Magi on the Move--Celebrating Epiphany or 3 Kings Day!

Christmas may be over, but as Christians, it is such a joy to be able to celebrate the love of Christ all year!!!  We hope you have enjoyed a wonderful Christmas season with your own families! 

 

Have you ever participated in Epiphany?  Epiphany is known by other names such as "3 Kings Day" and "Twelfth Day."  (You know, On the 12th Day of Christmas...)  This Christian holiday, which is celebrated on January 6th, offers another great opportunity for incorporating a brand new "Magi on the Move" tradition with your family! 

The Bible tells us in the gospel of Matthew that the Magi saw the star and set off on a journey to find the Christ child.  We read that these wise kings were led to the house where Jesus was by a star, and when they found the house where He and His family were, they bowed down and worshiped.  Epiphany is the celebration of this revelation of Christ to the gentiles. 

 

There are many ways that Christians all around the world acknowledge and celebrate this special holiday.  I love the idea of celebrating Epiphany because our family truly treasures the Christmas season.  It can be so sad to pack up the decorations and turn off the Christmas music on December 26th!  When we expand our celebration to include the Wise Men's journey to find Christ, our children have something to treasure on into the new year.  I want my little ones to soak in the season.  Sometimes this can be so hard in all the hurrying and scurrying of the days of December!

If you are interested in joining us on the "Magi on the Move" journey with your family, it is definitely not too late!  Our family has grown to love this Ebook and devotion resource pack, and now Wes, Lou, Cal, and the Pete are like a part of the family.  In fact, I see them now perched on our piano in the dining room. 

We used these lovable characters as a part of our Christmas and Advent celebrations and devotions, but what about using them to count down the 12 Days of Christmas, from the evening of December 25th through the day of January 6th?! 

 

"Magi on the Move" is now available on Etsy, Teachers Pay Teachers, and Teachers Notebook.  These addresses are listed below for your convenience.  Simply click the links to visit our online stores.

• http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Magi-on-the-Move-Childrens-Book-Activities-Printables-and-More
• https://www.teachersnotebook.com/product/shannonbryant75/magi-on-the-move-childrens-book-activities-printables-and-more
• http://www.etsy.com/listing/117186670/childrens-ebook-activities-templates 

You can also find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MagiontheMove.  We would love for you to like our FB page and also share this page with others! 

We are so thankful for you and for your interest in this resource!  We wish you a happy and blessed New Year!  We are so excited to see what God has in store!  Shannon and Dana :-)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Hi, everyone!  Sorry the blog posts have been so few and far between these last few days of December.  I have to be honest--this is one of those times of year that I treasure just being a mom, a sister, a wife, a daughter...I soak in every second of the season!  I try to keep my technology time to a minimum in lieu of baking, cleaning, decorating, and family fun...oh, and last minute shopping! ;-)

I did want to take a moment, though, to wish you all a very blessed Christmas and a joyous New Year!  I also wanted to share a few photo favorites from our family festivities. 

Dressed in our Christmas PJ's for a Christmas cookie swap--YUMMY!

Nightly devotion and Christmas countdown fun with the MAGI ON THE MOVE!

Our annual trip to see Santa and ride the train! 

Stopping by the North Pole while out Christmas shopping in Savannah!

Decorating our "Happy Birthday, Jesus!" Cake

Poppy gives a thumbs up to his gift and to Tate's new headphones!

Kidz Choir 2012

I will be back by the end of the week to share about an end of the year SALE and new online items, but for today, I just wanted to say how incredibly blessed I am feeling.  Looking around at the precious faces of my family is a bit bittersweet.  There are some whom we love that are no longer with us.  But the story of Christmas and the joy of New Year's reminds me that He makes all things new, and for that I am profoundly grateful.  Love on your family and friends during this special time of year.   Shannon :-)

PS--Monday Moments with Mimi will resume after the holidays as well!  :-)

Monday Moments with Mimi--Faded Colors

What a week, huh?  Literally heart-breaking in so many ways!  :-( Today's post from Mimi reminds us that even when things seem unclear to us, we can trust the One who holds all things together!  Thansk so much for stopping by!  Shannon :-)

Faded Colors

 

When I reflect over the joy and gaiety that have filled my weeks and weekends throughout the month of December, it has been a wonderful Christmas Season.  Over the past 4 days I have been to three special Christmas cantatas, to see the Nutcracker, and out to eat with a group of 15 precious friends.   But, I never want to be calloused to those that have not had the opportunity to celebrate the season in this same way.  So far my December has been a busy, busy blessing! 

