Wednesday, December 31, 2014

2014!

This year has brought us many ups and downs.
It has brought us new friends and we have had to say goodbye to some friends too.
It's given us new adventures and old traditions.
We have started new ministries and some exciting lessons.
This year was full of memories.
But most of all this year was full of love for God and each other.




12 Days of Christmas - Day 7

Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit-----Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously, if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

12 Days of Christmas - Day 6

Day six: six geese a-laying. Eggs are an almost universal symbol of new life. The laying geese symbolize the six days of creation where God was bringing new life to this earth.

Monday, December 29, 2014

12 Days of Christmas - Day 5

The five golden rings represented the first five books of the Old Testament, which describe man's fall into sin and the great love of God in sending a Savior.

Sunday, December 28, 2014

12 Days of Christmas - Day 4

The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  The gospels were written to help us to not only help us to believe but also to help us grow in our faith.  John 20:30-31 says, “30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

Saturday, December 27, 2014

12 Days of Christmas - Day 3

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me, three French Hens. 1 Corinthians 13:13 says “Three things will last forever--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love.” French Hens were very expensive when this song was written so they can also be symbols of the three expensive gifts the wise men brought: Gold, Frankincense and myrrh.

Friday, December 26, 2014

12 Days of Christmas - Day 2

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me, two turtle doves that remind us that our Bible is broken into two parts the Old and New Testament. The doves are symbols too. In the Old Testament, before Jesus’ death on the cross, it is acceptable for the poor to sacrifice two turtledoves as an offering that helps to bring peace with God. It is believed that when Mary and Joseph come to Jerusalem after Christ’s birth, they sacrificed two of these birds.

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Advent Devotional Reading Week 4 Day 5 - Christmas Day

Day Five

“. . . all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them” (Luke 2:18).

      If we had heard what the shepherds had to say, we probably would have been amazed too. Shepherds were not very high on the social register. Why would God send His angel to them, of all people? They paid attention, and obeyed, two very good qualities.

      Prayer: Father, I bow in amazement at the wonder of Jesus’ birth

12 Days of Christmas - Day 1

The 12 Days of Christmas are the days that are between Jesus’ birth and when the wise men come to visit Jesus on the day of Epiphany. It is the time in which gifts were given.

Disclaimer for what I am about to read: there is no documents supporting this or any real evidence until the 90’s that this was even possible. But, with that said, it is a great way to help teach children about the foundation of our faith.

Long ago in a land over the ocean and through some woods there were pastors who were told they couldn’t teach their beliefs. After many sleepless nights and a song was born. One that not only reminds us of the twelve days between the day of Christ birth and the day of Epiphany but also all the gifts that God, our True Love has given me, to us, all those who believe in Him.

On the first day of Christmas, his birthday of course, our True love gave to us a partridge in a pear tree. The partridge in the pear tree also represents Him because that bird is willing to sacrifice its life if necessary to protect its young by feigning injury to draw away predators.

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Advent Devotional Reading Week 4 Day 4

Day Four

“When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning . . . this child” (Luke 2:17).

      What is the best gift you received for Christmas? Have you told anyone about it? If it was truly special, you probably have? Have you told anyone about Jesus? He is far better than any gift we find under a tree. He is God’s “indescribable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

      Prayer: O God, thank You for giving us Christ, who is worth talking about!

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Advent Devotional Reading Week 4 Day 3

Day Three

“So they . . . found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger” (Luke 2:16).

      Surely all the shepherds had seen babies before. So why leave their sheep to find this particular baby? Because the angel had told them, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” So they found Him. Have you?
      Prayer: Lord, thank You that You are available to all who will seek You.


Monday, December 22, 2014

Advent Devotional Reading Week 4 Day 2

Day Two

“The virgin . . . will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14b-c).

      Centuries later, Matthew would quote this verse (1:23), and remind his readers that “Immanuel” means “God with us.” God could have come down to us as a full-grown man, but incredibly He came as a helpless baby, dependent on human parents. Then He grew up to change the world.

