Perhaps because it's my birthday month.
I await the celebration of the 'coming' of the Lord.
Advent . . . the coming . . . a time of waiting.
A time of planning.
A time of preparation.
A time to celebrate the birth of the Lord, Jesus Christ. . .
"The only begotten Son of God . . . God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father..."
John, the baptizer, was called by God to 'Prepare the way . . . the 'new' way . . . Prepare for the "new Covenant" . . . the Lord, the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
Yet, it all began with a devout, young, Jewish girl who said 'yes' to the Angel Gabriel when he said,
"Hail [Mary], full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb..."
Mary was so filled with faith that she was willing to accept this 'gift' from God even if it meant she might be killed for bearing a child outside of marriage.
So, I begin this month with the icon of Gabriel that I 'wrote' several years ago. [Icons tell the story through shapes and color]
Gabriel's words given to Mary nearly nine months earlier will soon bear fruit as we re-live the pageant of Christ's birth.
December 1, 2016
So many changes this year.
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| Night shots are not my gift. Yet, these 'dancing' waters look like lit up Christmas trees. |
We're moving south for a few months.
It's our first year taking a long time-out from work.
We'll see how it goes.
In the mean time, we linger a little longer each day as we consider what it means to prepare for the 'coming' of the Lord.
This Advent we take time to step back a bit, breathe deep, count our blessings, pray for those who are struggling, encourage those who seem discouraged and enjoy all the ways we celebrate Christ's presence in our lives.
Oh JOY!
12-2:: Pick, Pack, Plop
That's how I feel today.
We're getting nearer to our travel date.
The car is packed beyond sensibility but 'we may need that' is the motto of the day.
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| This is the Pierce-Dupont home that we visited. I love the simplicity of the stairway decorations. |
Actually, it's the cleaning and putting away, the picking up and the stashing in the right place, the ever-present decision to pack, keep, give away or throw.
For the first time in decades we are actually gleaning files, piles and treasures.
We've moved many times and each time we get rid of 'stuff' but never like this.
Why on earth do we accumulate so much?
For us it is another book or tiny pieces of paper we've cut out of the newspaper or have written down from a lecture.
We've collected treasures that mean more to the soul than to the pocket book.
I'm trying to place these 'treasures' in my computer in some semblance of order.
However, that means that one of these days I must make the same decisions with all the files in my computer.
This takes far less space but it is still 'stuff.'
So, on we go . . . pick out another item and decide to either pack it or plop it in the throw-away or give-away pile.
All in a day's work.
12-3:: And we're off . . . like a herd of turtles!
I love that phrase.
So true.
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| I took this picture at dusk. Gray skies, leaves blown away. I love it but all too soon we will be seeing different trees. |
This is the longest time away from home we've taken so we are being extra careful.
A dear friend is taking care of other homes and has gladly added us to the list.
It's nice to know that our little abode will be loved by others while we're gone.
So, this entry is short because we must get going.
Turtles may be slow but they are steady and persevere through any obstacle.
That's what we are planning to do.
We have our guardian angel, we prayed prayers for focus, guidance, protection and safe travels.
We are on our way.
Hopefully we will reach our destination in a timely manner.
As some might say, "God speed."
That sounds so much better than being in a turtle race.
12-4:: Second Sunday of Advent
Preparations for the 'coming' of Christ continue.
We think of Joseph and Mary trekking to Bethlehem for the census, a requirement.
Mary is almost ready to give birth to our Lord.
Purple is the color of the day . . . mildly penitential, regal, majestic . . . my favorite of the four major colors of the year.
We just got off the car-train.
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| I posted this last month but I so love this depiction of Mary by Nellie Edwards. Go to her website for more pro-life art. |
The constant sway of the train was not as bad as the 'jolt' around curves.
There must have been loads of curves.
We met wonderful people: compartment next to us and at dinner and breakfast.
One couple wants to visit us even though they are over an hour away.
We discussed everything from soup to nuts and agreed on most everything . . . even politics?
One difference, which made no difference to either of us, was they are Jewish.
In fact, we talked about the prophecy of Isaiah and Amos and Micah.
They agreed that Jesus was Jewish and was God's gift to us to call us all back to God.
I look forward to further discussions.
Most of all, I look forward to sharing moments with them . . . perhaps as we walk through the botanical gardens that are in our neighborhood.
We cherish moments with the Lord as we pray THANKSGIVING that we are safe and our little car made it all the way to our destination in one piece!
After unloading the car and finding our favorite Chinese take-away, we are done for the day.
As we think of Joseph and Mary trekking to Bethlehem for many days, we are blessed to arrive at our destination in less than thirty-six hours.
12-5:: A New Bit of Jumble
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| Here is a nice bit of jumble that greeted us. |
The overloaded car was not only emptied but all it's contents has found a place.
We have everything we need except food.
So, off to the super-store we go to load up on enough food for our stay.
Then another store, and another.
And, of course, our stop at Chick-fila . . . my favorite place of a huge salad with just a little bit of chicken.
Unpack and stuff away.
We have plenty of cupboard space but a small refrigerator.
Of course hubby had to get the bargain quantity so three cartons of milk, four huge containers of yogurt and other ingredients that must remain cool are stuffed into this tiny space.
I re-arrange shelves, figure what fits best in each space and hope for the best.
