We're A Homeschool Family

Click Here

Providence Is Growing!!

Creathminster Confession of Christmas I (Christmas Origins)

Hoping to establish a more perfect understanding of how we can best celebrate Christmas we find it necessary to give the definitions and origins of this holiday. The word "Christmas" originated as a contraction of "Christ's mass." It is derived from the Middle English Christemasse and Old English Cristes mæsse, a phrase coined around 1038. The root of this word, "Christ", gives us the central theme for which to filter through our celebratory traditions.

As for the origins of Christmas we hold that the happenings found in the chronicled accounts of Matthew and Luke can be, and have been, incorporated into our observances of this event. These accounts give inspired detail into Christ's coming into the world and how this would ultimately lead to Him making atonement for His people. We believe this to be the original foundation and focus for why we, as believing families, observe Christmas.

Historically, Christmas, has been celebrated on the 25th of December. It is said that in part, the Christmas celebration was created by the early Church in order to entice pagan Romans to convert to Christianity without losing their own winter celebrations. It is also said that the most important gods in the religions of Ishtar and Mithra had their birthdays on December 25. Various traditions are considered to have been syncretised from winter festivals including Saturnalia, Natalis Solis Invicti, & Yule. As with any attempt to reform there will be concerns to keeping the traditional dates and details of precedented holidays. However, we hold that the Christian family should remember historically why we celebrate not when we celebrate.

For the Christian all festivities and observances should bring to mind Christ and His glorification. (1 Cor 10:31).

Creathminster Confession of Christmas Introduction (from "Fiddler on the Roof)

For the first post, here is a icebreaking tool to help us in our thinking when it comes to "Tradition". Since the practice of our traditions is the primary way we celebrate Christmas, or any holiday for that matter, we believe it is necessary to reflect on what our current traditions have been and see if they result in the glorification of Christ. We recently watched the famous musical "Fiddler on the Roof" and I got to thinking of how the lyrics and dialogue in this song really mirror our own traditions and customs - some we shrug our shoulders and say like Teyve "how did this tradition get started? I'll tell you. I don't know" - some we recognize have helped "keep our balance for many, many years" - and some we practice but are are superfluous in the subject for which we celebrate and they only end up confusing and distracting us away from central reason for establishing traditions in the first place.

Here are several questions useful to determining our positions on traditions:

1. What purposes do our traditions serve?
2. Do they attract us to, or distract us from the true and central reason for establishing them?
3. If our traditions do not serve the central theme for establishing them in the first place, do we annul or replace them?
4. Do we take joy and find spiritual satisfaction in practicing them?
5. Are others encouraged by our traditions?
6. Could others trace the reason for our tradition back to Christ and His glorification?

Hopefully these questions can at least get the ball rolling when it comes to deciding on what traditions to follow and what traditions to let fall by the way.

The Creathminster Confession of Christmas

Due to the time of year that we are in and due to the misconceptions that many have about Christmas and due to the fact that the Creath's are interested in reforming the meanings, conceptions, and traditions of Christmas we hereby declare that in similar fashion to our count down to Thanksgiving posts, we will be posting our thoughts and reflections on the real and true meaning of Christmas from our perspective. We will include original and non-original ideas of how to celebrate Christmas in such a way that we put "Christ" back into Christmas. This is merely a introductory post and will not be considered Chapter 1 of our Creathminster Confession of Christmas. Chapter 1 will be posted tomorrow and the following chapters will be posted in the ensuing days leading up to the 25th of December (I doubt we will have 33, but you never know!)

Merry Christmas!

Were Having Lots Of Fun In The Snow!!!!

Here is what the Creath's do on Saturdays - we take walks in the snow and take pictures!

The Creath's Campaign Sign

Mike

Elijah Killed How Many People?...

