My favorite year-end ritual begins today. The next two days I will curl up in my overstuffed chair and reread my 2010 journal. I call it “Harvesting my Journal” and I have enjoyed this reflective journey every year for at least the past 15 years.With a highlighter and my favorite pen in hand, what do I look for?· Cherished moments.· Unexpected joys and obstacles · Reoccurring thoughts or stubborn won’t go away God nudges· Bible verses that guided me or still sing to me even if I don’t know why· Times I felt God’s presence and times I walk in lonely darkness· Lessons I learned and lessons that will take a life time to fully comprehend· Answered prayers and dreams that still bubbled with life and passionI highlight and summarize on the December 31st entry.On January 1st, you will find me buried in my journal once again, praying, and listening to God about the upcoming year. I tried my best to record what I feel is His hopes, dreams, goals for me the … [Read more...]
Christmas Year-End Clutter – Sorted, Ordered and Transported
The living floor covered with ripped and shredded wrapping. Boxes tilting precariously, leaning to the right. Family still lounging in pajamas playing with their presents.Ah, Christmas morn.But slowly that day or the next, the Christmas clutter gets picked up and the front room returns to normal. Tired of leftovers, even the refrigerator receives a good cleaning.Then I begin eyeing the Christmas décor. I wonder what the current protocol is on how long to leave up all the decorations? I know I like to have most of it put away by end of the year or it too become clutter.I take the stack of Christmas cards and reread them one more time. The pile is moved by my chair in my office where I pray, read my morning devotions, and spend time with God. I select a card each day, praying for that person. What other year-end clutter needs to be sorted, ordered, and transported out of my life?· Like clothes that don’t fit and never will, is it time to let go of some hopes and dreams that seem … [Read more...]
The Light Shines in the Darkness – Lectio Divina
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1: 1-5The light shines in the darknessOnce again, Lord, you came.In the shimmering candlelight of midnight services, I felt your gentle hug as You wrapped your arms around me.What had been dark, now shone with Your love and presence.You never forgot us.You never abandoned us.You kept your promisesYou came.But in reality You never left in the first place, did You?You were there at the beginning.You were there when sin first began and continued through all of usYou were there throughout the scriptures.You were there in the stable.You were there walking on the seaYou were there on the cross.You were there on the road to Emmaus.You were there at candlelight … [Read more...]
My Christmas Wish for You – Christmas Quote
May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through! ~Author Unknown … [Read more...]
O Holy Night – An Incredible Hymn Story
On Thursdays in December, I will be featuring a hymn from the season and its story. I love hearing the roots of these songs as music adds so much to the holidays and to our worship. Those who sing, pray twice – St Augustine.“O Holy Night” is one of the most beautiful hymns ever written. Its haunting music and uplifting lyrics draw us into the story of our Saviors birth in a special way. Listen here to Celine Dion sing this Christmas classic.Did you know this hymn was at one time banned and controversial?The LyristPlacide Cappeau (1808-1877) wrote the lyrics. Known more for his love of wine and poetry than his love for Christ, the local parish priest asked him to write a poem for the Christmas mass. Not sure where to start, Cappeau imagined what it would have been like to witness the story found in Luke. The ComposerCappeau asked his friend Adolphe Charles Adams to put the words to music. The words were difficult to place in a tune, even for this well-known composer of over 80 operas. … [Read more...]
Our Advent Hope – Lectio Divina
And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him." May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:12-13)You may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit God of Hope ~ – Lord, Oh, how I cling to the sound of that phrase.You are my hope, my lifeline, my only salvation.Yet why do I not live in that hope each day?Why do I let the darkness of the world take over and cloud my sight?Why do I think my own ego can handle my life?Elusive joy withers in my hands as I struggle in a desolated desert. Your rich soil waits to nourish my roots if only I would trust You.Come Holy Spirit ~Pour your life-giving hope into my parched heart.Your strength buoys my weak knees and cheerless heart.Come Holy Spirit ~Fill me with your joy and peace – the only thing you ask in return is my trust.Lord … [Read more...]
THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT QUOTE OF THE WEEK – Mark Zimmermann
This Advent we look to the wise men to teach us where to focus our attention. We set our sights on things above, where God is. We draw closer to Jesus... When our Advent journey ends, and we reach the place where Jesus resides in Bethlehem, may we, like the Wise Men, fall on our knees and adore him as our true and only King - Mark Zimmermann … [Read more...]
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus – An Advent Hymn Story
On Thursdays in December, I will be featuring a hymn from the season and its story. I love hearing the roots of these songs as music adds so much to the holidays and to our worship. Those who sing, pray twice – St Augustine.COME THOU LONG EXPECTED JESUSCharles Wesley wrote 7500 hymns! One of them is this week’s featured advent hymn story. You can hear it here: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus. This hymn was first published in 1744 as part of small collection of poems called “Hymns for the Nativity of our Lord.” In 1830 Welshman Rowland Prichard put the words to the tune “Hyfrydol” which means “good cheer.”Take the time to read and ponder the words. The first verse stresses that Jesus’ coming fulfilled Israel’s deep yearning for the Messiah.I love the word in the second verse, “Born a child and yet a King.” That line alone is enough to empower my Advent devotional time with Lord.Come, Thou long expected JesusBorn to set Thy people free;From our fears and sins release us,Let us find our … [Read more...]