El Roi: the God who Sees Me

As I'm plotting a new book, I've been thinking about what it means that God is the God who sees me. He sees ME. Wow! I am so worthy, but becuase of Jesus I am worthy to come before Him.

Here's a neat webpage I found that explores God as El Roi.

What aspect of God amazes you this week?

The 12 Days of Christmas.

As you prepare your hearts for the season, here's the story behind the popular carol the 12 Days of Christmas. I knew that it had been used to teach children about the canons of the faith when it had to be hidden. Thanks to DJ for forwarding this for us.

'The Twelve Days of Christmas'By Ev. Kenny Joseph

During this important time of year we celebrate the birth of God’s Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, Who died for us and rose again and Whom we’ll all eventually meet. Some of us sooner than later. Are you ready?Walk into any big store, and it’s great to hear Christmas carols. The popular carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” has hidden references to the basic teachings of the Faith. In the 16th century, during religious wars in England, music and poetry were often used to promote politically incorrect teachings to children. Secretly. Thus each of the “days” represents an aspect of the Christian Faith that was important for children to learn.The English wrote carols, but the Puritans suppressed these religious songs. After Christmas was restored in England, festive songs praising feasting and good will developed. “The Twelve Days of Christmas” became popular as a song to teach the doctrines of the faith. Here’s the hidden message.

1. The “true love” refers to God the Father Who in love sent His only Begotten Son to be our Savior. The “me” receiving the presents is every believer. The “partridge in a pear tree” is Jesus Christ, Whose birthday we celebrate on Dec. 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 as was 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....”
2. Two Turtle Doves. The Old and New Testaments, which together bear witness to God’s self-revelation in history and the creation of believers to proclaim His Story of Salvation to the world.
3. Three French Hens. The Three Theological Virtues: 1. Faith, 2. Hope, and 3. Charity.
4. 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.
5. Five Gold Rings. The first Five Books of the Old Testament, known as the Pentateuch or Torah: 1. Genesis, 2. Exodus, 3. Leviticus, 4. Numbers, and 5. Deuteronomy, which give the history of humanity’s sinful failure and God’s response of grace in the promise of a Savior.
6. Six Geese A-laying. The six days of creation that confess God as Creator of the world.
7. 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.
8. 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. All good be-attitudes.
9. Nine Ladies Dancing. The nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit: 1. love, 2. joy, 3. peace, 4. patience, 5. kindness, 6. generosity, 7. faithfulness, 8. gentleness, and 9. self-control.
10. Ten Lords A-leaping. The Ten Commandments: 1. Thou shall have no other gods before me. 2. Do not make or worship any idol. 3. Do not take God’s name in vain. 4. Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy. 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 your neighbor’s house or his wife or anything that is his.
11. Eleven Pipers Piping. The 11 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. (Not including the 12th disciple, Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.)
12. Twelve Drummers Drumming. The 12 points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed: 1. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2. In Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord. 3. He was conceived by 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. 5. On the third day He rose again. 6. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 7. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 8. I believe in the Holy Spirit. 9. The holy Christian Church, the communion of saints. 10. The forgiveness of sins. 11. The resurrection of the body. 12. And life everlasting.

Kenny Joseph has documented Japanese erased and hidden Christianity since 199 A.D. in his bi-lingual, illustrated book, Japan’s Jizo and Jesus.

Chick Night Friday

Hey all.

Don't forget that the Chick night is coming up at 6:30 Friday night at Pam Peercy's home in Boswell. Heather, can you post directions in a comment?

Even though this is technically a cookie exchange, please come even if you don't have time to bake cookies before Friday. The purpose is to fellowship with each other. So come with or without cookies. We'll have a great time!

Women's Sunday School Class.

Hey all,

This week we had another great conversation about Esther. There is so much in this book, and I really feel God calling me to more of Him through it. I really hope it has been good for others, too.

