The Birth of Jesus
At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiance, who was obviously pregnant by this time.
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn.
The Shepherds and Angels
That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!"
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven-praising God: 'Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace on earth to all whom God favors.'
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Come on, let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." They ran to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. Then the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their fields and flocks, glorifying and praising God for what the angels had told them, and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had said.
Merry Christmas!
- The Kinnan Family
Saturday, December 24
Monday, December 19
Dashing through the Snow!
Friday
We've been very forgetful when it comes to bringing our camera out and about with us, especially since Hayden has been acting like a celebrity lately with his "no pictures" exclamations, but we've got to tell you about an outreach event that Real Life Church held at our shopping mall on Friday night! The worship band played worship songs, including numerous Christmas carols for an hour Friday evening ... and dozens of RLC members came to join in the praise and worship and spread the GOOD NEWS of our Savior and His Son with our neighbors! It was such a blessed time and we are so very thankful for the freedom and opportunities He gives to share His light with others!
Saturday
I would normally say that without a doubt that I watch more news than anyone else I know. I love it ... not the dreary stories of destruction or inflation or unemployment ... but I appreciate being informed on what is going on in the world. My passion for gathering information failed me in a mighty way this weekend, though, when we woke up on Saturday morning to inches upon inches of snow ... and it was still falling! I didn't know it was even supposed to snow! :)
We made the most of it by taking Hayden out for his first official sleigh ride! He insisted that mommy ride with him, so I jumped in and we headed for the elementary school at the end of our block ... it's got some great hills to sled down! Please notice my awesome hat, by the way ... my Grandma Bush made it for me when I was in elementary school and it STILL FITS! If only I had the same good fortune with my jeans! :)
Now I am not one for speeding down a hill of snow that is quickly becoming an icy path of destruction ... but David definitely is! What a STUD!
After testing out the "slopes" he took Hayden for a ride. Despite the looks on their faces, they weren't going 50 miles an hour ... they had actually stopped, and Hayden officially decided that there would be no more downhill sledding for him!
When we returned from our snowy adventure, we relaxed with warm cups of cocoa and enjoyed a family movie. Hayden found his new favorite place to relax and stayed there until bed time! He was very tired after an afternoon of chilly fun!
Sunday
On Sunday evening David continued a month-long Real Life Church Christmas narrative by playing the part of Kimham, or Kim the Innkeeper. It's an incredible "series" that has included Mary, the mother of Jesus and one of the Wise Men. David told the story of Jesus' birth from the perspective of the Innkeeper, and did such an awesome job of portraying this character who played such a part in the birth of our Savior! It was a touching story with a message that speaks beyond just this Christmas season, the season to celebrate Jesus and his birth ... it's truly about making room (as the Innkeeper did ... literally!) in our hearts and lives for Jesus. It was absolutely amazing!
We've been very forgetful when it comes to bringing our camera out and about with us, especially since Hayden has been acting like a celebrity lately with his "no pictures" exclamations, but we've got to tell you about an outreach event that Real Life Church held at our shopping mall on Friday night! The worship band played worship songs, including numerous Christmas carols for an hour Friday evening ... and dozens of RLC members came to join in the praise and worship and spread the GOOD NEWS of our Savior and His Son with our neighbors! It was such a blessed time and we are so very thankful for the freedom and opportunities He gives to share His light with others!
Saturday
I would normally say that without a doubt that I watch more news than anyone else I know. I love it ... not the dreary stories of destruction or inflation or unemployment ... but I appreciate being informed on what is going on in the world. My passion for gathering information failed me in a mighty way this weekend, though, when we woke up on Saturday morning to inches upon inches of snow ... and it was still falling! I didn't know it was even supposed to snow! :)
We made the most of it by taking Hayden out for his first official sleigh ride! He insisted that mommy ride with him, so I jumped in and we headed for the elementary school at the end of our block ... it's got some great hills to sled down! Please notice my awesome hat, by the way ... my Grandma Bush made it for me when I was in elementary school and it STILL FITS! If only I had the same good fortune with my jeans! :)
Now I am not one for speeding down a hill of snow that is quickly becoming an icy path of destruction ... but David definitely is! What a STUD!
After testing out the "slopes" he took Hayden for a ride. Despite the looks on their faces, they weren't going 50 miles an hour ... they had actually stopped, and Hayden officially decided that there would be no more downhill sledding for him!
When we returned from our snowy adventure, we relaxed with warm cups of cocoa and enjoyed a family movie. Hayden found his new favorite place to relax and stayed there until bed time! He was very tired after an afternoon of chilly fun!
