Advent 3-- a week of photos, reflections, and questions

Here is Advent 3-- the questions, the reflections, the photos. As you look through the photos and reflect on the words and questions, how do you respond to the questions?  What comes to mind for you for the words?  As I have gone through this past week and reviewed the words-- joy, grace, promise, hospitality, community, journey, and mystery-- I have noticed the theme of unknowing and unfolding that continue in my faith journey.  I have been reminded of Thomas Merton's prayer from his "Thoughts in Solitude", as it continues to guide and direct me:

My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.

And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road,

though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always though
I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. 

Today's word is #joy. What brings you joy? What does the word "joy" mean to you? How do you experience joy this Advent season? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #joy. There are many things that bring me joy. Today's photo collage for joy: the bulletin cover, the joy mug by Donna, a joy decoration, and an advent photo with Riley. Nehemiah 8:10-- the joy of the LORD is my strength.#adventphoto #holstongap

 

Today's word is #grace. How are you experiencing grace this Advent season? Where do you need grace? What is grace to you? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #grace. What is grace to me? It is a gift, a gift from God, the One who created me. There is much I don't understand, much that is and will always be mystery. Yet, there are quite a few things I can point to that mark grace shown and revealed in my journey. Grace is a gift that keeps on giving, as we give it to others as it has been given to us.#adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #promise. What promise keeps you moving forward? What promise do you need to hear most? What promise does the Advent season bring to you? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #promise. This song has been going through my head all morning. The lyrics in "Hymn of Promise" speak to me of life, freedom, hope, God's love, mystery, etc. Though it is categorized as a "death and eternal life" song, for me it speaks to living out the journey. On this page there is a note from one of my former Sunday School classmates. Thank you, Jan for the encouragement. The leaf heart was on the path Riley and I walked yesterday, a reminder of God's love, God's promise.#adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #hospitality. Where do you experience hospitality? Where is hospitality needed more in the world today? What does the word mean for you? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #hospitality. The first thing that comes to mind is Christine Pohl's book that helps remind us what kingdom hospitality is and how to recover it. This is a good place to begin. These other book also speak to hospitality: A Bigger Table by John Pavlovitz, A Place at the Table by Chris Seay, and Embracing the Wideness by Kenneth H. Carter, Jr., a former Bishop. How and where am I being challenged to live kingdom hospitality? What about you? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #community. Where do you find/make community? What does community mean to you? During this Advent season, what has community been to/for you? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #community. This group of folks attended the retreat this summer with Jane Vennard in NC. This is the Fellowship of United Methodist Spiritual Directors and Retreat Leaders (FUMSDRL) / Hearts on Fire (HOF). This is one of the life-giving communities for me. There are others. But because today was my last board phone call since I roll off the board of this organization at the end of this month, they get featured when I reflect on community.#adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #journey. How has this Advent journey been for you? What has it meant to/for you? As the Advent journey continues, what are your reflections on it? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #journey. Living into who and whose I am is a journey. It is an ongoing discovery and unfolding, an adventure. This verse from Isaiah reminds me that I have been called by name. This is the back of the chain. The front has stained glass painting and a "D". My aunt Carol gave it to me in the 70s as a Christmas ornament. #adventphoto#holstongap

Today's word is #mystery. What mystery has opened up this Advent season? What mystery still remains? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #mystery. I started looking at this painting on a cloth that a friend gave us and it caused me to reflect on the following things this Advent season. Though the camels nor the person riding them is likely a magi, my thoughts went there. I thought of the magi travelers seeking out the Christ child and the difficult journey to find him. Then I thought about my journey in following this Christ child. It sometimes seems strange, like a mystery, that I follow someone into unknown territory. I follow a dark-skinned, displaced, outcast, bivocational refugee who gave his life out of love for others. I do so willingly and respectfully, yet knowing it may lead me down paths I may not be able to handle as he did. He loved, healed, taught, forgave, etc. I hope by following the Christ child, I may learn to be and do likewise. #adventphoto #holstongap

May there be hope, peace, joy, and love on the journey,

Debra

Rolling off the FUMSDRL/HOF Board

Today was my last board call for the Fellowship of United Methodist Spiritual Directors and Retreat Leaders (FUMSDRL), also known as Hearts on Fire (HOF).  You can learn more about this organization by clicking HERE and going to the website (which was recently updated).

My stint on the board started with a phone call (well, a couple of them) from Sue Magrath, one of the board members whom I've only met over the phone, over 6 years ago.  She asked if I would be willing to post things on their FB page from time to time.  That led to a conversation about being on the board and writing for the non-member newsletter, which I did for several years. My role changed after that to other areas as I continued to serve.

