Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year!



A traveler was walking along the road. He had a scythe upon his shoulder and an hourglass in his hand. He walked with measured, exact footsteps. His eyes looked straight in front, and they never moved either to the right or left, but gazed on what was beyond.

I said to him, "What is your name?"
"My name is Time."
"Where are you going?"
"I am going to eternity."
"What is the number of your years?"


He showed me an open book, and on the page just turned over was written the date the year just begun.

Where he went I followed, but even as I went I felt I could not tell how long I should follow. I saw one person after another in the road, and lie down to rise no more. They were left behind, for Time paused not; his course was unstopped.

Yes, my reader, you are walking with Time on the road of life in a new year begun. But you may not go far; you may pass the buds of Spring, but never see the flower of Summer. Or, you may watch the leaves fall from the Autumn trees, and lie beneath them in the Winter. But whether your days on earth are to be few or many, are you ready for eternity?

You may have begun the year with gray hair and other signs of old age, or you may be facing the future with youthful buoyancy. But whether you are old or young, God would have you number your days, ad apply your heart to wisdom (Psalm 90:12).

To begin the year with God is more important than anything else in this world. The Bible says: "Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon" (Isaiah 55:6, 7).

The dawning of a new year serves to remind us that we are all marching through time, heading for eternity. Awaiting each traveler is either a glad and glorious heaven in the presence of God, or a sad and sorrowful hell, banished from God. The eternal Son of God entered into time as the man Christ Jesus to make a way for sinful man to approach God and enter into life eternal. His death, burial and resurrection have fully accomplished this objective so that Jesus now proclaims, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me" (John 14:6).

To personally "seek the Lord" is to realize that Christ died for your sins, and to trust His shed blood as the full and powerful payment needed to wash your sins away. "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin" (I John 1:7). On the basis of Christ's atoning sacrifice, God abundantly pardons the repentant sinner and makes him a child of God forever. "Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God" (I Peter 3:18).

But you must seek Him now, "while He may be found," while there is still time, before you pass into eternity. In view of the uncertainty of life, how important it is to "Prepare to meet thy God" (Amos 4:12), through faith in Christ as your personal Saviour! This alone will enable you to experience a truly Happy New Year and look forward to a glorious eternity with absolute certainty. -J.F.P.

-the Happy New Year! gospel tract by Moments with the Book

Happy 2012!

Happy New Year's Eve!

I can't believe it's almost 2012!
This year went by so fast. Praise the Lord for all His help and guidance.
Do you have any new year's resolutions?
I want to grow more in Christ likeness and understand the Bible more.
Also, I really want to know what you think about all of my blog posts. I want feed back from you, so please comment! I get encouraged when I see people encouraged.
Thank you, Lord, for a good year accomplished and another year to come!

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Happy Birthday, Jesus!


Christmas is Jesus' birthday but sometimes we get overwhelmed with Christmas dinners, presents, and even in the belief of Santa Claus. Christmas is called that because it's all about Christ, not Santa or anyone else. We need to celebrate His coming today!

•Why was Jesus born? Matthew 1:18-25
He was born to save all of us from sin. He came to give us hope and peace in our hearts.

•Why did Jesus come to earth? Galatians 4:4-7, I Timothy 1:15
He came here to redeem those who were under the law and to save everyone. He was so selfless that even on His birthday, he was preparing to give us the gift of Salvation in the future.
•What is the real Christmas story? Luke 2:1-14
Conclusion: Jesus Christ came to earth by being born of a virgin. He came to save us, mankind, from our sins. Now, everyone has to accept that they are sinners and that God is the only one who can save them.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

The True Meaning of Christmas


The true meaning of Christmas is...

•God Himself has come to us
"I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
~Luke 2:10-11

•God the Son has become a man
"Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
~Philippians 2:5-8

•God's most wonderful gift to us
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
~John 3:16

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
~Romans 6:23

This Christmas you can experience the true meaning of Christmas-Jesus Christ- and receive forgiveness of sins, joy beyond measure, and eternal life with God in Heaven. Won't you receive Jesus Christ, the risen Son of God, as your personal Saviour?

