About two-thirds of the way into the church service each week, one of the pastors invites the children to join him up front. He presents a little object lesson or tells a story, then we recite the verse of the month together—a verse the entire congregation is memorizing.This week, the pastor held up between his forefinger and thumb something small and oblong.”Can you guess what this is?” he asked the kids.”Candy!” one of the kids called out.”It’s not candy,” he said. My family and I were sitting toward the back, so I leaned forward and squinted. Maybe a vitamin, I speculated. Then he can say something about how vitamins nourish us when we take them daily just like God’s Word nourishes us when we take it in daily. “Play-dough?” a kid offered.”No, it’s not Play-dough,” he answered, still holding the small item up for them to consider.I began to doubt the vitamin idea. Maybe it was a bullet? The room was quiet as the kids exhaled other possibilities in shy, preschool whispers that I couldn’t make out. We all wondered.Suddenly, without a word, the pastor popped it in his mouth.Is he going to swallow that? I wondered. How can he get it down without any water?*chomp*  *chomp*  *chomp*Oh, it’s a chewable vitamin, I reasoned.”Gum!” he exclaimed. *chomp*  *chomp*  *chomp*”It’s chewing gum,” he managed to say between chomps.“Gum!” I said out loud, my voice mingling with the murmuring crowd. People nodded as he explained that chewing gum is like meditating, because when you’re meditating, it’s like you’re chewing on something, thinking about it over and over just like you chew gum over and over. He said sometimes he would chew on the same piece of gum all day long. Adults gasped and giggled.That piece of gum was big, requiring him to open his jaw wide to work it around in his mouth and soften it up, so he would say a few words and then pause to chew.*chomp*  *chomp*  *chomp*His jaw working that gum, chomping, teaching, modeling. Of course. So simple.We recited the verse in unison:

Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (Joshua 1:8)

Our pastor prayed for the children with that gum crammed in the side of his cheek and then, with a smile, he dismissed them to children’s worship, inviting the rest of us to turn and greet one another. And I remembered that gum, that chomping, that verse, all day long.

:::

I’m sharing this with Hear It on Sunday, Use It on Monday, hosted by Michelle Derusha and On, In, and Around Mondays, hosted by L.L. Barkat at Seedlings in Stone.

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A monarch drinks deep of summer’s sweetness.

Cloud formation streaks across blue sky.

Evening light brushes watercolor rose along textured storm clouds.

The Heavens declare the glory of God,and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.(Psalm 19:1)

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The purpose of memory, in my view, is not to up the word count and be able to spout off verses at will. It is so that we will be transformed by the word that is written on our hearts, that we will recognize the Father’s voice more easily, that we will draw ever closer to Him.So don’t give up. Don’t be discouraged. Let the words you DO know steep in your soul, and let the Lord breathe life to you through them.Press on dear sisters!

Esther at Outward Expression wrote a similar thought at her blog — that as she works on memorizing, “the goal is to, in countless small ways, come closer to Him whose Word it is.”Great stuff.With their words as a lead-in (and without further ado), here are my Top 2 MMM Memorization Tips:Tip #1: Pray the Passage.In these waning days of October, make Mega Memory Month more meaningful (forgive the alliteration overkill) by praying the words. Even if you need to open your Bible and have the words right there for easy reference, use the passage, phrases, verses, truths, as part of your interaction with the Savior in prayer. The words can be a launching point to dialogue with the Lord and prompt specific, powerful worship.Tip #2: Speak and Discuss it. Ask someone to listen to you recite it. Then talk with him or her about its meaning. By saying aloud the words to someone else, its truth can communicate. By talking about our passages with someone else, we can turn this memory challenge into a couples devotional time or meaningful friendship discussion, adding interpersonal connection, depth and insight to what we otherwise might simply be privately cramming into our mental storage units.These two tips may not be the most efficient or effective for sheer word-preservation — but by adding meaning and purpose, they may cause the passages to stick  more deeply not only in the mind, but also in the heart and soul, where we’ll ultimately need it most. And these tips may also allow you to experience something richer and more meaningful with the Lord Himself.No matter how “mega” your challenge is ending up, whether long or short, mega or modest, please try these two tips. Like Jennifer advised, let the words you do know steep in your soul, and let the Lord breathe life into you through them.A few practical notes:This coming Monday I’ll post my final Progress Report including Mr. Linky (so you can link your posts, as well). It will be the last progress report before the end of October, when we’ll post our last hurrah (see next note).This coming Friday, October 31st, marks MMM Final Celebration/Presentation Day. It’s a day to celebrate any and all words that have been tucked away for safe keeping. If you’re so inspired or inclined, I’m encouraging some kind of final presentation.No ideas? You could:

• Write it out in calligraphy
• Write it out in colored pencils or markers (have the kids decorate it, or doodle something yourself)
• Print it out on fancy paper and frame it
• Videotape yourself reciting it and post somehow on your blog
• Audiotape yourself reciting it and post somehow on your blog (anyone know how to podcast in WordPress.com?)
• Or, if you’re low on time and creativity, simply type it all out one last time.

I’ll post my own final presentation and include another Mr. Linky.Be sure to sync up at some point, so we can celebrate with you!Please visit participants who link to a Celebration/Presentation Post and leave an encouraging comment.Tomorrow’s Sunday. The perfect day to test run these Top 2 MMM Memorization Tips. May they help you recognize the Father’s voice and draw you closer to Him.If I may close by expanding on Jennifer’s exhortation:Press on dear sisters — and brothers (I know you’re out there)!

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We could have simply cleaned up from breakfast and gathered around the table in one of the rented cottages.

Then we thought of gathering at the dock, where the children had been so occupied scooping up shrimp, oysters, and crabs. But that was a fairly busy spot, and we didn’t want to be praying and singing alongside crabbers.

Then one of my sisters-in-law suggested we go along the water’s edge, past the volleyball court, to a little spot that was a bit more secluded.

We strolled along toward the spot, chatting as the breeze swept across us, cooling the air. The sun shone as we settled down on a bench overlooking the marina. The children wondered what brought them to this spot off by itself.Here’s the view from one direction:

Here’s the other:

We gathered to hear a story, pray, and sing a few songs.

The theme?

Let the little children come to Jesus.

The same sister-in-law who suggested this beautiful location told that simple little Bible story hoping to engage the youngest among us (her husband is next to her, holding cards in place that formed a little puzzle-picture of Jesus with the little children):

Then we sang “Oh, How I Love Jesus” in Kituba, the language of my father-in-law’s youth while growing up in Belgian Congo. The youngest children had learned it to sing at the 50th Wedding Anniversary fete, so they all joined in. Then we sang it in French and English. Whoever knew it in his or her language joined in when possible.

We sang “Jesus Loves the Little Children” in English.

We sang “The Wise Man Built His House upon the Rock” in French. Actually, everyone who spoke French sang it, while the rest of us listened.

Someone closed our time together praying in French and then in English.

Such a simple time in such a beautiful setting for all our kids to be reminded that Jesus warmly invited the little children come to Him.

And for all the big kids to remember that He invites us, too.

You.

Me.

Wherever we are—by the water’s edge, at the computer, in our beds at night, or while walking in the woods. Whether we’re half a world away on vacation or at home in the back yard, hanging up laundry, He invites us to come to Him.

He says we are to become like little children in order to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Mono Zola Yesu…Oh, how I love Jesus!

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Jesus, be the Lord of my life today in new ways.Change me any way you want.Wash me clean from every sin.Fill me with your Holy Spirit.Make me a channel of Your love and grace.Make me an instrument of Your mercy and justice.Bring glory to Yourself in me and through me.If it pleases You, use me today to lead persons into this sacred pilgrimage of exalting You as Lord, for all You are by sharing this prayer covenant with others.I pray in the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen

As I began praying it, I thought about how radical this is–it’s utterly yielding one’s self to the Lord to have His way with me. “Here I am, Lord; I’m all yours.” Here am I. Send me!Today I read the story of the rich young man (Mark 10:17-22). The man runs to Jesus and falls on his knees asking, “Good teacher…what must I do to inherit eternal life?” After Jesus reviews the commandments that the man is sure he’s kept since his youth, Jesus says, “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”The man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.Could this prayer be similar–with me starting out as hopeful as that young man, eagerly running up to Jesus and falling to my knees, saying, “Jesus, be the Lord of my life…change me, fill me, use me…” Then, when He actually shows me something specific, will I walk away sad because I’m afraid to let go of the life I’m living? Will I be too weak to really let Him be Lord of my life in new ways? Will I be too afraid to let Him change me any way He wants?I feel like the father in the story in Mark 9. Jesus said, regarding the healing of the man’s son, “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”I want You to change me, Lord; help the part of me that’s afraid to change!And I’m comforted by what Jesus told his disciples after the rich young man went away. “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27).If it feels impossible to yield completely, remember that with God all things are possible.Jesus, be Lord of my life in new ways…and help me let You be Lord of my life in new ways.

