This was one that Annabelle frosted and decorated.. and then proceeded to eat. One must be sure they taste just right!
Saturday, December 03, 2011
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
I'm looking for all sizes of canning jars now.. I just don't have enough to keep going, and the ham bone from Thanksgiving is on the stove simmering away. The beans are on the back burner soaking till tomorrow when everything will come together and I'll can this batch too. If nothing else, we will have soup this winter.
That reminds me that I have chicken bones in the freezer waiting to turn into chicken soup some time soon. That's MY fave. Yummo!
I have craft supplies now for when the grandkids come to visit me this week.. and .. cookie makings too.. This is gonna be a fun 2 days.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Baptism
What is baptism?
Baptism is sign and seal of belonging to God's covenant community, His visible church. It involves the application of water in the name of the triune God, marking the recipient out as special in God's sight.
What is the covenant?
The covenant is the name of the relationship God has entered into with a people. "Covenant" is used to describe this relationship in both the Old Testament period and the New Testament period.
What does baptism have to do with the covenant?
There were two sacraments established by God related specifically to the covenant: a sacrament of initiation and a sacrament of continuation. The sacrament of initiation under the old covenant was circumcision and under the new covenant is water baptism. The sacrament of continuation was the Passover under the old and the Lord's Supper under the new. These covenant signs and seals have always been part of the expression of God's covenant relationship.
To what does baptism point?
Baptism is a sign of God's promises of eternal life and blessing found in Jesus Christ that are to be received by faith. Often it is misunderstood that what is pointed to in a person's baptism is his or her personal faith in Christ. It is said to be "an outward sign of an inward change." In this view the person's (subjective) faith is at issue. But, in the context of God's covenant, the issue is something objective—God's promise. So, baptism, as was circumcision, is actually an outward sign expressing the reality of God's promise.
Who is to receive the sign of covenant initiation?
Those who aligned themselves with the people of God and the children of those who were part of God's covenant family were to receive the sign. Or, to put it differently, the sign is for believers and their children.
Why are children set apart for the sign of covenant initiation?
God has always dealt with families and so the children of at least one believing parent are regarded differently from the children of unbelieving households. This sign was a pointed reminder of the need for the same cleansing from sin for the child that the parent had already received by virtue of faith in God's Savior. In Acts 2, Peter applies the same promises to new covenant believers as were given to old covenant believers in Genesis, both regarding families.
Does the sign save the child or indicate the baby is saved?
No, the sign points to the promises of God that are to be received by faith. If, by God's grace, the child grows up to believe, baptism becomes a sign of blessing of the promises of salvation found in Jesus Christ. Unbelief is a rejection of those promises. While it is the teaching of some that water baptism saves from sin, actually working a new nature in the recipient, this is a grave error. Many people have a false confidence in the fact that they were baptized, when in fact they are called to trust in Christ alone for salvation.
Did the covenant signs change with the new covenant?
Yes, they became fuller. The covenant sign was broadened from circumcision to water baptism to encompass females as well as males. Now the signs are unbloody rather than bloody in the case of both sacraments. But certainly God has not left His church without a sign of covenant initiation for children under the new covenant. That would be totally contrary God's design of His covenant.
Why should I baptize my baby?
Certainly not because of superstition or tradition or some idea that it in any way saves your child, but only out of concern for God's design and submission to God's command to give your children the sign of covenant initiation. Water baptism is not necessary for salvation, but it is necessary for obedience to our covenant Lord.
Is dedication of babies acceptable instead of baptizing them?
Dedication is not found in the Bible. It is the invention of man to fill the void created by neglect of God's sacrament of covenant initiation of children born into Christian homes.
Why sprinkle water instead of immerse in it?
The key factor is the water, as a symbol of the need of God's cleansing grace realized in Jesus Christ. Sprinkling was the method of ceremonial cleansing and the sign of the coming of the Spirit in the new covenant.
Baptism is sign and seal of belonging to God's covenant community, His visible church. It involves the application of water in the name of the triune God, marking the recipient out as special in God's sight.
What is the covenant?
The covenant is the name of the relationship God has entered into with a people. "Covenant" is used to describe this relationship in both the Old Testament period and the New Testament period.
What does baptism have to do with the covenant?
There were two sacraments established by God related specifically to the covenant: a sacrament of initiation and a sacrament of continuation. The sacrament of initiation under the old covenant was circumcision and under the new covenant is water baptism. The sacrament of continuation was the Passover under the old and the Lord's Supper under the new. These covenant signs and seals have always been part of the expression of God's covenant relationship.
