what a wonderful story!

Jesus left Heaven's glory....

to read the full Christmas story:

fleeing to Egypt. to be called Out of Egypt! {advent}

Matthew 2:13-15

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.  When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:  and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

[The Lord could have had them flee to any number of different regions or countries. but He chose Egypt. a picture of the world. Jesus was sent into the world, and the called OUT of the world. an example for so He calls us too.]

rejoicing! with treasures {advent}

Matthew 2:9-12

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.  When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.  And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.  And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

[Hearing from the religious leaders about where they should go, following a star from a far away land, they REJOICED. and obeyed God.]

in Bethlehem of Judaea: for this it is written!

Matthew 2:4-8

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.  And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,  and thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.  Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.  And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

[The priests and scribes of Israel KNEW about the prophesies for the Birth of the Messiah. yet men from afar were more interested in there fulfillment and the coming of The King.]

wise men's tiding are troubling {advent}

Matthew 2:1-3

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,  saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.  When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

[Herod was troubled because he was a wicked ruler. How do you think the leaders of different countries would react if Jesus were born today? the people were troubled also. How would we react?]

{7 keys} being emotionally whole .7

Read Key 1 here 

Read Key 2 here

Read Key 3 here

Read Key 4 here
Read Key 5 here 
Read Key 6 here

KEY 7:

Help of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is imparted to you when you place your trust in Jesus Christ. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to give you daily guidance and counsel--in other words, to help you walk in the ways of the Lord and to make wise choices as various situations and circumstances arise.

Ask for the help of the Holy Spirit on a daily basis. Ask Him to guard you from evil and to guide you into righteousness. Give Him charge over your agenda, your schedule, and your daily appointments. Trust Him to bring you to persons in need so that you might minister to them, and to bring to you the help you need in the form that is best for you to receive it.

I close this series of articles on Being Emotionally Whole by saying with both forthrightness and love that I've never known anyone who was emotionally defeated who was filled with the Spirit of God. This seems to be the vital key to emotional victory.

Speaking to a large audience, D.L. Moody help up a glass and asked, "How can I get the air out of this glass?" One man shouted, "Suck it out with a pump!" Moody replied, "That would create a vacuum and shatter the glass." After numerous other suggestions, Moody smiled, picked up a pitcher of water and filled the glass. "there," he said," all the air is now removed." He then went on to explain that victory in the Christian life is not accomplished by "sucking out a sin here and there," but by being filled with the Holy Spirit.

May God grant you victory in your life over the emotions which may bind you!

written by Dr. Mike Rouse

Mountain View Baptist Church

used by permission

My Pastor writes a short article for our Sunday bulletin every week [and has for many years]. Currently, he is writing a series on Being Emotionally Whole, and I wanted to share it with you during the next few weeks. My posting these articles is not my Pastor's endorsement of my blog. All  opinions and thoughts expressed [unless otherwise noted, as here] are purely my own [and my family's] and not specifically affiliated with my church.

telling & pondering {advent}

Luke 2:17-19

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.  And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

[I must purpose THIS DAY to TELL of the great tidings! Do you think Mary pondered these things later also? when Jesus was being scorned. remembering how He was so honored at His birth contrasted with how rejected He was in His death. As a mother, I cannot even begin to contemplate how she must have felt during Jesus' entire life. as a child. His ministry. death. Have you ever wondered?]

let US go, too! {advent}

Luke 2:15,16

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

[Let us go and find Jesus! for we have an even greater witness than Angels! the Written, Living Word...]

the Angel's greetings & praise {advent}

Luke 2:10-14

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.   And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

[the Greatest Message ever spoken!]

the shepherds are afraid {advent}

Luke 2:8,9 

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

[I am fairly certain I would be equally: sore afraid! What would you do?]

the Child comes! {advent}

Luke 2:4-7

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.  And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

[so much prophecy is represented in these few verses! and the most wonderous being: God was born. for you. for me.]

obeying & being sent to Bethlehem

Matthew 1:24-25 

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Luke 2:1-3

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

[Not much is often said about Joseph, but he was obviously a man who feared and trusted the Lord: he married an unwed-mother simply because a vision told him to. in a day when he could have had her stoned for 'cheating' on him]

{7 keys} being emotionally whole .6

Read Key 1 here 

Read Key 2 here

Read Key 3 here

Read Key 4 here
Read Key 5 here

KEY 6:

Let Past Failures Go

There is an old saying that goes, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." I have another version of that saying, "If at first you don't succeed, you've now discovered that you are average." We will all fail on occasions, but how are we to handle failure?

A part of receiving God's forgiveness is forgiving yourself. Once God has forgiven you, you have no claim to your past sins, failures, or weaknesses. You are a new creature in Christ Jesus!

