Trying to be strong.
Strength defined: Fully present.
(Tears are signs of strength.)
Pride is not selfish
Of accomplishments and love.
We celebrate her.
Unknowns are unknown
Invitations to have faith.
Prayer nurtures peace.
Mom and dad met here.
Dad kissed mom for the first time
On this very porch.
You will shine brightly.
(Have shone greatly already.)
Always in His hands.
Lord, hear our prayers
As family is growing,
We Trust in Your Love.
Last week I was able to spend a good portion of a work day in quiet prayer and contemplation. I spoke with God, and He shared from His heart for me. It was a refreshing time in His creation, and my thoughts were slowed/simplified in His presence.
I remember learning about the “sacred pathways” highlighted by Gary Thomas many years ago. (Pause to take the survey now if you’ve never done so – it’s worth it!) It was a freeing experience to recognize that not every person or even season of an individuals’ life invites them to connect with God in the exact same way. It’s true that “Prayer” is something that should be continually present in everyone’s life, but prayer itself may look completely different depending on the family, cultural elements, and personal abilities/interests of an individual. I’ve worked with pastors who could enter a small office for a time of prayer, and emerge 5 hours later feeling refreshed. While I might be able to stretch myself in that direction, I’m much more naturally inclined to spend that time slowly walking with God on a quiet wooded path, offering those hours to both speaking and listening to His heart.
I also understand that a religion based solely on personal preferences invites us to shape God in our image, which is something we should be careful to avoid. It’s important to submit our personal preferences regularly in spiritual practices, in order to learn and grow from spiritual formation in contexts of diverse community but also in order to test and remain curious about the infinite ways God desires to meet with us in our finite experiences. I recognize among my readers, I may have those who need to hear both sides of the coin.
Take a moment to examine: Where in your past week have you experienced a spiritual practice that felt safe, but unnatural? Maybe it was more formal, where you prefer informal. Perhaps it was with others, when you might prefer solitude. In the other direction, where in the past week have you pursued a time with or responding to God that felt easily connected to your heart? Can you name at least one in both categories? Is it difficult to even recall moments you purposefully sought significant time in connection with God? Take a moment right now – allowing God to speak to your heart, and inviting you to consider how you might make a deliberate choice with your schedule or resources this next week.
In Matthew 7, Jesus shares words that have become famous, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” These words can often be misunderstood as asking for anything, leading us to disappointment, disillusionment, or questioning if our faith is “strong enough” if we don’t see God immediately responding. But the context of Matthew 7 is within the “Sermon on the Mount” where Jesus is describing the ways of His Kingdom which is now arriving. He had already told them to store up “treasures” in the things/ways of God, instead of treasuring things that are temporary and unsatisfying – for where our treasure is, our heart is also.
With this understanding, what are the greatest things we could ever desire/seek? Answer: The eternal things of God and His presence.
Knowing this, Jesus shares the good news: whoever asks for these things – receives them. Whoever seeks His ways, finds them. Whoever knocks on His door, wondering if He has time/love for them – discovers the door of abiding in His presence is always opened to them. We know this, but so often we fill our silent moments with noise and distraction. We fill our slow pace with hurry to accomplish what feels important.
Kinda makes you want to take a walk with God, eh? He’s ready when we are…
For a long time now, the season of “Advent” (which means “arrival”) has helped Christians to prepare for the celebrations of a special worship service celebrating the birth of Christ. It includes the four Sundays leading up to Christmas – with a special emphasis for each week. We believe many of these things can offer new opportunities for us to reorient our lives, our relationships, and our homes around anticipation of what Christ is doing even this year. With this in mind, we believe Advent can be an incredible season of prayer, celebration, conversation, and devotion as we prepare for Christmas. Here is an easy and tangible way to bring this season into your home:
Advent Wreath – Often seen in sanctuaries, but traditionally this was also done at home. You don’t need to make it look “churchy”, or even use the traditional colors (though you might find that fun too!). Any 4 candles (one for each week of Advent) and one central candle (for Christ) will work. If you have kids, feel free to invite them to help assemble a nice (non-flammable) display for the candles.
When? You might light the Advent wreath during a mealtime, family devotions, bedtime, or whenever it works out. Remember, it’s not a rigid discipline – but an invitation to reorient our moments & hearts.
What? Each time you’re able, light the appropriate candles and make time and space for each person to respond. Close the time of conversation in prayer, and for young kids especially – take turns blowing out the candles!
(Here’s a printable version of this same content, you can edit for your context!)
words from wick 