This morning the Creath's read 1 Kings 18. This is the chapter where Elijah comes out of hiding for three years, goes before Ahab and challenges him to a duel where they will see whose God is the real God. Though I have read and heard this story many times I think I was still visualizing this story through the eyes of an illustrated children's book perspective. The children's book I had growing up had all the nice pictures and focused on the events that took place on MT. Carmel (God's power being miraculously poured out before the people of Israel) but didn't have anything to my remembrance on what proceeded afterwards in the Valley of Kishon (God's vengeance and wrath being angrily poured out upon the blasphemous Baalic prophets.) "Then Elijah commanded them, "Seize the prophets of Baal. Don't let anyone get away!" They seized them, and Elijah had them brought down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered there." This is no small execution. This is a slaughter! And who is instigating this? God's prophet Elijah! This is the man who one chapter back is (in my mind anyway) gentle and merciful to the widow and her son when they were under much distress. Now he is heroically slaying the sons of iniquity and in a violent manner taking back the country of Israel for the Lord.

I don't know why the reality of this event hit me like it did but it just made me sit back and say "Wow". The inspiration I took from this passage is that the God we serve is a Mighty Conquering God. I was also reminded that even though there are times that we seem to be in that "three years of drought" it just means that we should be expecting and preparing for the "Mount Carmels" and yes even the "Valley of Kishon" experiences. It is these types of events that should provoke in us a desire to live a life that is being used by God - that way when God decides it is time for a Mount Carmel or Valley of Kishon we can be as Elijah and be right in the midst of it rather than sitting on the sidelines like the rest of Israel.

That Is My Thought of the Day!
John

SNOW????

   I had almost forgotten what the white world of winter in the north looked like. For those of you who don't remember here is a picture. The forecast says 28 degrees, but feels more like 17. Plus there is a steady wind outside. Yeah, SNOW!!!

What not to say to your pregnant wife...

After feeling my stomach this evening, John was commenting on the size of the baby, and the fact that you can feel the width. His comment was something along the lines of "the baby is this big already" (implying that baby has a lot of growing to do before February).  My reaction was that of tightly shut eyes, and a wrinkled nose. John was quick enough to realize his mistake and apologize immediately. We both laughed. I didn't take offense to the comment we just both found it funny.

Schwarzenegger Slip

Last Wednesday Governor Schwarzenegger, in an attempt to argue for his mandated health care plan, said that “health care should be common as car insurance.” Maybe nobody told the Terminator that his state is the second to the worst for percentages of uninsured drivers (Mississippi is the worst). According to the Insurance Research Council (IRC) the estimated percentage of uninsured drivers in California is 25% as of 2004. What is even further hilarious is that the percentage of uninsured drivers is a higher percentage than the purported percentage of California citizens without health insurance! According to the Kaiser Commission and Urban Institute, 19% of Californians don’t have health insurance.

Now, I will admit that there are a large number of different factors between citizens without health care and uninsured drivers. But, anyway you put it Arnie really didn’t help himself with that argument. I am just glad that somebody is looking at the “success” of other implemented mandates and maybe, just maybe they’ll see in the end, to everybody’s surprise (note the sarcasm) J, that they don’t work.

Those are my thoughts for today,


John W. Creath III

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today I am thankful for holidays and what each of the ones we celebrate reminds us of!

Blessings.

Baby Pictures

For those of you who think pregnant ladies are cute. ;) and also for those of you in Georgia who don't believe that I am actually sewing. This is the gown for the baby that I made. These pictures were taken at about 7 months.

Seven Months

Yeah, Seven wonderful month's have passed. Happy Seventh month Anniversary John!

Thankfulness...#12

Hurray, today is our seven month mark! 

In many ways it seems that cannot be possible, our wedding, and the weeks following are still very vivid in my memory. Yet at the same time it feels as thought we have known each other so well before that this is just a continuation of the many years that we knew each other prior to being married! 

