I came across this video. I loved it and wanted to share it with others. I hope that you will like it too.
Category Archives: Holidays
Christmas or Xmas?
Yesterday I was at the hair salon and the hair dressers and customers got into a lively discussion on whether or not the word “Xmas” was disrespectful to Christians since it is like taking Christ out of Christmas. I am always interested in how words change and how people understand the words. I made the comment that I had heard that the word “Xmas” was taking Christ out of Christmas but I was not sure that was correct. I said that the word “Xmas” probably had a different meaning when it originated. Most of the participants in the discussion were pretty sure that “Xmas” is a way to take Christ out of Christmas. One lady even discussed a sign that had “Xmas” in the wording and how she went in and discussed with the proprietor how this was being against Christians and the holiday of Christmas. The sign was then changed by the proprietor.
The answer to the question is – No. The word “Xmas” has been around for a long time and it is not taking Christ out of Christmas.
Quoted from Wikipedia (For those who are interested in the whole article here is the link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xmas.)
For those with less time because of the Christmas season here is the quick version.
“Xmas” is a common abbreviation of the word “Christmas“. It is sometimes pronounced /ˈɛksməs/, but it, and variants such as “Xtemass”, originated as handwriting abbreviations for the typical pronunciation, /ˈkrɪsməs/. The “-mas” part is from the Latin-derived Old English word for “mass“,[1] while the “X” comes from the Greek letter Chi, which is the first letter of the Greek word Χριστός, translated as “Christ”.”
Posted in Holidays, Interesting Tidbits, Opinions, Reflections
The Family Christmas Photo
Now that Thanksgiving is over it is time to start thinking about the yearly family Christmas photo and newsletter. Every year it is such an challenge to get everyone together with smiles on their faces. This morning I could so relate to this Zits comic strip.
Posted in Holidays, Interesting Tidbits
Thanksgiving – A Day Late
Happy Thanksgiving. I know, I know it is a day late but sometimes for my family that is the way it is because of work schedules. Here are some pictures of our feast.
We ate turkey breast, sausage cornbread dressing, green beans, sweet potatoes, potatoes, cranberry sauce and rolls. For dessert we ate our family recipe for cheese cake.We talked, laughed and had a great time together. Afterwards, we watched some football and napped. I would say overall it was a most enjoyable day.
By the way, my husband and my daughter did sneak out in the morning while I was cooking to check out some of those great “Black Friday” deals. I wonder what they were getting my for Christmas?
Happy Thanksgiving 2010
“We Plow the Fields”
We plow the fields and scatter the good seed on the land.
But it is fed and watered by God’s almighty hand.
He sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grains,
the breezes and the sunshine, and soft refreshing rain.
He only is the Maker of all things near and far.
He paints the wayside flowers, He lights the evening star.
The winds and waves obey Him.
By Him the birds are fed;
Much more to us His children He gives our daily bread.
We thank Thee, O Father, for all things bright and good:
The seed time and the harvest, our life, our health, our food.
Accept the gifts we offer, for all Thy love imparts.
And, what Thou most desires, our humble thankful hearts.
Mathias Claudius 1782
Posted in Holidays
A Prayer About Being a Gratitude-Geyser
A Prayer About Being a Gratitude-Geyser.
I do want to be done with all the whining, complaining, and other expressions of ingratitude. This prayer pretty much sums up the sermon I heard this morning during worship.
Ten Days Until Thanksgiving
Wow!!! Only ten days until turkey day. So much to plan and do. Last night I realized that this weekend my daughter will be coming home from college for Thanksgiving break. Then on the last day of November my son will be moving back into our home – until he leaves for the military. I need to plan a Thanksgiving meal. I need to wash the sheets in my daughter’s room. I need to clean out my son’s old room. It is amazing how easily that room became a junk room and is full of stuff.
Then right around the corner is Hanukkah and then Christmas. I was looking at the calendar and December is full of events to attend.
Time to do some serious thinking about organization which is not my strongest trait. Any suggestions???
Posted in Holidays
July 4 Celebration 2010
This year the 4th of July celebration was a two day event. On Sunday night, my husband, sister and I went to the annual Friendswood concert and firework show. Listening to the concert and watching the fireworks are my favorite part of this celebration. Having the ride buses into the park does not bother me nor does waiting in those long lines to get back to the car. It is just part of what makes up the day.
Because the 4th was on a Sunday this year, the annual parade was held on Monday. So my sister and I left the house at 9:00 am in search of the perfect spot to watch the parade. This year was a little bit more difficult because of road construction. We found a front row spot but it was in the sun. We were so thankful when a cloud came over us for a bit of shade.
I hope that everyone had a Happy 4th of July.
Good Friday – April 2, 2010
I finished the book “Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die” by John Piper today. This book helped me reflect on the meaning of Christ, the cross and the reasons Christ died the way He did.
I have listed the reasons below along with personalizing some to make then more meaningful to me.
Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die By John Piper.
- To absorb the wrath of God.
- To please His Heavenly Father.
- To learn obedience and be perfected.
- To achieve His own resurrection from the dead.
- To show the wealth of God’s love and grace for sinners – like me.
- To show His own love for me.
- To cancel the legal demands of the law against me.
- To become a ransom for many – including me.
- For the forgiveness of sins – my horrible sins.
- To provide the basis for “my” justification.
- To complete the obedience that becomes “my” righteousness.
- To take away “my” condemnation.
- To abolish circumcision and all rituals as the basis for salvation.
- To bring “me” to faith and keep “me” faithful.
- To make “me” holy, blameless, and perfect.
- To give “me” a clear conscience.
- To obtain for “me” all things that are good for “me”.
- To heal “me” from moral and physical sickness.
- To give eternal life for all who believe in Him.
- To deliver “me” from the present evil age.
- To reconcile “me” to God.
- To bring “me” to God.
- So that “I” might belong to Him.
- To give “me” confident access to the holiest place.
- To become for “me” the place where “I” meet God.
- To bring the Old Testament priesthood to an end and become the eternal High Priest.
- To become a sympathetic and helpful priest.
- To free “me” from the futility of “my” ancestry.
- To free “me” from the slavery of sin.
- The “I” might die to sin and live to righteousness.
- So that “I” would die to the law and bear fruit for God.
- To enable “me” to live for Christ and not “myself”.
- To make His cross the ground for all “my” boasting.
- To enable “me” to live by faith in Him.
- To give marriage its deepest meaning.
- To create a people passionate for good works – that includes “me”.
- To call “me” to follow His example of lowliness and costly love.
- To create a band of crucified followers – a band that I belong to!
- To free “me” from bondage to the fear of death.
- So that “I” would be with Him immediately after death.
- To secure “my” resurrection from the dead.
- To disarm the rulers and authorities.
- To unleash the power of God in the gospel.
- To destroy the hostility between races.
- To ransom people from every tribe and language and people and nation.
- To gather all His sheep from around the world.
- To rescue “me” from final judgement.
- To gain His joy and “mine”.
- So that He would be crowned with glory and honor
- To show that the worst evil is meant by God for good.
Reflections 