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Sometimes I’m undisciplined and need more structure; other times, structure starts to feel too much like a to-do list and I’ve missed the point—that quiet time tools help me connect with the Savior and deepen my relationship with Him.

When I become too rigid, I allow for spontaneity and creativity in my moments alone with God. Having a lot of ideas on hand allows me to vary according to my current state.

I hope that this collection of Quiet Time ideas to try (a combination of the ones I’d pulled together yesterday mixed with the ones you added in the comments) serves a launching point for you to seek a richer and more meaningful experience with the Lord.

1. Scribing

Last Sunday at church, two guys in our class said that they are writing out the Bible by hand, word for word, beginning with Genesis. They feel that the act of writing slows them down and brings incredible focus, and they see things in the Scriptures that they never noticed before. They call this practice “scribing.” Susan, an artistic designer and lover of color, tossed out the idea of using colored pencils to add even more to the scribing process–I love that idea!

2. Less Ambitious Scribing

A friend in the class joked that she was doing something similar, but less ambitious, than those guys and said she’s writing out Matthew. Same motivation–to slow down, focus, and interact personally with the Lord via the text. She brackets things that stand out to her, to return to and spend time with in meditation and prayer. Others of you said that you wrote out whatever passage stood out to you in your broader reading plan.

3. Bible Reading Plans.* Lots of reading plans in one place

Check out these links for reading plans to find one that suits you.

• Read the Bible in 90 Days:  This accelerated reading plan was mentioned. I found this website link that I assume is related.*
• One-Year Reading Plans. There are a lot of these plans you can download to follow, reading through the Bible in one year using your own Bible, checking off passages as you go. Here’s one I found in a quick search that also offers the option of a three-year plan. And here’s another from Crosswalk that you can use online that just pops up the reading of the day when you go to the link. If you’re fixing breakfast and have your laptop nearby, you can even click on a “Listen” option and have it read to you.*
• One-Year Bible. This is a reading plan laid out in book form. It actually divides up and breaks down passages into daily readings that include a passage from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and a Proverb. The sections are dated, so it’s all physically laid out to easily follow–open up to today’s date and read. You can take it with you on errands to read while waiting for basketball or ballet practices to end, which makes it more portable than the online reading plan mentioned above that would rely on Internet access.*
• Search the Scriptures is a three-year Bible reading plan with study questions incorporated into it. It takes the reader slowly and meticulously through the entire Bible. The guy who told me about it meets monthly with a friend who is also on track with the same book to discuss what they’re learning.*
• Vary translations. Someone told me she reads through the Bible every year using a reading program, but chooses a different translation every time, to get a fresh perspective. Kristen M. mentioned that she has a Bible with two different translations side-by-side. 
• Psalter/Proverbs reading plan is a simple and basic discipline. If all else fails, if other plans fall apart, I can always fall back on this.

4. One Book Daily for a Month

Read one book of the Bible every day for a month. If you read the gospel of John or Romans every single day for 30 days, you’re sure to know it intimately—I imagine the original recipients of Paul’s letters pored over them like that, trying to mine them for all their worth. We have even easier access—you have your copy; I have mine. If we can find the time, this could be a powerful undertaking.

5. Ambitious Memorization

The Belgian Wonder’s grandmother memorized all of James and was working on 1 Peter at the end of her life. A friend of the family in Belgium memorized the entire book of Mark and did a dramatic recitation one time for a special evening that my in-laws said was very powerful. In college, I tried to memorize the Sermon on the Mount. I think I got up to Matthew 5:26 and ran out of steam.

6. Less Ambitious Memorization

For those who can’t embark on a massive memorization project, go ahead and tackle a few verses at a time. Helping my kids learn their verses for AWANA has beefed up my own repertoire. And then, when I’m out and about and don’t have time to read a lot, I can still repeat one of those verses and meditate upon their truth.

