Saturday, December 30, 2017

December 31- Jan 7th 2018


Daily Devotional Guide
Dec. 31st – Jan.7th, 2018



 

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/c6/ae/56/c6ae56e20208a3326bf24a20ab284aa1--black-and-white-abstract-black-white.jpg

VISIO DIVINA   is a meditative/prayer practice that 
opens the heart and soul to connect with God through images. 
What does this image speak to you about God’s gift of grace?
What does the play between black and white bring to mind?
Does this suggest something to you regarding your faith?
The white is invading the black spaces.
What does that say about the Holy Spirit?

Prayer

MORNING
 Why is this beauty of your creation so harsh and unyielding?
Is it so because your love is unyielding and steadfast?
I open myself to you to learn more of your love and grace.
I seek to know what of myself needs to be vulnerable and
changed to grow in love. Teach me awareness of need and my
call to resolve the harsh realities others abide within. Amen

READINGS FOR REFLECTION
Use an additional resource like the Upper Room or any devotionals you prefer.

Time to Clean Up
     There always comes that time when the party is over all the fa la la la’s
have faded away and it is time to clean up. Oh, putting up the decorations is
fun and there are many helpers, but then all become deserters when it is time to take the tree down.
This brings back memories of college and a part time job I had cleaning a bar on Sunday mornings.
All the free beer is not enough even after getting your motor running with John Kay and Steppenwolf.
It wasn’t as bad when we cleaned at closing. It was when we waited
and came back on Sunday that the magic of the night before died a fast death
and left stale beer, cold pizza, and other nasties that assaulted one’s senses and sensibilities.
Our scripture this week is Luke 2:22-40. Mary and Joseph return to Jerusalem
to follow the rules for ritual cleansing. It was time to get Jesus cleaned up-sacrifice
some birds, and take care of the circumcision. This is a time for us to get cleaned up too.
It is a time to establish/reestablish those life giving and sustaining disciplines
that celebrate God’s grace. Trust me it is better to get at it today,
then wait until the dance floor is sticky. Blessings in the new year. Ann

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
You may also like Lectio Divina a focused reading and meditation of scripture. 



Virtues for Prayer Each Day of The Week:

love of God- Sunday                  
love of neighbor -Monday        
 humility -Tuesday                      
self-denial -Wednesday and Friday                                              
resignation and meekness -  Thursday
and thanksgiving – Saturday
Heitzenrater, Richard P. (2013-08-20). Wesley and the People called Methodists

ABIDING IN THE SPIRIT
         * Find your quiet center, empty your mind, and be present to hear the voice
 of God. Color, write in a journal, listen to music, use prayer beads to help
 your focus. Concentrate upon what God is calling you to understand,
 change, make, explore…...

BENEDICTION
    Father of cleansing grace and love, I pray your Holy Spirit
remains within my awareness as I walk through this day.
I want to walk the path before me with your love alive
within me and working through me. I pray with thanksgiving
and joy to Christ, your grace made known. Amen
    
DAYTIME
Set a reminder to pray throughout the day. Embrace the breath of prayer, 
release your burdens, be thankful. Recall today’s readings, the Visio Divina
and meditate upon them and how they are affecting your day.

   Lord of life and centered treasures, I come into your presence
seeking the peace and affirmations
that come in knowing your Holy Spirit
and its workings within me. I give you my regrets and worries,
my frustrations and disappointments. Guide me into your love
and bring me the focus needed to
complete this day in faithful living.  Amen


EVENING

      Lord, winter chill finds my neck as the day turns to dusk
and the snow brightens the bleak winter night.
The falling snow hurries me toward warmth and home.
In the cold I set before me the hardness
I have shown this day, the shell I have maintained,
and the negativity that sought my thoughts.
I search my heart for the warmth I can give,
the love and light bestowed upon me to share.
I give myself into your grace. Amen


Questions for Day that has Past 
It is important to reflect upon our day and where we may be more present
 in our faith and more expressive in sharing
what we know of God’s grace with others.
These questions are in response to what God begins within us.
God is the force we respond to. God is first.
We live in response to his love given through Christ.

Did I love God in prayer with thankfulness and openness?
How will I love God more tomorrow?
Did I love others and share the beauty of God?
Was I generous with my time and resources?
Did I grow in faith?
Did I grow in love for God and others today?
Did I extend the forgiveness of Christ that I desire to receive?
Did I take time to appreciate all God has provided?
Did I love God through creative praise?

