Even though I had the space to put together a "word a day" challenge this year, I question myself daily as I reflect on the words, seek to find something that resonates with me, etc. I ask myself if this is REALLY a helpful spiritual practice for me. Though it takes some discipline and time to set up the daily posts with the daily words and discipline and time to reflect daily and post about the word, I think it is a helpful spiritual practice for me. And that's the reason I do it. It's something I can do that allows me to reflect on the Holy, the Divine, the Mystery, the Christ Child, etc. during the Advent Season. And, it is something that allows me to use outlets of writing and photography, both of which are spiritual practices for me.
With that, here is Advent Week 2 all in one place, taken from my daily posts and put here:
December 8--Peace
Today's word is #peace.
Being in nature gives me peace. When I feel the stress of life, trees, woods, water, and/or rocks can calm my soul and restore peace.
If I am not able to get into the woods, stepping outside and being in the fresh air can at times be enough.
What brings you peace? What do you do or where do you go to maintain peace?
Like the deep pool of water in the photo, peace runs deep. May the peace that passes understanding run deeply in your being.
Shalom.
#AdventPhoto #AdventWord
December 9--Nature
Today's word is #nature.
Once a month we gather outdoors in nature for outdoor worship. We share Scripture, readings, silence, our reflections, and we share bread and fruit of the vine during a time of Communion.
The communion elements are covered monthly in this cloth reminding us "and heaven and nature sing".
How can I notice nature more this Advent? What are my daily surroundings of nature? The sky? A certain tree? A bird? A bush?
As I reflect on the first coming of the Christ child, I wonder what aspects of nature Mary and Joseph encountered on their journey? Werr they able to exclaim "and heaven and nature sing"?
#nature #AdventPhoto #AdventWord #BambooEncounter
December 10--Gift
Today's word is #gift.
I read a post by a friend and colleague who now works in donor services. He used the hashtag #BeAGift.
I have witnessed the powerful life-giving gift of organ donations as I walked with a family.
This heart is on my Driver's license. I am registered to donate.
Whether I can offer the gift of listening, presence, or life, my hope is that my being, my life is poured out as a gift. It was gifted to me. I want to give back.
#AdventPhoto #AdventWord #SeeAHeartShareAHeart
Donor information: (for any state)
https://www.organdonor.gov/sign-up?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA6t-6BhA3EiwAltRFGLTfLXvXzYGOzt3Ckj52l3_MwHMSa-X0WjILETvyCRyYYZuNncmLQxoCVpsQAvD_BwE
December 11--Wonder
Today's word is #wonder.
One definition of the word "wonder": "rapt attention or astonishment at something awesomely mysterious or new to one's experience"
After taking out the trash at Welcome Home of Chattanooga today, the clouds captured my attention. I first saw a small heart space, upside down, in the sky. It quickly dissipated, causing me to look beyond the space.
What I saw was this: big and puffy clouds. Their shape reminded me of a jolly fellow with his hat and beard. ;)
May I continue to be filled with wonder this Advent.
#AdventPhoto #AdventWord
December 12--Alert
Today's word is #alert.
Alert:
"fully aware and attentive; wide-awake; keen: Synonyms: observant, wary, awake."
This sweet puppy is currently NOT alert. However, deliver a package to our front door and the barking begins. This sweet furry family member reminds me what it means to be alert, fully aware, attentive, wide-awake, observant, wary.
Being alert during this Advent season means that I am watchful, looking and listening for the presence of the Holy.
#AdventPhoto #AdventWord #BambooEncounter
December 13--Stars
Here are stars from different places I visited today.
As I reflect on stars, a camp song comes to mind:
"He's everything to me" by Ralph Carmichael.
Some of the lyrics:
In the stars His handiwork I see,
"On the wind He speaks with majesty,
Though He ruleth over land and sea,
What is that to me?
I will celebrate Nativity,
For it has a place in history,
Sure, He came to set His people free,
What is that to me?"
As the Advent Season continues, today's word brings nature into focus and connects me with camp, a huge part of my spiritual formation and outdoor life.
I do see Creator's handiwork in the stars.
Peace.
#AdventPhoto #AdventWord #BambooEncounter
December 14--Wilderness
Today's word is #wilderness.
Though wilderness can be a place of unknown for me, most often it is a place that refreshes me, centers me, draws me closer to Creator. When I am not able to get out into other, I can look at it and remember.
#AdventPhoto #AdventWord #BambooEncounter
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This concludes Advent Week 2, a week of peace through wilderness.
Deb
[ALL PHOTOS ARE MINE.]
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