CHAZOWN – Finding Your Vision – Book Review

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Do you have a vision? Can you state your purpose in life? Are you aware of your core values that drive your behavior?Chazown by Craig Groeschel is a book what could help guide you in answering these questions. Chazown in Hebrew means “vision.”Chazown directs us to find our core values and spiritual gifts, and identify our past experiences. Ideally when we analyze these three areas of our life we should be able to zero in on our life purpose. What I liked about this book is its brief easy to read format with many practical tools ad motivating and often humorous stories. You feel like you are talking with a friend.This is the type of book I will pull off my shelf once a year or so when I am thinking of next year’s goals. Its words of wisdom will help me sort through the noise and get to my key foundational values quickly and clearly. He asks thought provoking questions we all should consider frequently in life:        1. If money was no object and you could do anything your wanted for … [Read more...]

Our Advent Hope – Lectio Divina

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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

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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

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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...]

Christmas Cards – Fun Trivia about this Potential Spiritual Practice

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My hand cramps and I grow tired of repeating the same message. I refuse to cave into creating a form letter, so I still handwrite Christmas greeting cards. What have I learned about his holiday ritual?My attitude determines how this practice either blesses me or drags me into the hole of too much to do during the holidays.So each year I try to organize early and write about ten cards a day. The key ingredient is prayer. As I begin the card, I pray for the recipient and then seal it with prayer also. Calming balm for my attitude and I hope healing comfort for my friends.The First Christmas CardOne story about the origin of Christmas Card, which originated in England over 150 years ago, tells that Sir Henry Cole wanted to send greeting to those he knew for the purpose of encouraging his friends to help the destitute during this holiday. He commissioned John Calcott Horesley to paint the first commercial Christmas card showing the feeding and clothing of the poor. The initial reaction to … [Read more...]

In Quietness is Your Strength – Lectio Divina

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        In quietness and trust is your strength Isaiah 30:15bIn quietnessLord, I live in a noisy world. Far from the quiet where Your strength lies.I know when I withdrawn – as Jesus modeled for us – to spend time with You,    to rest in You,        to hear your whisper –             I am refreshed, renewed, and stronger.The clamor of my world blares and distracts me from You.My ego chatters incessantly filling me with self doubt and despair.Lord, help me leave this racket behind and follow you into quietness.The hush of your presence creates a safe room abundant with peace and love. With no words ever spoken, You still my heart.Nestling under your plush down duvet of love and I snuggle into your arms for much needed rest. In quietness of spending time with You, I trust and gain strength. Thank you, gentle and tranquil Lord. … [Read more...]