Now all we have to do is remember what drawer, shelf or cupboard we've shoved stuff.
It's actually a nice challenge for us.
We were getting a bit too complacent in our lives with the same daily routine.
Now we have a jumbled bit of time to re-think, re-organize, re-group and PARTY!
Our little condo is already having a gathering.
I'm suppose to bring an appetizer.
Trying to find a proper recipe will be a 'jumble' in itself.
12:6 We're Getting There
A run to the hardware store and a few other places and I think we've finished.
More boxes arrived.
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| Some red and green . . . almost Christmas. |
Most everything will remain here, which is nice.
We so love our books.
It now seems like home.
I save everything, including the hundreds of plastic grocery bags I used to 'wrap' everything.
I now have a HUGE bag full of these little bags.
Hubby loves to empty trash daily, in each room.
So, we will never have to purchase trash bags.
We re-cycle everything so that's nice.
Phone calls begin to come in.
Friends know we've arrived.
"Don't forget our morning gathering on Friday [plus our condo gathering later in the day] and the tea on Thursday and the event next Monday and . . . "
Our calendar is getting full and few know we are here.
That's why I so love early mornings.
I can sit quietly, look our the lanai windows, ponder what the Lord has put on my heart, pray for others, write this blog and simply BE.
My quiet time has been sketchy the past week but I'm getting there.
12-7:: Pearl Harbor Day
75 years ago today the United States of America was totally unprepared for the attack on Pearl Harbor.
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| A picture from the History Channel. They do an excellent job sharing history that may not be taught in school. |
The very new RADAR was not trusted.
When a report of seven planes reached Hawaii, found by radar and not identified, the report was dismissed as 'american' planes.
In fact, people were just waking up to another beautiful day.
The Japanese first hit the electrical center, then the grounded planes then the ships.
Our planes could have been up in the air had there been drills for what might happen if enemy planes were in the area.
However, there was no inkling of this possibility because the closest air strip was "too far away for the planes to come and return."
The Japanese "Kamikasi" knew they would not return.
Fifteen years ago we were totally unprepared for the ISIS strike on the twin towers.
No way could an enemy plane get through the constant flight corridor of protection.
We had no idea that our own passenger planes would be hijacked and used for mass destruction.
We were complacent in our airport screening processes.
We were totally unprepared for such evil.
That's what Advent is all about.
Be prepared.
Prepare our souls for any surprise the 'evil one' may have in store for us to distract us from the truth of this time of quiet anticipation of the grandest party of the year.
We can be blindsided at any moment of our lives.
Advent is a time to remind ourselves to maintain the "drills" of prayer, worship, scripture study, sharing God's gifts in community and being aware of our daily blessings in the midst of a very secular world.
Pearl Harbor Day is not an event in the past.
It can happen at any moment . . . again . . . and again . . . as we have experienced.
Let's be prepared.
Let's keep up with the 'drill'.
12-8:: The Tea
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| Of course I did not take pictures but this little setting is my little set-up in our bedroom. Mother always had the tea table set and ready in the bedroom for early morning. |
It's at the church I served over seven years ago.
I thought it might be fun to see old friends and enjoy some sense of beauty.
Twenty women volunteered to 'set' a table of eight in a theme they created.
So, each of these tables had a beautiful centerpiece with a full place setting, with napkins and placemats over tablecloths, to match the theme.
Unbelievable.
Of course I did not take pictures.
The "Tropical Christmas" theme was PINK with Flamingoes dressed in pink feathers.
The tree was trimmed in PINK.
The two hostess were in shades of PINK.
And many wore pink as they followed the theme.
What a delight.
The grand finale was singing the "Twelve Days of Christmas" with each table taking on a specific verse.
By the last few rounds, we were all getting a bit creative with hand actions to depict our verse.
TEA, a delight for the senses and the soul.
12-9:: The Group
I've belonged to the same accountability group for sixteen years.
We meet weekly.
Except for vacations, I have been away from the group for almost eight years.
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| I felt like the "Queen of Everything" as Mary Englebrite says on her cup. |
We come together to share what God has done for us and what we have done for God each week.
We share our 'journey' so to speak.
Some have much to share.
Others are not so verbal.
We encourage one another but do not make suggestions or try to counsel.
[Sometimes we just can't help ourselves and we do get opinionated.]
Over the years I have seen soul-growth and depth of character expand in each of us.
Today was special.
I was able to join in the annual 'gift' giving.
Each gift was either hand made or cost less than a dollar.
It is the idea of 'giving' to our dear sisters and sharing in the reason for the season.
We attend grouping at several homes but this person lives a bit of a drive away.
So, she only has the Group at Christmas time.
WOW!
The entire house said, Welcome, Celebrate, God is with us!
Elegant, yet fun.
Gingerbread everywhere but discreetly.
They are known as the Ginger Bread couple because they bake everything gingerbread each year.
They use to have a business in gingerbread.
Totally amazing.
Another day to receive the gift of beauty, creativity, JOY, celebration, sharing, sister-love and so much more.
12-10:: Spinach Balls
Last night was COLD
We had an outside gathering on 'the lanai.'
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| This is as close as I get to Spinach balls. Our collective tree filled with 'knitted' ornaments. An oxymoron set next to the 'flora' and 'font' of Florida! |
Two dear ones took it upon themselves to invite the entire condo community to a feast.