Each time you dwell on your past failures and errors, you are closing, to a certain degree, your heart and mind to the current and furture blessing that God has for you. Force yourself to think instead of the many ways God has helped you and blessed you. Anytime you find yourself reflecting on past failures, remind yourself that God has delivered you from sin. You have been saved by Christ Jesus. You are forgiven!

Then turn your mind to the positive things that God has done for you, in you, and through you. Start praising Him for His goodness rather than dwelling on the past. 

Theodore Roosevelt said, "The only man who never makes a mistake is the man who never does anything." Edison spent more than $100,000 to obtain 6,000 different fiber speicments, and only three of them proved satisfactory. Each failure brought him that much closer to the solution to his problem. His friend Henry Ford was right when he said that failure was the "opportunity to begin again, more intelligently." Learn from your failures, but don't dwell on them!

Helpful Scriptures: Psalm 97:9-12 & Lamentations 3:40-41

written by Dr. Mike Rouse

Mountain View Baptist Church

used by permission

My Pastor writes a short article for our Sunday bulletin every week [and has for many years]. Currently, he is writing a series on Being Emotionally Whole, and I wanted to share it with you during the next few weeks. My posting these articles is not my Pastor's endorsement of my blog. All  opinions and thoughts expressed [unless otherwise noted, as here] are purely my own [and my family's] and not specifically affiliated with my church.

a prophecy fulfilled {advent}

Matthew 1:22-23

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

[God told them this would happen. and still most people did not believe. And when Jesus began His ministry: ...Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. {John 1:46} Do WE believe the prophecies that have yet to be fulfilled could, indeed, be wrought today?]

a child of the Holy Ghost {advent}

Matthew 1:18-21

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.  Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.  But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

[As a young woman {possibly an older teenager}, would you have been fearful to tell your intended, parents, siblings, that an angel told you that you would have a baby before knowing a man... and that you were expecting and truly had never been with a man?]

returning. to His rightful place! {advent}

ascend into Heaven 

Thou hast ascended on high... Psalm 68:18;

fulfilled: Acts 1:9

would sit down at the right hand of God 

The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. Psalm 110:1

fulfilled: Hebrews 1:3

This list from the past few days is by NO means every prophecy Jesus has fulfilled or will fulfill, but it is an BEAUTIFUL start to Advent. 

to bring us into the reading of the Christmas story.

beginning tomorrow!

life after death! promised by God. {advent}

would rise from the dead!

For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Psalm 16:10

fulfilled: Mark 16:6; Acts 2:31

His rejection & death foretold {advent}

Die a humiliating death 

My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent....But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.  All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,  He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him... I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me... Psalm 22 [only portions typed]

Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?  For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: ...But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. ...Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. ...and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Isaiah 53:1-12 [only portions typed]

involving:
rejection -Isaiah 53:3

fulfilled: John 1:10-11; 7:5,48

betrayal by a friend -Psalm 41:9

fulfilled: Luke 22:3-4; John 13:18

sold for 30 pieces of silver -Zechariah 11:12

fulfilled: Matthew 26:14-15

silence before His accusers -Isaiah 53:7

fulfilled: Matthew 27:12-14

being mocked -Psalm 22: 7-8

fulfilled: Matthew 27:31

beaten -Isaiah 52:14

fulfilled: Matthew 27:26

spit upon Isaiah 50:6

fulfilled: Matthew 27:30

piercing His hands and feet -Psalm 22:16

fulfilled: Matthew 27:31

being crucified with thieves -Isaiah 53:12

fulfilled: Matthew 27:38

praying for His persecutors Isaiah 53:12

fulfilled: Luke 23:34

piercing His side -Zechariah 12:10

fulfilled: John 19:34

given gall and vinegar to drink -Psalm 69:21

fulfilled: Matthew 27:34, Luke 23:36

no broken bones -Psalm 34:20

fulfilled: John 19:32-36

buried in a rich man’s tomb -Isaiah 53:9

fulfilled: Matthew 27:57-60

casting lots for His garments -Psalm 22:18

fulfilled: John 19:23-24

 BUT don't stop now!
the best is YET TO BE TOLD.

taking the slow path

Except for some specific items for my hubby that we will shop for together, our Christmas shopping is done. I am working on a few home-made things for the girls. More on those AFTER Christmas.

My Kyria [7] made home-made gifts for her class party coming soon. We had lots of fun... googly eyes will do that!

The girls enjoy reading from our Advent Calendar each evening. And telling what they are thankful for.

I have been finding a few ideas of crafts to do during the days school is out. 

We are also going to make our own wrapping paper! [more on that later, too]

We have no plans other than a school party, a staff luncheon and making cookies together with my girlies. Both sides of our families live far away, so I am sure we will try to video-chat with them sometime during the few days before Christmas day. 

