I was driving back from school tonight with my moon roof open, observing things above and thinking about life.
How pretty that white ball was in the sky.
How my heart fills so incredibly full when I see and hold and love on my nieces.
To see them pucker up for kisses, their beautiful eyes gazing steadily into mine.
How blessed I am to be able to invest my life and witness into real heart soil.
How the petty dramas at school among hormonal pre-teens drive me crazy.
How I do not like to be disrespected or disobeyed.
Or hear "bully words" come out of my students' mouths.
How I love my dog Meg, even though she can be a pest sometimes.
How I like to pay off credit cards.
And put money aside for a rainy day.
How I always survive "Jonah days."
And get up the next morning with a fresh outlook on life.
How I am progressing down my bucket list quite nicely.
And am thankful for good health.
And a precious and sometimes trying family.
How laziness and apathy irritate me.
And a good book is a rare but delicious treat.
How much I hate to do laundry.
And need a maid to clean my house.
How much I love the book of Psalms.
David is my hero. He survived victoriously.
How much I enjoy concerts.
And do not attend nearly as many as I would like.
How I love to learn.
And hate to study.
How the Lord teaches me patience as I am never able to get everything done that I need to do.
But enough to be obedient to my calling and purpose.
How my heart hurts for those who are hurt, seeing them hurt others.
And angry at the devil for being the destroyer that he is.
I am thankful for the Holy Spirit to comfort and teach (John 14).
I will be glad when Jesus comes back.
And I get to see Daddy again.
And everything is finally perfect.
Moon talking.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The Fruit of the Spirit in my Life
Lord, I pray that the fruit of Your Spirit will manifest powerfully in my heart and life.
Fill me with Your love, peace, and joy.
Enable me to be patient, kind, and good.
Teach me to be faithful and gentle, and help me to have self-control at all times.
Control my life so much, Lord, that all these qualities are revealed in me and seen clearly by others.
Bring fruitfulness into my life today in every way possible.
Galatians 5:22-23
"The fruit of the Spirit is
Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control.
Against such there is no law."
From Prayers for Emotional Wholeness by Stormie Omartian
Fill me with Your love, peace, and joy.
Enable me to be patient, kind, and good.
Teach me to be faithful and gentle, and help me to have self-control at all times.
Control my life so much, Lord, that all these qualities are revealed in me and seen clearly by others.
Bring fruitfulness into my life today in every way possible.
Galatians 5:22-23
"The fruit of the Spirit is
Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control.
Against such there is no law."
From Prayers for Emotional Wholeness by Stormie Omartian
Saturday, January 8, 2011
at home
Jane Austen wrote in her Emma, "Ah! there is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."
Well, I heartily agree. These three weeks at home, away from the bustle of teaching school and studying for college, has been such a blessed respite. We are enjoying our new 42". All the holiday Hallmark and Christmas movies have been cool. Our home was so lovely for the holidays, and now I am taking it all down, putting away, and hauling tubs back to the shed where they will store for the next eleven months. I am sooo so blue about the holidays drawing to a close! I enjoyed every minute and moment. The poinsettias are still gorgeous and brighten the house. I am reminded...
I am trying out a new arrangement of our family photos on the wall-to-wall book shelves in the den. Now I am looking for pink candles to accent my Valentine's decorations (pink dining linens, two small pink fiber optic trees for the buffet, heart ornaments, etc.). Not a clue where I can find them...
Daniel has really been working diligently on the south-end remodel. The new double-size bathroom has insulation and drywall up, so it is beginning to look like it should. We made a decision to remove the wall & closets that were separating the old laundry hall from the new laundry room, so now it is one very nice and large laundry/utility room. Once we get the floor tiled, I will move in the two tall oak shelves from my bedroom (redo coming in there this year!) for folded towels and blankets, as well as the white table from the back porch for folding and laundry basket storage. I am so excited!!!
BTW, a little trivia...January 6th was 12th Night, made famous by Shakespeare's wonderful play (and a very funny movie!), and the following day was Epiphany, historically memorializing the arrival of the wise men to greet baby Jesus.
In the in-between time...
