Archive for » November, 2009 «

30
Nov
5 Things Everyone Ought to Know About Advent
Susan Gaddis
Advent wreath

Advent wreath

There are some things everyone ought to know about Advent, but somehow I missed the memo. I’ve been in ministry for over 34 years and am finally beginning to realize that Christmas is actually a whole season called Advent.

The season is designed to be a spirit ritual for growing in the grace of God. Following are five basic things we need to know about Advent.

1. The season of Advent is all about Jesus—the One who is God, but became human and chose to be like us in all ways except sin (Hebrews 4:15). It is about the One who humbled Himself “to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). 

2. Christmas is not meant to be an isolated day, but a seasonal celebration that encompasses the Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah, the wonder of the incarnation (God becoming man) and the hope of His coming again. Advent is that seasonal celebration—giving us time to embrace the wonder and reality of God’s overwhelming love.

3. In the Western church, Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30th. It lasts for the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Advent contains four Sundays and the first Sunday is also the first day of the new church year.

4. Many homes have an Advent wreath on which four candles are placed. One candle is lit each week during Advent. The first candle represents Hope and the second candle symbolizes Peace. The third candle signifies Joy, and the fourth candle stands for Love. An optional fifth candle signifies the birth of Christ and is lit on Christmas.

5. It is in Advent that we begin to prepare for Easter, because without Christmas there would be no death, burial, and resurrection of the One born in a manger.

I plan to explore more of Advent in the weeks ahead, but for now, what are you doing to encounter the Holy during this season of Advent?

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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Category: Advent, Seasons  Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
27
Nov
Meditation on Psalm 139
Susan Gaddis

I invite you to a few minutes of contemplative reflection on Psalm 139 by Liz Babbs. If a screen does not appear below, please click Meditation on Psalm 139 to view the video.

Click on “full screen” on the bottom right corner. Sit back and enjoy the Celtic music, beautiful scenery, and thoughtful meditation on receiving God’s love.

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Category: Quiet moments  Tags: , , , , , ,
25
Nov
Gratitude In the Right Direction
Susan Gaddis

1104975_branchI sometimes wonder if our gratitude is headed in the right direction. Thanksgiving Day encourages gratefulness; the majority of which is directed towards friends, family, or some unnamed source. People express what they are thankful for, but neglect to point that thankfulness in the right direction. 

“I’m thankful for my family,” sounds great, but who are you thankful to?  God rarely is on the receiving end of the thanks giving that occurs.

I like greeting cards, both the reading and the sending. I seldom shop at Target without including a side trip down the card aisle to glance at some of the humorous cards; my laughter eruptions startle anyone standing nearby and embarrass me in the process.

The other day I sifted through the sentimental cards. They focused on thankfulness for family, friends, or the season. A few cards, placed in the religious section, offered a simple prayer. You can learn a lot about our society by reading greeting cards. It seems that God is noticeably absent for Thanksgiving, at least in the card section of Target.

Compare this lack of God in Thanksgiving to the first official Thanksgiving Proclamation on November 1, 1777 by Samuel Adams: “It is therefore recommended . . . to set apart Thursday the eighteenth day of December next, for solemn thanksgiving and praise, that with one heart and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor.”

George Washington said this in his first Presidential Proclamation on October 3, 1789: “It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor.”

We won’t find these types of sentiments in the card section of Target! Modern society needs a healthy dose of praise to the “divine benefactor,” our ”Almighty God,” on this day of proclaiming thanks.

I’m curious—what have you observed about people expressing thanks during this season? How much of it has focused on God and how much has been directed towards others?

Have a Christ focused Thanksgiving, Susan Gaddis

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Category: worship  Tags: , , , , , , ,
23
Nov
Spirit Ritual
Susan Gaddis

903597_holding_coffeeI was thinking about the word spiritual last week—how it entwines two words: spirit and ritual. Several things began to churn around in my mind:

  • To be a spiritual person involves some sort of ceremony as part of my daily and seasonal routine.
  • To grow as a spiritual person requires regular practices or disciplines that bring change.

