On Tablets of Human Hearts

2 Corinthians 3:2-18
(New International Version)

2You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. 3You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

4Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. 5Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
The Glory of the New Covenant
7Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, 8will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? 9If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! 10For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. 11And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!

12Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. 14But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect[a] the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

A prayer composed by Kimberly Daniels, overseer of Spoken Word Ministries in Jacksonville, Florida, that we encourage all believers to use to intercede for our president, Barack Obama. Daniels is the author of several books, including her most recent, Delivered to Destiny (Charisma House). You can learn more about her and her ministry at kimberlydaniels.com.

A Prayer for Barack Obama
By Kimberly Daniels

Father, You instructed us to pray for those in authority, and we lift up Barak Obama. We thank You for the anointing that has abided over the office of the president of the Unites States since the time our forefathers dedicated this country to Jesus Christ. We pray that our new president will abide under that same covering. We extend the common honor to Barak Obama that has been ascribed to all in his position.

God, we thank You for placing favor on the highest office in our land. We ask for Your protection for Obama and his family during the upcoming presidential inauguration. We bind every attack from the Arian Nation, covert Nazi organizations, skinheads or any other racist group that specifically hates and targets people of color. We bind all terrorist assignments from local, national and international conspiracies against our president, government and other political leaders.

We bind the resurrection of the Black Panthers (specifically the New Black Panthers). We break the power of demonic influences from any race retaliation groups in the inner cities of America. We turn the words of their demonic doctrine and declare that black people are not taking over America. We break the power of revenge from these groups against the president because he did not put all black people in his cabinet. We decree that innocent black people will not be terrorized in their neighborhoods by white supremacists, and innocent white people will not be terrorized by black supremacists.

Father, we ask You to reveal Your Son Jesus to our new president as the only way to God. We ask You to cause him to have a Saul-to-Paul experience. Release the pricks and goads upon his heart at an accelerated pace so that his heart will turn to the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Deliver him and let him experience a genuine new birth in his spirit. God, deal with our president about the innocent bloodshed of the unborn and the sanctity of marriage.

Open doors for true prophets to speak to Obama in the White House. We bind the ministry of psychics, the teaching of black liberation theology, and every New Age and secular humanist doctrine away from the White House.

God, put Your angels around the White House. As the president is escorted down the streets of Washington, D.C., during the inauguration, let there be no breaches in security. Let the angels fill in the gaps, in Jesus' name.

Anoint the secret service agents with a double portion during the inauguration and throughout the rest of Obama's tenure. We bind the spirit of the double agent. We come against the Judas spirit in the secret service, CIA, NSA and FBI in the name of Jesus.

Lord, we come against every stronghold that keeps the president from the truth. We break every soul tie and vow that has been established between him and Harvard, secret societies and the illuminati.

We declare that even the cabinet that is around him will bow to Jesus. We plead the blood of Jesus over Obama's head so that the pressure of the office will not keep him up all night. Every tormenting spirit sent by a witch or warlock is bound in Jesus' name.

Lord, expose the work of every witch, sorcerer, spiritualist or person from the dark side operating through his cabinet members or through anyone else closely associated with him. We block the power of the influence of the Yoruba religion and all other groups of black people who worship their ancestors, in Jesus' name. We put barriers around the Unites States that will bind and block the witchcraft coming from Kenya to influence our president in Jesus' name. Let the power of every dedication of his past be broken, in Jesus' name.

Keep and protect our new president, his wife, his children and his mother-in-law from kidnappings, assassinations, harassments and any other kind of attacks while they are in the White House. Let every hidden secret and dark thing operating behind the scenes be exposed expediently, in Jesus' name. Let every hindering spirit that would oppose the progress of our country be removed—now—in the name of the Lord.

Father, we pray that our president will not sit in the counsel of the ungodly. We bind all alliances that would hinder the peace and protection of our country. Let all the covert plans of the enemy be infiltrated with light. Put people in the path of our president who will tell him the truth and speak the word of the Lord.

We ask You, Lord, to shut the door to every spiritual leader who desires to frequent the White House for fame and glory. Shut the doors and shut their mouths. Let their words hold no weight in the Spirit. Remove every compromising, lukewarm Christian leader who wants to whisper sweet nothings in our president's ear. Send spiritual leaders who have kingdom mind-sets and hearts for the nation.