I have been on local boards and conference ones before, but never a national board.  Board meetings are done via phone, except a yearly face to face one.  Every other year, the face to face board meeting coincides with the retreat/gathering.

My very first board call was while I was at the 2 Year Bilingual Academy in July 2012.  I was in my room for that call, listening to the others talk.  At that time, they were voices only.  I could see pictures online, but I hadn't met them yet.  I would first meet the board members in 2013 at the summer face to face meeting in Buffalo, MN. (I missed the 2012 Gathering at Bon Secours because I was at the Academy.)

Buffalo, MN was my first time to MN, but not my last, as the retreat was held there the following year.  By meeting the board in person, I made deeper connections with folks that couldn't be made over the phone.  Those relationships, those connections have continued to be life giving.

Even those phone calls were life giving.  Space was held for prayer, for souls, not just for the work of the organization.  During those phone calls throughout the years, there was quiet time, prayer, native American flute playing, centering, poetry, and we covered business.  Over these past 6 1/2 years, both on the phone and in person, I have been held by this board, even as the members have changed over the years.

This board is one of the many communities that has given me life and sustained my life.  They have seen me through the Academy, through seminary, through my Provisional Elder and Elder in Full Connection journeys, through family things, through surgery, etc.

I thought rolling off the board would be easier for me.  I served my time.  Heck, I served OVER my time.  Yet, I am finding it a little difficult today, knowing that I am finished with this community in this capacity.

It's not a good-bye.  I know that.  I'm reflecting on the relationships that have been given to me over these 6 1/2 years, the fun, the fellowship, the spiritual growth.  My heart is full, to overflowing.

I am grateful that they gave a young newbie a chance 6 1/2 years ago, that I was able to write, help some with education ties, and the website.

Most of all, I am grateful for all it has given me.  I cannot begin to communicate how my life, my soul, has benefited from this board and from the organization.  Many other FUMSDRL/HOF connections whom I've met through SOULfeast, at retreats/gatherings, through the Academy have also been a part of speaking life into me and giving me life.  Many were on the board at one time or another.

If I were to try to write down every person's name, I'd undoubtedly leave someone out.  Some folks I may have only "met" on the phone and not in person.  Regardless, my life has been impacted.  I am grateful.

To those who served in the past, to those who serve currently, and to the one who left us too soon, Thank you.

Just because I'm off the board, it doesn't mean I'm out of FUMSDRL/HOF.  I will continue to be active on the FB page.  Click HERE to check it out.  I will keep up with the website (posted above).  I will stay in touch with folks.  I will attend the national retreats and gatherings as possible.  The next one is in 2020 in Arizona.

Debra

---------------------

A few pictures-- not in order.  I could post SO many more from the board retreats and places, but I won't.  I'm sorry that I don't have pictures of everybody through the years.

A "Jerry and Terry" sandwich.  Jerry Haas and Terry Hershey. Buffalo, MN. 2014 Retreat

Communion at the beach. 2017 board retreat, NC

Another view of communion at the beach, 2017 board retreat
Karen Moore, Cynthia Good

Karen Moore at 2013 board Retreat, Buffalo, MN

Greg Davis at 2013 board Retreat, Buffalo, MN

Scottie Brafford at 2015 board retreat, Houston, TX

2015 board picture, Houston, TX

2016 board picture, Houston, TX

Christ Is the Joy of Our Salvation-- Sunday sermon, Dec. 16

Yesterday was the 3rd Sunday in the Advent season, the "joy" Sunday.  I chose the Isaiah 12:2-6 passage that speaks of salvation.

The written sermon is always different from the given sermon.  That proves true yesterday.  You won't find Eeyore in written form in the transcript, but if you listen to the recorded link, you will find that Eeyore made it into yesterday's sermon.  I don't know how that happened.  Call it Holy Spirit nudgings or whatever you want.  I try to be open as I share, but sometimes even I question what I share.

I'm including a link to the opening song, "Gloria" by The Piano Guys.  That was a moving video and song.  The exhortation after the song to #sharethegift was encouraging too.

I saw a meme on Facebook earlier in Advent and quoted it last week in the sermon.  Early yesterday morning, I sent it to our tech guy at the one church I would be at and asked if he could put it on the screen.  He was able to do so and I shared it again this week. "The Advent journey: Hope becomes peace. Peace becomes joy. Joy becomes Love. Love becomes Christ." -Bobby Schuller.

