Random post

I don't know exactly what to post about but I am going to post anyway so we will just comes up.

This week has been weird. We went to school on Monday, were off on Tuesday for the ice storm that never made it this far south, was sure that we'd be off or at least late on Wednesday but wound up trying to get there on time, and had school as usual today. I say as usual, my PE class got bumped for chapel, which we didin't have yesterday because of all the late arrivals. I am not kidding when I say I had half of my class tardy yesterday. Tomorrow I should be able to finish catching my class up from missing Tuesday.

I have started two completely new paragraphs and deleted them both. I just am at a loss at what to say. I keep making these resolutions to blog and then I don't. I sit here and nothing comes to me. I keep hoping for these profound thoughts to strike me, yet nothing is coming. So I sit here and prattle on about my day and family etc. I guess I am looking for a purpose for my blog(s) Yes I do have two, they are usually carbon copies of each other. I keep my Xanga because there are several Xanga friends that don't go else where. I keep my Blogspot because there are readers over there that don't do Xanga. They are both linked so if you are at one you can click to the other one. lol! There is a typepad one as well but I just didn't like typepad's set up like I thought I would so I don't use it.

I bought me a Webkinz the other day. I bought it because it was a red cardinal - to remind me of my grandmother. She loved cardnials. I will probably never activate the account. I just wanted the cardnial. It has been five years since she passed away and not a day goes by that I don't think of her an miss her just a little. I can not believe that it has been that long. She has never seen my youngest son that bears her maiden name as his middle name and is the spitting image of her son, my daddy. She has never seen my neice who bears her name and is the spitting image of her mother, my sister. I haven't been called Angel since Thanksgiving 2003, the last time I saw her. I can't see an iris or a cardinal without thinking of her. Those two items will be forever linked with her.

Okay I can't write about that any more. I will, however, one day get her stacks of scrapbooks and with my sister's help preserve the pictures and her writing in books that will not distroy them. She was a scrapbooker before her time. And her work needs to be showcased. That my friends is one of my next projects. Besides getting my own scrapbooks up to date. I need a scrapping corner in my house. Off to think on that one a bit. See what typing this random blog entry has done for me.

Off to copy and paste!

Prayer Request

God revealed to me this morning that I have a working relationship in a ministry position that bears careful scrutiny - First of all let me state the is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING INAPPROPRIATE  at all about this relationship.  And that is the way I want it to stay - I couldn't imagine the other party thinking anything different either.  However, God revealed to me that all apperances must be kept above board because even the appearance of wrong doing or a rumor from such appearance rather founded or not - would damage both our ministries badly. 

Please pray that we all are conscious of this fact and continue to represent ourselves correctly. 

shamelessly stolen from Kathy

~ You've ever ended a sentance with the word "Psych!"

~ You know the profound meaning of "Wax On - Wax Off".

~ You've ever watched the "Pound Puppies".

~ You can sing the rap to the "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and can do the Carlton.

~ Girls wore bike shorts under their skirts and felt stylishly sexy.

~ After you saw "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure" you kept saying "I know you are, but what am I?"

~ You yearned to be a member of the Babysitter's Club and tried to start a club of your own.

~ You remember boom boxes and walking around with them on your shoulders like you were all that.

~ You owned those Strawberry Shortcake dolls that were scented.

~ You wore about EIGHT pairs of socks over tights with high-top Reeboks.

~ You know that "Whoa!!" comes from Joey on Blossom.

~ You wanted to be a Goonie.

~ You used to (and probably still do) say "What you talking bout Willis?"

~ You still get the urge to say "Not!" after every sentence.

~ Two words...Hammer Pants.

~ You even wore flourescent clothing...sometimes head-to-toe.

~ You have ever watched Fraggle Rock.

~ You had plastic streamers on your handle bars...and spokey-dokes or playing cards on your spokes for that incredible sound effect.

~ You thought He-Man and She-ra should hook up.

~ It was actually worth it to get up on Saturday mornings to watch cartoons.

~ You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose started falling off and his cheek bones shifted.

~ You wore a ponytail on the side of your head.

~ You saw the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the big screen and still remember their names.

~ You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class in school.

~ You took lunch boxes to school...metal ones.

~ You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.

~ You ever wondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.

~ You played the game MASH (mansion, apartment, shack, house).

~ You remember the CRAZE, then the banning of Slap Bracelets.