We break the iron rod of hatred, racism and prejudice in the United States. We apply the blood of Jesus over our nation. We decree that disunity concerning Obama is being uprooted in the church, and the church will find common ground to stand in the gap concerning the matter.

Lord, help us to build up the walls around our nation that were destroyed during the recent presidential election. We pray that our enemies will not launch a sneak attack on us while we are distracted. Wake up the sleeping church. Let us make supplication, prayers and intercession, and give thanks for all men, especially all who are in authority over us, so that we may lead quiet and peaceable lives in America, in godliness and honesty (see 1 Tim. 2:1-2).

As we pray, let every ungodly and dishonest thing be exposed and dealt with by the Holy Ghost. Lord, we know that our prayers and supplications concerning this matter are good and acceptable in Your sight because it is Your will for all men to be saved and to know the truth (see vv. 3-4).

We drown every spirit traveling from overseas to wreak havoc. We bind the spirit of havoc and chaos from birthing martial law in the land. We bind spirits that would cause us to lose our constitutional and civil liberties. We declare that the gospel and those who preach it shall have free course in the earth.

We break all agreements between Obama and the nations of the Middle East that would cause America to turn its back on Israel. We decree that a love for Israel will be released in America like never before. Lord, Your Word says that You will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse that nation (see Gen. 12:3). We bless Israel!

Father, we ask You to move over Barack Obama and America. Keep and protect him. Your Word says that the heart of the king is in Your hand, and like a river You turn it wherever You will (see Prov. 21:1). Father, turn his heart in the direction of Your favor, timing and plan.

In closing, Lord, we ask You to supernaturally intervene concerning the laws that will affect the civil liberties of believers. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.




In Jesus Care,
Marylou

Check out my blogs!
Home On The Farm
LT Livestock
Marylou's Place



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Our son Matthew is moving to Houston Missouri this week with his wonderful family. God has placed him there as the pastor of the Houston Christian Church. Below is a portion of the Ordination Service at our church last night. Please pray for him and his family as they take on this service for Christ. Thank you!




The Ordination Service for Matthew Anderson



January 18, 2009
Hillsboro Christian Church
Hillsboro Missouri







Welcome and Prayer
Responsive Reading:

Leader: Ephesians 4:1-13, It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
Congregation: Matthew has been called to this biblical ministry.
Leader: (to the candidate) Have you considered seriously this biblical ministry to which you are called?
Candidate: I have.
Leader: As a minister, you are called to a higher level of responsibility and integrity than other Christians. Have you seriously considered the high level of integrity, morality and Christian living to which you are called?
Candidate: I have.
Leader: Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God, your personal Lord and Savior?
Candidate: I do.
Leader: You do not enter this ministry alone, but with the help and support of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the great cloud of witnesses in Heaven,and the church universal. Church, please repeat these words of faith.
Congregation and Leader: I believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God, and my personal Lord and Savior.
Leader: (to the candidate) Will you strive to encourage the church and lead the lost to a saving relationship with Christ?
Candidate: I will.
Leader: Will you remain faithful to the teaching of the Scripture, teaching "the whole counsel of God" as you teach in the church?
Candidate: I will.
Leader: Will you follow the leading of the authority of the local eldership of the church you serve, promoting unity in the cause of Christ?
Candidate: I will.

Laying on of Hands
Charge to the New Minister
Comments by others
Comments by Matthew Anderson

Please pray for God to lead and guide President and Mrs. Bush as they step away from Washington and seek new paths of service and influence

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
—Hebrews 13:7

Holy Lord God, You are strong, mighty and powerful, and You move among us so that we cannot miss Your presence and activity in the world. You know all things, and all things are revealed by You and before You, and we thank You for that truth today.

Heavenly Father, we also come to You now on behalf of President George Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush. We praise You, Lord, for their years of service to our nation. We honor You for giving them hearts that love and revere You. We remember them and we thank You for their faith in You. Guide and direct them into what You now have in store for them as they take up residence in Dallas and Crawford, Texas. May they continue to make a difference and have an influence for good in our nation and the world. We ask this, mighty God, in the name of Jesus, amen.
Presidential; Prayer Team

Lets remember what ever comes our way, we must remember to give God praise for all He does in our lives, and how He works all things together for good to those who love and serve Him!