John is my best friend, my confidant, my shield and authority, he is my protector, and leader. Yet I know that we have many opportunities to grow, and learn together still. To those of you who have been uplifting our growing family in prayer thank you! Today I am thankful for these past seven months, and for the man that God has given me to spend them with! 

I love you John!

Blessings.

Thankfulness...#11

Today I am thankful for family. Those who God gives to us, to challenge us, help us grow, to encourage us, and to pray for us. Those who God has placed in our lives to be our authority, to lead and guide us. 

I am thankful for each and every family member God has placed in my life. I am also thankful for the work they have done, and continue to do to help shape me into who I am today.

Blessings.

Thankfulness...#10

I was looking around our apartment today, and realized not for the first time how blessed we are. For a newly married couple John and I have been given much! The only pieces of furniture that we purchased would be our bedroom furniture, and our sofa. Everything else furniture wise has been given to us. A lot of couples I know have had to do with out for many years to be as settled as we are now. So today I am thankful for the generosity of those who have given us the things we need furniture or other wise to make our house a home! Thank you!

Thankfulness...#9

These past few months I have been reading a lot, books about pregnancy, parenting, being a wife, birth, breast feeding, and much more. Each of these books that I have been reading has something in common. They are written with a good purpose to teach, and mentor those that are needing this knowledge. The sad realization that has come to me full force, now with being married, approaching the birth of our child, is that these books are meant to replace mothers, grandmothers, and older women who have much to tell us. The women that should be staying home teaching their families, and those in their life, are out living the good life, and leaving a lot of wonderful teaching and fellowship time behind. Reading these books has shown me how much I have to be thankful for! God has placed in my life many "older" women to teach me, and encourage me. So today I am so very thankful to them, for laying aside a part of their lives to teach me.

Mom, Devon, Momma Dar, Mrs Jo Elaine, Kim Evans, Stacy McDonald, Theresa Lansberry, Lanie Barnhart, Jana Peiffer, Jennifer Bateman Juanita Tye. Each of these ladies has a very special place in my heart. They have taken time to welcome me, to teach me, many times even without knowing it, just their example has spoken volumes. There are so many more that come to mind, but listing them would take all day, and a whole lot of space to do so in.

To all ladies in God's earthly kingdom, who have a heart to teach, mentor, and love on us younger women. Thank You! I rise up today and call you blessed, because you have left a legacy to the next generations.

Abba Father,

Thank you for placing in my life women who will teach. Women who will love, and exemplify you. May you bless each one of these ladies in a very special way this day. Also please help us young women to learn well, what it means to be an older women to teach, and pass on your statutes. May you be honored and glorified mightily this day, because you deserve the glory, and this is the day you have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.


Blessings this day to you from God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ!

Thankfulness...#8

Many of you are going to be shocked by this one.

I am thankful for a sewing machine. :O Yeah, Mom, Dev, I am actually sewing and enjoying it! I have been making maternity clothes, baby clothes, costumes for church functions (like reformation day) and in the process, learning, and saving money. Having my own sewing machine and not having to fight for time to use one is a big help. I can sew basically whenever I want! Yeah.

Blessings as you and your family prepare for Thanksgiving.

Thankfulness...#7

Today I am thankful for the change in the seasons. Living in Georgia for somewhere around 12 years has proven to make me more thankful for a real summer, autumn, winter, and spring. The weather here is changing. We have some beautiful trees that have leaves changing, and we have nice cool days, that make you want to sit and read a good book cuddled under a blanket with a nice cup of tea or hot chocolate to drink. I really hope I get to see some snow this winter.

Blessing this day to you and yours.

Thankfulness...#6

Today I am thankful for the way in which God created mankind. The glorious intricacies that He put inside of us. Think of it, the human body is so amazing. The Lord allows women to bare children, men to be the strentgh of their families. We wouldn't be able to do any of this if it weren't for the way that God has made us. I am also thankful that God has given the body the ability to heal itself, and that he gave us the very food that we need to live and to stay healthy. Genesis 1:29.