We have Christmas cards to mail. I am sure the girls will make pictures to send the Grandparents [just pretend you didn't read that, Mom!] Every couple years we try to do a craft for them-such as handprint clay or picture collages. I have an idea for this year... but it may be a New Years gift instead. If we lived closer, I am sure we would do more together.

We love just being our little family. Most of our friends have family near. and, of course, spend the special holidays with them. Thus we have the privilege of learning how to take the slow path. 

Teaching by doing - that there is more to this time of year than rushing to buy the biggest and best of everything we don't really need. Trying to be a part of every party and activity available can create stress. and I am trying to stop teaching 'stress' to my children. [easier said than done!]

 So, I will [try to] sit back and enjoy. spending time doing only what is necessary with a few nice things thrown in... instead of wondering how we will fit it all in before December 25th!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

and Be Blessed with HIS LOVE!

**except for the Advent Readings and the next Keys to Emotional Health which are mostly already typed and scheduled, I will probably not post much more between now and Christmas. The Owl Ornaments were inspired by a lady named Disney and my Kyria's school teacher, Mrs. Moore-sweetest lady and a most wonderful teacher. The theme of their classroom this year is "Making WISE Choices"... thus, the owl!

the beginning of Sorrows {advent}

would enter Jerusalem as a king 

on a donkey 

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. Zechariah 9:9

fulfilled: Matthew 21:4-9

would be rejected by Jews

The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. Psalm 118:22

fulfilled:  I Peter 2:7

even more {[Jesus' ministry]} {advent}

would minister in Galilee 

Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.  The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. Isaiah 9:1,2

fulfilled: Matthew 4:12-16

would cleanse the Temple 

Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.   But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth?  Malachi 3:1,2

fulfilled: Matthew 21:12-13

{7 keys} being emotionally whole .5

Read Key 1 here

Read Key 2 here

Read Key 3 here

Read Key 4 here

KEY 5:

Give Yourself to Others

Too much introspection into your problems and weaknesses can cause you to become ingrown. Have you ever had an ingrown toenail? Then you know how just  a small ingrown element of your physical body can cause pain. This same principle applies to your spiritual and emotional lives. you can turn inward and over time cause great damage to yourself, all in the name of trying to know yourself or fix your problems.

The best cure for many emotional difficulties is to turn outward to others and start giving of yourself to others. you may say, "But I don't have anything to give." Every person has something to give, even it it's only a smile, a kinds word, or a pat on the shoulder in a time of need. Sometimes just your presence can be a gift to someone, especially to someone who is lonely, grieving, or suffering with a long-standing illness.

The happiest people I know are those who have wide-open hearts and who give generously to others. Such individuals are totally secure in God's love.

Give without any expectation of receiving from the person to whom you give. God will see your heart and what you do and reward you accordingly. Trust Him to take care of you. 

By giving freely and generously, you open up yourself. This open stance before God and other people is important to emotional heath. It is only as you open yourself that you learn to trust. and being able to trust is viral to you ability to received Gods' forgiveness and healing, and to believe that God will supply your needs. 

Others, Lord; yes, other: let this my motto be. Help me to live for others that I may live like Thee.

Helpful Scripture: Psalm 77 & Acts 3:6-10

written by Dr. Mike Rouse

Mountain View Baptist Church

used by permission

My Pastor writes a short article for our Sunday bulletin every week [and has for many years]. Currently, he is writing a series on Being Emotionally Whole, and I wanted to share it with you during the next few weeks. My posting these articles is not my Pastor's endorsement of my blog. All  opinions and thoughts expressed [unless otherwise noted, as here] are purely my own [and my family's] and not specifically affiliated with my church.

ministry prophecied {advent}

would perform miracles

...he will come and save you.  Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.  Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. Isaiah 35:4-6;

fulfilled: Matthew 9:35

would preach good news 

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound... Isaiah 61:1

fulfilled: Luke 4:14-21

advent reading

As promised: our Advent calendar!

it did not turn out quite as I had planned. 

sometimes Life causes time-crunches {smiles} 

BUT it was completed before we needed to use it!

the verses follow the Advent posts. 

And we will read the Christmas Story all-together before we open presents 

{we have not decided exactly when yet, since Christmas morning is Sunday-incidentally, the BEST day to have Christmas!}

We turn the card around backwards when we are done reading it so Mommy does not get confused. {so sad}. 

and it is hung on another bookshelf close to our Days of Thanksgiving which we are continuing.

ADVENT: the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event

ministry begun. promises of God. {advent}

anointed by the Holy Spirit 

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; and shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. Isaiah 11:2-4

fulfilled: Matthew 3:16-17

Heralded by the messenger of the Lord 

(John the Baptist) 

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: and the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. Isaiah 40:3-5

Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. Malachi 3:1

fulfilled: Matthew 3:1-3

purging the rotten

Today I will be talking to myself. I bet you do that sometimes. {smiles} My kids think I am one crazy loon! But today, I will talk to myself to YOU. because I know I am not the only one who may need this little reminder [though I may need it the most!]

