Enya - O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Lyric Video) : My favorite Enya Christmas song

Advent Impressions: "In the Quiet I met The Faithful Caller"

 Faithful Caller,

Confusion, clamor, and dark chords

Fill my world.

Where was that place?

What was it called?

Oh, I remember,

 "Silence."

The place where the quiet

often leads me.

A place where I find 

Your Peace

In the midst of storms.

Wait, I can see it up ahead,

Not far to go...

Gleanings from 1 Thessalonians 5:24

The One called Faithful calls to Himself. Silence invites my quiet. He reminds me as I enter I can trust Him. His very name, Faithful, makes it so.

Advent Impressions: "Can God Trust Us with Pain?"

 In the early morn', 

Hear our cries.

"Feeder of the Hungry."

Reach out to those

In search of food,

A place to stay,

Ways to make ends meet.

Show me who to help first,

Make me aware of their pain.

Stir the hearts of our leaders,

Soften their rigid and crusty ignorance.

Crush selfish motives

And ungodly prejudices.

Silence the voice

Of arrogance.

Close the mouth

Of those who refuse

To feel pain.

Too many 

...are dying.

Gleanings from Luke 1:53

He gives the hungry good things to eat, but the callous rich He leaves out in the cold.

Advent Impressions: "Oaks of His Strength"

 I don't understand

Why this happened...

to us?

Dark times

Endless bleakness

Empty promises

Outright lies.

"Repairer of the Ruined,"

Our bodies are worn,

Patience threadbare,

and friendships ripped apart.

All we have are fragments,

Fragments of friendships,

Fragments of empathy,

Fragments of faith.

Repair us,

make us whole once again.

Put a song in our hearts,

"For He who is mighty,

Has done great things,

And Holy is His name."

Gleanings based on Isaiah 61:4

They will rebuild what are ruins and crushed dreams of times past. He will bring them a promising future and will strengthen the hearts of those deserted, some who have wandered aimlessly for generations. The people receiving hope renewed will be known as "Oaks of His Strength."

Advent Impressions: "What Exactly is...Peace on Earth?"

Does mercy make one joyful?

Does respect for others always succeed?

Do intentions to do harm always fail?

How do we live joyfully with one another?

Are human laws suppose to mirror His laws?

What exactly is Peace on earth?

Does understanding always win over revenge?

Is life nothing more than a series of judgments?

Does mercy always bring joy?

Is there really such a place where all are welcome?

What is The Magnificat?

Advent Impressions: "A Way to Freedom"

 The word on streets declare

He has arrived in our hearts

With an announcement:

The Binder of the Brokenhearted

Has brought arms load of gifts  

Filled with healings.

Wounds in the heart?

He has come to heal those specifically.

Will they ever completely heal, you ask?

Will they leave a scar?

I've learned from experience,

When He arrives at times like this,

Embrace Him!

Welcome Him!

Cry...Laugh...Let your emotions out,

He'll listen to what you have to say.

He'll guide you on His ways of forgiveness,

Ways of reconciliation,

And satisfy the hunger in the depths of your belly.

Give Him a chance, just a chance,

He needs your acceptance

So He might heal your pain.

 Isaiah 61:1 (paraphrased)

Have you heard about this? People are talking about it. He has arrived to share Good News with the humble, the poor, and the afflicted. He has a specific concern for the brokenhearted with promises to bind up their festered wounds. He has a way of escape, a Way to Freedom, helping all those trapped in dark cells that can exchange their feelings of captivity and runfree in the brightness of the sun amidst fresh, open fields filled with an array of day lillies and beautiful wildflowers.

Advent Impressions: "He Gave Us His Word"

Peacemaker? Me?

I wouldn't know what to say?

Besides, How well do we really know each other?

I guess I'd need to get to know You first.

Learn Your ways,

Grasp the way You think,

Embrace Your lifestyle.

I admit,

My life needs an overhaul,

I feel like I've been through hell and back.