I titled my LT Livestock blog "Baby its cold outside! And it sure is! 10 degrees and snowing. The electricity went off three times during the night, and our water froze this morning. Terry has thankfully been here to thaw us out today! I am so glad!

We have had a lot of sick family members this past month. poor Addie had to go to the hospital with RSV, and now Asher is ill. Nicole has had some difficulties as has Matthew and John. Other members have had various problems too, but I have not typed everything. Prayers for healthy family appreciated! I have been having reoccurring bouts with the psoriasis, and also had to take meds because I snapped a nerve in my shoulder near my spine the other day leaning over the fence to get the dog's feed pan. It is still giving me some discomfort, but noticeably better.

Work has been really slow for Terry, and with that he had to take a huge cut in pay, so it has been a rough start to this new year, and our electric bill is going to be sky high with this cold snap! But we serve a God who is greater than all this! Prayers would be appreciated for John who did loose his job, and for us since we have taken a cut in pay and freight is slower than the usual SLOW January. It is a rough time for us all. I encourage you to read the following article: Slapping the Face of God

January 10, 2009


VERSE:
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his
steps.

-- Proverbs 16:9




THOUGHT:
We're now a week-and-a-half into a new year. How are you doing
with those changes and commitments you made for the new year? Don't
give up or quit on them ... even if you're having trouble staying
on track. But, let's remember that the only real commitment for
this year that is absolutely necessary to keep is that we ask the
Lord where he wants us to go and what he wants us to do; then we go
there and do it.

PRAYER:
Holy God, Almighty LORD, Abba Father, thank you for being
wondrous, holy, and mighty. Thank you for also caring about me, my
life, my decisions, and my struggles. Please guide me by your
Spirit so that I can understand your Word and discern your will for
my life. I want to have you fully direct my steps. In Jesus' name I
pray. Amen.

http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20090110

Today's Verse is also available in:
PORTUGUESE
SPANISH -

-/\/\----------------------------------
\ / TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
--\/-----------------------------------

I have started to pull down the Christmas decorations for this year. The big tree is in its box in the basement, and I will be putting the ornaments for it away in the morning. I will then do the rest of the dedecoration tomorrow. Isaac said he thought I should keep the garland up that is between the kitchen and dining room, so I am going to do that, and add snow flakes for January, and valentines for February before pulling it down altogether. Why not? LOL
Praying you all have a very blessed Year 2009

Just a few little things...

So, I am cheating and putting this post on all my blogs. So you only need to visit one today if you follow all of mine.
I think this is a fun time of year! I love seeing how everyone else decorates for Christmas, and I love the cold clear air when I go out doors!

It was really a lot of fun seeing my Nebraska Branch Anderson Clansmen last week. The guys got their limit of deer at the ranch Micah works for. The place is really nice, and the guys had a wonderful time hunting. They enjoyed being in the wide open range again. The rolling hills are similar to the ranch I was raised on, but the vegitation is different.
Micah and Nicole have a really nice 4 bedroom home on two levels. The basement has a huge living area, and two of the bedrooms. There are three bathrooms, and a nice open living area. Tons of cupboards and cabinets and closets.

I got a bad spell with my Cellulitis, and so I really did not enjoy the time as much as I could have had that not happened. I got chilled the first afternoon, and it took me two heated blankets to get warmed back up. Then the leg got bad.

Micaiah and Nicolae are so very adorable, and Micah and Nicole are a greats host and hostess so if you go see them you will have a wonderful time! Now Kristi and I will be heading next to see Mark and Jordan and Caedmon! I can hardly wait.

Here is a little information about cellulitis: I got the info from the linked title....
Cellulitis Index



Our Cellulitis Main Article provides a comprehensive look at the who, what, when and how of Cellulitis



Definition of Cellulitis MRSA Slideshow Cellulitis: An acute spreading bacterial infection below the surface of the skin characterized by redness (erythema), warmth, swelling, and pain. Cellulitis can also cause fever, chills, and "swollen glands" (enlarged lymph nodes). Cellulitis is a clinical diagnosis based on the spreading involvement of skin and subcutaneous tissues with erythema, swelling, and local tenderness, accompanied by fever and malaise.