Sunday
On Sunday evening David continued a month-long Real Life Church Christmas narrative by playing the part of Kimham, or Kim the Innkeeper. It's an incredible "series" that has included Mary, the mother of Jesus and one of the Wise Men. David told the story of Jesus' birth from the perspective of the Innkeeper, and did such an awesome job of portraying this character who played such a part in the birth of our Savior! It was a touching story with a message that speaks beyond just this Christmas season, the season to celebrate Jesus and his birth ... it's truly about making room (as the Innkeeper did ... literally!) in our hearts and lives for Jesus. It was absolutely amazing!
Candles, Colds, and Yummy Soup Bowls!
Life in the Kinnan household has been full of surprises ... and sniffles! Working with 6th graders all day is definitely never dull, and during this winter season it is marked by runny noses and colds. I think I have been sick all year, but this past week the icky feelings of being sick definitely hit me the hardest. I'm getting better quickly and although Hayden caught what I had and then some, he seems to be feeling better as well ... especially after a day today at home with mommy! :) David, being the stud of the universe that he is, hasn't seemed to have caught anything yet ... lucky guy!
Two weeks ago (has it really been that long since we've blogged!?) we celebrated the Christmas season with our Real Life Church family. An evening of delicious food (there are SO MANY amazing cooks), awesome fellowship, and a hilarious "White Elephant" gift exchange, complete with a headless tiger (a stuffed animal, of course) and a "Sweatin' to the Oldies" workout video. David and I didn't fare well enough to get those incredible gifts, but somehow managed to get matching candles without even trying! Great minds in love think alike, right? :)
Last week we were blessed with an incredible opportunity to share an evening with Pastor Eric and Robin and the Advisory Board of Real Life Church. Eric and Robin made a plethra of soups ... with bread bowls! YES! We had a great time of sharing and growing as brothers and sisters as we encouraged one another and enjoyed each others' company.
While we were eating, Hayden was living it up in the new nursery ... he was tired from chasing around the little girls in the nursery with his buddy Tanner!
Two weeks ago (has it really been that long since we've blogged!?) we celebrated the Christmas season with our Real Life Church family. An evening of delicious food (there are SO MANY amazing cooks), awesome fellowship, and a hilarious "White Elephant" gift exchange, complete with a headless tiger (a stuffed animal, of course) and a "Sweatin' to the Oldies" workout video. David and I didn't fare well enough to get those incredible gifts, but somehow managed to get matching candles without even trying! Great minds in love think alike, right? :)
Last week we were blessed with an incredible opportunity to share an evening with Pastor Eric and Robin and the Advisory Board of Real Life Church. Eric and Robin made a plethra of soups ... with bread bowls! YES! We had a great time of sharing and growing as brothers and sisters as we encouraged one another and enjoyed each others' company.
While we were eating, Hayden was living it up in the new nursery ... he was tired from chasing around the little girls in the nursery with his buddy Tanner!
Thursday, December 8
Tuesday, December 6
Family
We don't have the "Aunt Martha" or "Cousin Mike" who annually disrupts the serenity of our family bonding times. Each Thanksgiving truly brings a high level of excitement because we get to hug...laugh...tell stories...love...and just be family.
Every year, the entire Kinnan family gathers for two days of fun. Thursday is always spent with the Kinnans and Friday is always spent with the Wolfs. A marathon of relaxation...does that make sense? That's what I think of when reflecting on our trip. Family rejuvinates our souls...the older I get, the more I crave that rejuvination.
I thought about creating a story line for some pictures, but I just worked for 12 hrs and Katy is sick...and I'm only doing this right now because I had a weak moment earlier in posting that I'd post. So, mainly for family who visit this site...pics are below:
Grandma & Grandpa Kerby:
Grandma & Grandpa Kinnan:
Hayden & Ailee on the Ivories:
Hayden and Ailee's dog, KC:
Do you understand me, Hayden:
Hayden and Kendra:
The annual "Height Check":
I love flowers:
Ailee painting Hayden's toenails:
Remember the "Little People's Table":
Princess Ailee:
Finally home w/ Abby:
That's enough pics for now. Family...if you'd like more, just ask.
Tired,
DK
Every year, the entire Kinnan family gathers for two days of fun. Thursday is always spent with the Kinnans and Friday is always spent with the Wolfs. A marathon of relaxation...does that make sense? That's what I think of when reflecting on our trip. Family rejuvinates our souls...the older I get, the more I crave that rejuvination.
