O Come, O Come, Emmanuel...

And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.



O Come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer,
Our spirits by thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.

O Come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
And order all things far and nigh;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And cause us in her way to go.

O Come, Desire of nations, bind,
All people in on heart and mind.
Bid envy, strife, and quarrels cease;
Fill the whole world with heaven's peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee,
O Israel!

This is definitely my favorite Christmas song, my favorite song I think for that matter. If you really pay attention to the words, you'll notice that there are four names of Jesus in this song:
Emmanuel
Dayspring
Desire of Nations
Son of God
The song is a plea, a plea for Emmanuel to come and save Israel. It's a reassurance, that he'll come one day, first as a perfect man, a baby born in a stable, then, He'll come as a glorious King, coming to put His kingdom into His just, everlasting arms.
What a beautiful thing we have to celebrate at Christmas!
We can celebrate His coming as our Savior, and as our King.

" And you will call His name, Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father, David...and his kingdom will have no end..." Luke 1:31-32
Picture: New Line Cinema,'The Nativity Story'

May you all have a beautiful, and blessed CHRISTmas,

On the Mend...

Well, I think our house has pretty much recovered from the sniffle out-break. :)
I'm going to do a LOT of baking today, let's see, here's my list,



2 muffin pans of Cranberry-Orange bread
2 muffin pans of Blueberry Buckle
2 Muffin pans of Bannana-Sourcream Bread
Maybe some more Turkish Delight :)
Divinity (is that how you spell it?)

Anyway, we're going to be VERY busy. But, it's a fun kind of busy.
Christmas baking is always a treat, especially when you have neighbors, mail ladies, and friends to bake for! I'll try to post pictures and recipes later.
Oh, and if any of you haven't checked out the 'Praying for Abby' button on my sidebar, please go to their blog. This little girl has been through SO much, and is in need of your prayers as soon as possible.
Painting: 'Christmas Moonlight' Thomas Kinkade

For King and Kingdom,

Well...

It was inevitable. I'm sick.
It's a aggravating head cold. Sore throat, watery eyes, drippy nose, cough, head-ache, sneezing, and chills. Oh well, everybody but me and Daddy has had this past week, I guess it was my turn. :) Good thing it only lasts about four days or so.
I want to do some Christmas baking, and cookies making. (I love the rythmning:))



My Nina and aunt Kami are coming down on Christmas eve! Then we're going to my Grandma's house, down the road about a mile and a half, and having Christmas there.



Let me tell you, hot tea is a magnificent blessing! I couldn't get through my sore throat without it. (Well, I probably could but, it sure helps ease the pain.)
Peppermint is my favorite.



Oh! And thank you all my followers for the comments! You all are such an encouragement!



Well, better go blow my nose for the 20,000,000th time! :)

Blessings,

The Legend of the Three Trees

In the shadows of our far-distant past on the slopes of the mountain of the Jordan valley, there stood three trees. One sunny day, when all the world looked peaceful and in harmony, they were discussing their destinies.



" Ah," said the first tree, " I have long thought of my wishes for the future. I hope to be hauled down these mountains and into the city of Jerusalem, and there to be cut up and made into a beautiful paneling for the Temple. How I could be of service to God, if only that would happen! For think how many men and women would come to the Temple to worship, and see my beautiful grain and be helped to understand how majestic is the God who created me!"

" Well, my desire," said the second tree, " is to serve men and women. I hope to be taken to the seacoast and be made into a sleek sailing ship to sail across the Mediterranean. I would carry men and women to new adventures, and bring back the riches if Rome to our land."

The third tree lifted up its branches and said, " I want to be left alone. I want to stand here on the mountain, as straight as I can, and let my top branches reach heavenward, so that all men who see me, as they walk on the mountain road, may lift up their eyes to the skies and think of God. And in the summer's heat, they might find comfort under the shade of my arms.

Well, the axe came to the first, and it was hauled down the hill full of its high hopes. The carpenters received its lumber and began to build. Then the high hopes of being paneling for the Temple were dashed. For the tree instead was used to build a stable in the town of Bethlehem. The cows and the donkeys rubbed against the lumber, and the wind and the rain beat the boards and weathered them. Oh, the shame that the tree felt! Only an old stable!



The second tree was also chopped down. It found itself, as it had hoped, in the shipbuilder's shop. Its high hopes also vanished, for instead of becoming a vessel on the Mediterranean, it became a fishing boat on shores of the Sea of Galilee.
Its life was full of despair at being daily filled with oily, smelly fish. The shame of being so insignificant!



