Isaiah 30:19-26

“Truly, O people in Zion, inhabitants of Jerusalem, you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you. Though the Lord may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself any more, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Then you will defile your silver-covered idols and your gold-plated images. You will scatter them like filthy rags; you will say to them, “Away with you!” He will give rain for the seed with which you sow the ground, and grain, the produce of the ground, which will be rich and plenteous. On that day your cattle will graze in broad pastures; and the oxen and donkeys that till the ground will eat silage, which has been winnowed with shovel and fork. On every lofty mountain and every high hill there will be brooks running with water—on a day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall. Moreover the light of the moon will be like the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold, like the light of seven days, on the day when the Lord binds up the injuries of his people, and heals the wounds inflicted by his blow.”

In the reading today, we learn that in Isaiah 29 and 30, that Israel was under siege and many thought they should seek aid from outside their nation with Egypt, some even thought it prudent to do so. Had they forgotten how the Egyptians treated them in Moses’ day? Had they forgotten the promises from God, their Creator?

Are you feeling the crunch of getting everything done for the holiday season? Are you stressing trying to do it all yourself? It is extremely easy to fall into the “if I don’t do it, no one will” attitude during holidays and for some of us (me) even on a daily basis. A lot of the time this can be simply our own perception of a situation or task. Other times, it’s that whatever the “particular thing is” is important to us and holds meaning to us personally. I not here to point fingers or to even tell you you’re right or wrong. The message on my heart is this…Advent is all about the Christ child being born and His sacrifice for us. Trust in God & Seek His guidance. Create memories, not misery. Seek community with your friends and family, if possible hold onto and celebrate traditions but also be open to making new traditions.

I found myself stressed out earlier today, reminded of the X, Y and Z that needed to be done and it had not. I realized that somehow in the midst of my busy week I completely missed a day of blogging! I was so frustrated with myself and disappointed in my time management. I came home from work and had some household things to do and then decided I would just do what I could. I told myself that missing a day would not be as negative as what I created in my mind. I trust in God to use this for His purposes, not mine. God’s timing, not mine.

Prayer:

Lord, you know my every need. In this season of anticipation, I wait for you, placing my whole trust in your supply. ~Amen.

~Peace & Hope~

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Follow along in the book, “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,” chapters 1-2.

Jeremiah 1:6-8 (CEB) “Ah, Lord God,” I said, “I don’t know how to speak because I’m only a child.” The Lord responded, “Don’t say, ‘I’m only a child.’ Where I send you, you must go; what I tell you, you must say. Don’t be afraid of them, because I’m with you to rescue you,” declares the Lord.”

Hello friends-

I hope you are enjoying the story lines from the novel, “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” and from the “Bible” as much as I am writing about them. The story takes us back to chapters 1-2 of the novel which takes us on a journey with Lucy through the wardrobe and meeting Mr. Tumnus. We have learned many characteristics about Lucy and the kind of girl she is. She is adventurous, as evidenced by exploring the house and entering a room with only a wardrobe in it. Her curiosity is heightened as she opens the doors of the wardrobe and it’s filled with clothing, mostly furs and coats. I imagine Lucy being short and perhaps even reaching up towards the coats as she peeks her head in the wardrobe, maybe hoping to find a hiding place from her siblings. Lucy displays bravery as she forges ahead further and further into the wardrobe with the coats dangling in front and above her. Lucy is inquisitive and when she experiences a strange sensation under her feet she is not frightened, but eager to discover what it might be. Lucy, begins to notice that she is no longer shuffling past the furs and coats and that the wooden floor of the wardrobe has changed to snow underfoot. She noticed the snow on the ground and on the trees and a lamppost shining brightly. She also encounters a strange, stranger by the name of Mr. Tumnus, and she is not afraid.

This reminds me of the pure curious spirit and resilience of children. In the scripture reading for today, we read about God’s call to Jeremiah. He shows us a different side of children’s pureness in personalities, perhaps Jeremiah was shy and lacking confidence. Much different than what we read about Lucy. *Reference listed below provides some insights to Jeremiah’s age at his calling. He may have been between the ages of 14-17, considerably older than Lucy.

As the story of Lucy and her siblings continue we will read about more adventures of Lucy and her sense of wonder, trust and bravery. As Advent continues, I look forward to reading and sharing more about Lucy ‘s inspiring spirit, her confident bravery and her keen sense of wonder, not to mention her willingness to walk through a doorway.

Questions for Reflection:

• How has God helped you face a call or experience you didn’t feel ready for? *I was called to a leadership role within my church and I was reluctant to answer that call. I thought that by being in a leadership position I would not be feed spiritually, at least in the manner I was used to and liked.

• How did that call or experience affect your life? *Answering the call to be an active leader within my church continues to bless me on a daily basis. My heart is overflowing with the joy I receive through this and other experiences. I am spiritually feed in many more ways than I ever imagined.

• What about the Advent season most arouses your sense of wonder? *It feels like I’m hearing the nativity story for the first time, each time. I keep a nativity on my fireplace mantel year around because of the wonderment and precious gift given to the world from God.

• What does that wonder lead you to want to explore? *I am seeking to live into the life God created me for. Eager and curious to learn more and to read more and to be in more conversations that further the Kingdom of God.

• Are any “wardrobe doors” catching your attention right now? *YES

~Peace~

References:

http://www.biblegateway.com/

https://biblehub.com/commentaries/jeremiah/1-6.htm