HOMESICK

Snippet

Christmas is a time when you get homesick - even when you're home.  ~Carol Nelson

Scripture

And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 NASB

Song

Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) Darlene Love

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkaWqneQ0Tg

The snow's coming down

I'm watching it fall

Lots of people around

Baby please come home

The church bells in town

All singing in song

Full of happy sounds

Baby please come home

They're singing "Deck The Halls"

But it's not like Christmas at all

'Cause I remember when you were here

And all the fun we had last year

Pretty lights on the tree

I'm watching them shine

You should be here with me

Baby please come home

They're singing "Deck The Halls"

But it's not like Christmas at all

'Cause I remember when you were here

And all the fun we had last year

If there was a way

I'd hold back this tear

But it's Christmas day

Please

Please

Please

Please

Baby please come home

Sentence Prayer

Hound us, Lord, with affection and conviction until we renounce all lesser things to follow you.  Help us see that in giving up the fool’s gold of the world, we open ourselves to heavenly treasure that lasts forever. Amen ( Common Prayer A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals Pg 53)

CHRISTMAS CHEER

Snippet

“In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukkah' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukkah!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!” ― Dave Barry

Scripture

Give beer to people who are dying

 and wine to those who are sad.

Let them drink and forget their need

and remember their misery no more. Proverbs 31:6,7

Song

I Can’t Drink You Away By Justin Timberlake

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weOJ_qlFOkM

Bitter sweet thing, could this be a dream

Or just the same nightmare that keeps me awake

Feel it in my brain, a tall shot of pain

Pour a little up now, for the love that we've made

I feel it in the morning, you’re still here in the morning

I see you, but you're gone

Telephone a doctor, I’m not okay

The bottom of the bottle, to fill this empty heart up

A thousand proof don’t change the truth

I tried it, but I can’t

I can’t drink you away

I’ve tried Jack, I’ve tried Jim,

I’ve tried all of their friends

But I can’t drink you away

All these rocks, I can’t swim out of this skin I'm living in, say

Now tell me, baby, don't they make a medicine for heart break

Ooh, tell me baby, oh yeah

Now don't they make a medicine for heart break

Got a pounding on my brain, so I drowned it away

When the sun comes up tomorrow

You can find me doing the same

'Cause I just can’t forget

The way we turned out this bad

And now the only thing that sleeps here is a ghost of you instead

And then I feel it in the morning, you’re still here in the morning

I see you, but you're gone

Telephone a doctor, I’m not okay

Bottom of the bottle, to fill this empty heart up

A thousand proof don’t change the truth

I tried it, but I can’t

I can’t drink you away

I’ve tried Jack, I’ve tried Jim,

I’ve tried all of their friends

But I can’t drink you away

All these rocks, I can’t swim out of this skin I'm living in, say

Tell me, baby, don't they make a medicine for heart break

Oh, tell me baby, one time

Now don't they make a medicine for heart break

Break it down

I can’t drink you, no I can’t drink you away, away

I can’t drink you, no I can’t drink you away, away

I can’t drink you, no I can’t drink you away, away

I can’t drink you, no I can’t drink you away, away, away

Ooh, I can’t drink you, I can’t drink you away

I can’t drink you away

I’ve tried Jack, I’ve tried Jim,

I’ve tried all of their friends

But I can’t drink you away

All these rocks, I can’t swim out of this skin I'm living in, say

So tell me, baby, don't they make a medicine for heart break

Oh, tell me baby, one time

Now don't they make a medicine for heart break

Tell me, baby, can't they make a medicine for my heart break, heart break

Tell me baby, yeah

Can't they make a medicine for my heart break

'Cause I can't drink you away

I’ve tried Jack, I’ve tried Jim,

I’ve tried all of their friends

I can’t drink you away

All these rocks, I can’t swim out of this skin I'm living in,

Now tell me, baby, don't they make a medicine for heart break

Ooh, no, tell me baby, oh yeah

Now don't they make a medicine for heart break

Sentence Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am having trouble with personal relationships. I can’t control my emotional nature. I am prey to misery and depression. I can’t make a living. I feel useless. I am full of fear. I am unhappy. I can’t seem to be of real help to others. I know in my heart that only you can restore me to sanity if I am just willing to stop doubting your power. I humbly ask that you help me to understand that it is more powerful to believe than not to believe and that you are either everything or nothing. (p. 52:2, 52:3, 53:1, 53:2) Big Book of Alcoholics anonymous

COLD WATER

Snippet

“Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies, and do unto others as you would have done unto you.”

― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience

Scripture

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward. Matthew 10:42

Song

Christmas in Hollis Lyrics Run DMC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vF3cRi8bkA

[Run]

It was December 24th on Hollis Ave in the dark

When I seen a man chilling with his dog in the park

I approached very slowly with my heart full of fear

Looked at his dog, oh my God, an ill reindeer

But then I was illin' because the man had a beard

And a bag full of goodies, 12 o'clock had neared

So I turned my head a second and the man had gone

But he left his driver's wallet smack dead on the lawn

I picket the wallet up then I took a pause

Took out the license and it cold said "Santa Claus"

A million dollars in it, cold hundreds of G's

Enough to buy a boat and matching car with ease

But I'd never steal from Santa, cause that ain't right

So I'm going home to mail it back to him that night

But when I got home I bugged, cause under the tree

Was a letter from Santa and all the dough was for me

[D.M.C.]

It's Christmas time in Hollis, Queens

Mom's cooking chicken and collard greens

Rice and stuffing, macaroni and cheese

And Santa put gifts under Christmas trees

Decorate the house with lights at night

Snow's on the ground, snow white so bright

In the fireplace is the yule log

Beneath the mistletoe as we drink eggnog

The rhymes you hear are the rhymes of Darryl's

But each and every year we bust Chrsitmas carols

(Christmas melodies)

[Run-D.M.C.]

Rhymes so loud and proud you hear it

It's Christmas time and we got the spirit

Jack Frost chillin', the orchas out?

And that's what Christmas is all about

The time is now, the place is here

And the whole wide world is filled with cheer

[D.M.C.]

My name's D.M.C. with the mic in my hand

And I'm chilling and coolin' just like a snowman

So open your eyes, lend us an ear

We want to say

Sentence Prayer

Lord, keep us from trying to distinguish between the deserving and the undeserving poor.  Help us work to alleviate suffering and injustice wherever we find it, trusting that the rest is up to you.  Amen

ROCKIN

Snippet

CALVIN:

This whole Santa Claus thing just doesn't make sense. Why all the secrecy? Why all the mystery?  If the guy exists why doesn't he ever show himself and prove it?

And if he doesn't exist what's the meaning of all this?

HOBBES:

I dunno. Isn't this a religious holiday?

CALVIN:

Yeah, but actually, I've got the same questions about God.”

― Bill Watterson

Scripture

But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and that he rewards everyone who searches for him. Hebrews 11:6 CEV

Song

Rockin Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVsc74O2sks

Rockin' around the Christmas tree

At the Christmas party hop,

Mistletoe hung where you can see,

Every couple tries to stop,

Rockin' around the Christmas tree,

Let the Christmas spirit ring,

Later we'll have some pumpkin pie,

And we'll do some caroling.

You will get a sentimental feeling when you hear,

Voices singing, "Let's be jolly,

Deck the halls with boughs of holly",

Rockin' around the Christmas tree,

Have a happy holiday,

Everyone dancin' merrily,

In the new old-fashioned way.

Interlude

You will get a sentimental feeling when you hear,

Voices singing, "Let's be jolly,

Deck the halls with boughs of holly",

Rockin' around the Christmas tree,

Have a happy holiday,

Everyone dancin' merrily,

In the new old-fashioned way.

Sentence Prayer

Jesus, my Lord

Teach us to dance 

merrily as forgiven children.  Amen

KIDS

Snippet

Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven. Henry Ward Beecher

Scripture

Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?

    the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?

Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows

    are the children of a vigorous youth.

Oh, how blessed are you parents,

    with your quivers full of children!

Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you;

    you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep. Psalms 127:3,4 Message

Song

Thank God For Kids Oakridge Boys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyehLSChcYQ

If it weren't for kids have you ever thought

There wouldn't be no Santa Claus

Or look what the stork just brought

Thank God for kids.

We'd all live in a quiet house

Without Big Bird or a Mickey Mouse

And Kool Aid on the couch

Thank God for kids.

Thank God for kids, there's magic for a while

A special kind of sunshine in a smile.

Do you ever stop to think or wonder why

The nearest thing to heaven is a child?

Daddy, how does this thing fly?

And a hundred other wheres and whys

I really don't know but I try

Thank God for kids.

When I look down in those trusting eyes

That look to me I realize

There's love that I can't buy

Thank God for kids.

Thank God for kids, there's magic for a while

A special kind of sunshine in a smile.

Do you ever stop to think or wonder why

The nearest thing to heaven is a child?

When you get down on your knees tonight

And thank the Lord for His guiding light

Pray they turn out right.

Thank God for kids.

Mmm, Thank God for kids.

Sentence Prayer

God in heaven hear my prayer,

keep me in thy loving care.

Be my guide in all I do,

Bless all those who love me too.

Amen.

PROVERBS 3:7-12 BIBLE STUDY

Be Righteous

December 1 2013

Proverbs 3:1-12 Part 2

TEACHER NOTES

Hook: What are some Momisms or Dadisms-You remember

Have You heard of  “Patience is a virtue.”? 