"But as many received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."
~John 1:12

-from the True Meaning of Christmas gospel tract by Good News Publishers

As we celebrate Christmas, remember that the greatest gift wasn't placed under a tree, but rather He was hung on a tree.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

The Legend of the Candy Cane


The Legend of the Candy Cane

Many years ago, a candymaker wanted to make a candy at Christmas time that would serve as a witness to his Christian faith. He wanted to incorporate several symbols for the birth, ministry and death of Jesus.

He began with a stick of pure white hard candy. The white symbolized the virgin birth and the sinless life of Jesus.

He made the candy hard to symbolize the that Jesus is the solid rock and the foundation of the church. The firmness also represents the promises of God.

The candy maker made the candy in the form of a "J" to represent the name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. He thought it could also represent the staff of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

The candy maker then added red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received, by which we are healed. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could be forgiven and have the promise of eternal life.

The flavor of mint is similar to hyssop. In Old Testament times, hyssop was associated with purification and sacrifice. It was also used at the cross as they gave Jesus a drink of vinegar before He gave up the Ghost.

~~~~~~~~~~

Look at the Candy Cane

What do you see?

Stripes that are red

Like the blood shed for me

White is for my Savior

Who's sinless and pure!

"J" is for Jesus,

My Lord, that's for sure!

Turn it around

And a staff you will see

Jesus my shepherd

Was born for Me!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

The Joy of Giving



It's only 5 days till Christmas!
What items are on your wishlist?
What items are on your TO BUY list?
I love receiving gifts but I also like giving presents and making people happy. But I love to save money and that sometimes hinders me from buying the very best present for my friend. But you know what, Jesus Christ didn't keep His life for Himself to save us and give us the gift of Salvation. He gave all He had and died on the cross to make us happy and to be able to live with Him forever in heaven.
And as we buy gifts for our friends or even as we tithe, God will double what we gave Him! Sometimes we like to save because we have house bills to pay, but God will always provide our needs no matter what. Now this doesn't mean we should just use all our money! We need to be wise in the things we do- do all to the glory of God.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Joy to the World



Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.


~Be joyful! Jesus came to earth to be born as a babe in a manger, to die for our sins on the cross and later rise again. What better news is there to share with everyone? He's coming again! Let us prepare our hearts and do all to His glory.

Williamsburg Trip


I had so much fun in Williamsburg! We are so blessed to live in this century with electricity and everything we need right there where we can find them.





Sunday, December 11, 2011

The Presents of Christmas


These are some things I enjoy about Christmas:

I love a white Christmas when it happens to come around.


Christmas Break!



Putting up Christmas decorations

Having Christmas parties with friends and family

Celebrating Jesus' birth


Singing and hearing Christmas music

Making Christmas memories

Christmas stores


The merry and cheery atmosphere

Christmas stories

What are your favorites?


The Season of Giving


Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Gifts are given, carols are sung, delicious food are eaten, and bright Christmas decorations are hung.
But the number one thing that makes it wonderful is Jesus Christ's birth!
This December, my school is going to Williamsburg to experience America's colonial times. Christmas time is a time when many people are opening their hearts to Salvation so it's a perfect opportunity for us to give out tracts.