Maybe it would do me good 

Getting to know You,

Learning Your ways of Peace,

The way You love and care for others.

I can only imagine my heart refreshed,

My soul restored,

Yeah, that sounds nice.

II Corinthians 4:16 (paraphrased)

Don't give it up...not yet. For the time being, ignore discouragement and disappointment. And all the death you're seeing and hearing about, you can't let it win out over you...don't quit now. Even though everything looks like it's falling apart and death is everywhere, there is a way through this. Take a moment and allow Him to renew you within and let His strength become stronger each day. He'll be there. He gave us His word.

Advent Impressions: "Healing by Grace"

 Unforgiveness blows through our land,

Hatred tags along side.

Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound...

Cruelty raises its ugly head

Unkindness in exchange for mercy.

Blind, but Now I See...

Open our eyes and hearts

With dialogue, compassion, and reconciliation.

And Grace, my fears relieved...

Teach us Your ways of justice

To walk humbly in Your love.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares...

Create, immerse, and saturate us

With healing and love.

And Grace will lead us home...

Proverbs 17:22 (paraphrased)

A cheerful outlook that originates from the heart is good for our health. Constant rhetoric about doom and gloom invite bitterness and leave our bones disease-ridden.  Proverbs 17:22

Advent Impressions: "The Great Human Tragedy"

 My capacity to endure...

Wains.

A cure for disease,

Stable plans offering comfort,

A future embedded in security.

Cries within,

Feelings of hopelessness,

Batter the doors of my heart.

Peace and Justice need time

Patience and Perseverance 

Attempt to calm my worn soul.

I await

Your healing.

Is God late with His promises? 

He gives time and space 

For all that might change.

Is this not the great human tragedy?

Advent Impressions: "Gatherer of Lambs"

 I heard His name whispered,

Yet feelings of exhaustion fill me.

Your Will...I can not find, escaping my view.

Strong resistance awaits me at every turn.

My vision is blinded and my faith is shaky at best.

Suddenly, a refreshing breeze, a warm surge of comfort,

And I find myself gathered up in Your arms,

Close to Your heart...

My peace is restored.

You did it again,

Giving me strength,

When I had nowhere to go.

Isaiah 40:11 (paraphrased)

He will feed His flock like the Shepherd He is,

gathering them in His arms next to His heart,

Then, He carries us till we are able to walk once more.

Advent Impressions "Speaker of Peace"

 

I seek one called "Speaker of Peace"

Amidst the clamor of loud voices.

Divisive news and empty arguments

 Fill my head.

Dreams escape me, 

My vision is blurry,

Hope has left for other lands.

Just a whisper, Speaker of Peace,

A clear voice

In the midst of chaos,

Might silence the endless chatter.

Psalm 85:8 (paraphrased,)

Listen to the words of the God of the Angel Armies.

He speaks Peace and offers guidance 

To those yearning for Him.

Human Fear Proverbs 29:28

 Here's what I'm thinkin'

"Fear of human opinion and constant approval is a dangerous trap that disables,

but trusting Him is a sure way for safety and protection."

                               Reflection from Proverbs 29:28

A New Dawn

 As we witness a change in leadership and the first woman VP, I incorporate this daily prayer into my life.

"May God keep our President and his administration on the wings of eagles, may His guidance shine like the noonday sun, and may He keep them in the palm of His hand."

FDR once said, "I ask our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer as we rise to each day. and again when each day is spent, let words of prayer be on our lips."

I personally consider FDR the greatest president this nation has ever experienced.

"Watch This" Ezekiel 37: 1-5

 Once in a while I seem to just want to give up. You know, enough is enough. I'm old, the dreams have escaped, and all that's left is livin' in survival mode.

Then, here comes an Ezekiel 37 my way and I perk up, Initially I think, This doesn't apply to me for God's sake...does it? Then I wonder about it throughout the day and conclude, Why not?

