Psalm 108

With coffee #2, I sat back down outside with Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness by Nan C. Merrill.

I wanted to find a Psalm that mentioned clouds implicitly or explicitly because of the cloudy morning. (Note: this version doesn't contain the English word "clouds". Here is a different version, the Contemporary English Version, of verse 4 that began this post: "Your love reaches higher than the heavens, and your loyalty extends beyond the clouds.")

A Google search offered Psalm 108 as an option.  As I read through the Psalm slowly and deliberately (lectio divina), I found the words meaningful and appropriate. 

Here is Psalm 108. Read it through slowly. What captures your attention? Read it through again. Allow some silence to see what bubbles up from the reading. Give thanks to Creator God for the time together and any insight.

My heart is united with

      Your Heart, O Beloved!

I sing, and I will sing praises!

      My soul is awakened:

O joy, O gratitude!

      I arise to the new dawn!

I give thanks to You, Beloved,

                   among the peoples, 

      I sing praises to You among

                    the nations.

For your steadfast Love is great

                    through all the world, 

       your faithfulness remains

                    for all eternity. 

Be exalted, O Radiant One, throughout

                    the universe!

       Let your Glory extend to the 

                     ends of the earth!

That your friends may be set free

                    from fear,

       Come to our aid, waken us all!

For You have been our Promise for

                    all generations:

        "Come to Me when your hearts 

                     are heavy,,

          and I will give you rest.

For as I am in you, so do you 

                     live in Me;

          we are One in the Spirit of Love.

Be my messengers of peace;

          be bearers of mercy and justice;

          let Love triumph over fear."

Who will answer the Invitation of Love?

          Who will lead others into 

                    the new dawn?

Stay Awake, O my soul, to

                    the Beloved within;

           O, that I might shine as a light

                     in the world!

Released from the darkness within,

            I extend your Peace

                                out to the world;

            for You are my Peace and

                      my Light!

With You I can do all things;

            into your Heart I commend

                      my soul always.

(pages 221-222)

As I reflect on these words this morning,  here is what captures my attention and sticks with me:

• a united heart with God, the Beloved
• an awakened soul
• God's steadfast Love and faithfulnes
• Be my messengers of peace;
            be bearers of mercy and justice;

 I am challenged by these questions:

Who will answer the Invitation of Love?

          Who will lead others into 

                    the new dawn?

As I sit with this Psalm this morning, I find hope and encouragement from the One who knows me best.

I invite you to share any thoughts from your reflection time with Psalm 108 in the comments below. 

The journey continues to be an adventure!

Rev. Deb

Advent and a time of lament-- words of wisdom from Carol Collier

I read these words below written by Carol Collier on her Facebook page. I've been following her for a while and finally got to meet her in person at a community clean-up day.  Carol has a deep love for God and others. The depth of that love comes through her writing. I asked permission to share these two posts in my blog because they resonated deep within me as we begin this Advent season. I don't know what will resonate within you. But I share Carol's writings here for reflection. Thank you, Carol, for allowing the Holy to shine through the depths of the sorrow and grief and for reminding us to be with ourselves in this part of the journey.

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Written by Carol Collier:

"I went, last night, to a Service of Lament.

It was quiet and still, and as we entered into that prepared space we picked up a stone to hold in our hands throughout the service.

The stone became the tactile reminder that we, and the world, are burdened.

The music was beautiful and mournful. Gorgeous voices accompanied by guitar and violin and piano.

At a certain point in the service we participated in a litany of named sorrows and griefs.

As each one was named, I felt a sob ~ no, no, I felt a wail ~ consume my body, as tears ran down my face.

I let them flow and fall to my chest.

~There is this billboard around town that says boldly “Save America, read the Patriot Post.”

I cannot identify exactly what it is I feel when I see that billboard. I can only know that something in my body registers revulsion.~

We have now entered the season of Advent. No, it’s not the “hap-happiest time of the year.”

It is the time when we remember the first coming of the Savior of the World.

We look back and remember his first coming and we look forward to his second Advent~ the time when he will come again.

As I let myself be immersed in the realities of a disordered and traumatized humanity in a broken, fractured world, and as I wail for all that we have done to ourselves and all that has been done to us, Advent reminds me that there is only one who can save us.

Anything other than Jesus is a lie, folks (and I’m not so sure his main thing is to save America. In fact I’m pretty sure America is not the reason he died on the cross.)

Weep, wail, rend your clothes for we are in desperate need of a Savior.

He has come, and he will come again, and all will be made right and all will be well.

In the in-between time, the now and not yet time, may we keep our eyes on the true Savior of the World.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"

"Part 2 ~ Advent

It is often in the depths of lament that God will show us how to live out the story of redemption here on this earth ~ how we can seek justice and love mercy, how we can care for the least, the lost and the littlest.

The problem may be that we won’t allow our hearts to be broken which can make us susceptible to false gospels that claim power over the humility of Christ.