Well, I heartily agree. These three weeks at home, away from the bustle of teaching school and studying for college, has been such a blessed respite. We are enjoying our new 42". All the holiday Hallmark and Christmas movies have been cool. Our home was so lovely for the holidays, and now I am taking it all down, putting away, and hauling tubs back to the shed where they will store for the next eleven months. I am sooo so blue about the holidays drawing to a close! I enjoyed every minute and moment. The poinsettias are still gorgeous and brighten the house. I am reminded...
Here we come a-wassailing among the leaves so green!
And here we come a-wand’ring so fair to be seen!
Love and joy come to you and to you your wassail too,
And God bless you and send you a happy new year!
And God send you a happy new year!
And here we come a-wand’ring so fair to be seen!
Love and joy come to you and to you your wassail too,
And God bless you and send you a happy new year!
And God send you a happy new year!
I am trying out a new arrangement of our family photos on the wall-to-wall book shelves in the den. Now I am looking for pink candles to accent my Valentine's decorations (pink dining linens, two small pink fiber optic trees for the buffet, heart ornaments, etc.). Not a clue where I can find them...
Daniel has really been working diligently on the south-end remodel. The new double-size bathroom has insulation and drywall up, so it is beginning to look like it should. We made a decision to remove the wall & closets that were separating the old laundry hall from the new laundry room, so now it is one very nice and large laundry/utility room. Once we get the floor tiled, I will move in the two tall oak shelves from my bedroom (redo coming in there this year!) for folded towels and blankets, as well as the white table from the back porch for folding and laundry basket storage. I am so excited!!!
BTW, a little trivia...January 6th was 12th Night, made famous by Shakespeare's wonderful play (and a very funny movie!), and the following day was Epiphany, historically memorializing the arrival of the wise men to greet baby Jesus.
Out with the OLD...
In the in-between time...
Friday, January 7, 2011
resolutions for 2011
Each year, I think and pray and stew and think and pray some more about what I should do or become or change. I need to seek the Lord more for this new year. Until then...so far, I would like to accomplish the following in 2011:
1. Read my Bible every day.
I read my Bible pretty regularly, but not every day like I want to. So THAT is going to change.
2. Lose at least 20 pounds.
I know that I need ot lose more than that, but if I set accomplishable goals for myself, I know that I can and will accomplish them!
3. Redecorate my bedroom.
New wallpaper, a different furniture arrangement, an armchair, tv, a bed board and 2 lighted display cases/shelves for my "pretties."
4. Eliminate more clutter and "belonging build-up."
We have lived in our house over 20 years. That equals accumulating unneeded things/stuff/junk. I started to clean out closets and throw away in 2010, and I will continue into 2011. It is liberating!!! :-)
5. Get more active and exercise.
Tricia and I will purchase an exercise machine this year and will use the back porch-turned-exercise room after its remodel is finished. I also would like to go bowling more, as my sciatica is not giving me issues much anymore (thanks to Doc's prescription of cinnamon~ginger tea).
6. Spend more time with my precious nieces!
They are so adorable. I pray they come to know Jesus early and that they live for Him.
1. Read my Bible every day.
I read my Bible pretty regularly, but not every day like I want to. So THAT is going to change.
2. Lose at least 20 pounds.
I know that I need ot lose more than that, but if I set accomplishable goals for myself, I know that I can and will accomplish them!
3. Redecorate my bedroom.
New wallpaper, a different furniture arrangement, an armchair, tv, a bed board and 2 lighted display cases/shelves for my "pretties."
4. Eliminate more clutter and "belonging build-up."
We have lived in our house over 20 years. That equals accumulating unneeded things/stuff/junk. I started to clean out closets and throw away in 2010, and I will continue into 2011. It is liberating!!! :-)
5. Get more active and exercise.
Tricia and I will purchase an exercise machine this year and will use the back porch-turned-exercise room after its remodel is finished. I also would like to go bowling more, as my sciatica is not giving me issues much anymore (thanks to Doc's prescription of cinnamon~ginger tea).