~ You wore stonewashed Jordache jeans and were proud of it.

~ You ever wore a pair of jelly shoes.

~ You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged handmade friendship bracelets and pins.

~ L.A. Gear...need I say more?

~ You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up!!"

~ You remember "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" and all the Ramona books.

~ You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates.

~ You have ever played with a Skip-It.

~ You had or attended a birthday party at McDonalds.

~ You knew all the characters and their life stories on "Saved By The Bell" - the original class.

~ You know all the words to Bon Jovi's "Shot Through The Heart".

~ You remember watching both Gremlins movies.

~ Don't worry...be happy.

~ You remember New Kids On The Block when they were cool.

~ You thought Doogie Howser or Samantha Macelli was hot.

~ You remember Alf, the furry brown alien from Melmac.

~ You remember when mullets were cool...and probably had one yourself.

~ You still sing "We Are The World".

~ You tight rolled your jeans.

~ You owned a banana clip.

~ You had big hair...and you knew how to use it.

~ You remember "Where's the beef?".

~ You're still singing "Shot Through The Heart", aren't you.

Routines are still happening!

Bible reading -- yeah - I have been up every morning this week and reading. I am about to settle into a routine with it. I am actually ahead in the reading! Right now I am rereading stories I have read before - but that familiarity is comforting and is helping me as I get used to this early morning stuff.

Writing -- I haven't written EVERY day - but I have been doing more of it. Again once I settle into writing more, it won't be this mundane boring day to day stuff. It won't be as good as Dana's - in fact it will probably still be boring and mundane - just not my day to day happenings.

Reading -- I don't know that I will finish a book this week but I will update the book blog this weekend with what I am reading.

Crocheting - I haven't crocheted at all but hey it is still a goal.

Kitchen -- The kitchen has been cleaned every night except last night when we ate out. A has been wonderful helping out and getting into it.

Organizing -- the entertainment center is up for this weekend!

School -- so far so good. I may have to bring grading home this weekend because I have been busy getting report cards ready to go out tomorrow but for the most part I have done well.

Course Work - I started ahead, class was granted an extension for the first week, and so I quit. I need to pick that up tomorrow.

Mourning Routine

Today was very good.  We were out of the house early without any fussing, whining or yelling.  And none from the kids either.  It took a little to get out of bed but, once I did. It was great.  I will work on getting up a little earlier each day or so until I am at my target time of 5 am.  I am also showering at night now. That will alieviate some of the morning stress I am sure.

I also have some great stuff to look up from Dana on a question that has plagued both of us for awhile.  She has been the active one in looking up the answers though.  I am going to use her direction and work from there.

But for now - I have a date with a book
 

Routines!

Part of my theme "Prepare" is going to be streamlining and decluttering my life.  I am working hard on routines right now.  Four days into the new year I have done really well with the nightly kitchen routine.  Kiddos are in on the act as well.  A even made the comment tonight that the kitchen looks better now that we have been Swiffering the floor every night.  Score!!  The boys are helping by learning to clean up their places after meals.  No more dishes left on the table ~ and I am not the one cleaning the table off either! Score!!

One routine I must change is my morning routine.  I there is absolutely no way I can stay in bed and actually get my Bible reading done.  So I am going to come to the kitchen and do so.  My Grandmother's Bible stayed on her kitchen table or on the counter because that is where she read in the mornings.  I am thinking I may do the same thing.  Now I don't drink coffee but I am thinking hot cider or hot tea would be nice too in the mornings.  So I am going to try that as well.  I may even be able to jot notes down as I am reading for my accountability partner. 

I will start with the new morning routine in the morning.  Now it is off to bed so that I can GET UP in the morning!

Scrapbook Day

Pics of the layouts I did for my album of the trip my high school band took to Washington DC.

  
The cover of the album

      
page one


page two


left side  

right side of  two page spread of the Dinner Cruise Layout


left side


right side of the two page spread of Museum Day layout

  
left side


right side of the two page spread of the Washington Monument layout
I am not real happy with this one.  I may redo it next time.
   

Goal check

I am going to get help on my Bible Reading Goal!! Dana and I have the same Bible. She got hers this year and I got mine 2 years ago. But we are going to read them together and hold each other accountable. (Heather if you are game you can join us too. Maybe with 3 we can actually get it done)

I also forgot to put one of my goals down last night. That one is to scrapbook once a month. Which I also get to do tomorrow. I found my pictures from my trip to Washington DC 17 1/2 years ago. My high school band marched in the national Independence Day parade in 1991. So I got an 8x8 album and some patriotic and band/music stickers and paper. That is my project for tomorrow. To work on that album.