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Matthew 5:13

Anymore most people think of salt as an 'additive' or something to avoid, or something to bring flavors to life. But not so long ago, refrigeration was a thing of luxury; and not long before that, it was unheard of. People used salt barrels [among other methods] to preserve certain foods- mostly meats. Pork and beef  take very kindly to salt-curing. It intensifies the flavor and preserves the quality-for a time. 

image source

And salt does this through 2 primary ways:

{1} it pulls moisture out of the meat, thus creating a dryer product. Bacteria usually prefer moist environments to thrive.

{2} it kills bacteria on the surface of the meat. 

[God is so amazing!]

When the salt has given up the properties that make it salt-it no longer works at keeping the meat eatable. It allows rot to begin. And that, friends, is NOT a good thing! [don't ask me how I know].

It also is not useful to anyone- for any purpose- other than to be used as dirt and trodden under foot of men.

And Jesus says WE {Christians} are salt. Not that we are to "try to act like salt." but we ARE salt.
Thus, we should:

{1} be creating an environment around us [be it home, office, carpool, play-groups, Sunday school] where "bacteria" cannot live. We must speak up and LIVE Christ, but not be rude. Christ was never rude. He was vocal about wrong, especially among the religious [money-changers in the temple?], and He never condoned wrong-doing [the Samaritan woman?]. But he also never CONDEMNED those who simply did not know that He was The Christ- their Messiah. He extended love and mercy. But many went back, and walked no more with him. [John 6:66] because it was not comfortable for them. Jesus had given them a hard saying [John 6:43-60]. There will be those who do not wish to be our friend because we ARE SALT. [but we must NOT be rude or condescending. ever!]


{2} kill bacteria on the surface. Those who must be around us [on the job, at a play-date, in school] will learn to be watchful of their mouth or actions around a Christian who is {lovingly and humbly} vocal about right and wrong. I have seen it happen. It does not change their heart, but it does stop certain actions in certain places [around you]. And not just curb their sinful habits, but they may even pick up some good habits. When a lady acts like a lady, men are more likely to be polite and gentlemanly [open the door, offer to carry packages, etc.]. When a Christian acts like a Christian, people around that person will begin to wonder just what it is that makes us behave that way... and with such conviction. And might make them want to be a better person. {What an introduction to the Gospel!}

but when we loose our "saltiness," we are also no longer useful. to anyone.

the unsaved know when a Christian is not acting Christ-like. and it hurts the Cause of Christ. 

and those who are trying to be like Christ, be salt, cannot rely on the unsalty- for prayer, for support, for ministry help, for a good example to our children, for friendship.

So let us KEEP [or get back] our saltiness! Often during the holidays [Thanksgiving through New Years] there are many parties and get-togethers that may bring us into contact with those we may never see again. Will they remember us as "just another in the gang"?

or will they go away thinking: "there was something different about her. no one cursed when she was around." or "men changed their manners around her."

Just a thought.
from my convicted heart.

while still a babe. prophecy. {advent}

Taken to Egypt

When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. Hosea 11:1

fulfilled: Matthew 2:14-15

Herod´s killing of the infants 

Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not. Jeremiah 31:15

 fulfilled: Matthew 2:16-18

promises of place & events {advent}

Born in Bethlehem 

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Micah 5:2

fulfilled: Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:4-7

Great kings will pay homage and tribute 

to the Messiah

The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. Psalm 72:10

fulfilled: Matthew 2:1-11

more promises. the line. {advent}

of the tribe of Judah 

The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. Genesis 49:10

fulfilled: Luke 3:23, 33; Hebrews 7:14

of the house of David 

Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.  And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.  He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.  I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:  but my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.  According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.  2 Samuel 7:11-16

fulfilled: Matthew 1; Luke 3:31

birth prophecies {advent}

born of a virgin

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

fulfilled: Matthew 1:21-23

a descendant of Abraham

Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:  And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Genesis 12:1-3

And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, and said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. Genesis 22:15-18

fulfilled: Matthew 1:1; Galatians 3:16

the plan. He knew

emnity...  between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.  

Genesis 3:15

This is the first reference to the coming Savior. Jesus. the Messiah. the Son of Man.

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[fulfilled]...when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law...

Galatians 4:4

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At the very beginning, God knew. what heartache that must have caused.

the plan was in place before the foundations of the world were made. [I Peter 1:18-21] And yet, He made those foundations. knowing.

We celebrate the initiation of this plan during the Christmas season. 

But today, this first day of the Christmas season, let us remember the Reason we CAN have our traditions and activities.

the Reason for Love. 

the Giver of All Perfect Gifts. 

the Giver of Life. through Himself. 

He bruised Satan's head. and gave us Life!

Let us REJOICE!