ABIDING IN THE SPIRIT*

BENEDICTION
     This winter night challenges the soul to run from
 its confrontations into the warmth of disillusionment.
Keep me strong through this night confident in
your abiding presence. Bring me sleep of rest and beauty
restoring me to give of myself in faith and love
as the sun begins its climb.   Amen






Friday, December 22, 2017


Daily Devotional Guide
December 24-31st, 2017


https://www.babylist.com/hello-baby/twelve-ways-to-make-the-ultimate-baby-photo-holiday-card

VISIO DIVINA 
is meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul 
to connect with God through images. What does this image speak to you 
about God’s gift of grace? Your focus this Christmas? 
What your intentions are for expressing your faith going forward?

Prayer
MORNING
Gracious Lord of unexpected warmth, drizzly skies, and surprised blessings,
I begin this day thinking of your love and power.
The love you give me, a simple person, flawed and wanting in so many ways.
I seek to hold the grace of Christ with joy and live in the 
peace you give full of light and mercy. Amen

READINGS FOR REFLECTION
Use an additional resource like the Upper Room or any devotionals you prefer.

Boxing Day
     My first Christmas living in Canada I learned about boxing day.
The day after Christmas was a time when Gentry gave their servants presents
in boxes and a day to spend with their family. It is also thought to be when priests
opened the alms boxes and distributed money to the poor.
December 26th is also St Stephen’s day. In the carol “Good King Wenceslas” 
the king  went out on the feast of Stephen.
It was a day celebrated through charitable giving. Today it has become another day of consumption.
A day to use your gift cards for items on sale and to return those things you just don’t like.
We have made it another day about ourselves. I think of our new baby born and waiting.
Christ helpless in his infant state. When we focus on our service and others in need
 we find our self-focus fades to the background. The newborn savior needs our attention.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
You may also like Lectio Divina a focused reading and meditation of scripture. 


 Virtues for Prayer Each Day of The Week:

love of God- Sunday                  
love of neighbor -Monday         
humility -Tuesday                      
self-denial -Wednesday and Friday                                            
resignation and meekness -  Thursday
and thanksgiving – Saturday
Heitzenrater, Richard P. (2013-08-20). Wesley and the People

ABIDING IN THE SPIRIT
 * Find your quiet center, empty your mind, and be present to hear the voice
 of God. Color, write in a journal, listen to music, use prayer beads to help
 your focus. Concentrate upon what God is calling you to understand,
  change, make, explore…...

BENEDICTION
    Lord of Jesus, giver of life and grace I give myself into your Holy Spirit.
 Lead me to love without fear, without hesitation,
but with abandon and confidence. Place in the front of my thoughts
the needs of others, and the care of the vulnerable. Use me.  Amen
  
DAYTIME
Set a reminder to pray throughout the day. Embrace the breath of prayer,
release your burdens, be thankful. Recall today’s readings, the Visio Divina
and meditate upon them and how they are affecting your day.

Father of light and sweet tastes, I pause to focus upon my love for you.
I breathe to fill my lungs with air and my soul with your love.
 I bow before you, and Christ, I praise you
and herald the majesty of your divine kingdom.  Amen

EVENING

      The evening falls to reveal your stars and man’s attempts
to copy your lights upon houses and rooftops.
The world is in celebration of your birth and the earth is bright with love.
I come in prayer. Reveal to me what I must do, release, repair, confess,
to hold your joyous love within my soul.  Amen

Questions for Day that has Past 
It is important to reflect upon our day and where we may be more present in our faith
And more expressive in sharing God’s grace.
These questions are in response to what God begins within us.
God is the force we respond to. God is first. We live in response to his love given through Christ.

Did I love God in prayer with thankfulness and openness?
How will I love God more tomorrow?
Did I love others and share the beauty of God?
Was I generous with my time and resources?
Did I grow in faith?
Did I grow in love for God and others today?
Did I extend the forgiveness of Christ that I desire to receive?
Did I take time to appreciate all God has provided?
Did I love God through creative praise?

ABIDING IN THE SPIRIT*

BENEDICTION
     Father of the night and of the light. Your voice has been heard across the world
and all of creation warms in the gift of your grace.
As the day ends and a new day is born you are born anew within me.
 I lay down to sleep with thoughts of your amazing love upon my mind and heart.
I rest in the knowledge of your grace.  Amen








Wednesday, December 13, 2017


Daily Devotional Guide
December 17-24th, 2017




https://www.babylist.com/hello-baby/twelve-ways-to-make-the-ultimate-baby-photo-holiday-card

VISIO DIVINA 
is meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul
to connect with God through images.
What does this image speak to you about your joy?
How do you express your joy?
What does this picture say about Christmas stress?
Do you find joy in the Lord?