6. Spend more time with my precious nieces!
They are so adorable. I pray they come to know Jesus early and that they live for Him.
 |
| Enjoying the piano with Aunt Tisi...look at that grin! |
 |
| Dancing around the menorah in her new tutu. |
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
so this Christmas
will be...a very Merry Christmas, indeed!
I have endeavored to spend time (and money!) celebrating this Christmas! Especially since the last several have been sad and bleak in our family. Starting the day after Thanksgiving, I went over to Sarah's garage and pulled out 13 tubs of decorations (not all Christmas) and hauled them over to Mom's house to sit in her living room while I spent a week sorting and throwing away and getting out what I wanted to use.
As I unpacked, I decorated. The house turned out soooo beautiful!!! Just like I envisioned...all Christmassy and bright and cheery. I set up three nativities (creches), two trees (a 7-ft. live Douglas fir in the family room, and our "Charlie Brown" tree on Mom's German music box in the front rooms on the dining room buffet. Then an arrangement of angels on one piano, garlands and lights and tinsel over many doors, triple candles in the front windows, and a lighted wreath on the door.
Our celebrations began with Tricia's birthday on the 10th. We all went out to see Narnia's "Voyage of the Dawn Treader" in 3-D that night. It was so beautiful. It made me think of Daddy in heaven, especially as Reepicheep paddles his boat up the waterfall into Aslan's country right at the end. And it reminded me why I always abhorred cousin Eustace n the books. And as always, I got out the book to read again. :-)
On Friday the 17th, I met up with Cori & Brian and the babes for their Christmas portrait shoot. They turned out so cute!!! Mama Jones says that there is nothing static about Corrie Lynn. She was so expressive and spontaneous.
That evening, I treated the four of us (Mom, Trish, Sarah & I) to Pensacola Little Theatre's production of "Madeline's Christmas." It was simple but very cute. The main character reminded me of Mary Kate as a little girl! :-) The program's synopsis: "In PLT’s production, Kylie Branch plays Madeline, who lives with eleven other girls at a Parisian boarding school. When her classmates and teacher catch colds, it’s up to Madeline to nurse them back to health. They recover just before Christmas, but it will take a miracle to get them all home for the holidays."
On Saturday after our last wedding cake (for the year!!!), we four spent a little time clothes shopping at Cato and Payless. I wanted to get Sarah several new outfits for her birthday, but give it to her early so that she could wear them over the holidays and to Bob's wedding on the 30th. We found some fabulous things! But I still can't find boots that I like. :-(
I didn't have to work the bakery this year (my first one off in twelve years!!!), so I spent my week grocery shopping (Winn Dixie's ham and turkey was so succulent and delicious!), shopping with Mom (got some new pj's at Sears, baby DVD's & CD's at Family Bookstore), printing pictures at Walmart (August-present), picking up the nieces portraits, hauling out the last tubs, setting up the dining room table for dinner, and a Christmas Eve trip to Let's Play for last minute dolly bottles and wind-up mouse for Corrie Lynn and a Peter Rabbit for Juliana. Then I cooked and cooked.
First I made a big pot of mashed potatoes and a sweet potato casserole with marshmallows for the annual Christmas Eve dinner at Aunt Rosie and Uncle Greg's. And I began to thaw our ham and turkey; I felt like a turkey! I had forgotten to thaw it before! Annie & Baylen are now living in the upstairs of the Touart home. It was a fun evening, observing CL in a social atmosphere and catching up with our friends and family. After the party and presents time was over, we hung out down in the downstairs apartment with AR & UG and little Baylen (he's five now, so cute!), sipping hot tea and gabbing. It was so humorous to listen to the Santa reminders, having not grown up with it as youngsters.
The meats thawed very nicely in a sink of water overnight (thanks, Aunt Rosie!!!). Woop-woop! I was up Christmas morning cooking and cleaning and wrapping presents well into the day. Sarah had gotten sick, and she and Tricia were absolutely exhausted. I played Christmas music all day to liven the mood (I was stressed out by then!). Everyone else started to arrive after 3. It was a delightful evening. Cori even mentioned that my tree (decorated this year in white and gold with all my cross ornaments) was beautiful, and Trish tells me thanks for decorating the house almost every day. ;-) It makes me feel special that we have all enjoyed it so much! We all posed for family pics...
