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Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas...





This Christmas I have been studying the many names of Jesus, there are many and each one shows us a little more of who he is. In order to love God we need to know Him. Just as we need get to know each other before we can love each other, so it is with our Heavenly Father.  I bought some wonderful ornaments online at http://www.familylife.com/ and with it came a beautiful little booklet by Barbra Rainey. Parts are taken from her booklet. 

I hope you enjoy this Christmas post, along with our Christmas decorations at our home.




Name above all names...

JESUS
Each of us is known by our name and identified with it, Jesus has many names, scholars say as many as 300. Getting to know the names of Jesus and their meanings lets us know Him better. JESUS... means God saves. It is a form of the name Joshua. Joshua led the people of Israel and inspired them to keep believing God would deliver them. Jesus is our protector, our leader and our saviour and is the name above all names and one day "every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father" Phil.2:10

And the angel said, "You shall call his name Jesus for he will save his people from their sins." Matt 1:21
























SAVIOR
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 Told first to shepherds many years ago this name speaks to the task prepared for Jesus. He would come to save all mankind from sin and death. 1 John 4:14 -- “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.”

















CHRIST THE LORD
This name declares that He is from God and that He belongs to God and that He is God.
A Lord is someone who has great authority over others or is your Master or teacher. For Jesus to be your Lord means He rules over your life.
For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
The first announcement was to shepherds tending their flocks that would be sacrificial lambs during the Passover. This was symbolic, the lambs blood shed was meant to atone for the peoples sin once a year. But Jesus blood would be shed once and for all because His sacrifice was perfect and forever, planned before time began.












EMMANUEL
the meaning is: God with Us
Behold a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a son and they shall call his name Emmanuel Matt.1:23
This miraculous birth was not conceived between a man and woman but in a woman alone and not a married woman but a young girl. Foretold centuries ahead in Isaiah which was His birth announcement. God became flesh to dwell with us. He laid down His former glory and became a man with all it's frailties, emotions and temptations to walk in our footsteps as an example to us. To show us the way to salvation. A God not up in heaven somewhere but here present living with you and me.
































PRINCE OF PEACE
And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor , Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end Isaiah 9:6-7
Every human heart longs for peace without end. But it cannot be found in this world, no king in this realm ever ruled under perfect peace, we are all flawed and prone to error. Only one who is Divine who is sinless can rule with perfection, His name is Jesus. 
While we wait for His government on earth to rule without conflict at the end of this age we can still experience the peace Jesus has to offer. "Peace I leave with you my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid" John 14:27
Jesus knew He was leaving when He spoke to His followers and they would feel abandoned and afraid so He promised them assurance of much needed peace. That peace comes from the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, that was the promise to the disciples after Jesus left... God indwelling with power to overcome our frailties by His Spirit. Jesus living in us through His Holy Spirit gives Peace that passes all understanding.
One of the most loved hymns of the church "It is well with my soul," was written by Horatio Spafford just months after all four of his daughters drowned when their ship sank in the Atlantic Ocean. His wife was saved when a plank of wood floated beneath her unconscious body. Keeping her from drowning. Overwhelmed by grief on the journey to meet his wife he wrote these words near the place where the ship sank: "When Peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll... Thou has taught me to say, it is well with my soul. 
It is only with the Prince of Peace can we say, It is well with my soul.















WONDERFUL COUNSELOR
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor... Isaiah 9:6
Wonderful... full of wonder, speechless, in awe, unable to move
Jesus full of wonder counsels us on our every need and through every step in our lifetime. "Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Pray then," Jesus said in Matt 6:8 He knows our needs before we are aware of them..."And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" Phil. 4:19 ... and then promises to take care of you and me with his endless supply of goodness. 












