Burnett Family

Dad wrote the following newsletter to send out as our annual Christmas update. Hope you enjoy! The family picture is at the end. :)

“And It Came To Pass…”

And it came to pass…no I am not talking about how OSU’s passing game defeated OU in football this year; but rather the common phrase used 457 times in the KJV Bible to indicate the passage of time. Sounds pretty simple, but the events that follow this phrase can be very significant. A few Old Testament examples are, Noah and the flood, David and Goliath, Esther, Jonah, Nehemiah rebuilding the wall in Jerusalem, and there are multiple instances in the New Testament.

One of the most significant events following the words, “And it came to pass,” is found in Luke 2 documenting Jesus’ miraculous birth. Paul states it this way, “…when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son…” (Galatians 4:4). You see, in the Bible, “And it came to pass” is not just a phrase to tell a story, it is a recounting of historical facts. One fact being that, “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). And that is the whole reason we celebrate His Holy Birth—Christmas.

“And it came to pass” in the Burnett household this year:

What a year! Those who keep up with us at 10burnetts.com, probably know most of this, but you might be surprised at a new detail or two. Some of the regular annual events (Big Sandy, Backyard Bible Club, and family camping), although still favorites, are taking a back seat to new adventures in this report. Briefly:

Big Sandy – homeschooling can’t be beat.

Bible Club – creation vs. evolution and the reliability of the Bible were exciting and needed truths to teach!

Family Camping – the tent ended up wrapped around a tree; definitely memorable.

One of the new biggies for the family was the opportunity to coordinate a retreat called Journey Reunion in Michigan. It is a delight to see God work in each of our children’s lives and humbly watch the journey He has our family on at this season of life.

Cheryl: A woman of few words, “I lost a bunch of weight this year…self-control.” She looks good! Of course she always looks gooooood to me. I know she looks thirty, but we celebrated thirty years of marriage this year, so she must be a little older than that. Each year I marvel at God’s gift of the wife of my youth. I am glad this “it came to pass” is still in the works.

John-Clay (25): This year has been full of many new first experiences for John-Clay. Some were enjoyable, and some were more difficult, but John-Clay said, “All have been used by God to grow my dependence on Him.” John-Clay preached his first sermon at our local fellowship, “Beware of the Choir.” I am looking forward to the next one. A lot of John-Clay’s year was spent traveling across the country working on the recently released documentary Captivated a film that brings Biblical insight to the concerns we are facing with the overuse of media in our lives. You can find more info at: www.captivatedthemovie.com. Coordinating the Journey Reunion was a first for the family and John-Clay’s perspective, insight, and leadership were a blessing. I am glad he accompanied several of his sisters to North Carolina for the Wilds music conference. He says, “We prayed our way through a terrible winter storm on our way home.” I have enjoyed seeing John-Clay seek God on many different levels from relationships, to theology, to politics.

Hannah (23): It seems she always has a fresh word from the Lord in her life. It is good to hear how she is loving Jesus. While she did not travel out of the country this year, she went on 8 out-of-state trips…from North Carolina to California to the U.P. of Michigan to Houston, TX! She worked with COMMIT again this spring/summer – a ministry that disciples 12-15 year old girls. Hannah was the primary family member coordinating the Journey Reunion from the ground up. Her assessment: “It was a challenging, fun, learning experience, and an incredible blessing to see GOD orchestrate! I would love to do it all over again.” Hannah continues to teach music lessons and tackle more landscaping and gardening ventures. This fall she served part time as the communications coordinator for In the Gap – an organization that teaches character lessons in elementary schools and leads after-school Bible clubs.

Caleb (21): Another person pretty pumped about the Journey Reunion, he was willing to take off over a week without pay to make the trip with the family. Although none of his Journey friends were there, new friends were made, and he was greatly encouraged spiritually. Caleb also helped in a Children’s Institute and accompanied his sisters on their trip to Nashville, Tennessee. Working behind the scenes with craft preparations and skits, I was glad the girls had a protector along for the travel. The first part of the year, Caleb was grateful to work with the Morrises in their construction business. He currently works at Kimray, an oil and gas valve manufacturer (and business where Character First began) in Oklahoma City in their construction department.