Cellulitis commonly appears in areas where there is a break in the skin from an abrasion, a cut, or a skin ulcer. It can also be due to local trauma, such as an animal bite. Only rarely is cellulitis due to the bacteremic spread of infection -- bacteria arriving from a distant source via the bloodstream.

What does cellulitis look like?



Risk factors for cellulitis include diabetes and impairment of the immune system (from, for example, HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressant drugs). Cellulitis is not contagious because it is an infection of the skin's deeper layers, the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, and the skin's top layer (the epidermis) provides a cover over the infection.

The main bacterium that causes cellulitis is Staph (Staphylococcus aureus) and Strep (Group A Streptococcus) is next most common. Cellulitis can be caused by many other types of bacteria. In children under six, H. flu (Hemophilus influenzae) can cause cellulitis, especially on the face, arms, and upper torso. Cellulitis from a dog or cat bite or scratch may be caused by the Pasturella multocida bacteria. Cellulitis after an injury from a saltwater fish or shellfish can be due to the Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. These same bacteria can also cause cellulitis after a skin injury on the farm, especially while working with pigs or poultry.

Antibiotics such as derivatives of penicillin that are effective against the staph germ are used to treat cellulitis. If other bacteria, as determined by culture tests, turn out to be the cause, or if patients are allergic to penicillin, other appropriate antibiotics are substituted.


Last Editorial Review: 1/25/2008

Common Misspellings: cellutitis, celluitis, cellulitist, cellolitus, cellulitous, celulitis, cellulitus

THE CROSSWALK

I do not know the origin of this cartoon,
but if anyone does let me know so I can give credit
where crediti is due.
Thanks enjoy the lesson today!




























Sometimes we complain about the cross we bear but don't realize it is preparing us for the dip in the road that God can see and we cannot

Whatever your cross,
whatever your pain,
there will always be sunshine, after the rain....
Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall;
But God's always ready, to answer your call....
He knows every heartache, sees every tear,
a word from His lips, can calm every fear...
Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish, by dawn's early light...
The Savior is waiting, somewhere above,
to give you His grace, and send you His love.
May God fill your day with blessings!!

Remember everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle...)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and Your minds in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 4:6-7

I am praying we all petition God for our President elect, and all those he puts into power. Pray without ceasing and pray for them to all turn their hearts to God the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ.

It is my oldest son's birthday today! Wow I am really getting old!

It snowed as I was falling to sleep last night, but when I woke up there was no snow on the ground.. I just wish I had some snow to show for the aching I am doing... Oh well such is life here in Misssouri! I am so looking forward to getting to see some missing members of my family this weekend! It will be so nice to see them. And it will be nice to see where they are now living, and it looks to be a really nice visit.
I have plenty of food on hand for my house sitters, and they will get to enjoy some peace of country life for a few days. I am not s ure if we are leaving to night or tomorrow morning. But anyway I will be backnext week. I sure wish I had a digi cam to take some pictures... oh well.

Joyful Heart Renewal Ministriesis a website with a lot of interesting reading I have linked the Christmas section for you. Go and enjoy reading the articles there. Have a wonderful Christmas Season!

For two nights in a row , it snowed here on "The Property". But we only have a sprinkling of snow for all the effort. Had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, and enjoyed having Mark, Jordan and Caedmon here! The food and fellowship were great, and I am blessed beyond measure! My eldest and youngest finished cleaning the kitchen for me on Thursday night while I sat and watched them with my bum leg elevated. What a blessing! Chandra could not come Wednesday to help with pies (our anual tradition) cause she was sick, but Jordan was here to fill in for her, and the pies were truly wonderful. Noah and Isaiah made an apple pie that was wonderful! Jordan did the lion's share of the preparation for this Thanksgiving feast, and it was truly great.

~First Sunday of Advent~






This is the first Sunday of Advent! Light your first candle! Call me for the tune for MY Lord What a Morning I will sing it for you!



