I am NOT a winter person. I dislike winter so much I rank it about ten on the list of four seasons. But I do know God sends us lessons in all experiences if only we are open to hold them for a while in our hands and hearts. What is winter showing me this year? “Contemplating Winter” will be the focus on my blog posts on Tuesday in January. Come and ponder this season with me."Hear! hear!" screamed the jay from a neighboring tree, where I had heard a tittering for some time, "winter has a concentrated and nutty kernel, if you know where to look for it." ~Henry David Thoreau, 28 November 1858 journal entryThe scene outside my window today fits this theme of Contemplating Winter perfectly. I think God in His good humor knew to send wintry weather for me to set the mood as I write. In Ohio today it is 27 degrees, windy, cloudy, and snowy. I am a warm weather person who loves the sunshine and higher temperatures. Winter shrouds my spirit and slows down my soul. Yet I felt God’s invitation … [Read more...]
Honoring a New Year – Lectio Divina
In the beginning, God… Genesis 1In the beginning, GodLord I love the freshness of the new year. The hope found in new beginnings.You too know the excitement and joy of launching something new.In the beginning, God…What was that like for You, Lord?Did You smile when you declared all creation as good?Did love drip from Your eyes as You surveyed the beauty of the earth?Lord, the door is open for 2012.I don’t know what awaits for me as I cross its threshold, but I do know that You are already there because “In the beginning, God…”Thank you for preparing my way, for being with me into this new year and for Your guidance and light for each step.Lord, I want to reflect You in the coming year.May I give hope, joy and love to others.May my heart be so transparent only You shine through.And may all my beginnings, begin with You.In the beginning, God … [Read more...]
New Year Eve’s Quotes of the Week
For last year’s words belong to last year’s languageAnd next year’s words await another voice.And to make an end is to make a beginning.” T.S. Eliot(Thanks Laura for this quote) 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 … [Read more...]
New Year Resolution: Living Gratefully
Image by 'smil via FlickrThe start of a new year symbolizes new beginnings. Opening up a new calendar fills me with can-do energy and is like a fresh warm breeze in my soul.I cling to God’s promise in Isaiah: Behold I will do a new thing - Isaiah 43:19 Here are some of my random ponderings this week:· I plan to reread my journal, reflecting on the past year’s life lessons and praying for guidance where to spend my time and energy in the coming year.· I read on many blogs, that others chose one word or several words as themes. Though this hasn’t worked as effectively for me in the past I want to try it again. I sense the word: BECOMING and LIVING GRATEFULLY for 2012’s focus. I am also slowly hearing the word: WAIT. Perhaps because I have a tendency to rush into decisions, God is reminding me to listen first.· Certain questions arise in my heart: What should I say yes to in 2012 and what should I say no to? What should I eliminate in order to grow? To become? Are my … [Read more...]
Switching from Christmas to New Years Mode
Switching from Christmas to New Years ModeSome of us are still celebrating with family.Some of us are already packing away all the holiday decorations.Some of us are still on vacation mode not quite ready to go back to work.Some of us, pastors, law enforcement, EMT’S, nurses, never got the day off. (Thank you!)But we all can look at the calendar and see 2011 quickly ending and December almost gone.I have a guest blog over at my friend and fellow Christian blogger, Phather Phil. Please check out his wonderful blog.Found this great song by Matthew West that seemed very appropriate for this week of in-betweeness. Here are the lyrics to enjoy while you listen to the videos"Day After Christmas"Here comes the letdown Christmas is overHere comes the meltdown, there goes the cheerBut before we have a breakdown, let us rememberThe light of the world is still hereHappy day after ChristmasAnd merry rest of the yearEven when Christmas is overThe light of the world is still hereThe light of the … [Read more...]
Christmas Treasure – Lectio Divina
Image via Wikipedia And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen … [Read more...]
Christmas Eve Prayer – Henri Nouwen
Image via WikipediaLord 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 say, "Come Lord Jesus!" Henri J. M. Nouwen … [Read more...]
Themes of Advent – Emmanuel
Advent is the four weeks preceding Christmas and is a time of waiting and preparation for the arrival of the Christ Child. More and more church traditions are celebrating this special time of year. The last few weeks I have been posting information and reflections about the colors and meaning of AdventEmmanuelChristmas “should” be a joyous time.We are supposed to look forward to all the get togethers.Our expectation is peace on earth and within our hearts.Then why am I sad? I feel a shroud of melancholy over my shoulders as Christmas approaches.This time of year does bring lots of smiles, joys, sharing and celebrating.But the holidays also come loaded with negative feelings.I am missing those no longer with us.My parents died a number of years ago, but still the child within me wants to be with them during this season.Many of you may remember I lost my 991/2-year-old best friend last May. I pass Esther’s house and think I should stop and go in for a visit. But she is not there any … [Read more...]