ADVENT PEACE: FROM PROTECTION TO PROVISION
PEACE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE IN OUR SECURITYThursday, December 8th Protection: the act of covering or shielding from exposure, injury, damage, or …
ADVENT PEACE: FROM PROTECTION TO PROVISION
December 8th, 2022
As I was reading my devotional for today, I happily learned something new. It’s interesting, at least to me when I learn something new, my after-thought is…I should have known that! It seems so natural and why did I have to learn it to know it. Today’s title is a great example, “the moon is always full,” I actually said to myself, “well, DUH…Charlotte, one does not need to be a scientist to know that. Indeed, the moon is always itself, full all the time; however, we cannot always see it in its entirety due to orbiting the earth.
A Few Statistics
This means that although the Moon is rotating, it always keeps one face toward us. Known as “synchronous rotation,” this is why we only ever see the Moon’s nearside from Earth.
I found an article online in which the writer referenced the phrase, “the moon is always full” from a book called, “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki. The actual quote is, “There is a Japanese saying, “For the moon there is the cloud. For the flower there is the wind.” When we see a part of the moon covered by a cloud, or a tree, or a weed, we feel how round the moon is. But when we see the clear moon without anything covering it, we do not feel that roundness the same way we do when we see it through something else.”
I actually own a two copies of this book, hardback book and audio. I guess it just moved up to priority level in my reading library. I would be amiss if I did not say that the book was recommended several years ago by a dear friend, PC and I think she would be pleased that I’m finally going to read it.
though it is midnight, dawn is here; even though dawn comes, it is nighttime.
Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
I can’t help but draw some similarities to the moon and our humanness. Some of us only see the crescent of the moon never realizing the whole moon is still there. In our lives it’s in reverse, we see the whole of people (the exterior/body) but only know pieces (interior/thoughts/emotions/etc.) or the crescent of who they really are. Unfortunately, many people choose to fill in the unknown with half truths or less. My thoughts go to Mary and Joseph all those years ago, I’m sure people “talked” about them both directly and behind their backs. Gossip has been around a long time. Most people don’t want to take the time to know the truth, it involves connecting with people and that can be messy. Mary and Joseph were being obedient to God, that was what mattered. I’m sure there were relatives and neighbors that did not understand, but they did not let that deter them from being faithful. Mary and Joseph’s hearts were for God and His will, God was able to see the “whole” of who they were. Everyone else only saw the exterior of who they were. I often think about the pure hearts and minds of Mary and Joseph, knowing that they were created beings just like you and I. Made with purpose and a plan, a marvelous plan.
God of the two lights.
I love the sun,
it’s revealing brilliance,
it’s lingering warmth,
but in the dark of night,
let me learn
the wisdom of the moon,
how it waxes and wanes
but does not die,
how it gives itself
to shadow,
knowing it will emerge whole
once more.
- Jan Richardson
Life teaches us many life lessons and I am no exception to the rule, some lessons took me several attempts before the knowledge penetrated my thick stubborn skull. I don’t regret any of them, because each failure yield a specific skill I needed to continue my journey through life. I’m thankful that God never gave up on me. Our hearts are very precious cargo we carry with us everyday, I love the words from Proverbs 4:23, King Solomon said, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
When we open our hearts to others, much like seeing the whole of the moon not just the crescent we can experience fullness. This allows others see more of our wholeness. In doing this, the opening of our hearts, we are exposing ourselves to vulnerabilities. Making oneself vulnerable is neither good nor bad, it is an opportunity to deepen relationships and cultivate a greater sense of self. We can expand our understanding of our shared human and spiritual presence in the world. Remember, you can choose who and what you share with others. Place your trust in God, allow Him to guide your path.
“He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
—Psalm 23:3b
When we see people, it is a good reminder that even though we see a “people” we are only seeing a “crescent” of who they really are. Sometimes I see people on their best day and others on their worst day, I may not always succeed but I try to just be kind. In my job, when I interact with frustrated people and I get frustrated, it is never productive. Frustrated people just want to be heard, even if they are wrong. Allowing a bit of latitude and calm speech can go a long way in de-escalating an issue. In a world, even in a season of rush and self-absorbed people, a kind word or a kind gesture can do wonders.
Friends, I pray for you this day…may you be welcomed with kindness and may it return in full measure. You are a gift to me and a blessing.