Christmas isn't the only time to share the gift of Salvation though. We should do it all year round.
Please pray for our safety and that we can all be brave and step out of our bubble of comfort to comfort others!

Friday, December 02, 2011

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!


We have quickly changed from fall Thanksgiving to the Christmas season!
I will be changing the background into different winter/ Christmas themes and will be posting lots of Christmas season pictures (It's not officially winter yet but I will still post winter pictures, hopefully some snow ones later on.). I will also be changing the normal hymns into Christmas music (mostly sacred but I might also choose some traditional Christmas music).
Of course most importantly, I will be writing about Christmas and its true meaning.
Enjoy the Christmas music and messages!
Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 01, 2011

The Proverb of the Book of Proverbs

This November, our Bible project was to read a chapter of Proverbs every day and find 6 types of people: the wise/ wisdom, the fool, the scorner, the simple, the diligent, and the slothful. A proverb is a short sentence stating a general truth or a piece of advice. Through reading the whole book of Proverbs last month, I have learned much advice and questions! Am I a wise person or a fool? Am I wise in my own eyes only or also in the Lord's eyes? Am I being diligent like an ant who prepares for the future? Am I considered a virtuous woman?
Those are just some questions that I have been thinking through.
This chart is how I understand Proverbs. I am not all knowing like God, so please read the Bible yourself to understand it. You may have a different viewpoint.

Date

C/V

Name

What is going on

11-1

Ch. 1; V. 2,3

wisdom

Proverbs encourages Solomon and others to know wisdom and to receive the instruction of the wise.

4

simple

The simple need instruction because he is easily deceived.

5, 6

wise

A wise person will listen and increase his knowledge from listening. He will go to wise counsels for advice because their words are full of knowledge.

7

fool, wisdom

Fools hate wisdom and instruction. Wisdom is God.

20

wisdom

If you have wisdom, you will know to get out of sin.

22

simple

Wisdom is asking how long the naïve ones will love their immaturity.

22

scorner

Scorners delight in their mockery of sin.

22

fool

How long will fools hate knowledge?

32

simple

Because the simple have turned away from God, they will be slain.

32

fool

The posterity or enjoyment of fools will destroy them.

11-2

Ch. 2; V. 2

wisdom

To be wise, you must hide and receive commandments and incline your ear to wisdom.

6, 7

wisdom

The Lord gives wisdom, and everything that comes out of His mouth is wise. He gives wisdom to the righteous.

10

wisdom

When wisdom is in our hearts, we will have understanding to help us discern evil from good.

11-3

Ch. 3; V. 7

wise

Don’t think you’re wise just because what you’re doing appeals to you. Fear the Lord and get away from evil.

13

wisdom

Anyone who finds wisdom becomes happy.

19

wisdom

The earth and heavens are made by our Lord who has wisdom and understanding.

21

wisdom

We should keep sound wisdom.

34

scorner

God judges the scorners but gives grace to the lowly and humble.

35

wise, fool

The wise will have glory but the fools will be put to shame.

11-4

Ch. 4; V. 5, 7

wisdom

Get wisdom and don’t forget it. Wisdom is a major thing. It will give you honor.

11

wisdom

God has taught us in the way of wisdom.

11-5

Ch. 5; V. 1

wisdom

We are being warned of dangers by our father. With wisdom, we can see the dangers.

11-6

Ch. 6; V. 6

wise, sluggard/ slothful

The wise and the lazy should consider the ways of an ant or a diligent person.

11-7

Ch. 7 V. 4

wisdom

Be close to wisdom like a sibling.

7

simple

If you are wise, you can separate the simple and youth from the mature.

22

fool

A fool falls into sin blindly.

11-8

Ch. 8 V.1

wisdom

A wise person is ready to share the gospel and help out anyone with warnings.

5

Simple, wisdom

The simple ones should gain sensibleness and search for wisdom.

