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Friday, December 19, 2014

12 DAYS of CHRISTMAS




I LOVE READING THIS EVERY YEAR:  
Symbolism


 
On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

A Partridge in a Pear Tree
The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, whose birthday we celebrate on December 25, the first day of Christmas. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge that feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, recalling the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so . . . ." (Luke 13:34)

On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Two Turtle Doves
The Old and New Testaments, which together bear witness to God's self-revelation in history and the creation of a people to tell the Story of God to the world.

On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Three French Hens
The Three Theological Virtues: 1) Faith, 2) Hope, and 3) Love (1 Corinthians 13:13)

On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Four Calling Birds
The Four Gospels: 1) Matthew, 2) Mark, 3) Luke, and 4) John, which proclaim the Good News of God's reconciliation of the world to Himself in Jesus Christ.

On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Five Gold 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, which gives the history of humanity's sinful failure and God's response of grace in the creation of a people to be a light to the world.

On the 6th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Six Geese A-laying
The six days of creation that confesses God as Creator and Sustainer of the world (Genesis 1).

On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Seven 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)

On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Eight 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)
On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Nine Ladies Dancing
The nine Fruit of the Holy Spirit: 1) love, 2) joy, 3) peace, 4) patience, 5) kindness,
6) generosity, 7) faithfulness, 8) gentleness, and 9) self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Ten Lords A-leaping
The ten commandments: 1) You shall have no other gods before me; 2) Do not make an idol; 3) Do not take God's name in vain; 4) Remember the Sabbath Day; 5) Honor your father and mother; 6) Do not murder; 7) Do not commit adultery; 8) Do not steal; 9) Do not bear false witness; 10) Do not covet. (Exodus 20:1-17)

On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...


Eleven 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). The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders and the Romans.

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Twelve 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) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. 4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell [the grave]. 5) On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of power. 6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 7) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8) the Church, 9) the communion of saints, 10) the forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the body, 12) and life everlasting.

BLESSINGS AND PEACE TO ALL...
MERRY CHRISTMAS

Monday, December 15, 2014

OUR CHRISTMAS GIFT...

 RUSTY'S & PAPA'S MORNING WALK

It was 37 degrees this morning 
at 9 A.M.  
This meant Rusty had to wear his new 
U.S.C. ~ Trojans sweater.  
How cute he was and without a doubt a 'Ham'.  
He was actually posing for me when he heard the click of my camera.  He just stood there and was letting me take his pictures.

No problem, just calmly stood there as Papa removed his harness...
and then resumed his posing stance...
proudly wearing his warm 'n cozy sweater.

He is a real JOY and BLESSING.  
We could not ask for a more loving companion...
We rescued him and adopted him in October, just 6 weeks ago, and has become a wonderful addition and member of our family!

* * *
~Our Christmas Gift~

Thursday, December 11, 2014

VERY, VERY, PRIMITIVE...

Bought this awesome Tree 2 years ago (I think).  
This is the first time we have used it.  

It's been challenging to decorate as I ADORE Primitive Stuff, but just do not have the knack to do it well.  

Anyways, after attempting decorating with other ornies, this is the final result ~ so far!

I am using rusty, hand made grungy ornaments my German candles that I bought 40 years ago. 
 Never used them cause they do not stand upright ... always having to straighten them out and this annoys me to NO end. 

But here they are, perfect for a crooked primitive look. Sandy & I are enjoying it more and more each day.  Papa Chuck has not much of a comment...guess he tolerates me.

We just got our new 
7 1/2' slim lighted tree.  
It will be done before this weekend is over. 
Our other (and so very beautiful) tree simply does not fit this house. 
Next house (if I live that long) will be a wonderful Log home with a huge fireplace.
Have you noticed ... I am a dreamer. 

NO MORE ~ DONE!

Thanks again for listening and watching,

Christmas Peace and Blessing to Everyone,

* * *

Papa Chuck, Barb and Auntie Sandy
Rusty too


Monday, December 1, 2014

WE HAVE ADOPTED...

After our Kody Bear went to Heaven on May 21st, 2014, we finally realized that there was an empty spot in our hearts right next to Kody's place that we could no longer ignore.  We needed another puppy love.
After searching several weeks, we found our new family member.


"Rusty Roo"
he is the beautiful color of rust and actually jumps around, leaps and hops almost like a kangaroo. 
A Labrador Retriever mix, so we have been told...31 lbs, 3 years old and the best behaved little guy.  He has already shown signs of being protective to his new forever home.
We could not be any happier.  Both Rusty & Chuck are the best of friends.  Sleeping in the same bed and being Chuck's shadow...not missing a trick.
It just does not get any better.
We three (myself, Papa Chuck and our Sandy) love this precious gift that was found as a stray and when the owner was contacted told the animal control to keep him.  So hard to believe.  
Their Loss and we are the WINNERS.

My prayers were answered.

* * *