November 30th, 2020

Hello and Welcome—

Today we read and talk about “a great light.” The prophet Isaiah speaks of a “great light” and the promise of a child being born for all mankind. His name will be “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.” We also know that Aslan, too promised and provided a “great light” in Narnia in the old lamppost. The light of the lamppost represents something living and alive, no one ever needs to light it, no one ever extinguishes it and it burns without fuel. The lamppost serves as a beacon for all in Narnia, after the White Witch had turned the land to a harsh cold dismal icy frozen terrain.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” ~Isaiah 9:2, 4-6

When you read these verses from Isaiah did you just skim over verse 5 and the words that described war and blood? Did the words register in your mind? I will be honest, when I think about the Old Testament scriptures foretelling of Jesus’ birth, I do not remember the word of verse 5. At first the words were startling, but should they? The Old Testament is filled with stories of war, occupation and slavery. Even at the birth of Jesus, King Herod slaughtered countless male children under the age of two out of fear that he would lose his throne. In the story of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” the children are sent away to the country due to bombings and fires from the London Blitz of WWII.

“For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.” ~Isaiah 9:5

When thinking of Christmas, our thoughts do not quickly turn to war, violence, cruelty or suffering. Generally speaking, we think of the birth of Jesus, decorated trees, singing carols, gift buying, gift giving, social gatherings, friends and family. During the time Isaiah’s writings, war was looming for the Israelites and Judeans. Violence was something the Jews experienced, as they were under Roman rule. And, for Lucy and her siblings they had escaped London where war was raging and raining from the sky. Narnia, itself was in a state of war as a result of the White Witch, Narnia was a frozen land where everyone lived in fear. God and Aslan both made promises of light, hope, love, joy and peace in the midst of the cold, the darkness, the violence and the war.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~ Isaiah 41:10

Darkness is real, we all walk with darkness or some kind of danger overshadowing our lives, for Lucy and her siblings it was war and violence that took them from their home and parents. For the Israelites, it was rumblings of war and occupation by foreigners and being exiled from their homeland. Today, darkness overshadows the lives of many and comes in the form of bullying, poverty, health concerns both physical and emotional, and broken relationships to mention but a few. In addition to this already growing list, we know have a global pandemic with COVID-19 placing limitations on all of us. We have had to learn to be creative in nearly every aspect of our lives and it is tough. It’s ok to admit that. I do every single day! I miss being close to people, I feel as if my freedom is under attack. I count myself blessed that I can talk with someone about these things and believe me, it really does help to talk. Often we need to just slowly open the pressure valves of our souls in order to maintain our humanity and just simply be human. Connecting with the Divine is life saving and refreshing, a recalibration of who we are and to be reminded of, to whom we belong. I believe God wants us to be real with him, share our frustrations, our sorrows and our joys with Him. I think we sometimes forgot that God really does knows us, He created us and believe it or not, HE KNOWS WE ARE FALLIBLE HUMANS! His love is free and abundant and there is seriously nothing that will shock or scare him from loving us!

Friends- I tell you there is HOPE! Jesus Christ is our hope, our light that illuminates all darkness.

“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all.” ~1 John 1:5

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

In addition, we can and should be a light to one another. When we have the power to make a positive difference for another person, we need to seize the moment! I personally have found it to be equally beneficial in healing my own wounds and it lights up my darkness as well. To change someone’s outlook, we simply need to take notice of them. Let them know they are seen. When people no longer feel invisible they begin to see a sun rising in the distance! How amazing is that(?)!

Questions for Reflection:

• What darkness looms in your life or community right now?

• What “boots” or blood-stained clothes are you longing for God to destroy?

• Holidays can be very difficult and dark for many people. A suggestion by the author Heidi Haverkamp, is to consider drawing or doodling a picture that depicts what darkness feels like. Then draw or doodle a picture of the light you are longing for. 

Here’s a copy of my doodle drawings: The first one I call “Faceless” and the second one, “Star of Bethlehem.” I have seen a great light and His name is Jesus!

~Peace~Charlotte

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-blitz-begins

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeannecroteau/2018/11/26/dealing-with-holiday-depression-you-dont-have-to-suffer-alone/

* If you do not have access to a therapist, consider calling the National Suicide Prevention Hotline(1-800-273-8255). This service provides confidential support to anyone in distress and can provide crisis resources for you and your loved ones. Don’t feel like talking on the phone? Send a message to the Crisis Text Line. No matter how dark things seem, remember that you have options.

Lucy and the Lamppost

Hello friends—

Welcome to a new day!

November 29th, 2020

“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 it 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.

God uses broken things and makes them new.

