New Beginnings I love the fresh start of a new year. The exciting opportunities full of potential - I call it God’s adventure waiting for me. We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called “Opportunity” and its first chapter is New Year’s Day. Edith L. Pierce I will spend part of today prayerfully rereading my journal entries from 2012, summarizing highlights (events, quotes, images, experiences, verses, prayers). Ahh, new beginnings. Then I will write out my hopes and dreams and what I think I hear as God’s invitations for the coming year. When I revisit this list in 12 months, I always am surprised. Amazed at what God spoke to me in January that threaded its presence throughout the year. This process reminds once again to let go of the expectations I thought I had written so beautifully and perfected that never blossomed. After all God is in charge not me. And always surprised … [Read more...]
How to Grow in God’s Favor – Lectio Divina
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.Colossians 3:12-17 (NIV)Lord, today’s Old Testament reading told us that Samuel grew in your favor.Lord, today’s Gospel shared the story of Jesus’ spirit being nurtured through You.And Lord, today New … [Read more...]
What to Really Worry About – Quote of the Week
People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas. ~Author Unknown … [Read more...]
Christ is Christmas – Even After December 25th
When the shopping is over And gifts stashed away When the food has been eaten And the children off to play,May one thing remain In your heart and your home May the Christ in Christmas Stay all year long Author Unknown … [Read more...]
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day – Hymn Story – The Voice of God
“I heard the bells on Christmas Day, Their old familiar carols play...” The words linger and the melody sticks in your mind. I sang these words this morning celebrating Christmas with my family. I woke up with Christmas joy, thanking God for sending us His son. This song has been loitering in my spirit for several weeks. I know of others who woke up this morning, not to joy, but deep sorrow. Christmas can be a cruel stabbing season following the loss of a loved one, a life threatening illness or the wrong choices made by others. I hummed this tune of" I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" a few weeks ago grieving with the rest of the nation for innocent lost lives. I remembered one melancholy verse: And in despair I bowed my head 'There is no peace on earth,' I said, 'For hate is strong and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men.' Sounds like this song could have been written during this frightening time of terrorism, but Henry … [Read more...]
Mary’s Focus Only on God – Lectio Divina
And Mary said:“My soul glorifies the Lordand my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be mercifulto Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”Luke 1: 46-55I am so ashamed, Lord. Please forgive me.The majority of my prayers begin with “I.”The focus is me - what I want, what I think I need, what I demand. Often giving You orders instead of humbly reporting to duty.Even the prayers for others drip with ego.In this prayer … [Read more...]
First Coming – Quote of the Week by Madeleine L’Engle
First Coming - Quote of the Weekby Madeleine L’EngleHe did not wait till the world was ready,till men and nations were at peace.He came when the Heavens were unsteady,and prisoners cried out for release.He did not wait for the perfect time.He came when the need was deep and great.He dined with sinners in all their grime,turned water into wine. He did not waittill hearts were pure. In joy he cameto a tarnished world of sin and doubt.To a world like ours, of anguished shamehe came, and his Light would not go out.He came to a world which did not mesh,to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.In the mystery of the Word made Fleshthe Maker of the stars was born.We cannot wait till the world is saneto raise our songs with joyful voice,for to share our grief, to touch our pain,He came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice! … [Read more...]
I Wonder as I Wander
Wonder and wander are two of my favorite words. Wonder - to marvel, astonishment, awe, to ponder with curiosity To live each day with a vision of wonder opens up grand possibilities. Wander - to meander, stroll, to take one direction without intention or control I wandered the world, paying attention to the beauty God alone created. I have wondered and wandered through Advent this year. Wondered at its varied dimensions, like studying the facets of a priceless diamond. Wandered open to the lessons God chose for me or invited me to explore. No wonder I wandered into remembering the Christmas song, I Wonder as I Wander. I wondered about its story. (Ok I over did it with that sentence but it was just too tempting....sorry) I wonder as I wander out under the sky, How Jesus the Savior did come for to die. For poor on'ry people like you and like I... I wonder as I wander out under the sky. When Mary birthed … [Read more...]