I thought about creating a story line for some pictures, but I just worked for 12 hrs and Katy is sick...and I'm only doing this right now because I had a weak moment earlier in posting that I'd post. So, mainly for family who visit this site...pics are below:
Grandma & Grandpa Kerby:
Grandma & Grandpa Kinnan:
Hayden & Ailee on the Ivories:
Hayden and Ailee's dog, KC:
Do you understand me, Hayden:
Hayden and Kendra:
The annual "Height Check":
I love flowers:
Ailee painting Hayden's toenails:
Remember the "Little People's Table":
Princess Ailee:
Finally home w/ Abby:
That's enough pics for now. Family...if you'd like more, just ask.
Tired,
DK
Yes, we know...
It's been over 2 weeks since our last post. We have some great pics to share with you from our trip to Indiana. Please forgive our poor blogging efforts. As we wade through all the Christmas parties and events, we'll try to update our internet home a little more frequently.
If you check back on Wednesday morning, your blogging appetite will be satisfied in regards to getting a Kinnan update.
-DK
If you check back on Wednesday morning, your blogging appetite will be satisfied in regards to getting a Kinnan update.
-DK
Sunday, November 20
Our Helpful Little Guy!
Hayden is continuing to learn and do so many great things ... his favorites include helping mommy and daddy with all kinds of things ...
Teaching Daddy some computer tricks ...
Helping Mommy dust on Saturday's...
Even taking Daddy and Mommy out to eat at our favorite place, OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE!
Hayden also finds it necessary to demonstrate the hazardous effects of lemon-eating ... even though he knows it's so sour because he chomps on them all the time, he still insists on "borrowing" it from Mommy's glass of water ... showing us it's sour, then putting it back into her cup! :)
Teaching Daddy some computer tricks ...
Helping Mommy dust on Saturday's...
Even taking Daddy and Mommy out to eat at our favorite place, OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE!
Hayden also finds it necessary to demonstrate the hazardous effects of lemon-eating ... even though he knows it's so sour because he chomps on them all the time, he still insists on "borrowing" it from Mommy's glass of water ... showing us it's sour, then putting it back into her cup! :)
Thursday, November 17
A Rabbi
I'm not Jewish.
I've never experienced Jewish culture with Jewish people.
I have read a small amount about the "days of Christ" but "inadequate" would still describe my knowledge of His time-period.
Recently, I was given a CD of a message preached by Ray Vander-something (many of you are probably familiar w/ this man who speaks w/a New England accent). The message was entitled "Talmid Discipleship". I'll spare you the details which will take me 10-15 more "listens" of this CD to understand and soak up, but here's the main point:
In my culture (Land of the IPod and Blackberry), we typically refer to discipleship as a focussing on knowing more about Jesus Christ: what He did and why He did...what He said and why He said...etc. However (say "however" like you have a pipe in your teeth and reading glasses sitting on the edge of your nose), during the days of Jesus, discipleship was more clearly defined: Rather than know what the Rabbi knows, they are to BE what the Rabbi IS!
By the age of 12, every Jewish boy was to have the the first 5 books of the Bible completely memorized to a point in which they could refer not only to a verse but the words leading into that verse and the context in which they were being used...they're knowledge of the Scriptures(at the age of 12) surpases anyone that I currently know. If they were deemed "worthy", they spent the next three years learning the rest of the Old Testament (memorizing). Think of a 15 year old you know...do they have the entire Old Testament memorized with a capability of quoting words inside a verse? After turning 15, the boy would then study a Rabbi until he was 30...literally following the Rabbi into the bathroom as to not miss a thing!
History lesson:
When did Christ first take part in the Passover? 12 yrs. old
When did Christ begin his ministry? 30 yrs. old
See any special correlation? Jesus...Rabbi...hmmm...
Now you're in my head...how does the Jewish view of "discipleship" compare to the discipleship you hear preached and taught in your church? I understand the Bible clearly speaks to this: "Go and make disciples of all nations". I also know a disciple isn't just a person who has the Scriptures memorized.
Questions:
- Differentiate between a Christian and Disciple of Christ. Are they different?
- If they are different, is that okay? Why/Why not?
- If being a true disciple of Christ meant you needed to begin memorizing the Scripture, dedicating hours of your day to live and breath the life of Christ...essentially pursuing to mimic the His heart...would you seek discipleship?
I'm noticing that this post is extremely inadequate because it doesn't say all that's in my head, and it leaves unanswered questions. Sorry...I'll try to dump more thoughts as some later day.
Meanwhile...
We leave for Indiana on Tuesday morning...flat land and cloudy skies. I hear that Handy Andy has been taken over...I am grieving.
-DK
I've never experienced Jewish culture with Jewish people.