This is a link to a PDF copy of the book, ““Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki
https://terebess.hu/zen/mesterek/Zen-Mind.pdf
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
References:
https://astronomy.com/magazine/ask-astro/2012/08/the-moons-nearside
https://www.google.com/search?q=goodread&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Prov.4.23&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps.23.3&version=NIV
ADVENT PEACE: FROM STUBBORN TO STEADFAST
PEACE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE IN OUR STANCEWednesday, December 7th Stubborn: performed or carried on in an unyielding, obstinate, or persistent manner; …
ADVENT PEACE: FROM STUBBORN TO STEADFAST
December 7th, 2022
Soft Sheets & Christmas Joys
“Praise the Lord! How good to sing praises to our God! How delightful and how fitting! He heals the broken-hearted and bandages their wounds. He counts the stars and calls them all by name. How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension!”
—Psalm 147 : 1, 3-5
Advent is a joyful time of year, as we are preparing and remembering the gift of Jesus to the world. Joyful, may not have been a way to describe what happen all those years ago, as Mary found herself pregnant before her marriage to Joseph and having to travel all the way to Bethlehem to be taxed according to a decree by Caesar Augustus. Upon their arrival to Bethlehem, Mary went into labor. The city was crowded and busy; overflowing with people because of the tax decree, hard as he tried, Joseph could only find lodging for Mary in a stable.
I am merely speculating, but this all seems rather stressful to me. Somehow, it’s easy for me to believe that Mary and Joseph were extremely brave and calm, with complete trust in God. And, they had each other.
Today, I read a story called, “Soft Sheets” it was written by Jan Richardson and it made me reflect upon my first Christmas season of being single after a long relationship.
Soft sheets is about the purchase of new sheets and the excitement of sleeping on them. That first night the sheets seemed to be mocking and making fun, because they were no longer to be shared with another. A waking dream of sorts, ghost of Christmas past. As sleep came, dreams gave way to vivid imago of what had been, and morning came sweetly with soft sheets.
That first Christmas for me was rough, reality had hit me in all the vulnerable places. I remember pretending that life had not changed, I simply pushed my grief inward. I did not want others to see me defeated, I wanted the joys of past Christmas’ in my life. It took me several years (stubbornness runs deep) to grasp the “joy’s” I wanted to hold onto. I was able to accept the truths in life and simply be thankful for the experiences and adventures I had be blessed with. After that it was easier to let go of the burdens I held onto that were so intertwined with my joys. I believe that God loves us and His great love is able to teach us lessons even in the most unpleasant circumstances.
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
—Psalm 34:18—
‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you for ever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.”
—John 14:15-17—
Beloved companion,
you are my delight,
but sometimes I need you
to take flesh
and form,
to feel the breath of you
on my neck,
the hem of your garment
thrown across me
when the night
is at its darkest
and the land
has turned to sleep.
- Jan Richardson
C. S. Lewis — “Lewis said that joy must have a stab or a pang of inconsolable long- ing that nothing else can satisfy. Because of this longing, joy creates a dissatisfaction with any other state of mind. Joy will not let people settle for anything less. The longing gives us the knowledge that there is something more, something better to life, even if we have never ex- perienced it. This knowledge is the work of the Holy Spirit. Longing tells us that there is something missing from our lives. We cannot de- scribe what that missing experience is, but we know it is there.” —-The Fruit of Christ’s Presence & Surprised By Joy
Thank you for visiting my advent blog, I am blessed by your support. May you experience unexpected joy today. Amen.
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
References:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps.147.1,Ps.147.3,Ps.147.4,Ps.147.5&version=KJ21
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John.14.15,John.14.16,John.14.17&version=NRSVA
https://www.uu.edu/societies/inklings/books/FruitofChristsPresence/Fruit_Chapter4.pdf
https://jacovanrossum.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/1a-c-s-lewis-joy.pdf
December 6th, 2022
The things that we are passionate about are woven into the essence of our wholeness. In addition, our passions can certainly change as we experience new things in life. One thing that remains as we move from passion to passion is a thread that is ever abiding with our sense of purpose.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
Colossians 3:23
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31
I starting playing softball at the age of five. I grew up playing on teams and loved the competitive nature of the sport. I loved the team atmosphere and the self discipline toward excellence both for self and team. I was blessed to play a sport I loved for over three decades. I was fortunate to have played in college and for years after with friends on a local team. Softball was my very first passion.
