It is December 31 again. Tomorrow is a new year! May 2011 be a blessed year for all of you. What fun traditions do you gals do? Any black-eyed peas or collards? Family game days?
We are going to be cleaning up our house from the craziness with which 2010 has ended.
For anyone who wants to join in reading the bible in a year, here is the suggested reading schedule for the weekend-
January 1-Gen 1:1-2:25; Matt 1:1-2:12; Psalm 1:1-6; Proverbs 1:1-6
January 2-Gen 3:1-4:26; Matt 2:13-3:6; Psalm 2:1-12; Proverbs 1:7-9
January 3-Gen 5:1-7:24; Matt 3:7-4:11; Psalm 3:1-8; Proverbs 1:10-19
God Bless!!!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Out of the Water
Today's reading about Jesus really went well with what's been going on the last day or so. We've been in hot water. Actually, we've been out of hot water as our hot water heater died and started a massive leak as it died. Mike spent the entirety of yesterday dealing with sopping wet carpet and replacing the old heater.
God has blessed us. Seems kinda funny to say after writing the first part, but it is true. He sent the snow storm which prevented us from driving to Fayetteville yesterday as planned. As a result, we were home to discover the leak fairly early on and start working on it instead of coming home to a real disaster.
We have hot water again and we are working on the solution for the flooring that was damaged . . . Graeme will be the first one with new flooring instead of the living room. God apparently really likes the fireplace half-wall :-)
Anyway, back to what I read today. It was about Jesus' baptism by John. He was submerged and then as he rose out of the waters God opened heaven and let Jesus know that he was proud of him. God sent His Son to experience life as we do, but He still let him know that he was pleased with how Jesus was handling himself.
"and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
-Matthew 3:17
Thanks, God, for finding ways to talk to us. Especially when things seem a little flooded.
God has blessed us. Seems kinda funny to say after writing the first part, but it is true. He sent the snow storm which prevented us from driving to Fayetteville yesterday as planned. As a result, we were home to discover the leak fairly early on and start working on it instead of coming home to a real disaster.
We have hot water again and we are working on the solution for the flooring that was damaged . . . Graeme will be the first one with new flooring instead of the living room. God apparently really likes the fireplace half-wall :-)
Anyway, back to what I read today. It was about Jesus' baptism by John. He was submerged and then as he rose out of the waters God opened heaven and let Jesus know that he was proud of him. God sent His Son to experience life as we do, but He still let him know that he was pleased with how Jesus was handling himself.
"and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
-Matthew 3:17
Thanks, God, for finding ways to talk to us. Especially when things seem a little flooded.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Happy Birthday Jesus!
And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth
Luke 1:14
Have a wonderful, blessed and safe Christmas!
Luke 1:14
Have a wonderful, blessed and safe Christmas!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Catching Up On the Days of Christmas
I've really enjoyed reading the boys the short version of The Twelve New Days of Christmas by Bonnie Johnson Fite. I mentioned the first one a few days ago and thought I would catch you all up and even jump on ahead and finish the song for everyone. I love having a common Christmas carol turned around and made into a great song to truly celebrate Christ.
On the first new day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me THE BABE IN A MANGER BED (Luke 2:7)
On the second day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me TWO EARTHLY PARENTS (Luke 1:30, Matthew 1:24)
On the third day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me THREE WISE MEN (Matthew 2:11)
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me FOUR ELDER SAINTS (Luke 2:29, 30a-they were Zechariah, Elizabeth, Simeon and Anna)
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me FIVE ROMAN GUARDS (Matthew 2:16a-not the nicest day as this referred to the soldiers sent out by Herod)
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me SIX CHICKENS CLUCKING (this was referring to all of the animals which would have been in the stable where Jesus was born)
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me SEVEN KINGS IN WAITING (2 Kings 23:25a-this verse referring to some of Jesus' ancestors who were godly kings of Israel)
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me EIGHT SHEPHERDS PRAISING (Luke 2:20)
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me NINE SHEEP A-BLEATING (Luke 2:8)
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me TEN PROPHETS PREDICTING (Isaiah 9:6-referring to Moses, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah, Zechariah, Hosea, Daniel, Amos and Malachi who all spoke of the coming Messiah)
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me ELEVEN PEOPLE SLEEPING (Luke 2:7b-there was a reason there was no room in the inn ;-)
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me TWELVE THOUSAND ANGELS (Luke 2:13-14)
I hope you've enjoyed the short version I've been sharing with the boys and the fun facts behind some of the days. I know I've learned and remember this version a lot better than I could ever remember for a partridge in a pear tree.