I'm passin' on the first five verses to get you goin', paraphrased of course:

Some time later, I sensed the Lord's power over me...so much so I felt carried to a valley filled with bones. There were bones scattered everywhere, dry and bleached by the sun.

A voice spoke, "So, son of man, these bones cannot contain any life, right?"

I thought about it and replied, "Well, it's You we're talkin' about. Can't leave out any possibility with You."

This voice spoke once more, "Watch this!"

My Prayer for Guidance

 "Father, 

It appears life is sometimes an endless dead end,

Then I remember those approaching the shores of the Red Sea.

I remember the story of David being mocked by Goliath,

I can only imagine what suffering You endured

When you made the decision to walk to Golgotha.

At Your feet I lay our nation,

And the future of our Democracy.

I trust Your Will be fulfilled and

May You receive all the Glory, 

Amen."

"Listen Up" James 1:19

 Reflection of a verse in James...

Dear brothers and sisters;  Be one of those who have a reputation of being a good listener. Give careful attention to another's thoughts and intents.

And after hearing their concerns, be slow to speak and choose your words carefully. 

Don't allow your voice to tremble with anger, but a tone that carries a heart of forgiveness embraced with patience.     James 1:19 

"How we are to React" l Peter 3:9

 Paraphrase from I Peter 3:9

So, here's what I'm sayin,'

Don't allow words of hate come from your lips, especially those that originate from the heart. This is particularly true when someone has insulted you.

Instead, share the compassion. Add sympathy and dig a little deeper with some empathy. Mix your thoughts with kindness and simply Bless, Bless, Bless!

Share their names with Your Heavenly Father in your daily prayers. Make no exceptions! No retaliations! No sharp-tongued, cute sarcasms! Bless, Bless, Bless! It's a lifelong thing...to your dying breath.

In turn, His blessings will be upon you.

Ask Your Dreams: Saint Matthew 20: 29-34

 Thoughts about asking Him...

As Jesus and His entourage were leaving the village of Jericho, the large crowd decided to tag along.

They passed two blind men who were sitting on the side of the road and got word Jesus was in the crowd.

"Master, have mercy on us! Son of David, stop and help us," the blind men shouted.

Some in the crowd told the blind men to shut up. But, that made them shout even louder. "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us."

Jesus heard their cries to Him and stopped. "What is it you want me to do for you?" (As if Jesus didn't know...right?)

The blind men responded, "Master, we want our eyes opened so we can see."

Jesus, overcome with empathy, quietly granted their request. The two blind men received their sight immediately, got up, and joined the crowd.

A New Song from the Heart : based on Isaiah 42:9-10

 Reflections from Isaiah...

In order to stop and change some things, embark on life with a fresh outlook that may include you learn a new song. The old songs mired in malice, misery, and self-pity, have left you feelin' empty.

Maybe changing some of the words that have embraced despair and frustration, tweak a few notes, add a refreshing new chorus, and you might catch yourself starting to tap a little. 

No doubt things that have happened you didn't see coming. In fact, that may be an understatement. But, wait, check this out. What may be the most important thing in your life right now is what you're going to do next. 

Try a new song with words that reflect His love for you. If He can breathe some Life into you, you might just come to life yourself. He said He will take personal responsibility for you and keep you safe from depression and other sad stuff.

You might even experience what others have been talking about. Maybe it's time to come clean with  eyes wide open and see if those prison doors are still locked. Even those in the darkest of places have been known to walk out into the light.

I heard it begins with a different song from the heart. 

"Be Careful Your Choice of Drink" Saint John 4:11

                                               In Search of Sacred Scripture  #10          

                                                               Saint John 4:11

    Jesus  came to save His own people, the lost sheep of the House of Israel. We found out His plan was only in beginning stages and learned He came not only to rescue those of Israel, but the entire world. No one would be left out from his completed work at the Cross in which every human being would be given the opportunity to drink from Living Water.