LION OF JUDAH
Behold The Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the root of David, has conquered so that He can open the scroll and its seven seals.
Rev 5:5

The first mention in the bible of this Lion as a prophetic reference to Jesus is found in Genesis 49:9. Jacob speaks his blessing to each of his twelve sons. To Judah He says, Judah is a lion's cub. The scepter shall not depart from Judah.
The scepter is a rod often made of gold and encrusted with jewels which a king extends toward anyone seeking his favor or blessing. It is a symbol of Kingship and authority over every person in his realm.
While Jacob's words to his son pointed out that Judah himself would hold authority Jacob was also speaking of a greater power of a future descendant the verse goes on to say, "Nor the rulers staff from between his feet until tribute comes to Him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. One day a son will receive the tribute of Nations and the obedience of all people. This was a prophecy of The rule and reign of Christ.
In the book of Revelation, The Lion of Judah appears to John's vision of the end times. Peering into heaven John sees a sealed scroll in the right hand of God, but on one can answer the angel's call to open it, John begins to weep because no one was worthy. Then one of the elders spoke, "Weep no more, behold THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH...
Jesus, The Lion of Judah, the majestic, powerful and fearless one has conquered sin and death. He alone is worthy, as Jesus steps forward to take the scroll and open it He appears as a lamb. All heaven fall before Him.
This Christmas I bow before

 the LION OF JUDAH, the king











THE ALMIGHTY
"I AM... THE ALMIGHTY". Rev 1:8
One day, an old man was praying when he heard a voice behind him that was loud and commanding, like the blasts of a trumpet. Whirling around he saw a man "clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around His chest, the hairs of His head were white like wool, as white as snow, His eyes were like a flame of fire, His feet were like burnished bronze... His voice was like the roar of many waters" Rev. 1:13-15
John, the apostle had been transported by the Spirit to the edge of heaven and was gazing in wonder at Jesus himself. Told to write what He saw and heard, John described Jesus: "The faithful witness, The Firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth", showing us that absolute power belongs to no one but Jesus (Rev. 1:5) John makes it clear that Jesus loves us and has freed us from our sins by his shed blood and made us a kingdom (vv. 5-6) He makes Jesus' royalty clear, for only kings create and rule kingdoms.
"I AM The ALPHA and OMEGA, says The Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, The Almighty. Rev 1:8
The title ALMIGHTY compliments another name of Jesus - Mighty God - the titles are similar and yet each one speaks to different facets of Christ. Mighty God reveals Jesus' unequaled power and strength over all created earthly elements. Almighty expands our understanding that His might reaches far beyond our planet to His eternal rule over the hosts of angels and the vastness of the heavens and expansive universe.

Such power inspires awe and yet... "He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will abide in the shadow of The Almighty" Psalm 91:1
The Almighty is my refuge...













MIGHTY GOD            

And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God... Isaiah 9:6When Isaiah the prophet made the announcement of the coming of Jesus' birth, the Israelites understood Mighty for they had experienced the great power of the Lord when He parted the Red sea with just the breath of His nostrils (Ex 15:8) Mighty God is a significant name given to this infant lying on a bed of hay. Human eyes saw just a baby but God left no doubt as to His true nature. Nothing is impossible with God Luke 1:37
When there is no way out, just like the Israelites when staring at a vast body of water the blocked their escape... Jesus is our Mighty God to provide a way for us. He can help you through any crisis. This time of year is joyous for many but for some Christmas is very hard. Jesus Mighty God can help you through the deep sorrow and hard times.






SON OF DAVID

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham Matt. 1:1David's life was certainly anointed by God, he was to become King of God's people and through Davids fervent love for God became the apple of God's eye even though his life was less than perfect. He received from God a very important pronouncement that His throne would last forever, only a son of David could be King of God's people.
A thousand years later Matthew wrote his account of the life of Jesus and in the first sentence declares Jesus to be the The Son of David. A significant title every Jewish adult knew that the rightful King would be a descendant of David.
Many in Jesus day recognized him as the son of David even the children knew the truth about Jesus identity and cried out "Hosanna to the SON OF DAVID!" He was far more than what even the disciples knew him to be, the King that would rule and save not only the Jews but the whole world. A Kingdom not here on earth but a Kingdom to put heaven here on earth. That Kingdom resides in us because where the King is the Kingdom follows. We are here to walk in that Kingdom and to bring it to earth... here now. That Kingdom is God's power, healing, grace, love, forgiveness all of what Christ did here on earth is ours through Jesus. Walk in the Kingdom today... bring heaven to earth today.