Of course we all contributed to this feast.
Except me.
I was so excited to share this new recipe for Spinach Balls but it was not to be.
I managed to pre-prep parts of the recipe between our umpteen events and hubby time of shopping.
I was perfectly on schedule.
I only had 30 minutes to bake these spinach balls, which was right on target.
I popped them in the oven and set the timer.
I noticed the timer was a bit funny but I saw it declining by the minute.
I did not test the oven but it voiced the signal that it had reached the 300 degree temp.
Alas, after thirty minutes, nothing was cooked.
I simply left them in the oven, turned off the heat, and joined the group for a hearty meal and great conversation.
"Too much too soon," I said to myself.
I cannot unpack, shop for major household needs, party, keep hubby happy and prepare SPINACH BALLS.
After a lovely evening of delightful conversations and great food, I returned to the spinach balls, still sitting in the tepid oven.
I tried again but this time I set the oven to 350 for 15 min. instead of 30 min.
Cooked too hot too fast but they COOKED.
Hubby LOVED THEM.
Fortunately, I have more in the freezer to cook for the right time at the right temp.
They are yummy but a bit tinged on the edges.
Next time I'll be ready.
I can make them days ahead of time and freeze them.
I'll test the oven to make sure all is hot and then will 'go for it.'
There will be more little community events and it's my only fun recipe.
Spinach Balls . . . here we come!
12-11:: O JOY !
In the depths of darkness a spark of light reveals life.
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| I am nostalgic for the pink of Christmas celebrations up North. This was inside the conservatory where it was as warm as Florida. |
We light the third candle, PINK, JOY . . . in remembrance of the Joy Mary may have felt as the child/God kicked within her.
The reality of birth is close at hand as she and Joseph journey to Bethlehem to be counted... and taxed.
The reality of the blessing given by God through the Holy Spirit by the Angle Gabriel is forthcoming.
We kick-start the long, lingering waiting for THE day.
We POP a little color into these gray days.
A pop of pink gives us a jolt as we are reminded that this wonderful day is soon approaching.
We read of John, the baptizer, sending his followers to Jesus . . . which will not happen until about thirty years after the LIGHT OF CHIRST comes into the World.
As JOY pierces the darkness, so does the 'light' of new awakening from our slumber.
Awake ye followers of Christ, awaken the Spirit inside us, the Spirit who was given to us in baptism and who continues to guide us on our journey if we choose to follow.
ReJOYce!
This day of a new beginning is almost here!
12-12:: Ultreya [A Spanish word, derived from the original Latin, meaning ONWARD!
It was in common use by pilgrims to greet and to encourage one another along the way.]
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| Amaryllis grows 'onward' as our little decor depicts all aspects of the Advent of Our Savior. Ultreya! |
Where we have resided for nearly eight years there is no Crusillo.
There is no 'Fourth Day.'
There is no 'Grouping.'
The Holy Spirit seems to be an afterthought in the lives of so many who faithfully attend church.
But we have come South for the winter.
We have returned to friends who celebrate the entire Trinity and who live a life of accountability in Christ.
We all gather monthly to hear the journey-story of a fellow Christian.
A little food, some great singing, sharing in small groups and listening to God's mighty work through another in Christ is always a blessing that fills my soul.
I feel the renewing of the Spirit in me, the filling-up as if I were a quarter tank low.
We all need filling up.
It's great to be with friends who remind us of the source of our 'filler.'
God: Father, Son AND Holy Spirit . . . God with us . . . working in community as we step into fellowship filled with JOY and love as we mingle with so many dear friends.
Ultreya!
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| I so love lingering over breakfast. It's a special time for reading and meditating. I even make 'Christmas tea.' |
Nothing beats a 'down' day.
A down day, for me, is one where I can catch up on my blogging and organize more piles that sit on the floor waiting for a place to stay put.
A 'down' day means I can linger a little longer with little things.
Hubby wanted to run an errand, which took longer than usual.
But, the rest of the day I could put together some shelves we purchased.
I sorted through linens and 'stuff' we do not need.
I created a HUGE pile to give to the thrift shop.
I put a little order into our life.
NICE.
I need about twenty more 'down' days and I'll feel like I'm in heaven!
12-14:: Sleep and Lingering.
I still can't believe it.
I plopped into bed at 9:00 pm last night.
Hubby tucked me in and stayed up for several more hours.
Amazingly, I did not stir until 7:00 am!
The whirl of activities and settling into our winter abode took its toll.
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| I also linger right outside our condo door in front if this 'winter' scene in the midst of Florida foliage. NICE! |
I lingered over prayer and meditation, reading and simply reveling in my quiet time.
Oh to sleep . . . and linger . . . and to chat with God . . . and to simply BE.
Sleep . . . a wonderful thing.
Lingering . . . even more wonderful.
Combine the two and I'm a new woman!
A few more hours of this and I'll be ready to join friends at a very fine restaurant tonight.
It's wonderful to be able to sleep, linger and party!
We are SO blessed!
12-15:: Loss and Grief
My dear friend's husband died this summer, while we were too far away to attend the funeral.
So, when we came South, my friend and I made a date for early morning coffee at our favorite McDonalds.