 

But for me, this weekend has also been laden with a profound heaviness of heart from tragedies in our country – and not just the tragedy of this past Friday.   I say, tragedies, because there have been several.  Some in small ways, some in large, but true tragedies, nonetheless, for our nation.

 

As my husband and I were preparing to go to church this Sunday morning, he was looking for his white dress shirt.  All the ladies in our choir were wearing red tops, and the men were wearing white shirts and red ties for this special Christmas event.  As he brought his shirt into our room, he said, “Why is my shirt pink?”  I looked and without my glasses on, it really didn’t look so bad.  I replied, “I can’t see that it really is.”

 

His response was, “Well put on your glasses because it is a pretty shade of pink!”  As he left the room to get another shirt from his closet, I remembered that I had bought a very cheap, white Christmas t-shirt with some red in it.  Earlier in the week I had washed my new t-shirt in a load of whites.  (I was sure now was not the time to tell him that he probably had pink socks and underwear to match.  Or to complain that my new t-shirt was now faded as well!!!!  Or how cute he would be all pinked out!!!!) 

 

He returned and laid a second shirt on the bed next to the pink one and WOW, could I then see what he was talking about?!  The new white one was pure, bright white – and a stark contrast to the “barely” pink one.  I didn’t say much, only that I would bleach it out this week, and I would put up laundry with my glasses on from now on.

 

As I mentioned earlier, real tragedy has struck in both our personal inner circles and even outer political circles throughout this year. We have witnessed mass destruction of property and horrendous losses of life that have brought our American flag to half mast on more than one occasion.

 

Often as things are unfolding, laws are changing, and precedents are being set, it is hard to see clearly what the outcome will be.  The stark difference in my husband’s pink shirt placed along side of the new white one was very obvious.  Sometimes life is much harder to see and understand. 

 

So, because of our flawed human vision, we must lay things alongside the Word and Truth of God. I have been challenged this Christmas Season in many, many ways.  I want to separate the laundry with my glasses on, but more importantly, I want to separate what is pure and acceptable before the Lord with keen eyes.  I want to see clearly, so that what I do does not fade His truth.  This season share Luke’s story of the Birth of Baby Jesus.  But also share the rest.  Jesus is also the Sovereign Lord of Revelations—who has no faded garments and who is big enough to handle whatever it is we are facing, even when we can’t see the how or why clearly.  The Word of the Lord is true, and we can trust Him!  Blessings, Mimi (AKA Anne)

 

Revelations 7:9-14, “After this, I looked, and there was a large crowd. It was so large that nobody could count them. The people were from all nations. They were from all tribes and nations and languages. They stood in front of the throne and in front of the Lamb. They wore white clothes, and they had palm branches in their hands. And they all cried out in a loud voice. They said, ‘Salvation belongs to our God. He sits on the throne. And salvation belongs to the Lamb...Then one of the elders spoke to me.  He said, ‘Who are these people in white clothes? Where have they come from?’  I answered him, ‘Sir, you know.’  And he told me.  ‘These are the people who have come out of the great trouble. They have washed their clothes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

 

Be still...

 

I, like other bloggers, will be joining in a Moment of Silence on our blogs over the next 24 hours in memory of those precious lives lost in Friday's tragedy. 

Thank you, Charlotte, for this beautiful graphic above--the 20 small teardrop hearts represent the children lost, and the larger hearts for the adult victims.