To what does baptism point?
Baptism is a sign of God's promises of eternal life and blessing found in Jesus Christ that are to be received by faith. Often it is misunderstood that what is pointed to in a person's baptism is his or her personal faith in Christ. It is said to be "an outward sign of an inward change." In this view the person's (subjective) faith is at issue. But, in the context of God's covenant, the issue is something objective—God's promise. So, baptism, as was circumcision, is actually an outward sign expressing the reality of God's promise.
Who is to receive the sign of covenant initiation?
Those who aligned themselves with the people of God and the children of those who were part of God's covenant family were to receive the sign. Or, to put it differently, the sign is for believers and their children.
Why are children set apart for the sign of covenant initiation?
God has always dealt with families and so the children of at least one believing parent are regarded differently from the children of unbelieving households. This sign was a pointed reminder of the need for the same cleansing from sin for the child that the parent had already received by virtue of faith in God's Savior. In Acts 2, Peter applies the same promises to new covenant believers as were given to old covenant believers in Genesis, both regarding families.
Does the sign save the child or indicate the baby is saved?
No, the sign points to the promises of God that are to be received by faith. If, by God's grace, the child grows up to believe, baptism becomes a sign of blessing of the promises of salvation found in Jesus Christ. Unbelief is a rejection of those promises. While it is the teaching of some that water baptism saves from sin, actually working a new nature in the recipient, this is a grave error. Many people have a false confidence in the fact that they were baptized, when in fact they are called to trust in Christ alone for salvation.
Did the covenant signs change with the new covenant?
Yes, they became fuller. The covenant sign was broadened from circumcision to water baptism to encompass females as well as males. Now the signs are unbloody rather than bloody in the case of both sacraments. But certainly God has not left His church without a sign of covenant initiation for children under the new covenant. That would be totally contrary God's design of His covenant.
Why should I baptize my baby?
Certainly not because of superstition or tradition or some idea that it in any way saves your child, but only out of concern for God's design and submission to God's command to give your children the sign of covenant initiation. Water baptism is not necessary for salvation, but it is necessary for obedience to our covenant Lord.
Is dedication of babies acceptable instead of baptizing them?
Dedication is not found in the Bible. It is the invention of man to fill the void created by neglect of God's sacrament of covenant initiation of children born into Christian homes.
Why sprinkle water instead of immerse in it?
The key factor is the water, as a symbol of the need of God's cleansing grace realized in Jesus Christ. Sprinkling was the method of ceremonial cleansing and the sign of the coming of the Spirit in the new covenant.
Our part of the organized body of Christ is known as the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America.
The “Reformed” in our name refers to our adherence to the biblical principles set down by the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. Our spiritual fathers include Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox.
“Presbyterian” refers to our form of church government. Each congregation is under the oversight of those elected as elders, who are also part of the higher courts known as presbyteries and Synod.
Reformed Presbyterians have also been referred to historically as Covenanters because of their identification with public covenanting in Scotland, beginning in the 16th century. This act was a protest for Christ’s crown rights over the state and the recognition of Christ as King over the Church without interference from the government. Our roots also include those referred to as the Seceders, who share in the testimony for Christ’s Crown and Covenant.
In 1743 the first Reformed Presbyterian congregation was organized in North America. In this continent, too, the Kingship of Christ has been maintained as a foundational principle of our denomination. Today, congregations reach all across North America. We also acknowledge sister churches of Reformed Presbyterians in Ireland, Scotland, and Australia.
The “Reformed” in our name refers to our adherence to the biblical principles set down by the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. Our spiritual fathers include Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox.
“Presbyterian” refers to our form of church government. Each congregation is under the oversight of those elected as elders, who are also part of the higher courts known as presbyteries and Synod.
Reformed Presbyterians have also been referred to historically as Covenanters because of their identification with public covenanting in Scotland, beginning in the 16th century. This act was a protest for Christ’s crown rights over the state and the recognition of Christ as King over the Church without interference from the government. Our roots also include those referred to as the Seceders, who share in the testimony for Christ’s Crown and Covenant.
In 1743 the first Reformed Presbyterian congregation was organized in North America. In this continent, too, the Kingship of Christ has been maintained as a foundational principle of our denomination. Today, congregations reach all across North America. We also acknowledge sister churches of Reformed Presbyterians in Ireland, Scotland, and Australia.