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| Darkness envelops the tree as a faint sparkle of light reveals half of what we see. Grief is like that. |
Today was different.
She did not show up.
My phone call to her was recorded.
She called me a few minutes later in tears saying how sorry she was that she forgot.
She'd been missing dates and names lately.
Grief.
Grief takes on so many genres.
It lingers in tiny, far-reaching corners of the soul.
It flares up in the most unexpected places.
I drove to another McDonalds closer to her.
By the time I found it, she was just driving up.
It was just nice seeing her.
Worn.
Fragile.
Tentative.
Conversation was simple, slow, thought filled.
Nothing deep.
I prayed with her for God's GRACE to surround her as she continued her journey surrounded by many wonderful friends and helpful family.
All the friends in the world and her great relationship with God does not take away the pain of loss.
It's like she was glued to a strong 4x4 who held her up, even though she is just as strong.
Half of her is gone.
Her spouse of umpteen years is no longer here.
We all grieve.
She has a strength of her own and has been a very capable leader but 'half' of her is now missing.
Anyone of us would go on tilt when half of us is missing.
Return to a balanced life will take time . . . and patience . . . and wading through more grief.
But she is loved by so many praying for her as God's grace surrounds her.
12-16:: Retirement
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| This says it all. |
He is a real trooper.
Although he 'retired' five times, he has helped serve the Lord with gladness until he was forced to step back a couple of years ago.
He turns 90 this coming May!
I learned many years ago that we can 'retire' from our jobs but we never are retired when it comes to serving the Lord.
If, indeed, we choose to step back and not share our gifts according to God's purpose for us, we might as well be called to heaven with all the choirs of angels.
Since our purpose is to love the Lord, thy God, with all our heart, soul, strength and mind how can we really retire?
If, indeed, we are to love our neighbor as ourselves (after we follow the above purpose) how can we retire?
We might change activities.
We might slow down.
We might meet a need we've never thought we'd be able to meet if it's according to God's will.
But retire?
I don't think so.
Our visit today affirmed to hubby and me that we will be 'serving the Lord with gladness' until we take our last breath on this earth.
This may take many forms but, even if we are unstable on our feet or have difficulty seeing, like our friend, we will always find ways to keep going.
Retirement is not in our vocabulary.
12-17:: Do Not Be Afraid
We've heard that one before.
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| This branch filled with lights and 'icicles' grasps the wonder of this moment in time so many years ago. The 'electric' charge of New Life filled Mary and embraced Joseph. Each year we delight in trying to grasp this moment in time. |
When Mary received, AND ACCEPTED, the Word from the Angel Gabriel, the message was prefaced with the words, "Do not be afraid."
Now it's Joseph's turn [Matthew 1:20]
The angel comes to him in the form of a dream but still makes sure Joseph is attentive to the words Joseph needs to heed.
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit."
This revelation continues in verse 21, "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."
WOW!
That's a lot to digest for one who is of the lineage of David and who knows and loves God with all his heart, soul, strength and mind.
The prophecy from Isaiah 7:14 is coming to pass.
This is REAL!
This is actually happening . . . now!
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| Sights and sounds enhance our awareness of the Presence of "God with us." As we wrap our minds around 'wonder' we are reminded of the words, "Do not be afraid." |
What would I do?
Would I say, "No way!" and argue with the Angel?
Of course, the Angel would have to say, "WAY !!!"
And, as we know, Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us IS the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE . . .
This is the season to walk boldly into the full Presence of God.
This is the time to claim a personal relationship with the One who desires a deep, personal, holy, fabulously amazing relationship with us.
Do not be afraid.
Go for it.
Follow the One who desires to become ONE with us.
God: Father, Son, Holy Spirit . . . the full nine yards.
and . . . do not be afraid.
The journey is amazingly wonder-filled if we remain focused on Him.
12-18:: Fourth Sunday of Advent
Mary and Joseph are on a new faith-path, together, because the Angel of the Lord has communicated to them, separately, that 'God with us, Emmanuel' will soon be born to them . . . and to the world.
It's a message I do not think I could receive well if I were called to be the 'bearer of God', especially this year.
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| This is what I would see up North. A vast expanse of golden hues as we celebrate with Moravian candles and decorations. |
This year seems surreal.
Advent, the waiting period of the 'coming' of Christ, Jesus.
Advent, the prelude to the grandest celebration of the year . . . mostly by the secular world.
Advent, a time of JOY, anticipation, gatherings, lights that pierce the darkness, red and green both inside and outside, decorations, quiet times of remembrance, deep breathing, too much to do then stepping back and lingering over the beauty created to mask the deadness of dark winter months.
This year it's just not there.
Yes, we have made a huge life-change by spending the dark, cold, winter months in a place where sun shines, warm weather prevails and palm trees overtake the scruffy florida pines.
Lights and decorations abound.
Celebrations are everywhere.
Churches are packed with those who truly celebrate the Presence, God in Christ, in our lives.
I'm just not 'feeling' it.
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| I packed this tiny tree and Manger snow globe as part of Christmas in a Box. My nephew, who is grown and married, picked this out for me when he was just a tyke. I've always loved it. |
Endless trips to the hardware and super-mart stores may have something to do with it.
Yet, we continue to visit dear friends, celebrate life over tea and cookies and linger a little longer on the lanai.