Just sayin’"

~Carol Collier

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This second post caused me to reflect and I posted this as a comment: "Lament and brokenness are powerful places to allow growth. To rest there, to be in it, to not rush through it-- to learn."

As we begin the Advent Season, where do you find yourself this year? This liminal space of now and not yet always causes me reflection. It seems even more poignant this year. The ground of my soul/soil is being prepared for what is to come. (A phrase I picked up from a Hearts on Fire retreat several years ago.)

I will be spending time this Advent season waiting, watching, listening. As I look for the coming of the Christ Child, I am open to the Christ within me to speak to me, to guide me, to teach me, to bring healing.  Emmanuel, God with us, can handle all the sorrow and grief of the world.

I am grateful for the reminder from Carol in her Part 2 Advent post: "It is often in the depths of lament that God will show us how to live out the story of redemption here on this earth ~ how we can seek justice and love mercy, how we can care for the least, the lost and the littlest.

The problem may be that we won’t allow our hearts to be broken which can make us susceptible to false gospels that claim power over the humility of Christ."

May my heart be broken with that which reveals the light of Christ.

Hope, peace, joy, and love this Advent!

Rev. Deb

Advent 2 2020

Having posted Advent 1, now I can post Advent 2.

Week 2: peace, justice, gift, reflection, freedom, faithfulness, wonder

December 6. Today's word is "peace". Today begins the 2nd week of Advent. Where do you see peace around you? What brings you peace? What does peace mean to you? As you reflect on today's word, you are invited to share what comes to mind-- your thoughts and any photo or drawing. #peace #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

Today's word is peace. I saw this stick on the ground last week on my walk in the woods. It reminds me of a peace symbol. Being in the woods always brings peace to my soul. Creation/nature therapy is a large part of my self/soul care. The 2nd photo is my Advent wreath. I turned over my peace mug today. @godw1nz. Peace to me has potential to run deep, like the calm on the ocean floor, even when there is tumult on the surface. May it be so. #peace #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

December 7. Today's word is "justice". How does justice fit into your Advent journey? Where do you see justice lived out? Where do you see the need for justice? What does justice mean to you? Share your reflections and any photo or drawing that depicts justice to you. #justice #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

Today's word is justice. This quote by Abraham Lincoln causes me to pause and reflect. It also brings to mind a favorite verse, Micah 6:8. These muscadines were super sweet. Their owner was kind enough to share the crop with any of us who wanted to use them up. That was a gift, founded on relationship. Another verse that comes to mind is from Amos. It speaks of justice rolling down like water. #justice #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

December 8. Today's word is "gift". As you reflect on today's word, what comes to mind? What gifts are needed/desired this Advent season? What gifts have you noticed? Sometimes gifts come to us in unexpected ways, places, or people. Have you ever considered that you are someone's gift? As you reflect on today's word, consider making a list of all the gifts that come to mind. Share a photo or drawing that represents today's word and reflections. #gift #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

Today's word is gift. Gifts came in many forms today-- this heart on the counter at the grocery store, folks helping in many ways, a flu shot, some homemade cookies, several incredible conversations, a duck for my bike, encouragement, stories and memories of a retired colleague who has entered the heavenlies, and more. When I am present, so much of life is a gift. I am grateful. #seeaheartshareaheart #gift #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

December 9. Today's word is reflection. The Advent Season is a time for reflection. What are the things that are coming to mind this year for you? How does reflection change you? As you consider today's word, what photo or drawing depicts it for you? #reflection #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

Today's word is reflection. This is from a sunset at Chester Frost Park on October 19th. The sky and the colors were perfect. They reflected their images into the water because the water was still enough and the light just so. I enjoy my reflection times when I can think clearly. Peace, be still. #reflection #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

December 10. Today's word is freedom. What comes to mind as you reflect on this word? How are you experiencing freedom this Advent season? If freedom isn't something that is currently in your life, where would you like to see freedom? What would freedom look like for you? How would you depict today's word in a photo or drawing? #freedom #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

Today's word is freedom. I have never felt so free as I did when I was in the air doing this. Today, reflecting back 7 years, I think the freedom came because I knew I was in good hands. I could trust and let go. I could live into the moment and be. There is freedom in all of that. Those are just some of the thoughts I have on freedom today. If I were to share more, I would mention freedom from sickness, illness, cancer, and pain-- as I know several who are free from those things. Their freedom is important to me, even though it brings me loss and sadness. #feedom #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

December 11. Today's word is faithfulness. As you think about this word, whose faithfulness comes to mind? How has faithfulness been part of your faith journey and/or your Advent season thus far? What does faithfulness mean to you? You are invited to share your thoughts on faithfulness in writing and in the form of a photo or drawing. #faithfulness #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

Today's word is faithfulness. Cliff is a faithful companion to Charlie. As of today, they get to spend some time together, after 3 months apart. Another thought about faithfulness today is the faithfulness of a life well lived-- Sullins M. Lamb. #faithfulness #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

December 12. Today's word is wonder. How does today's word play a role in Advent for you? Where is there wonder in your life? What causes you to wonder? As you reflect on today's word, you are invited to share your thoughts and any photo or drawing. #wonder #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

Today's word is wonder. Nativity scenes cause me to wonder. They engage my thinking and imagination. What was it like? Truly? How does one ride a donkey bareback when they are close to giving birth? Even sitting side saddle, how does one do that? That could not have been comfortable. That is just one sacrifice as a mother that Mary made. I wonder how I might continue to learn and grow as I allow myself to be in relationship with the Christ child. #wonder #adventphoto #saintelmoumc

As you reflect on each of these words, what comes to mind for you? 