Blessings as you remember all God has given you to be thankful for!

Thankfulness...#5

Today I am thankful for a church that sees the benefits of discipleship.

We were told at church today about a very dear and wonderful family that is feeling called to move. For a job, and to be of service to a different church in the denomination. This family is very special to us, while in the process of settling into the new life here, they welcomed us, and gave us a feeling of belonging. As did many other families in our church. This family is very near and dear to our hearts! A family that knows the meaning of disciple making, and the blessing that it brings to others. We will dearly miss you. Even as we rejoice with you in this new calling.

Blessings on this Lord's day.

Thankfulness...#4

I am thankful this day for friends, for the blessing of having old and new friends. People who will make you laugh, who will cry with you, and who will remind you each day of the many blessing that God gives us.

Last night John and I went to the Lansberry's house, we were joining a celebration they call "The Night of the Burning Plum". The purpose of which is to celebrate friendship, and the joy that friendship brings to us. It was night of great food, great fellowship, and wonderful stories about why the plum keeps burning. Last night was a huge sucsess in the minds of the Creath family.


Blessings to you.

Thankfulness...#3

Thankfulness today seems a little harder to come by, maybe because I have not been putting into practice this task of finding at least one thing to be greatful for each day, perhaps it is because today is house cleaning day. But I know that I need to be thankful! God has blessed us with so much.

Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

It is amazing that when we look to scripture we find our strength return, and our desire to be thankful, and productive is supplied according to the riches that God gives us.

Today I am thankful for the Word of God. (John 1:1) that lives and breathes. That strengthen us, that gives us joy, brings light and hope to a dark world.

Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Thankfulness...#2

Hmm, today I am thankful for each morning that I am able to wake up with my beloved husband next to me. As I say this I pray that I may never become ungrateful for the precious gift that God gave me in John. I am thankful for a man that makes me laugh, holds me when I cry, loves me in spite of me, but most importantly of all a man that seeks to lead his family in God's will, law, and love.
What a precious gift God gives to us that our wives. To those that do not yet have that joy, what a precious gift it is to be able to wait, and give your purest love to one man. I encourage you all to stand fast, hold and guard that love, because it is a treasure that you can only give in full once.

A reminder to be thankful...

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Its very hard to believe that this year has passed by so quickly. I was reading the blog of some friends up here, one of the women who posts on this blog has decided to post each day a reason that she is thankful. It is such a good reminder to me to not let being tired, low iron levels, and grocery shopping keep me from being joyful.

I began to think after reading this blog, Why is it that Christians really only show the thankfulness they have in there hearts once a year usually around the table with friends and family? Are we truly letting our joy and thankfulness shine through in our lives only once a year?

Today I sit and think over this past year. In 2007 I have become married, moved from my home state, become a Mother.

So today I am thankful for the One True God, who is merciful, just, loving and sovereign over all things. The One who puts people in our lives to challenge us, help us grow and remember to be thankful.

So now it is your turn, I would love to see your thankfulness posted in comments.

Reformation Day Faire

Here are just a few pictures from the faire Saturday. Hope you enjoy. The event was a great sucsess, and we hope to make this a yearly event.

W. Creath.

Banquet Dinner

This photo was taken last night. We went to the the Peoria Rescue Ministries 52nd Annual Stewardship Celebration. The guest speaker was Kerby Anderson. (The tall guy in the picture.) Kerby Anderson is the National director of Probe Ministries International. We heard several testimonies from people who have been helped by the ministries.

After the dinner, we went and talked with two of the families that we go to church with, the father of these families also work with John. It was a wonderful time of being able to fellowship, and just enjoy the company of believers. It was a time for John to learn more about the work that he is doing, and the history of Samaritan Ministries. It was a time for me to be able to get to know a few more of the people that I haven't had very much time to talk with.

Upcoming events, and family news...

Family news...

