Detours......Roadblocks......Boulders (Advent 2017)

9 days of no posts. 9 days journeying through Advent and the trip took a wildly different path than all of my plans. All of my preparation, my plans, my lists.......they took a giant detour. Have you had days, weeks or seasons like that? 

The entire holiday season can hide land mines. I think deep down we all expect each year to be different, we have dreams that the picture perfect Christmas will happen. I love the entire season, and this year is no different. I decorate my home,   I indulge in silly traditions that make me think of my childhood and more traditions that have formed through all of my adult years. Then the unexpected happens. It doesn't matter what it is - it can be different things for each of us:

A diagnosis

A death

Loss of some sort

Loneliness

This has been one of those years. Actually one of those weeks.  When a giant boulder drops in the road it takes creativity , determination, cooperation and time to move it.  

What boulder is in your life right now? Sometimes when it is a really large boulder the time and manner to move it seems impossible. Just like life situations, no matter what it is that comes to you - look at the possibility and opportunity instead of giving up. I've had a boulder of my own roll into the road last week.  The journey continues. I'm still 'walking' to the great event, I'm still planning and looking forward to the promise of the Birth and the remembrance of how it changed the world. The boulder is still there, the uncertainty is looming, stronger than all of that is Hope. 

As we journey through these last few days until Christmas remember where your hope is. What is it that you hold on to when the boulders drop in your path? Do you press on, or do you hide in despair? Even with all of the planning, lists and preparation things happened that were totally unexpected. It would be easy to sit here and look at the boulder and wait for someone else to move it.  I choose instead to press on. What is your boulder?

Philippians 4:12-13 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. NIV

Prayer: Lord help me hold on to You through difficulty, uncertainty and doubt. Help me spend these next 3 days rejoicing in the extravagant gift you sent us in Jesus. Move the boulders, straighten the path, and guide me in new directions. Amen.

Check that list - twice! (Advent 2017)

"He's makin' a list, checkin' it twice......" A lot of list making and checking going on these last days before Christmas! Are you a list maker? I find that a list is essential when I am getting ready for a trip. The key is not only in making the list,  but in checking it!  Since I ponder things so deeply, I start making lists long before the journey begins. I have lists in my journal, lists in my phone and several lists on the island in our kitchen.  There are shopping lists, to do lists and wish lists. I love lists!

So what kind of list do we make for our Advent journey? When I make lists for other things it is for the sole purpose of not forgetting something that is important. The grocery list has become my best friend.  I used to be able to keep a list of items needed in my head and not forget any of them once I got to the store - not so much now! Have you ever gone to the store specifically for one item, and get home only to find your bag is filled with everything but that one item!? I don't want that to happen on my trip through Advent. I know my destination, I've determined the route I want to take. The shopping and packing are under way - so why make a list? Because as Christmas gets closer I absolutely don't want to forget the main thing I'm headed for. It is easy to be caught up in the excitement, the parties, all of the 'stuff' that is going on around us. Just like walking into the grocery store and a display of food or yummy samples distracts me, so can the bright shininess of Christmas draw me away from my destination.  It's time to make a list of things not to forget.  In the last few days I've already talked about lists: shopping list, packing list - now it is time for the 'don't forget to do' list!

1. Remember what I'm celebrating

2. Read the story

3. Give generously (we ALL have something to give)

4. Be thankful

5. Pray

My list may look different than yours. Each of us is walking the path on a different route. Yet we are all headed to the same place, see you there!

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet, and a light for my path. NLT

Advent challenge #7 - Spend some quiet time today without a list! Set aside the craziness of the season and just 'be'.  Then make a new list, refocused on your Journey. Ask God what direction to take.  

Prayer: Lord help me keep on that path You have for me.  Don't let me be distracted by the next pretty thing that comes along, but keep my eyes on the destination You are guiding me to. Amen.

