Advent 1 2020

I realize that we are in the season of Lent, but I didn't get my Advent posts posted, so I am going to get that done first.  In fact, today, March 11, is the first day I've even checked my blog since October.  What does that tell you? It tells you that I haven't had the time or space to think about words beyond sermons and newsletters for the faith community I serve.  Well, those plus the encouraging posts I put on FB. 

I will hopefully get the Advent posts up fairly quickly and then I can work on the Lent posts for this season. :) 

Here we go..... Advent 1 2020:

Week 1-- Hope, Wait, Darkness, Preparation, Light, Sign, Ponder

November 29. Today's word is "hope". Today is the first day of Advent. As we begin this Advent season and this new calendar year, what does the word "hope" mean for you? How do you depict hope in a photograph or drawing? If hope seems too far off to reach in the moment, reflect on when you last experienced hope. When was that? How was that? How would you depict that in a photograph or drawing? #hope, #adventphoto, #saintelmoumc

Today is the beginning of Advent. Today's word is hope. As I reflect on today's word, hope to me is like this candle--- one sole flame offers light. May I be a light, may I be hope. #hope, #adventphoto, #saintelmoumc

November 30. Today's word is "wait". We touched on the subject in yesterday's sermon as we explored active waiting. What comes to mind as you reflect on today's word? How do you respond to "wait"? How do you depict this word in a photograph or drawing? #wait, #adventphoto, #saintelmoumc

Today's word is "wait". I went to Blood Assurance to donate today, but my blood, though high in hemoglobin, decided it wasn't going to flow well. We waited in hopeful expectation that the machine and my blood would connect and flow. It wasn't to happen today. I will wait another week. There are many things for which I have been waiting over the past nine months. I am waiting to see the flock again. I am waiting to see my family. In today's waiting, I had a wonderful conversation with a worker at Blood Assurance. It encouraged me to chat with her. In the waiting, we can engage. We can be kind. We can live and love well. Advent is a season of waiting. While I wait in any situation, may I continue to live, love, and lead like Jesus. #wait #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

 

December 1. Today's word is "darkness". What does darkness mean to you? How have you experienced darkness? As you reflect on this word, how do you express it in a photograph or drawing? #darkness, #adventphoto, #saintelmoumc

Today's word is "darkness". Darkness is part of the journey. There is healing and transformation through the darkness. This circle of friends reminds me that when I go through dark times, I am not alone. There is support. Even a small light in the midst of darkness can brighten the space. #darkness #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

December 2. Today's word is "preparation". What preparations are you making this Advent season? Do these preparations prepare you for the coming of the Christ child? (If so, how?) Do you have a favorite preparation that you look forward to year after year? What comes to mind for you as you reflect on today's word? How do you share that with others in a photo or drawing? #preparation #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

Today's word is "preparation". Every week, twice a week, you can find boxes lined up like this in the gym in preparation for the next food distribution day. It is encouraging and heartwarming to see how the team of volunteers has worked to get food out safely and creatively during the pandemic. As we make intentional preparations for the safety of ourselves and others, may we make intentional preparations this Advent season for the presence of Christ among us. #preparation #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

December 3. Today's word is "light". As you reflect on today's word, what comes to mind? How does light fit into your Advent celebration? Share your thoughts on light and your photography or drawing. #light #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

Today's word is "light". Last week on the way home from an outing, the moon's light was bright. As the day turned to night, its light shone through the darkness. The light was captivating, holding my attention as it guided me home. This Advent season I am encouraged by light that shines in the darkness, offering guidance and hope. I see it in many forms and in many people. I am grateful. #light #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

December 4. Today's word is "sign". The Advent season is a time to watch for signs. Is there a sign you are hoping for or waiting for? Is there a sign you see daily that catches your attention? What comes to mind for you as you reflect on today's word? Share your reflections, along with a photo or drawing. #sign #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

Today's word is "sign". I ventured outside this morning briefly and saw these shoots coming up. A sign of new life and growth. This sign reminds me that life happens underneath the surface, in the dark. One day, that it will push through. Growth is happening the entire time. There are simply different stages. It was, it is, it will be. We all need reminders, encouragement, hope. This sign of life was that for me today. #sign #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

December 5. Today's word is "ponder". What are the things on your mind these days? What causes you to ponder? As you reflect on this word, what comes to mind? Post your thoughts and any photo or drawing. #ponder #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

Today's word is ponder. In our walk today I pondered many things. As I seek to live my life for an Audience of One, I recognize that I will always be darned if I do and darned if I don't. Time in creation wandering and pondering refills me. I ponder the time singing with family members and their father just a few days ago, as that was a gift to me. These two photos show the largest grapevines I have ever seen. We looked them over for a while. I pondered whether or not the large one could hold me. It did. Pondering can lead to creativity and freedom. May these days of Advent allow time for pondering. #ponder #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

That does it for Advent, week 1 2020.  Week 2 will be forthcoming.