      Prayer: Dear God of the universe, Thank you that you are still Immanuel, God with us today.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Advent Devotional Reading Week 4 Day 1

Day One

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son” (Isaiah 7:14b).

      Virgins do not give birth to babies. If they do, you know they are no longer virgins. Yet this was the miracle God performed in order to bring Jesus into the world, unstained by human sin. He inherited no sin from His father, because His Father was God.

      Prayer:  Heavenly Father, such miracles are too wonderful for us to comprehend, but we thank You. 

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Advent Devotional Reading Week 3 Day 7

Day Seven

“. . . they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him” (Matthew 2:11a).

      The Wise Men bowed before the wisest One who ever lived. The three kings, as they are sometimes called, worshiped the infant King. They presented Him with gifts as a part of their worship. What will you give this Christmas? Why not give Him yourself?
      Prayer: O God, this is my gift this Christmas: I give myself to You.

Friday, December 19, 2014

Advent Devotional Reading Week 3 Day 6

Day Six

“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed” (Matthew 2:10).

      Apparently, the star disappeared for a time. We don’t know if the nights were cloudy or it disappeared for some other reason. But its reappearance brought them joy. They knew their search was almost over. You and I can find Him too when we seek with all our hearts.

      Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for making it possible to find Your Son Jesus, our Savior

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Advent Devotional Reading Week 3 Day 5

Day Five

“But you, Bethlehem . . . out of you will come a ruler . . . of my people Israel” (Matthew 2:6).       

      Herod’s counselors found the verses in the book of Micah, predicting the birth of the Promised One. The prophecy even indicated the town where He would be born – Bethlehem, the city of David. God knows where you were born . . . and where you live. Welcome Him there.
      Prayer: Father, You are welcome in my life, during Advent and always.


Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Advent Devotional Reading Week 3 Day 4

Day Four

“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2a).

      From the east – possibly Persia – the Magi, or Wise Men, came seeking the newborn king. Guided only by a star and their understanding of the heavens, they knew this birth was a momentous occasion. What are you seeking at this season? Or rather, Whom are you seeking?
      Prayer: O God, we know that in You we find all the things our hearts are seeking.


Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Tuesday Thoughts

"Words over time can impact someone's direction in life."

Words can make or break a person.  They can mend or damage.  Even unspoken words have an impact on us.   Children are impacted by our words over the span of time.  For example, they say it takes over twelve compliments to make up for one bad comment.   When I think of the impact our words have on our children I think of the Great Wall of China.   This can be looked at two ways they use walls to block out our words and so do we as parents.   But also the wall was built over time.  One stone at a time.   It didn't take a day to build.  "Rome wasn't built in a day."   It was built over a span of 20 years.   About the same amount of time we have impact on our children.   Each rock was laid carefully, just like our words should be carefully laid on our children.  Every rock had a purpose and was strategy.   The wall wasn't built by one but thousands of hard workers.   Words spoken on children aren't just the ones their parents say but also those around them.   Our communities have an impact on our children's lives with their words too.   This community includes those we as parents place in our children's lives and also those who our children bring.    It takes time to build something wonderful and to direct a person on a good path.   Sometimes, just like the wall in China, what we have built needs repaired.  Words don't stop once the path is set but need to continue on.    A friend of mine lost her mother right before she left for college.  She said the one thing she missed the most was her mothers words to her.  She longed for those words to be spoken over her again.   She read through letters and notes her mom gave her when she started to forget those impressive words.  It's been over 2000 years since the first stone was laid for the Great Wall of China.   It is never to late to start speaking words of wisdom, love and grace into our children.

Advent Devotional Reading Week 3 Day 3

Day Three

“Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD” (Isaiah 2:5).

      By the “house of Jacob,” he means the people of Israel, the children of Abraham. Yet, since Abraham was the father of the faithful, all of us who live by faith are his children too. So to all believers he appeals, “Let us walk in the light of the Lord.”
      Prayer: Lord, in this Advent season, a season of lights, shine Your light on our paths.