Along with my scrapbooking goal, I have mandated that I have to do it with the paper I already have. The ONLY exception to that rule would be if I have a special project to do ( I also want to tackle my wedding album sometime this year ) such as the one above. But I will have to go through what I already have before I can shop and I will only shop at 1/2 price sales at Hobby Lobby (or Michael's). I made this mandate after working on my organizing goal for this week. When I organized my scrapbook stuff and realized I had SO MUCH PAPER! Did you know Dollar Tree has paper packs with coordinated patterend paper for only $1? I bet I have 50 or so of those packs with only a few duplicates (many of those duplicates were purchased for a purpose too).

So lets see tallying up:

I have help on my Bible Reading Goal.
I have organized something this week.
I will scrapbook tomorrow.
I am writing right now.
I started on my Book Blog last night

That is a good start!

Oh yeah! Kitchen is cleaned as well! That is six!

Goals for 2009

*  Read Bible daily - I have never been good on the daily part but will set aside time for that.

* Write  for personal reasons every day, blog entry, journal, or something else.  This does not include educational writing.  Will get to that in a minute.

* Read one book a week. - note that on my book blog as I am reading.  Possibly to include a Sunday Evening post per week on what is in progress and what I have finished etc.

* Crochet some everyday - again it may not be much but I have things I want to do -

* Clean kitchen nightly - I started last year with this and did well to begin with but it didn't continue so well.  I will also get kiddos on board with this one.

*Organize one space a week - This will include purging unwanted, unneeded, unused items.  The Thrift Store will love me this year!

*Keep school at school - grading and lesson planning done at school when I am working After Care or durning break times

*Work and stay ahead in course work for grad school, have essays ready before the weekend they are due.

The Year End Meme

1. Where did you begin 2008?
I honestly don't remember. I am thinking  it was at home.

2. What was your status by Valentine's Day?
wife, mommy, teacher

3. Were you in school (anytime this year)?
all year long - teaching
I started grad school -- online through Walden University in June

4. Did you have to go to the hospital?
not for me but took Eli to the ER

5. Did you have any encounters with the police?
I don't think so that speeding ticket was in 2007

6. Where did you go on vacation?
Nashville with Cheryl and Holly, Atlanta in June for Congress, TN/KY for family reunion, Mt View with hubby for our anniversary

7. What did you purchase that was over $500?
vehicle repairs

8. Did you know anybody who got married?
I don't think so

9. Did you know anybody who passed away?
Yes.

10. Did you move anywhere?
Nope.

11. What sporting events did you attend?
Agape Eagles Basketball games to watch Alli cheer

12. What concerts/shows did you go to?
I don't think so.

13. Where do you live now?
same place I did for the last 8 years  :-)~~~ Rhonda

14. What's the one thing you thought you would never do but did in 2008?
Start Grad school

15. What has/have been your favorite moment(s)?
Congress in June - Hubby and I made our recommitment to Officership

16. What's something you learned about yourself?
That it is okay to be me. 

17. Any new additions to your family?
New great nephew was born in early Nov

18. What was your best month?
I don't know

19. What music will you remember 2008 by?
Chris Tomlin's worship music

20. Made new friends?
One or two - it's more been a year of getting closer to people I already knew.

21. Favorite Night[s] out?
Nashville, Our anniversary in Mt View

22. Any regrets?
I can't think of any

23. What do you want to change in 2009?
To learn more about myself and being me-

24. Overall, how would you rate this year?
on a scale of 1-10?
 8 or 9

25. What would you change about 2008?
Stealing Cheryl's response here: If it all served a purpose in leading me here, nothing.

