Love Always, Kim

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Advent Traditions and Calendar

I love traditions! This week I have been cleaning my house to prepare for Decking the Halls on Saturday. The cleaning I don't like so much, but preparing for the red and white and family and friends and feasts - I love!

This year, I want to make the Advent Wreath part of our tradition. So I did some research - of course! And I'm posting what I learned as well as a devotional schedule for you to add to your family traditions.

I'm thinking this could be a fun thing for littles as well - make paper candles out of paper and place so they "burn" all week and you can talk about them and their meaning!

Hope you enjoy!

The Meaning of Advent

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel,” (Isaiah 7:14)

"Advent" means “Coming.”

Our Expectations, Anticipation and Preparation for Christ

· Watching for fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies

· Watching for His Birth

· Watching for his Resurrection

· Watching for His Return

The Advent Wreath

“And again, Isaiah says, ‘The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him.’ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit,” (Rom. 15:12-13).

Traditionally, during the Christmas season we have an "Advent Wreath" in our Churches, and this is remarkably celebrated in all Denominations, including Orthodox, Catholic, liturgical, Mainline and Evangelical. The Advent Wreath is a tradition that cuts across denominational and theological boundaries. It dates to the beginning of the 19th century in Europe. This Advent Wreath is arranged with 4 or 5 Advent candles, 3 or 4 of which are in a circle, along with one in the center, all on a base of evergreens each has a powerful message for us about our Lord. This has prevailing imagery we should not take for granted or consider just another holiday decoration.

· The Wreath: The wreath itself means "victory" as Christ's victory over sin (Praise God!!) so He can save us. The Advent Wreath has 4 or 5 candles that are arranged in a circle symbolizing Christ's eternity, as a circle has no beginning and has no end, it is a symbol for God, Who is eternal and thus without beginning or end. The evergreens mean He is "ever with us," they are usually pine branches or holly that are used as a base that represents anticipation, newness, renewal and His everlastingness. The red berries of the holly represent the shedding of Christ's blood.

· The Candles: The Advent candles mean the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His Son. This refers to the significance that Christ is the Light of the world. When they are lit, the illumination is to symbolize the Christ of eternity and His coming as the "Light of the World" and our worship and honor of His most precious gift of His Grace and mercy. These candles also have a color theme too, purple, blue, pink or rose and while. The first two or three are purple meaning royalty and this is also the color of suffering and the darkness of sin, connecting Jesus' birth and crucifixion and His triumph over sin. Blue means sky and life, pink means joy, and white means purity.

Meaning of Candles

· 1^st Week – Purple - "CANDLE OF HOPE" means His promise and hope. We can have hope because God is faithful and will keep the promises He made to us. Our hope comes from God. (Romans 15:12-13)

· 2^nd Week – Purple - "CANDLE OF PREPARATION" means His light and preparation. Preparation means to 'get ready'. "Help us to be ready to welcome YOU, O GOD!" (Luke 3:4-6) (Some traditions combine the first two)

· 3^rd Week – Rose - "CANDLE OF JOY" means the angels sang a message of JOY! (Luke 2:7-15)

· 4^th Week – Blue - "CANDLE OF LOVE" symbolizes Christ love. God sent His only Son to earth to save us, because He loves us! (John 3:16-17) (some traditions omit this one)

· 5^th Week – White - "CHRIST CANDLE" symbolizes the incarnation, the heart and reason of the season, God giving light to the world. Its location is in the center as Christ's light is central and radiant. This reminds us that Jesus is the spotless Lamb of God, sent to wash away our sins! (in wreaths that have 4 candles, it is in the circle among the rest of the candles)

Sunday, Dec 2. Purple Candle of Hope

Sunday, Dec. 9 Purple Candle of Preparation

Sunday, Dec. 16 Rose Candle of Joy

Sunday, Dec. 23 Blue Candle of Love

Wednesday, December 25, Christmas Day White Christ Candle

· Each candle is during a family devotional. Scripture is read that teaches the principle. Then the previous candles are re-lighted.

Devotional Verses for the Season

FOUR WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS November 28- December 1, 2012

SUNDAY: Isaiah 7:14 and Micah 5:2

MONDAY: Matthew 1:18-24 and Luke 1:26-33

TUESDAY: Luke 2:1-5

WEDNESDAY: Luke 2:6-7

THURSDAY: Luke 2:8-9

FRIDAY: Luke 2:10-12

SATURDAY: Luke 2:13-14

THREE WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS December 2-8, 2012

SUNDAY: Luke 2:15-16

MONDAY: Luke 2:17-18

TUESDAY: Luke 2:19

WEDNESDAY: Luke 2:20

THURSDAY: Luke 2:21

FRIDAY: Matthew 2:1-2

SATURDAY: Matthew 2:3-6

TWO WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS December 9-15, 2012

SUNDAY: Matthew 2:7-8

MONDAY: Matthew 2:9

TUESDAY: Matthew 2:10-11

WEDNESDAY: Matthew 2:12-15

THURSDAY: Galatians 4:4-5

FRIDAY: Ephesians 2:8-9

SATURDAY: 1 John 4:7-16

ONE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS December 16-22, 2012

SUNDAY: Ephesians 2:12-22

MONDAY: John 7:37-38, and 14:6

TUESDAY: Matthew 28:19-20

WEDNESDAY: John 8:12

THURSDAY: John 9:4-5 and Matthew 5:14-16

FRIDAY: Psalm 98:1-6

SATURDAY: John 1:1-3, 14 and Romans 6:23

CHRISTMAS DAY Tuesday, Dec. 25

Psalm 100, Revelation 3:20-21

John 1:29 and John 3:1-8 and Psalm 25

Friday, September 28, 2012

We made it!