Monday, December 15, 2014

Advent Devotional Reading Week 3 Day 2

Day Two

“They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks” (Isaiah 2:4b).

      From a military mindset to an agricultural mindset. From an attitude bent on destruction to an attitude that produces and shares. This is what God can do for us. But it only happens when we let Him sit at the head of the peace conference table.

      Prayer: Dear God of the universe, bring your peace into our hearts.

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Advent Devotional Reading Week 3 Day 1

Day One
“He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths” (Isaiah 2:3b).

      The prophet says God will teach us His ways, which implies we do not already know them. That is true. But what a willing Teacher He is. When we open our hearts to Him, He does not disappoint us. The question is, will we learn and “walk in his paths”?
      Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I open my mind and heart to You. Please teach me


Saturday, December 13, 2014

Advent Devotional Reading Week 2 Day 7

Day Seven

“. . . great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10c).

      Although Jesus was born of Jewish parents in a Jewish town in a Jewish culture, He came for all people. Across the centuries, all who have received Him, regardless of their nationality or background, have become the children of God (John 1:12).

      Prayer: O God, I praise You that you have brought salvation to all who put their trust in You.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Advent Devotional Reading Week 2 Day 6

Day Six

“I bring you good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10b).

      What could be better news than to know the long-awaited Messiah had come. “Great joy” almost seems like an understatement. People who knew the Scriptures and had been hoping for the Messiah must have been ecstatic to know He had come. The Promised One came in their lifetime.
      Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have promised that Jesus would come back again. Help us to be ready.



Thursday, December 11, 2014

Advent Devotional Reading Week 2 Day 5

Day Five

“But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid” (Luke 2:10a).         

      I can understand why the angel told them not to be afraid. The sudden appearance of an angel, shimmering in the darkness, would be enough to make the strongest shepherd shiver in his sandals. However, God’s intention was not to frighten but to enlighten. It still is.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the calm assurance You give when we are frightened.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Advent Devotional Reading Week 2 Day 4

Day Four

“. . . the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night” (Exodus 40:38a).

      God gave them a cloud by day to provide shelter from the hot sun. He gave them fire by night to illuminate the darkness long before flashlights or electric lamps. God thinks of everything. He still promises to supply our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).

      Prayer: O God, thank You for Your gracious provision

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Advent Devotional Week 2 Day 3

Day Three

“. . . whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out” (Exodus 40:36b).

      The people never had to wonder if it was time to move or stay. When the cloud lifted, it was time to go. When it stayed over the tabernacle, they remained. We don’t have a cloud, but God promised if we acknowledge Him, He will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).
      Prayer: Lord, lead me in the way You want me to go



Tuesdays Thoughts

"Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, 
we can't remember who we are or why we're here."

Before the Scripture was written down it was passed down through stories.  Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if someone decided to stop telling the stories.   I wonder if we would have a church or if the church would look the same if the stories stopped.  

Starting in January we are going to be telling the stories from the Bible.  Each week we are going to go through two stories from the Bible.  These stories give us our foundation.  They help us to know who we are.   They remind us who we are.  

If we don't share these stories with our children then they will not be passed onto them.  If they are not passed onto them then they will die.  We will have a generation of children who won't know who they are or why they are here.

This also goes for our stories.  We need to share the stories of our families with our children.  As a child I loved sitting in the living room listening to the family share stories about things of the past.   It helped me to understand who I am.   Children crave to hear the stories about their families and when they were their age.  They may roll their eyes and say "is your story over yet?" But they are listening.
They are taking in the lessons and the stories to treasure later.  As my grandparents have passed away I lean on the stories that they left us.  Their is only so much a picture can do, words and memories need to be shared.

What stories are you going to share with your kids this week?   Pick one and share it tonight at dinner.