Are you packing? (Advent 2017)

One of the main things to do before a trip is to pack. For some this is a well thought out process, complete with lists of things needed to take and the most efficient way to store everything in luggage.  For others it is a last minute "oh I need this!" and toss things in, with the thought that if something is forgotten you can just buy more. I have a funny story, from my daughter, that I will probably get in trouble for telling. When she was very young, even as young as 8 years old, when we would go on family vacations she always did her own packing. She is meticulous and a bit OCD about packing.  She would get her suitcase out days before we would leave and start packing. One thing that she always did was pack her underwear first! I'm not talking about 1 pair for each day and then a spare, she would have at least 2 weeks of underwear packed, no matter how long (or short) our trip was. Not only would she pack, she would check and recheck that suitcase numerous times just to be sure she didn't forget her underwear.

The indication that you have packed successfully is being totally prepared for whatever comes. There is another meaning for 'packing' that is now common in our world.  When someone says they are packing, it can mean they are armed with a weapon. Again, preparation. Where one type of packing is to be prepared for the expected (clothes for special events, jewelry, toiletries etc) the other is being prepared for the unexpected. The possibility of needing to defend one's self or loved ones. Now I don't want to get into a discussion of agreement or defense of the practice of carrying a weapon, I simply want you to think a bit about being prepared.

What are you packing for this journey of Advent? Have you armed yourself with truth from Scripture? Have you packed your life full of prayer? Have you included in your list for packing those you can help and support through this season? Packing is an important function for a journey - it can totally change the outcome by the way you pack. 

As I go about these days of Advent I am doing both types of packing. I'm making lists as things come to mind, of things I need to do, people I want to see and preparing for all of the events that I know are coming. I'm also packing a weapon - the Word. I'm relying on God to open it up for me, to bring to mind the words I may need when an unexpected thing pops up in my life. By arming myself in such a way, I have comfort, assurance and trust that I will be prepared for whatever may come. 

Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. NIV

Advent challenge #6 - Today make a list of what you need to pack for the remainder of the Advent journey. Remember to include things for the expected and the unexpected! 

Prayer: Lord, help me be strong in these days of the unexpected.  Help me to stay focused on You and the good that is there for me. Guide me to be prepared for whatever I encounter, and to always look to You for my needs.  Amen.

Shopping - love it or leave it? (Advent 2017)

"14 shopping days til Christmas" - "Order now to receive your gifts in time" - "Buy one get one!" - "Shop for others, get Christmas cash for yourself"........ we are bombarded each minute. It's all about the stuff. So how does all of this fit in with the Journey? 

It goes back to the destination - what is yours? For so many, it IS all about the gifts. No matter how many times we say it or read "Christmas is not about the presents" - in reality, it is. How many of you let all of your plans revolve around what gift you will give to each person? We put off thinking about the huge credit card bills that will arrive in January and focus only on the joy of the moment when the 'perfect gift' is opened. There were many years in my past that our tree was insanely piled with way too many gifts. We had the money to spend, so we did. Even then it bothered me. Out of necessity we have changed our ways- and though there is still focus on gift giving, it is so different than it used to be. 

So how do we approach 'shopping' on our Advent Journey? I used to love the process of shopping ~ the festive crowds, finding the great deals and the joy in finding just the right item. So today I have been pondering the elements of shopping: 

*making a list

*planning where to go and how much time and money to spend

My destination this year is to draw closer to God in a way I never have before. I want to be so filled with God's purpose for me that everything else fades away. So if I am 'shopping' for that I need to make my list. What do I need in order to reach my destination? Then I need to plan where to go in order to get those things. When shopping I have a budget, so I need to budget for this as well. Mostly time - which seems to be the most difficult to manage. Time for prayer, Bible study, service and worship.

Why do we shop for the things that we do? Mostly we respond to ads. I have been doing a lot of knitting lately and I did a search online for a certain type of knitting needle. Within seconds my social media feed was filled with ads for knitting items.  (newsflash - if you think that you can do anything online without someone watching - you can't!) Our daughter does not have cable television in their home. They watch recorded movies, or shows on NetFlix, so they don't see commercials. When the granddaughters come to visit sometimes they watch TV at our home and immediately the thing they focus on are the ads "Grammy, I want that!" "Grammy - look, we need that!" 