Well, there isn't a whole lot to report on this front. Besides skirts that are getting to tight and shirts that are getting stretched out a little. Baby Creath is growing and doing well. The last midwife appointment went very well, and so far everything has been going great. We are currently 23 weeks along. Just a little over halfway. Already I am trying to figure out where time has gone, before we know it little John or Charlotte will be here making the pressence of the newest Creath well known. Not that he or she hasn't been already. I usually feel the baby moving the most around 10:00 or 11:00 PM. I also sometimes feel it in the morning as I am waking up. I think right now that is one of my favorite times of the day. Cuddling with my husband and feeling this new little life inside of me growing and moving. John's work is going well. In fact I am sitting right next to him as I type this. Our internet has been kinda on and off of late so I am using the laptop at SMI.

We are trying to get ready for winter, the weather up here is just cool enough to let us know that winter is coming, but warm enough that it makes one want to be outside as much as possible. I have missed this time, the definite change of seasons. Leaves that turn an amazing varity of color, and the breeze. It one of those things that you only understand if you have spent time living elsewhere, before living in Georgia.

Upcoming Events

The next big event that the Creath family is looking forward to is the Reformation Day Faire. Don't worry we will post pictures after the event. The Faire is October 27th. A little under two weeks away. I have been busily sewing costumes and helping those from the church that are planning the event. It is basically a time to learn more about the reformation, to fellowship, and to get to dress up. We will be having a Towne Market, a tournament, and a authentic German feast. We may even get to meet Martin Luther. ;) Well, I think that pretty much updates you all on the life of the Creath family now.

Many Blessings, and may Gods' peace be given to you.

The Nina, Tower, and playground.

The following pictures are from the weekend of October 6-7. Some friends from Georgia came up to visit, on Saturday we went down to the riverfront and went aboard the Nina (a replica of the smallest ship in Christopher Columbus's sailing fleet, also his favorite of all the ships.) After which we went to what we call the tower. An old water tower that has several levels on the top from which you can look out over the Illinois river and the surrounding area. At the bottom of the tower they have a playground, and they also have benches so we played, and rested while chatting.

Our Pastor's wife has been working on this book for a few years, and has just sent in the final copy. Yahoo! We have all been praying for her and her family as they have been having to add this book in to an already busy schedule. Take a look hope you enjoy it.

http://yoursacredcalling.blogspot.com/2007/09/vocation-of-victory.html

Whitney

The Creath Family on Saturday Night

So you may be thinking, "What does the Creath family do on the weekend to keep from becoming sticks in the mudd?"

This picture might give you a small idea. :) While John was being creative I sat in the recliner drinking a cup of tea.

Visit home...

We are home (GA). The first visit since we were married.

John and I have been enjoying our time with family, and very close friends. Staying up way to late, and filling every moment that we have here with great joy, and blessing.

We arrived Thursday, Friday we went swimming with our brothers, and sisters, I officially recieved my first sunburn of the year. Really sad for a Georgia girl that used to swim all the time. Today (Saturday Sept 1st) we are celebrating John's birthday. Started the morning with chocolate chip pancakes, bacon, eggs, and orange juice. Now we are all just kinda of doing our own thing for a while. I am unsure how we will fill the rest of the morning and afternoon, I do know that ice cream cake, and presents will fill the evening.

Happy birthday John.

For those that keep up with politics...

valuesvoterdebate.com

Check this out and keep tabs on it! Pass the word around! Oh, and pencil in Sept 17th, 2007.

The good life.

Blest beyond measure is the only way to describe how the Creath family is doing! We are happy, healthy, and continue to see God's blessings poured upon our life.

Last night we eat supper with two of the families from church, after which the men went outdoors for some actvitity, the children shot bows and arrows, and the Mother's sat and talked while keeping an eye on the little ones. We also sang and played instruments. How blessed our time was sharing with these families. I believe it makes us even more ready to visit good old GA. Many of the families here in small ways remind us a lot of home.

