Verse of the Day...

Footnote from NIV Application Bible:

John indicates that the light has its followers; Jesus has his disciples.  Those who receive him become God's children.  Those who follow the Word will share in divine rebirth.  This is John's understanding of conversion: deliberate faith joined with divine transformation.  

WSO Carolinas Elite Youth...

We are so excited to share this incredible accomplishment of Tim’s with you. To be listed as an Elite Athlete after just a little over two years in the sport is truly remarkable. It also proves that no matter what sport Tim pursues, he strives to be elite—because his goal is always to be the very best at what he does. We are beyond proud of him! 

Verse of the Day...

Happy Hanukkah My Jewish Friends...

This is the reason that my household will always pour out blessings on Israel/Jewish people.  I will always honor them because my God tells me to do so in His Word and I always want to honor Him!

I thought a little education on Hanukkah might be in order for those that don't know much about it.

Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew Calendar, which this year occurs from the evening of December 14th to the 22nd in the Gregorian Calendar. The festival is observed by lighting the candles of a candelabrum with nine branches, commonly called a menorah or hanukkiah. One branch is placed above or below the others and its candle is used to light the other eight candles. This unique candle is called the shammash (שַׁמָּשׁ‎, "attendant"). Each night, one additional candle is lit by the shammash until all eight candles are lit together on the final night of the festival.

The name "Hanukkah" derives from the Hebrew verb "חנך‎", meaning "to dedicate", because on Hanukkah, the Maccabean Jews regained control of Jerusalem and rededicated the Temple.

The reason for the Hanukkah lights is not for the "lighting of the house within", but rather for the "illumination of the house without", so that if a passersby should see it they'd be reminded of the holiday's miracle.

Hanukkah lights should usually burn for at least half an hour after it gets dark.

Typically two blessings (brachot; singular: brachah) are recited during this eight-day festival when lighting the candles. On the first night only, the shehecheyanu blessing is added, making a total of three blessings.

The blessings are recited before each candle is lit. On the first night of Hanukkah one light (candle or oil) is lit on the right side of the menorah, on the following night a second light is placed to the left of the first but it is lit first, and so on, proceeding from placing candles right to left but lighting them from left to right over the eight nights.

Transliteration: Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner Hanukkah.

Translation: "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah light[s].

After the lights are kindled the hymn Hanerot Halalu is recited.

It is customary for women not to work for at least the first half-hour of the candles' burning, and some have the custom not to work for the entire time of burning. It is also forbidden to fast or to eulogize during Hanukkah.

Anyhow, I thought you'd enjoy learning a bit about this holy holiday of the Jewish people.  

Then & Now...

A friend just shared the first photo with me, and the second is from his most recent meet—what an incredible transformation!

Tim is an amazing athlete. He’s enjoyed two sports, but weightlifting is where his heart is—and it shows in how happy and healthy he is.

Tim Broke Records!!!

 

Tim broke 2 WSO Carolinas Records with his Snatch & Total.  It's been posted on the WSO Carolinas Records page.  We are so stinkin' excited and proud of Tim.  

Pro-Shots of Tim's Lifts...

Here's Tim's Snatch Pro-Shots of his lifts:

Here's Tim's Pro-Shots of his Clean & Jerk Lifts:

Christmas Tree is Finally up...

This is the latest that we have ever put up our Christmas tree.  It's been so busy these past couple of months and I'm glad that we were able to finally get it up.  This year we put only shatterproof ornaments on the tree because we have a Stella and we just aren't sure how she's gonna be with the Christmas tree.  Last year she was a tiny timid kitten and this year she's a full grown active cat.  It will be interesting to see if she does anything more than paw at the low hanging ornaments.  

In Loving Memory....

This is our first Christmas Season without Nan and our second without Popsie, and the holidays simply don’t feel the same. We know they are at peace and rejoicing with their Savior in Heaven, but their absence is felt in a hundred little ways. Family gatherings are different now—quieter, softer—because the warmth they brought is no longer here.

It truly feels like a piece of our hearts is missing. Life goes on, as it must, but it has undeniably changed. There isn’t a day that passes that we don’t think of them, miss them, and wish they were still here with us.

Verse of the Day...