I have read a small amount about the "days of Christ" but "inadequate" would still describe my knowledge of His time-period.
Recently, I was given a CD of a message preached by Ray Vander-something (many of you are probably familiar w/ this man who speaks w/a New England accent). The message was entitled "Talmid Discipleship". I'll spare you the details which will take me 10-15 more "listens" of this CD to understand and soak up, but here's the main point:
In my culture (Land of the IPod and Blackberry), we typically refer to discipleship as a focussing on knowing more about Jesus Christ: what He did and why He did...what He said and why He said...etc. However (say "however" like you have a pipe in your teeth and reading glasses sitting on the edge of your nose), during the days of Jesus, discipleship was more clearly defined: Rather than know what the Rabbi knows, they are to BE what the Rabbi IS!
By the age of 12, every Jewish boy was to have the the first 5 books of the Bible completely memorized to a point in which they could refer not only to a verse but the words leading into that verse and the context in which they were being used...they're knowledge of the Scriptures(at the age of 12) surpases anyone that I currently know. If they were deemed "worthy", they spent the next three years learning the rest of the Old Testament (memorizing). Think of a 15 year old you know...do they have the entire Old Testament memorized with a capability of quoting words inside a verse? After turning 15, the boy would then study a Rabbi until he was 30...literally following the Rabbi into the bathroom as to not miss a thing!
History lesson:
When did Christ first take part in the Passover? 12 yrs. old
When did Christ begin his ministry? 30 yrs. old
See any special correlation? Jesus...Rabbi...hmmm...
Now you're in my head...how does the Jewish view of "discipleship" compare to the discipleship you hear preached and taught in your church? I understand the Bible clearly speaks to this: "Go and make disciples of all nations". I also know a disciple isn't just a person who has the Scriptures memorized.
Questions:
- Differentiate between a Christian and Disciple of Christ. Are they different?
- If they are different, is that okay? Why/Why not?
- If being a true disciple of Christ meant you needed to begin memorizing the Scripture, dedicating hours of your day to live and breath the life of Christ...essentially pursuing to mimic the His heart...would you seek discipleship?
I'm noticing that this post is extremely inadequate because it doesn't say all that's in my head, and it leaves unanswered questions. Sorry...I'll try to dump more thoughts as some later day.
Meanwhile...
We leave for Indiana on Tuesday morning...flat land and cloudy skies. I hear that Handy Andy has been taken over...I am grieving.
-DK
Thursday, November 10
We Learn Something New Every Day!
Hayden has been making some pretty remarkable discoveries lately ... things that we take for granted have been discovered ... and cherished by our precious little guy! He has a knack for learning quickly and has put his knowledge to use ... although we put the high locks on the doors months ago because our innovative angel learned how to unlock the doors and let himself, or the puppy out, we're learning that toddlers have a way of making any "child-proofed" thing more like "child proves it's not so child proof!"
- Hayden has learned the most efficient way of removing himself from the confines of his car seat. AAAAHHHH! After some fearful moments of mommy and daddy pulling over and re-fitting the shoulder straps while calmly explaining in toddler terms the need to leave them on, the problem has subsided ... for now! :)
- Hayden has realized that the snacks are on the top shelf of the cupboard ... and has also learned that if he climbs just right, he can reach up and grab some fruit snacks or cheeze-its fast enough to not get caught ... most of the time! He is seriously like a jungle animal when he starts climbing ... so flexible and balanced ... one time he apparently didn't move as quickly as his normal routine and realized that he was a foot off of the ground, and got scared ... mommy came to the rescue and now he asks for a snack instead of venturing up the cabinet on his own!
- Mimicking ... the wonderful art of copying each and every word, phrase, or action that you see! I have two younger brothers who made adolescence much more interesting by putting that art to work, and Hayden has made each and every day a little more exciting by sharing his newest lessons learned with us. He loves to put his stuffed animals through whatever he's done or will do. "MOO" is his stuffed cow that has been his best buddy for months, and "Tiger" has just joined in the group. He tucks them in and says good night ... he puts Moo in his chair at the table for snack ... he lets them sit in his little trucks and he drives them around ... and he even buckles them into the car seat for a ride! The other day when I brought one of Hayden's car seats in to clean it, he decided that Moo and Tiger should go for a ride! :)
Our little guy is definitely all boy, too ... his favorite thing to do involves anything that has to do with wrestling, throwing a ball, or making "vroom and beep-beep" noises as he skates his cars across the couch. A nightly ritual that has developed is Hayden jumping on David's back and getting a lift around the living room - HE LOVES IT!