Monday, December 8, 2014

Advent Devotional Reading Week 2 Day 2

Day Two

“. . . the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 40:35b).

      God’s presence was so real, so palpable, that He filled the tabernacle. Even Moses could not enter until the cloud lifted. It is all the more remarkable that Paul says our bodies are a temple and God’s Spirit lives in us (1 Corinthians 3:16). That is awesome!
      Prayer: Dear God of the universe, come and fill my life anew with Your presence.




Sunday, December 7, 2014

Advent Devotional Reading Week 2 Day 1

Day One

" Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting” (Exodus 40:34a).

      The cloud symbolized the presence of God with the people of Israel. When God first spoke to Moses, He appeared as the fire in a burning bush. When Jesus came as Immanuel – God with us – it was a matter of great significance. He was not a symbol. He was really God.
            Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank You that You are still with us today – in our hearts.

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Advent Devotional Reading Day 7

Day Seven

“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28b).

      Considering everything that Mary was facing, it was important for her to be assured that the Lord was with her. She would not have to face the future alone. Neither do you. God loves you more than you know. He highly favors you, and is with you.
      Prayer: O God, thank You for your favor. Thank you for being with me.


Friday, December 5, 2014

Advent Devotional Ready Day 6

Day Six

“Joseph, a descendant of David” (Luke 1:27b).

      Luke was careful to record Joseph’s ancestry. After all, the promise had been given to David and his ancestors – people like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – that One would come and bless the whole world. That One was Jesus. God always keeps His promises. You can count on it.

      Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to remember, when tempted to doubt, that You are always faithful.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Advent Devotional Day 5

Day Five

“. . . to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph” (Luke 1:27a).       

      In only a dozen words, Luke introduces us to the two main characters in the Christmas story. Mary, a virgin, and Joseph, a carpenter, were about to have their world turned upside down. Because they were willing to cooperate with God’s plan, our world can turn right side up.

      Prayer: Father, like Mary and Joseph, help me to cooperate with Your plan.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Advent Devotional Reading Day 4

Day Four

“In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee” (Luke 1:26).

      God sent his angel Gabriel to a specific place, a town called Nazareth. He knew where Mary was, and He knows where you are. No matter where you go, He will find you. And if you are open to Him, He will speak to you in your innermost being.

      Prayer: O God, speak to me at the point of my need. I am listening with my whole heart.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Advent Devotional Day 3

Day Three

“It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” (Genesis 2:18).

      God understands the problem of loneliness. He did not want Adam to be lonely. Adam also needed a helper, someone on his level, yet uniquely different. So God created woman. His intent is that we work together to be better than either would be alone.

      Prayer: Lord, help me to gain a new appreciation of the wonderful relationship between husband and wife

Tuesday Thoughts

"We must use time creatively and forever realize that time is always hope to do great things."
 - Martin Luther King Jr.


When I read the quote above my first thought is new years resolutions.   They are ways that we use our time to hope to do great things.   This is the church calendar new year and this week our lesson for Advent is on Hope.   Hope.  I have lots of hopes.   I have lots of dreams.  I hope that I use my time to do great things and that I use it creatively.   I know that there are times, okay many times, that I fail at this.   But I also know that with God on my side He can change any mess into something great.  I got a text from a mom of a toddler and she was worried she was messing up as a mother.  Potty training wasn't going well at that moment and the toddler was having a well to put it quickly a toddler moment.   Creative use of time.   It's what our children crave.  Pinterest is full of amazing idea of how to use our time creative and to help our children do great things.

http://growingcreativekids.com/


How are you using your time creatively this week?

Monday, December 1, 2014

Advent Devotional Day 2

Day Two

“. . . you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:17a).

      Life is made up of choices. Some things we can do and some we should not do. God gave Adam and Eve only one choice to make. What could be simpler? But when they began to question God, they began to get into trouble. Be sure to make good choices.

      Prayer: Dear God of the universe, help me to make the right decisions every day.