Johnnie Donley is the winner of the DVD - Christmas at Maxwell's. Congrats, Johnnie!! I will get your DVD in the mail for you. My husband drew numbers at random to select the winner.Thanks to all of you for entering the contest! … [Read more...]
In Quietness is Your Strength – Lectio Divina
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 Far from the quiet where Your strength lies.I know when I withdrawn – as Jesus modeled for us – to spend time with You, to rest in You, to hear your whisper – I am refreshed, renewed, and stronger.The clamor of my world blares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...]
Second Sunday in Advent Quote of the Week – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
A prison cell, in which one waits, hopes... and is completely dependent on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside, is not a bad picture of Advent. Dietrich Bonhoeffer … [Read more...]
O Come O Come Emmanuel – 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 Come O Come Emmanuel Emmanuel – even the sound of this word evokes peace within me. Emmanuel – “God is with us” – Doesn’t that just amaze you that God Himself stays with us? Advent is a time of welcoming, anticipation, and waiting. Our prayers rise up, “O come, please come and be with us, Lord. O come, Emmanuel.” This name, which Matthew refers to in his Gospel (Matthew 1:23), was first given to Jesus by the prophet Isaiah 700 years before His birth (Isaiah 7:14). “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is a favorite hymn to sing during Advent. Its history originates in the medieval Roman Catholic Church. This mournful melody was originally a Plainsong or Chant, which is the earliest form of singing in the church. It is believed that the traditional music … [Read more...]
Christmas at Maxwell’s – Movie Review and DVD Give-Away
Looking for the miracle and magic of Christmas? Leave behind the hassle and hustle of being rushed this season and spend a few hours with your family enjoying a Christmas movie. I recommend watching Christmas at Maxwell’s. I met Tiffany Lauffer at a writer’s conference a few months ago and we immediately became friends. As we got to know each other, she shared that she produced, along with her father William, this movie. How cool is that!Not only is this a good Christian family story, but Christmas at Maxwell's is also a Dove Foundation Award winning holiday film filled with messages of faith, hope, and love. The movie features the Austin family and the tremendous changes they are experiencing. Andrew Austin has everything – two amazing children, a successful business, and a wonderful wife. But life and a past secret bring change and in an instant, life no longer has the order and gentleness it once held. His wife, Suzie, becomes extremely ill and as Andrew struggles to find answers, … [Read more...]
Trusting God – Lectio Divina
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:2 (NIV)My God, in whom I trust.Lord, all I cling to is my trust in You.You are all I have.You are all I need.The world disappoints.Friends and family scatter.My own weaknesses trip me up once again.Yet You are always there for me. You are my safe haven, my firm foundation.Forgive me when I withhold my entire trust in You. I am battered by the world and my own self-doubt distracts me from fully relying on You. I think at the last minute I can do it myself. Or Superman will swoop down and rescue me, changing all of my circumstances.Yes the truth is, Lord, all I have is You and You are enough.I do believe in Your goodness.I do believe in Your love.I do believe in You.Fill me each day with Your faith so I am say with my whole being: I trust in You, Lord. … [Read more...]
First Sunday in Advent Quote of the Week – Frederick Buechner
“The house lights go off and the footlights come on. Even the chattiest stop chattering as they wait in darkness for the curtain to rise. In the orchestra pit, the violin bows are poised. The conductor has raised his baton. In the silence of a midwinter dusk, there is far off in the deeps of it somewhere a sound so faint that for all you can tell it may be only the sound of the silence itself. You hold your breath to listen. You walk up the steps to the front door. The empty windows at either side of it tell you nothing, or almost nothing. For a second you catch a whiff of some fragrance that reminds you of a place you’ve never been and a time you have no words for. You are aware of the beating of your heart…The extraordinary thing that is about to happen is matched only by the extraordinary moment just before it happens. Advent is the name of that moment.” — Frederick Buechner, Whistling in the Dark, pp. 2,3 … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving Blessings
Today is the Thanksgiving in the U.S. – a time to give thanks. I am grateful for you as a reader of this blog. May my words continue to be a blessing.Here is a thought for your Thanksgiving Day:Be Thankful Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire, If you did, what would there be to look forward to?Be thankful when you don’t know something For it gives you the opportunity to learn.Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.Be thankful for your limitations Because they give you opportunities for improvement.Be thankful for each new challenge Because it will build your strength and character.Be thankful for your mistakes They will teach you valuable lessons.Be thankful when you’re tired and weary Because it means you’ve made a difference.It is easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.Gratitude can turn a negative into a … [Read more...]