I have decided that we are going to be more intentional this week.
We are going to seek out those little displays of light on simple homes down hidden streets.
We are going to walk around downtown (three blocks long) which we still have not seen.
We are going to CELEBRATE the 'coming,' the ADVENT, of our Lord in simple ways.
Today I bake cookies.
Tomorrow I have tea with a friend and go to a cookie exchange at night.
Advent, a wondrous time of anticipation . . . of 'feeling' it.
December 19:: Celebrate A New Day!
"This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be GLAD!
Fog hovers over the endless expanse of water as I make footprints in the sand.
This is a new beginning.
I'm finally beginning my daily walk, even if it is a short distance.
I need to get my 'sand' legs.
It's not easy walking on sand but where I walk makes all the difference.
It's low tide.
The most 'compacted' sand is near the incoming waves.
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| I pulled out some ribbons and a little manger and tree from the Christmas Box. Tiny bits of celebration set out each day. |
I'm on a bit of a slant so I feel like a mountain goat.
This is good but it takes a bit of practice.
I get to a certain point and reverse course . . . not far enough, in my opinion . . . but I'm not going to overdo it.
I have too much to do and don't need to be laying around feeling aches and pains.
It really IS like a new day.
The constant ache of joints on my right side has almost ceased.
I'm overjoyed by the sense of movement I've felt in this moist warmth.
I want to do more but I know I must build up these muscles that have sort of atrophied over the past couple of weeks.
Ahhhh, this NEW day feels great!
Perhaps the Lord wants us to feel the joy of EACH new day as if we begin our journey afresh with each sunrise.
May the SON rise in my life with newness of life each day.
May I see one NEW Presence of God each day as if I were beginning afresh.
As we anticipate the celebration of the birth of Christ, may I anticipate the celebration of each new day as if it also were my new birth.
12-20:: An then there was LIGHT !
It was dark.
Tomorrow is the darkest day of the year.
We were tired after a long day of seeing people and doing things.
Yet, we promised ourselves that we would see a 'little bit of Christmas.'
All we needed to do was drive around a little to see a few lit-up homes here and there.
And so we did just that.
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| And LED LIGHTS pierced the darkness! |
We drove down some neighborhood streets and chuckled at the 'antics' in their front yards.
Those blow-up creatures . . . from santa stuck in an igloo to a full manger scene were quite impressive.
And then . . . and then . . . with excitement in our hearts . . . we remembered Victoria Park!
It's a community of simple homes, nothing to speak of.
It's family oriented with loads of kids and trucks parked in driveways.
BUT, these miles of streets are FILLED with LIGHT!
Each block took on a theme.
Their mailbox poles were extended high to fit a home-made wire filled with lights in the shape of: stars, arches, snowflakes, candy canes etc.
I love the arches because they are HUGE arcs that expand across the street so that we drive under them.
Almost every single house in the development has some sort of lights.
Even the 'hanukkah house' has streams of blue lights and a menorah in the window.
I remember it from years back and they did not disappoint.
On certain days those who drive through the neighborhood give a donation for the local food bank as we enter the open gates.
Ooooo, ahhhhhh, a m a z i n g !
Wonderous, fanciful, precious . . .. from HO, HO, HO in lights on one roof to a huge Manger scene, and huge lit bulbs hanging from large trees . . . OH JOY!
And then there was LIGHT . . . light pierced through a very dark night . . . in the same way the Light of Christ pierces though the darkness of the soul.
God is very present in the whimsy of lights in this community.
12-21:: Dark, quiet, peaceful and connected
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| Snow sticks to the screen and covers winterberries. This hazy shot of winter brings memories of life in the midst of cold, dark days. Winterberries pop up and remind us of LIFE and how we also give 'life' as we give to another. |
Today is a bit cool with dark clouds lingering as if it were going to rain any minute.
Can't beat it.
I could be shoveling snow or wearing seventeen layers inside the house and not going outside.
I walked the beach today.
Not many people walking on this misty, dark morning.
Quiet music plays from our radio.
We write more cards to friends we may never see again.
But, it's always so nice to hear from them as they hear from us.
We share pithy news and recall fond memories that seem like yesterday.
God created us to live in community, to love and nurture and find purpose in giving and doing for others as if we were giving and doing for God.
Sometimes I swirl through each day so fast that I forget to contemplate how dark this world would be without the knowledge that God is with us . . . God with us . . . Emmanuel . . . Christ Jesus . . . the reason we pack our days in a frenzy of fancy.
Dark, quiet, peaceful . . . helps me take time to remember the reason I connect with friends, the reason for this season, the reason I live.
I pack another little bag of cookies for someone who could use a bit of a lift today.
I love these moments.
12-22:: "O" Antiphons of Advent
The Council of Catholic Bishops says the following about Antiphons:
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| I was told that the colors of Red and Green, when seen together, give peace to the soul. |
The Roman Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23.
They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well.
Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.
They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well.
Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.
O Wisdom of Our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge.
O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!
O Root of Jesse's Stem, sign of God's love for all his people: come to save us without delay!
O Key of David, opening the gates of God's eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!
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| Just as the Light of Christ 'comes' out of darkness into the light of a new covenant with us, our Amaryllis has burst forth with new life on the darkest days of the year. [See picture on 12-12] |
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!
