially of something momentous)

I love the snow. I loved the advent of snow today. As Carole reminded me today, so does my Dad. I always remember when I was younger he would quote the verse in Isaiah (1:18) in which God says "Come now, let us reason together...Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."
I didn't appreciate the verse then as much as I do now...I remember several times mentally rolling my eyes when the first snowfall would come, knowing that the verse would be quoted again as soon as he saw it falling. But, as I get older (ha ha, at the ripe old age of 21), I am glad that he repeated the verse. When I saw the snow falling this morning, the first thing that came to mind was that verse, and how amazing it is that God forgives the deepest, darkest stains. It's pretty neat to be able to see fresh snow as an example of how spotless we've been made because He washed us.
Thanks Dad & Mom (I know you read my blog :), for "training up your children in the way they should go"...we have not departed from it.

In other news, I've been called up for jury duty to begin on December 26th. I'm trying to get out of it since I'm planning on leaving the next day to go to Urbana 2006 in St. Louis, MO (you should go too!). I don't see why I should have a problem getting out of it since a) I'm a student, b) I have plans during that time and c) I don't own a car that I'd be able to drive to Detroit every day (yay not having to pay insurance...yet) Prayers are always good though. It's kind of a stinker. I'd actually really like to sit in on a jury (I think), but this just pretty much isn't the right timing. I've gotten all sorts of suggestions about how to "get myself out" on the day they interview me. My faves?
a) act super-conservative
b) act super-liberal
c) dye your hair bright pink and spike it (thanks Carole); optional nose ring
d) tell 'em you believe anyone charged should be convicted
e) tell 'em you believe anyone charged should be let off the hook
f) don't tell them you're a University of Michigan student