I sensed the dance of spirit and ritual yesterday as I pushed the plunger through the swirl of dark water and coffee grounds in my French Press. My early morning routine suddenly felt infused with the presence of the Lord and I realized that, for me, making coffee had become a spirit ritual.

I embraced the holy moment and didn’t get too mental about the experience until later. (A tip I learned from St. Teresa of Avila: never interrupt the Holy with a detailed conversation during intimate moments—just enjoy His presence and save the discussion for another time.)

“Later” came as I sat on the couch with my Bible and hot coffee. Grinding coffee beans, combining the just barely boiling water with the beans, stirring the brew with a wooden oatmeal stick that I picked up on Iona in Scotland, pushing the plunger through the mess, and then pouring the coffee into the cream sitting in my special mug—this is the prelude to my discipline of Bible reading, prayer, and devotional reading every morning. It is holy time. It is a ritual.

I want to explore this dance of spirit and ritual in the weeks ahead—the idea of ceremony combining with discipline as one way to experience the holy in the daily. Thanksgiving is this week and Advent starts the Christian year next Sunday. I hope you’ll join me. As for today, what rituals or ceremonies enrich your disciplines for growth into the Holy?

Susan Gaddis

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Category: Spirit Rituals  Tags: , , , , , , ,
20
Nov
Laughter In the Moment
Susan Gaddis

943263_turkeyLaughter is a holy moment shared—even God loves to laugh. He keeps a scrapbook of memories recalling the things we say and do that delight His heart (see Malachi 3:16).

One of the joys of Thanksgiving is recalling those holy laughter moments that bind us closer as a family and friends. Recently our son, Daniel, told his college group the story of when we served a four-legged turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.

For the last fifteen years of my mom and dad’s life, the family gathered at my house for the big Thanksgiving feast. My folks would arrive several hours before dinner, which provided Dad plenty of time to “oversee” my turkey roasting (and everything else.)

One year I decided I’d had enough. I sewed two extra legs on a turkey and roasted it as usual. The family kept Dad busy with other things he could “oversee” whenever I had to baste the turkey. But when it was time to carve the turkey, the honor went to my dad. He fell for it—hook, line, and legs.

“Oh my gosh! Look at this turkey.” Dad exclaimed as he gathered the family around. “I’ve never seen a turkey like this before. I can’t believe they didn’t catch it in the meat processing plant.”

Hearing our giggles, Dad’s eyebrows went up. Enlightenment dawned on his face. We devoured our four-legged bird, and Dad never bossed me around in the kitchen again.

What holy moments of laughter do you recall from Thanksgivings past? Click on “comment” at the very bottom of this post to share your tall tale.

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Category: Humor, Relationships  Tags: , , , , , , ,
18
Nov
When Appreciation Isn’t On the Agenda
Susan Gaddis

1059429_pensive_homeless_portraiture_iiThanksgiving is that time of year when we focus on gratitude, but giving thanks and experiencing appreciation are not necessarily on the same serving dish.

Ever had a rough year—one where the negative events and emotional drama of life is best left unstated and forgotten? Welcome to Jeremiah’s life.

Jeremiah was a prophet. In Kingdom terms, he was a successful prophet—that is, he sacrificed everything and had nothing to show for it in his generation.

Jeremiah was born during the reign of one of the most horrible kings in history. The people he served rejected him. His prophecies were burned by the king. His own brothers attacked him. A fellow priest put Jeremiah into the stocks, and the city officials threw him into a deep cistern. His reputation was that of an emotional mess—the “Weeping Prophet.”

I have yet to read a Christian’s job description that states, “Expect to be appreciated, validated, and thanked for your labors.” It just isn’t in the contract. Scripture emphasizes our role of giving thanks, not receiving it.

Jeremiah died, unknown and unappreciated; yet, we are still reading his words and learning from his prophecies 2,600 years later. This prophet had a bigger picture then just the dreams of this life. He fulfilled the call of God in his generation because he knew the call was one that carried on over into eternity future.

