The weekend started with awesome reading. I love everyone's enthusiasm. It is the momentum we need for the remaining days.
This weekend is BIG for the Popes. We will be celebrating my daddy's 80th birthday and my mother-in-law's the 79th birthday. One celebration Saturday night here at our house and the other Sunday at my mil's favorite restaurant. Scott and I are blessed with a wonderful heritage of faith. We look forward to spending time with our families this weekend.
I hope everyone has a blessed weekend. You are the GREATEST!
This weekend is BIG for the Popes. We will be celebrating my daddy's 80th birthday and my mother-in-law's the 79th birthday. One celebration Saturday night here at our house and the other Sunday at my mil's favorite restaurant. Scott and I are blessed with a wonderful heritage of faith. We look forward to spending time with our families this weekend.
I hope everyone has a blessed weekend. You are the GREATEST!
26 Comments:
Wendy,
Birthday blessings to your father and your mother-in-law. Enjoy being surrounded by family all weekend!
Love the readings for Saturday. We see the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah ("Yahweh Remembers") and Elizabeth (His Oath"). KYahweh remembers His oath" after 400 years of silence. Luke 1:45 You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what He said. (Even if it takes years - an encouragement to those of us who are waiting for our loved ones to come along).
I also noted the sacrifice Mary & Joseph made in the temple. They offered a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. In the footnote it takes us back to Lev 12:8 (Feb. 20th) "If a woman cannot afford to bring a lamb, she must bring 2 turtledoves or 2 young pigeons." It just broke my heart that the mother of our Savior, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords - cannot even afford to bring a lamb.
And the things that must have gone through her mind as Simeon prophesied that "a sword will pierce your very soul.' That must have reverberated through her heart when she looked upon that Cross 33 years later.
Thank you, Wendy for your Bible study blog. Recently started following along with your study. It has made it easier for me to get back into reading my Bible, and you make it much more interesting that on my own!
Have 2 little ones and work that demand time, so this is great.
We have just planned a date for my mom's 80th birthday as well. We are excited and hope to get all or most of the kids and grandkids at her church for Sunday service next weekend! Enjoy the precious time with your family.
Happy Saturday everybody….
Wendy...Thanks...and BIG BIRTHDAY WISHES to your Father and MIL.
An apology…I guess I better keep my Christian excitement to myself. Thought the church founding was really interesting. The one Jesus founded. Gave me a lot of pondering. The late popular TV Archbishop Fulton Sheen once said, “It is easy to find truth; it is hard to face it, and harder still to follow it.”
Doing the reading last night before going to bed…Was just in some AWE this morning when doing the rosary….On Mondays and Saturdays The Joyful Mysteries are said which are based on the events surrounding the coming of Our Lord, God made man, are a cause for intense joy. We meditate on these mysteries asking Our Lady to help us discover the secret of Christian joy….the coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh. In AWE because these were all in the reading. The 5 Joyful Mysteries are:
*The Annunciation of the Lord…..The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph….And he came to her and said, “Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”--Luke 1:26-28.
*The visitation….In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah…And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb.--Luke 1:39-41.
*The Nativity of the Lord….And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place fr them in the inn.--Luke 2:7
*The Presentation of the Lord….And when the parents brought in the child Jesus…he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart n peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.”--Luke 2:27-30.
*The Finding in the Temple…After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; and all who heard him were amazed.--Luke 2:45-47
One announces a mystery before reciting the Our Father…than a decade of (10 Hail Mary’s).
Amy …will keep you in my prayers this weekend. Keep the Faith sister.
Jacque….How did your frosting of the cake go? My oldest sister loves to decorate cakes too. Your ritual experience in church while on vacation thanks for sharing and putting light to rituals…the old testament is full of them. Wonderful News about Michael….My impatients (the flower) where thoughts of you and Michael would come to my mind thrived beautifully this summer. There were mornings the hot sun looked liked would do them in….but by afternoon after in the shade back to a glorious splendor. A few mornings when was really hot I did protect them with some shade. They really did thrive extra beautiful this summer…can’t help but to believe in prayer….and through this flower this summer seen them answered.
Lori…Thanks for the children list. I checked over the one I have…noticed quite a few missing. I have them in alphabet order. If you would like me to post it I can. Don’t want to take up too much of Wendy’s world. How did homecoming go? Did yhea’s win? Big Happy 19th Birthday Wishes to Colton on Sunday!!!