5

fool

The foolish should have a heart for understanding and discernment.

11

wisdom

Wisdom is better than any material thing.

12, 14

wisdom

Wisdom comes with prudence (carefulness), counsel, understanding, and strength.

33

wise

The wise hears instruction and does not refuse it.

11-9

Ch. 9 V.1

wisdom

With wisdom, you can be prepared and maintain a high standard.

4,6

Simple, fool

The simple are encouraged to find wisdom and to leave the foolish to find understanding.

7, 8

Scorner, wise

A scorner gets mad when corrected and brings shame to the corrector. He will hate you for correction, but the wise will love you.

9

wise

A wise man takes instruction and becomes wiser.

10

wisdom

The only way to gain wisdom is by fearing the Lord.

12

Wise, scorner

If you’re wise, your decisions will bring you rewards but scorning makes you depend on yourself when you are suffering.

13

Fool, simple

A fool keeps talking without thinking before speaking and is undisciplined.

16

simple

The simple are not wise and are gullible enough to be dragged into sin.

11-10

Ch. 10 V. 1

Wise, fool

A wise son brings joy to his parents, but a fool brings heaviness to the heart.

4

diligent

Diligence offers rewards and riches.

5

wise

You are wise if you prepare ahead, but if you do nothing with your free time, you are a shame.

8

wise

The wise receives commands willingly.

10

fool

A talkative person leads to trouble at times.

13

wisdom

If you have understanding and the willingness to follow, you have wisdom, but if you lack understanding, you need to be straightened (with a rod).

14

Wise, fool

The wise store up knowledge but the fool brings himself to destruction.

19

wise

If you control your tongue, you will be wise.

21

fool

The righteous help with their words but a fool’s words can kill him spiritually.

23

Fool, wisdom

Fools love to do mischief, but a man with understanding has wisdom.

26

Sluggard/ slothful

Laziness irritates those around you just like smoke and vinegar.

31

wisdom

People who are morally correct have wisdom in their mouths. Those that have disobedient hearts will get in trouble.

11-11

Ch. 11 V. 2

wisdom

When you’re proud, you bring shame, but when you are humble, you gain wisdom.

29

Fool, wise

Fools cause trouble and inherit nothing. They become servants to the wise.

30

wise

You are wise if you win souls to the Lord.

11-12

Ch. 12 V. 8

wisdom

You will be praised for your wisdom but you will be despised for perverseness.

15

fool

A fool thinks his sinful actions are right.

15

wise

The wise is open to counsel.

16

fool

When a fool is annoyed, he shows his anger.

23

fool

Fools blurt out the foolishness in their hearts.

24

Diligent, slothful

The diligent are responsible and in charge, but the lazy are to serve hard.

27

Slothful, diligent

The slothful are too lazy to cook what they caught, but the diligent value their catch and do not waste it.

11-13

Ch. 13 V. 1

Wise, scorner

A wise person hears instruction but a scorner doesn’t listen to it.

4

Sluggard/slothful, diligent

When the lazy want something, they don’t do anything to get it. When the diligent want something, they try their hardest and achieve their goal.

10

wisdom

Pride leads to fights but wisdom brings advice.

14

wise

When you have wisdom, you can avoid death.

16

fool

A fool shows all his foolishness.

19

fool

Fools stick to evil and have no hope.

20

Wise, fool

If you walk with wise people, you will be wise, but if you walk with fools, you will be like them and your testimony will be destroyed.

11-14

Ch. 14 V. 1

Wise, fool

A wise person represents her house well in a good Christian way but a fool neglects her representation.

3

Fool, wise

Pride is found in the fool’s mouth but the wise keep pride tucked away.

6

scorner

A scorner tries to find wisdom but fails because he doesn’t fear the Lord.

7

fool

Stay away from the foolish.

8

Wisdom, fool

The wise thinks things through to understand it clearly but fools are deceived easily and rush into decisions.

9

fool

Fools mock sin.

15

simple

The naïve ones believe everything.

16

Wise, fool