I am a reformed presbyterian
Our beliefs all stem from a full commitment to the authority of the Bible as the inerrant, infallible Word of God. This means that we believe in the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We acknowledge our total inability to save ourselves and, in faith, depend on Christ alone as our Savior. We acknowledge Him as Covenant Lord in every area of life, and we vow together to advance His Kingdom on earth.
We believe that God desires His Church to set forth clear statements of her system of doctrine that can be supported from Scripture. We therefore accept as our creed, or subordinate standards, The Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms. In addition to these doctrinal statements, we adhere to the Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, which is our continuing application of God’s written word to the world and the church of today.
We believe that God’s Word clearly sets forth how He is to be worshiped. The reading and exposition of the Word of God are the central focus of our worship. Our musical praise employs God’s Word only, thus making use of the divinely inspired Book of Psalms of the Bible. In keeping with the New Testament Church’s directive for heart worship, we sing without the aid of musical instruments.
We believe that God desires His Church to set forth clear statements of her system of doctrine that can be supported from Scripture. We therefore accept as our creed, or subordinate standards, The Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms. In addition to these doctrinal statements, we adhere to the Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, which is our continuing application of God’s written word to the world and the church of today.
We believe that God’s Word clearly sets forth how He is to be worshiped. The reading and exposition of the Word of God are the central focus of our worship. Our musical praise employs God’s Word only, thus making use of the divinely inspired Book of Psalms of the Bible. In keeping with the New Testament Church’s directive for heart worship, we sing without the aid of musical instruments.
The Bible has been around for a long time. It is the Word of God and I believe it is true.
Fulfilled prophecy is a remarkable piece of evidence of that. Prophecy that was specific and often times came to precise fulfillment long after the prophet had died.
There is no other book with such accuracy, and no modern day prophets can begin to compare with scriptural fulfillment. It can be nothing less than divine revelation.
History also shows that what is written in scripture was also verified in the public writings of Egyptians and Assyrians as well as other early nations. Archeological findings have been totally correct according to Biblical references.
Another striking evidence of Divine inspiration is that many of the facts of modern science were recorded as facts of nature in the Bible long before science confirmed them.
For example,
Isaiah 40:22 says the earth is round
Isaiah 55:9 refers to the nearly infinite universe
Jeremiah 33:22 refers to the vast number of stars
Leviticus 17:11 mentions the importance of blood in life processes..
And there are many more . It is significant to note there has never been a mistake demonstrated in the Bible. Where there were questions, science has been able to verify in many cases, the veracity of the scriptures.
The Bible is a book that has a unique structure with 66 books written over a period of about 2000 years. One book- but consistent throughout. The individual writers had no idea that their writings would finally be incorporated into this book, yet each fits perfectly in its place.
Fulfilled prophecy is a remarkable piece of evidence of that. Prophecy that was specific and often times came to precise fulfillment long after the prophet had died.
There is no other book with such accuracy, and no modern day prophets can begin to compare with scriptural fulfillment. It can be nothing less than divine revelation.
History also shows that what is written in scripture was also verified in the public writings of Egyptians and Assyrians as well as other early nations. Archeological findings have been totally correct according to Biblical references.
Another striking evidence of Divine inspiration is that many of the facts of modern science were recorded as facts of nature in the Bible long before science confirmed them.
For example,
Isaiah 40:22 says the earth is round
Isaiah 55:9 refers to the nearly infinite universe
Jeremiah 33:22 refers to the vast number of stars
Leviticus 17:11 mentions the importance of blood in life processes..
And there are many more . It is significant to note there has never been a mistake demonstrated in the Bible. Where there were questions, science has been able to verify in many cases, the veracity of the scriptures.
The Bible is a book that has a unique structure with 66 books written over a period of about 2000 years. One book- but consistent throughout. The individual writers had no idea that their writings would finally be incorporated into this book, yet each fits perfectly in its place.
Apostle's Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
the Maker of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;
He descended into hell.
The third day He arose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost;
the holy catholic church;
the communion of saints;
the forgiveness of sins;
the resurrection of the body;
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
the Maker of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;
He descended into hell.