O Emmanuel our King and Giver of the Law: come to save us, Lord our God!
I have enjoyed saying each daily Antiphon slowly and picturing what God wants me to see, know, understand about my Lord, God, King of Kings.
The O-Antiphons en-LIGHT-en us regarding the New Covenant bursting forth through God's Son.
O . . . Come . . .
O come O come Emmanuel . . .
Advent . . . Come
O King of kings and Lord of lords, Come, be with us . . . God with us, Jesus, the Christ.
12-23:: . . . Come, be with us . . .
O King of Kings . . . His Holy Presence is with us as we begin to celebrate Christ Jesus' birth.
Come, be with us . . .
Come, dear friends, gather round the table for sharing of whatever we have to offer . . . words of encouragement, a listening ear, delights for the palate, love and caring and kindness.
Come and be with one who can listen.
That's what I did yesterday.
I have not yet met her but she seemed to open up about the grief she carries over her husband's recent death.
My weekly sharing group was open to sharing how they feel during this festive time . . . confession, pain from ill-health, depression, anxiety.
Godly, Christian women know the One who can heal and make things better but sometimes it is not that easy.
We all have moments or extended periods of time when nothing goes right or dear ones die or we are simply depressed and don't want to put on that smily face.
It's so nice that we 'come' and 'be' with each other.
That's what our Lord wants.
Just COME and BE.
God will do the rest.
It feels good to know that the Lord will carry me if I'm too exhausted to walk.
I've had many of those moments.
So far we are doing quite well as we continue to 'come' into God's Presence with singing and joy and a simple peace that resides within hubby and me at this point in time.
We are so blessed.
12-24:: Eve of the Christ Mass (Celebration of the Nativity of our Lord)
I was reading about the origins of Christmas in the Wall Street Journal today.The celebration of Christ's birth has been challenged from it's beginning.
Early Christians did not celebrate the birthday of Christ as they assumed Christ would come again not long after His ascension.
Little did they know that God would take His time returning His Son to us.
We have lessons to learn and, since the beginning of time, we have been s l o w learners.
When the Puritans came to America they abolished any of the 'riff-raff' of this 'Catholic' celebration, especially because they found so much 'idolatry' in the church.
They were focused on 'purity' of faith.
No celebrations, no gift giving, absolutely no trees and no frivolity whatsoever.
The celebration of Christ's birth was meant to be a solemn occasion.
No color, no unique smells, nothing for the eye to see, the ear to hear the mouth to taste the nose to smell that would remind one of a festive time of rejoicing in our Savior's birth.
Thank goodness for the Germans, decades later, who brought the Christmas Tree to these barren souls.
But what about the tradition of the Manger scene that St. Francis of Assisi created?Was that also totally lost?
Guess not.
Somehow, we created small or large tableaux of that wondrous moment in time when Mary and Joseph held their new born son in their arms, surrounded by smelly mules and whatever else was in the manger at the time.
It's the images and smells and sounds of this wondrous time that will never cease, no matter how many pagans try to take Christ Jesus from us.
Mangers may be 'politically incorrect' and "Merry Christmas" might only be said by those who are pressing the 'system' beyond protocol.
The real Presence, the Christ in our hearts will never cease.
"The night before Christmas and all through the house" . . . we wonder and we wander through memory lane . . . knowing God in Christ Jesus will always remain . . .
in hearts seeking God, in hearts filled with faith . . .
if only we are willing to receive and acknowledge God's GRACE.
12-25:: God's Presence Comes Down to Earth
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| We brought 'Christmas in a box' so that we could celebrate with same traditions. Hubby's dad brought this manger scene home after WWII. It's simple. That's why we love it. The Wise Men are present a little early only because I wanted to make sure we put all the pieces out. Our Advent Calendar (top right) is another annual tradition. |
This year was a little different as we joined the majestic celebration at our old church for the first time in eight Christmases.
It was so good to sit with hubby and share a hymnal.
We held hands as we listened to words and joined others in song.
People dressed up for this grand celebration.
After all, it is grandest birthday party of the year!
We returned home close to midnight, just in time to place baby in the manger.
The baby, Jesus, totally trusting in his parents for every need and want.
Born in the most lowly abode one can imagine, without fanfare, of little note to any but a few shepherds whose sensitive spirit heard the call of the angels to 'Come and see."
They came, they saw, they worshipped.This little baby who could DO nothing came to BE the 'light' planted in the souls of all who would come . . . see . . . and know . . . and worship.
Something beyond-human emanated from this tiny babe.
A profound 'Presence' that was beyond his own spilled out from this little crib.
"God from God, Light from Light, True God from True God, begotten, not made, of One Being with the Father . . . "
As we lingered by the manger so late at night, hubby and I shared profound observations about Christ's birth.
It was as if the Spirit of God were speaking through us as our thoughts swirled together and wove in and out of our remembrances in our journey with Christ.
Christmas past, present and future . . . in Christ we dwell.
God's Presence continues to come down to us . . . on earth . . . in simple ways.
12-26:: The Day After Christmas
"Twas the day after Christmas and all through the house,the computers were clicking and none had a mouse.
Technology reigns with new gadgets galore,
hubby is fascinated and still wants more.
Yet, the reason the season is such a delight,
is that we celebrate Christ's birth from day into night.