Think of Proverbs as Godisms

Book: Seeking God’s Righteous Ways Proverbs 3:7-12

The Healthy life 

Principle

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. VRS 7

One cannot fear God until arrogance and conceit are gone

Rich Mullins said: "I think it's very hard to allow God to break us. I think it's very hard to be broken. And I think that who the Lord loves He chastens, and that if we'll never be broken we'll never be saved. And that God doesn't break us because He hates us, or because He's angry at us, but we have to be broken, just like you have to break a horse." -- R. Mullins

Romans 12:16

The Benefit

This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. VRS 2

How is this Possible?

Envy

Greed

Hatred

Alchol

Be Blessed

The Principle

Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; VRS 9

The Benefit

 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. VRS 10

God Relationship

The Principle

My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,  and do not resent his rebuke, Vrs 11

The Benefit

because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Vrs 12

Look: What are six Benefits of Wisdom?

1.       1. Obey God’s Commands Proverbs 3:1,2

2.     2.  Be Loving & Faithful Proverbs 3:3,4

3. Trust In The Lord Proverbs 3:5,6

4 Fear the Lord      Proverbs 3:7,8  

5.  Honor the Lord with you First & Best Proverbs 3:9,10

6.  Accept the Lord’s discipline Proverbs 3:11,22

Took: Was there ever a time you benefitted from the Lord’s discipline?

Memory Verse: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him,    and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5,6

IF WE MAKE IT THROUGH DECEMBER

Snippet

Just a minute - just a minute. Now, hold on, Mr. Potter. You're right when you say my father was no businessman. I know that. Why he ever started this cheap, penny-ante Building and Loan, I'll never know. But neither you nor anyone else can say anything against his character, because his whole life was - why, in the twenty-five years since he and Uncle Billy started this thing, he never once thought of himself. Isn't that right, Uncle Billy? He didn't save enough money to send Harry to school, let alone me. But he did help a few people get out of your slums, Mr. Potter, and what's wrong with that? Why - here, you're all businessmen here. Doesn't it make them better citizens? Doesn't it make them better customers? You - you said - what'd you say a minute ago? They had to wait and save their money before they even ought to think of a decent home. Wait? Wait for what? Until their children grow up and leave them? Until they're so old and broken down that they... Do you know how long it takes a working man to save five thousand dollars? Just remember this, Mr. Potter, that this rabble you're talking about... they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath? Anyway, my father didn't think so. People were human beings to him. But to you, a warped, frustrated old man, they're cattle. Well, in my book he died a much richer man than you'll ever be.  It’s a Wonderful Life 1946 George Bailey to Harry Potter

Scripture

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt Matthew 2:13,14 KJV

Song

Merle Haggard, If We Make It Through December

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGDo1Jybs_I

If we make it through December
Everythings gonna be all right I know
It's the coldest time of winter
And I shivver when I see the fallin snow

If we make it through December
I got plans of bein in a warmer town come summer time
Maybe even California
If we make it through December we'll be fine

I got laid off down at the factory
And there timings not the greatest in the world
Heaven knows I been workin' hard
I wanted Christmas to be right for daddy's girl
Now I don't mean to hate December
It's meant to be the happy time of year
And why my little girl don't understand
Why daddy can't afford no Christmas here

If we make it through December
Everythings gonna be alright I know
It's the coldest time of winter
And I shivver when I see the fallin' snow

If we make it through December
I got plans of bein' in a warmer town come summer time
Maybe even California
If we make it through December we'll be fine

Sentence Prayer

In the darkness of evening the eyes of my heart are awake to you.  In the quiet of the night I long to hear again intimations of your love.  In the Sufferings of the world and the struggles of life I seek your graces of healing.  At the heart of the brokenness around me and in the hidden depths of my own soulI seek your touch of healing¸O God, for there you reside.  In the hidden depths of life, O God, There you reside.  Amen Celtic Prayer  The Pocket book of prayers ed by Jim Palmer pg 121

O CHRISTMAS TREE

Snippet

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other Burton Hillis

Scripture

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD— and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.

In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious. Isaiah 11:1-3,10 NIV 

Song

O Christmas Tree by Glee Cast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTlCV4oR6EI

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
Not only green when summer's here,
But also when 'tis cold and drear.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
How often has the Christmas tree
Afforded me the greatest glee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
From base to summit, gay and bright,
There's only splendor for the sight.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee! !" 

Sentence Prayer

Holy Creator of Trees,

bless with your abundant grace

this our Christmas tree as a symbol of joy.

May its evergreen branches be a sign

of your never-fading promises.

May its colorful lights and ornaments call us

to decorate with love our home and our world.

Christmas Tree Blessing