The third day He arose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost;
the holy catholic church;
the communion of saints;
the forgiveness of sins;
the resurrection of the body;
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
Friday, November 25, 2011
It's the day AFTER Thanksgiving... Black Friday they call it. I just call it Friday .. :) It's amazing to hear how many crazy people go shopping at midnight for BF sales.. it's just not worth the hassle. But if YOU do this, feel free to go right ahead. Just because I don't participate doesn't mean you shouldn't if you are lead in that direction.
I was pretty careful on Thanksgiving.. small portions and few bad snacks and a whole lot of good snacks.. fresh veggies especially made the day easy to handle. But I'm not getting on the scales for a few days just in case.. *wink.
Had a little bit of ham for lunch and then for supper too.. my hands are pretty swollen, so I figure the rest of me is too. Not so good. I'll be much more careful tomorrow. I suppose that's why the headache today.. hmmmm
I was blaming it on allergies .. really stuffy and congested.. coughing and feeling rather slow. Growing old is one of the hardest things I've ever done. Hubby thinks it has been a snap- just sit or lay down and don't do anything you don't want to.. "you're retired" he says. Wish life was that easy.. not for this body. Gotta move tomorrow.. and get the diet back to where it needs to be. I don't think I even took my metformin tonite.. OH, Marilyn.. you nitwit.
Okay.. tomorrow is another day for sure.
I was pretty careful on Thanksgiving.. small portions and few bad snacks and a whole lot of good snacks.. fresh veggies especially made the day easy to handle. But I'm not getting on the scales for a few days just in case.. *wink.
Had a little bit of ham for lunch and then for supper too.. my hands are pretty swollen, so I figure the rest of me is too. Not so good. I'll be much more careful tomorrow. I suppose that's why the headache today.. hmmmm
I was blaming it on allergies .. really stuffy and congested.. coughing and feeling rather slow. Growing old is one of the hardest things I've ever done. Hubby thinks it has been a snap- just sit or lay down and don't do anything you don't want to.. "you're retired" he says. Wish life was that easy.. not for this body. Gotta move tomorrow.. and get the diet back to where it needs to be. I don't think I even took my metformin tonite.. OH, Marilyn.. you nitwit.
Okay.. tomorrow is another day for sure.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Trying to get caught up with pictures.. These firstfew were taken when the kids came Trick or Treating at our house. How cute they are.. Noticing my Impatiens....
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thanksgiving Day Prayer
Our Father, giver of life and joy, who is like you, Oh Lord, that we should come to you with our praise? You need not these words, for you formed our lips. What is man that you are mindful of him? You own the lives of all that inhabit the earth.
Your power, might, and love are seen in the bounty of this season. We gather this day around a table laden with food that you have brought forth.
We gather as family and friends whom you brought into this world. We bow before you with humble hearts knowing we live because you brought us to life.
We celebrate this day as a nation of people who have been blessed more than any other people on the face of the earth and at any time. We acknowledge you as the giver of the good we so easily take for granted. Forgive us as we are a forgetful people.
Grant us on this Thanksgiving Day, the time to reflect on all the ways you have blessed each of us who has gathered.
Increase our understanding of your ways, defeat us when we use our blessings for selfish gain, and remind us to love one another.
Thank you for providing all that we need for life and godliness. Make us to be a light and a blessing to the nations of the world.
We acknowledge you as the only true and living God.
We pray this in the name of your Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Your power, might, and love are seen in the bounty of this season. We gather this day around a table laden with food that you have brought forth.
We gather as family and friends whom you brought into this world. We bow before you with humble hearts knowing we live because you brought us to life.
We celebrate this day as a nation of people who have been blessed more than any other people on the face of the earth and at any time. We acknowledge you as the giver of the good we so easily take for granted. Forgive us as we are a forgetful people.
Grant us on this Thanksgiving Day, the time to reflect on all the ways you have blessed each of us who has gathered.
Increase our understanding of your ways, defeat us when we use our blessings for selfish gain, and remind us to love one another.
Thank you for providing all that we need for life and godliness. Make us to be a light and a blessing to the nations of the world.
We acknowledge you as the only true and living God.
We pray this in the name of your Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
If I can't sleep tonite, I'll be making the bread, but right now I'm just tired and I don't think fresh bread is in our near future..
I made veggie pizza.. I hope others like it. 132 cal/ slice.. but not all good calories :(
Awaiting Klings with oxygen refill for hubby..
All is well on the home front.
Wondering if Charlie is coming tomorrow? Wondering if he knows he's to bring a pie? I may bake one today anyway..
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