Phew!!!!

Ok....we're finished with our 6th season of 24. We actually finished the night before last, but I needed a day or 2 to recover. I'm now free to start reading Quaker Summer, and Wyatt is contemplating coming up with a Jack Bauer Study Bible. See you in the New Year!

Vacation

This weeks blog articles will not been written due to our annual "24 Marathon." Wyatt and I do not watch 24 every week. That would require a degree of consistentcy of which we are not capable. Instead, we choose to wait until the latest season is released on DVD. Then we binge, watching 3 or 4 (or sometimes more) episodes a night until we are finished. We pretty much become anti-social during this time (not a big leap) and do very little of our usual social activites. Please log on next week when we return to our regularly scheduled life.

Bert! Whadda ya know about that???

Meanings of the Twelve Days

You learn some pretty neat things when you read your email and e-newsletters! This has been sitting in my inbox for awhile now. It's about the 12 Days of Christmas and I thought I'd share it with you. Enjoy!


Meanings of the Twelve Days

Day 1 - Partridge In A Pear Tree
Christ who died on the Cross for our sins

Day 2 - 2 Turtle Doves
Old and New Testaments

Day 3 - 3 French Hens
Some sources say-- Three Gifts of the Magi: gold, frankincense, and myrrh
Others say-- Faith, Hope, and Charity (the theological virtues)

Day 4 - 4 Calling Birds
The Four Gospels, Matt, Mark, Luke & John

Day 5 - 5 Golden 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.

Day 6 - 6 Geese a Laying
The six days of Creation

Day 7 - 7 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)

Day 8 - 8 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)

Day 9 - 9 Ladies Dancing
The nine Fruit of the Spirit: 1) love, 2) joy, 3) peace, 4) patience, 5) kindness, 6) goodness, 7) faithfulness, 8) gentleness, and 9) self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

Day 10 - 10 Lords a Leaping
The 10 Commandments

Day 11 - 11 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).

Day 12 - 12 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. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord,
3. Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell.
5. The third day he rose again from the dead;
6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
7. From there he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
8. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
9. I believe in the holy catholic church, the communion of saints,
10. The forgiveness of sins,
11. The resurrection of the body,
12. And the life everlasting. Amen.

First Corinthians 13: Christmas Version

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,
strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls,
but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen,
baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
preparing gourmet meals and arranging
a beautifully adorned table at mealtime:
I'm just another cook.

If I work at a soup kitchen,
carol in the nursing home,
and give all that I have to charity;
but do not show love to my family,
it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels
and crocheted snowflakes,
attend a myriad of holiday parties
and sing in the choir's cantata
but do not focus on Christ,
I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love does not envy another's home
that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love does not yell at the kids to get out of the way,
but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love does not give only to those who are able
to give in return; but rejoices in giving
to those who cannot.

Love bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes all things, and endures all things.
Love never fails.

Video games will break,
pearl necklaces will be lost,
golf clubs will rust,
but giving the gift of love will endure.

--Author Unknown

More Love

Check out my awesome brother-in-law's article on love.

Kidney Donor

Check it out. This is love.

Whose Birthday Is It, Anyway?

Yes, it's Christmastime and here we are once again amidst the battle of those offended by Christ in Christmas and those offended by Santa. Without getting into a big fat ugly mess, consider this: Who do you celebrate on your birthday? Who is your birthday all about? OK. There you go. Now, will some people show up for your party not because of you, but because they like the idea of cakes, and gifts and songs, games and big fun? Well, probably not, but for the sake of argument, let's say they do. Is there really anything they can do to make it NOT your birthday? No. There isn't. They can pretend it's just another ordinary day. They can act as if they are surprised that you and others are there for your birthday. They may truly not give a rip about you and only be there for the party. Maybe they're there just to enjoy the birthday clown. They may even act offended that you would be so bold as to claim your birthday is about you, and not the clown. (GASP!The audacity!) But honestly folks, at the end of the day, whose birthday is it?

So, while I really and truly enjoy Santa as much as the next person, Christmas is about Christ. Period. Sorry if that offends you, it's the truth. And while I would love for the whole world to truly remember Christ and focus on Him, Santa is not evil. Again, sorry if that offends you.

Anyway, Merry Christmas. Be blessed and be nice. Love each other, for crying out loud! Go to church, give a gift, have a party, drink some eggnog, do whatever it takes, just lighten up and be NICE!

Christmas Elves!

Take a few minutes to laugh to day and go to www.elfyourself.com. My college roommate sent me an elfed greeting and it is hilarious!!! Merry Christmas and have fun.

