“Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” ~Matthew 9:13

To follow along in the book, read chapter two “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.”

Lucy meets a strange, stranger in the mysterious woods inside the wardrobe. As the story goes, she meets Mr. Tumnus who appears half human and half animal to Lucy. Mr. Tumnus, befriends Lucy and takes her back to his home to feed her and provide warmth from being in the cold snow. But, we quickly learn that Mr. Tumnus has an alternative to his kindness, to save himself and earn the favor of the White Witch, he tries to kidnap Lucy and turn her over to the Witch. Feelings of guilt overtake Mr. Tumnus and he becomes nearly inconsolable and confesses everything to Lucy. He seems quite sure that betrayal of his new friend is the only option he has; however, Lucy, turns out to not be as naïve as she might have appeared. After all, she did bravely enter the wardrobe and continued through the furs hanging overhead and out into an unknown forest in the cold and snow. Lucy reaches out to console Mr. Tumnus, even offering her own handkerchief and then quite sternly tells him he must repent and not do this horrible thing. Imagine just how brave Lucy was in this situation. In the end, Mr. Tumnus becomes Lucy’s friend and not her kidnapper although this act places him in grave danger especially if the White Witch finds out.

When you think of Advent what kind of things come to mind? It is defined as a waiting period, in anticipation of the Christ child’s birth. As Christians, we celebrate this season every year, what is it that makes it so special and unique each year? The story doesn’t change, we have Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem each year, the inn is always full and they must seek shelter in a dark and damp stable…what then is there to be waiting in anticipation for…

I cannot provide your answer but I can share mine. For me the beauty of the story is it is the same, it is me that is different each year. I’m thankful for the gift of salvation that came in the form of a baby, innocent and pure. I’m thankful for the grace that is extended to me and for the forgiveness of my sins. None of these things would be possible if that baby is never born. I love the firm foundation that the manger serves in my life. Every year it is new to me, no matter where my life has taken me over the past year, I have renewed hope through the birth of Jesus. Advent is reconnecting with the baby in the manger, a time of prayer, repentance and renewing of my faith. Stripping away all the cumbersome and pointless acts I’ve have placed upon myself that has separated me from Jesus…guilt, greed, punishment, neglect, fear, sin, competition, pride, pressure, things and many others can keep me from the love of Jesus. He’s there waiting for me, He’s never left me alone, even when I try to chase Him away, His love remains. I know I am loved, I just let the world cloud my judgement from time to time.

You are also loved with an everlasting love that only Jesus can provide.

The book, “Advent in Narnia” offered these questions to contemplate:

• Has there been a time in your life when you felt like you were doing the right thing but in actuality you ended hurting someone or betrayed someone? This is a tough question for me because I have hurt people that I cared deeply for. I never set out to cause hurt but I did and it was messy and it was because I was unable to be honest. Honesty can hurt but in the end it’s better than lying and trying to cover it up. Some of those relationships have healed but trust is not easily regained.

• What would it mean to consider mistakes you’ve made, believing that God is both just and merciful? Does it make is easier to offer up your mistakes and sins or harder? For me it’s still hard because I don’t like to be a disappointment and especially to God, I know that God loves me and forgives me when I earnestly seek his forgiveness but it’s hard and I think that’s a good thing. I would not want sinning to become comfortable or asking for forgiveness to be numbing .

• Which is harder for you: confronting others when they’ve hurt you or to be merciful to them? Do you know why? I have been a bit of both, I like to live passionately. I’ve had to learn what battles are worth the fight and which are better to surrender. I try to practice mercy because in return I would like the same. I’ve learned that being revengeful and holding onto hurt in the end causes me way more pain than my intended opponent. I do appreciate compromise and a good debate. I like the idea of agreeing to disagree as long as respect is mutual. Everyone should have a voice and afforded the opportunity to be heard. Long story but my final answer is to be merciful!

Thank you for joining me in this journey through Advent and the magical world of Narnia.

~Peace~

References:

https://biblehub.com/

https://www.pinterest.com/

https://www.google

https://www.google.com/search?q=mr.+tumnus+from+the+lion+the+witch+and+the+wardrobe&tbm=isch&chips=q:mr+tumnus+the+lion+the+witch+and+the+wardrobe,g_1:cartoon&client=safari&hl=en&ved=2ahUKEwie_qH1tJPmAhUZyawKHZgOBxAQ4lYoAHoECAEQCg&biw=375&bih=548

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” ~John 1:5

Day 2: Follow along in Chapter 1 in “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” and lesson 2 in “Advent in Narnia.”

The story tells us that Lucy discovers the lamppost and observes the curious scenery as she is walking through the wardrobe. How surprised would you be if while walking in the forest you came across a lamppost and it was illuminated. There is a history behind this seemingly odd lamppost, it had grew from an earthly lamppost. The White Witch in the story had previously used it as a weapon and was transformed into a lonely but shining light by Aslan. It served as a boundary between Narnia and “the wild woods of the west.” The lamppost was a living thing, no one ever lit it, no one ever blew it out, it has no fuel and the White Witch’s winter never snuffed it out. It indeed served as a boundary but also a promise from Aslan that broken things can be made new and alive. The lamppost is a beacon in the face of the dark, dreary and cold mystical spell that covered the land.