KING OF ISRAEL
Once upon a time there was a prosperous kingdom made safe by a brave humble and good king. It was filled with houses and palaces built of stone, paneled in fragrant cedar wood and decorated with ivory, scarlet, gold and silver, pleasant vineyards rolled over the hills and food was abundant.
After forty years the good kings son took the throne. Because he was given wisdom and understanding from God, kings and queens from all over the world came to hear him speak and to bring hi gifts, his wealth was unsurpassed, his kingdom unmatched.
The people of the kingdom felt indestructible, and slowly self confidence crept upon them and evil began to walk the streets. In 586 BC, this kingdom - this kingdom of Israel - fell. The land was ruined, houses burned and the royal palace destroyed. Worst of all, the glorious house of God was dismantled, its gold furnishings chopped up and hauled away. 
Neither King David nor his son, Solomon imagined their glorious kingdom would end. Their people never imagined it either because they all knew the promise to David that his throne would last forever, but they like we had incurable condition called sin. It caused them to fall and those that survived the the destruction of Jerusalem were marched to Babylon as slaves including Jehoiakim, the king. Yet God was still orchestrating the future. The maker and keeper of promises was not going to break his word, hidden in the ruins of what was once a proud nation, the line of David remained unbroken. God's providence always rules and overrules to accomplish His great purpose. One, day over 500 years later, two men appeared in the land that was once Israel. John the baptist proclaimed the other man Jesus, The Lamb of God John 1:29. Immediately Andrew and John, the disciples, followed Him saying, "We have found the Messiah". The next day Nathanael met Jesus and pronounced him, "The King of Israel". They thought He would set up a literal kingdom, overthrow the Romans and rule over them as the prophets foretold. Though they misunderstood His mission, they still identified Jesus correctly as a the promised and long-awaited
KING OF ISRAEL.











In Genesis--the seed of the woman
Exodus--the passover lamb
Leviticus--atoning sacrifice
Numbers--the smitten rock
Deuteronomy--the prophet
Joshua--the captain
Judges--the deliverer
Ruth--the kinsman
Kings--the ruler
Nehemiah--the restorer
Esther--the advocate
Job--the redeemer
Psalms--the shepherd
Proverbs--wisdom
Ecclesiastes--the goal
Song of Solomon--the groom
Prophets--coming one
Gospels--the God-man
Acts--the risen one
Epistles--head of the church
Revelation--the Worthy One










Wishing all of you a very Blessed
Christmas...
Rebecca

Friday, December 13, 2013

Christmas at the FleaMarket

Hello
I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving... we certainly did. I loved having my brood home, all 23 of them. 
My home was brimming with ruckus and laughter, it is good for this old house to be shaken now and then. 
It was turned upside down in every nook and cranny with Barbie dolls, star war figures, pop cans, plates, wine glasses, dog bones... everything out of place and every dish in the house dirty. 
(Well, maybe not all of them) . 
The sound of kids running up and down the stairs, 
laughter ringing from every room 
and the smell of coffee brewing with a mix of pumpkin pie... 
yes, I am blessed.






I didn't really take pictures this year





Now that the cold weather has hit I am glad I put my lights outside ahead of time. I think the whole nation has been cold...


Studio in the back



Potting Shed



Front yard with fresh snow



Nothing like walking in a light snowfall at night...



The weekend after Thanksgiving I did the December Fleamarket with my kids, Jody and James.
 Jody brought some of her things and James has been making  industrial lighting out of vintage finds.


Here is our booth...







Here is some of James' lighting, it will be available in my etsy shop as well...
























