Advent, Day 15

This is another David story. David was living in the wilderness (see the thorns by the road?) and they were watching over the sheep of local "ranchers." At harvest time, they went to the party to ask for some consideration for their help... and the rancher shagged them off. That made David furious, and he gathered his men together to wipe out the whole group. The rancher's wife, Abigail, heard what had happened, and had the presence of mind to head David off at the pass with a generous gift, and kept David from making a big mistake. A couple of days later Abigail became a widow, and David married her, because he was so impressed by her wisdom.



A love story, and an adventure, all in one!

Advent, Day 14

I lost a day there somewhere! Yesterday we had a movie party. Our small group at church got together to watch The Nativity, with snacks for intermission. We had a lot of fun!

Today's Advent calendar entry is David and Goliath. David was still a boy, not old enough to go to war with his brothers. His father sent him with provisions, and he heard Goliath challenging the army, and no one dared to meet his challenge. David accepted the challenge, because he knew he had God on his time, and he killed the giant with his sling-shot, and gave the glory to God.



David's french knot eyes look a little lopsided, don't they?

Advent, Day 13

I think this picture is out of order... I am not sure if it is out of order in the pattern, but it surely is in my presentation.

This story is the source of the phrase: "Your God will be my God" but it was said to a mother-in-law, not to a significant other. Ruth was married to an Israelite in Moab (the family had moved there to escape from a famine); the father and both sons had died leaving Naomi alone. The other daughter in law (Orpah, who's misspelled name is very famous) went back to her family, but Ruth didn't want to leave Naomi or the God she had come to know, and traveled back to Israel with Naomi. There they were provided for by the laws God had given and eventually met and married Boaz. Ruth too is in Jesus' genealogy! She was David's great-great grandma, and because of her David always had a special relationship with Moab.



I love the little birdie on the roof with the straw in his mouth!

Advent, Day 12

Today we have Hannah bringing her son Samuel to the temple. Hannah was one of 2 wives, and the other wife had a lot of kids while she had none. Her husband loved her better, but her rival never let her forget she had not contributed any sons to the family, and she felt worthless. She went to the temple to pray for a son, and was praying so intensely that the priest (Eli, the guy in yellow below) thought she was drunk. She told him what she was praying for, and he told her she would have a kid!

She got pregnant as soon as they were home from the temple, and she stayed home until Samuel was weaned, which was probably 5 or 6 at least. Then she brought him to the temple to work there, because God had given him to her, she was giving him back. Every year, when the family went to the temple to worship she would bring a new outfit for Samuel to wear.

Samuel grew up to be a prophet that God spoke to directly, and he anointed the first two kings. So this is a pivotal point in the history of Israel.



I have always loved this story. One of the points that always touched me was God's compassion on the childless woman. I always thought that the story of the family life with 2 wives gives an insight into polygamy; never a good idea if you want a peaceful house.

I don't remember stitching this one! It must have gone quickly (and of course, it was several years ago as well). I really like the angel watching over Hannah and Samuel, though.

Advent, Day 11

Today we have the same story as yesterday, seen from a different perspective. This is Rahab, a prostitute, who lived in Jericho and welcomed the Israelite spies when they came to scope out the city. Rahab is very interesting, because she shows up in the New Testament, in Jesus' genealogy as an ancestor of his.



This square took a long time to stitch too, because there is so much solid stitching on it, but I love the red cord.

Advent, day 10

Today we have the first of two posts featuring Joshua. I always loved this story as a kid, and imagined myself as one of the soldiers marching around the city day after day; and then seven times on the 7th day! They must have been wondering if there was any point to it all! (both inside and outside the city).



I remember stitching those pink walls; it took forever! Looking at the picture now, I can see where I changed direction in my stitching... not good! I love all the different colors inside the city, all packed in "safely" from ravaging hordes like the Israelites. God had so many lessons to teach so many people with this victory!

Advent, Day 9

I'm sorry I forgot to post yesterday, it was a busy day.

Our advent picture for today is God providing manna and quail in the desert. The Israelites had done nothing but complain since leaving Egypt; their latest complaint was that they didn't have meat, or onions (!). Moses was ready to throw in the towel, but God sent food, enough for a huge number of people to have their fill, and more.

 

Aren't the quail cute? I like the thought picture of angels pouring out the manna too!