    Early in His earthly ministry, Christ Jesus faced resentment and hatred from the Jewish religious leaders of His day. This became more evident when John the Baptizer recognized Him as the Messiah of Israel. As a result, those following Jesus increased in number and He kept moving around the entire region to avoid public attention. One time He left Judea and ventured to the land of Galilee.  This required Jesus travel through Samaria.

    Many Jews avoided the people of Samaria when travelling to Galilee because their deep disdain for the inhabitants. Jewish people referred to the people of Samaria as a "herd" rather than a nation and much contention revolved around places of worship and the choice of books for the Old Testament.

    Jesus, prompted by the Holy Spirit, traveled into Samaria to a village He was not known, a place  named Sychar. He arrived thirsty and rested by a well. The well had an interesting history, the very place Abraham built an altar to the Lord and Jacob dug a well for refreshment. This was also the place Jacob's daughter, Dinah, was raped, and it was the place after Joseph's bones that arrived from Egypt, were laid to rest.

    As Jesus rested, a woman from the village came up to draw water. It was about noon-day and highly unusual because women normally gathered to water their animals in early morning hours or in the cool of evening. Her appearance indicated she was a local social outcast and initially flirted with Jesus.

    It was the custom of the day for religious Jews to never converse with a Samaritan, particularly a Samaritan woman. However, Jesus not only spoke with her by asking her for a drink of water, but proceeded with personal and penetrating questions . He then asked, " Would like a drink of Living Water? "

She replied, "Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where is this Living Water You speak of?"

    Don't say I didn't warn you if He is in your area and you ask this question. 

John 4:11  She said to Him, "You have no bucket to draw water from, and this well is deep. Sir, where do You plan on getting this 'Living Water' you're talking about?" 

    

    

    

    

    

In Search of Forgotten yet Sacred Scripture #1 Proverbs 31: 8-9

 King Lemuel was never identified as a King of Israel. In Hebrew, the name Lemuel means 'he belongs to God.' Lemuel's mother desired her son not only be a good king, but a fair king. She taught him fairness would instruct her son to rule well.

She directed his attention to a specific: a king should care for the poor because the voice of the poor is rarely heard. Her emphasis did not mention giving money or even food, but taught her son, Lemuel, to speak up and join on the side of justice.

Sacred Scripture references today include The Message, Amplified, Contemporary English, New Living Translation, and New International Version. 

Proverbs 31:8-9: "Speak up and defend those who are helpless, living with no hope...no voice. Speak up for the rights of those who are defenseless and cry out for justice, speak up for those who are poor and homeless. Open your mouth and judge fairly, grant justice to those afflicted and in dire need."

In Search of Sacred Scripture #9: "Four Horsemen and the Apocalypse" Revelation 6:8

 Poems, movies, paintings, and books have portrayed the carnage on the "Great and Terrible Day of the Lord." Music with orchestra accompaniment have set-up preachers to make the announcement; an appointed time when God's wrath is made manifest to a God-hating, Christ-rejecting, sinful world. 

Enter the Four Horsemen!

The horseman on a white horse moves quickly, announcing false peace plans. Three more horsemen gallop to center stage; a red horse of war bringing military confrontations and bloodshed followed by a black horse bringing scarcity throughout the earth through plague and famine. Then, there's another horse...one described having the color pale green.

All four horsemen were given permission to slaughter up to 25% the inhabitants of the earth. Jesus described the Great Tribulation as events "the world has never seen since the beginning and will not be seen again."

Yet for those who put their trust in the True King, we can take heart our future is secure. The dead in Christ will be raised first before The Great Tribulation actually begins. I don't think you want to put yourself in a situation where you might embrace Him after this all begins. I would humbly suggest to do a little research and make a decision for Him soon...possibly even today.

Revelation 6:8  "That's when I saw the pale green horse. The rider had a name...Death. Death was accompanied by a companion, Grave, who rode close behind. Together they were granted power to destroy 25% of all inhabitants of the entire earth; by sword, famine, or plague. Wild animals were recruited and given power to kill humanity also." 