Have a blessed day!
On the first new day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me THE BABE IN A MANGER BED (Luke 2:7)
On the second day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me TWO EARTHLY PARENTS (Luke 1:30, Matthew 1:24)
On the third day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me THREE WISE MEN (Matthew 2:11)
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me FOUR ELDER SAINTS (Luke 2:29, 30a-they were Zechariah, Elizabeth, Simeon and Anna)
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me FIVE ROMAN GUARDS (Matthew 2:16a-not the nicest day as this referred to the soldiers sent out by Herod)
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me SIX CHICKENS CLUCKING (this was referring to all of the animals which would have been in the stable where Jesus was born)
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me SEVEN KINGS IN WAITING (2 Kings 23:25a-this verse referring to some of Jesus' ancestors who were godly kings of Israel)
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me EIGHT SHEPHERDS PRAISING (Luke 2:20)
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me NINE SHEEP A-BLEATING (Luke 2:8)
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me TEN PROPHETS PREDICTING (Isaiah 9:6-referring to Moses, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah, Zechariah, Hosea, Daniel, Amos and Malachi who all spoke of the coming Messiah)
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me ELEVEN PEOPLE SLEEPING (Luke 2:7b-there was a reason there was no room in the inn ;-)
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true Lord gave to me TWELVE THOUSAND ANGELS (Luke 2:13-14)
I hope you've enjoyed the short version I've been sharing with the boys and the fun facts behind some of the days. I know I've learned and remember this version a lot better than I could ever remember for a partridge in a pear tree.
Have a blessed day!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Christmas Traditions
Mike and I are trying to make sure we teach Graeme and Liam the true reason for celebrating Christmas. We are trying new things each year to see what works. Something we are trying this year is that we are going to open presents on Christmas Eve so that while they will play on Christmas day, we can focus on celebrating Jesus' birthday instead of tearing into gifts. We also have an advent calendar in which we have put the baby Jesus from our nativity in the last box.
So what are fun family traditions, new or old, that you do? Birthday cakes for Jesus? Advent Calendars? Do you read the Christmas story? I think it would be a lot of fun to discover how you keep Christ in Christmas.
And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:10-11
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Low is High
God's love is amazing. As I read through the Christmas story, God shows over and over that his love is all encompassing. He revealed the birth of His son, our savior, first to the lowly shepherds in the fields. His son was a carpenter, not earthly royalty. He is for us! He loves us, who we are, not what we are.
"God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
1 Corinthians 1:28-29
"God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
1 Corinthians 1:28-29
Friday, December 17, 2010
Finding Delight in the Word
How do you find your delight in the word? I've struggled with making daily doses a pleasure rather than a chore. Preparing for bible study often motivates me to do it but I sometimes look at it as homework instead of daily sustenance.
God's Word is such a powerful tool given to us.
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
-Hebrews 4:12
Please Lord, keep me motivated and delighted in you!
God's Word is such a powerful tool given to us.
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
-Hebrews 4:12
Please Lord, keep me motivated and delighted in you!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Warming Thought
There is none holy like the Lord; there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.
-1 Samuel 2:2
-1 Samuel 2:2
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Beth Speaks Again
I really love how Beth can hit a point:
"We long to find someone who has been where we've been, who shares our fragile places, who sees our sunsets with the same shades of blue"
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
"We long to find someone who has been where we've been, who shares our fragile places, who sees our sunsets with the same shades of blue"
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tuesday
The best part of Tuesday is knowing at the end of the day, I'll be spending some time with my awesome bible study gals. Some Tuesdays this is a cherry on top and some days this is the light at the end of a very long tunnel.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
-Ephesians 5:8-9
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
-Ephesians 5:8-9
Monday, December 13, 2010
The Twelve Days of Christmas are here
On the first day of Christmas my true Lord gave to me . . . the babe in a manger bed.
