I found this on the internet and I thought it was kind of interesting....seeing that we have been singing this song every year for many years as a part of our Christmas tradition. It's about the song "a partridge in a pear tree."

From 1558 until 1829 CE, Roman Catholics in England were not allowed to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning; the surface meaning, plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church.


Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality, which the children could remember.


a.. The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.


b.. Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.


c.. Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.


d.. The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.


e.. The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.


f.. The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.


g.. Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.


h.. The eight maids a milking were the eight beatitudes.


i.. Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Ghost: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control.


j.. The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.


k.. Eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.


l.. Twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.


So there is your history lesson for today. I found this interesting and now I know how this "very strange" song became a xmas carol.

I'm just getting back into the swing of things again since our trip to Disney. We were so glad to be back home. Jayden and Brooklyn were both sick our last day in Disney so the trip home was hard. Although, there were a few highlights and enjoyable moments, they were unfortunately over shadowed by the painful moments. As much as we tried to have a good time, it was really difficult. This whole new world we're walking into is extremely painful and we saw that first hand. As much as you try to prepare yourself, it was almost impossible to brace yourself for what we would see. I saw pain in so many eyes. I thought my heart couldn't break any more, but it did. What does God do with broken hearts? I don't know for sure what the answer is. But it's a question I'm beginning to ask again and again. He seems to be breaking our hearts on a regular basis. One highlight though was meeting a wonderful Christian Mom who was full of life. Her daughter has San Filippo and is now 12 years old. So she's been on this journey for a while. She has an inspiring story and her heart for her daughter and for God was nothing short of amazing. She was excited to introduce us to her daughter Julia and told us what a gift she is to their family. We saw God, in that moment. He continues to remind us to look for Him in uncommon places. He reminds me of where He was born, in an uncommon place and laid in an uncommon bed. I don't want to miss those uncommon moments because they're priceless.

Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This verse has completely gripped my heart recently. As I learn to dwell in His shelter, He comes and draws me to Himself and infuses His peace into my brokenness.

Well, we leave for Disney on Tuesday. So I think we're all ready for a time away. Our Christmas shopping is done and wrapping is done. Yeah!! Pray for our family as we travel and as we enjoy our little ones in the "happiest place on earth". (So I'm told) I'm not so sure, that might be heaven for us.

I'm not sure how we'll be able to take in all of the information. We know that God has been preparing us for this trip. He knows whats best for us. We just continue to trust in His power and strength. But pray for Stef as she'll be the one with the notebook and pen in hand. God bless her for wanting to learn all she can about this disease. I believe that it will be good for all of us. But we do covet your prayers.

We experienced a wonderful prayer time at Justin and Stefanie's home a few weeks ago. The body of Christ in motion using their gifts to minister to our family and especially to Justin and Stefanie. We were very touched by the love of God's people. It seems that God continually amazes us at His provisions on a daily basis. Someone or something seems to fall into place to speak into our brokenness. We are humbled. I'm continually reminded of God's love and mercy.

I just heard it said that God gives where He finds empty hands. I pray that my hands remain empty for Him to fill. As I was reading in Psalm 16 ~ I love verse 11 ~ In His presence is fullness of Joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. As we begin our Christmas season, I give Him my empty hands and desire His presence more than presents. Although I love presents and gift giving, maybe this year I will concentrate more on His presence.

Psalm 16:5-8 Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance. I will bless the Lord who guides me, even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.