The third tree remained long after on the hillside, as it had hoped to do, But finally the axe bit into its trunk, and it was hauled down the hill to Jerusalem.
Its high hopes were smothered when it found itself being shaped into- of all things-three crosses-the instruments of death for the common criminal. The shame! The sad reality of such a destiny! AUTHOR UNKNOWN




I've heard this story a few times throughout the years, I thought it would be a good one to post around Christmas time. The birth of Jesus is such a beautiful thing to celebrate, but it's something that gets covered so easily. People push Him, His love, and His gift of salvation away so easily. " ...While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough-because there was no room for them at the inn." Luke 2:6-7


Blessings,

Apple Pie Anyone?

This delicious recipe came from Pilsbury!
It's quick and tasty too. :)

Blessings,
Kathrann

Oh Me, Oh My!....

I just realized, the previous post this morning was my 50th post!
I know some people have a give away for their 50th, 100th,ect... post, but I have no idea how to go about doing that. :)
Sooooo.....



How about a quiz? It'll be challenging, so be prepared! Answer truthfully now. :)

Here goes,

1) Do you think you're a good person? (No, it's not a trick question.)
2) Well, do you think you've kept the Ten Commandments?
3) If you answered answered yes, then, think about this: "For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 (emphasis mine)
4) Now, we know that you haven't kept them,so, have you ever told a lie?
5) Everybody has, so what does that make you? Answer: A lier. That's breaking the 9th commandment.
6) Have you ever stolen something? I'm sure you have, whether it's a pen from the office, something small from your parents, even if you don't realize it.
7) What does that make you? A: A thief. That's breaking the 8th commandment.
8) Okay, so, have you ever committed adultery? Now, before you answer this:" You have heard that it was said, Do not commit adultery. But I tell you, everyone who looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Matthew 5: 27
9) So what does that make you? A: An adulterer. That's breaking the 7th commandment.

10) So, by your own admission, you're a lying, thieving, adulterer at heart, and, when the Lord judges you on judgment day, will you innocent, or guilty?
You'll be guilty, will you go to Heaven or Hell? A: Hell. Does this concern you?

You WILL be judged according to your sins. Let's say,a man had committed a crime, and was charged with a $2,000 dollar fine, he didn't have the money to pay the fine, so he was going to be put in prison for many years. He knew what was going to happen, but he told the judge, " Please, I believe you to be a good, just, and compassionate man, please let me go." But the judge said, " Because I'm a good, just, and compassionate man, I'm going to see that justice is done." But then, just as he's being led to his doom, someone he didn't even know, stepped into the court, and paid every penny of your fine.
This is just what God did for us, we were deep in sin, and He paid our fine!
He sent His ONLY son to die a horrible death for US! So, now you can escape the eternal lake of fire. Will you accept Him as your savior?

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23

For more info on this, and other subjects for witnessing, please go to
www.thewayofthemaster.com

Painting by: Thomas Kinkade " Cobblestone Evening"

Blessings,

" You therefore, my child, be strong...

in the grace that is in Christ Jesus




...pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the faith; take hold of eternal life, to which you were called and have made a good confession before many witnesses...May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word."
2 Timothy 2:1, 1 Timothy 6:11-12,& 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Painting by: Thomas Kinkade "Still Water Cottage"

Have a Blessed Sunday,

Please Pray...

for my two year old little sister, Ava Blessing. Momma has had a head cold for the past several days, and Ava has caught it now. She's not feeling well, and her temp. is high. Everyone knows how aggravating it is to have a runny nose, sore throat, and a cough. =) Especially for a little one.




Thank you.

Blessings,

Book Review!

Journey of the Heart




I've read this book about four times since I got it last year for Christmas.
It's a beautiful story of waiting on the Lord for your future spouse, that is, if that's what He has planned for you. Janet McLean is a young woman who struggles with singleness. Her older sister and brother where married by her age, but why isn't she married yet? There aren't even any possible suitors in her life! Trusting God, and her parents on this issue is tough. What should she do with the desires she has for a husband and children? Should she hold them in? Or should she share them with her parents? What about praying for a husband?
This is a great book about trusting and obeying the Lord through one of the most trying times in a young woman's life.

If any of you have ever read it, comment and give me your take on it. =)

" Dear Lord," she whispered, " I'm not trusting. Help me, Father! This is so hard!" Opening her eyes, she gazed at the cold, bare branches against he gray sky.
- "Journey of the Heart" Jeannie M. Castleberry

Blessings,

I've Been Awarded!

Thanks Hannah! www.upnorthhannah.blogspot.com

I'm supposed to tell 7 new things about myself:

1) I can't stand small dogs, (jack russel terriers,...) =)

2) My great-great grandfather was a full blooded Irish man.

3) I don't like popcorn. (Yes, I know, my sisters constantly tease me on this one) =)

4) I get sick on the ferris wheel at the county fair. (I am NOT a dare devil)

5) I have never ridden in a plane. (I don't plan to ever ride in one.)

