The 12 Days of Christmas Faithbooking Challenge #7

WELCOME BACK!  If you missed verses 1-6, no worries!  You can easily catch-up (and that STILL includes me!!).  And…we are still playing catch-up….I think I am still a week behind on posting.

We've all heard this song growing up, but did you know each verse of the song also had a Biblical meaning? Over the next few weeks, we will be exploring the Biblical meanings of each verse of the song.  You can do your craft of choice, journal, scrapbook..….whatever you want to show what the verse and meaning means to you.  Each week I will post the traditional verse, and its Biblical meaning. Once all 12 verses have been presented, you should have a beautiful reminder that you can share with your family and friends as to what the Biblical meanings are for "The 12 Days of Christmas"! (As a reminder, I found this information online at www.faith-sisters.blogspot.com and immediately knew it was the perfect accompaniment to the 6 week Christmas Experience study).  

Although participation in the 12 Days of Christmas Faithbooking Challenge isn’t necessary to be included the Expressions of Faith small group, I hope you will incorporate it somehow (crafting, journaling, scrapbooking, etc).  In a sense, it will become your testimonial of faith that will be a keepsake you will enjoy reflecting on often and sharing with others.

On the seventh day of Christmas

My true love sent to me

Seven swans a-swimming,

Six geese a-laying,

Five golden rings,

Four calling birds,

Three french hens,

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree.

7th Day: The 'seven swans a-swimming' represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit; wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.


As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I am STILL behind on my creations, but I have good news!  I found scrapbook paper by Graphic 45 themed “The 12 Days of Christmas”….if you are interested in buying or viewing this collection, here is the link 

 www.acherryontop.com/shop/company/graphic_45/line/12_days_of_christmas

Blessing!!

~Stacy

The 12 Days of Christmas Faithbooking Challenge #6

WE ARE HALF WAY DONE!!  If you missed verses 1-5, no worries!  You can easily catch-up (and that STILL includes me!!).  Just a reminder……we are catching up from last week since I did not post any of the challenges during my week off work so I will be posting 2 additional verses this week to catch-up and keep on schedule! J

We've all heard this song growing up, but did you know each verse of the song also had a Biblical meaning? Over the next few weeks, we will be exploring the Biblical meanings of each verse of the song.  You can do your craft of choice, journal, scrapbook..….whatever you want to show what the verse and meaning means to you.  Each Sunday and Thursday for 6 weeks I will post the traditional verse, and its Biblical meaning. After the 6 weeks is over, you should have a beautiful reminder that you can share with your family and friends as to what the Biblical meanings are for "The 12 Days of Christmas"! (As a reminder, I found this information online at www.faith-sisters.blogspot.com and immediately knew it was the perfect accompaniment to the 6 week Christmas Experience study).  

Although participation in the 12 Days of Christmas Faithbooking Challenge isn’t necessary to be included the Expressions of Faith small group, I hope you will incorporate it somehow (crafting, journaling, scrapbooking, etc).  In a sense, it will become your testimonial of faith that will be a keepsake you will enjoy reflecting on often and sharing with others.

On the sixth day of Christmas,
my true sent to me
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

How awesome to think that this simple song on the sixth verse refers to the 6 days of creation!!

First day: God creates light ("Let there be light!")—the first divine command. The light is divided from the darkness, and "day" and "night" are named.

Second day: God creates a firmament ("Let a firmament be...!")—the second command—to divide the waters above from the waters below. The firmament is named "skies".

Third day: God commands the waters below to be gathered together in one place, and dry land to appear (the third command). "Earth" and "sea" are named. God commands the earth to bring forth grass, plants, and fruit-bearing trees (the fourth command).

Fourth day: God creates lights in the firmament (the fifth command) to separate light from darkness and to mark days, seasons and years. Two great lights are made (most likely the Sun and Moon, but not named), and the stars.

Fifth day: God commands the sea to "teem with living creatures", and birds to fly across the heavens (sixth command); He creates birds and sea creatures, and commands them to be fruitful and multiply.

Sixth day: God commands the land to bring forth living creatures (seventh command); He makes wild beasts, livestock and reptiles. He then creates Man and Woman in His "image" and "likeness" (eighth command). They are told to "be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it." Humans and animals are given plants to eat. The totality of creation is described by God as "very good."