Welcome Traci...Happy 80th Birthday to your Mom. Lori has a prayer list for our children if you would like your added we can.
Enjoying the beautiful fall colors coming…God Splendor!! Husband and son Brady’s favorite season…picking some pumpkins from the garden for decoration. My sister brought her 2 young grandsons yesterday to Rhonda’s pumpkin patch. Watching them pick out there pumpkins…GOD IS SO GOOD!!
Happy Belated Fall All,
Rhonda
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Lori I am going to publish it...before my day gets too hectic.
AB in IN -teenage daughter Kristen
Allie son….Ryan
Amber Matthews…17 mo old Emmi, short for Jocelyn Emerald, expecting a son in Nov.
Amy --Andi (fall, Kdg.) & younger bro Luke.
Anne in VA -- David and Lindsay... and my great-niece Abigail.
Betty…Lisa & Howard also 5 grandchildren
Brandee -- Will
Cindy in PA…Jeff –just received his first teaching position. Jessa -3rd year –in college, praying that this will be her year to shine, academically.
Cherie IN…has 2 unwed sons Alex and his girlfriend Megan, baby due in March. Brandon (25)his girlfriend Heather …planning to marry in the near future. Babies are due in Dec.
Debbie…Ashley
Diana – TX – Nick, 21 -at school, financial struggles.
Dixie…Lt Laurie (42), Brett (38)
Donna TX..prayer request 16 yr old grandson Eric shocked by electricity and 21 yr granddaughter
migraines
Elizabeth …Abigail
Franny -- Dylan
Gaylene -- two adult children: daughter -Sarah, husband Keith, and four of the best children, Caleb, Zavier, Katerina, and Caralena….Son- David.
Gina ….husband Kevin married 17 yrs, children Matthew (17), cherie (15)
Grace & Peace -- Carlo 9/13th college(to attend church while at college) & Paulo
Jacque -- Mary is 34, nurse practitioner and instructor, husb Andy, kids are Maddie 9, twins Ben and Jack 3 1/2, and Will 2
Laura is 31, ESL teacher, husb TJ, kids are Gabriel 4 and Emilia 2
Andrew is 29, anesthesiology resident, engaged
Stephen is 27, in radio and music
Michael is 24, finding his way….Continue success!! Michael so proud of you!!
Jane SC…24 yr old son to find a job…daughters relationship with boyfriend. He is not a believer…believes in evolution.
Jennifer – Iowa – Ethan (11) & Avery (9) & Addison (4)
Jodie – Elliot (1)
Continue…
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Jodi in New England, 2 boy’s, 5yers./2.5 years (Luke & Charlie)
Karen…my adult children are Samantha and Maija (my-ya)and I have been modeling a suggestion on this blog (sorry, I forget whose it was) to pray for one positive step in their lives daily; just one step on the right road, just one God thought or decision that reflect his will... I am sure "the most powerful person in the universe" can take it from there... :)
Kate -- Ginnie, 7 Ellie, 4
Kelly – Chante (22)
Kris…Emily (28), Joshua (26), Caleb (20)
Kristen in TX…Ty (18), Shannon (16)
Linda…Peter & Paul
Lizzy - Johnny suffers with depression.
Loice --
Mwangi-23 years-not yet settled in what he wants to do in life
Wangari-year 11 and searching for the Lord
Wangui-Year 7 and struggling with settling in her high school.
Lori -- Colton (18) for his major to be clear & Connor (16) to grow intimate with his Father while playing basketball.
Lyn in Texas-
son Layne and wife Jen and 11 year old Dylan…son Lee and wife Rachel and Brady (7), Brock (6), and Bo(4)
Mary -- Claudine 38, Vinny 27 soon to be his bride Candace 24, Meghan 25
Mary from SW Ohio
Christopher, 36, who is gay and claims to be an atheist. He says Christians are hypocrites because of the way they treat gays, so he wants nothing to do with them.
Eric, 32, who is a Christian and goes to church with me. He is currently unemployed and lives with us. He and his girlfriend, Trista, would like to make plans to get married, but with the employment situation, they can't right now.