Life lessons from my softball passion can be seen in my every day life now, I am competitive in my work environment, I hate making mistakes (errors), I love working with others and supporting them and encouraging their passions. Just as in my pursuit of being a great player, I strive to be a great employee, coworker and friend. I continue to challenge myself to learn new skills while working to improve the ones I already have.
I also had a second passion early in my life, I loved going to church and learning about God. I was very fortunate to have been raised in the church with loving and caring adults that taught both by words and actions. I have always been interested in learning about the Bible. When, I was in my teens, the pastor of my church gave me the opportunity to deliver a sermon on “love,” what sweet memories! I will admit there remains a passion within me for ministry and I’ve even considered seminary. This blog is an opportunity to pursue such things and to share my passion for Christ with all of you.
Lastly, I would like to mention another passion of mine; Flintstone memorabilia from the 1960’s, ‘70’s thru ‘90’s. I have a fairly sizable collection and with my recent move, they are still all boxed up. I think I’m most fond of Fred, he’s always trying his best but makes mistakes; and his friends all love him.
What about you? I urge you to think of the passions within your life, look for that common thread woven into each one and I’m sure you will see the connectivity.
“Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion.”
—Unknown
“Our passions are not too strong, they are too weak. We are far too easily pleased.”
—C. S. Lewis
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
References:
ADVENT PEACE: FROM BLAMING TO BLESSING
PEACE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE IN RESOLVING TROUBLETuesday, December 6th Blame: to find fault with; censure; to hold responsible; to place responsibility…
ADVENT PEACE: FROM BLAMING TO BLESSING
ADVENT PEACE: FROM MASTERY TO MYSTERY
PEACE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE IN OUR UNDERSTANDINGMonday, December 5th Mastery: skill or knowledge that makes one master of a subject Mystery: something…
ADVENT PEACE: FROM MASTERY TO MYSTERY
December 5th, 2022
“They serve in a system of worship that is only a copy, a shadow of the real one in heaven. For when Moses was getting ready to build the Tabernacle, God gave him this warning: “Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain.”
—Hebrews 8:5
Hebrews 8: Christ Is Our High Priest
“Here is the main point: We have a High Priest who sat down in the place of honor beside the throne of the majestic God in heaven. There he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle, the true place of worship that was built by the Lord and not by human hands. And since every high priest is required to offer gifts and sacrifices, our High Priest must make an offering, too. If he were here on earth, he would not even be a priest, since there already are priests who offer the gifts required by the law. They serve in a system of worship that is only a copy, a shadow of the real one in heaven. For when Moses was getting ready to build the Tabernacle, God gave him this warning: “Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain.” But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises. If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it. But when God found fault with the people, he said:“The day is coming, says the Lord,when I will make a new covenantwith the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the oneI made with their ancestorswhen I took them by the handand led them out of the land of Egypt.They did not remain faithful to my covenant,so I turned my back on them, says the Lord. But this is the new covenant I will makewith the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord:I will put my laws in their minds,and I will write them on their hearts.I will be their God,and they will be my people. And they will not need to teach their neighbors,nor will they need to teach their relatives,saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’For everyone, from the least to the greatest,will know me already. And I will forgive their wickedness,and I will never again remember their sins.” When God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear.”
I am borrowing the title “Patterns” from my daily readings from Jan Richardson’s book “Night Visions.” I was intrigued by the word and was interested in learning more about how “patterns” relate to the Bible and more specifically to advent.
My initial thoughts of patterns went directly to clothing items. I say this because just yesterday I texted a friend to admit that I was committing a cardinal clothing sin, I was wearing brooks shoes with adidas pants! Oh, the shame of it all!! (Hahahah). We both had a laugh. I’m not trying to say I’m a “fashionista” which I’m not, I’m just weird. I try not to mix and match athletic brands together such as Nike with Adidas, Reebok with ASICS….silly I know but I did warn you I’m weird that way. I’m also weird about color matching clothing and socks, not to mention brands. I have digressed too much….
Once I began to research patterns I discovered several examples in the Bible that I forgot I even knew, you probably know them too.