Here is a what-if for you: what if our world was filled with advertisements that were so appealing and inviting for God that we couldn't resist? What if you saw an ad that prompted you to pray in such a way that you simply had to pray right then and there? Think also of the ads for charitable organizations.  I'm not saying they aren't worthy - of course we should support those places that help animals, children with cancer, veterans and elderly. What if instead the 'ad' was for the widow who lived 2 doors away from you that hadn't eaten a full dinner meal in weeks - would that ad play on your emotions enough to make you act? Would you open your wallet and shop for her as quickly as you would the malnourished dog that is on the screen? What if the ad was for a method of prayer and Bible study that would put you more in tune with God, without spending a dime - would that move you as much as the flashing plea for the latest and greatest phone that will deplete your bank account for months to come?

Shopping - it's how we spend our time and money. What will you shop for this year?

Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  NIV

Will I still buy and give gifts this year? Yes. As a token of love and expression of care. Will they be extravagant and excessive? No. It has taken a long time to break the bonds of consumer greed, but it feels good to look to those other treasures that are so precious to give.

Advent challenge #5: Make a shopping list today of the things you can give of eternal value. Maybe you need to give a gift to yourself?

Prayer: God help me to see beyond to flashy ads of the season. Help me to look 'next door' at those who are in need every day. Keep me on the Journey for the right reason this year. Help me draw closer to You. Amen.

Which way should I go? (Advent 2017)

*Fastest route

*Least traffic

*Scenic route

*No tolls

When you are planning a trip, what things do you consider in planning your route? I love to take scenic routes, mostly because there are so many interesting and unique things to discover. What looks like a town with nothing to offer, when driving by on the interstate, often reveals a charming few blocks of boutiques, shops and diners. Unless you venture off the most traveled path you miss it!

About 16 years ago we took a family trip and drove from Texas to Kentucky to visit our niece and her husband where they were attending seminary. It was a lovely drive, and though we did do some stretches of interstate we also stopped at some wonderful attractions along the way.  I fondly remember visiting Graceland, and my family laughing at me when I shed tears at Elvis' graveside. I also loved Shakertown and the step back in time. I was homeschooling our daughter at that time so we incorporated history lessons into our travels. One unexpected treat, that was not planned, was our visit to Abraham Lincoln's cabin. We hadn't planned on visiting and as we were driving along (I do all the driving) my husband noticed the First Abraham Lincoln Memorial noted on the map. We had to exit and drive a little different route, but it was so worth it!

Inside this memorial is a replica cabin of Lincoln's childhood home.  Nearby is the Sinking Spring where the family gathered water. It brings history to life to see these things rather than just read about them in a textbook. If we hadn't taken an alternate route we would have missed it. 

I also think about planning routes when I fly: 

*fastest flight time

*non-stop or layovers

*time of day - arrivals and departures

*convenience to destination

All of these things come in to play when planning a route.  For me, I don't mind a few layovers because it usually means saving money. There are so many things to consider when planning a route. You can't really have a pleasant journey without planning your route and what you want to accomplish on that route.

When I think about my Advent journey this year route planning is essential. Do I want to just rush through the fastest way possible to arrive at my destination? The time and days to get to Christmas will be the same, but the route I take to get there is in my control.  

So what things come in to play in your route planning? There are things I want to 'see' along the way, so the scenic route is my choice. I want to take in all of the wonders of the season, the Scripture story, the connection with people and the remembering of my parents. They formed my early life, and I spend time remembering the ways they loved my sister and me, how we always knew that home was a safe place. I can't call them on the phone anymore, or sit around a table with them. Yet their presence is with me always.

Though Christmas is not about 'stuff' and decor, the items I place all around my home during the holidays are part of my scenic route. I have ornaments on my tree that our daughter made in elementary school. I have items that I remember my Mom placing around our home each year. We use a Christmas tree skirt that was Waylon's first wife's. Our home is filled with 'stuff' but it all is there to remind me of the treasures of life. Some of the cups are chipped or cracked, just like our lives have cracks and imperfections. When I hold that Santa mug in my hand I'm reminded of filling it with milk on Christmas Eve with my Dad, to make sure Santa had a treat at our house.  That fragile, cracked ceramic mug won't hold milk anymore, but it surely holds love.

We have over 2 weeks until reaching our destination, which route will you take to get there? Will you just rush through on the speedy toll road? What price will you pay to get there fast? 

Consider a different route this year, one filled with treasures that you can only see if you get off the fast lane. 