Michelle -- Lauren (new marriage) & Chuck
Michelle – in VA
Tres 25 and Emily 24 (son and DIL)
Jessica - 23 Jessica leaves for Ghana, to teach 5th graders 8-31- Tues.
http://jessicasjourneys-on-beautifulfeet.blogspot.coma
Ryan 22, Jonathan 13, Evan 2, Drew 1
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Missy TX -- sons
Jeremy… is 18 and just graduated from school. Last year at camp he dedicated his life to the ministry at summer camp and has stood firm on his decision. He's not sure how he's going to use it but he's walking with God. Rusty… is 16 and it has been a rough year. Things are good now, but we take it day by day. He is walking right along with his brother.
Morgen --Kelsie, she is recently engaged and has all the wedding plans ahead.
Preston - to really begin to focus in college and find a passion for a career choice.
Tanner (14) and entering that fun teen time of temptations of alcohol, sex, etc....I ask for prayers for each of my kids to have hearts that truly love God.
Rhonda -- Dillon (17)… his senior yr. continue to be the positive role model he is… safety in his driving & working (trucking in his future). Brady (into sports) For a righteous leader to be in the sporting field…His baseball (his hearts desire)…Lord for your will to be done. Mostly for them to always know the Lord and live righteous lives.
Rhonda NY…Denise (24) & Bryan (25) Married on 12/15/07,…grandchildren Little Bryan 12/14/08, Miss Hannah 12/13/09,… Danielle (26), Jimmy (11) will be 12 in Sept. Happy Birthday Jimmy!!
Stephanie & Jason (born 8/11/10)…Kailyn Lona Smith
Susan -- Austin & Jacob
Susie -- Ryan, Kate (26) Eric (25) Kelly (17).
Tara …son Jay daughter Erin
Teeny -- Sarah, Susan, Seth,(the one who is spoiling her in VA) Steven/ families - 12 grandchildren / three great grand children.
Tina… daughter Claire
Wendy -- Griffin & Blaire
The End....If you do not see your child on the list.apology before hand...and please let us know or if you wish to have them added.
Prayer...
Wandering Thoughts...St. Francis of sales said, "Even if you did nothing in your meditation but bring your heart back, and place it again in our Lord's presence, though it went away again every time you brought it back, your hour world be very well employed.
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I, too, thought that Simeon's prediction of 'a sword piercing Mary's soul' must have been scary to hear and made the Crucifixion that much harder to watch all those years later. I didn't remember Prophetess Anna. She must have been a very dedicated woman to never leave the Temple in all those years!
G&P, thanks for pointing out the reference to the sacrificial animals. I wondered about the birds - it seemed too small for a firstborn son, and I guess that's why. God provided even for that miraculous event, though maybe not what was expected, and it makes me happy to read it - I know He'll provide for us, no matter what happens at work on Monday.
Hope all of you have a great weekend! It's finally to start cooling off here tomorrow - can't wait!
Good morning, GIGs,
It's been a week of having my faith tested big time. That expression "bad things happen in threes" was true this week in my life, my sister's and my husband's. But starting the New Testament has helped tremendously, with all the wonderful HOPE it brings.
My nugget for today was Luke 1:74-75 We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear; in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live. Sometimes those "enemies" are bad diagnoses, sometimes they are professional setbacks, sometimes they are the seven deadly sins rearing their ugly heads. Whatever the enemy of the moment, I cling to His word, His promises, and His faithfulness. So many verses have come to my mind this week - well, I've needed a lot because it's been such a roller coaster week. If one verse didn't "stick", another would soon pop up. Little by little, I'm planning to climb out of this pit with the help of my Almighty Father, my Savior Jesus Christ, and the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Wendy ~ happy celebrations at your place this weekend!
Well, I’ve been two steps behind all morning long; but, that’s ok…Rhonda, what would we do without you, sister! The ABC list is the bees knees – and woo wee, did I leave out a chunk of children or what! Sorry bout’ that girls -out with my list and on with Rhonda's! smile
GP, I was drawn to the sacrifice Mary and Joseph offered, too. In my Bible dictionary (Merrill C. Tenney) I read that turtledoves, were a godsend to the poor, - a type of wild pigeon. Pigeons were a common bird, quite numerous and easily obtained by the poor for sacrifice (Gen. 15:9 & Luke 2:24). God, chose a young, poor couple to parent Jesus the Messiah! Not someone famous or rich or important. But, two plain & ordinary individuals that had a strong & believing faith. They believed; they had no doubts – they were richly blessed by God! Mary was so humble – she described herself as a “lowly servant girl” (1:48). It’s not our outward appearance that God is after, but it is what is on the inside: our heart. He sees us through and through. Lord, give me the courage to truly seek to please you, and not to be concerned with what the world sees on the outside! Place a burden on my heart to go after what you’ve placed me here on earth for – to further your kingdom. To truly love those around me from my inside, my heart. To serve those around me rather than myself.