For the research geek in me, I found the below definitions fascinating.
This season of advent has been anything but a “pattern” for me and honestly I am enjoying some of the benefits of less boundaries. The story of Jesus’ birth should never just be about tracing the “pattern” set before us, merely for the sake of it. This is the story of God becoming flesh, to be born , to live as one of us and to save us. This season is life giving and life saving! Advent and how we choose to celebrate it can be open to slight diversions to enhance the experience. Even as I write this post, my thoughts are traveling with Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem with excitement for the birth of Jesus. I am just traveling a different path to get there and I’m so overjoyed that you have decided to journey with me.
Forgive us, God,
when we live our lives
within the lines,
when we say
this is the shape of our
work
this is the boundary of our
habitation
these are the limits to our
love
these are the lines of our
vision
these, are none other.
Draw us beyond our patterns
into yours:
shifting, moving,
curving, spiraling,
many-colored, ever-changing,
stretching, pushing,
challenging, renaming,
unsettling, disturbing,
casting forth,
and welcoming home.
— Jan Richardson©️
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
References:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Heb.8.5&version=NLT
https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/04/who-wrote-the-book-of-hebrews/
https://sarata.com/bible/web/verses.about/pattern.html
https://biblehub.com/topical/p/pattern.htm
What Are We Waiting For?
Photo credit, Pexels: Adonyi Gábor “Life in a prison cell may well be compared to Advent; one waits, hopes, and does this, that, or the other- things…
What Are We Waiting For?
December 4th, 2022
“How I long for all of you.” —Philippians 1:8
Welcome to week two of advent! The traditional focus is on PEACE, and I will be adhering to that as well. In addition though, I will be occasionally referencing some of the themes in the Jan Richardson’s book I am currently reading, (Night Visions – searching the shadows of advent and christmas). In her book, she titles this week “Desire.” Have you noticed that everyone and everything is telling you what your desires are, or should be? The past couple of months the TV, radio and store shelves are trying to sell something you can’t live without. The newest smart TV’s, a new phone, a new computer, new dolls, new cars, jewelry, new clothes, etc…the list goes on and on. A lot of us finally give in and purchase at least one new/great thing. In the end, was it our desire or the sensational sales pitch that pulled us in. A great question we can all ask ourselves is, what is my desire?
“Take delight in the Lord,and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
—Psalm 37:4—
One thing I try to do is create or request a list of specific items when it comes to gift giving especially for children at Christmas. I am sure I am not alone this holiday season when I say, I desire to give generously unfortunately my bank account says otherwise. This year, gift giving will be minimal and I am hoping to be more “present” with those I love and care for. Gifts do not have to be store bought presents. One of my absolutely favorite things to do at Christmas is to spend an evening with my aunt and cousins. We typically have pizza and drinks, spent lots of time in conversations about our loved ones who are no longer with us, remembering how much we loved them. And, we laugh A LOT!! Last year, we also baked cookies (14 different kinds), made small gift baskets and gave them to friends and family. My heart is always so full when I’m with them. I also make it a priority to spend time with my niece and her beautiful family, she had three boys and they are 11/5/3…they are never dull that for sure. I also will be seeing my dad and brother during the holidays and gifts haven’t really been a thing for a long time, my dad is overjoyed with chocolate covered cherries! I am sincerely blessed. Once I start naming the gifts I already have, my desire is just the opportunity to be with those I love.
“The desire of the righteous will be granted.”
—Proverbs 10:24—
What is your desire(s) this holiday season? There is no right or wrong answer to give. If you have the financial resources to buy gifts and give them, that is wonderful. I’ve been that person and I really like her. This makes me think of a Christmas movie I watch every year, “The Little Drummer Boy,” he thought he had no gift, the truth is (he) was the gift and the bonus was he played the drum. When we choose to be authentically ourselves, give freely, we are by proxy God’s gifts to the world. God created each of us with a purpose and with a plan, when we seek God with all our heart, mind and soul we shall indeed, find Him.
“A gift opens doors; it gives access to the great.”
Proverbs 18:16
“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.”
—Jeremiah 29:11—
“The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.”
Proverbs 18:16
Don’t let the world decide your desires for you! Don’t fall for the hype and commercialization or the next great thing! Seek God, ask Him to show you the true desires of your heart.
“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
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
References:
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