Luke 10:38-42 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. but Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"  "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed - or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Advent challenge #4 - Take some time to be "Mary" today. Instead of rushing, doing and stressing take the simple route of "being". 

Prayer: Lord I want to see You today. Help me slow down, get off the fast track and look for blessings of Your presence today. Help me show You to others as well. Amen.

Reservations (Advent 2017)

5 years ago, in the winter of 2013 I had a plan. My husband and I would be celebrating our 30th anniversary later that year and we were going to take a dream trip. The destination was a fall driving tour through New England. I started about 8 months before the trip making reservations. Most of you know that New England in the fall is a popular location for tourists, especially people like us who live in the South and rarely get to experience fall temperatures and foliage colors. Even starting that far ahead there were some locations (inns, restaurants etc) that were already booked. 

When you are starting a special journey reservations are important. There is expense involved, as some places require deposits of money - and though we got excellent deals on airfare by booking far in advance, there was extra expense for trip insurance, in case we were unable to make the trip. Traveling to an area that we had never been to also brought its own concerns.  When relying only on travel books, websites and brochures it is hard to know what things are really like. I have been disappointed in the past when advertising was, shall be say, a bit deceptive!  We had an advantage though.  My sister and brother in law had traveled on a similar trip just a couple of years prior. I trust them completely and when she shared a large collection of maps, routes and brochures I knew my planning was getting easier. Also, with personal recommendations from someone I know and love, the planning became one of my favorite parts of the journey.

However, there are alternate definitions of 'reservations'. Some that come to mind are:

1. a : a limiting condition 

• agreed, but with reservations
• • 
    

   b : doubt, misgiving 

• had serious reservations about marriage

2.: an area in which hunting is not permitted; especially : one set aside as a secure breeding place

3: something reserved: such as

a : a tract of public land set aside (as for use by American Indians)

The doubt definition is one that creeps to mind as we begin this Advent journey. "Will things really work out as I plan?" "What if I can't get everything done before Christmas?" "Will my gift really make a difference?" "Is God even listening to my prayers?"  We all have reservations in life. Letting them take control is the battle to be overcome. I also think of our Native American reservations - though perhaps a good intention when they were planned, I see them as isolating and controlling. A reservation for some could be considered a prison.

So what do we do to battle our doubt? How can we move to focus on the joy of a reservation, an appointment, with God and open ourselves to His blessings this season? 

When I was planning that trip of a lifetime back in 2013, I focused on the good. I looked for places and events that would add joy to our lives. Memories that would be made that we could look back on and remember with fondness. I had waited all my life to take that trip and with careful planning and well thought out reservations and plans it turned out fantastic.  Were there bumps and detours along the way? Of course! Just the traffic getting out of Boston airport on the first day was enough to make my husband say "And we are doing this why?" Yet we pushed forward, crawling through the city traffic and arriving at our first inn.  As we looked around at the quaint village we knew it was all worth it.

I look at this picture now and it makes me smile. We are a bit older, my hair is longer and I dream of visiting Vermont again someday. We pushed through the reservations of spending too much money, wondering if we would choose the right places to stay and eat, and we relied on our paid reservations to satisfy. 

What reservations are you making for Christmas? Are you reserving time for you and God to work out the best in yourself? Are you reserving time for your family for special events together, rather than rushing to and fro? Or are you having doubt that this year will be different? 

Doubt is a powerful force.  I battle doubt every day. "Will my family stay healthy this next year?" "Will my business continue to grow and provide for us?" "Will I be able to help those who need it?" I call on God to push through my reservations and doubt, and I am making a new reservation with Him - to trust, obey and believe. 

John 20:27-29 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." NIV

Advent challenge #3 - Put aside at least one doubting reservation that you have plaguing you and make a reservation with God to trust. Make plans, trusting that His good will come about for you, and if detours come - ask Him to guide you through them.

Prayer: Jesus, as I remember your story, help me write a new story for myself. Take the doubt from me in all things, and draw me close to you as I plan for, and anticipate, the extreme blessing you have for me at the end of the journey.  Amen.