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for blessing our family. Without Your birth, our life would be meaningless. Bless Mama with good health and continued clarity and strength. Save our brother and heal his heart and life. Bless our nieces and draw them to Your salvation early in life. Prepare and bring Godly husbands for the three of us girls. And tell Daddy that we miss and love him dearly!
I have endeavored to spend time (and money!) celebrating this Christmas! Especially since the last several have been sad and bleak in our family. Starting the day after Thanksgiving, I went over to Sarah's garage and pulled out 13 tubs of decorations (not all Christmas) and hauled them over to Mom's house to sit in her living room while I spent a week sorting and throwing away and getting out what I wanted to use.
As I unpacked, I decorated. The house turned out soooo beautiful!!! Just like I envisioned...all Christmassy and bright and cheery. I set up three nativities (creches), two trees (a 7-ft. live Douglas fir in the family room, and our "Charlie Brown" tree on Mom's German music box in the front rooms on the dining room buffet. Then an arrangement of angels on one piano, garlands and lights and tinsel over many doors, triple candles in the front windows, and a lighted wreath on the door.
Our celebrations began with Tricia's birthday on the 10th. We all went out to see Narnia's "Voyage of the Dawn Treader" in 3-D that night. It was so beautiful. It made me think of Daddy in heaven, especially as Reepicheep paddles his boat up the waterfall into Aslan's country right at the end. And it reminded me why I always abhorred cousin Eustace n the books. And as always, I got out the book to read again. :-)
On Friday the 17th, I met up with Cori & Brian and the babes for their Christmas portrait shoot. They turned out so cute!!! Mama Jones says that there is nothing static about Corrie Lynn. She was so expressive and spontaneous.
That evening, I treated the four of us (Mom, Trish, Sarah & I) to Pensacola Little Theatre's production of "Madeline's Christmas." It was simple but very cute. The main character reminded me of Mary Kate as a little girl! :-) The program's synopsis: "In PLT’s production, Kylie Branch plays Madeline, who lives with eleven other girls at a Parisian boarding school. When her classmates and teacher catch colds, it’s up to Madeline to nurse them back to health. They recover just before Christmas, but it will take a miracle to get them all home for the holidays."On Saturday after our last wedding cake (for the year!!!), we four spent a little time clothes shopping at Cato and Payless. I wanted to get Sarah several new outfits for her birthday, but give it to her early so that she could wear them over the holidays and to Bob's wedding on the 30th. We found some fabulous things! But I still can't find boots that I like. :-(
I didn't have to work the bakery this year (my first one off in twelve years!!!), so I spent my week grocery shopping (Winn Dixie's ham and turkey was so succulent and delicious!), shopping with Mom (got some new pj's at Sears, baby DVD's & CD's at Family Bookstore), printing pictures at Walmart (August-present), picking up the nieces portraits, hauling out the last tubs, setting up the dining room table for dinner, and a Christmas Eve trip to Let's Play for last minute dolly bottles and wind-up mouse for Corrie Lynn and a Peter Rabbit for Juliana. Then I cooked and cooked.
First I made a big pot of mashed potatoes and a sweet potato casserole with marshmallows for the annual Christmas Eve dinner at Aunt Rosie and Uncle Greg's. And I began to thaw our ham and turkey; I felt like a turkey! I had forgotten to thaw it before! Annie & Baylen are now living in the upstairs of the Touart home. It was a fun evening, observing CL in a social atmosphere and catching up with our friends and family. After the party and presents time was over, we hung out down in the downstairs apartment with AR & UG and little Baylen (he's five now, so cute!), sipping hot tea and gabbing. It was so humorous to listen to the Santa reminders, having not grown up with it as youngsters.
The meats thawed very nicely in a sink of water overnight (thanks, Aunt Rosie!!!). Woop-woop! I was up Christmas morning cooking and cleaning and wrapping presents well into the day. Sarah had gotten sick, and she and Tricia were absolutely exhausted. I played Christmas music all day to liven the mood (I was stressed out by then!). Everyone else started to arrive after 3. It was a delightful evening. Cori even mentioned that my tree (decorated this year in white and gold with all my cross ornaments) was beautiful, and Trish tells me thanks for decorating the house almost every day. ;-) It makes me feel special that we have all enjoyed it so much! We all posed for family pics...