The wise fear and run away from evil but a fool thinks he can overcome it so he pushes on.

17

fool

When you are angry, you deal with things foolishly.

18

simple

The gullible ones inherit foolishness.

24

Wise, fool

The wise gain rewards and wealth but the fools gain more foolishness.

33

Wisdom, fool

Wisdom is everywhere but only the ones who understand have it.

35

wise

Everyone likes someone wise.

11-15

Ch. 15 V. 2

Wise, fool

The wise use knowledgeable words but the fools speak foolishly.

5

fool

Fools hate their father’s instruction.

7

Wise, fool

Knowledge comes out of a wise mouth but in a fool’s mouth there is none found because there is none in the heart.

12

Scorner, wise

Scorners hate their correctors; they will not go to the wise.

14

fool

The fool is content with folly.

19

slothful

A lazy person makes his task harder.

20

Wise, fool

A wise son makes his father happy but a fool brings his mother grief because he hates her.

21

wisdom

Folly is the only happiness of a fool.

24

wise

The wise can see that there is everlasting life in heaven with God.

31

wise

You are wise if you listen to reproof.

33

wisdom

All you have to do to be wise Is to fear the Lord.

11-16

Ch. 16 V. 14

wise

The wrath of the king causes death but a wise man will not anger the king.

16

wisdom

Getting wisdom and understanding is better than getting gold or silver.

21

wise

Everyone knows a wise man is careful.

22

fool

The only thing fools follow is foolishness.

23

wise

A wise person’s heart guides his mouth.

11-17

Ch. 17 V. 2

wise

A wise person can have more rule and riches over someone disgraceful and foolish.

7

fool

Excellent speech is not found in a fool.

10

wise, fool

It’s easier to correct a wise man than whipping or spanking a fool.

12

fool

A fool is more dangerous than an animal.

16

Fool, wisdom

A fool tries to buy wisdom without having desire for it.

21

fool

You can’t really convince a stubborn fool.

21, 25

fool

A father of a fool has no joy. The foolish son is grief and bitterness to his parents.

24

Wisdom, fool

Wisdom is available to those who understand where it is, but fools have no clue.

28

Fool, wise

A fool is wise when he is controlling his emotions and lips.

11-18

Ch. 18 V.1

wisdom

If you have desire for wisdom and you separate yourself from fools, you will find wisdom.

2

fool

A fool is bored with understanding.

4

wisdom

The words of the wise satisfy.

6, 7

fool

A fool’s lips meddle with other people’s arguments causing him to hurt people. His mouth leads him to destruction and trouble.

9

slothful

You are a waster of time if you are lazy.

15

wise

The wise seek and find knowledge.

11-19

Ch. 19 V. 1

fool

A wise poor person is better than a perverted fool.

3

fool

A fool is sinful and perverted in every way. He fights against God’s will.

8

wisdom

Trying to find wisdom means that you love yourself and you want to keep away from destruction.

10

fool

A fool doesn’t delight in anything other than sin.

13

fool

A foolish son is a disaster to a family.

15

slothful

The lazy just sleep and do nothing. He will suffer for not preparing ahead.

24

slothful

The slothful are too lazy to even feed themselves.

25

scorner, simple

When the scorner is punished, the simple under him will be aware of wisdom.

29

Scorners, fool

The mockers and fools will be judged.

11-20

Ch. 20 V. 1

wise

Whoever is deceived and dragged into sin by wine is a fool.

3

fool

A fool meddles with strife.

4

Sluggard (slothful)

The lazy do not plow during the winter causing no harvest.

26

wise

A wise person separates the wicked from the wise.

11-21

Ch. 21 V. 5

diligent

The diligent make plans carefully rather than hurrying.

11

Scorner, simple

When the scorners are punished, the simple see wisdom.

11

wise

When the wise is taught, he gains knowledge.

12

wise

A wise and righteous person (God) can see the difference of the wicked and the righteous.

22

wise

A wise person with God on his side can conquer anything.

24

scorner

Scorners are proud and mock the righteous.

25

slothful

The slothful desire but refuse to do work. He covets all day long.