What is your destination? (Advent 2017)

I think we all know where we are headed - to Christmas. Most of us have a regular pattern that we follow each December: looking over our shopping list, planning the gifts, buying the gifts, scheduling the parties, making the cookies.......you get the idea.  It often looks the same year after year. Even though the destination is December 24-25 and all of our normal family festivities I want you to think outside the box this year. The destination may be Christmas, but let's take a special journey to get there this year. 

Take a different road, plan a new event, give in a new way. Make this journey to Bethlehem different than any other you have taken before. If your destination is simply to arrive at worship on December 24 - attend your normal chosen worship service all dressed in your holiday finery, then go home for the feast you are missing so much. Or maybe your destination is also to arrive on December 24, do all of the Santa fun, make sure the gifts are wrapped and stockings are hung, then collapse in fatigue on December 25. Or there could be one more destination - to simply exist through these next 3 weeks and get to December 26. To push through the grief of the holiday season without your loved ones, or with a life that is so far from what you expected that Christmas is the last thing you want to celebrate.

We all have a destination. The journey holds the real excitement! So many unexpected things can happen along a journey and many of them are missed because we aren't paying attention. So this year make it a thoughtful journey. Make December and Advent 2017 the journey you have been waiting and planning for all year. 

Your first task is to really ponder what you are seeking. 

Acts 17:22-28a Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship- and this is what I am going to proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and have our own being."  NIV

As we start this Journey of Advent, choose a destination. Prayerfully consider where you want to be at the end of trip. Do you want to be closer to God? Do you desire a fuller, richer life of faith? Maybe you want to draw closer to someone you have been estranged from. The destination is a personal one. Maybe you want to completely venture out in a new path of business or personal growth. Choose wisely! Once you have that destination in mind, be ready for the ride of your life. This Journey is going to be like nothing before.

Advent challenge #2: Choose a 'destination'. Write it down. Don't get bogged down in how you will get there, simply dream about arriving at that chosen destination.

destination

[des-tuh-ney-shuh n] 

 

noun

1.

the place to which a person or thing travels or is sent:

2.

the purpose for which something is destined.

adjective

3.

noting an attraction or event that people are willing to travel a long distance to 

get to, either because it is very good or distinctive or because it is located in a   popular and interesting place.

Prayer: Lord of all, guide me today in choosing a destination that will help me grow. Help me look with expectation into the unknown. Be with me as I take the first steps and give me patience to enjoy the journey and all that is holds along the way. Amen.

Where is the Journey taking you? (Advent 2017)

So many things to do! Each year as Thanksgiving approaches I have a plan to tackle the holiday season with organization and ease. Then after the turkey carcass is cooked down and all of the pies are gone it hits me - Christmas! Now we don't have a long gift list or big extravagant parties to attend, but there are many traditions in our family that I look forward to. Writing this blog has become a tradition that is very important to me and I realized that I have been pretty quiet in this front for quite some time. 

When I saw this photo it made me think of the journey I'm starting this Advent. The road is steep, winding and dark. Yet it is illuminated with streaks of light and speed. Off in the distance is the unknown, the mystery. There is so much to see along the way. I want to take in every twist and turn, each surprise and enjoy the trip. Growing up in the mountains in California I learned to drive on roads with hairpin turns and switchbacks. There is no speeding, unless you want to take a side trip careening down a granite and pine tree slope to a tragic end! With so much concentration needed to stay on the road it is hard to notice the beauty all around. 

I want to approach this advent season as if I am on a long and winding road in a new land. My road will have exits though. Places to stop and take in the beauty, the wonder that is beyond the obvious path. 

What do you want to discover on your advent journey this year? What are you looking for? I have the obvious things: health for myself and my family, business success in order to provide for our needs as well as help others who are less fortunate, draw closer to God because in all things He is my guide. The challenge is to not be caught up in the distractions of the season but to get off that speeding path now and then to pursue these things.

Advent challenge #1: Take a moment today to write (either with pen and paper or in notes on your phone) your advent journey discovery desires. Share them with someone for accountability and encouragement.

Prayer: Lord guide us safely on this busy path as we draw closer to You. Help us see the hidden treasures along the way and thank You for them. Help us to look beyond the obvious and discover the unknown, as we journey to the best Gift of all.  In Jesus' name. Amen.