Yesterday was a joyful Sunday.  Even though we had some folks missing for various reasons, there were others who made it in.  As the Sparks family lit the 3rd candle on the Advent wreath, my heart was warmed to see father surrounded by two daughters.  Family gathered to share God's love and to love one another.  Family that is chosen and family that is related by blood.

As the Advent season continues, may hope, peace, joy, and love continue to grow in each of us as we experience the love of God and the love of others and as we love God and love others.

Debra

------------

Recorded sermon at Flintstone UMC on December 16, 2018

“Christ Is the Joy of Our Salvation”

Isaiah 12:2-6 (CEB)

December 16, 2018 (3rd Sunday of Advent)

Flintstone UMC

Isaiah 12:2-6 (CEB)

²God is indeed my salvation;
    I will trust and won’t be afraid.
Yah, the Lord, is my strength and my shield;
    he has become my salvation.”

³ You will draw water with joy from the springs of salvation.
⁴ And you will say on that day:
“Thank the Lord; call on God’s name;
    proclaim God’s deeds among the peoples;
    declare that God’s name is exalted.
⁵ Sing to the Lord, who has done glorious things;
    proclaim this throughout all the earth.”
⁶ Shout and sing for joy, city of Zion,
    because the holy one of Israel is great among you.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS IS THE WORD OF GOD FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD.

THANKS BE TO GOD.                      

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today is the third Sunday of Advent, and we are focusing on the word “joy”. Notice how the light continues to grow on the Advent Wreath.

The joy candle is traditionally rose and today is also called “Gaudete” Sunday because the word in Latin means ‘rejoice’. 

As we continue the Advent season, today we focus on Christ being the joy of our salvation.  In today’s passage, we see the word “salvation” four times--  3x in verse 2 and 1x in verse 3—God is indeed my salvation; I will trust and won’t be afraid.  Yah, the LORD, is my strength and my shield; he has become my salvation.” You will draw water with joy from the springs of salvation.

(Yah is short for Yahweh, the Hebrew name for God.)

Today’s text is a song of celebration that offers praise, gives thanks, proclaims divine deeds, and anticipates what is coming. (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 1, Rossetta Ross, 56)

Verse 2 is similar to Exodus 15:2, the song of celebration of Moses and the people after crossing the Red Sea.

Exodus 15:2-- The Lord is my strength and my power; he has become my salvation. This is my God, whom I will praise, the God of my ancestors, whom I will acclaim.

What that lets us know is that when people are set free from situations that hold them back, there is joy and celebration.

When you think of God as your salvation, as your strength, do you sense joy?

As we think about joy today and Christ being the joy of our salvation, what is bringing you joy this Advent season?

Have you been able to slow down enough to reflect on things to ask yourself some questions during the first weeks of Advent?  If not, let’s do that today.

Think back to the first and second week of Advent:  where do you experience hope?  Where have you felt peace?  Or, maybe the questions need to be:  Where do you need hope and peace?  Allow some time to reflect on these questions.

Now, we return to “joy”.  What is bringing you joy?  Or, where do you need joy?

If we quieten our spirits to hear the voice of God, we can listen to the answer. 

We find “joy” in other places in the Scripture:

Philippians 4:4—“Rejoice in God always; again I will say, Rejoice.”

Nehemiah 8:10—“The joy of the LORD is your strength.”

As we continue to journey through this Advent season toward the birth of Christ, we can experience joy in our decorations, baking, Christmas card writing, present wrapping, celebrations with friends and family, in our quiet times, etc.

As we celebrate the coming of Jesus and talk about the joy of Christ’s salvation, we are quick to note that joy is not that bubbly emotion of giddiness that overflows, but is more like the peace that passes understanding, flowing deeply underneath.  This is a time of year that can be very difficult for many who have lost loved ones, feel the financial crunch, deal with social expectations, etc. 

We come together to worship in spirit and truth, as we are, recognizing who we are and whose we are.  In that authenticity, we rejoice in our salvation, drawing strength for the journey.

Today’s hymn reminds us to share our experiences of God’s deliverance and to witness to our experiences of God’s grace.

As we share our faith experiences with another, we grow in our relationship with Christ and with one another.

This Wednesday we are having a family dinner, a time of food, fellowship, and singing after we eat.

I would also invite you to prayerfully consider preparing to answer these two questions for me for our December 30^th service: (1) What does God mean to you?  (2) What does this church mean to you?

If you are willing to allow me to video your responses, let me know and I will get as many done on Wednesday night as possible.