Rhonda, yes, the game was last evening, along with the parade & bbq - and yes, they did have a big win – and today begins a new day! The pictures, the dinner, the dance, the after activity! I’m praying for protection over the whole event.
Enjoy the weekend sisters! Praying for those special prayer requests. Love, Lori
Ladies,
Mary did have a lamb that was sacrificed for her sins-her son Jesus, The Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
(John 1:29)
I knew that but didn't put it together with the 2 pigeons/turtledoves as sin offerings.
I have 17 more pages of OT to read.
I have already read the NT through, but will keep reading this blog.
Wendy and everyone, it has been an encouragement and help in my finishing. I'll check in from time to time, but now my priority is writing for the Lord on my own blog, and prayer, lots of time spent in prayer.
God bless ya'll,
Linda from Ark
hi everyone, finally i have also arrived in the new testament and i want to shout halleluyah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!halleluyah!!!!!! I am so excited, The Lord is good and His mercies are new every morning, great is your faithfulness oh God, great is your faithfulness Oh God.
i have to admit i got quite depressed with all the old testament wars and prophecies of doom and some days i slipped through very quickly to just get by.
Rejoice in the Lord and again i say rejoice!! that's what i am doing right now in the new testament.
loice-melbourne
I was behind on the vlog and just watched Thursday's and cannot contain my excitement--WHERE IN IOWA ARE YOU COMING WENDY??? AND WHEN IN APRIL? Would love to be there! Jennifer--Iowa
What incredible reading today!
My new--"Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood...what will this child turn out to be?" Luke 1:65-66
To do--Mary (Jennifer) kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. Luke 2:19
My old but new--Jesus' parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Luke 2:33
I also was awed by the sword piercing Mary's soul. In the movie "The Passion," I was so touched by the mother/child connection of Mary. It makes you watch the crucifixion from a mother's view--so amazing, and heartbreaking.
Jennifer--Iowa
Restful Sabbath….
Bible verse Matt 2:13:
After the wise men were gone, and angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
Footnote 2:13: Flee to Egypt: Egypt was a traditional place of refuge for those fleeing from danger in Palestine (see 1 Kgs 11:40; Jer 26:21), but the main reason why the child is to be taken to Egypt is that he may relive the Exodus experience of Israel………….I didn’t know this was the main reason behind it.
Lori & FIG‘s….Just wondering if you caught Paola comment….I didn’t have them on the list.
Paola…I now have your 2 daughters and the prayer added to the list.
Paola--Andrea 7y/o may God heal her eyesight , she uses glasses and her path as a student and child of God.
Cailyn my 4 y/po for healing from food allergies and for her path as a student and child of God.
Linda… Love what you quoted here….“Mary did have a lamb that was sacrificed for her sins-her son Jesus, The Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Linda may you feel HIS presence each time you are writing for the Lord on your blog, Love doing this too….and prayer, lots of time spent in prayer.
Loice….Is it Spring time there yet? Fall is really ushering in here. Spring is my favorite time of yr. How is your daughter Wangui doing with making new friends?
Michele NE….Had you in my prayers last night for a better week. Your sister Denise was weaved into them also.
Stop and enjoy God’s Beauty today...Fall is definately upon us!!
Rhonda
Good Sunday everyone!
SAP for you and your family, Amy.
Thank you so much Lori and Rhonda, for the lists! Paola, I have your kids too. I will print out to keep in my bible. I have all of your names in my prayer work, but wanted to keep all the kiddos in a special place. Beautiful prayers too. Thank you for your faithfulness to our group!
Rhonda, I was thinking about you Friday. I was watching a pair of hummingbirds feasting on my impatiens within arm’s reach outside my patio door and thought of you! So I just had to "visit" your garden and tried to post a message on your flower site, but couldn’t get it to take. I checked in again today, and now you have your amazing fall bounty to share! You were busy this morning, girl! Thank you for sharing the beauty of your first fruits and for your lovely spirit!
The Notre Dame cake was a hit, but the groom wouldn't let them cut it because he wants to freeze it and put it in his game room! Yuck!