7. Dividing the Bible into Sections

I couldn’t figure out what to call this method that Prairie Chick explained. Here’s her description.About a year ago I sectioned my Bible off (with sticky page bookmarks) into 6 blocks (one for each day of the week omitting Sunday):* The law (Gen-Deu)* History (Josh-Esther)* Wisdom (Job-Sol)* Prophets (Isa-Mal)* Gospels (Mat-John and Acts)* Church/Epistles (Romans-Revelation)[updated—She reads a chunk daily from each section: Monday=Law, Tuesday=History, Wednesday=Wisdom and so on, with one day off.] She said that it has helped her see how everything ties together and has seen connections and links she might have missed otherwise.

8. Reading in Chunks

Joni found that reading chunks of Scripture at a time was very rewarding. I have also enjoyed reading an entire epistle, for example, in one sitting, and then going back over it in chunks the next few days (this is a less ambitious option than reading the entire thing every day for a month).  

9. Reading Scripture aloud to the kids.

Stretch Mark Mama tossed this one into her comment, and I’ve found this to be true in my life, as well—when we’re having a devotional with the kids and reading a passage of Scripture, God speaks to us, as well as the kids.

10. Quiet Time on the Go

Tootie said that she has enjoyed some great prayer time on the go as she runs. She focuses on a person or couple during each running session. Multi-tasking with a spiritual twist! I would add that this could be incorporated into any repetitive-style exercise (stationary bike, treadmill, rowing machine, walking, jogging, etc.) and even in the car. A good friend of mine told me that once a month, she has a long, one-hour commute for her job and commits to praying the entire time.

11. Quiet Time in the Shower

More than one mom knows that sometimes the only quiet times possible are in the shower (or bath), and even those are often, unfortunately, interrupted. One person pointed out that if her time of prayer and meditation gets emotional, there’s water and a towel on hand to dry her tears.

12. One Verse for the Day

Kristen described several things she has done, but mentioned that her husband prefers to simply meditate on one verse throughout the day. I wanted to include this idea, because it complements the other ones. After reading longs chunks or a devotional or whatever else we might do, taking just one verse from the broader passages allows us to absorb it and contemplate it (and I mean that in the active-thinking, basic sense of the word).

13. Journaling

Always a great tool for my prayer life. This probably has a thousand variations—perhaps you can offer ideas about how you use journaling in your quiet time?

14. A-C-T-S as a prayer plan

Pray first Adoration, then Confession, then Thanksgiving, and finally Supplication. When I learned that technique, the teacher added L to the acrostic, for Listening, even those “ACTSL” isn’t a memorable word. It sounds a little like “axle,” though, doesn’t it? Sorry. I digress. I’ve used the ACTS(L) method with a journal and also just verbally or silently without pen-to-paper. Here’s a simple explanation from a UK-based ministry.

15. S-T-A-R-T

Susan recommended another acronym.S- Scripture (jot down the scripture you read- either word for word or a summary)T- Thought: What is God saying to you via that scripture?A- Action: What action will you take in your life based on that scripture/thought?R- Requests: What requests do you need to make of the Lord in prayer?T- Thanks: What do you need to thank God for?This leaves out listening, and also the “adore,” but she said this works better for her as a guide to quiet time as a whole.

16. Ask Questions of a Passage

Here are some questions to pose while reading a passage of Scripture:* What is the subject of this passage?* When and where is this taking place?* What does this teach me about God?* What does this passage teach me about belonging to and following Jesus?* Is there a commandment to obey?* Is there an example to follow (or is it showing an example of how not to live)?* Is there a promise to claim?* What is the most meaningful verse in this passage (and why is it most meaningful)?I recommend writing down your answers in a journal. It’ll be interesting to look back on.

17. Devotional Books

These can offer a story or insight from someone, Scripture passages, and sometimes prayers. I’ve used old classic books as well as daily subscription types. Our Daily Bread is one that I used in college–it’s still available printed, but also online. My Utmost for His Highest is also available online, along with Streams in the Desert, and Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening, among others. Anna added Daily Light.

18. Scripture-based Book Studies

Beth Moore’s books or Blackaby’s Experiencing God, or headier stuff like a survey of the Old or New Testament are Scripture-based books that can inform our quiet time. CBD has a list of Bible studies in various categories. Have you used any in particular that stand out?

19. Commentaries

Online Bible commentaries are handy, like the one you can find here. Lots of other places, too, if you do a quick search.

20. Get-Started Guides

Mariel Davenport offers Bible study encouragement. This post offers thoughts on finding the quiet, and here are her studies.

So many ideas!

May we all head off to our respective quiet places and spend time listening to the Lord by digging into His Word and pouring out our hearts to Him in prayer.

Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
(Psalm 62:8)

______________________________

Are the demands of motherhood keeping you from a rich relationship with God?

With ideas from mothers in all seasons of life, Ann Kroeker’s book offers creative, practical, and enjoyable suggestions to help you discover how a passionate relationship with God is possible in the midst of motherhood.

“The Contemplative Mom gives busy, loving, kid-centered mothers permission to rest, like a tired child, in God’s strong arms. An important book.”

—Rachael and Larry Crabb, authors and speakers

Buy your copy

The post 20 Quiet Time Ideas to Try appeared first on Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach.

Here’s a shot of mine:

When I got home, I decided to refresh my memory on the symbolism, as it’s quite detailed.

• The shape of this cross was modeled after the Maltese Cross; and the cross is, of course, to remind us of the cross on which our Savior died for our sins. The cross is empty, further symbolizing His victory over death–He is risen and alive!
• Eight points around the edges add up to represent the eight Beatitudes.
• Between the arms of the cross, the fancier pendants have the image of a flower of French origins, the fleur-de-lys (mine doesn’t have them, but you can see it here)–and the three petals of the  fleur-de-lys are supposed to represent the Trinity.
• The fleur-de-lys also suggests purity.
• There are four fleur-de-lys, one for each of the gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
• Do a little math, and you’ll discover that the three petals multiplied by four fleur-de-lys adds up to….twelve. The number of Jesus’ disciples (after subtracting Judas and adding in Matthias).
• The inner ring formed by the string of fleur-de-lys form the crown of thorns that the soldiers twisted together and set onto Jesus’ head.
• The fleur-de-lys, when set next to each arm of the cross, end up forming an open-spaced heart. Considering Christ’s heart reminds us of His sufferings.
• And then, as I already mentioned, the dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit. During times of persecution, the dove would be replaced by a pearl, symbolizing a teardrop.

My friend was particularly struck by my pendant, because she had just finished a book (from this series ) depicting in historical fiction the persecution of the Huguenots. This site offers an overview of the persecution endured by these French Calvinists, or Protestant Reformers. It’s not a happy history.

My dad tells me that my family lineage includes some Huguenots. I don’t know the details of their part in the bigger story. I wonder what they endured?

I wonder if they ever wore one of these crosses?

I wonder if they wore it with a dove…or a teardrop?

I’m grateful that for now, today, in the United States of America, we are free from that kind of persecution. We must beware, though. One day we may find ourselves in the same situation as the Huguenots.

Today I could wear mine with joy while worshiping in a Protestant Reformed church…with a dove.

Peace.

______________________________

Are the demands of motherhood keeping you from a rich relationship with God?

With ideas from mothers in all seasons of life, Ann Kroeker’s book offers creative, practical, and enjoyable suggestions to help you discover how a passionate relationship with God is possible in the midst of motherhood.

“The Contemplative Mom gives busy, loving, kid-centered mothers permission to rest, like a tired child, in God’s strong arms. An important book.”

—Rachael and Larry Crabb, authors and speakers

Buy your copy

The post The Huguenot Cross appeared first on Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach.

A few years ago we bought a preformed Advent wreath at Michael’s. I wrapped some ribbons and beads around it, stuck some plastic red berries into the greenery here and there, and deemed it ready for service. It was hardly an example of artistic brilliance, but it would serve us fine. It was festive. It would hold the candles.

We’d never celebrated Advent as a family, so this was an experiment. The church we attended at the time didn’t observe a liturgical calendar, so we didn’t even have a traditional corporate Advent experience. We were on our own to figure out the meaning of the candles and unearth some appropriate Scripture verses and devotionals.

From time to time, I dream up ideas like this as a potential family tradition, but I never know if it will “take.” You know what I mean?

Sometimes I suggest some clever outing or activity, trying to force it to happen…then it turns out not to be right for our family. Or maybe the idea was fun, but nobody asks about it again. Then it just fades away—it might serve as a pleasant memory, but not a lasting tradition.

Then there are those times when it works.

It “takes.”

It becomes something to ask for, something to look forward to, something to count on, something that brings back memories and builds on them.

When that happens, it becomes a tradition.

The Advent Wreath Tradition

The Advent wreath turned out to be one of those things that worked. It “took,” and now it’s a tradition.

When we bring out that ribbon-adorned wreath and set it up in the center of the table, its appearance and presence for the next few weeks says, “Christmas is coming—time to reflect.”