26. Other than home, where did you spend most of your time?
Church. School,

26. Have any life changes in 2008?
yeah

27. Change your hairstyle?
a couple of haircuts and highlights = once I think

28. Get a new job?
No.

29. Do you have a New Year's resolution?
I have a one word theme so far -- prepare

30. Did anything embarrassing?
I can't think of anything

31. Buy anything new from eBay?
always

32. What was/were your favorite purchase[s]?
I don't really know

33. Get married or divorced?
no

34. Get arrested?
no

35. Be honest - did you watch American Idol?
Never seen it!

36. Did you get sick this year?
cold, sinus junk here and there nothing major

37. Start a new hobby?
scrapbooking

38. Been snowboarding?
Nope.

39. Are you happy to see 2008 go?
It's bittersweet.

40. Drank Starbucks in 2008?
For the first time - I don't drink Coffee - still don't - but love their Carmel Apple Cider

What are you wishing for in 2009?
God's will to be done in my life.

EEEEEEEEEEkkkkkkkkkk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I saw the mouse my MIL saw a week and a half ago!!!!

Prepare

That is the start of my theme for 2009 - Can't say a whole lot more right now but I will as I can.

16 Things

This is the meme that is going around Facebook and I thought I'd give it a whirl. There is not alot that some of you don't already know about me. Some of you know more than is really good for me for you to know. Lol did that make sense? I guess what I am saying is if you know something that isn't on this list you better keep that wonderful knowledge to yourself.........you know who you are.....

And for that matter why 16 things? Is that some OCD number or something? It sure isn't very round or anything. But any way here goes...........

1. I still have one of the blankets I slept with as a child. It has a nice rough edge to it, much like the hem on your jeans. That rough edge is soothing to me. Don't ask my why but it just is.

2. On that note I have this "thing' about textures. There are several foods that I just can't stand to eat because of the texture - bananas and oranges are two of them.

3. Touch is my primary love language, as well as my primary sense (is there such a thing?) and my primary learning style. I have to be able to manipulate things, physically write them down in order to be able to remember them.

4. I decided I wanted to be a teacher when I was six years old. I decided at that young age that girls could either be nurses or teachers and I didn't want to be a nurse. From that humble beginning the desire to be a teacher was born and I can honestly say that I never wanted to be anything else. I love what I do and am constantly working to improve my craft. Hence

5. I am working on a Master's degree in education. Not earth shattering news by any means. But I am doing it online totally because at this time I can't commit to going to class because of hubby's work schedule.

6. I am married to the most amazing man. He is rough around the edges to many, but I can honestly say that God chose him for me.

7. I have learned more about myself in the last 4 years than in the first 30 combined. Yeah you can add that up to get my age. Who knew that turning 30 would begin and education about myself.

8. Growing up I always thought I would marry and live in my hometown, it never occurred to me that something different might happen.

9. I was and still am to some extent all about tradition. My dad was in the band and played the cornet. So that is what I did. I even played his cornet. for 7 years. I loved band. I loved the camaraderie I felt in band. I wasn't very good, however, I kept the third trumpet section well manned. But that was okay with me.

10. I did however, and I can't believe I am actually writing this now, have a huge crush on the first chair trumpet. I didn't talk about it much to anybody, It was bad enough when people in my class found out about my first big crush on another trumpet player. I wasn't about to let *this* secret escape.

11. Enough about high school, My original major in college was Social Studies w/ History emphasis. And an English minor. I was going for dual certification to teach. The semester I had 14 different papers to write for my classes, I changed my major to Early Childhood Education. That only put me a semester behind in graduating. I also have enough hours to have middle school social studies and English on my certificate.

12. I just realized the my teaching certificate expires in 7 days. Must start on the renewal process after the first of the year.

13. I have 3 children, 2 of which are boys, I never ever dreamed I would have boys, or that I could love them so much. I always thought of having 4 children. We will just have to wait and see on that last one.

14. I collect Nativities. At the moment I have 26 out and that is about half of them. There are also three or four on the tree as ornaments.

15. My favorite Christmas Carol is "O Come All Ye Faithful". I just figured that out this year.

16. I like to write, I discovered this in high school, not in the last 4 years. I have a dream of writing curriculum one day.

Christmas Blessings

I have been home most of the day and really most of the weekend and have managed to avoid many things including this blog. I worried all Thursday night about things financial - we had tuition payments to make and I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to finish up Christmas or keep up on my other bills because of it.  However, I did pray and give it all over to God - though I still worried.

I emptied our accounts to make a partial payment - a third of what we owed, knowing that a small bonus check coming in later that day would get us through until payday.  I went to school to inservice and a staff luncheon. I talked to my principal and was granted a reprieve from a about a third of what was left, but I still had a hefty amount to pay.  I got home later that afternoon to a Christmas Card from my Grandfather, with more Christmas money and checks for the kids education!  I was able to put double the amount in the bank than I had thought I would.  And I will use half the kids money for tuition payment and put the other half in college fund. I won't have to dip into household funds to finish Christmas or pay tuition.  Yeah God!

