If a church is to be what it ought to be for the purposes of God, we must train it in the holy art of prayer. Churches without prayer-meetings are grievously common. Even if there were only one such, it would be one to weep over. In many churches the prayer-meeting is only the skeleton of a gathering: the form is kept up, but the people do not come. There is no interest, no power, in connection with the meeting. Oh, my brothers, let it not be so with you! Do train the people to continually meet together for prayer. Rouse them to incessant supplication. There is a holy art in it. Study to show yourselves approved by the prayerfulness of your people. If you pray yourself, you will want them to pray with you; and when they begin to pray with you, and for you, and for the work of the Lord, they will want more prayer themselves, and the appetite will grow. Believe me, if a church does not pray, it is dead. Instead of putting united prayer last, put it first. Everything will hinge upon the power of prayer in the church.
C.H. Spurgeon

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#11-11: Just a Little Bit of Christmas

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#1 · December 3, 2008, 11:39 am

Posted by: hopechestnews <hopechestnews@...>

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE HOPE CHEST

with Virginia Knowles

December 2008

#11-11: Just a Little Bit of Christmas

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear friends,

I started out today wanting to send out a few extras and announcements, but it turned into a decent enough Hope Chest issue.  I trust that you won't mind!  Feel free to forward this to others!  In this issue, you will find encouragement in a season of stress, gingerbread houses, art by Giotto, lots of holiday links, a new poem called Candle Wick, a blurb for the Books & Beyond literature seminar in January (I am one of the speakers), some great "books on CD" deals from our friends at Faithful Bookshop, and Academic Freedom Day.
 
 
 
 
Before I forget, though, a quick announcement not related to Christmas:  Dr. Yael Harlap is looking for two conservative families in Washington State to interview for a book she is writing.  You can e-mail her at yharlapwrites@gmail.com if you are interested and meet the following criteria: you have at least one child between the ages of 8 and 13, you consider yourself somewhat politically engaged, your children have heard talk about politics and the war in Iraq at home, and you support what we're doing in Iraq. She would be especially interested in families where the mom has been politically active.  Thanks! 
 

Speaking of war and peace, I know that for some of you, the holiday season is not always one of "peace on earth, goodwill to men."  I think that despite our desire for joy, peace and silent nights (and days), we are particularly vulnerable to stress, irritation, and depression because of extra busy schedules, late nights, worries about finances, too much sugar, wound up kids, lax discipline, and anxiety about meeting up to everyone's expectations for a jolly holiday.  Yeah, I've been there too, just about every year.  Sometimes it just ain't purty to see, either.  (If walls could talk!) Please let me encourage you that you aren't alone.  Seeing our sinful reactions makes us all the more aware that this is why we need a Savior in the first place.  But do try to take it easy, make it simple, don't get sucked up in the hustle and bustle too much.  And if you find yourself about to blow your top, STOP yourself right away and go find some quiet place to settle down.  The aggravation is just not worth it.  And if you blow your top anyway, take the time to make it right (REALLY right) with those you have offended, and plan for practical ways to avoid the same thing happening again.

 
One way to cut the stress this month is to plan for simple meals.  Last night when an electrician was working on our kitchen lights and I didn't want to fix a complicated dinner, I was going to go buy some pizzas at Sam's Club.   When I got there, I decided to buy some French bread and mozzarella cheese and make our own instead.  We have also used bagels and English muffins, which we buy for about 50 cents a bag at our local Entenmann's outlet.  Add some fresh diced red and green peppers, and you have a festive meal! 
 
Another way to soothe the soul is listening to good Christmas music.  Our new CD pick this year is the warm acoustic pop "O Holy Night" by Sara Groves.  (I especially like the comical "Toy Packaging" song.)  You can find the CD at Christian Book Distributors here: O Holy Night by Sara Groves. 
 
I also invite you to read my Christmas Treasury page on my web site, which includes these features: 
  • Christmas Memories
  • A Simplified Christmas (2005)
  • A Bittersweet Advent (2002)
  • Christmas Web Sites
  • A Shepherd's Tale (poem)
  • The Paradox (poem)
  • Chocolate Chip Cheese Balls
  • Holiday Wassail
  • Advent Adventure Unit Studies
  • Gifts Worth Giving
  • Christmas Gift Tips from Shopping to Shipping 
  • Obfuscated Christmas Carols Quiz
  • Great Reading at Christmas -- a list of my favorite holiday books

 

You may also enjoy our Family Advent Night Ideas and Christmas decorations.