Advent Wreath Meditations
~First Sunday of Advent (November 30, 2008)





But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

Keep alert, for you do not know when the time will come . . . in the evening, or at midnight, or at dawn. Keep awake. (Mark 13:24-26, 32, 33, 35, 37, NRSV)

Such amazing things happen in the sky to herald the return of the Son of Man:
. . . Jesus, coming in the clouds
. . . the sun grows dark
. . . the moon doesn't shine
. . . and stars fall from the heavens


So different from that first coming more than 2000 years ago:
. . . with angels singing of God's glory and peace on earth
. . . with the single star guiding the way to the manger
. . . with shepherds and wisemen -- rich and poor -- coming to worship.

And so we watch, and wait, and stay alert, waiting again for the coming of Jesus.
And we light a single candle in preparation for that glorious day.

[Light the first candle on the Advent wreath.]

. . . And even if the sun should grow dark
. . . even if the moon refuses to shine
. . . even if the stars should fall from the
sky…


. . . we will have Jesus, the Light of the World, to shine brightly in our hearts, lighting our way.

All: Come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.

"My Lord, What a Morning," 719, The United Methodist Hymnal


My Lord, what a morning; my Lord, what a morning;
Oh, my Lord, what a morning, when the stars begin to fall.
You'll hear the trumpet sound, to wake the nations underground,
Looking to my God's right hand, when the stars begin to fall.
My Lord, what a morning; my Lord, what a morning;
Oh, my Lord, what a morning, when the stars begin to fall.

(Traditional African-American spiritual)

OR "Shine, Jesus, Shine," stanza 1, 2173, The Faith We Sing

I got this from Planning Helps~Advent Wreath Meditations

Advent History and Tradition
The Beginning of the Christian Year



Prior to the Nativity Celebration of Christmas Day, Advent refers to the holy season of the Christian church which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It begins on the Fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends on the 25th of December. As the commencement of the Christian year, the Advent Season holds a special place in the Christian tradition.

The History of Advent
The word "advent" comes from the Latin term for "coming," and refers to the first and second Comings of Jesus Christ, in the senses of Savior and Judge, respectively. The first authoritative mention of Advent appears in the Synod of Lerida (AD 524), and the season has been recognized since as the beginning of the western ecclesiastical (church) year. The celebration originally began as a period of fasting, similar to Lent. Although the practice of abstention was later relaxed, Advent retains the spirit of atonement and penitence.

Advent Wreaths and Calendars
In western cultures, the four Sundays of Advent are often celebrated with Advent wreaths decorated with four candles. Made from evergreens, the circular wreaths symbolize eternal life and the endless nature of God's love. Three of the candles are purple or blue while the fourth is typically rose-colored or pink.

One candle is lit each Sunday of the season. The rose-colored candle is lit on the third Sunday, which is considered to be a more festive day than the others. On Christmas Day, a fifth candle (known as the "Christ Candle" and often white in color) is lit in the center of the wreath, or may replace it altogether.

Advent calendars are also popular during the season. About 25 small compartments are created, often through the use of multiple sheets of cardboard or through sewn pockets. These are filled with seasonal messages, religious pictures, small chocolates, stories, or toys, depending upon the particular calendar.

Advent Traditions and Customs around the World
There are many ways Advent is celebrated. In English history, poor women would carry "Advent images" -- two dolls dressed as Christ and the Virgin Mary. Upon showing these images to passersby, the women would be gifted with small amounts of money or trinkets. Failing to donate was considered bad luck.

In Normandy, children under 12 were sent through farmers' fields with torches, setting fire to straw to drive off vermin. Italy supported the tradition of bagpipe players entering into Rome during the last days of the season. They played music before shrines of the Blessed Virgin, just as shepherds played pipes at the manger to honor the Messiah's coming.

The Season of Advent remains one of the most important times of the Christian year. It celebrates the blessing of the birth of Christ, and reminds the faithful of his eventual return.