The book I have referenced a couple times in the class is Finding Favor with the King by Tommy Tenney. It's the kind of book you can read in little chunks or inhale. Last night I went through about 40 pages because it was sooo good.

This week I may share a few of the nuggets I've gotten out of this study of Esther, let me know if you are interested by leaving a comment. See comments equal feedback equals more of the same :-).

Next week we will try to wrap up Esther though it may trickle over another week. We've had several weeks where we've only covered a few verses, and the last thing I want to do is rush if we're all learning from our discussions.

After that we will start going through Women Like Us: Wisdom for Today's Issues. It is a companion to the book we worked through this last quarter. The book will cost about $5, and I will order ten from Carpenter's Son tomorrow so we'll have them for you to purchase at church on Sunday. If you know you would like one, please leave a comment to give me a ballpark idea.

Wednesday Night Bible Study

Greeting, ladies. Here's the rundown for the next few weeks of our Wednesday night Bible study.
This week we will wrap up the discussion of week nine of Believing God.
Next week we will watch the final video from Believing God.
Then we will start Why A Manager, a very small book by Bodie and Brock Thoene (available for $2.99 at Carpenter's Son and probably at Family Christian Bookstores). We'll use the book as a tool as we examine the Christmas story from a fresh perspective. If you would like me to pick up a copy of the book for you so you don't have to run to Carpenter's Son, leave a comment or email me this week. Thanks.

One Thousand Gifts

Ann Voskamp has a post at Christian Women Online blog with a challenge I plan to take. She challenges at this crazy time of the year to make a list of 1000 gifts. Not gifts we want to received. But gifts that God has already given us. This seems to go so well with the verse I've been thinking about all day.

We can pray -- even with desperation and watchfulness -- but guard to maintain a thankful attitude. Wow! I know when my attitude slips, everything else seems to disappear or spiral out of control with it.

So I challenge you to accept Ann's challenge. Start making a list of the blessings in your life. From the small to the large. Meditate on God's goodness, His awesome power, His long arm. Don't limit God, but celebrate Him as you choose to think about and thank Him for the many gifts He has given you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Cara

Colossians 4:2

The verse of the week this week on Moody radio is Colossians 4:2: Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

As we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, what are ways that you incorporate this principle into your daily lives?

A twist on the day after Thanksgiving?

DJ forwarded this to me: It's a different take on the day after Thanksgiving. Thought you'd find it interesting or strange. Cara

International Buy Nothing Day, a day when people around the world pledge to themselves to buy absolutely nothing for 24 hours. Nov. 24, 2006. There are activities, celebrations and demonstrations of various kinds against overconsumption.
http://frugalliving.about.com/cs/consumeraddiction/a/112100.htm

The famous (or infamous, depending on your point of view) Adbuster's Magazine and the first Buy Nothing Day were both started by a man named Kalle Lasn, an advertising executive turned anticonsumerist activist.

Just thought this was intresting... enjoy!

DJ

Hobby/ Scrapbook All- Nighter

Feb. 16 @ 6pm until Feb. 17 @ 10am.

Cost: $10.00 and a snack to share

Paid Registration Deadline is Feb. 4, 07

Spaces are filling up fast! Plan on spending a night with friends scrapbooking, or doing whatever craft you do. Maybe you sew, knit, quilt, or write. If you do not do crafts at all, then come for the fellowship..we have had many ladies do this in the past. We will have venders from different craft areas like 'I Remember When', Close to my Heart' and many more. Come and enjoy this night!

For Questions Please contact Shirley Siovalia or DJ Hartman.

Week of November 19th

Happy Thanksgiving!

Due to Thanksgiving, there are a couple changes to our usual schedule. There is no Missionettes or Royal Rangers this week. Instead there is a one hour service for all at the church on Wednesday beginning at 7 p.m. That also means there will be no separate women's study this week. We'll pick up next week.