For twelve days we linger with the Word from above,
as we care for others and give them our love.
Twelve days of JOY as we wait for Wise Men,
to seek out the Christ child and bring gifts for when,
the Holy family must travel a great distance soon,
because Harod is after each each baby boy for doom.
But God is in charge of His family of God
and watches over each of us wherever we've trod.
May these twelve days of Christmas bring mindful insights,
as we share with each other much love and delight.
12-27:: Mary, Mother of God
I've been away from my blog the past few days because I'm taking advantage of an amazing deal.
I able to watch twelve videos about Mary that would normally cost about $200.
The creators offered this series, free, to any who wish to watch for only one week.
Go to "Saint Paul Center for Biblical Theology" and look for DVD series on Mary.
Very well presented, incredible art work and, most important, teaching that I've wanted to hear for a very long time.
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| This icon of Mary was given to me by my husband's cousin. The one next to it, of John the Evangelist, was given to me by a friend who has since died. I cherish both the gift and the friendship of the giver. |
As a protestant, I've never understood this 'disdain' for this verbiage.
Of course Mary is the mother of God since Jesus is God.
In fact, if we really stop and think about the process of conception to birth we would be amazed at the logic behind the words, "Mary, Mother of God."
Think about it.
The 'seed' that was planted by the Holy Spirit in Mary still had to grow by sucking in the bloody tissue of Mary.
A woman's body is what 'feeds' that precious seed from conception.
The logic seems so simple.
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| Nellie Edward's painting Type in Nellie Edwards Art and you'll find the website to purchase this . . . just posted for sale! I just had to repeat this as it is so perfect with today's notes. |
God designated Mary to bear this holy baby!
The Psalm says, "... before you were born I knew you . . . "
Before Mary was born, God knew what this woman would be called to do.
God created Mary for the single purpose of bearing the Christ child.
Each of us has a purpose in life.
God knew us before we were ever born.
Only one challenge.
We have to say, YES.
Only when we say 'yes' to God's call for us . . . no matter how often we are called, no matter what twists and turns are required, no matter the sacrifice, our YES can take us in a direction that is beyond human belief.
Mary, Mother of God, is far from human belief.
It's totally logical, in my humble understanding.
12-28:: Go . . . Tell . . . Baptize . . . Grow
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| A dear friend gave me these crosses over the years. I purchased St. Francis when we visited Santa Fe when my brother died. Remembrance, a story with each, a time to linger over precious memories. |
So much to absorb and so little time.
Only one more day before they are taken off-line.
I have encountered so many Christians who are content with the simple knowledge that Jesus is God.
Press them as to how they came to the conclusion and they have a hard time explaining.
Matthew 28 tells us, who call ourselves Christian, to go out into the world and tell everyone we meet the Gospel, the Good News, about Jesus Christ and then 'cement' their 'yes' through baptism.
I'm simplifying this greatly to get to the point.
First, if, indeed, we call ourselves Christian, we should be darn proud of the fact that we have chosen to follow Christ as Lord of our lives.
So proud, in fact, that we should not hide our joy and love of the Lord.
We don't have to shove our faith down another's throat but we don't have to be shy about it either.
It is the 'calling' of every Christian to SHARE THE GIFT of NEW LIFE within us.
It is our 'purpose' to do so.
We are asked to do nothing more than to share that same love of Christ that we have within us . . . with those who might be seeking.
Go . . . Tell . . .
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| Hubby don't do much for Christmas beyond worship. We give cards and spend time sharing each word. Life is as simple as this tiny, undecorated tree. Yet, we celebrate with sounds and smells and beauty and all that touches the senses. |
Perhaps we who call ourselves Christians can think deep and ask ourselves a few simple questions.
When did Christ Jesus become your focus in life?
Was there some episode, event, reason that God's Presence manifest in your heart rather than just in your brain?
When did the 'head' knowledge become heart knowledge and what is the 'story' that you could tell?
It's the story that is of worth to another.
Once we understand our own, personal story of salvation . . . change of heart, repenting to God for not seeking His glory, and transformation of life patterns that is so important, we can tell our story.
Most often, once we refocus our attention on God in Christ, we do make life changes.
It might be as simple as being baptized.
But it's usually far more than this.
Attending a church and getting involved in that community in order to serve others.
Seeking greater understanding of our Christ-commitment by reading scripture daily.
Studying with another in order to ask . . . and find answers to . . . those hard questions.
It's the seeking, learning and understanding that enables us to . . .
Go . . . tell . . . baptize . . . grow.
12-29:: The Last Day
What if this were my last day of my life?
Would I change anything?
I ask myself that question all the time.
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| Lots of trinkets here, each with a story. The tiny heart was just given to me from a dear friend. But, it's the Christmas scene in the glass house that means the most. As my step-mom was dying, her last year of life, she made sure each sibling had this memory of her favorite time of year: Christmas. She's been gone many years but I treasure this as much as the myriad stories I could tell about her love and giving and joy-filled life in Christ. Her prayers brought me into the Presence, salvation in Christ, Jesus. |
Yet, I still do laundry, cook for my hubby, run errands and maintain some semblance of order.
I still meet God, in my quiet time, and read and ponder and ask too many questions.
Why would I stop these 'dailies' even if it were my last day on this earth?