Thanksgiving Proclamation:

Thanksgiving, 1864, was proclaimed by President Abraham Lincoln in these words:

"It has pleased Almighty God to prolong our national life another year...to favor as well our citizens in their homes as our soldiers in their camps, and our sailors on the rivers and seas, with unusual health.
"He has largely augmented our free population by emancipation and by immigration, while He has opened to us new sources of wealth, and has crowned the labor of our working men in every department of industry with abundant rewards.
"Moreover, He has been pleased to animate and inspire our minds and hearts with fortitude, courage and resolution sufficient for the great trial ... into which we have been brought by cause of freedom and humanity ...
"Now, therefore, I .... do hereby appoint and set apart the last Thursday in November next as a day which I desire to be observed by all my fellow-citizens, wherever they may be then, as a day of thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God, the beneficent Creator and Ruler of the universe.
"And I do further recommend to my fellow-citizens aforesaid, that on that occasion they do reverently humble themselves in the dust, and from thence offer up penitent and fervent prayers and supplications to the great Disposer of events for a return of the inestimable blessings of peace, union and harmony throughout the land which it has pleased Him to assign as a dwelling-place for ourselves and for our posterity throughout all generations."

1. Post the rules on your blog.
2. Fill out the questions below
3. Tag 5-7 people at the end of your post.
4. Pass on the tag. Have FUN!!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Choco​late?
Hot Chocolate and Egg Nog

2. Does Santa​ wrap prese​nts
No I do: with lots of tape and glitter glue!!)

3. Color​ed light​s on tree/​house​ or white​?
White lights

4. Do you hang mistl​etoe?
Yes

5. When do you put your decor​ation​s up?
After Thanksgiving

6. What is your favor​ite holid​ay dish​?
Cheddar Beef

7. Favor​ite holid​ay memor​y as a child:
Mom telling me the Salvation story while setting up the nativity scene... I accepted Christ while we were setting it up!!!!

8. When and how did you learn​ the truth​ about​ Santa​?
When I was three, just thought it could not be... MY brother thought a red light in the sky was Rudolf and I thought that was stupid cause it never moved... I always have gone against the flow, What can I say???

9. Do you open a gift on Chris​tmas Eve?
Yes -just one.

10. How do you decor​ate your Chris​tmas Tree?
Now I do a tree in every room. The big tree is in burgundy and gold. The TV room tree will be red and silver or green The computer/office/guest room will have the 12 days of Christmas, and the kitchen will have candy and cupcake ornaments (if I can find them when I unpack stuff from the farm)

11. Snow!​ Love it or Dread​ it?
I love pretty snow and I love 6 foot deep snow like we had in Wyoming I miss that!!!

12. Can you ice skate​?
NO!!!!

13. Do you remem​ber your favor​ite gift?
Too many favorites... I remember some cool stuff like my first grown-up ring when I was 11 it was a pearl with two real diamonds on the side (not chips but real diamonds... That was so cool!

14. What is the most impor​tant thing​ about​ the Holid​ays for you?
Keeping Christ in Christmas, being a family in Christ. Celebrating not just His birth, but His life death and Resurrection as well. I love Christmas carols and all things Christmas when Christ is in it.

15. What is your favor​ite Holid​ay Des​rt?
My Mom's apple pie, (NO BODY ELSE'S)

16. What is your favor​ite holid​ay tradi​tion?
Christmas Eve dinner.

17. What tops your tree?
A little angle that was on the last Christmas card I got from my Gramma

18. Which​ do you prefe​r givin​g or recei​ving?
Giving~Absolutely!

19. What is your favor​ite Chris​tmas Song?
Silver Belles reminds me of when I was a child, shopping with my Couny Fair money for gifts for my family in Cheyenne That was back when we could go alone and not worry.. I would shop at all those nice men's stores downtown, then go to Woolworths and Newberries and Ben Franklins and it was jusat glorious with the snow packed streets and the crisp winter air The streets were decorated with bells and stuff.

20. Candy​ Canes​!​ Yuck or Yum?
They are OK I usually eat one or two....

21. What do you want for Chris​tmas?
Can't think of anything in particular just family around, and well maybe... naw not going to say....

22. Do you atten​d an annua​l Chris​tmas Party​?
No.

23. Do you dress​ up on Chris​tmas or wear PJs?
Dress up.

24. Do you own a Santa​ hat?
No

25. Who do you norma​lly spend​ Chris​tmas with?
Always Hubby, Kristi and Joshua sometimes all the rest of the kids and grandkids...