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I am STILL behind on my creations, and although I had last week off from work…I found preparing for Thanksgiving at my house kept me from working  in the craft room (bummer!!).  So…until I am able to catch up and post my creations, enjoy these examples that were provided on www.faith-sisters.blogspot.com

Blessing!!

~Stacy

The 12 Days of Christmas Faithbooking Challenge #5

WELCOME BACK!  If you missed verses 1-4, no worries!  You can easily catch-up (and that STILL includes me!!).  And…we have catching up from last week to do too since I did not post any of the challenges during my week off work.  Please look forward to seeing posts almost daily this week to catch-up! J

We've all heard this song growing up, but did you know each verse of the song also had a Biblical meaning? Over the next few weeks, we will be exploring the Biblical meanings of each verse of the song.  You can do your craft of choice, journal, scrapbook..….whatever you want to show what the verse and meaning means to you.  Each Sunday and Thursday for 6 weeks I will post the traditional verse, and its Biblical meaning. After the 6 weeks is over, you should have a beautiful reminder that you can share with your family and friends as to what the Biblical meanings are for "The 12 Days of Christmas"! (As a reminder, I found this information online at www.faith-sisters.blogspot.com and immediately knew it was the perfect accompaniment to the 6 week Christmas Experience study).  

Although participation in the 12 Days of Christmas Faithbooking Challenge isn’t necessary to be included the Expressions of Faith small group, I hope you will incorporate it somehow (crafting, journaling, scrapbooking, etc).  In a sense, it will become your testimonial of faith that will be a keepsake you will enjoy reflecting on often and sharing with others.

On the fifth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

The "five golden rings" refers to the first Five Books of the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy), the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I am STILL behind on my creations, and although I had last week off from work…I found preparing for Thanksgiving at my house kept me from working  in the craft room (bummer!!).  So…until I am able to catch up and post my creations, enjoy this example that was provided on www.faith-sisters.blogspot.com

Blessing!!

~Stacy

Small Group Tonight!

Just a reminder, we will continue our study of the Christmas story tonight (Sunday) at 7pm. Tonight we will be taking a deeper look into Joseph's role....I am super excited and I hope you are too!!!  Tricia will be providing snacks for us (Thank You Tricia!!!).   If you need directions to my house or have questions, feel free to call or text me (260) 703-0021

Blessing!
~Stacy

Are You a Servant of the Lord?

"My Soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in god my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant” (Luke 1:46-48)

Reflecting back on Sunday's video presentation of Mary, I am awe-struck at her humility and willingness to be a “servant of the Lord”.  As we discussed on Sunday, even when we know God is calling us or leading us in a direction, it can be hard to simply say “I am a servant of the Lord” and do or go as He commands.  As I shared on Sunday, I felt the calling to lead a small group a year ago, and I partially said “I am a servant of the Lord”.  I said “ok” at the time, talked to Pastor Mark, prayed, read, asked for direction, bought several small group study kits/books…..and then did nothing but make excuses.   I went through the motions, but I allowed fear of failure to keep me from following through.  I was NOT a servant of the Lord.  

So, I was left asking myself “What have I learn from Mary about leading a small group”?  

First, she was a humble servant.  She delighted herself in her relationship with God.  In Luke 1:46-47, Mary said “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior”.  This is where Godly leadership starts.  Mary exemplified for Jesus what a relationship with God looked like.  In scripture, Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to spend time with his Father…and so should we!

Secondly, Mary knew who and WHOSE she was.  Mary said with humble confidence “I am the Lord’s servant”.  Godly leaders know their identity in Christ, so they don’t have to try to be something they’re not; they can be authentic.

Third, Mary was called and responded in obedience to her calling. In Luke 1:38 Mary stated, “May it be to me as you have said.”  Leadership is a calling by God, not just a recruiting by a church minister or volunteer.  Responding to God’s call rather than initiating ministry out of your own aspirations makes all the difference!

I WANT to be more like Mary.  I want to be humble.  I WANT TO BE A SERVANT OF THE LORD!

I would love to hear your thoughts on this past week’s study or how you have been a “servant of the Lord”.   As promised, I have included the prayer I shared with you Sunday night.

Blessing!
~Stacy