THE MYSTERIOUS MISSING PICTURE!

Now that I already revealed the secret of the "knitted project" featured a few posts ago, here's the accidentally deleted picture! Sorry, I hope you like these unusual knitted fingerless gloves! They remind me of something from another era--like you'd see in medieval times or something. I really am enjoying them and know I will want to make more. They are handy because your fingers are free unlike traditional gloves, yet your hands stay warm.

MORE ON NOBILITY

As I wrote on the last few posts, I have really been pondering "nobility" for a number of reasons. With all the family history searching that's been going on, the thoughts about nobility increased. When Rhiannon began making connections clear back to 1221 (assuming the research is correct) we began to learn of legends surrounding some ancient members of the family. These stories involved famous battles, kings, and crusades! While no one can positively confirm these things, they made for alot of interesting study. While it appears that none of the family we have yet traced was actual royalty, it is quite possible that some of them received their lands and occupations from grants given in return for favors to kings. I did some studying this week and learned so much about the old systems of feudalism in England and Europe. It appears that this is very accurate about the way you received land and appointments.

In my studies I read alot about the Crusades and the rise of "knights" and chivalry. It was very interesting, but one of the most interesting things to me was the fact that young boys who might become knights were first expected to serve. One book indicated that they were expected to serve in all manner of ways to learn many skills and "earn" the knowledge and right to rise to another level of greater service and rank. With more rank came more honor. It reminded me of Jesus words that he who would be great must first be a servant. (Matthew 20:26)

So, I think another quality of "nobility" is servanthood. You rise to ranks of honor and privilege by first serving. You do not expect things to be handed to you on a silver platter. Isn't that a bit of what was being lived out in the Bereans of Acts? Instead of just taking the words given to them, they studied to be sure they contained truth. Paul was not the least bit offended by them taking the time to check his message. Apparently even in their diligence, they had a willing and open mind that longed to receive the gospel. Being teachable is a wonderful quality to adopt. As a teacher (I have taught in Sunday school in many capacities) it is always nice to deal with teachable people. Maybe "nobility" is connected to servanthood, teachability, and diligence as in the Berean's search of scripture). Just some thoughts. Blessings, LORI