I look forward to the hush that comes over the family when we turn off the lights and gather around the table. The kids who can read eagerly anticipate looking up verses to share. We take turns reading passages, listening for the key words. Sometimes we try some creative activity. Sometimes we try to sing a carol. Sometimes we have a good conversation about it, and sometimes we meander and get off on tangents. But three things are consistent:

• we light the candles
• try to bring it back to the Bible verses, and
• end in prayer.

Candles Create Quiet to Reflect

We light the candle and read the verses in the dim light. We all tend to speak softly because the soft candlelight encourages a quieter atmosphere. It’s a natural setting for prayer.

I love how it ushers in a quiet moment at the end of the day, so still, so reflective—a countermeasure to the hectic pace of the surrounding culture; an antidote for the poison of consumerism that dominates the Christmas season. As the years have progressed, I think it’s proven to slow us down for a few moments in order to focus on Jesus Christ and the Incarnation in particular.

The candles each represent something. I’ve seen several suggestions for what they can stand for:

• Week 1: Hope, or Prophecy/Prophets, or the Patriarchs
• Week 2: Peace, or Bethlehem, or the Prophets can be this week instead of the first, or the Holy Family
• Week 3: Joy, or Shepherds, or John the Baptist
• Week 4: Love, or Angels, or the Magi, or Mary

So …pick your favorite combination, I guess, unless your church traditions insist on a particular series.

Advent Week 1: Peace

This week’s candle could represent peace, Bethlehem, the Holy Family, or the Prophets. The Boy insisted that it was the Holy Family candle. His Sunday School teacher said so. I was hoping to focus on Bethlehem and Peace.

So I asked him, “Who is the Holy Family?”

“Joseph, Mary….and….the donkey?” he replied.

We talked it over and determined that while the donkey was very useful, he probably wasn’t considered family. We came up with a more appropriate family member to take its place.

I pointed out that Mary and Joseph were just a couple until they got to…brilliant segue here…Bethlehem.

Then that’s where Jesus was born, so that’s when they became a Holy Family.

In Bethlehem.

I was hoping to talk about Bethlehem and peace. All the verses I’d looked up were about peace. And there are a lot of verses about peace. We couldn’t get to them all.

Scripture on Peace

Here are some that we read:

• Isaiah 9:6-7  For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
• Micah 5:5-6  He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace.
• Luke 2:14 (heavenly host appearing before the Shepherds praising God) “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
• John 14:27  (Jesus speaking) “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
• Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.
• Colossians 1:19-20 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
• Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

As we read them, we listened for the key word: Peace.

Every time the kids heard it, they were to hold up their pointer finger like a candle.

*Peace*

*Peace*

*Peace*

There are so many important verses about peace. We missed some good ones. I think we should revisit the best ones and look up the ones we missed.

Songs on Peace

We remembered that this morning at church we sang “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” I love that song. We tried to sing a verse or two tonight as a family, but we’re not very strong singers. It’s too bad we couldn’t enjoy the carol, because the lyrics are so great. They tie all those possible candle concepts together:

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.

Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;

The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,

While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.

O morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth,

And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth!

How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is giv’n;

So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His Heav’n.

No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.

Where children pure and happy pray to the blessèd Child,

Where misery cries out to Thee, Son of the mother mild;

Where charity stands watching and faith holds wide the door,

The dark night wakes, the glory breaks, and Christmas comes once more.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;

Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;

O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!

You’ve got the Holy Family, peace, and Bethlehem, all wrapped up on into one carol.

I grabbed the lyrics from Cyber Hymnal in 2007, where they included a short detail about Phillips Brooks’ inspiration as he penned the lyrics:

Brooks wrote about his horse­back jour­ney from Je­ru­sa­lem to Beth­le­hem, where he as­sist­ed with the mid­night ser­vice on Christ­mas Eve, 1865:

I re­mem­ber stand­ing in the old church in Beth­le­hem, close to the spot where Je­sus was born, when the whole church was ring­ing hour after hour with splen­did hymns of praise to God, how again and again it seemed as if I could hear voic­es I knew well, tell­ing each other of the Won­der­ful Night of the Sav­ior’s birth.

“Again and again,” he wrote, “it seemed as if I could hear voices I knew well, telling each other of the Wonderful Night of the Savior’s birth.”

Repeat the Story with Advent Traditions, Year After Year

Again and again, year after year, Advent after Advent, generation after generation, we tell the story of our dear Savior’s birth.