 
I teach 7th-8th grade English in our Providence Home Educators co-op.  This week, I put all of our homework assignments on-line because of the art work, music, and videos. I'll put up another batch next week.  You may enjoy them, too, so here are the links:
   
 
If you like art, you may wish to see my photos of religious masterpieces at the National Gallery of Art that I took last month when I went to visit my parents in Maryland.  (My father has made a remarkable recovery from his traumatic brain injury just eight weeks ago.  Though he had been told it would be several months, he actually returned to work on Monday!  My Grandma Hess is also starting to walk a little after her hip replacement last month, too.  Thank you so much for all of your prayers for both of them!)
 
 
The high school students in our co-op had their first annual Gingerbread House building competition on Monday, though truth be told, they used graham crackers instead of gingerbread.  We brought home the one Joanna's team made, and have already picked off all of the candies to munch. You can see the pictures here: Gingerbread House Contest at Providence.  Click on the first picture, and then scroll through them for best results.  Here are just two of them...

 
If you are interested in learning more about gingerbread houses, check out this link: http://www.surfnetkids.com/gingerbread_houses.htm
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Here are a few other links that you might find helpful: 
 

Advent Conspiracy video on YouTube

Harvest of Hope gift catalog  -- so you can bless those who really need it!

Crosswalk and Dayspring on-line greeting cards

Maridel Willer's blog posts on Christmas

The Hope, an 80-minute on-line video on the Bible (I haven't watched it, but it's recommended by The Teaching Home Magazine).

Pocket Testament League offers free copies of the Gospel of John with different covers (The Best Gift cover is great for Christmas.)

Samaritan Ministries -- the Christian alternative to health insurance -- we have been members for several years and are so pleased with our financial savings

 
CANDLE WICK POEM
 

I usually write a poem for Advent each year.   I penned this in October, but I'll probably write another one since this isn't very Christmasy.  I thought you might enjoy it anyway as you think about how to be a light in your own world.

 

 

Candle Wick

by Virginia Knowles

 

Burn with holy flame

This is your destiny

Slender thread, stiff stub of wick

Down and down, lower, low

Snuffed and silent…

Then lit to blaze again awhile

Amid liquid wax and taunting draft

You flicker blue and gold,

Bright and hot

O light the way,

Hallow the table

Illumine the Book,

Kindle these candles

When lower reaches lowest and there is no more of you

Your humble service is over

Your destiny here has been fulfilled

And the flame is snuffed one last time

Then you shall join the blaze of glory

Higher, higher and higher more

Bright and hot, Holy and pure

Shining ever in the presence

Of the Eternal Flame

 

Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."  Matthew 5:14-16

 

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.  Isaiah 60:1

 

And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.  Daniel 12:3

 

Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.  Philippians 2:14-16

 

Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.  Matthew 13:43

 
BOOKS & BEYOND: LITERATURE LIVE

You are invited!  Don't miss this incredible opportunity to be encouraged, inspired and motivated!  NearHim Home Educators will sponsor the Second Annual Books & Beyond: Literature Live seminar on January 24, 2009 at Killarney Baptist Church (just off the Fairbanks exit of I-4) in Winter Park, Florida from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Jan Bloom, conference speaker, living books extraordinaire and co-owner of BooksBloom will be the morning keynote speaker presenting Cradle to Grade: Giving Your Child a Love of Books.  The afternoon keynote speaker will be author, conference speaker and owner of Faithful Bookshop, Doreen Morgan.  Doreen will present Great Expectations.  Attendees will enjoy lunch and mid-day entertainment by FiddleDEEDEE.  Vendors will include BooksBloom, Faithful Bookshop, Kay Ness, Cheryl Bastian, Virginia Knowles, Maridel Willer,

Meredith Curtis, and Samantha Bellaire.  In addition to the keynotes, attendees will choose 4 workshops from the 19 offered, 2 of which will be presented by Kay Ness, respected, certified neurodevelopmentalist.  Kay has successfully trained professionals and parents to teach and to remediate children with learning challenges.  Many of the workshop presenters are conference speakers and authors.  Several workshops are offered for Dads.  Choose from workshops packed with practical tips and helpful hints presented by Jan Bloom, Doreen Morgan, Cheryl Bastian, Maridel Willer, Meredith Curtis, Virginia Knowles, Shannon Dever, Samantha Bellaire, Lori Bosse, Cari Rotenberger, Esther Day, Andrew Day, Gary Bloom, and Mike Bastian. Come, be energized and refreshed for 2009.  For more information, including detailed descriptions of each workshop, lunch options and registration, please visit

Books & Beyond.