An old story is told of Henry C. Morrison who became sick after serving forty years in Africa and had to return home to America. There was a great crowd gathered as the mighty ocean liner docked in New York Harbor. Morrison watched as President Teddy Roosevelt received a grand welcome-home party after his African safari.

Fighting resentment, Henry turned in discouragement to God. “I have come back home after all this time and service to the church and there is no one, not even one person to welcome me home.”

Then a still, small voice whispered in Morrison’s ear, “You’re not home yet, Henry.” 

We are not home yet, friends.

Only when we are truly home will we hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

  • How important is appreciation to you?
  • Can you live without it?
  • Does our culture help or hinder an attitude of gratitude? Why?

Join the conversation in the comment section below.

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Category: Relationships  Tags: , , , , ,
16
Nov
5 Ways to Encourage Gratitude Moments
Susan Gaddis
Adelaide Ayers

Adelaide Ayers

Although this time of year lends itself to gratitude moments, I still find it necessary to encourage thankfulness in myself and in my family. Here are five ways to enrich your Thanksgiving season.

1.  Create a gratitude basket.Every year before Thanksgiving dinner Tom asks the folks gathered for prayer to share one thing for which they are thankful. The answers are usually slow in coming and are much the same year after year. Not that we aren’t thankful for many of the same blessings every year, but I have the feeling that not much thought has gone into the comments. The aromas of the meal are interfering.

This year I placed a wire basket in the dining room. Next to it I added a pen and some cards I created with my scrapbooking supplies. Each of our children, and anyone who stops by to visit, is encouraged to write down something they are thankful for and place it in the basket. This is an ongoing activity until Thanksgiving when Tom will read the cards before dinner. Part of the fun will be guessing who wrote each comment. Then we can thank the Lord of Blessing.

2.  Show gratitude for the servants in your life. Thank someone for their service to you throughout the year. Send the people who make your life a little more meaningful a note of appreciation–the person who styles your hair, the nice clerk who always bags your groceries, the greeter at church who always remembers your name. Even better, send a copy of your note to their supervisor!

3.  Gratitude with a smile and a visit. Use the season to plan and prepare a gift basket for an elderly person in town who might not have family nearby. Include an extended visit when you deliver the gift basket. Take your kids. You’ll be delighted at how much older folks enjoy visiting with children. It puts “life” back into their day.

4. Start a gratitude journal. This is an unique way to compile a record of your family’s growth in gratitude. During the month of November and throughout the year, ask each person at dinner what they are grateful for that day. Write their comments in a journal.

You can also create a gratitude journal on your own. Recently I found my gratitude journal from 20 years ago. I had forgotten so many of the blessings written there. What fun to read them again and remember the circumstances where the holy touched my journey.

5.  Basic gratitude: call your mom and dad. Both my folks are gone now. I wish I had phoned them more often and thanked them for the wonderful memories they created for me. Although I had a great relationship with each of my parents, talking with them and sending little cards weekly, I don’t think I honored them as much as I could have. Random phone calls of appreciation are one way to honor your parents.

What do you do to encourage gratitude moments in your life and in the life of your family? Click on “comment” below and share your thoughts with us.

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Category: Mission, Relationships  Tags: , , , , ,
13
Nov
Sticky Justice
Susan Gaddis
IMG_0920

Dale Dixon

Sometimes justice is sticky.

Hitting the recreation center at a low income housing community was the last thing on my wish list a few weeks ago. I like my Saturday mornings wrapped in one-third coffee and two-thirds quiet.

On this particular Saturday, I adjusted my attitude, grabbed my huge candy bag and headed out to join our latest church Incarnation Project–a mobile Fall Festival. This community center was our morning location; another was chosen for the afternoon.

IMG_0953

Fun games.

It was unusually empty for a play area, but slowly kids arrived to check out the various games and craft activities scattered across the asphalt. The smell of hot dogs and popcorn was a huge draw. Free candy didn’t hurt either.