And on another but no less significant note.  I also came home to a spotless kitchen floor and all the laundry done thanks to my wonderful Mother-in-law!  She was watching the kids for me and did house work too.  I told her I need no other Christmas present than that!  My floor was NASTY!
 

1. Hot Chocolate or apple cider?

Hot Apple Cider

2. Turkey or Ham?

We actually have done both - holiday dinners are not the same without my mom's dressing which requires bird meat, though it is usually chicken. But a ham is usually cooked for the main meat.

3. Do you get a fake or real-you-cut-it-yourself Christmas tree?

We have a fake tree. We have been given several hand me downs over the years for various reasons but we got our own brand new tree last year. As for live trees read THIS to know why I don't want a live one.

4. Decorations on the outside of your house?

No but I love them. We go looking every year, and growing up my neighborhood always won awards for our decorations. I want to get a nativity scene for the yard some time..

5. Snowball fights or sleddin'?

Neither ... I prefer to be on the couch, reading. :)

6. Do you enjoy going downtown shopping?
Without children I love it! With children the internet is my friend.

7. Favorite Christmas song?

O Come All Ye Faithful

8. How do you feel about Christmas movies?

Love.Them. The kids saw the Charlie Brown Christmas for the first time this year.

9. When is it too early to start listening to Christmas music?

any time before November.

10. Stockings before or after presents?

First thing, please! But that isn't a fair answer either. Christmas with my family does family gifts on Christmas Eve so stocking and Santa gifts are the only thing for Christmas morning.

11. Carolers, do you or do you not watch and listen to them?

Um, we don't have any usually. But, I would listen if they came by. :)

12. Go to someone else's house or they come to you?

We typically go, swapping out between my parents and Hubby's mom's

13. Do you read the Christmas Story? If so when?

Christmas Eve, if we don't hear it at church that night.

14. What do you do after presents and dinner?

Relax. :)

15. What is your favorite holiday smell?
Apples and Cinnamon

16. Ice skating or walking around the mall?

Neither. See #5 re: curling up on the couch. :)

17. Do you open a present or presents on Christmas Eve, or wait until Christmas day?

Depends on the family we are with. see #10 for my family, Hubby's family all presents on Christmas Day.

18. Favorite Christmas memory?

I have many

19. Favorite Part about winter?

The cold. I am not a hot-weather person so this extra-cold winter has been WONDERFUL for me. :)

20. Ever been kissed under mistletoe?

Not until this year. We have a ball of fake mistletoe hanging from the ceiling fan in the living room. Hubby regularly catches opportune moments. :-)

STOP NOW!

AND GO READ THIS!

Dec 3.

Isaiah 35 (New International Version)

Isaiah 35

Joy of the Redeemed

1 The desert and the parched land will be glad;

the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.

Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom;

it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.

The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,

the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;

they will see the glory of the LORD,

the splendor of our God.

3 Strengthen the feeble hands,

steady the knees that give way;

4 say to those with fearful hearts,

"Be strong, do not fear;

your God will come,

he will come with vengeance;

with divine retribution

he will come to save you."

5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened

and the ears of the deaf unstopped.

6 Then will the lame leap like a deer,

and the mute tongue shout for joy.

Water will gush forth in the wilderness

and streams in the desert.

7 The burning sand will become a pool,

the thirsty ground bubbling springs.

In the haunts where jackals once lay,

grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.

8 And a highway will be there;

it will be called the Way of Holiness.

The unclean will not journey on it;

it will be for those who walk in that Way;

wicked fools will not go about on it.

9 No lion will be there,

nor will any ferocious beast get up on it;

they will not be found there.

But only the redeemed will walk there,

10 and the ransomed of the LORD will return.

They will enter Zion with singing;

everlasting joy will crown their heads.