I am just about done with my decorating, we've had the tree up since Thanksgiving weekend...
I hope you are enjoying this holiday season as much as I am.

Many blessings




Rebecca

Friday, November 22, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving


Hello
I want to thank Karen at Valentine Designs for setting up my new blog look, she is patient, kind, talented and fast. If you are looking to redo your blog or just want a lift, I know you will be well pleased with Karen's work.
Is everyone working on Christmas projects? I am in the studio much of the time now, don't you just love this time of year? I have the Christmas music on, the sewing machine is whirling and all my white wool is everywhere!


 No flat surface is exposed this time of year.  




I have my etsy shop open and I will be adding new things after Thanksgiving because I am doing a show Thanksgiving weekend. 


My new buttons at the top can take you to my etsy shop or to my other blog or to my art... cool huh?
I need to do some work still on the buttons.


I am excited to have all my children and their families home for Thanksgiving. 


It is a good time even though I have to cook. I am not real fond of that dinner... so many side dishes to juggle and trying to keep everything hot from kitchen to dining room table. We have two vegetarians/gluten free, so we need to cater to them also.
We have the traditional 22# bird with dressing and yes, I put it inside the bird... it keeps the bird moist and adds flavor. I also have it on the side because our crew numbers around 25 and everyone loves dressing. When I take it out of the bird I mix it with the other dressing and that way it adds flavor. I also brown the giblets and put them in the side dressing for flavor but take them out when done and put them to the side for who ever wants them. (not me!)
There are so many good recipes out there for dressing  but I am afraid if I deviated from my mothers recipe I would have a mutiny on my hands. Once 10 years ago I took corn out of the menu and I still hear about it. 


The dressing is pretty easy and basic. I brown a couple of pounds of ground beef with onion, celery and seasoning. I use the whole sage, it isn't as potent as ground so I throw in the whole bottle. After the mixture is done I melt in a stick or more of butter and mix it with a large package of unseasoned bread cubes. If it doesn't seem moist enough I add a little water to the pan and then pour it into the dressing. I then stuff the bird after I wash it and remove any pin feathers, rub it with salt and then butter. I use a cooking bag, it really cuts down on the cooking time.


Thanksgiving menu is turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, corn, green bean casserole, fruit salad, red cabbage and corn souffle... Not to mention the cranberries and cranberry orange relish and pie for dessert.
Is that close to your menu?


I am so thankful that we will all be together this year, every year we are together I feel more blessed then the year before. I have so much to be thankful for I can't begin to make a list but number one would be my Lord who loves and cares for my family whether we are together or a part. There is a peace in life when you trust that all things come together for good, it is then that you can give thanks in all things.


Blessings to your house from ours this Thanksgiving,
Rebecca

Sunday, November 3, 2013

My Walk

My Walk with God...

this morning.







This song comes to mind...

Summer and winter, and spring-time and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!



Praying and walking is synonymous for me.   


As I walked in the rain and tried to take in as much beauty as I could, thinking this was a good time to bring my needs before the Lord...



I could only be thankful...

I

All my needs seemed to melt away in His beauty...


Which brought me only to praise.


I found myself praising God along with everything around me...
all the earth now shouts in color of the magnificence of His beauty and honor and power.






 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things have been created by Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16)




This also brings to mind the chapter of Ecclesiastes 3, it's hard to read this chapter without singing it...

For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to week, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and a time to refrain; a time to seek and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend and a time to sew; a time to keep silence and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.




If you read on in Eccl. it says:

What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what god has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil, this is God's gift to man.
I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it.

I take pleasure in knowing today, that I cannot add nor take away the glory of the Lord.
It is my time for praise...


This week I have been working with
on a new look for my blog. She has designed my blog in the past and is always a joy to work with.
I am excited to see what you think, it will be a more simple format, one that I think will compliment my style while featuring more of the content of my blog... artwork, photos and such. I hope you will like it as much as I do. 

Blessings
Rebecca