Prayer
MORNING
     Steely sky opens to filtered light of days dawning.
The winter world covered in white is silent beneath its shroud of snow.
Lord of perfect peace I pray in this day’s beginning for your graciousness and merciful love to inspire my thoughts and actions that I may grow in perfect love for you and others. I pray you use my life to bring warmth to others on this winter day. Amen

READINGS FOR REFLECTION
Use an additional resource like the Upper Room or any devotionals you prefer.

The Grinch
How the Grinch Stole Christmas has been a favorite book and animated Christmas special for me. It is a modern-day telling of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.  Scrooge is now the Grinch set within the wild imaginings of Dr. Seuss. Little Cindy Lou Who and his dog Max embody the joy and innocence of Christmas. Cindy’s innocence and trust and Max’s smiling face with lolling tongue represent all that the Grinch has lost. In this Christmas time of preparation and expectation what has been lost that jades you toward God, Christ, and Christmas? Commercialism is taken head on in “The Grinch” as a misunderstood basis to the joy found at Christmas It is in a life celebrated in Christ veiled in love of family that brings the joy we seek. I am reminded this year that the names Scrooge, and Grinch describe those who are bitter.  But, both characters emerge from their darkness. The Grinch is happy and repentant and changed. Scrooge also is enlightened into joyous understanding of Christmas. Both these stories remind us what is most important. The love of God that pierced all darkness when he was born in Jesus our savior.


DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
You may also like Lectio Divina a focused reading and meditation of scripture.



 Virtues for Prayer Each Day of The Week:

love of God- Sunday                
love of neighbor -Monday          
humility -Tuesday                      
self-denial -Wednesday and Friday 
resignation and meekness -  Thursday 
and thanksgiving - Saturday                        
Heitzenrater, Richard P. (2013-08-20). Wesley and the People Called Methodist

ABIDING IN THE SPIRIT
         
* Find your quiet center, empty your mind, and be present to hear the voice
of God. Color, write in a journal, listen to music, use prayer beads to help
your focus. Concentrate upon what God is calling you to understand,

change, make, explore…...

BENEDICTION
    Lord of flake and sun, you inspire my joy in the beauty of
this day, in life, in the challenges and rewards in serving and sharing the knowledge and experiences of your grace. Guide me beyond this time of prayer to the path you have set before me that I may walk in your truth and love. Amen
  
DAYTIME
Set a reminder to pray throughout the day. Embrace the breath of prayer,
release your burdens, be thankful. Recall today’s readings, the Visio Divina
and meditate upon them and how they are affecting your day.

     Father of soul and thought I come to pause within the folds of your grace. Wrap me in the tenderness of your light and Spirit. Remind my rambling brain to the joy of you my God found in Jesus.  Slice away the trivialities I have made important and center my thoughts upon your love. Amen

EVENING

     The winter night asserts itself quickly. Hastening the stars to shine in its inky blackness night begins its long expanse of time. In this time of longer nights teach me of the hope found in your light of star and moon. Help me see the beauty in the challenges of winter and the challenges in growing in love to you and others. Teach me to recognize my failings and embrace your truth and forgiveness that I may hold a deeper faith and tread within the deepest snow with greater love. Amen

Questions for Day that has Past 
It is important to reflect upon our day and where we may be more present in our faith and expressive in sharing God’s grace. These questions are in response to what God begins within us. God is the force we respond to. God is first. We live in response to his love given through Christ.

Did I love God in prayer with thankfulness and openness?
How will I love God more tomorrow?
Did I love others and share the beauty of God?
Was I generous with my time and resources?
Did I grow in faith?
Did I grow in love for God and others today?
Did I extend the forgiveness of Christ that I desire to receive?
Did I take time to appreciate all God has provided?
Did I love God through creative praise?

ABIDING IN THE SPIRIT*

BENEDICTION
     Father of deepest comfort and enduring peace, grant me the warmth and restful sleep this night. I give you my regrets, my discouragement, my expectations, and my failures. Forgive me for all you have provided that I have failed to see. Lead me in the way of Christ and love. I pray all these that I may rest in peaceful and beautiful dreams of your grace. Amen

 





  

http://www.chud.com/articles/content_images/117/GRINCHHD5.jpg

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!”
Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!



