Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Advent

We are reading through Ann Voskamp's Jesse Tree devotional for the first time this year. In years past I've wanted to make a Jesse Tree but missed the first few days and being the perfectionist that I am thought it wasn't "right" if we didn't do it all.
I have not been disappointed. That Ann knows how to put into words the very feelings of my heart. There are very few times when her writing doesn't bring tears to my eyes.
Today's reading began at the beginning, where all good love stories start. In the beginning God created us, from nothing. I always love to start the story of Christ there too. I'm so glad Ann went this route!

This hymn, while not a "Christmas" hymn goes along great with our reading.

Friday, November 26, 2010

It's raining, it's pouring.....

I'm still wearing my galoshes. I've also added an inflatable raft.

Life has just not been treating me kindly these past few months. I won't go into detail other than to say it is highly personal and very familiar territory.

I was stepping out of the shower the other day and had been praying and said to the Lord something like:

"I don't understand why I keep going down this same path over and over and over again. Each time I think I've finally taken the right steps to continue on my journey and yet here I am, passing the same tree, noticing the same rocks and patches of weeds. When will I finally find the right path, learn this lesson, so that I may circle around another tree? Please, Lord, help me to learn what it is you want me to learn, act the way you want me to act, and to get off this rocky precipice."

I think what makes this so particularly hard is that much of the "battle" is out of my hands. I have so few choices. The ones I do have seem equally bad and here I am trying to choose the lesser of the evils. The problem is that I just can't be sure I'm choosing correctly. I read my Bible and pray and the only answer I seem to be getting is "wait. stand."

Just stand. It seems so simple to just stand but really is one of the most difficult things I've ever done.

~Standing still. Waiting on the Lord. Trusting that He will carry me through all these difficult days and place me in the ark of his love.~

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

-Ephesian 6:10-17