Hayden's spirit and excitement for each and every new thing he learns is so refreshing, and he is such a little ball of happiness - it's seriously so contagious!
In his book "Dangerous Wonder," the late Mike Yaconelli encourages readers to rediscover the child in them and apply it to their relationship with God ... to take Jesus at His word when He said, "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." I pray that just like our little guy and every child in every place, the Lord renews your excitement, your spirit, your hunger to learn something new every day - He is putting it all before us, we must open our eyes and hearts to take it all in. The business of life makes us tired, both physically and spiritually, but I am thankful for the joy the Lord brings to us and pray that you receive it ... and share it with each and every person that you meet. What an awesome God we have to bless us with little ones to truly teach us more about the most important ways to live and things to know in life!
- Hayden has learned the most efficient way of removing himself from the confines of his car seat. AAAAHHHH! After some fearful moments of mommy and daddy pulling over and re-fitting the shoulder straps while calmly explaining in toddler terms the need to leave them on, the problem has subsided ... for now! :)
- Hayden has realized that the snacks are on the top shelf of the cupboard ... and has also learned that if he climbs just right, he can reach up and grab some fruit snacks or cheeze-its fast enough to not get caught ... most of the time! He is seriously like a jungle animal when he starts climbing ... so flexible and balanced ... one time he apparently didn't move as quickly as his normal routine and realized that he was a foot off of the ground, and got scared ... mommy came to the rescue and now he asks for a snack instead of venturing up the cabinet on his own!
- Mimicking ... the wonderful art of copying each and every word, phrase, or action that you see! I have two younger brothers who made adolescence much more interesting by putting that art to work, and Hayden has made each and every day a little more exciting by sharing his newest lessons learned with us. He loves to put his stuffed animals through whatever he's done or will do. "MOO" is his stuffed cow that has been his best buddy for months, and "Tiger" has just joined in the group. He tucks them in and says good night ... he puts Moo in his chair at the table for snack ... he lets them sit in his little trucks and he drives them around ... and he even buckles them into the car seat for a ride! The other day when I brought one of Hayden's car seats in to clean it, he decided that Moo and Tiger should go for a ride! :)
Our little guy is definitely all boy, too ... his favorite thing to do involves anything that has to do with wrestling, throwing a ball, or making "vroom and beep-beep" noises as he skates his cars across the couch. A nightly ritual that has developed is Hayden jumping on David's back and getting a lift around the living room - HE LOVES IT!
Hayden's spirit and excitement for each and every new thing he learns is so refreshing, and he is such a little ball of happiness - it's seriously so contagious!
In his book "Dangerous Wonder," the late Mike Yaconelli encourages readers to rediscover the child in them and apply it to their relationship with God ... to take Jesus at His word when He said, "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." I pray that just like our little guy and every child in every place, the Lord renews your excitement, your spirit, your hunger to learn something new every day - He is putting it all before us, we must open our eyes and hearts to take it all in. The business of life makes us tired, both physically and spiritually, but I am thankful for the joy the Lord brings to us and pray that you receive it ... and share it with each and every person that you meet. What an awesome God we have to bless us with little ones to truly teach us more about the most important ways to live and things to know in life!
Tuesday, November 8
Redemption
The word "redemption" is usually used in the context of speaking towards the grace we receive through Jesus Christ...however...I'm speaking of an entirely different subject: COLLEGE BASKETBALL. Actually, to be more specific, I'm speaking of the the Kansas University Jayhawks. Some say this is a "rebuilding" year for their men's basketball team...the polls aren't giving us any respect. Last year's season ended when evil won. However, as I titled this post, redemption will make itself known in a mighty way. I have lived in the so-called "Basketball State" of Indiana, however no University in this entire universe can compete with the Jayhawks when it comes to Men's Basketball. Our tradition is richer...our enthusiasm is unmatched...our recruiting is considered the best in the nation. Seriously, our first coach invented the game...what? Some of you are UK fans...IU fans...MSU fans...and sadly enough, I bet there is one or two UNC fans (just the thought makes me sick). I feel sorry for each one of your hearts because you'll never experience the satisfying and fulfilling pride of living life as a devoted fan best NCAA basektball program to be created! Being a part of the most dominant conference in the nation will certainly bring about it's challenges. Teams like UNC, who reside in a weak conference, can never strive to duplicate a positive season because their program cannot retain players...there always something "better" in their minds. When at KU, you are saturated in basketball perfection so there is no reason to rush to a successful NBA career...it will come at it's own time.
Argue whatever you wish...history says you're wrong.
ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK...KU!
*Yes, I know I'm too emotionally involved.
*Yes, I know I'm too emotionally involved.
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