Each year when we light those candles, we start the story again. Whatever passages we read or songs we sing, whatever we emphasize week after week during Advent, we’re basically telling the story to each other, passing it along–the truth of Christ incarnate, fully God and fully man. We keep passing it down along the long line of believers. For now, it’s our responsibility.

This morning during the offering, a musician in our church sang with his wife a song that he wrote. The message of the song was just that–the passing along of the story down through the generations, the story of Jesus Christ, of salvation, of the virgin birth, the cross, the resurrection, the Holy Spirit. Makes me think of two other hymns. They aren’t Christmas carols, but they are a good reminder of what this whole season is about: telling the story.

 I Love to Tell the Story

I love to tell the story of unseen things above,

Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.

I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true;

It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.

Refrain

I love to tell the story, ’twill be my theme in glory,

To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

I love to tell the story; more wonderful it seems

Than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams.

I love to tell the story, it did so much for me;

And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.

Refrain

I love to tell the story; ’tis pleasant to repeat

What seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet.

I love to tell the story, for some have never heard

The message of salvation from God’s own holy Word.

Refrain

I love to tell the story, for those who know it best

Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.

And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,

’Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.

Tell Me the Old, Old Story

Tell me the old, old story of unseen things above,

Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.

Tell me the story simply, as to a little child,

For I am weak and weary, and helpless and defiled.

Refrain

Tell me the old, old story, tell me the old, old story,

Tell me the old, old story, of Jesus and His love.

Tell me the story slowly, that I may take it in,

That wonderful redemption, God’s remedy for sin.

Tell me the story often, for I forget so soon;

The early dew of morning has passed away at noon.

Refrain

Tell me the story softly, with earnest tones and grave;

Remember I’m the sinner whom Jesus came to save.

Tell me the story always, if you would really be,

In any time of trouble, a comforter to me.

Refrain

Tell me the same old story when you have cause to fear

That this world’s empty glory is costing me too dear.

Yes, and when that world’s glory is dawning on my soul,

Tell me the old, old story: “Christ Jesus makes thee whole.”

This Christ Jesus, born in Bethlehem, makes us whole.

May you enjoy the story this week, the truth, the Christ.

May you experience His peace.

______________________________

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The post I Love to Tell the Story: How Advent Traditions Invite Us to Reflect, Together appeared first on Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach.

• Vehicles to transport us wherever we want, even off-road, with audio technology and reading material–iPods, books on CD, podcasts–to keep the ride from getting dull.
• Bountiful hobbies to make life more interesting.
• Newscasts, magazines, online news, and blogs, of course, to make our lives more informed.
• Television, TiVo, DVDs, movies, and theater (until this pesky writers’ strike) to entertain us.
• Tools and gadgets and computers to make us more efficient.
• Vacations to feel more relaxed.
• Educational opportunities to make our minds sharper and lives deeper.
• Social events, small-group meetings, and church services to make our social and spiritual lives richer.
• Volunteer opportunities to give our lives more meaning and purpose.
• Sports to make lives healthier and more fun.

“So with all those things filling our lives,” Gire wonders, “why aren’t we more fulfilled?”

He proposes that life for Westerners has become more like an all-you-can-eat buffet, which looks good as you go through the serving line, but by the time you finish eating, everything has lost its taste. “Instead of feeling satisfied,” he suggests, “we feel bloated.”

Sometimes less is more, as the saying goes, and sometimes a few well-prepared servings are more satisfying, ones where we have time to chew, where we can taste even the subtlest of spices, where the flavor lingers long after we’ve finished.We can’t savor anything, though, if we’re stuffed. And if we’re heaping serving after serving onto our schedule, by the end of the day we’re never going to want to eat again.(p. 99, The Reflective Life, by Ken Gire, Chariot Victor Publishing, a division of Cook Communications, Colorado Springs, CO, 1998).

What is his recommendation for giving meaning to these all-you-can-eat days? When life pressures us to cram as much as possible into a day, is there a way to savor any part of it, or are we stuck bloated and strangely, paradoxically, empty?

Well, as he said, sometimes less is more and we can consider cutting down our activities in order to focus on doing a few things well. To use his words, “sometimes a few well-prepared servings are more satisfying, ones where we have time to chew.” In other words, sometimes we’re simply doing too much. We need to cut back.

But he also suggests something simple and practical: pauses.