This week in Sunday School, we got through two verses in Esther. You just never know what God's going to decide to highlight. Heck, I rarely know ahead of time. So this week in Sunday School we'll wrap up as much of Esther as possible without pushing against where God wants us to go with the discussion.

Scrap/Craft night at church tonight. :-)

Enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families!

Believing God Update

For those of you who weren't able to join us tonight, don't despair. We will continue discussing the final week's study next week. We discussed day one tonight and had some really great back and forth about how God prepared Joshua for what He would later call him to do. I can't think of a time that God told Joshua to do something that He hadn't already demonstrated that He was more than able to do what He promised.

Part the Jordan River? No problem. Joshua had seen Him part the Red Sea. Cause the sun to stand still? No problem, Joshua had already seen God control battles by whether Moses' arms were raised or not. Pelt the foes with hail while leaving the Israelites standing next to them unharmed? No problem. Joshua had already seen the plagues in Egypt.

I think our lives play out in the same fashion. Rarely will God call us to gigantic leaps forward in faith. Usually, He will ask to take it a step or two farther -- to trust Him based on what we have learned from His actions on our behalf in the past.

What do you think? See in particular Exodus 24 and 33 for some intersting preparation God took Joshua through. He is so good!

Guest Blogging Today

Check it out at Generation NeXt Parenting.

Thought for the Day

This is taken from an email from the AOG Women's Ministry:

On Good Works
“To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice” (Proverbs 21:3, NIV).

We can teach a Sunday School class, lead a Bible study, sing in the choir, homeschool our kids, give up high-salary careers to spend more time with our families and still our hearts can be far from the Lord. That’s why God is more pleased when we simply trust Him and obey Him than when we do a bunch of good works. He would rather see us reach out to our neighbor and care for the poor, than be in church every time the doors are open. Remember, God isn’t interested in religion. He wants a relationship.

God, I know I can’t gain Your approval or get into heaven by way of my good works. It’s only because Jesus paid the price for my sin by dying on the cross and conquering death through His resurrection that I can be forgiven. It’s only by the righteousness You give me as a free gift that allows me the privilege of relationship with You. Thank You that by my accepting Jesus as my Savior, You accept me as Your child.

Reprinted from The Busy Mom's Guide to Wisdom by Lisa Whelchel ©2006 Howard Publishing Co., Inc. Available from Gospel Publishing House at www.gospelpublishing.com.

Gift Wrapping

I wanted to post the information about a service/fund-raising opportunity for Missionettes & the His House ministries at Bethel. On Friday & Saturday, Dec. 15th & 16th, we will be gift wrapping at Tippecanoe Mall. We need ladies & girls to help wrap, as well as donations of tissue paper (all colors), gift bags & gift boxes (all sizes). Sign up sheets and a tub for donations will be at the welcome center soon.

Mary Jo Anderson

Cara adds: post a comment if you are interested in helping. You can add Abigail and me to the list, Mary Jo.

A thought for Sunday

"All of God's revealed truths are sealed until they are opened to us through obedience. You will never open them through philosophy or thinking. But once you obey, a flash of light comes immediately . . . If you obey God in the first thing He shows you, then He instantly opens up the next truth to you. You could read volumes on the work of the Holy Spirit, when five minutes of total, uncompromising obedience would make things as clear as sunlight . . . Yet God will never reveal more truth about Himself to you, until you have obeyed what you know already."
--Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, October 10.

Just imagine what would happen in our lives if we applied this principle. Faith step by faith step God will continue to reveal layers of Himself to us.

Youth to lead Sunday Night Service 11/14

You should definitely try to come to Sunday night service this week - the youth are leading - and have an awesome message planned...spread the word! :-)

Stacey Wisdom

Opportunity for Teen Girls

My friend Tricia Goyer is working on a book that is targeted at teen girls. She's looking for a few girls to contribute by completing short surveys. I did the same thing last year with Generation NeXt Parenting and currently with Generation NeXt Marriage. I looked over the proposal before it went to the publisher and it looks like a great book.