September 28, 2012

I made it! I survived August. I conquered September!

I am only 3 pounds heavier than I was August 3rd. Considering my stress level, that's a miracle!

I have not yelled at anyone. Although, one nurse nearly felt my wrath, I was able to catch myself before unleashing on her a litany of why I homeschool and its benefits for my family and why each family must choose the educational method best for them and for each student, and...

I digress.

In the past 7 weeks, I have been to Denver twice. Grand Junction once.

I have put my daughter in an operating room - twice. I have sat with two friends having surgery. I have watched my husband struggle with a knee problem and then have surgery too.

My in-laws have visited. A friend has stayed with me. I have driven to hand therapies and doctor visits. I

My child has blackedout once and had a minor seizure (like there's such a thing in the eyes of a parent!).

And in my spare time I have arranged lessons for two children. I have reworked Math problems. There was the chemistry lessons I've had to watch. I've ventured into the area video learning.

Then there's my extended family....

Shall we talk about the ills of rabbit brush and allergies in the Four Corners Area?

I also turned 43!

And celebrated 21 years of marriage.

I'm not known for being able to hold it together this long. By now I would have yelled at husband and kids alike. I would have taken to bed for at least one day and hid from the world.

Maybe I'm maturing. Maturing in Grace.

Not everything has been done - laundry still lays folded on the couch downstairs and my bathroom could use a good scrubbing. Dishes are in the sink. And a bag of apples needs to be cored and sliced for freezing. The garden has hot been prepped for the winter and my basil is going to freeze on the vine soon if not taken care of - but that's okay.

I'm sitting in His Word more. Learning His definition of perfection vs. Mine.

Mostly, I'm realizing this Life is not about me! Shocker!

It's about Him. And how I live for Him each day with each struggle.

Micah 6:8 spells out what God wants:

"What does the Lord require of you?
To do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with the Lord your God."

That's it. That's all.

It's my belief he wans us to this for ourselves too! He wants us to do justly for ourselves - rest, set reasonable expectations and schedules - and our family - be there for them, be present in covnersations and each moment - ; to show ourselves mercy - we can't do it all and it's okay! - and realize in humility we can accomplishing nothing apart from him.

Do Justly - for you and your family today.

Love Mercy - His compassion is new every morning!

Walk Humbly - it's all about Him!

Monday, September 24, 2012

Soccer Season 2012

2012 Soccer Season is in full season!

This is Chris's junior year of High School. And his freshman year at Fort Lewis College where he is taking a class on Introduction to Athletic Training - which he is really enjoying.

It's busy as ever - and we love it!

Friday, August 24, 2012

Pics from Surgery

Team Ashley!

This was Surgery #9 for Ashley and me. Surgery #4 for Marilyn. We suprised Ashley with our rhinestone shirts with more names on them.

Dr. Change and our Favorite Anesthesiologist!

Post op rest time. Sleeping soundly.

Little friends to comfort.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

No Time Limits

One Week, one day down.

One week, six days to go before she can put weight on her foot.

14 days until her next surgery.

Funny how some people count the passage of time.

We countdown to Holidays, birthdays, parties - milestone events. We count how many days, weeks, months, years since the birth of our children.

Time.

We are prisoners of time. Constrained by it's limitations. Bound by it's laws.

For now.

One day, we will be free to walk, run, fly, soar without constraints! When Jesus comes to take us to be with him forever, there will be no laws of gravity and time and physics!

Titus 2: 11-13
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "NO" to ungodliness, and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ! Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good."

Wow! God has brought us salvation through Jesus Christ! We should live our lives free of sin because we are waiting for this - Jesus is coming again!!

Ravi Zacharias said, “Hope is that indispensable element that makes the present so important. Significantly, the absence of future hope has an amazing capacity to reach into the present and eat away at the structure of life, as termites would a giant foundation.”

If you have chosen Jesus as your Savior - not just acknowledged he is God, but chosen to life your life for him - you have this hope too!!

Romans 10:9-13
That if you confess with your mouth and say, "Jesus Is Lord!" and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame..." for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!"

I love this!!!

I confess -

Jesus Is Lord!!!

I believe Jesus died on a cross and was raised from the dead!!

I believe He is coming back for those whom have confessed Him as their Savior!

I want to live my life purposefully. That others see Jesus in me.

I want to write purposefully so that readers find hope in the written word!

I celebrate my Savior today! I no matter who difficult this walk for my daughter has been, he will redeem her pain! No matter the tears I've cried He has seen each one and has cried with me. I know that my God rejoices in our triumphs and dances over me!

This Time I am prisoner of will one day be broken and I will live forever with my Savior! I will dance in His presence! I will sing with the angels! I will run with my daughter! We will laugh as a family in the presence of our King. Forever!

No Time Limits.

(PS - Surgery tale to follow!)