 

As a parent and teacher, I have agonized and still wrestle with how to absorb this tragedy.  Any teacher knows the profound love for and connection we share with our students.  I am moved to tears reflecting on the lives of those school personnel who acted selflessly on behalf of their students!

 

For the parents and siblings, I cannot even begin to imagine the pain and loss felt--particularly during this time of year!  Our family's prayers will continue to be with them over the days and weeks to come!  Heartbreaking...

 

And thinking of these precious little ones...there just aren't words...gut wrenching...

 

My only peace is in clinging to my faith and to my family in these moments.  I am reminded of a verse that has come to mean a great deal to me over the last 4 years, Psalm 34:4--"I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." 

 

These are difficult days for all of us. I myself am not even sure what Monday will look like as I cross back through the doors of my own elementary school.

 

We will certainly never be the same.  My prayer is that we will all find a way to rally around what is good and right, and against that which is evil and destructive...for all of our sakes, and especially for the sakes of our precious children!  

 

Please join me in praying for this community, but also for teachers, students, and families everywhere.  1 Timothy 4:10, "We put our trust in the Living God."

Shannon    

 

http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2012/12/silence-for-sandy-hook-elementary.html

Monday Moments with Mimi--Tomato Soup

Wow!  Where are the days of December going?  My little girl brought home a countdown calendar from school today...only 15 days left until Christmas.  Praying you are having a wonderful December so far!  Enjoy this week's post from Mimi!  Shannon :-)

Campbell’s Tomato Soup

I have just experienced such a wonderful, fantastic weekend!  It included everything from a Historic Savannah Christmas tour with precious friends and family to a children’s Christmas Cantata with even more precious friends and family.   

 

In Savannah on Saturday, my daughter hosted us for a true Savannah-style brunch with all the trimmings.   One of my favorites—shrimp and grits—was on her menu.  This is truly my “Savannah comfort food.”   Later in the day, as we toured adorned southern homes on display, we talked of other foods, shared recipes, and even managed to eat again.  

During one of these conversations, I shared that my most favorite comfort food was a can of plain old Campbell’s tomato soup. 

 

 

Growing up, if it was really “fixed up,” my mom would add a little butter, milk, or cream to my bowl.  And if it really was a time where I needed special comfort, she would fix me a grilled cheese sandwich to dip in it.  Actually, I was eating tomato bisque long before it was an appetizer on a menu in a fine dining establishment.  In my very young years my cousins and I always had tomato soup every Saturday for lunch—no matter whose house we were playing at.  Probably back then, it was only 27 cents a can!!!!

 

 

Isn’t it funny what comfort foods bring to mind?  Is it really the food, or is the food just the catalyst for remembering an act of love?  Being comforted is such a powerful thing, bringing to mind a moment and bookmarking it in our hearts.  I can remember soup moments from over 50 years ago with my loving mom, and even 30 years ago from a loving uncle.  I recall these feelings like these moments happened just yesterday.

 

 

Years ago my dad was in the hospital between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  A simple procedure had turned life threatening in the wee hours of the night.  It happened suddenly, and I was stationed at the hospital late into the night waiting for the doctor to take my Dad back into surgery.  My aunt came and sat patiently with me, waiting for a surgery team to be put together.  She called her husband to give him an update about the seriousness of the situation; by now it was early morning.  My uncle asked if I wanted or needed anything, and she told him no.  She told him I had not eaten much all day, but I was fine; just a bit of fresh coffee would be appreciated. 

 

 

Within the next hour, the hospital elevator doors opened, and my uncle walked into the waiting room.  I can still see the large silver thermos in a brown bag held firmly in his hand.  I thought how considerate he was to bring fresh coffee from home for my aunt at 2:00 in the morning.   He opened up the thermos and poured something into the cup.  No, it was not coffee for us, but plain old tomato soup for me with a little extra milk added.   This moment was not about serving me my favorite soup, but about being caring for me.  I don’t remember sipping the hot the soup, but I do remember feeling the comfort.  And yes, this gesture was so powerful that it is forever bookmarked in my mind and etched in my heart. 