This year has gone so fast. I can't believe it is just 12 days before we celebrate the birth of our savior. I want to remember the true reason and to try and establish better routines and habits about being in God's Word, so I've started Beth Moore's Jesus: 90 days with the One and Only.
Today's passage was Luke 1:26-33. The study starts with the question of what other words come to mind when you hear or speak the name Jesus? What moods or emotions bubble to the surface? What hopes does He stir up in your spirit?
"And behold you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."
-Luke 1:31-33
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Remember Daniel?
I have journeyed far in the last couple of days....I reminisced in Daniel before traveling into Hosea's prophesies and later into John's as outlined by Revelations. What joy we can find in the promises He has written for us!
For starters, consider Daniel's prophesy of the antichrist: Daniel 11:36 introduces the king who exalts himself (antichrist)...and later states "Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him." Amen to that!
Yes, in end times there will be "distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then" (12:1)...here comes my favorite word in this chapter---"But at that time your people, everyone who name is found written in the book--will be delivered...." (12:2) "Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens and those who lead many to righteousness , like the stars for ever and ever." (12:3)
The most convicting part of the scriptures read above is the message of sharing the gospel with others. I must remember God's call to me! All of my interactions with people can lead to crucial conversations about the Gospel. I am so consumed with my own daily list to do, finding my joy, and fellowshipping with others that I often forget to consider the light I can provide to people I cross paths with. Yes, that even means my waitress last night at Cafe Luna, or the people I sat next to at the play...maybe even the serviceman who visited our apartment yesterday afternoon. He even began sharing about his trials with keeping a job and the thought never cross my mind that I could have encouraged him. Crossing paths with people can be divine appointments!
Here is my final thought for us ladies---who will you cross paths with today that the Lord has brought your way? What hurt do you see in the people you meet today that could be soothed by His truths? What chances do you have today to encourage others? I pray that the Spirit will make you aware of these opportunities and will grant you the words to say that are honorable to Him.
In His Holy Name....KK
For starters, consider Daniel's prophesy of the antichrist: Daniel 11:36 introduces the king who exalts himself (antichrist)...and later states "Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him." Amen to that!
Yes, in end times there will be "distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then" (12:1)...here comes my favorite word in this chapter---"But at that time your people, everyone who name is found written in the book--will be delivered...." (12:2) "Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens and those who lead many to righteousness , like the stars for ever and ever." (12:3)
The most convicting part of the scriptures read above is the message of sharing the gospel with others. I must remember God's call to me! All of my interactions with people can lead to crucial conversations about the Gospel. I am so consumed with my own daily list to do, finding my joy, and fellowshipping with others that I often forget to consider the light I can provide to people I cross paths with. Yes, that even means my waitress last night at Cafe Luna, or the people I sat next to at the play...maybe even the serviceman who visited our apartment yesterday afternoon. He even began sharing about his trials with keeping a job and the thought never cross my mind that I could have encouraged him. Crossing paths with people can be divine appointments!
Here is my final thought for us ladies---who will you cross paths with today that the Lord has brought your way? What hurt do you see in the people you meet today that could be soothed by His truths? What chances do you have today to encourage others? I pray that the Spirit will make you aware of these opportunities and will grant you the words to say that are honorable to Him.
In His Holy Name....KK
Friday, December 10, 2010
Friday Fun Fact
Do you know what verse marks the middle of the Bible?
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.
Psalm 118:8
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.
Psalm 118:8
Thursday, December 9, 2010
A Thursday Thought
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
-Hebrews 12:1
Thanks for being such a great cloud of witnesses!
-Hebrews 12:1
Thanks for being such a great cloud of witnesses!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Welcome
Welcome to our encouragement and accountability blog. I can't wait to revel in the joy of God's word with all of you (beyond Tuesday nights).
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen
-Ephesians 3: 20-21
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen
-Ephesians 3: 20-21
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