Gladys Aylward

There are so many great missionaries to write about, but one of my favorites is Gladys Aylward. She was a missionary to China, and led about 100 Chinese children through the wilderness (during a war) to the Yellow River. If you don't think that is just awesome, try leading 5 children through walmart. Anyway, Ms. Aylward's faith and love for the children of China made such an impact on the Mandarin that he converted to Christianity. Try the book The Little Woman by Gladys Aylward and Christine Hunter. Or, if you're not a reader, check out the movie The Inn of the Sixth Happiness with Ingrid Bergman.

The Boy Who Cried "Sick!"

OK. I had to pick up Wyatt Henry from school yesterday. His teacher called me and said he was complaining of a stomach ache and that he didn't look good. When I picked him up, he did look a little pale and was acting pretty lethargic. We pulled over twice on the way home because he thought he might throw up.(but he did not) When he got in the house however, he made a miraculous recovery almost instantly! He remained in good health for the rest of the day. At bedtime, he said his stomach hurt. I gave him antigas medicine and sent him to bed. He slept fine all night, and got up saying his stomach hurt. He was fine through breakfast, got dressed and was off to school. No fever. Looks fine. Yet here he is, back home with me. He told his Dad he did't feel well and now he's home, on the couch. He is extremely congested and his tonsils are huge. He's acting fine and doesn't have a fever. He's offended (of course) at the suggestion that he might not be so sick. He occasionally complains of a stomach ache, but for the most part acts fine. Of course, he was acting fine on Friday night when he went to the football game where he threw up in the bleachers. Sooooooo... anyone want to call it?

All I Really Want for Christmas

My girlfriend Elysa has this video on her blog. I couldn't help myself...get your tissue box ready.

What??? No "Faith Seed"?

In the age of money-hungry TV Evangelists, it's so refreshing to read these words penned by Corrie ten Boom in her book Tramp For The Lord.

The people in America seem to think that I should not hesitate to ask for money for my ministry, which supports other ministries such as Bible and book translations in many parts of the world. However, from the very beginning of my ministry I have felt it was wrong to ask for money-even to ask for travel expenses. I did not want to be paid for "services rendered." I simply wanted to preach the Gospel and let the Lord provide for me.

She goes on to tell of a time when she felt the Lord had not wanted her to accept a check for a large sum of money, and how the giver of the check was greatly offended and stormed out of the room. When her speaking engagement was finished, Ms. ten Boom returned to her room and prayed as she wondered...

Was it wrong to speak of my own work while at the same time I urged people to be converted or to forgive their enemies? Was it wrong to listen to these Americans who were urging me to receive collections for my ministry?The answer was very clear from the Lord. "From now on you must never again ask for money." Great joy entered my heart and I prayed, "Heavenly Father, You know that I need more money than offer before. But from this day on I shall never ask for a penny. No guarantees before I come to speak. No travel expenses. Not even a place to stay. I will trust in You, believing that you will never forsake me."

Did you catch that? Here, let me write that again:

The answer was very clear from the Lord. "From now on you must never again ask for money." Great joy entered my heart..." (emphasis mine)

Is that not incredible? We're not talking about a millionare here, folks! These are the words of a woman who was thrown into a Nazi work camp when she was in her fifties and came out with NOTHING! No cash, no home, nothing. Yet, the Lord didn't tell to her to ask people to sow a "faith seed" into her ministry. No love offering. Hm. Interesting.

Years after her release, Ms.ten Boom returned to Germany to minister to those who had imprisoned her and her family. She was an amazing woman, a true servant, and her sister Betsy was such a picture of Christ. If you've not read anything by Corrie ten Boom, you need to check her out. Start with "The Hiding Place."

Quarantine Update

Now it's Wyatt Henry. Bless his heart, his has an ear infection and got sick while out with his aunts and uncles and grandparents. :-( So, we are back on Puke Patrol. But we are armed with antibiotics and know that the ear infection is the culprit, so we shouldn't be unclean for much longer. I hope.

p.s. Make that Lizzie and Wyatt. She also is throwing up. Our house is a solid "10" on the Vomitron.

YouTube - Jenna Bush on Ellen

I don't watch Ellen, but I did see this clip yesterday on Yahoo! and thought I'd share!

YouTube - Jenna Bush on Ellen

Christmas Poem

Here is a Christmas poem to remind you of the serenity that remains under the chaos.
It was written by a girlfriend of mine from Massachusetts. Thanks Trina, for sharing this with me!


It is twelve twenty-five - Peace blankets the earth

We stop for a moment to celebrate His birth
A calming sensation surrounds our souls

And for just that instant we feel unconditionally whole

A smile we shine a breadth our face

We see what we missed in all our haste

A love no greater has penetrated through
Dear Lord my only words - Thank you

by Trina Jones-Rudolph

MIA

We're still battling the puke fest around here. Just when I thought we were in the clear, Abby hit me with a projectile vomit sneak attack. The damage was devastating.
Anyway, that's why I've been MIA. But I'll be back!