 

 

My dad was fine after his surgery, and all was well that Christmas Season. This Christmas may be different or not-so-fantastic for many precious people in our lives.  Christmas is a wonderful time for most of us, but not all of us.   It may not be perceived as a celebration, but rather as a stark reminder of something lost.  A loved one may be gone, homes may be broken, finances may be devastated, or physically someone may be suffering.  There may be even be a spiritual need.  No matter who you are, someone will undoubtedly cross your path who needs comforting.  What ever act you do in love and compassion will speak volumes to them.

 

 

In reflecting on my recent special weekend in its entirety, I recognize that while I feel very blessed, I also need to be compassionate and offer comfort to someone that is in a less content place than I.  At the very least I have been challenged to be more sensitive to their troubles and their life changes this year.   Can you think of someone this Season that may not need you financially to buy them a meal, but needs you emotionally to sit with them as they enjoy your soup?  Show the love of Christ this season!  Be led by the humility of His example and the demonstration of His unconditional love!  Blessings, Mimi (AKA Anne)

 

 

 "Beloved, let us love one another.  For love is of God, and everyone that loveth is born of God and knoweth God.  He that loveth not, knoweth not love, for God is love.  So beloved, let us love one another." 1 John 4:7-8

Weekend Goodies and an Update from Magi on the Move!

Hi, everyone!  Happy Sunday!  Our kids performed in their Christmas musical tonight, and it was such a blessing!  I am so thankful for family and faith, and all the wonderful parts of Christmas!  Our play this year was entitled, "Let's Celebrate the Savior!"

 

Of course, the Magi on the Move are still busy our house.  Not only is this so much fun, it is also a great way for us to spend time together as a family and to enjoy family devotion times together!  Here are a just a few quick pictures to share of ways families are making use of the Magi on the Move resources.  We would love for you to like our Magi on the Move Facebook page to stay updated on all of the latest Magi on the Move news!  https://www.facebook.com/MagiontheMove.

 

I also wanted to share another completely FREE devotion resource.  Advent is such a special time here at our house.  Each Sunday leading up to Christmas, we stop to sing, share, laugh, and learn about a principle of the Christmas season--Love, Hope, Joy, and Peace.  These are just a few pictures from our Advent times together.  Even Aunt Dani got to join in the Advent fun tonight.  Just follow this link to access your FREE devotion download. http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Gods-Precious-Present-Finding-the-True-Joy-of-Christmas-Vol-1.  You can also type "advent" in the search box here on my blog to find more info about our Advent traditions. 

 

I heard a great quote today, "Simplify your Christmas.  Make it about Christ!"  Really trying to keep this in mind this year!  Blessings, Shannon :-)

DECEMBER DAYS SALE--20% off in both my TpT and TN stores from December 9-12, 2012!
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The Magi Are on the Move at Our House!

Happy Tuesday, everyone!  I wanted to catch you up on a bit of "Magi on the Move" news and tell you how we are using the resource at our houses.

God used a precious family member to light a spark in my sister and me, and the rest is history.  Less than a week later, we had a complete resource ready to go both for our own family and to share with others!  God is amazing!

There are many options as to how you can use the Magi on the Move for your family and during devotions.  I have a blend of older and younger kids in my house, so I am using poems, a Christmas countdown, and a bit of a scavenger hunt along with my figures.  (The pattern for making these adorable characters is included in your Magi on the Move resource pack download.)  These ideas are completely adaptable for your family, however, so feel free to be creative!

  

These are a few of our pictures from the first night.  The Magi on the Move clue led my kids to the pantry where they found the Pete, Cal, Wes, and Lou with a pack of brownie mix.  The night started with a new tradition and ended with brownies...it doesn't get any better than that! ;-)

Tonight the hunt started in the place where it ended last night.  My children found this clue posted in the pantry.  It read, "As the Magi go from place to place, they are always kind and good!  Like comforting this friend who's sad, in their neighborhood!"

Then the hunt began.  My 3 scavenged the house looking for a friend in need of cheering up.  That's where the knew the Magi on the Move would be.