I love the imagery and imagination of C. S. Lewis and it’s agelessness across over the years since this story was originally written/published on October 16, 1950.

As we approach Advent, we too use candles and wreaths along with Christmas lights to illuminate the darkness. Advent is a season of celebration of the birth of Jesus, He is the light of the world. Just as the lamppost is alive and was there in the forest at the beginning, so was/is Jesus.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” ~John 1:1.

Jesus was a light that was broken and made new in the Resurrection. Jesus is the Light that shines through darkness for everyone. The Light is Jesus serves as a beckon to the world and our curiosity draws us to seek Him.

John 8:12, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Things to ponder:

• Do you have any special lights around your home this season? *I keep a lamp turned on that sits on my fireplace mantel next to a manger set I leave out all year long. It brings me comfort seeing the baby representing Jesus, and Mary & Joseph, the animals the kings and an Angel.

• Quote by writer, Ann Lamont, “Lighthouses don’t go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining.” Does this resonate with Christ being the Light of the World? *I would agree with the writer and I’ve read her work and have enjoyed her unique perspective on the christian life. God loves us and is always with us, especially when we think we are not worthy, of course we are unworthy, Jesus died for us because He loves us and wanted to redeems us.

• Do you have a metaphor you would use to describe the light of Christ in your life this season? Is it glowing brightly, faintly, or way off in the distance? Perhaps you could write about it in a prayer or a poem or maybe a metaphor of the lamppost. *God is the supplier of my strength, not a materialistic protein powder kind of supplement way but through the power of the Holy Spirit and quiet meditation and study of His Word. In this season of Advent, I can see the lamppost in the distance and I’m committed to follow where it leads.

Original poem,

“It’s darkest before dawn, it’s been cloudy for days!”

~C.A.Robinson©️ 11/10/2015

~Peace~

References:

The Life of C.S. Lewis Timeline

https://biblehub.com/

Today is the first day of my blog series, “Advent in Narnia” Reflections for the Season by Heidi Havetkamp.

“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” ~Luke 13:24 (ESV)

If you have never read, C.S.Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia,” I highly recommend them. They are not simply fir children. The Chronological order of the books are as follows:

Publication Order

The books were originally published in this order:

1. 1. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1950)
   2. Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia (1951)
   3. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952)
   4. The Silver Chair (1953)
   5. The Horse and His Boy (1954)
   6. The Magician’s Nephew (1955)
   7. The Last Battle (1956)

Chronological Order

Sometime after the death of C. S. Lewis, British editions of the books began appearing that were numbered according to the order the stories take place:

1. The Magician’s Nephew

2. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

3. The Horse and His Boy

4. Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia

5. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

6. The Silver Chair

7. The Last Battle

These books focus on the life of four children, two boys and two girls. Their parents send them away to live in the country, placed in the care of two adult caretakers to escape the bombings of World War II. As the story goes, Lucy the youngest wonders into a room with a large wardrobe, being inquisitive as most youngsters are, she opens the wardrobe door and steps in. To her surprise, she walks past many fur coats, I imagine they were hanging about waist high. As Lucy presses on, shoving costs side to side, she begins to feel cold and something underfoot. All of a sudden, she’s no longer in the wardrobe but in a forest with freshly fallen snow and a lamppost.

Have you ever found yourself in a place where your not exactly sure where you are, metaphorically or literally?

Advent can be a season of wondering and finding, when we are open to the Holy Spirit. Much like Lucy, let’s be open to where the path leads us. Advent is a season of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus and the return of Jesus.

The Advent and Christmas Season (Santa and gift exchange) can both be celebrated together. Celebrate the joys of giving gifts and receiving gifts, gifts from the heart are always priceless. Give of your time and talents, they are more valuable than gold or silver. No matter what your traditions may be, be intentional with all of them. Seek to serve those in need, this season is a great opportunity to be the literal hands and feet of Jesus in a world that screams for “Peace on earth, Good Will towards all.”

I am committed to this Advent Season, not because I’m ready but because I’m willing. Being a Christian does not mean all your days will be perfect, it means you never have to face them alone. I hope you will join me for the next four weeks as I share thoughts of Advent and my journey.

Questions to ponder:

Do you have traditions or preparations regarding Advent that are most meaningful to you?

Do they reveal something about Jesus to you?

Do you have any thoughts about Luke 13:24? Specially, the imagery of Jesus as the “narrow door?” It’s been said that some see the narrow door as an escape from the individual that are different from ourselves or an opportunity to place ourselves up on a pedestal as more special than others. What if…we see the door as an invitation and not a barrier to separate ourselves.