My trial was when all the grandkids stopped in, in the middle of my decorating the cake. (SIGH!) While I was tending to my daughter with a headache, and helping a newly potty-trained 2-year-old poop on the pot, one of the 3-year-old twins sprayed the garden hose into the screen patio door, all over the kitchen floor, the cupboards, and sprinkling the half-decorated cake sitting on the table! Tried to dab with a paper towel, I didn’t tell the bride, and I guess no one noticed the shiny spots! Glad to be done. Such is my life!
To be continued...
Jacque
Loved the readings. The ones today remind me of my son who was “John the Baptist” in Godspell, “Pre-e-e-pare Ye the way of the Lord, pre-e-e-pare Ye the way of the Lord!” I love that musical!
John says, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor.” I need this message, because I am cleaning out closets. Will help me to “let go” of the excess in my life. I wonder if he lived in the wilderness because his parents were old and died while he was still young, leaving him on his own?
I loved how the Holy Spirit filled these special people according to God’s timing—first Mary with her precious Baby, then John the Baptist leaping in the womb, Elizabeth who first recognized Mary’s child as the Savior, Zechariah praising the fulfillment of the Word, Simeon being allowed to recognize and hold the Light of all nations, and then Jesus, preparing to fulfill His Father’s role. I also chuckled a bit that Anna, the prophetess, began talking to everyone about the child! She was the first evangelist! And we women do like to share!
I especially was drawn to John’s words “Prove by the way you live…” I wrote in the margin-- “Do I?” It must be a daily journey of living, not just words or works here and there, but the collection of my life. As St. Teresa said, it is the “little things” that make the difference. Lord help me to keep Your glory and honor my priority as I do my little things every day, so I can "prove by the way I live" that You are always first in my heart.
Blessings and praying for you all,
Jacque
Joyous Sabbath to all!
Old - Anna the prophetess
New - She dedicated her whole life to God after losing her husband at a young age.
To do - dedicate more and more of my life to listening to God's will for my life.
Just wanted to share an Anna story in my life. I had an Aunt named Cecilia, but we called her Aunt Cele, who was married to my father's brother and had a son and daughter. When her son was 21 he was killed in Vietnam, unmarried with no children. A few years later her daughter, a social worker, age about 24 was killed in a tragic auto accident, unmarried with no children. So I lost my only two cousins but she lost her two children. Then her husband died. She spent the remaining years of her life in faithful dedication and worship of God, without outward sorrow. I was fairly young at the time and didn't really appreciate nor recognize her great and unwavering faith. I did however write her a note before she died telling her stories I remember about my cousins and telling her my daughter was becoming a social worker. She responded that she was so pleased and told me how my Uncle had carried a photo of me all during WW2 and told everyone that I was his daughter. (This was before they were married.) Instead of a life of bitterness or loss of faith, she told me of my Uncle's love for me! And she lived a life of great and never ending faith. Would I ever have the strength to lose my son and daughter and never waver? Talk about going thru the valleys......
Today I know where you and your family are Aunt Cele and I remember you!!!
Dixie in Florida
A blessed Sunday to all!
I was struck today by being shown how many of the prophecies are fulfilled.
Birthplace of Jesus (Micah 5:2, 2 Sam 5:2)
weeping for the children- death of the boys age 2 and younger (Jeremiah 31:15)
The Son being called out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1)
Jesus being known as a Nazarene
Foretelling of John (Isaiah 40: 3-5)
John telling of Jesus, preparing the way (Isaiah 40:3, Mal 3:1)
Have a great day all! I have been blessed with corporate worship today and lunch out with my hubby. Now onto writing papers.
Willing
Gaylene
Dixie,
Thank you for sharing your Anna story. So very touching and such a wonderful example. You are blessed for having had her in your life and you in her's.
Gaylene
P.S. from Dixie
I finished a commentary from Jon Courson titled Bedlam in Bethlehem. It is a reminder that after the glorious birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, within two years there was the slaughter of all the babies under two years of age. A time of great joy and promise followed by a time of great mourning, fulfilling the prophecy about Rachael weeping for her children and they were not! So no war as in the OT but the slaughter of innocent children starting the NT. The mountains and the valleys.
My prayer today - Lord look upon those going thru the valleys, lift up your face upon them and give them peace. And keep us keeping on
thru those valleys. Amen
jennifer
i will be at www.harmonybiblechurch.org.
danville, ia.
are you close?
Wendy--I am in Des Moines, and I just looked up Danville. It looks to be a few hours away, so that is do-able! Yippee!!! Jennifer--Iowa
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