In Search of Sacred Scripture #8: "Fading flowers" Isaiah 40:8

 Metaphors, contrasts, similes, and comparisons. It's all there...in the Sacred Scripture. God seems to enjoy an assortment of literary tools.

People of old prompted by the Holy Spirit wrote down of events long ago. New Testament apostles and prophets followed the same lead.

For 39 chapters the prophet Isaiah had warned Israel and Judah of an oncoming judgment and take the time to yield their hearts to Him. Judah was about to face years of captivity in Babylon and many of its people would be dispersed globally, because they refused to listen, acknowledge, and obey the deep cries of the Lord.

Isaiah chose to reach Israel by using stark comparisons of human life and the existence of frail flowers and grass. He emphasized that grass is nothing more than vapors but embracing His promises are more secure to humanity than God's very own name...in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the same, secure and to be trusted, forever!

Isaiah 40:8  "Flowers and grass fade away, their duration as fragile as wildflowers. The Word of the Lord on the other hand, endures...and lasts forever." 

In Search of Sacred Scripture #7 "The Camels Knelt" Genesis 24:14

 Biblical scholars inform us this is the first biblical record of a prayer requesting specific guidance. Abraham's trusted servant, Eliezar, requested guidance from the Lord which was precise and specific. He had learned over time through the lifestyle of Abraham to trust the Lord and communication is possible through the gift of prayer. 

Abraham sent Eliezar to find a wife for Abraham's beloved son, Isaac.

Genesis 24:14 "When the evening time came and the camels knelt to draw water, Eliezar prayed, 'O God, the God of Abraham, I have witnessed Your kindness and love for my master..."  

In Search of Sacred Scripture #6: "Wondrous Morning" Acts 1:9

 Forty days of post-resurrection had passed. A small group of disciples followed Him from the village of Bethany to the Mount of Olives. It was at this time He spoke to them for the last time.While He spoke, He was lifted up and a cloud received Him until He was out of their sight.

Jesus had given specific instructions: 1) Stay in Jerusalem until they receive the promised baptism of the Holy Spirit, 2) He reinforced this baptism would come soon, in a matter of days, 3) The message they would proclaim is the Gospel of Grace.

Then, two men dressed in white appeared and spoke, "This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into Heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into Heaven."

Acts 1:9 "These were His last words as they watched Him taken up into a cloud...while they watched! They continued to watch until they could no longer see Him as the cloud removed Him from their sight."

In Search of Sacred Scripture #5, "The Dawn of Time:" Genesis 3:5

 Scriptures indicate the Serpent was more devious than any other beast of the field because he caused Adam and Eve to doubt God's Word. The phrase "you shall be like God" seemed to tempt them more than having dominion over the entire earth. The serpent added, "For God knows the very day you eat from this Tree He calls 'Knowledge of Good and Evil,' your eyes will be opened and you will be just like God." convincing them it was better to be equal to God than to simply be godlike.This Evil One, the Serpent, uses the same rationale today, walking the earth like a roaring lion yet appearing as an Angel of Light.

Genesis 3:5 "The serpent explained to the woman, "You won't die when you eat from the fruit of that particular tree. Instead, you will be just like God!, and see what's really going on, know everything, both the good and the bad, just like God does."

In Search of Sacred Scripture #4: Ephesians 2:1-10

 (Keep in mind, I mix verses frequently by choosing a variety or translations and paraphrases freely. My favorites include The Message, Amplified, Contemporary English, New Living Translation, and the NIV...New International Version.)

                                                                  Ephesians 2:1-10

"It wasn't so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn't know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief and exhaled disobedience. All of us lived among them at the time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts.

It's a wonder God didn't lose His temper and do away with the whole lot of us. But, God in His rich mercy, loving us so much even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ Jesus from the dead...it is through grace you have been saved. Then, He picked us up and set us down in highest heaven, in the company with Jesus, our Messiah. Now, God has us where He wants us, that He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace through faith that we have been saved, much better than we deserve. 