“The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him.” Jeremiah 18:4

The Japanese use a technique called Kintsugi to repair broken ceramic using lacquerware often a mixture of gold, silver and platinum. As a philosophy it treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise or discard. It is made new and is of valuable use.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kintsugi

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

“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.” ~John 8:12

Things to Ponder:

• Do you have any special lights around your home this season? *I keep a lamp turned on that sits next to my manger set that I leave out all year long. It brings me much comfort and joy 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 quote, “It’s darkest before dawn, it’s been cloudy for days!” ~C.A.Robinson©️ 11/10/2015

“Everything becomes more and more itself. Here is joy that cannot be shaken. Our light can swallow up your darkness; but your darkness cannot now infect our light.” ~C.S.Lewis

~Peace~ Charlotte

So, here we are on day two of exploring Advent, not much has changed in the world since yesterday. I am thankful to have experienced the blessing of a new day. Life will always have its ups and downs, accepting that can help us on our journey and to provide a clearer perspective. Nearly every night I have a ritual of sorts I do just for me. I come home from work, fix a small dinner/snack, watch TV and light some candles. This is a way of pampering myself, often I use lavender scented candles or rain/ocean scents. A favorite one is fresh cut grass! I sit back and relax and enjoy the relaxing ambiance of the moment. I hope you have some favorite things you do just for yourself because you are so deserving. During these difficult times of isolation due to the pandemic it is essential to find ways to stay connected. I am a “people” person, I like to be near my friends, I’m a hugger and handshaker! I am fearful that these things will become taboo in the future. Steadfast, we must be steadfast and not lose sight of the things that connect human to human. The past several months have been hard for me to navigate because of all the precautions in place, I thank God for the individuals in my life that have been an anchor for me. If you are struggling and need to talk with someone, please do so. I have listed some agencies below with their web address. As we continue our journey through Narnia and Advent, my prayers will include peace, guidance, understanding and God’sWill in all things.

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‼️HELP WEBSITES ‼️

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Calling the Hotline

Home

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

https://www.top10.com/online-therapy/depression-comparison

November 28, 2020

Dear friends—

It has a few weeks since my last post and I have missed the interaction and exchange of ideas discovered through this medium. The year 2020 has been difficult for many reasons and also filled with many blessings as well. If you’re anything like me it can be almost paralyzing when things happen beyond our immediate control. It is true, I have struggled during this past year but my blessing outweigh all the struggles. I sometimes have to remind myself of them, but they are always there. I have family that loves me, a church that feels like home, friends who care and want to see me, a job I love, coworkers who inspire me, food, clothing, transportation, clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, health care…the list goes on and on. Don’t misunderstand, I struggle with balancing finances, making good informed decisions, frustrations with government and local politics, ridiculous rules and regulations (my opinion), not reading enough, not writing enough, not praying enough, questioning am I enough…Friend, we are all ENOUGH! As each day begins and ends, it is because of God Almighty! He knows you by name! He loves you! So, no matter how tough and difficult things may seem, God is always with us. I found myself thinking this thought not long ago, “why is God so far away?” The answer came almost immediately to me, “God has never left me, I have neglected my connection with him.” I love the photo below, the imagery is so beautiful, showing that we are always connected to God.

This Advent series is one that I started last year but was unable to finish. I will be updating the original posts and I only made it through the first nine days. If you are familiar with my posts you already know I’m a huge C.S.Lewis fan and I was most disappointed I was unable to complete the book last year. I hope you will join me as I explore Narnia and God this Christmas Season of Advent 2020.

Today marks the first day of my advent 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 for children, but adults alike. The Chronological order of the books are as follows: Publication Order The books were originally published in this order:

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 Story 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 during wartime. They were 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 coats from 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 we 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. If you are interested in following along in the book, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” today’s reading is Chapter 1 and will also be included in day two and three.

Questions to ponder:

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

Do the traditions/preparations reveal something about Jesus to you?

Do you have any thoughts about Luke 13:24?

Specially, the imagery of Jesus as the “narrow door?” Some have said that they see the narrow door as “the hard road” and “difficult road.” Possibly even a negative and costly gate. What if…we were to see the door as an invitation, a gateway to life more fully and as positively challenging and worthy of the journey. *Additional references: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/change/christian-conversion/the-sermon-on-the-mount/narrow-is-the-gate/

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. Here’s a few of my favorite Bible verses are…

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”

Prayer: Lord, we ask for your guidance as we journey through our wardrobes, I pray this in Jesus name~Amen

~Peace~Charlotte

References:

https://lifehopeandtruth.com/change/christian-conversion/the-sermon-on-the-mount/narrow-is-the-gate/

https://www.narniaweb.com/https://

biblehub.com/https://bible reasons.com/

Book by Heidi Haverkamp, “Advent in Narnia-Reflections For The Season”

November 7th, 2020

Hello friends—

Have you ever had a day that just felt, out of place?