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for blessing our family. Without Your birth, our life would be meaningless. Bless Mama with good health and continued clarity and strength. Save our brother and heal his heart and life. Bless our nieces and draw them to Your salvation early in life. Prepare and bring Godly husbands for the three of us girls. And tell Daddy that we miss and love him dearly!
the third day of Christmas
This being the third day of Christmas (Gregorian calendar), I wanted to remind myself of the import of the 12 days of Christmas once again. One evening earlier in the month, while decorating our tree, I happened to watch a program on television that chronicled the evolution of Christmas as it is today in American culture. I had no idea some of the traditions were so consumer and sales gimmick-based!
I am celebrating the 12 days of Christmas seriously this year. It reminds me of the true spiritual basis of our celebration of Jesus' miraculous birth and the beginning of my own soul's salvation story. And so I wish you all Happy 3rd Day of Christmas! Faith, Hope and Love...and the greatest of these is LOVE! <3
This list of the 12 days of Christmas is from Dennis Bratcher's website: http://www.crivoice.org/cy12days.html
A Partridge in a Pear Tree
The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, whose birthday we celebrate on December 25, the first day of Christmas. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge that feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, recalling the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so . . . ." (Luke 13:34)
Two Turtle Doves
The Old and New Testaments, which together bear witness to God's self-revelation in history and the creation of a people to tell the Story of God to the world.
Three French Hens
The Three Theological Virtues: 1) Faith, 2) Hope, and 3) Love (1 Corinthians 13:13) 
Four Calling Birds
The Four Gospels: 1) Matthew, 2) Mark, 3) Luke, and 4) John, which proclaim the Good News of God's reconciliation of the world to Himself in Jesus Christ.
Five Gold Rings
The first Five Books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch: 1) Genesis, 2) Exodus, 3) Leviticus, 4) Numbers, and 5) Deuteronomy, which gives the history of humanity's sinful failure and God's response of grace in the creation of a people to be a light to the world.
Six Geese A-laying
The six days of creation that confesses God as Creator and Sustainer of the world (Genesis 1).
Seven Swans A-swimming
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1) prophecy, 2) ministry, 3) teaching, 4) exhortation, 5) giving, 6) leading, and 7) compassion (Romans 12:6-8; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11)
Eight Maids A-milking
The eight Beatitudes: 1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8) those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. (Matthew 5:3-10)
Nine Ladies Dancing
The nine Fruit of the Holy Spirit: 1) love, 2) joy, 3) peace, 4) patience, 5) kindness,
6) generosity, 7) faithfulness, 8) gentleness, and 9) self-control. (Galatians 5:22)
Ten Lords A-leaping
The ten commandments: 1) You shall have no other gods before me; 2) Do not make an idol; 3) Do not take God's name in vain; 4) Remember the Sabbath Day; 5) Honor your father and mother; 6) Do not murder; 7) Do not commit adultery; 8) Do not steal; 9) Do not bear false witness; 10) Do not covet. (Exodus 20:1-17)
Eleven Pipers Piping
The eleven Faithful Apostles: 1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8) Thomas, 9) James bar Alphaeus, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Judas bar James. (Luke 6:14-16). The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders and the Romans.
Twelve Drummers Drumming
The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed: 1) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. 4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell [the grave]. 5) On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 7) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8) the holy catholic Church, 9) the communion of saints, 10) the forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the body, 12) and life everlasting.
I am celebrating the 12 days of Christmas seriously this year. It reminds me of the true spiritual basis of our celebration of Jesus' miraculous birth and the beginning of my own soul's salvation story. And so I wish you all Happy 3rd Day of Christmas! Faith, Hope and Love...and the greatest of these is LOVE! <3
This list of the 12 days of Christmas is from Dennis Bratcher's website: http://www.crivoice.org/cy12days.html
On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
A Partridge in a Pear Tree
The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, whose birthday we celebrate on December 25, the first day of Christmas. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge that feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, recalling the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so . . . ." (Luke 13:34)
On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Two Turtle Doves
The Old and New Testaments, which together bear witness to God's self-revelation in history and the creation of a people to tell the Story of God to the world.