Remember, saving is all His idea and all His work. All we need do is trust Him enough to let Him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish. It's not by works, so that no one can boast. He creates us by Christ Jesus, to join Him in the work He does and the good work He has gotten us ready to do, a work we had better be doing."

In Search of Sacred Scripture #3: Psalm 59:16

 King Saul had begun displaying hatred and bitterness toward David. He even sought ways to murder David. Meanwhile, David chose to open his heart to the Lord.

Facing opposition from without and fears from within, David's thoughts during this time remind me of the external anxieties and the inward struggles we face now. In Psalm 59, the direction starts to change after lists of threats, calamities, dangers, and laments tormented David. 

David recalled God's tenderness and spectacular mercies he had received and reminded himself to glorify God in the darkest of times as well as in times of joy.

"I choose to sing of Your strength in the morning hours accompanied by Your power and love. You have been a safe place for me, a place of protection which I count on in times of trouble." Psalm 59:16 (paraphrased: I chose The Message. Amplified, Contemporary English, New Living, and NIV.)

In Search of the Sacred Scripture #2: Zen's Outlook

 The word Zen is described as "a state of calm attentiveness." I'm not a follower of Zen but am amazed throughout my life how various religions carry elements of truth. I like to add a verse of Sacred Scripture when I read something that gets my attention. 

One Zen thought is to "do things one at a time, do it slowly and consciously, do it completely and develop it into a habit." I have found this advice helpful in reducing stress and frustration in my life, although to get to that point takes time, purpose, and clearing out "clutter" that has entered my life. 

In the gospel of Mark, the rich young ruler seemed attracted to Jesus, but had developed a plan of action to pass Heaven's gates which was missing a key element...knowing Him.

In Mark 10:21, Jesus observes and makes a comment, "Jesus looked at Him straight in the eye and felt genuine compassion. 'One thing you lack, sell whatever you have and give it to the poor. These treasures will be released in Heaven. Then, Come, Follow Me!"

The rich, young ruler's decision to walk away has been echoed through time. Others have manipulated people to steal their wealth. I don't think wealth or trying to "buy a seat in Heaven" is what Jesus was suggesting. He was after something else...something inside the heart of the rich ruler.

Take time to enjoy moments each day we are provided,and do things one at a time, slowly, and completely. After a while, it becomes addictive...even a daily habit. Don't walk away, give thoughts time to process. 

In Search of the Sacred Scripture #1: "Finding Blesseds"

 In my research of the Sacred Scripture, I find 5 various versions I rely on more than others: 1) The Message, 2) Amplified, 3) Contemporary English, 4) New Living Translation, and 5) NIV, the New International Version. Yet, that's not to say there are a great number of versions to choose from! Sometimes I mingle the different paraphrases and translations in each Scripture I am researching. For me, when I do that, Sacred Scriptures come alive. "They're Alive...I'm tellin' ya!"

 Here are some I refer to as "The Blessed Ideals"

Psalm 1:1  Favored by God are those who reject evil advice, nor follow the path they dictate.

Psalm 22:19  Don't stay far away when I'm in need of rescue. The entirety of my strength comes from You! Don't let them cut my throat now, instead, come quickly to my assistance.

Psalm 33:12  Fortunate to have God's very own favor is the nation who decides to make Him Lord, that worships only Him, and be blessed have become His very chosen.

Psalm 128:1 We are sheltered with God's personal favor, any of us who choose to respect Him and follow His direction.

Proverbs 8:31 Before God did anything else, He made me. I was His thought and entered into a being even before the earth got a start. I arrived before the great oceans, mountains, and horizons! He had already decided to establish me.

Hebrews 12:6 In this all-out match against sin, which others have suffered worse than me, and not counting the work of our Lord Jesus. This is no time to feel sorry for yourselves, God counts you as one of His very own!