Well, that is all I have to share at this point. All our love and prayers.

The Creath Family.

First time Mother

Okay I know this is very much something a first time Mom would do, but I fit the profile so I thought I would share this with you!
We now have a bassinet for the newest member of the Creath family. Hurray! All it needs is a little cleaning, and a gender neutral bassinet skirt, and we will have a bed for the baby. It was so much fun, finally buying something for the baby.

Trick Question...

What is maximum number of years a single person can be President? Winner gets an iWish from the iGenie.

A. Four Years
B. Eight Years
C. Eight and a Half Years
D. Ten Years

Happenings in the Creath family

Not a whole lot to update you on this week. Just a lot more of God's blessings being poured out beyond measure.

Whitney and the Baby are doing well, after a time of being ill. Yet there again God showed his grace. The baby is fine and Momma is doing much better, and Papa, well lets just say he treated us like the royals! I couldn't ask for a more loving considerate, and caring husband!!!!!!!!

John's work is still going well. A bit slow, but the baby and I aren't complaining about that. It makes Papa much more ready to be home. Please keep Samaritian Minisities in your prayers, while things may seem slow in some areas, there are still battles being fought to keep this ministry going, and all the prayers and support the ministry can have will help.

As for John and I we are so happy, and must keep stating to one another how blessed we are! I believe that when people say "Happily Ever After" at the end of stories they will never be able to fully understand it's meaning until they have a marriage blessed by God.

Well, I believe that is about it for this time. Blessings to you all, and may God's grace and favor shine upon you!

Psalm 37:4
Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Little, big, blessing

Sorry this is to fix a typing error that I just figured out.

Our little one is due Feb. 2008 not 2007. That is what happens when one must write this years date to often.

Pictures...

These pictures are from before the wedding but I thought you all might enjoy them. We really haven't taken any pictures up here, but when we do you will get to see them.

Walking...

Well, living in an apartment has proven that at times the walls do seem to close in.
John and I have found that walking is something we enjoy on those days. There is a trail not far from the apartments. It is call the "Rock Island Trail." I have heard that in total it is about 26 miles. However John and I have not tried to see if that statment is true.
One side of the trail has gravel and is almost completely covered with greenery overhead, it is also almost completely straight. The other side which John and I prefer is also almost completely covered in greenery overhead, only this side has more twists and turns is less used. Oh, how can I forget it has a really neat tunnel also. On the most recent walk that we took, we saw a beaver dam, and a deer that was about 10 feet of the trail. After John and I spotted it we stopped and it started to eat and stayed fairly close for about five minutes. I believe that we have pegged this spot as our country home away from home.

Life is still going wonderful! We are truly living the abundant life that Pastor Paul spoke of at the wedding! The baby and I are doing well. I have been experiencing a small amount of morning sickness, but not nearly as bad as I expected it would be. John's work is still going well, even as things haven't been as busy, John has been seeking to use the time wisely studying, and learning more of Samaritian Ministries, and it's workings.

I want to take this oppertunity to thank all of you who have been praying for us! God is using this time away from Georgia to grow our marriage, and to help us "leave and cleave". It may not be the path we had invisioned yet I find that God's path holds much more blessing and joy than we could ever have dreamed. So thank you! You are a blessing and a wonderful part of our lives, even though there are many miles between us.

God Bless!

Whitney and John Creath

Wedding pictures

Okay the public has demand wedding pictures here you go.

Wedding Rehearsal Pictures

Here are just a few pictures from the wedding rehearsal.

The Little Big Blessing from God

Well, I know how quickly news travels in Georiga, but for those of you who don't know. The Creath family is expecting. The blessing will arrive sometime around February 7, 2007.

Creath Wedding Pics Up

__The younger Creath's were married on April 21, 2007. Here are some of the pictures from the wedding. Enjoy and thank you to those that took these pictures.

John & Whitney Creath