December 28, 2003

The First Sunday After Christmas

Also called Holy Innocents

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us thy only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin; Grant that we being regenerate, and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

O ALMIGHTY God, who out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast ordained strength, and madest infants to glorify thee by their deaths; Mortify and kill all vices in us, and so strengthen us by thy grace, that by the innocency of our lives, and constancy of our faith even unto death, we may glorify thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

December 25, 2003

Merry Christmas!

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us thy only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin; Grant that we being regenerate, and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

December 22, 2003

Where are the deer and antelope?

Well, I'm back. I only travled for a bout 5 hours yesterday but I when I got to Shreveport, I was just ready to get somewhere. Tired of moving I guess. Back to the old work grind tomorrow. On the way back, I thought about how I was ready to get back and life be normal again, but Christmas is this week. Duh! I had been so excited about the trip that I forgot about Christmas!
I had never flown at night before (or if I have, I wasn't in a window seat) and last night I saw something that amazed me. Taking off from RDU in NC, I saw all the lights of the cities and it really reminded me of this. Then I looked out to the horizon and thought that I could see the curve of the earth. I was in such awe. I've always been facinated with space flight and space travel, so I love all those space movies (Apollo 13, Space Camp, etc.) and I felt like I was there because I thought I could see the curve of the earth. It was beautiful.

BTW, does anybody know...when you're 'x' amount of feet/miles/km in the air and see a light on the horizon, is there a formula to figure out how far away that light is? Just curious.

December 21, 2003

The Fourth Sunday in Advent

O LORD, raise up, we pray thee, thy power, and come among us, and with great might succour us; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are sore let and hindered in running the race that is set before us, thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be honour and glory, world without end. Amen.

What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

December 20, 2003

Here I Am!

Please forgive me...I lied in my last post. It's Saturday and I'm blogging. Me and Brad are at the hospitable Rench's home in Fuquay Verina, NC. I'm giving him a tutorial on how to post on his blog. We're having a great time watching Mattley get married, seeing Mike and Kristen, meeting Josh Mc (while making a fool of myself), and hearing some exciting news. I'll actually post my weekly collect and hymn tomorrow and will be home on Monday. Happy Weekend!

Note to self: Read this.

December 17, 2003

I'm off to see the wizard!

Actually just to North Carolina. Flying by myself for the whole trip for the very first time tomorrow. I'm soooo excited! Be back to blogging on Monday.

December 15, 2003

Quotable

"When you think of things to drink the South, you think of two things: Jack Daniels and sweet tea."

December 14, 2003

December 12, 2003

Oh no!

What a horrible blogger I have been this week. A day late on my collect and nothing since then. {excuses} But I have been sick; I've been working my bottom off at work; I have wondered why I never made snowflakes that look like this when I was little; I've been getting ready to go to Matt's wedding next weekend; and I've made arrangements to be off of work during the Pastor's Conference. {/excuses} So as you can see I've been busy.

December 08, 2003

Second Sunday in Advent

BLESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry
Announces that the Lord is nigh;
Come, then, and hearken, for he brings
Glad tidings from the King of kings!

Then cleansed be every breast from sin;
Make straight the way for God within;
Prepare we in our hearts a home,
Where such a mighty Guest may come.

For Thou art our Salvation, Lord,
Our Refuge, and our great Reward.
Without Thy grace our souls must fade
And wither like a flower decayed.

Stretch forth Thine hand, to heal our sore,
And make us rise and fall no more;
Once more upon Thy people shine,
And fill the world with love divine.

To Him Who left the throne of Heaven
To save mankind, all praise be given;
Like praise be to the Father done,
And Holy Spirit, Three in One.

December 03, 2003

SUV or truck?

I'm trying to settle a debate with a couple of friends. I personally, recognize that a SUV is in fact a SUV, but in conversation, usually refer to it as a truck because it's easier. My "friends" are arguing that an SUV should only be called an SUV. What do you think?