Advent - Days 13, 14, 15

The theme of today's readings and postings seems to be..."We're a little bit behind but..." *LOL* ENJOY!!

Day 13:


Day 14:


Day 15:

Advent - Days 10, 11, 12

Day 10:


Day 11:


Day 12:

Advent - Days 7, 8, and 9

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Matthew 25:40 "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'

As the kids and I talked over our selections of Advent readings this morning, it occurred to me that Christmas can be summed up in these two verses...accepting the gift that was given to us and understanding our call to share that gift and ourselves with others.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Day 7 - Letter G - Gifts


Day 8 - Letter H - Heavenly Hosts


Day 9 - Letter I - Infant

Advent - Day 6 - Letter F

*WHEW* What a whirlwind of a weekend we had!! I am glad to report that while our Advent readings faltered for a bit, we are back on track and the kids are excited to share letter F with you today and more coming tomorrow.

(P.S. Andrea and Shannon...we were talking about whether or not the kids read the selections "raw" or if I prepped them on any trouble-words before we "filmed"...well, today's will provide some chuckles. *lol* No prepping here!)

Beatitudes for Homemakers

A friend of mine, Julie who has a View from the Highlands, recently shared a thought-provoking twist on the Beatitudes. The version she posted centers around the home and mostly, the partnership of the two people leading it. Reading it caused me to remember yet another twist on the beloved Beatitudes that I came across on a homeschooling board a while ago. This one pertains more to the homemaker, although heaven knows it's good wisdom for any woman!

• Blessed is she whose daily tasks are of love, for her willing hands and happy heart transform duty into joyous service to all her family and God.
  
• Blessed is she who opens the door to welcome both stranger and friends, for gracious hospitality is a test of brotherly love.
  
• Blessed is she who mends stockings and toys and broken hearts, for her understanding is a balm to her husband and children.
  
• Blessed is she whom children love, for the love of a child is of greater value than fortune or fame.
  
• Blessed is she who dusts away doubt and fear and sweeps away the cobwebs of confusion, for her faith will triumph over all adversity.
  
• Blessed is she who serves laughter and smiles with every meal, for her cheerfulness is an aid to mental and physical digestion.
  
• Blessed is she who introduces Jesus Christ to her children, for godly sons and daughters shall be her reward.
  
• Blessed is she who preserves the sacredness of the Christian home, for hers is a divine trust that crowns her with dignity.

Advent - Day 5 - Letter E

Isaiah 55:9: As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Advent - Day 4 - Letter D

Matthew 1:18-25 Joseph Accepts Jesus as His Son
18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
23 "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us").
24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.
25 But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Advent from A to Z - Days 1, 2, 3 (A, B, C)

Advent season this year has found our home filled with such a happy spirit!! The Lord is stretching us in many ways but I believe our grip is tightening on Him and that's what's making the difference!

This year we are going thru several books with the kids about the Advent season. One they are particularly enjoying is a devotional for kids called, Advent from A to Z. It's a simple book with "to the point" devotions to think on.

We thought we'd share it with you throughout this season of rememberance and hope.