Abbie (19): Not to be “out tripped” by her sister, Abbie took 9 out of state trips (TX-3, MI, IN, NC, CA, TN, MO), a highlight of which was the opportunity to witness to people on the plane. She has been doing some regular baby sitting for family friends which is a good fit with her love for children. So, you will also not be surprised to hear she helped with three Children’s Institutes. Her words: “Very fun, but stretching.” Abbie loves baking new things; problem is I (Dad) love eating them; little self-control, so I am not losing weight. God impressed Abbie to seek to be a giver this year. She has had the joy of giving away more than she ever has before, only to find that God gave the most and has allowed her to earn and receive more than she has ever before. God’s ways are right and His promises are true.

Charity (17): In January, a car load of Burnett children went to the Wilds (Christian Camp in NC) Music Conference. Solid Bible study, sincere worship, godly instruction, and extreme fun were reported of the experience. She enjoyed sharing this road trip and new adventure with siblings. This summer Charity accompanied Mom and some sisters to Indianapolis (ATI Regional Conference) which allowed her to see some of her special Journey to the Heart friends. Family Camp (different than Big Sandy or our family camping) has been a longing for several Burnetts. Charity and Abbie got to attend with another family. I think I have a couple of girls hooked on rappelling. She is almost done with school, likes driving, got her braces off, but did not enjoy having her wisdom teeth extracted. God placed Charity in the middle of our children. I like seeing her be not lost in the crowd, but express herself with confidence, have fun, and personally enjoy learning the ways of the Lord.

Maggie (15): Another new experience this year was an event called UQ—Ultimate Quest. A ministry of Institute In Basic Life Principles Australia, the goal is to help young people see life from God’s point of view and make wise decisions. Maggie said, “UQ helped me evaluate my life to see if I was living ‘all-out’ for Christ and what decisions would help me to honor Him in later years.” She credits the Journey Reunion experience with helping her relationship with Christ get back where it needed to be. I would have to say I have noticed her being more serious minded about relationships and the Lord. Her comment: “God has been showing me that having an intimate relationship with Him is the most important thing in my life.” One of our goals for our daughters has been that they might be a help to moms with lots of small children. Maggie was one of the girls who got to go with Courtney Mount and her daughters to Branson, Missouri and Silver Dollar City on a fun trip. She really enjoyed getting to help Mrs. Mount…and ride the roller coasters. Maggie wants you to know she is getting taller.

Carinna (15): Although the youngest, she is the tallest of all my girls. She would say ditto to the Branson trip with the Mounts and the roller coaster fun. She likes playing volleyball, wood carving, anything outside (like hunting-killed an 8 point buck), working with Calli (our dog), sewing, playing violin and piano, painting, helping work cows, riding horses and drawing. She has focused her drawing this year on portraits and is very good at them. Carinna is detail oriented, likes to rise early, and likes to follow a plan. When it came to the Journey Reunion, Carinna loved the family time traveling. We stopped by the Burns’, Dorninks’, and IBLP headquarters in Chicago along our 2500 mile trip to the Northwood Conference Center in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. “God really drew me closer; taught me I can have a real personal relationship with Him. UQ was a learning time too.

Benjamin (11): With the older boys out of the house for extended periods of time, Benjamin and I decided we needed to get some guy time together. We enjoyed a special campout and canoe float trip down the Buffalo River in Arkansas. It was part of the Alert Cadet program so we had lots of teaching and bonding time together too. Benjamin also accompanied me to a Character First training in Mountain Home, Arkansas. His boyhood ways are encouraged by his Granddad who gave him his first hatchet and a Boy Scout handbook. Benjamin and some of the girls also rode with Granny and Granddad in a Model T in the Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Christmas Parade. At the Journey Reunion, Benjamin found another favorite preacher, Eric Ludy, a powerful preacher, who passionately communicates the set-apart Christian life. “He revved my engine for God.”

The most significant, “And it came to pass” is found in Luke 24 when, three days after Jesus died on the cross for our sins, some of His disciples arrived at His tomb only to find the stone rolled away and His body gone.

“And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: and as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again” (Luke 24:4-7).

Jesus came as a baby, lived a perfect life, was crucified for our sins, but rose victorious from the grave. Jesus, the Son of God, is now ascended to heaven, seated at the right hand of God the Father, and ever lives to pray for the saved (Hebrews 7:25).