I am thankful for so many things in my life, God’s blessings are endless. On the surface, the place that is most comfortable for many of us, “life is what it is.” Living day to day, doing the best we can. What about below the surface, the internal makings of who we are? It is within that space I yearn to be and to grow. I believe with all my being I am a child of God, that I was created on purpose and with a plan. And, yet I search for more, more meaning, deeper understanding and connectivity.

The beautiful autumn picturesque photos above were taken at a park near a restaurant where I met friends for lunch. The luncheon was with my JULIET friends from my church. JULIETS (JOLLY UNIQUE LADIES INFORMALLY EATING TOGETHER SOMEWHERE). A total of eight women attended the luncheon, it was so nice to see and talk with one another. I am grateful for these God fearing women and their faithfulness.

~Proverbs 27:17~

“Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens the wits of another.”

I did something rather foolish today, actually I did two things foolishly today. Before I share my foolishness with you, allow me to share a few other thoughts with you.

LOVE: Isn’t it lovely, except when it’s NOT.

LOSS: The absence of something, except when it’s NOT.

LONGING: Wanting and waiting, except when it’s NOT.

~1 Corinthians 13:8~

“Love never ends.”

~Ecclesiastes 3:1,6~

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. There is a time for finding and losing, keeping and giving.”

~Psalm 38:9~

“O Lord, all my longing is known to you; my sighing is not hidden from you.”

I would venture to say that you and I are a lot alike. If, I were a betting person I would bet that at this moment you can relate to at least 1 of the 3 words described in this post, if not all 3! Congratulations, it means your alive and living life.

I have been feeling very overwhelmed for sometime and unaware of the cause; perhaps more to the point unwilling to identify “it”. I would pushing it aside day after day until one day, I just couldn’t. I felt like I was overflowing and empty all at the same time. Saying things out loud releases their hold on us. Whatever “power” a thing has on us is because we allow it! The longer we contain “it” the stronger “its” power over us becomes. Setting it free, does not diminish or erase the “it” but it does allow us to see “it” as it truly is. Not our imagined perspective.

I have a friend that says, “Words matter.” He’s absolutely correct!

“Say what you mean. Mean what you say!” —Stephanie Lahart

Love, Loss and Longing. Autumn is a beautiful time of year, I’ve heard it said. For many years I have not fully appreciated the changing of the seasons. I have a dear friend who loves Autumn and it’s through her friendship that I too can see the beauty of this changing of the seasons, as it was meant to be…BEAUTIFUL! As a person who lives with depression, autumn had always meant a time of withdrawal. The days become shorter with more darkness than light, cooler weather causing a sensation of hibernation and even a sense of loss as the trees become bare and seemingly indefensible against the harsh weather that was to come. My view was limited and from a selfish viewpoint, there is much more to see if you change the vantage point. Life, all life has a cycle to it, sustainability and a natural order.

I wrote a poem years ago and it brings new meaning for me today. At the time of writing it, I had entered a new phase in my life and compared it to the changing of seasons. I dare say, I did not fully understand the depths of my words as clearly as I do today.

Autumn is a time for self-reflection, awareness, and mindfulness. There are seven symbolic meanings of the autumn equinox. *https://www.bustle.com/articles/185245-7-symbolic-meanings-of-autumn-that-remind-us-how-amazing-this-season-really-is

CHANGE

MYSTERY

PERSERVATION

PROTECTION

COMFORT

BALANCE

LETTING GO

Be open to the wonders of life and to its seasons.

Do not fear the ebb and flow, God is in control and He loves you completely.

This post has already become more lengthy than I had planned, I pray that a few morsels of knowledge and a blessing has been gained. And about those foolish things, well let me just say a big “Thank you!” to two amazing women in my life. Thank you for your boundless love of friendship that has continued through the years and traveled the distance that only separates us in body and never of spirit.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.” ~Numbers 6:24-26

~Peace~ ειρήνη~Charlotte 

ειρήνη– “Peace” in Greek, reference listed the below. 

References:

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://mailchi.mp/abbeyofthearts/

https://www.bustle.com/articles/185245-7-symbolic-meanings-of-autumn-that-remind-us-how-amazing-this-season-really-is

Seasons-Woven Magic: The International Library of Poetry (March 20, 2001) ISBN-13: 978-1582355573

https://www.goodreads.com/

November 6th, 2020

Friends—

I simply want to share God’s word with you today. Just like many of you, I have been struggling. Keep the faith, for God is faithful. Even on our worst days, we can rejoice knowing we are in God’s care. I love my family and my friends, thank you for your support and your prayers. I pray you feel the spirit of God surround you as you read the words below.

“If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.”
—1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (NRSV)

Please practice healthy social distancing along with good health and hygiene habits! May God’s Blessings be abundant to you today! Amen.

~Peace~ ειρήνη~Charlotte 

ειρήνη– “Peace” in Greek, reference listed the below. 

References:

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.biblegateway.com/