My whole purpose is to grow in greater knowledge of my purpose according to God's will.
My purpose is to know and love and embrace God in new ways as God shows me . . . daily.
Why on earth would I want it any other way?
I believe my purpose here on earth is to prepare to be in the presence of the Presence.
I believe I am already in the presence of the Presence on earth, especially when I receive the consecrated 'body and blood' of Jesus Christ during the Holy Eucharist.
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| I'd still hang up my stocking and plant Nativity scenes all over the house if it were my last day of life. |
Being solely in the Presence, 24-7-365 [oops, no time constraints beyond this earth] has got to be something beyond my comprehension, beyond the tight parameters of my tiny little mind.
No matter what I do, or how much I 'be' or what I study or how much I love my neighbor, I have no
idea the expansive possibilities that I'll have when I meet God personally . . . like sitting on Jesus' lap as I've always imagined I would once I'm truly with Him.
So, I try to treat every day as the 'last' day of my life.
I try to live by the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22)
I'll expand upon that at a later date.
I live daily, love all I meet with Christ's love, laugh as often as possible, linger with the Lord in meditation or contemplation and give as much of myself away as I can.
After all, this might be my last day.
12-30 It's Still CHRISTMAS !
We all know that the celebration of Christ's birth cannot possibly happen until Jesus' birthday celebration.
Four weeks of anticipation of the ADVENT of Christ's birth spill over with celebration but it seems the day after Christ's actual birthday all celebrating ends?
We have 12 days of celebration . . . the 12 days of Christmas . . . in which we are suppose to Re-JOY-ce !
Yet, trees come down, normal snarling at one another resumes as cars pile up on highways, people shove and push to grab what they can at the sales and life returns to craziness without anticipation of good things to come.
Oh my!
I'm realizing that I, also, want to clear up the many mangers that are parked all over the house . . . some as small as the palm of my hand.
The 'clutter' of symbols that remind us of our blessings because of our salvation in Christ seems to cover areas where I could park my computer or place magazines.
What if . . .
What if I decided to extend the 12 days of Christmas to ALL YEAR!
I could actually place symbols around the house and on walls that remind me to celebrate Christ Jesus every day of the week . . . 24 . . .7 . . . 365 !
A manger could go up on the shelf next to my Santa, our symbol of charity and giving.
The wise men could linger on the other shelf to remind me to keep seeking more, maintain my journey of growth in Christ, and continue to ask questions that draw me into God's Presence.
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| I'll continue to have Christmas tea All Year Long! |
The little angel that hangs over our larger manger could hang from a cupboard knob and continue to
watch over us as we go about our daily business.
I'd be reminded daily that God's guardian angel is always with us.
My crosses and icons, now on the walls, are further reminders that God with us, Emmanuel, is residing in and around us wherever we are and in whatever we say and do.
Christmas is not a day or a month or a season.
Christmas is the celebration of our Lord always . . . "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say Rejoice!"
Christmas . . . the Christ Mass . . . coming into the precious Presence of our Lord with Holy Communion daily, if I so choose, is the true celebration.
Our daily reminder of JOY in Christ, that Christmas is never over, that IT IS STILL CHRISTMAS is very comforting when I wrestle with daily challenges . . .
That's NICE.
12-31 Seventieth New Year's Eve
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| Hubby decorated our abode with pink, blue and white crepe paper, our birthday tradition. |
It's a nice number.
I've been working up to this life transition in my journey for the last few months.
Seven days God set aside to create heaven and earth and then God rested.
We are to forgive another seventy times seven (or seventy-seven times seven in some translations).
Seven is the hebrew number for completeness.
Seven decades is how long I have lived.
Pretty nice.
I'm pleased with the number but I also know I have just joined the aging Boomer's crowd.
Joints ache if I don't drink enough water.
Forever weak eyes seem to strain a bit more to see in the dark.
A 'quick' jog has now turned into a fast-paced walk.
My slim, stick-like body-shape now has a tummy-lump that I'm forever trying to decrease.
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| The living room was cordoned off with streamers- what fun! |
HAPPY NEW YEAR . . . we say to one another as I walk the chilly beach this morning.
We are in the tropics and it's 50 degrees!
It's suppose to get into the 70s today.
Hope so.
Tonight, after we attend church to thank God for a most blessed year, FIRE WORKS is on our agenda . . . just a walk across the street and about a mile down the beach.
We hope friends will join us for this grand celebration.
I always knew the entire world was celebrating my birthday . . . and about half-dozen other friends who were born on this same day.
It's a nice thought, though.
Celebration is always good.
For one night we don't have to worry about being politically correct.
We don't have to worry about saying the wrong phrase to another.
The universal NEW YEAR'S EVE cannot be denigrated, politicized or crossed off the calendar.
The New Year is coming whether we like it or not.
Time keeps ticking whether we like it or not.
Another year presses into existence whether we like it or not.
After 70 New Year's Eves, I've become very comfortable with this passage of time.
Now to anticipate a new year filled with unanticipated discoveries and wonders from
God's unimaginable blessings.
Can't Wait!
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| I love this Scandinavian depiction of LIFE in the tree. See the birds and deer and snowflakes? Life goes on as we enter the new year. |
May the Blessings of 2016 spill over into 2017 with much more God-presence to come.