Gladness and joy will overtake them,

and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

~~~~~~

I know the prophesy that this speaks of, to me and many people it is obvious -- However in today's reading, one verse spoke out to me and God told me to send it to a friend of mine. Which I did.

Tuesday December 2

Isaiah 55 (New International Version)

Isaiah 55
Invitation to the Thirsty
1 "Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.

2 Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.

3 Give ear and come to me;
hear me, that your soul may live.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
my faithful love promised to David.

4 See, I have made him a witness to the peoples,
a leader and commander of the peoples.

5 Surely you will summon nations you know not,
and nations that do not know you will hasten to you,
because of the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel,
for he has endowed you with splendor."

6 Seek the LORD while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.

7 Let the wicked forsake his way
and the evil man his thoughts.
Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.

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

10 As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

12 You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.

13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree,
and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the LORD's renown,
for an everlasting sign,
which will not be destroyed."

~~~~~~~~~~

What hit me profoundly today was verses 10 and 11. I was reading this to my class of second graders. As I began to read I wondered why I was reading this to 7 and 8 year olds. They couldn't possibly understand this. Why did you prompt me to do this God? Then I read verses 10. I will teach the water cycle later this year and I can point it out in the Bible. And then verse 11 it hit me. His word will not return void! I may not see it - but He will - He knows why I am reading this to them. They need to hear the Bible verses, not just in admonition, not just for memory work, not just to 'learn something', not to understand everything, but also just to hear, the lilt and cadence of it all, and to hear God speaking to them. That is a small part of why I am doing this,

And secondly - John 1 tells us that Jesusa - Yeshua - is the Word made Flesh - and He didn't return to Heaven without accomplishing His mission - and when He returns He will have another mission to accomplish.

Monday December 1 Reading

Monday Dec 1.
Psalm 89:1-29 (New International Version)

Psalm 89
A maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite. [a]
1 I will sing of the LORD's great love forever;
with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.

2 I will declare that your love stands firm forever,
that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

3 You said, "I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to David my servant,

4 'I will establish your line forever
and make your throne firm through all generations.' "
Selah

5 The heavens praise your wonders, O LORD,
your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.

6 For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD ?
Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings?

7 In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared;
he is more awesome than all who surround him.

8 O LORD God Almighty, who is like you?
You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

9 You rule over the surging sea;
when its waves mount up, you still them.

10 You crushed Rahab like one of the slain;
with your strong arm you scattered your enemies.

11 The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth;
you founded the world and all that is in it.

12 You created the north and the south;
Tabor and Hermon sing for joy at your name.

13 Your arm is endued with power;
your hand is strong, your right hand exalted.

14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
love and faithfulness go before you.

15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.

16 They rejoice in your name all day long;
they exult in your righteousness.

17 For you are their glory and strength,
and by your favor you exalt our horn. [b]

18 Indeed, our shield [c] belongs to the LORD,
our king to the Holy One of Israel.

19 Once you spoke in a vision,
to your faithful people you said:
"I have bestowed strength on a warrior;
I have exalted a young man from among the people.

20 I have found David my servant;
with my sacred oil I have anointed him.

21 My hand will sustain him;
surely my arm will strengthen him.

22 No enemy will subject him to tribute;
no wicked man will oppress him.

23 I will crush his foes before him
and strike down his adversaries.

24 My faithful love will be with him,
and through my name his horn [d] will be exalted.

25 I will set his hand over the sea,
his right hand over the rivers.

26 He will call out to me, 'You are my Father,
my God, the Rock my Savior.'

27 I will also appoint him my firstborn,
the most exalted of the kings of the earth.
28 I will maintain my love to him forever,
and my covenant with him will never fail.

29 I will establish his line forever,
his throne as long as the heavens endure.

First Sunday in Advent

Prophecy Candle Reading Malachi 3:1-4

Malachi 3:1-4 (New International Version)

Malachi 3

1 "See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty.

2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, 4 and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the LORD, as in days gone by, as in former years.

Daily Reading ~ Isaiah 42:1-9

Isaiah 42:1-9 (New International Version)

Isaiah 42

The Servant of the Lord
1 "Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him
and he will bring justice to the nations.

2 He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets.

3 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;

4 he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
In his law the islands will put their hope."

5 This is what God the LORD says—
he who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it,
who gives breath to its people,
and life to those who walk on it:

6 "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people
and a light for the Gentiles,

7 to open eyes that are blind,
to free captives from prison
and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

8 "I am the LORD; that is my name!
I will not give my glory to another
or my praise to idols.

9 See, the former things have taken place,
and new things I declare;
before they spring into being
I announce them to you."

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Long before He was born, His birth was foretold, His mission explained.