Peace on this adventurous journey, 

Rev. Deb

Advent 1 2019--photo a day challenge photos and reflections

It's that time of year again-- Advent.  The season of preparation, of reflection, of slowing down.  How do I slow down?  One way I slow down is that I participate in a photo-a-day challenge.  Contemplative photography is one of the spiritual disciplines that helps me focus and slow down, one that is especially needed during the busy time of Advent.

I will post the calendar for the Advent season, the daily word, along with the questions, and my post with photo and reflections.  As I have been reading other people's posts this week, I have been encouraged by their words and photos.  I encourage you to do a search using the hashtags for each day, along with #adventphoto to find some of these posts too.

Week 1

Advent begins today, December 1. The pilgrimage journey toward the birth of Christ begins anew. Where do you see hope this season? Where do you need hope? What depicts hope to/for you? Reflect on today's word #hope. Share a photo here or a reflection. #hope #advent2019 #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

Today's Advent word is #hope. As I stood on the deck drinking my coffee, I noticed the fledgling tree. It reminds me of the tiny tree my aunt and I watched year by year at my great grandfather's home in south Georgia. We hoped it would grow. It did. Will this tree grow? What is its roots system? Does it have enough support? It is a little too close to the fence and may need to be replanted for its health and ultimate growth. Replanting is a part of life. Moving to new locations. A new (-ish) tree. New life. This gives me hope. #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

Today's Advent word is #wait. Advent is a waiting season. As you reflect on this word, what comes to mind? Are you waiting for anything specific? How does the activity of waiting play a role in your spiritual formation? #wait #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

Today's Advent word is #wait. As the season begins, how will "wait" and "waiting" be part of the journey for me this season? Where and when will I need to wait? How will I handle the times of wait? Will I watch and listen? Will I grow impatient? As I watched Cliff eye the turkey, in hopes of receiving some, I noticed his attentiveness. Whatever comes this season, may I wait in a posture of hope, attentiveness, and calmness. #wait #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

Today's word is #darkness. Often there are dark periods on a journey or pilgrimage, spiritual or otherwise. What can we learn in these times of darkness? How do you go through the times of darkness? As you reflect on this word, what comes to mind? How does "darkness" play a role in your spiritual formation? #darkness #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

Today's Advent word is #darkness. The photo is from last week, an early morning view while it was still dark, somewhat. I have learned to appreciate darkness. Darkness isn't all bad or evil. Darkness can provide a space for growth for the recently planted seed in the soil. Much happens that is not seen until the shoot pushes through the ground. There is life and growth even if not visible. A song in my brain all day contains this line: "in him there is no darkness at all." This is from "I want to walk as a child of the light." Jesus, as the Light, offers light to see that even darkness can be good and helpful. A link to the song: https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-i-want-to-walk-as-a-child-of-the-light

#darkness #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

Today's word is #preparation. What preparations are you making for this Advent season? Or, have you considered Advent as something for which to prepare? What preparations could be made for the Advent season rather than looking ahead to the Christmas season (which begins on Christmas day)? As you reflect on this word, what comes to mind? #preparation #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

Today's word is #preparation. This is me getting my flu shot. I am doing what I can to be prepared for the flu season that is upon us. I know I am late to the game or party or whatever analogy you want to use. However, being late doesn't exclude me from preparing. It meant making time in my daily routine. It meant wearing a short sleeve shirt. It meant making preparations for the preparation. To prepare is to be intentional. How am I being intentional and preparing this Advent season? I am making time to read, to reflect, to be. I am attempting to open myself anew to the wonders of the Christ child. What about all those other preparations for the season? You know, the ones in the church and at home? Thankfully, at church, there is a host of helpers! At home, we'll get to it. The external preparations are less important to me than the internal, but I am looking forward to decorating. #preparation #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

Today's word is #light. When you reflect on this word, what comes to mind? How does "light" play a role for you this Advent season or in your spiritual formation overall? #light #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

Today's word is #light. Candles are a go-to for me, as they brighten up even the darkest space. One candle, shining even a small amount of light, can make a difference. Be the light. #light #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

Today's word is #sign. Are you looking for a sign this Advent season? What would you hope a sign would show or reveal? #sign #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

Today's word is #sign. I saw this sign while we were in L.A. visiting my stepdaughter and her husband a couple of spring breaks back. This sign was in the building where her business is located. "Love is the way." Yes! May we find a way to allow love to be the way everyday and not solely during this Advent season as we journey toward the One who embodies love with us, God with us, Emmanuel. #sign #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

Today's word is #ponder. What comes to mind as your reflect on this word? What things do you ponder this Advent season? What depicts "ponder" for you? #ponder #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

Today's word is #ponder. I ponder the Scripture posted on Bamboo Encounter this morning-- Isaiah 55:12. As I look out over the back yard, I look through the trees and toward the mountain/hill. I imagine the joy expressed through God's creation. Though the trees are quiet in the moment and there is no clapping, when the winds come, there is clapping, as in the bamboo. Creation speaks to us if we listen. May I make time to listen. #ponder #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

These are the pictures, questions, and reflections for Advent 1.  Tomorrow begins Advent 2.  May there be ongoing peace on your Advent pilgrimage journey toward the Christ child.

Debra