“Putting pauses into our schedule allows us to savor the individual servings in our day,” Gire advised. (p. 99, ibid.)

Pauses.

Breaks.

Time to reflect and contemplate the purpose and meaning in an interaction or event.

He recommends keeping a journal, to look back on the day and consider its highs and lows, and reflecting at length on the Scriptures.

As I read Gire’s observations and considered his ideas, I thought about the discussion we’ve been having about meaningful blogs.

In the comments, Ann of Holy Experience, wrote:

I read (somewhere? ~smile~) that when most reader check a blog post, they have a time allotment of an average of nine seconds before they click away. That is about 250 words or so.I think on this often. But I wonder if it is possible to write such that in those first nine seconds, they can find themselves drawn to a place where they want to slow, pause, take a deep breath, and want to read more. To consider. Reflect. Worship.And when they finally click away, they are in a different head and heart space…I often wonder too… if we write in sound bites, are we are contributing, cultivating a culture who thinks in flashes and snippets and clips…. instead of creating islands of soulful, contemplative thought…?

I’ve been thinking about Ann’s comment in conjunction with Gire’s analysis of the busy -v- reflective life, and the word “oasis” keeps coming to mind.

We need oases to replenish ourselves, to survive and flourish while on this 21st Century, fast-paced journey.

We must find islands of soulful thought, as Ann said, where we stop, think, ponder, rest, and reflect before revving up the engine and merging back onto the freeway.

She added worship to the list. A call to worship is asking a lot of a blog, but some writers pull it off. They point us to the Savior and remind us that this life is not about us. It’s not about our crazy-busy schedules, room-mom responsibilities, or carpool chaos. It’s not about the mindless TV shows that make us laugh. Life is more than Thanksgiving preparations and Christmas shopping.

In the pauses, we can remember to Whom we belong. We can reflect on His grace and look for the ways He is working in our world.

We can ask for help and give thanks.

We can realize what we’ve known all along but forgotten in the flurry–that this life, hectic and harried, or reflective and restful, is about Him.

An oasis can be the time and space in which we find meaning in all the other obligations and activities that pack our days.

An oasis is a fertile area in the middle of a desert, an island of life in a land of extremes. Any oasis serves as a refuge, relief, or pleasant change from what is usual, annoying, difficult.

An oasis: that’s what I would like to be as a person; even, if possible, as a blogger.

An oasis: that’s what I’d like to find for myself, as well–a regular refuge to refresh and replenish myself; a safe place to pause.

I think of Jesus’ invitation to come away and find rest. He had sent off the disciples, and they came back from the journey, gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

They needed to pull away….with Him.

We do, too.

He is our oasis.

The post An Oasis in our Fast-Paced Lives appeared first on Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach.

We bought pre-fab Resurrection Eggs made by Focus on the Family: Twelve eggs hold twelve items symbolizing some aspect of the Easter story, beginning with a little metal donkey for Palm Sunday.

Taking turns, the children opened an egg and read the appropriate portion of Scripture, then we talked about it.

As if experiencing Easter deja vu, we assigned the last egg–the empty egg–to The Boy, just as we did last year.

“I wonder what’s in it?” he says in a dreamy tone. Pop. “Awww. It’s empty.” He screws up his mouth in an exaggerated grimace and wrinkles his nose. Is he faking it for effect, or does he truly not remember? “What’s supposed be in this one?”

“It’s empty?” I ask.

“Empty. Look!” He holds them out for us to see total emptiness in the blue shadows of the egg’s interior.

“It’s empty!” I turn to the others. “Empty! Just like….”

“What else was empty on Easter?” one of the older sisters poses in a leading tone.

His eyes light up. “It’s empty…like…the tomb! ‘He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures!'”(Wow, do I love AWANA Bible memorization!)

We turned to each other and took turns saying, “He is risen,” so the next person could respond, “He is risen indeed!”

We read on through Doubting Thomas. I love the last few verses of that section:

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

I have not seen, yet I’ve believed. I’m so thankful that the words are written that I may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing I may have life in his name.

And so may my kids. It was a very simple Easter, but full of Truth.

Tomorrow I’ll move on to blog about writing and books I’ve read and other types of posts, but I wanted to wind down my Easter weekend on Easter Monday by sharing a piece of our family story with you.

The egg–the tomb–is empty, and we can, by believing, have life in His name.

The post The Last Egg appeared first on Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach.