I don't like change. Snuggling deep into my comfort zone, I like to know the what, when and how the future will unfold. Change makes me nervous. Powerless. Not in control. Even the sense of fear creeps in when something new comes or circumstances adjust my well ordered plans. Sigh. I have faced this issue before as you can read in this post. Yet life is change. So is Advent. I wrestle with the question that lingers this time of year: How will my heart be transformed by Advent? I should be writing words about trust, faith, and God is in control, but I want to be honest. Mixing things up, finding new ways, trying different perspectives is all difficult. This morning I played around with different words describing change that may soften my opposition. I know just a silly mind game, but one I am hoping will help. Adapt Alter Correct (YIKES!) Evolve Transform Turn Veer (off track most likely crashing into the unknown) Revamp Shift Then I found … [Read more...]
Advent Calendar Ideas Round Up
I realized this year my grandkids didn't have an advent calendar. I grew up with the traditional paper one and when my kids were younger we hung the same handmade felt calendar up on the wall for many years. I think I was the one who made that well loved calendar from a kit back in my more crafty days. Advent calendars originated in the 19th century in Germany and are used by many families to count and enjoy the days and delight in the anticipation of the birth of the Christ Child. Each day you open one of 24 doors to reveal a Bible verse and/or small treat. The first known Advent Calendar dates back to 1851. Another tradition in Germany was to paint chalk strokes on the door, one per day until Christmas Eve. The first printed Advent Calendar, although without windows to open, published in 1908. Interest in Advent calendars faded during World War II until President Dwight D. Eisenhower appeared in a photograph opening one with his grandchildren. Money … [Read more...]
Wake Up, My Child- Lectio Divina
"Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believes; the night is far gone, the day is near." Romans 13: 11-12 a"Therefore you must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour."Matthew 24: 44Lord, I love the twilight when you first arouse me from slumber.I sense your presence sitting by my bed, gently awakening me for the day ahead."Wake up, my child." I smile. You smile. Time to get ready.The night is gone and the day is near.I don't know what this day will hold, Lord.Maybe I will get done all I have planned.Perhaps you will bring interruptions of more importance into my path.God surprises may take me into unplanned twists and turns. I don't know, but you do, Lord.Lord. You contain all time. You hold the future with one hand and embrace us with the other.When will you come back for us, Lord?Will I be ready?"Wake up my child."You tell me it's time to wake up. Get … [Read more...]
Advent Prayer – Quote of the Week – Henri Nouwen
Advent Prayer. How will Advent shape your prayers this year? Will you pray about the light of Advent? Hope? The anticipation of the new birth in your Advent prayer? Will all the busy preparations come from a place of chaos and pressure or from a place of Advent prayer? Who is your heart focused on this season? The news? The weather? Or the presence of Jesus? I found peace and stillness in praying the following Advent prayer each day during this time of year. May it bless your season also. Lord Jesus,Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we … [Read more...]
Happy Thanksgiving!!
For those in the United States, Happy Thanksgiving.For my friends living elsewhere and my friends in this country, each day can be a day full of thanks when we pay attention to all the gifts from God.Everything is a gift.Friday is traditionally called "Black Friday" and consumerism conquers character in the mad rush to buy, buy and buy.I saw this article at the Huffington Post and think it is a great idea for all of us this time of year:Thanksgiveaway:Jon Sweeney writes:"Thanksgiveaway (proper noun): The day after Thanksgiving in the United States that describes people's attempt to shun what had become a tradition of shopping furiously for bargains, once known as "Black Friday," with a day devoted to cleaning out extra clothing, unneeded books, rarely used cooking utensils and appliances, and other non-essential or duplicate household items, and giving them away to others who may need them."Let's spread the word about this great idea. … [Read more...]
Five Resources for Celebrating Advent
Advent started early for me this year. Actually Advent 2014 began a month ago when I signed a contract to write an Advent devotional book for Barbour Publishing. With a deadline looming, I have been deeply pondering and cherishing the Christmas story long before the leaves fell from the trees and the turkey began to defrost. Advent 2013 starts this coming Sunday. What a wonderful time to look past the commercial craziness of Christmas shopping and partying to embrace the Christ Child and his good news for all of us. I hope each of you take some moments the next few weeks to walk with God, listen to his story and rejoice in his salvation. Here are some resources to help light your journey to Bethlehem this year: 1. Did you know in the Celtic traditions, they begin celebrating Advent 40 days before Christmas? Here is an interesting website with some ideas and information about this type of approach to Advent. 2. Creighton University's Online Ministries has … [Read more...]
My King – Lectio Divina
This is the King of the Jews.Luke 23: 38bKing of the JewsLord you are the King.I cast aside my ingrained independent American point of view to bow down before you.Sovereign King of all. You are my all.A King to be obeyed.I am to stay silent, listening to you and only you.A King to follow. I match my steps to yours.A servant King - healing, helping, honoring the lowly and unloved.As your servant, I am to mirror your ways.A King who pardons.I bring my sinful heart to you asking for forgivenessA King who loves.May I love as you love.You are my King. My Ruler.My Master.My Lord. … [Read more...]
Soften Us, O Living God – Quote of the Week – Edwina Gateley
O living God, soften us! Let the fire of Your love thaw the frost within us. Let the light of Your justice sear away our blindness. Let the grace of Your compassion heal our hardened spirits. O living God, soften us! That, flowing with Your grace, we be impelled to face the world in bold compassion, that, driven to justice, we may dare to cry aloud for the little ones, the raped, the beaten, the imprisoned, and the hungry. O living God, soften us! Sweep us forward in a Mighty Wave of Mercy to heal our darkened world. Edwina Gateley You may also like this post about compassion. How do you increase the compassion in your heart for others? What has worked for you in the past? What would you like to try to do differently as you learn to love others more fully? Have you ever prayed to have God soften your heart? Which line moves you the most? My favorite line which has become a breath prayer for me … [Read more...]