One day it will be written of each of us, “And it came to pass…”

What about you? Will you pass from this life to an eternity separated from God’s love in a place called Hell, or will you place your faith and trust in Jesus, the Son of God, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas and pass from this life to spend eternity with Him in Heaven?

The Burnetts

Christmas 2011

 
Photo courtesy of Chad Paine

-Celebrate the Holy Child Jesus-

They weren’t politically correct. The things they were saying, well, it got them thrown into jail. Not because it was wrong, in fact, the authorities could not deny the truth of the claims, they just didn’t want these guys’ religious perspective to spread to the populous. So, the authorities tried to silence them. Typically their interrogations, commands, and threats worked. Given the political climate, religious oppression and ruling administration, their threats would intimidate many today. Rather than cower to the opposition, they became bolder. Who are these politically incorrect people? I am not talking about the Tea Party movement, but Peter and John in the Bible.

What does all this have to do with Christmas, the day we celebrate the birth of the holy child Jesus? Read Acts 4. When Peter and John had opportunity to report the persecution they received, it was concluded that all these threats, accusations, and imprisonment were because the whole city—religious leaders, political leaders, Gentiles, even the people of Israel were gathered against the Holy Child Jesus (v.27).

Once released from prison and united with other believers, this was their prayer: “Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.” (vs. 29-30) There it is again.

Pretty amazing this Holy Child Jesus is still stirring up political incorrectness even today.

Federal Reserve regulators came to the small town of Perkins, Oklahoma to do a routine inspection on the Payne County Bank. They focused in on the Christmas decorations adorning the facility, and ruled some of the decorations inappropriate and told the bank officials to remove the religious references from their business.

Last week the scrolling marquee lights at our hometown bank in Stratford boldly read, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) We haven’t heard from the Feds…yet.

Amidst the other updates on each child, I have challenged my children to think of a time this past year when they have had the opportunity to stand or speak boldly the name of the Holy Child Jesus.

John-Clay (24): This young man has risen to new heights of leadership and responsibility. The opportunity to boldly proclaim Jesus happens often as he seeks to communicate Truth with excellence in the film and design industry. He had the opportunity to work on several film projects most notably Ace Wonder. Keep up with all his projects at blog.reelcastproductions.com. He bought a car (thanks to his Granddad’s wheeling dealing expertise). He attended the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival for the fifth time! A new stretch on his endurance and scope of video application has been to produce DVDs for little league football this fall.

Hannah (22): Who would have thought I would have a daughter travel to Singapore/Malaysia? Think of the boldness required to share the life of Christ in Muslim nations! This was the climax to helping lead four other COMMIT Conferences across the US (TX, IN, TN, CA). The commitments to Jesus that this daughter has made are influencing young girls all around the world. We let one of our gardens have a seventh year rest this year; the other garden will rest in 2011. Hannah continues to help with Benjamin’s schooling and is teaching music lessons to 5 siblings as well as to a child outside our home.

Caleb (20): Work, work, work. When Caleb’s heart is in a task, he is a hard worker. Working in the construction industry brings a variety of coworkers, many who do not know Jesus and struggle with language, attitudes, and work ethic. It takes boldness to be a consistent example of Jesus and look for divine appointments to speak His name. Caleb bought a car (wisely a gas saver as work may take him 2 or 3 hours away). He experienced Journey to the Heart, the intense discipleship opportunity J-C and Hannah participated in last year. He was pretty excited to invest in a pistol this year. He has harvested two deer.

Abbie (18): Last year due to the effects of Mono and CFS, we hauled Abbie around in a wheel barrow as the family caroled around the neighborhood. Abbie has had the boldness to believe the truth that Jesus is able to heal, loves her, and has a plan for her life. This year she made all 20 caroling stops with strength to spare. She is baking cinnamon rolls (she loves to bake) and selling them on a street corner in Stratford. She bought a hunting license and has been pond jumping to harvest duck and geese. She also participated in the wonderful experience of a Journey to the Heart. Boldness: on the plane ride home she asked a lady about her relationship with God. After logging 20 driving segments, she is ready to take the test for her driver’s license.