30

wisdom

Nothing can beat God’s wisdom.

11-22

Ch. 22 V. 3

simple

The gullible unwise ones will unknowingly enter evil and be punished.

10

scorner

If you remove the troublemaker, trouble will leave.

13

slothful

The lazy make excuses to escape work.

15

fool

There is foolishness found in a young person but if he is corrected while growing up, he will be wise.

17

wise

Listen to the words of the wise and apply it to your heart.

29

diligent

Kings and masters want a diligent worker.

11-23

Ch. 23 V. 1

diligent

Think about your actions and words before you deliver them.

4

wisdom

Be wise and don’t work for riches.

9

Fool, wisdom

Don’t correct a fool for he hates wisdom.

15, 19

wise

The father will rejoice if his son’s heart is wise.

23

wisdom

Don’t forget the truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

24

wise

If parents want a wise child, they will raise up their son wisely.

11-24

Ch. 24 V. 3

wisdom

A godly house has children taught with wisdom.

5

wise

A wise man is strong in mind.

6

wise

A wise person looks for others’ advice.

7

Wisdom, fool

A fool cannot reach and gain wisdom.

9

Fool, scorner

Foolishness and scorning are sins.

14

wisdom

Wisdom is sweet and when you find it, you will gain reward.

30-31

slothful

The slothful and unwise are too lazy to keep their possessions neat.

11-25

Ch. 25 V. 12

wise

A wise person’s words are like gold.

11-26

Ch. 26 V.1

fool

Honor is not found in a fool just like the lack of snow in the summer or rain in harvest.

3

fool

A whip disciplines a horse and the rod is supposed to discipline the fool.

4, 5

Fool, wise

Don’t let a fool change you into a fool but change him with correction.

6

fool

Don’t trust a fool with a message because it will never be delivered.

7, 9

fool

Don’t trust a fool with a secret or message.

8

fool

Don’t give honor to a fool.

10

fool

God forgives and rewards fools if they change.

11

fool

A fool will always return to his folly.

12

Wise, fool

A fool is better than a proud wise man.

13

slothful

The lazy state problems but never do anything to avoid it.

14

slothful

The lazy don’t want to get up and start work.

15

slothful

The slothful are too lazy to feed themselves.

16

Sluggard/ slothful

A lazy person thinks he’s smarter than seven men.

11-27

Ch. 27 V. 3

fool

A fool’s anger is heavier than anything.

11

wise

When a son is wise, his father becomes glad.

12

simple

The immature ones don’t back down from evil but continue on and are punished.

22

fool

Foolishness won’t depart from a fool no matter how your punish him.

23

diligent

Be diligent in tending your animals because they bring food and are better than riches.

11-28

Ch. 28 V. 7

wise

You’re wise if you keep the law.

11

wise

A poor person with understanding is better than a rich person with fake wisdom.

26

Fool, wise

Fools trust in themselves but the wise will be delivered by God.

11-29

Ch. 29 V. 3

wisdom

Parents rejoice when a child loves wisdom.

8

scorner, wise

Scorners get everyone into trouble but wise men are quick to leave sin.

9

Wise, fool

Arguing with a fool is no way to solve the problem.

11

Fool, wise

A fool says everything in his mind but the wise control their speech.

15

wisdom

A child who is corrected gains wisdom but if he’s left alone, he won’t change.

20

fool

A person who says everything in his head in haste is worse than a fool.

11-30

Ch. 30 V. 3

wisdom

Anyone who hasn’t learned wisdom is brutish and ignorant.

22

fool

The fool shouldn’t be filled with meat, which encourages them to gorge themselves and not care of others.

24-28

Wise

There are four small wise things on the earth. They are the ants who prepare for the future, conies who hide from danger, locusts who do the right thing with no leader, and spiders who can make their way into kings’ palaces.

32

fool

You are a fool if you lift yourself up above God and have thought evil.

11-31

Ch. 31 V. 10-31

virtuous

A virtuous woman is wise, trustworthy, diligent, generous, kind, and worthy of honor and praise.

26

wisdom

A virtuous woman has wisdom and kindness in her mouth.