On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Three French Hens
The Three Theological Virtues: 1) Faith, 2) Hope, and 3) Love (1 Corinthians 13:13)
On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Four Calling Birds
The Four Gospels: 1) Matthew, 2) Mark, 3) Luke, and 4) John, which proclaim the Good News of God's reconciliation of the world to Himself in Jesus Christ.
On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Five Gold Rings
The first Five Books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch: 1) Genesis, 2) Exodus, 3) Leviticus, 4) Numbers, and 5) Deuteronomy, which gives the history of humanity's sinful failure and God's response of grace in the creation of a people to be a light to the world.
On the 6th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Six Geese A-laying
The six days of creation that confesses God as Creator and Sustainer of the world (Genesis 1).
On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Seven Swans A-swimming
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1) prophecy, 2) ministry, 3) teaching, 4) exhortation, 5) giving, 6) leading, and 7) compassion (Romans 12:6-8; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11)
On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Eight Maids A-milking
The eight Beatitudes: 1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8) those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. (Matthew 5:3-10)
On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Nine Ladies Dancing
The nine Fruit of the Holy Spirit: 1) love, 2) joy, 3) peace, 4) patience, 5) kindness,
6) generosity, 7) faithfulness, 8) gentleness, and 9) self-control. (Galatians 5:22)
On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Ten Lords A-leaping
The ten commandments: 1) You shall have no other gods before me; 2) Do not make an idol; 3) Do not take God's name in vain; 4) Remember the Sabbath Day; 5) Honor your father and mother; 6) Do not murder; 7) Do not commit adultery; 8) Do not steal; 9) Do not bear false witness; 10) Do not covet. (Exodus 20:1-17)
On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Eleven Pipers Piping
The eleven Faithful Apostles: 1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8) Thomas, 9) James bar Alphaeus, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Judas bar James. (Luke 6:14-16). The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders and the Romans.
On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Twelve Drummers Drumming
The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed: 1) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. 4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell [the grave]. 5) On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 7) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8) the holy catholic Church, 9) the communion of saints, 10) the forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the body, 12) and life everlasting.
Epiphany, January 6
an Advent hymn
This is a less-known advent hymn...the words are so rich and full of truth.
Sing it to the tune of "For the Beauty of the Earth."
Sing it to the tune of "For the Beauty of the Earth."
As with gladness, men of old
Did the guiding star behold
As with joy they hailed its light
Leading onward, beaming bright
So, most glorious Lord, may we
Evermore be led to Thee.
Did the guiding star behold
As with joy they hailed its light
Leading onward, beaming bright
So, most glorious Lord, may we
Evermore be led to Thee.
As with joyful steps they sped
To that lowly manger bed
There to bend the knee before
Him Whom Heaven and earth adore;
So may we with willing feet
Ever seek Thy mercy seat.
To that lowly manger bed
There to bend the knee before
Him Whom Heaven and earth adore;
So may we with willing feet
Ever seek Thy mercy seat.
As they offered gifts most rare
At that manger rude and bare;
So may we with holy joy,
Pure and free from sin’s alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.
At that manger rude and bare;
So may we with holy joy,
Pure and free from sin’s alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.
Holy Jesus, every day
Keep us in the narrow way;
And, when earthly things are past,
Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide,
Where no clouds Thy glory hide.
Keep us in the narrow way;
And, when earthly things are past,
Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide,
Where no clouds Thy glory hide.
In the heavenly country bright,
Need they no created light;
Thou its Light, its Joy, its Crown,
Thou its Sun which goes not down;
There forever may we sing
Alleluias to our King!
Need they no created light;
Thou its Light, its Joy, its Crown,
Thou its Sun which goes not down;
There forever may we sing
Alleluias to our King!
Words by William C. Dix
Borrowed from Mary Jo @ http://www.covenanthomemaking.com/
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