Sure enough...tucked away in our closet was a sad looking UGA--seems he was feeling a bit down after Saturday's loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship game.  We also had a great mini-devotion about what it means to be empathetic and encouraging to others.

It's not too late to join us on the Magi on the Move journey!  We would love for you to like our page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MagiontheMove.  :-)  Thanks so much!!!!

Monday Moments with Mimi--Take the Name

Hi, and Happy December!  This weekend my family and I attended our local Christmas parade, and we had a blast!  My son marched with the boy scouts, and we saw tons of familiar faces.  Hope you enjoy this week's blog post from Mimi and that you are enjoying a very Merry Christmas season so far!  Shannon :-)

Take the Name

What better way to introduce the Christmas Season than with a Saturday Christmas parade!  It came complete with decorated floats, marching bands, shouts of Merry Christmas, and live entertainment.  The weather was even pleasant for the occasion, and I so enjoyed the shouts of “Merry Christmas!” as parade participants marched by!  I leaned over to my daughter and said, “No Happy Holidays, just Merry Christmas and that makes me so happy!” 

 

Isn’t it funny that I was so eager to hear those 2 little words?  Immediately my little 5 year old granddaughter raised her voice to let me know that she could make me happy as well, and shouted, ”Merry Christmas!” That’s my girl!!!

 

When I got home that night, I reflected on the events of my day.  I really do like the wording “Happy Holidays”—I just don’t like that in many places these words have completely replaced “Merry Christmas!”  But what I find somewhat amusing is the idea that something could be minimized by merely altering its name.  Isn’t it Shakespeare that penned, “A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet?”   That just happens to be a quote that my dad often used in order to let me know that the story I was telling was not exactly the truth…no matter how many ways I presented it.   Changing a name doesn’t change anything, or does it????

 

          It’s funny because over the past several years, my name has changed.  I have dropped my given middle name and have used my maiden name in its place.  I am proud of the family and the life that I was a part of before I took on my married name.  I learned love, respect and truth from my Hill family.  So I have proudly assumed the name from the bloodline of my parents as my middle name.  Whether the family name is reflected or omitted within mine, it doesn’t change the person I am.  It truly was just an act of respect to my parents as a legacy for future generations.  It gives me the satisfaction of knowing that I have respectfully honored a Mom and Dad that formed and raised me with their name now in mine. 

 

I hope that we always say, “Merry Christmas!”  I want our children to hear and know that Christ is what this season is for.  It is not about him, it is for him.  It is to respectfully honor his birth in every way. From greenery to gifting, from lighting to laughing, from shouts of Merry Christmas to shouts of even yes… Happy Holidays, it is to honor Him.  You can’t take the blood line of my parents away from me by a mere name change any more than you can truly take Christ out of Christmas.   

 

This season, I am challenged even more to bring respect and honor to Christ in all ways and with all people.  In church this week, we sang an old hymn.  Take the Name of Jesus With You… The chorus goes on to say Precious name, oh how sweet, Hope of Earth and Joy of Heaven…… Precious name, oh how sweet,……….  Take it then, wherever you go.   

 

I was reminded that we need to take the name of Jesus with us throughout this Season.  Take it and not just say it.   Tell the people in your sphere of influence that He is the Hope of Earth and Joy of Heaven.  Maintaining my parents’ name reminds me to be grateful of what I have become and who I came from.  Do the same with the name of Christ this season.  He truly is the Hope of Earth!  He is the Joy of Heaven and worthy to be remembered. 

 

This is the time we honor the Savior’s Birth.  Whether someone tells you “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays,” be grateful for an opportunity to show your love and respect for His name which you now claim.  What is my response when someone wishes me well during this season?  I do the same; I am never afraid to wish them a Merry Christmas.  There are always little ears who are listening.  I want my grandchildren to smile and say, “That’s my Mimi!” and I hope that one day they will share a Merry Christmas with those around them as well!!!  Blessings, Anne (AKA Mimi)

 

Isaiah 9:6, "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.  The government will rest on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."