Peace on your journey, 

Rev. Deb

Advent 2 2019 photos and reflections

Here are the photos and reflections for week 2 of the Advent photo-a-day challenge.  As with week 1, I'll post the word of the day and the accompanying questions along with my photo and reflections.  Advent is a paradoxical time.  It is a time to slow down and reflect, yet everything is still going on quickly around us, at least in my world.  It takes being intentional for me to slow down, to focus, to reflect, to center.  That's why I choose to focus on a word a day.  This week's words were: peace, justice, gift, reflection, freedom, faithfulness, and wonder.


Week 2:

Today's word is #peace. (If you're following my preaching series, then you know I forgot to switch "hope" and "peace" for the first two Sundays, but that's okay.) What is "peace" to/for you? As you reflect on the word "peace" during this Advent season, where do you need peace most? How can you be peace for others? What depicts peace to you? #peace #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

Today's word is #peace. I always enjoyed seeing this wreath yearly in my 1st appointment at Simpson UMC in Rossville. Quiet time brings me peace. Time with Cliff brings me peace. As peace is needed in this Advent season, may it be available. #peace #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

Today's word is #justice. How does this word fit into the Advent season for you? Where is justice needed? As you reflect on this word, what comes to mind? #justice #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

Today's word is #justice. This is one of many local murals that captures justice for me. It reminds me that we are a diverse people, that we are on land that belonged to others first, and that we are still fighting for justice for so many. Amos is my go-to for justice--- Amos 5:24--"But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" #justice #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

Today's word is #gift. Gifts can come in all shapes and sizes. They can be tangible or intangible. What gifts are you giving this Advent season to others? What gifts are you receiving? When you reflect on this word, what comes to mind? #gift #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

Today's word is #gift. This gift is Charlie. Through Charlie's life, I have received gifts of love, grace, forgiveness, compassion, among others. Charlie's giftedness in music and art have been gifts shared with others over the years. I am grateful for this gift of life that I am privileged to share. #gift #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

 Today's word is #reflection. The Advent season is a time for reflection. As you move through this pilgrimage journey of Advent, what are your reflections? What things have been stirring in your heart, mind, and soul? What comes to mind when you ponder the word "reflection"? #reflection #adventphot #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

Today's word is #reflection. The photo is from Cumberland State Park. Notice how still the water is and because of that, the reflection is clearly visible. When I slow down, I can reflect more clearly. This Advent season I need time to be still, to reflect, and to allow the Holy Spirit to lead me beside the calm waters. May it be so. #reflection #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

Today's word is #freedom. How/Where are you experiencing freedom this Advent season? How/Where do you need to experience freedom? As you reflect on this word, what comes to mind? #freedom #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

Today's word is #freedom. I was trying to pair this picture with another one, but I may make two posts. I felt freedom as I glided through the air. It was one of my top life experiences. I chose the Isaiah verse to go with the photo.#freedom #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

My second #freedom post. Now it is evident why I wanted these two photos to go together. This depicts freedom. Fly like an eagle. #freedom #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

Today's word is #faithfulness. What comes to mind as your reflect on this word? How do you depict this word? #faithfulness #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

Today's word is #faithfulness. Cliff is a faithful companion to us. His love is faithful and unconditional. His faithfulness spurs me on to be a better person. #faithfulness #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

Today's word is #wonder. What fills you with wonder this Advent season? Have you made room for wonder this year? If not, how can you make some room in the remaining days of Advent for wonder? What comes to mind as you reflect on the word "wonder"? #wonder #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

Today's word is #wonder. Christmas trees cause me to wonder. As we decorated the other night, certain ornaments made me wonder how certain people were doing. I wondered about family as we put my Nana's bobby pin ribbons on the limbs. Her handwriting was in the box top for the ribbons. She had written a Hawaii address and a Colorado one. I recognized both and wondered about family. Thinking of Nana and family reminded me of Christmas times in Colorado when stringed popcorn was the garland. I can sit and stare at the lights for time on end, in wonder and awe. Advent season is a time of waiting, mystery, wonder, awe, all mixed together. We know, but we don't fully know. The here, but the not yet. I wonder as I wander. I wander as I wonder. I follow the light of the One who came and is coming. #wonder #adventphoto #advent2019 #saintelmoumc

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Thanks for being part of my journey this Advent season, 

Debra