Charity (16): With Hannah being gone a lot and Abbie struggling with her health, this daughter has bloomed into quite a responsible “go to” person for Mom. She continues to help grade school, cook, and pick up the slack, especially if it is to accompany mom shopping. She is another one that experienced the blessing of Journey to the Heart (learn more at www.ati.iblp.org/ati/students/opportunities/journeytotheheart ). Charity and Cheryl attended a photography course where the instructor was impressed with Charity’s natural eye, especially for angles. She has purchased a nice camera. Charity has been studying drivers ed, and is looking forward to getting her permit at the end of the year. She has had the opportunity to exercise boldness as she emails friends and encourages them in their walk with the Lord.

Twins (14): The twins are developing and changing into such beautiful young ladies; they are not just the “little girls” any more. So goes life, and we would not have it any other way. Maggie: No longer the shortest female in the family, she has surpassed her mother in height. Maggie has long desired to learn how to play the mandolin and has a borrowed one now in her possession. Another girl that has purchased a camera, she actually had the opportunity to take family pictures for some friends. While helping with a conference, Maggie got to counsel and pray with a little girl who received Jesus as Savior! Maggie has also been helping an elderly neighbor lady with household chores-vacuuming, shampooing her dog, dusting. Carinna: Another camera buff, but it seems more than taking pictures, she enjoys drawing/painting pictures. Carinna’s diligence during Grandma’s art lessons resulted in a 3^rd place ribbon for a pencil drawing in the open Fine Arts Division and “Best of Show” for an oil painting in the Junior Division at the Oklahoma State Fair. Carinna harvested a deer this year and made some sweet and sour, lime-flavored jerky. Maybe Carinna’s boldness for Jesus is evident that she is the lead soprano when our family sings together (boldly singing praises to God got a couple of disciples out of prison and opened the door for the salvation of a whole family, Acts 16).

Benjamin (10): All Boy. He bumps me, hits me, wrestles me, pushes, picks on his older brothers and too often, his sisters. Whatever sport is in season, he is playing around the house (football, baseball, basketball…). School is a major occupation of his time and we are working on staying focused. He enjoys piano lessons and history the most. A special treat was to go on a hunting trip with his Granddad to western Oklahoma. We slept and cooked in the big truck pop-up camper Granddad built, walked a lot of fields and actually harvested a few quail. Boldness: Benjamin has been sharing the Gospel with neighbor friends he has made this year. Here is a sign of maturity, he started a savings account.

Cheryl: Her words, “I’m still going strong.” She had a couple of opportunities to spend time with her sisters and mom which is a special treat each year. I know she doesn’t enjoy putting up with my delayed honey-do projects, but she is good not to complain. Cheryl put the girls on a clothes budget. I think it is just an excuse to train them in shopping…for bargains…of course, there’s no better teacher. We attended a marriage conference again this year. Every time I do, I realize what a wonderful woman God gave to me. She likes being home—not traveling back and forth to OKC or keeping a second household.

Johnny: Wow! Writing and reading the above, I am a blessed man. The finances at work have made for some challenges and changes but I am still privileged to serve at Character First. I have really enjoyed getting to preach/teach at our fellowship in Stratford every so often. I have been on a series related to the Armor of God (Ephesians 6).

Family: The Lord has led our family to reach out to our community, Stratford (we are working on the boldly part). As a result, we are no longer worshiping at WHC in Oklahoma City but are gathering with several families at the local Senior Citizens Center on Sundays. Miracle of miracles, the Burnetts got a dog, a border collie/blue heeler mix, named Calli. We were blessed the honey bees produced 23 gallons of extra honey. That is enough to meet our needs, share some with others, and sell a little. We even won a second place ribbon for our comb honey at the State Fair. The Peach Festival, camping, Big Sandy ATI conference, and having family friends (Bontragers, Fortunes, Drakes, Henlines, Jones, Cabreras) visit us are some of the other highlights of the year.

By the way, you can keep up with us at the family blog: www.10burnetts.com .

Christmas (and really all of life) is about this Holy Child Jesus. I know if you Greek scholars look up the word for child in Acts 4, it could mean son or servant, Jesus was both of these too, but the King James Version uses the word Child. Jesus did not stay a child, He did stay holy and He did stay a servant. He gave Himself for your salvation. If you are a Christian, talk about Him boldly. It does not matter who, or if the whole world is against the Holy Child Jesus. If you are not a Christian, verse 12 says, “…there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”

Merry Christmas

Johnny Burnett Family