I'm Tagging:
Mandy
Hope
Chamdra,
Molly,
Nicole,
Jordan,
Kristi,
Ashley

From the OurChruch.com Blog, I got the following article. You can comment here or at the Our Church place if you wish to make a comment.
Do you know the true story of Thanksgiving?
Everyone knows about the Pilgrims and the Indians, right? How the two groups gathered peacefully in Plymouth, Mass., to feast on juicy turkeys and colorful pumpkin pies. The trouble is, almost everything we’ve been taught about the first Thanksgiving is a myth. In fact the holiday has not just one history - not two - but three different histories.

One stems from the “creative musings of a magazine editor in the mid-1800s. A second history is based on a 1921 “shooting party.” A third history is based accounts from the governor’s diary, which was lost for almost 100 years.

Can you separate the Thanksgiving myths from the truth?


History #1: The Tradition

For the most part, the Thanksgiving traditions we celebrate are the ideas of 1850s magazine editor and New England socialite Sarah Josepha Hale. She was the editor of the popular Godey’s Lady’s Book and filled her magazine with recipes and editorials about Thanksgiving. In 1858, Ms. Hale petitioned the president of the United States to declare Thanksgiving a national holiday. Five years later Abraham Lincoln established the national holiday we celebrate in the U.S. today.

Most of our Thanksgiving traditions, in particular the stories about the Pilgrims and Indians and the traditional foods of turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie are derived from Ms. Hale’s writings.

History #2: 1621

Quite a bit of investigation has been done since in an attempt to determine what really happened on the first Thanksgiving. Much of that research has focused on a 1621 event described in a letter by Edward Winslow:

“Our harvest being gotten in, our Governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a more special manner rejoice together, after we had gathered the fruit of our labors; they four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the Company almost a week, at which time, among other Recreations, we exercised our Arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest King Massasoit, with some 90 men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted and they went out and killed five Deer, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed on our Governor, and upon the Captain and others.”

Based on that account and other historical records concerning the European settlers, the native Wampanoag people, and the foods and tools available in New England at the time. Historians have determined the 1621 event was far different than the Thanksgiving we celebrate today. In fact, almost none of the traditional Thanksgiving foods were present on that occasion.

Several years ago the Christian Science Monitor published this article distinguishing Thanksgiving traditions from the 1621 event.

History #3: 1623

Just when you might think that would settle things and give us the true history of Thanksgiving, along came the diary of the Governor of the Colony of New Plymouth, William Bradford. Gov. Bradford’s chronicles were lost for nearly 100 years when the British looted the colony.

In his diary, Governor Bradford recounts the proclamation of November 29, 1623, as a Day of Thanksgiving. While there was in fact a big feast in the fall of 1621 it was never referred to as Thanksgiving. The events leading up to this first official Day of Thanksgiving are much different than those leading to the 1921 feast.

“the Pilgrims [had] set up a communist system in which they owned the land in common and would also share the harvests in common. By 1623, it became clear this system was not working out well. The men were not eager to work in the fields, since if they worked hard, they would have to share their produce with everyone else. The colonists faced another year of poor harvests. They held a meeting to decide what to do.”

“The Pilgrims changed their economic system from communism to geoism; the land was still owned in common and could not be sold or inherited, but each family was allotted a portion, and they could keep whatever they grew. The governor ‘assigned to every family a parcel of land, according to the proportion of their number for that end.’”

“Their new geoist economic system was a great success. It looked like they would have an abundant harvest this time. But then, during the summer, the rains stopped, threatening the crops. The Pilgrims held a “Day of Humiliation” and prayer. The rains came and the harvest was saved… Governor Bradford proclaimed November 29, 1623, as a Day of Thanksgiving.”

Read more about the 1623 Day of Thanksgiving.

Myth: The Pilgrims invited the Indians to celebrate the First Thanksgiving.