We are all God’s children and we are all special to Him. So special in fact, that were created with a purpose and a plan. One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

Psalm 139:13-14 You alone created my inner being. You knitted me together inside my mother. I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this.

Here’s some music from the soundtrack “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”

~Peace~

References:

https://www.narniaweb.com/

https://biblehub.com/

https://biblereasons.com/

Hello friends –

I’m wishing you all a day filled with “thanks.” Holidays can be difficult for many and that’s okay, I encourage you to name or list the things you’re thankful for in spite of sadness or difficulties. We can always be thankful for something. Leave the list of things you don’t have for another day, God has provide for this day and I am grateful.

I’m working, today “Thanksgiving Day,” I’m thankful for a job. I’m especially thankful that I have a job I love. I’m thankful for my coworkers who allow me to be me, even on my most difficult days. None of us are perfect and sometimes; some of us hang out at the corner of OCD (obsessive compulsive design) and control central a bit too much. If you’re anything like me, (gosh I hope not) I will do a “thing” thinking I’m helping and in reality I’m seen as “taking over” and “making others do things my way.” Of course, we all at one time or another have hearts with the desire to help and a well laid out plan in our heads that makes perfect sense, to us! (HaHa!) This exact scenario recently happened to me. I must admit, I’m an overachiever and often take off with an idea and just run with it, not taking time to consult or ask for anyone’s input. I’m not saying my ideas are bad ones, just that as the saying goes, “there’s no “I” in team! In my zeal to help I actually caused some hurt feelings to a coworker, I felt bad and quickly resolved the indifference. At first I struggled to understand the hurt feelings, then another coworker talked with me about the situation. Initially, I felt defeated as if I was being treated unfairly because after all, I was only trying to help. Then came a moment of clarity, the light bulb 💡came on above my head and I was able to see the events from different perspective. I didn’t like hearing that some see me as a “control freak!” That’s not how I saw myself or my intentions at all, but taking a step back helped me to see how someone might think so. So, long story but you know what, I’m thankful for this opportunity to learn. I’ve posted blogs previously dealing with control and felt as though I understood what it meant, maybe I did understand at a technically level but I wasn’t putting into practice, all that I believe. I fully recommend taking a step back on a regular basis and look at yourself, and ask yourself, do you like what you see?

Speaking about practice, I had a coach in college that had a saying about practice and it has stayed with me all these years later. She would say, “Practice doesn’t make you perfect…Perfect practice can made you perfect!” Meaning, if you practice a skill incorrectly, you will never learn to do it correctly. -Coach Shemwell

As Christians, we are called to go into the world and share the love of Jesus. We are to be the literal hand & feet of Jesus in this World. Practicing our faith and belief in Christ Jesus.

1 John 4:7-8

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

John 13:34-35

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

1 Peter 4:8

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”

Matthew 25:34b-36

“Then the King will say to those on His right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I needed clothes and you clothes me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? ‘The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Happy Thanksgiving! May God provide for you needs today! I hope you have the opportunity to share a meal with family, friends or strangers today. We are all God’s children and that is something wonderful to be thankful for. My meal was Pringle’s chips and an apple with peanut butter shared with fellow employees. I had planned on potato soup but I forgot it at home, it will be a nice treat when I get home! Life is GOOD!

Looking forward to sharing more with you during Advent Season 2019!

~Peace~

Hello Friends –

1 Corinthians 3:18-19a  “Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.“

It’s been nearly two months since my last post and I’ve missed sharing with you.  The season of Advent is quickly approaching and I wanted to share with you the materials I will be using as a guide throughout the season.  The first is a pamphlet published by Abingdon Press written by Teer Hardy and called, “Advent   A Calendar of Devotions 2019.” The second influence is a book by Heidi Haverkamp, titled “Advent in Narnia – Reflections For The Season.”

The plan is to begin writing on Thursday, November 28th, 2019 (Thanksgiving Day)!  I am looking forward to sharing with you and discovering God’s message this season.  I was struggling with sharing my thoughts this season due to some self doubts and feeling inadequate to share God’s message in the midst of my doubts.  Through some reflections and conversations with trusted friends, I felt the Spirit encouraging me to share myself in the most authentic way possible…in the midst of my doubts.  I was trying to make myself “whole” and complete and confident before sharing then I realized I’m was doing precisely the opposite of the message I often share and hear on a regular basis. God is not looking for perfect, He’s looking for you and me!

“God isn’t looking for perfect people. He is looking to perfect people.”  – John Hileman

My hope, desire and prayer is that together and individually we grow closer to Jesus through this season of Advent.

“We are what we believe we are” ~C.S.Lewis

~Peace~

*If you are in need of a pamphlet, please notify me and I will send you a copy if possible.  The book is difficult to find but can be found on Amazon, Half Priced Books, and Barnes & Noble. *I do apologize for the lateness of getting this information to you.

References:

Abingdon Press

https://www.abingdonpress.com/

WJK Westminster John Knox Press

https://www.wjkbooks.com/