Wednesday, December 6, 2017


Daily Devotional Guide
December 10-17th, 2017






  

http://www.abc.net.au/cm/rimage/6868864-16x9-large.jpg?v=4

VISIO DIVINA 
is meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul to connect with God through images.
Take time to study this image and consider what the Holy Spirit is communicating
to you through shape, feeling, light and texture.
How does this picture connect you to John 3:5-8?
How does the play of light, texture, content speak to you?
 Is God showing you something in this image that is relevant to your life today?
In this time of Advent what does the wind represent to you? The girl and tree?

Prayer
MORNING
     Dawn of day and holy grace silent upon the morning gray
reaches toward soul and life. I awaken my awareness in presence
and trust to the gentle breeze of spirit and truth.
Lord your abiding love is the robe that banishes the
whipping darkness and brings warmth to my life.
I am in prayer to you, love me, direct me, stir up my imaginings
of grace, and inspire my devotion and love as
I live in your spirit that I may become ever aware of your grace. Amen

READINGS FOR REFLECTION
Use an additional resource like the Upper Room or any devotionals you prefer.


Bat Kites
As a child my favorite kite was the bat kite. It always flew, and it had sticker eyes
 that each discerning child placed on the black plastic themselves.
It would soar and move right and left with the angled pull of the string
and then dive only to rise and soar again. I think of our scripture from
the voice translation of John 3:8 “The wind* blows all around us as if it has
a will of its own; we feel and hear it, but we do not understand where
it has come from or where it will end up.
Life in the Spirit is as if it were the wind of God”
Life lived in the wind of God. Soaring and dipping to soar again.
Life in motion upheld in unseen forces that provide
the power and sustaining love of grace.



DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
You may also like Lectio Divina
a focused reading and meditation of scripture. 


  
  Virtues for Prayer Each Day of The Week:

love of God- Sunday                  
love of neighbor -Monday         
humility -Tuesday                      
self-denial -Wednesday and Friday                                                      
resignation and meekness -  Thursday
and thanksgiving – Saturday
Heitzenrater, Richard P. (2013-08-20). Wesley and the People

ABIDING IN THE SPIRIT
           * Find your quiet center, empty your mind, and be present to hear the voice
       of God. Color, write in a journal, listen to music, use prayer beads to help
       your focus. Concentrate upon what God is calling you to understand,
       change, make, explore…...

BENEDICTION
    Lord of life awaken me to this day of grace and love.
Open my heart to view all the blessings known and unexpected.
 Focus my day on others, their needs, their loves,
through your holy spirit that
I may be centered only in your love. Amen
  
DAYTIME
Set a reminder to pray throughout the day. Embrace the breath of prayer,
release your burdens, be thankful. Recall today’s readings, the Visio Divina
and meditate upon them and how they are affecting your day.

    Breath of quiet moments, prayer of sacred love-
 bring me to know the presence of divine grace.
Encourage me beyond fear, hesitation, and doubt.
Lead me in the power of your Holy Spirit.
Focus my thoughts and actions
to be my loving response to your unending love.  Amen

EVENING

     Father of drafty chill and quiet stillness,
I think of the day just lived. I focus upon my love for you
and seek to understand how well I have loved others through this day.
Challenge me, awaken me, encourage me,
that I know myself and open who I am to love all bravely. Amen

Questions for Day that has Past 
It is important to reflect upon our day and where
we may be more present in our faith and expressive in sharing God’s grace.
These questions are in response to what God begins within us.
God is the force we respond to.
God is first. We live in response to his love given through Christ.

Did I love God in prayer with thankfulness and openness?
How will I love God more tomorrow?
Did I love others and share the beauty of God?
Was I generous with my time and resources?
Did I grow in faith?
Did I grow in love for God and others today?
Did I extend the forgiveness of Christ that I desire to receive?
Did I take time to appreciate all God has provided?
Did I love God through creative praise?

ABIDING IN THE SPIRIT*

BENEDICTION
     Wind of rattling pane and billowy cold,
stay from my heart. For I am warmed by the Lord of light and warmth of love.
I enfold my spirit within divine grace and pray
to the God of mercy and compassion.
take from me the darkness of my thoughts and actions.
Bring to me dreams of pillow softness and blanket warmth
That I may awaken in pure love to you my Lord. Amen