Fact: According to oral accounts from the Wampanoag people, when the Native people nearby first heard the gunshots of the hunting colonists, they thought that the colonists were preparing for war and that Massasoit needed to be informed. When Massasoit showed up with 90 men and no women or children, it can be assumed that he was being cautious. When he saw there was a party going on, his men then went out and brought back five deer and lots of turkeys.
In addition, both the Wampanoag and the English settlers were long familiar with harvest celebrations. Long before the Europeans set foot on these shores, Native peoples gave thanks every day for all the gifts of life, and held thanksgiving celebrations and giveaways at certain times of the year. The Europeans also had days of thanksgiving, marked by religious services. So the coming together of two peoples to share food and company was not entirely a foreign thing for either. But the visit that by all accounts lasted three days was most likely one of a series of political meetings to discuss and secure a military alliance. Neither side totally trusted the other: The Europeans considered the Wampanoag soulless heathens and instruments of the devil, and the Wampanoag had seen the Europeans steal their seed corn and rob their graves. In any event, neither the Wampanoag nor the Europeans referred to this feast/meeting as “Thanksgiving.”

As Paul Harvey would say, “Now you know… the rest of the story.”

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I had a great weekend with Matthew, Noah and Isaiah. We did a lot of school, and then we baked pies and played on the computer, and tried to watch movies. Noah and Isaiah had a great time watching "Hot Lead, Cold Feet" over and over and over.... Matthew hunted a lot. He made us Talapia Fajitas one night. They were great, and he made yummy venison tacos for us another night. The guys ground some of their venison with some beef fat to make the ground venison. It turned out great.
Last night we had our Annual Thanksgiving Dinner. I got sick during the meal with a horrid sinus head ache, and came home as soon as I could. The headache is still with me. I took NyQuil around 2:30 this morning, and that let me sleep, but now my time is all wacko cause it feels to me like it is about 10 in the morning when in actuality it is 4:30 in the afternoon... I was going to go buy all the Thanksgiving food today, but now I might have to wait until tomorrow. I think Joshua is coming out tomorrow to help me re arrange bookshelves and desks and stuff. I hope anyway... The dogs probably wondered why I was so late feeding and watering them today.... Oh well no biggy they were happy to see me when they finally did.

Bitter Winter, Better Thanksgiving,
the story of Miles Standish
by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson


"Pilgrims Landing," Edward Percy Moran (1862-1935), American artist, early 1900s, oil on canvas, 23" x 29"







"Then the sicknes begane to fall sore amongst them, and the weather so bad .... the Gov/r and cheefe of them, seeing so many dye, and fall downe sick dayly, thought it no wisdom to send away the ship...."

Capt. Miles Standish had been much at his wife Rose's bedside. As much time, that is, as he could spare from stalking game, guarding against savages, and felling trees to construct crude homes on shore.

A bitter wind whistled through chinks and cracks in the Mayflower, anchored in Plymouth harbor that winter of 1620-21. Rose's chills would turn to uncontrollable shaking. Then just as suddenly, her body would be ablaze with fever. Herbs from the surgeon's chest did little to relieve her. By spring only five wives remained out of the eighteen who had sailed to Plymouth. Rose was not among them.

Thanksgiving? What was that? The golden dreams of a New World that Miles and Rose had cherished together had evaporated into hollow hopes. And yet that fall Capt. Standish joined other bereaved Pilgrims in the first Thanksgiving celebration.

The real test of thankfulness is whether we can give thanks from the heart for what we do have, despite the wounds and pains of yesterday's struggles. Ours is not some fair-weather faith, but a resilient trust in in the midst of pain. The Pilgrims lived close to the edge of survival. Perhaps that is why they were so thankful.

How about you? Does your material bounty cause you to neglect thanks? When your clan gathers this Thanksgiving will a prayer of thankfulness be forgotten between moist turkey and pumpkin pie? Will your children see you bow your head to give thanks, or merely ask for another helping of dressing and cranberry sauce?

Children will be watching, you know. And their little faith is being formed by what they see. Your family's Thanksgiving celebration will instruct them about thankfulness, for good or ill.

Will they see you too wealthy to be thankful? Too independent to need God any more? Too bitter, perhaps? Or will they watch you truly give thanks for God's blessings on this special day? And maybe as they watch, they'll catch a hint that mom and dad and grandmother, in spite of painful seasons they have faced, have seen these bitter winters bear fruit in better thanksgiving.


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