Sunday we had the privilege of witnessing a couple renew their vows. It was a special blessing to honor them and see their love for each other. In sickness and in health takes on a new meaning when one’s health is failing. How exciting it was to be a part of the service! Saturday evening, Mary put together a beautiful bouquet of roses for Mrs. T to hold. Nathan and Melanie purchased a cake for those at the nursing home to enjoy after lunch on Sunday. Anna and Jesse shared through music, and Dad gave a message, ending with this sweet couple’s vows. Afterward, a little receiving line formed.
We’ll be sharing about a special event that happened last night in the next day or two.
Sunday evening at five we began our caroling adventure. It was a cold, wintry night, perfect for caroling! We went to many homes, usually singing one verse of “Joy to the World” and ending with “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” What a blessing it was to share with our neighbors. Several even grabbed coats and stepped outside to listen. We gave each family a loaf of poppy seed bread with a card.
Afterward, Christopher and Anna Marie hosted a caroling party, complete with treats. It was a special time as a family.
If you haven’t considered adding caroling to your family’s traditions, it’s not too late!
Rejoicing in God’s Blessings, Sarah
Bundled up and ready to sing! Joseph’s guitar really helps out the music, but it is a bit of a challenge for his hands to stay warm. He used special hand warmers when needed. As we started, he discovered the guitar needed some tuning.
This sweet couple came out to listen. The whole group! Quite a spread.
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” Matthew 2:10Â
It’s been another awesome weekend. The Lord so blessed every aspect. What an amazing God we serve!
Saturday we had more baking to do for our caroling evening. Christopher, Anna Marie, and Joshua stopped in to borrow something, and Anna Marie volunteered to help with the baking because several of us were busy with other things. Not only did she complete the batch that had been started, she also went on to finish all the caroling baking. What a blessing!
We had great help with the cards and wrapping the loaves that afternoon thanks to our special friends Grace and Faith.
We went on a Walk Through Bethlehem tour at 5 Saturday just before our music time. It was a joy to walk through the town, observing from the “townspeople” and learning from them.
Saturday night’s music and testimonies was another blessing. It’s exciting to see our Lord Jesus at work!
Delighting in Jesus, Sarah
Thanks, Anna Marie! More work was done on the playset, adding a final fort and some other items.
Our first stop in WTB, the census. The tax collector.
But the story didn’t stop at the cross!
Hallelujah! Jesus conquered sin and death!
“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:14-15
Yes, Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice, but His sacrifice is a gift to those who will receive it. Sadly, many reject that Gift. Perhaps there are those reading this who have rejected the Lord Jesus. My Friend, eternity is FOREVER. May you consider and ponder this. May you not waste another moment. Repent now and turn your life over to Jesus.
Luke 12:5: “But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.”
Numbers 23:19 says: “God is not a man, that he should lie neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9-10Â
The weekend is in full swing, and it is a delight to see the Lord’s blessings. Yesterday went quickly, with preparations for caroling and Walk Through Bethlehem.
Anna Marie helped me in the morning with cards for caroling treats. Joshua came with her and played with Aunt Mary (and watched Mommy and Aunt Sarah making cards) before taking his nap at our house. Another practice session ensued for the members of our group as they ran through their songs again.
Mid-afternoon, most went to set up, while Mom and Anna Marie baked poppy seed loaves for caroling treats. Set up went smoothly, and a little after 4, everyone headed home for Bible time and a light dinner.
We arrived at the church before 6:30. I stood in the back most of the time (with my camera :-)), and it was a delight to hear the full version of what Joseph, John, Anna, Jesse, and Mary have practiced the last few weeks. Their countenances’ truly reflect the Lord Jesus’ love. In between, they shared personal testimonies. There was a steady stream of new people entering the sanctuary, as they waited their turn to “walk through Bethlehem.” We’ll be taking our Walk Through Bethlehem tour tonight, before or after music, so I’ll share some pictures of that later, Lord willing.
Marveling in God’s Amazing Grace, Sarah
Don’t you love that blonde fuzz that sticks straight up?! Cards ready to be heat-embossed.
It was so sweet to see some elderly there.
The little girls sang with their aunts.
Joshua and Grandpa
“And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.” Luke 2:15Â
Last week when Joseph was in Kansas City, he stopped at Hobby Lobby and picked out supplies for a Christmas wreath for his house. Then Mary spent time that evening creating a beautiful Christmas decoration with Joseph’s supplies. The end result was a gorgeous wreath that Joseph hung above his front door.
Joseph and Mary both have quite an artistic flair, and I love seeing how they use those talents.
Serving the Wonderful Counselor, Sarah
The finished product.
“Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:7
We’ve continued to experience amazing temperatures for this time of year, although this weekend, that will change. So, Monday afternoon, we girls did a little party in the playset with Abby and Bethie, as a celebration of the Aunties’ Park. It is so sweet to see the little ones’ joy as they run around, squealing and loving their time.
This weekend promises to be full, with Friday and Saturday evenings at the Walk Through Bethlehem, and Sunday evening, we’re planning our yearly tradition of caroling. In the midst of that, we have baking to do and other preparations for caroling. We’ll keep you updated with blog posts and pictures.
May each one of us reflect on the blessings the Lord has given to us! May we have hearts full of praise to Jesus.
Rejoicing in Jesus, Sarah
Precious. Aunts and Nieces. Christopher is such a blessing. His helpful and servant spirit is incredible. Whether it’s a need that he sees during Sunday morning service that he can fill or whether it’s a slide that needs some car wax to help it, he’s there and ready to help.
Anna Marie came over and spent a few minutes with us too!
“Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.” Psalm 112:1Â
The Maxwell family and ministry blog of Titus2.com.
