linger tarry ponder

The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon 

the likes of which we have never seen before… .

What is possible is to not see it, 

to miss it, to turn just as it brushes past you. 

And you begin to grasp what it was you missed, 

like Moses in the cleft of the rock, 

watching God’s [back] fade in the distance. 

So stay. Sit. Linger. Tarry. Ponder. 

Wait. Behold. Wonder. 

There will be time enough for running. 

For rushing. For worrying. For pushing. 

For now, stay. Wait. 

Something is on the horizon.

Jan L. Richardson in Night Visions: Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas

silent and still with Sandy

 

Deep waiting begins

Those who live at the ends of the earth

    stand in awe of your wonders.

From where the sun rises to where it sets,

    you inspire shouts of joy.

Psalm 65:8 NLT

as a time of waiting begins deep
walking with the Sunday worshipers at Deidra's
 

And listen...

And listen! You will become pregnant and will give birth to a Son,

and you shall call His name Jesus.

He will be great (eminent) and will be called the Son of the Most High;

and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His forefather David,

And He will reign over the house of Jacob throughout the ages;

and of His reign there will be no end.

Luke 1:31-33 Amplified

Joining Deidra and others in the quiet Sunday chorus

 

Praising down

It is a cloudy mid December day
I'm thankful that temperatures have behaved in an unusual fashion
rising instead of falling down.

It would not be at all strange
to have many feet of snow drifted at my door
yet there are only flurries
scattering down slowly.

I continue to unwrap Advent
counting blessings with a heart overflowing
nights I am sheltered from cold
by a heated mattress pad
a down duvet
and the arms of a devoted husband.

I am living a life I would never have known
if everything I thought I believed
had not been turned upside down
by a God Who's love was so profound
He sacrificed heaven's throne
coming down to walk among us
teaching love with every step.

My heart bows down before Him
in worship, adoration, honour
due to Him alone

So come, let us worship: bow before him,

on your knees before God,

who made us!

Psalm 95:6 The Message

Joining Peter Pollock today where today's word is down

also unwrapping the gifts of the day with Emily

 

Come

Our celebration of the coming of our Savior in history,

is opening us up to experience his coming to us this year,

and preparing us to await his coming in Glory.

Come, Lord Jesus.

Come and visit your people.

We await your coming.

Come, O Lord.

from: Third Sunday of Advent

He Who gives this warning and affirms and testifies to these things says,
Yes (it is true). [Surely] I am coming quickly (swiftly, speedily).
Amen (so let it be)! Yes, come, Lord Jesus!
Revelation 22:20 Amplified

joining Deidra and others in the hush of a sunday morning

 

Yearn for the waiting

It is a time of noise, static, rush
while hearts yearn
wanting without knowing
the season of waiting

My spirit, jealous for silence
turns to the Lord
asking for words
from His heart alone

Image via Wikipedia

Centre.  Focus.  Come to a place of stillness.  The rush of the world leaves no room to breathe, to be.

I, even I, had to go away to a quiet place, to be restored, to talk with My Father, to drink in life.

The world can twist and crush you with its needs and demands and yes, temptations. Come away to find Me. 

When you step inside, the expanse is vast, the air is rich.  It is here you will find all you truly need.

Praying you find that sweet spot, beneath the shadow of His wings, where you can rest your head upon His chest, inhale His fragrance and find the true meaning of the Advent season.


Unwrapping Jesus with Bonnie

Also sharing with Emily and the imperfect.


 

Unwrapped peace

Silence, stillness,
the fluttering wings of birds at feeders
seeking their winter provision.
Peace that comes
with the knowledge that I am back
exactly where God has rooted me
in this season of waiting
for what we know we have already received
for He Is here
Immanuel
God with us.

What gifts have you unwrapped today?  Come share at Emily's.

 

Window Views - White

Snow is falling again today, soft but constant, adding a stillness to this First Week of Advent - a week of preparation.  Journaling this morning I asked the Lord what more He wants me to do to remember His coming and ready myself for His return:

Continue to turn -
Turn away from the things of the world
turn to Me
with all your heart
all your mind
all your strength.
Turn away from darkness
and turn into the light.
Turn away from endless noise and chatter
turn to My silence - My peace.
Turn away from artifice
turn to what is real
not the wrappings
but the gift.
Turn away from the wide road
and turn to the narrow path.

And indeed you will be ready and there will be great joy on our communion as I welcome you as you have welcomed Me.

Stop by Cassandra Frear's Moonboat Cafe for more Window Views