Wycliffe Bible

This week the Photo Hunter theme is "important." Since my family is so important to me, second only to the Lord, I thought I would post a photo of us this past Christmas. So all of you who have wondered what my family looks like, he we are. For family and friends who know what we look like, here is an updated photo. It is not the best but for 10 people in a photo and tired children (and parents) I think it is pretty good!

Labels: Christmas, Family, marriage, PhotoHunt, Quiverfull, Train Up a Child

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  posted at 7:40 AM  
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This week's hero was suggested by Cindy & Kathi


Each year, around this time, since 1992, the Arlington National Cemetery has something happen to it. It gets covered in vibrant green Christmas wreaths. The wreaths are donated by a man named Merrill Worcester who is the owner of the Worcester Wreath Co. in Maine. From the Worcester Wreath Co.'s website:

Each year Worcester Wreath donates Maine wreaths to adorn the headstones of those who serve and those who sacrificed to preserve our freedoms. In 2007, over 10,000 wreaths are destined for the annual wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington. In addition, 2,500 wreaths will be sent to Togus National Cemetery in Augusta, Maine. Worcester Wreath also donates ceremonial wreaths that will be used as part of the Wreaths Across America events at over 230 State and National veterans cemeteries all across the Country.

Sometimes a hero is one who sacrifices everything in their life to help others. And sometimes a hero is one who sacrifices nothing more than their time.We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived.
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. To find out more about Wednesday Hero, you can go here.

Labels: Christmas, Conservative, Military, Wednesday Heroes

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  posted at 8:45 AM  
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Labels: Christmas, Wordless Wednesday

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  posted at 12:10 AM  
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Every year we set up a nativity set. It sits upon our piano away from little fingers that could easily break the figurines. Our children do on occasion end up getting away with playing with it. It has almost become a tradition to do something to the set to see how long it takes for mom or dad to notice. That usually means the shepherds and wise men trade places or the donkey is turned around backwards. Some may say this is inappropriate but in our home this has become a way to make sure that we are focused on the correct thing at Christmas time, our Savior. Do we really notice the nativity set or is it just another decoration? Last year was one of the most creative and we even snapped a photo. I noticed standing between Mary and Joseph gazing down at the baby Jesus was a penguin. The phrase, "There is a visitor at the manger," was repeated over and over again. Do we visit the manger? Not just the sweetness of a newborn baby and the cute scene we display but the full picture? That day, even though glorious, showed the coldness of the world. Even in rejoicing that the Savior has come, we know He came only to die. Christmas is a time of wonder, joy, love, awe, and amazement. It should also be a time when we once again acknowledge our dependence upon a holy and just God. Let us not get caught up in the sparkling lights, pretty bows, ribbons, cookies, and presents. Let us make our main focus be the same as that which the little penguin upon my piano represented. Let us be a visitor at the manger and our focus be upon the Living Lord. Merry Christmas and may God bless you as you celebrate the risen Lord.

Labels: Christianity, Christmas, newsletter

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  posted at 7:51 AM  
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O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high, Who orderest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show, And teach us in her ways to go.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save, And give them victory over the grave.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come, And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, great Lord of might, Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times once gave the law In cloud and majesty and awe.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Root of Jesse’s tree, An ensign of Thy people be;
Before Thee rulers silent fall; All peoples on Thy mercy call.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Desire of nations, bind In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease, And be Thyself our King of Peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.





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Labels: Christianity, Christmas, Saturday Psalm and Praise

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  posted at 12:01 AM  
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Per my hubby's request...
13 Things I wouldn't mind getting for Christmas.

1. The Power of Motherhood by Nancy Campbell
2. Soothe Me cd by Serene & Pearl
3. Birthing God's Mighty Warriors by Rachel Scott
4. William & Sonoma Striped Apron, Burgundy & Dijon colored
5. When my in-laws lived in Germany, they bought Hummel figurines for each of their grandchildren. We have had three children since that time. So I would love one for child number six.
6. Hummel for child number seven
7. Hummel for child number eight
8. Any clothing from April Cornell (I will blog on this company tomorrow)
9. smaller chain for my "babies" necklace
   
10. For our family picture to turn out well, it is hard with so many people!
11. SNOW!!!!
    
12. There really isn't anything I need!!
13. Oh, I know, a smoked ham for dinner so I do not have to cook one!

Labels: Christmas, Thursday Thirteen

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  posted at 7:57 AM  
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Here are a couple of pictures of our Advent Wreath. This is the second year we have used this particular wreath and liturgy for Advent. It may be difficult to see but surrounding the wreath are symbols that coincide with the Scripture passage to be read on that day. Our wreath is The Jesse Tree Family Advent Wreath. The Jesse Tree is the family tree of Jesus. This Advent Wreath tells the story of His lineage through the symbols and readings from Scripture.


BLESSING: May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ's promise to bring us salvation.

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 9: 1-2 "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwell in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing."

Labels: Christianity, Christmas

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  posted at 8:46 AM  
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13 Good Things We Get to Eat on Christmas Eve

1. Orange Balls
2. Shrimp
3. Fudge
4. Cornflake Wreaths
5. Cookies
6. Cheese ball and crackers
7. Pumpkin Bread
8. Poppyseed Bread
9. Wassal
10. German Lebkuchen
    
11. Candy Canes
12. Meatballs
13. Veggie Tray with dip

Labels: Christmas, Thursday Thirteen

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  posted at 7:46 AM  
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Advent is the beginning of the Church Year for most churches in the Western tradition. This year the season begins on Dec 2, the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, and ends on Christmas Eve (Dec 24). Advent is a time of expectation, symbolized by the four-week period of preparation leading up to the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

An Advent Candle is lit on each Sunday of the season. The flame of each new candle reminds us, the worshipers, that something is happening, and something more is still to come. When the candles from the previous weeks are relit, it's symbolic of the arrival of Christ bringing light into darkness.

The Advent Wreath has five candles. The candles are arranged in a circle to remind us of the continuous power of God, which knows neither beginning nor ending. There is also symbolism in the color of the candles; representing either people or themes of the Christmas story.

Three purple (sometimes blue) candles symbolize the coming of Christ from the royal line of David. He is coming as the King of Kings as well as the Prince of Peace. The traditional color of purple is also the liturgical color representing penance, like the season of Lent, reminding us of our need for repentance and the gift of forgiveness found in Christ Jesus. The more modern color of blue for three of the candles comes from the modern emphasis on hope. Blue is the liturgical color for hope. The first, second, and fourth candles are either purple or blue.

The Prophecy Candle is the first candle lit. It reminds us of the prophets who foretold Christ's birth, especially Isaiah. This candle is also called the "hope" candle.

The Bethlehem Candle, symbolic of the Christ Child's cradle, is second. This candle is also called the "love" candle.

The Shepherd's Candle is third. The third Sunday is referred to as Gaudette Sunday (Gaudette means "rejoice"). The pink or rose-colored candle is lit on this day. This pink candle typifies the act of sharing Christ. Pink symbolizes the Advent Rose, a time to pause in this season to rejoice in the Lord.

The Angel's Candle is fourth. It is the candle of love and final coming. This candle is also called the "peace" candle.

The Christ candle, colored white and sometimes larger than the rest, is placed in the center of the wreath. It's traditionally lit on Christmas Eve. The Christ candle points to Jesus as the Christ, the Light of the world.

Labels: Christianity, Christmas

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  posted at 9:03 AM  
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(Vassar Chapel Stained Glass)
Angels, from the realms of glory, Wing your flight o'er all the earth;
Ye who sang creation's story, Now proclaim Messiah's birth;

Come and worship, come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Shepherds in the fields abiding, Watching o'er your flocks by night,
God with man is now residing, Yonder shines the infant light:

Come and worship, come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Sages, leave your contemplations, Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great Desire of nations; Ye have seen his natal star:

Come and worship, come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Saints before the altar bending, Watching long in hope and fear,
Suddenly the Lord, descending, In his temple shall appear;

Come and worship, come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King.

All creation, join in praising God the Father, Spirit, Son;
Evermore your voices raising To th'eternal Three in One:

Come and worship, come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King.





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Labels: Christmas, Saturday Psalm and Praise

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  posted at 12:24 AM  
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Today I have 13 things about the 12 Days of Christmas! #1 is about the 12 Days of Christmas and the rest are based on the song.

1. The Twelve Days of Christmas as a celebration and festival is old and steeped in traditions from Christian cultures around the world. For many, the idea of the 12 days as a length of celebration is based on a sequence of verses in the Holy Bible (Matthew 2:1-12), and a belief that it may have taken 12 days for the three kings (also called wise men or magi) to travel to Bethlehem.
2. The "true love" is God Himself. The "me" who receives the present is every baptized person. The Partridge in a Pear Tree is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
3. 2 Turtle Doves represents the Old & New Testaments.
4. 3 French Hens represents The Three Theological Virtues: 1) Faith, 2) Hope, and 3) Love (1 Corinthians 13:13)
5. 4 Calling Birds represents 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.
6. 5 Golden Rings represents the Penteteuch, the first five books of the Bible: 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.
7. 6 Geese A-laying represents the six days of creation that confesses God as Creator and Sustainer of the world (Genesis 1).
8. 7 Swans A-swimming represents 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)
9. 8 Maids A- Milking represents 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)
10. 9 Ladies Dancing represents the 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).
11. 10 Lord's A-Leaping represents 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)
12. 11 Piper's Piping represents 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.
13. 12 Drummers Drumming represents 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.

Labels: Christianity, Christmas, Family, Homeschooling, Thursday Thirteen

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  posted at 7:52 AM  
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About a month ago I posted on Protestant Prayer Beads and their meaning. These are not to be confused with the Rosary beads. Well, my friend Valerie has taken that post on the Protestant Prayer Beads and done something wonderful! She has taken upon herself the task of making some of her own along with a booklet of explanation! Her beads are very beautiful and are inexpensively priced! Please read through my post on the beads and visit Valerie. You just might decide that these would be a great gift for others this Christmas season!

Valerie's beads...

Labels: Christianity, Christmas, Prayer

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  posted at 9:03 AM  
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