The Birth of Jesus

Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Election Day

While Daddy and Claire were on their trip to the beach, Camdyn and I visited a church last night for their Saturday service. They took a break from their series in 1 Corinthians and the pastor spoke about a biblical approach to voting, government, and elections. Here are some of the notes I wrote while listening to his teaching.

1. Remember this world is not our home and it has a limited claim on our allegiance - Hebrews 13:12-14
God thwarts the plans of the nations - While I am in the world, don't make a good thing become the ultimate thing in our lives - this is idolatry. Which kingdom do I identify more with? If I am angry, upset, or fearful if my candidate doesn't win that is a sure sign that I am identifying more with the world than with the kingdom of God.

2. We are to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves - Matthew 10
We should be shrewd in our dealings with the world and not confuse its dealings with the plan of the kingdom of God - be careful not to be used by the agenda of the world (i.e. campaign promises, advertisements, etc.)

3. Remember what is in the heart of man - John (didn't get reference here)
Do not pin our hopes on any man.

4. Remember the world is watching - especially unbelievers - Col. 4:5-6
Watch our reactions, words, and demeanor regarding government and politics.

5. Ask good questions, seek multiple sources for answers (look for sources that disagree so you have a wide variety of information and opinions), always get information from more than one source - every news station has an agenda

6. Receive the outcome of the elections with hope - not hope in a candidate but hope in Jesus Christ. Revelation 21:1-7

Stewart Farms

Camdyn's Kindergarten class took a field trip on Friday to Stewart Farms. We mastered the corn "maize", took a tractor ride, cut our own pumpkin from the vine, ate a picnic lunch, and saw some farm animals! It was a super fun day!!

Christmas Village Table

Oh my gosh! I'm getting so excited for decorating for Christmas! My dad graciously built me a display table for all of my Department 56 Snow Village pieces! I am so excited to use it this year! Thank you so much Dad! I love you very much and am always impressed by your expertise and handiwork!
Next week I will begin decorating for Christmas. I love getting all the boxes down and transforming our home with Christmas spirit! I love decorating and I love spending time with Mom getting it all put up and looking festive! Can't wait til next week!!!
Look for pictures to come soon!

Fall Break

We spent Fall Break at the IOP house. We enjoyed a weekend of early morning walks on the beach with the dogs, shrimping in Bulls Bay, hiking on Capers Island, and boating over to Fort Sumter. Here are some pictures from our weekend - in the dock picture look for our boat tied up to the fixed dock at Fort Sumter!!!

Camdyn's first lost tooth...and another!

Camdyn lost her first tooth and since I've not been blogging in a timely fashion has lost another!! Both of her bottom two teeth are now gone and her permanent are pushing their way up!! Daddy happened to be snapping a picture in the girls' room of Camdyn as she was sleeping and we caught the Tooth Fairy in the picture!!!!

Camdyn's Daddy Date

Nathan and Camdyn went out for Camdyn's birthday daddy date to Camdyn's pick......Jack in the box. They dined on the fine fare at that establishment then headed to Baskin Robbins for ice cream. Camdyn dressed up in one of her favorite dresses and we put her hair up!
What sweet memories for the both of them.