Single mothers and grandparents accompanied many of the younger children. I interviewed some who could speak English and learned that few fathers lived in the complex.

IMG_0954

The winner!

A single parent on inadequate income will take whatever housing is available. That seemed to be the situation in this location of town.  A welfare check or a low paying job provided little of life’s privileges for these people. Many of the blessings I take for granted were not even on their radar. 

Folks do reap what they sow, but it doesn’t seem fair. Children are not responsible for their parent’s choices or for life’s hardships. Where was the justice for these kids?

A friend commented on how hard it was for him growing up in a poor community and receiving gifts from those who seemed to have so much more then he did. “I loved the candy, but felt shamed. I wanted the gifts, but felt resentful towards those who had so much more then we did.”

I didn’t know how to respond to his statement. In trying to bring a little justice into children’s lives, was I also causing them to feel shame?

I know a small amount of justice was being served that day in the form of candy and games. Yet, in thinking over my friend’s remark, I realized that it was sticky justice. I am still processing the comment; and I still have some leftover sticky candy in my bag.

What do you think?

Click on “comment” at the very bottom of this post to join the conversation.

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Category: Mission  Tags: , , , , ,
11
Nov
Fixed-hour Prayer
Susan Gaddis

430770_be_thou_my_visionFixed-hour prayer comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of praying at certain hours of each day. “Seven times a day do I praise you,” was the heart cry of the Psalmist. Since Jesus and His disciples were Jewish, this was their custom as well.

The hours of six and nine in the morning, noon, three in the afternoon, sunset, and bedtime were when people stopped their activities and prayed. In Acts, when the disciples were gathered for prayer on the day of Pentecost, it was at 9 o’clock or ”at the third hour of the day.” In Acts 3, Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer–at three in the afternoon.

The early church continued the practice of fixed-hour prayer until the “daily office” eventually became the observance of the Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Anglican branches of Christianity. Recently it has been rediscovered by believers from every tradition, including myself.

For several years I have used Celtic Daily Prayer: Prayers and Readings From the Northumbria Community as my prayer book. This two-inch thick book became the anchor in my journey of discovering Celtic Christianity and the love the Celts had for infusing the daily with the holy.

Currently I find that Morning Prayer and Compline (prayer before bed) are my “keeping of the hours.” Sometimes I pause for Midday prayer over a quiet lunch. These prayer times weave a thread of peace throughout my day securing together my to-do list and interruptions. I find them a launching pad for spontaneous worship and intercession when my prayer engines are a little slow powering up.

“My dear ones, O God, bless Thou and keep, in every place where they are,” lends itself to intercession for my family scattered throughout the county.

“Circle me, Lord, keep protection near and danger afar. Circle me, Lord, keep light near and darkness afar. Circle me, Lord, keep peace within; keep evil out,” blankets me on a cold evening before bed.

What routine of prayer marks the hours of your day? I would love to hear from you in the “Leave a Comment” section below.

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Category: Celtic Christianity, Prayer  Tags: , , , , ,
09
Nov
God’s Voice in the Ordinary
Susan Gaddis

865020_typeGod’s voice in the ear of my mind sounds so ordinary as I sit with eyes engaging the monitor and fingers clicking the keyboard. At 5 o’clock in the morning my life doesn’t feel holy. It feels like I need a cup of coffee.

Most disciplines hold little of the sacred moments that speak to me of holy. Yet, it is my disciplines that make space in my day to notice His voice behind me speaking, “This is the way. Walk in it.”

I hear that voice when I write. “Back up. Rewrite that paragraph. You’re straying off topic. That sounds better. Hit spell check.” Funny how the Holy Spirit can sound so ordinary.

Maybe it is the dark fog outside my study window at pre-dawn that reminds me of His quiet presence. Or perhaps it is in the stillness of the house before the rest of the family wakes that I sense His nudge towards the coffee pot. I know this: God likes coffee and He often sneaks up behind me in the disciplines of my day.

What does the Spirit say to you as you go about the routine disciplines that make up your daily life?

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Category: Daily chores  Tags: , , , , , ,