As we close today, I share this reading from Carlo Carletto on the coming of Christ:

“God presents himself to us little by little.  The whole story of salvation is the story of God who comes.

     It is always he who comes, even if he has not yet come in his fullness.  But there is indeed one unique moment in his coming; the others were only preparations and announcement.

     The hour of his coming is the Incarnation.

     The Incarnation brings the world his presence.  It is a presence so complete that it overshadows every presence before it.

     God is made human in Christ. God makes himself present to us with such a special presence, such an obvious presence, as to overthrow all the complicated calculations made about him in the past.” (A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and Other Servants, 27-28)

May we make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world as we await the coming of the Christ child.

 Amen.

Advent 2-- photo-a-day for week 2 of Advent

Last week was the 2nd week of Advent and week 2 of the Photo-A-Day challenge for Advent.  Most days I post on the day, but like last week, there is at least one day where you see a "yesterday's word was" instead of "today's word is".  Life happens.  That's okay.  I'm not doing this to keep up with anything or anyone.  I'm doing this to keep space open in my heart, mind, and soul for Advent, for the coming of Christ, for Christ now.

I don't know if the questions, the pictures, or the reflections are helpful for you.  If they are, that is wonderful.  If they are helping to keep or create space within you this Advent season, then that is an added gift.

May there be hope, peace, joy, and love on your journey,

Debra

---------------

Today's word is #peace. Where do you find peace? Where do you need peace? What represents peace to you? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #peace. From top left, the peace mug, then a peace ornament on a wall, at a store, then today's bulletin cover, and then a lion. It was a huge stuffed lion in a store and it caused me to think about the lion and the lamb in the peaceable kingdom. The deep peace that passes understanding brings healing and wholeness. This is the peace I seek to know and share. #adventphoto#holstongap

Today's word is #justice. This Advent season, where do you see justice lived out? Where do you see it needed? What represents justice to you? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is justice. Though Micah 6:8 and Amos 5:24 speak to me of justice, as I prepare to minister in the Hispanic community this week, this verse from Isaiah speaks to me on many levels. #adventphoto#holstongap

Today's word is #gift. What does the word "gift" bring to mind? When you look around today, what represents "gift" to you? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #gift. There are many gifts for which I am grateful. One is the gift of music. To those who teach and direct, thank you. To those who spend hours learning, practicing, and honing the musical gifts and graces, thank you. Whatever the instrument, music a a gift, a language to the soul. These instruments were at the Hixson Middle school Winter concert last Thursday. It struck me how they were side by side, facing each other. I was quite a distance away, with a regular phone camera.#adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #reflection. As you reflect on today's word and go through this day, what comes to mind? What does this word represent to you? As you spend time in reflection this Advent season, what are you learning? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #reflection. The sunrise this morning caught my attention. As the light and colors bounced off the clouds, I took in the rich beauty. Clouds and sunrises cause me to reflect. This morning was a double gift. As I have reflected on the beauty to the start of this day, I am reminded to take in each moment as it comes and enjoy it for all it is.#adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #freedom. What does the word "freedom" bring to mind for you? Where do you experience freedom in your life, in your faith? Is there any where that you don't experience freedom? What does freedom mean to you? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #freedom. These wings are from New Bern, NC. We stopped for lunch on our way to the retreat center. Wings are a symbol of freedom to me. Flying produces a sense of freedom. For me, hanggliding offered me one of the freest experiences I have had. A butterfly's wings must first dry before it can fly. It may be free from the dark cocoon, but it isn't quite ready to take off. Is it still drying time (waiting) or is it time to fly? #adventphoto#holstongap

Today's word is #faithfulness. How have you experienced faithfulness this Advent season? What does "faithfulness" mean to you? #adventphoto #holstongap

Yesterday's word was #faithfulness. I reflected all day and though I had faithfulness of a relationship in mind, someone who sticks by you, I didn't have the picture for the situation I was wanting to share, of a person who depicts faithfulness in life. Yet, here is Cliff. Ever faithful and counting on us to be faithful. Who are the faithful ones in your life? Where have you seen faithfulness lived out? #adventphoto#holstongap

Today's word is #wonder. What causes you to "wonder" this Advent season? How does this word come across to you today? What photograph best depicts "wonder" to you? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is wonder. As I approached the stop sign, a family of three was crossing the road. When I stopped, I could only see one. They are wandering and grazing. I realize they can be pests to gardens and cars at night, but they are beautiful. I often wonder what has become of wildlife as we have taken over their land, forcing them to live among us in neighborhoods. I wonder as I wander today.#adventphoto #holstongap