 

FAITHFUL BOOKSHOP SALE -- BOOKS ON CD!
 

This is from my friend Doreen Morgan, who is also a speaker at Books & Beyond.

 

GREETINGS! This month we have a fantastic sale on all of our in-stock books on CD. We have only a limited supply of these so please act quickly!  These CD’s are all produced by Focus on the Family, ALL with the Complete Cast & Original Music.  There is also a Pride and Prejudice DVD set listed at the bottom.

 

1.  BEN HUR RADIO THEATRE - 130 minutes - Sale Price- $12.00

2.  LES MISERABLES - 169 minutes - Sale Price- $14.97

3.  THE LEGEND OF SQUANTO - 100 minutes - Sale Price- $12.00

4.  THE HIDING PLACE - 3 CD’S 3 ½ HOURS- Sale Price- $14.97

5.  SILAS MARNER - 111 minutes - Sale Price- $12.00

6.  WAVES OF GRACE - 123 minutes - Sale Price- $12.00

7.  BONHOEFFER: THE COST OF FREEDOM - 3 CD’S 3 HOURS Sale Price- $14.97

8.  ADVENTURES IN ODYSSEY: THE SKY’S THE LIMIT - 12 Stories on Integrity, Obedience & more! - 4 CD’S OVER 4 HOURS - Sale Price- $14.95

9.  ADVENTURES IN ODYSSEY: FOR GOD AND COUNTRY (AMERICAN HISTORY) 10. 4 CD’S OVER 4 HOURS - Sale Price- $14.95

11. THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA - Includes all 7 Audio Dramas - 19 CD’S Sale Price- $34.95

12. CLASSIC STORIES FOR A GIRLS HEART, ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, LITTLE WOMEN & THE SECRET GARDEN - OVER 10 HOURS ON 9 CD’S - Sale Price- $29.95

13. This last item is a 10th ANNIVERSARY LIMITED COLLECTOR’S EDITION of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE.  This set is the 5 hour classic adaptation on 2 DVD’S that includes a 120 page illustrated companion book PLUS a BONUS DVD featuring new cast interviews and a new Jane Austen documentary from the Emmy winning BIOGRAPHY Series. A&E Epic BBC Productions Sale Price- $42.95

 

All you need to do is reply to this email which CD’s you would like, along with your name, mailing address, and payment information (with expiration) and we will send them your way with FREE GIFT WRAPPING and FREE SHIPPING!

 

Blessings to all of you this Christmas as you celebrate with us the  precious gift that God sent to us.

 

Jeff, Doreen & Faith Morgan  http://www.faithfulbookshop.com        info@faithfulbookshop.com      407 522-7333 

 

ACADEMIC FREEDOM DAY

 

On Charles Darwin's 200th birthday (February 12, 2009), students everywhere can speak out against censorship and stand up for free speech by defending the right to debate the evidence for and against evolution. Let's turn Darwin Day into Academic Freedom Day.
Discovery Institute just launched the grassroots Academic Freedom Day campaign.  Our goal is to transform the bicentennial of Darwin’s birth on Feb. 12, 2009 from an uncritical celebration venerating Darwin to a day that highlights the need for academic freedom to debate the evidence for and against Darwinism. As a follow-up to the release of Expelled this year, we want to continue to raise awareness of efforts by Darwinists to stifle scientific inquiry at all levels, and to get people to sign the Academic Freedom Petition.  The centerpiece of our campaign is the website http://www.academicfreedomday.com.  
 

~*~*~

 

I hope you have enjoyed this Christmas 2008 issue of the Hope Chest!  Please drop me a line and tell me what your favorite part of it is!  This helps me plans for the future!

 

Blessings,

Virginia Knowles

http://www.VirginiaKnowles.blogspot.com and http://www.VirginiaKnowles.com

 

-- To subscribe, send ANY message to: hopechest-subscribe@welovegod.org To unsubscribe, send ANY message to: hopechest-unsubscribe@welovegod.org Visit my web site at www.VirginiaKnowles.com

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