6) I LOVE border collies.

7) I'm only 5'3, and probably won't grow anymore. (It's the Irish blood. My Grandma is 5'2, and my Daddy is 5'6.)

Well, there you go! Now I award:

Jenna, www.femininefarmgirl.blogspot.com
Ashley, www.farmgirlathome.blogspot.com
Karis, www.karis-brown.blogspot.com
Miss Crystal, www.crystalmarylindsey.blogspot.com
Jasmine, www.joyfullyathome.blogspot.com
Alexandra, www.hskubesgal.blogspot.com
Ellie, www.theglamlg.blogspot.com

Your supposed to:
Award seven people, and let them know
Then, tell seven things about yourself that your readers don't know



Blessings,
Kathrann

My Christmas Tag!

1) Do you like sugar cookies?
A: NO! I detest them.

2) Do you like a LOT of lights on your Christmas tree, or just a few?
A: A LOT, =)

3) Do you prefer a real tree, or a artificial tree?
A: Real tree for sure. But that's not what it's about. =)

4) What's your favorite Christmas carol?
A: I don't have one. I like them all, but, I'm a little partial to "What Child is This?"

5) Do you like egg-nog, or boiled custard?
A: I like them both, but boiled custard is my favorite.

6) Do you want a lot of snow for Christmas, or just enough to sled in?
A: Just enough to sled in.

7) What's your favorite part of the Christmas story?
A: Where the Heavenly Host sang and told of Jesus's birth to the Shepard's

8) What's your favorite Christmas movie?
A: Veggie Tales, " The Star of Christmas" (I'm still a veggie fan!=) )

9) If you could spend $1,000,000, what would you buy?
A: A home, food, clothing, and presents for our sponsor sisters, Shelove, and Shleida

10) What is your favorite name(s) of Jesus?
A: El Shadai, Emmanuel, Christ, King, Lion, Savior, Prince of Peace

Hope you enjoyed it!

Now, I tag:

Karis at www.karis-brown.blogspot.com
Ashley at www.farmgirlathome.blogspot.com
Miss Crystal-Mary at www.crystalmarylindsey.blogspot.com
The Cowgirls at www.horsesbyheart.blogspot.com

Painting by: Thomas Kinkade "Gingerbread Cottage"

Blessings,

Female Piety

" One of the most hallowed, lovely, and beautiful sights in our world is, a woman at home discharging in all the meekness of wisdom,



the various duties of wife, mother, and mistress, with an order that nothing is allowed to disturb; a patience which nothing can exhaust; and affection which is never ruffled; and a perseverance that no difficulties can interrupt, nor any disappointments arrest.." John Angell James, "Female Piety"



Blessings,

The Silver Thread

" Faith is the silver thread upon which the pearls of the graces are strung. Break the thread and he pearls will lie scattered on the ground, nor can you wear them for your own adornment." C.H. Spurgeon

Painting by: Thomas Kinkade "Sunrise Chapel"

Blessings,

Happy Birthday Momma!

May God bless and keep you!

Hope you feel better soon!
Love you too Daddy!

Love,
Your oldest daughter
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

1st Position...2nd Position...

Grace, Olivia and I are taking up the hobby of ballet! We've been working on positions 1 through 3 for the past two days. It's been a lot of fun, but the stretching is rough. =) The main reason I decided to learn it is because of my posture. When I was four years old, I took ballet lessons for a year. During that time, I had really good posture. But, as I've gotten older my posture has slowly gotten worse and worse. Momma calls it my 'old woman hump'. Anyway, it's good exercise. I'll post pictures of our 'At Home Ballet Classes'.




Blessings,




P.S.
I DIDN'T TAKE THESE PICTURES. THEY'RE COURTESY OF BING-IMAGES.

" He wraps Himself in light...

as is if were a robe, spreading out the sky like a canopy, laying the beams of His palace on the waters above, making the clouds His chariot, walking on the wings of the wind, and making the winds His messengers, flames of fire His servants.
He established the earth on it's foundations; it will never be shaken."
Psalm 104: 2-5



Have a beautiful day in the Lord!



Blessings,

The "Sickies"

Please pray for us.
Olivia has had a head cold since yesterday morning, and I think I'm coming down with the sniffles too. Blehhhh!
I've been busy doing school, laundry, chasing cats out of the house, babysitting the sisters, and cleaning and decorating for Christmas.
Also, Grace, Olivia, Ava and I are all going to learn ballet at home! I've found some great resources, and videos.
It's been trying to snow, and sleet a little here. We usually have one, decent snow each year. I think I would enjoy winter better if it snowed. This, cold, damp, cloudy weather is gettin' to me. [sigh]

Blessings,