Here's the information from her:

Hi Friend!

You're one of the first to hear about a NEW book project that I'll be writing ... after the Gen X Marriage book, of course! Here is the scoop: My Life, Un Scripted
Category: YA Non-Fiction
Word Count: 45,000
Age Group: Young Adult/Teen Girl
Key Life Issue: Scripting right responses for relationship dramas.
The Target Audience: The target audience for this non-fiction book is teen girls who love movies, television, and drama, yet struggle in their real-life relationships.

As a mom of a fourteen-year-old daughter and a mentor to teens, I will incorporate the "screenwriting" theme as a fun way to offer real-life, practical advice concerning the inner drama and challenging relationships teens face.

Theme: Each element of the book is spun off screenwriting, television and/or movies-which is one of the dominating factors in the lives of teens today. With the theme of "TV Land" this book will focus on relationships: with self, with friends and enemies, with parents, with guys, and with God.

With real-life scripts, screenwriting terms, and timely topics, teen girls will explore their own inner struggles and outward relationships. They'll also learn the importance of "scripting" their own responses BEFORE challenging life-situations arise. By contrasting real-life with TV, teens will understand they don't have to get caught up in the drama. They don't have to face situations as they arise, but rather they can think about, pray about, and consider how to face these situations before they hit the big screen of their lives. They will also have the tools to use when situations come upon them unexpectedly.

As you may have guessed ... I'm looking for teen girls who would like to participate. I'm looking for girls ages 13-17. This will be a book that talks to teen girls about real-life relationships. It will also encourage them to Script their future goals and dreams.

If you know any teen girls who might be interested, I'd love for you to pass on this information for their consideration (with their parent's approval, of course)! I've also included a sample chapter, my first set of questions, and a release form. (If you are interested, the release form needs to be mailed to me right away, please.)

Thank you so much!

Tricia Goyer www.triciagoyer.com www.genxparents.blogspot.com
Author of: Life Interrupted, Gold Medallion Book Finalist, 2004
Night Song, ACFW Book of the Year, Long Historical Romance, 2005
Dawn of a Thousand Nights, ACFW Book of the Year, Long Historical, 2006
. . . and six other equally wonderful books!

Generation NeXt Parenting

Today I am blogging at Generation NeXt Parenting about raising godly kids. Check it out, and then come back here and let me know what you think. What are you doing to raise a generation that praises and serves God?

Devotional Thoughts

If during your quiet times you feel like God has revealed something to you that you'd like to share with the ladies of the church, let me know. Email what he has shown you to me, and I'll post it.

Praise Reports: week of November 5, 2006

Has God done something great in your life this week? Has He met a need or answered a prayer? Then share your joy here. Let us rejoice with you!

Post a comment to this post, and we'll celebrate with you!

Prayer Requests: Week of November 5, 2006

Good morning, ladies.

This week I'm going to start a couple things. Depending on your feedback, we'll tweak the format.

If you have prayer requests, please post them as a comment to this post. If you want to know how to pray for some of our ladies, check back periodically to see if any comments are added. If you need to know how to add a comment, please check the prior post. And as always let me know if you have any questions.

May God richly bless you this week!

Fantastic User Question

This is a new blog, and I received a great question about how to post comments. I know that not all of you will want to get a blogger account (perfectly fine) but might want to comment on something. Here are the steps to posting a comment without an account:

1) Click on comment and type the message
2) At the bottom of the comment box there are three buttons. Click the anonymous box.
3) At that point a new box will pop up below that with letters to type in (that's a security feature). Type in the letters.
4) Then click the preview button. That pulls up a shaded box with the post.
5) At that point you can choose to edit or publish the comment. Click publish and it will be added to the comments.

The key is that you leave your name if you want to; otherwise, we won't know who has posted. Hope this helps!

Looks like several of us will meet at One Night with the King tomorrow night; 7:10 p.m.; Eastside Theater.