how the light gets in

Category: DECEMBER 2019

• Day 15

  Posted at 10:46 am by How the Light Gets In, on December 15, 2019

  Sunday mornings have always meant scarfing down Cheerios, screaming for the other shoe and piling in the car to get to church. Always. 

  Before I go further, you may have been hurt by someone at a church. I know.

  I’m sorry. So sorry.

  Jesus had it right and humans mess things up. 

  For me, going to mass sets a rhythm to the week –  a rhythm of ritual and tradition in a community of believers and hopers.

  Remember on Day 13, when Ezra was reading scripture to the people? Thousands of years later, we’re doing the same thing every Sunday. It just feels sacred.

  We sing songs (not like yo momma’s church though) at Nativity. And those prayers set to music always make me cry.

  Here are some bits from the Readings for today:

  Isaiah 35:1-6, 10 “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come,  he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”

  Psalm 146:6-10 “He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them – He remains faithful forever.“

  James 5:7-10 “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”

  Matthew 11:2-11 “…more than a prophet, he is the one of whom scripture was written.”

  And if you want to give church a try… join here Church of the Nativity

  If you ever want someone to sit with, I’ll save you a seat.

  Posted in DECEMBER 2019 | 0 Comments | Tagged Advent, Church of the Nativity, How the Light Gets In, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11, Psalm 146:6-10

• Day 14

  Posted at 6:46 pm by How the Light Gets In, on December 14, 2019

  There are 11 days to Christmas. And, I don’t know about you but I can feel a buzz in the air. Every day, I’m dodging head-on collisions on the road and in the grocery store. Everyone is rushing to check off the list.

  Earlier this week, I listened to an interview with Liz Bohannon on the “That Sounds Fun” podcast with Annie Downs. About 7 minutes into the conversation, I hit pause and typed the words into my Notes to share with you now. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-sounds-fun-with-annie-f-downs/id944925529?i=1000459064672

  I’m not what I have, what I do or what people say.

  I’m a child of God and no one can take that away.

  There’s nothing I can do to make God love me less or more. 

  I don’t have to hurry or worry Jesus settled the score.

  I can rest in the love of my Heavenly Father and let my courage and kindness be a gift to others.
  

  A Benediction

  Liz Bohannon borrowed it from Jefferson Bethke and I borrowed it from them. That’s ok, right?

  Call it a motto, a benediction, a prayer – just say it.

  The words are rooted in love, established in grace and rich in identity and purpose.

  Look up Jeremiah 1:5, Galatians 3:28, Romans 8:37-39 and you’ll see.

  Tonight, let’s rest. Amen.

  Posted in DECEMBER 2019 | 0 Comments | Tagged Advent, Annie F Downs, Benediction, Galatians 3:28, How the Light Gets In, Jefferson Bethke, Jeremiah 1:5, Liz Bohannon, Romans 8:37-39

• Day 13

  Posted at 8:42 pm by How the Light Gets In, on December 13, 2019

  You can’t just click on the link without a little background. You need context when reading the Bible. And how does one get context? Google works. Do some homework before reading scripture and you’ll find:

  The book of Nehemiah is a rally cry to keep believing, to stay the course.

  In the reading from Nehemiah 8:1-10, we’ll hear about Ezra. He was a scribe – Ezra literally copied the Bible by hand. This shows us he was devoted to God and to Gods word. Yes? Yes.

  Now let’s read but look for who gathers to hear the word, for how long they listen(!), for what happens after…

  Promise of Joy

  Read the story, take note of the details, ask questions.

  A great resource when reading the Bible and looking for more depth is Bible Hub

  To know Gods word is to know His promises for you and me.

  Rest tonight with the assurance “… the JOY of the Lord is your strength.”

  Amen.

  Posted in DECEMBER 2019 | 0 Comments | Tagged Advent, Bible, Biblehub.com, Dayspring, How the Light Gets In, Nehemiah 8:1-10, Promises

• Day 12

  Posted at 3:19 pm by How the Light Gets In, on December 12, 2019

  Two of my kids are home with the flu.

  Stupid cancer has crept into some of my favorite families’ lives.

  Medical messes are tangling up even more of my friends.

  A heavy, sad anniversary just passed for a neighbor.

  Don’t even get me started on the world beyond what I see or the constant battle waging on cable tv.

  Boooooo.

  God, I’m mad and sad and confused. Do you hear me?

  In a very mature move, I hop onto Instagram hoping to scroll my way into distracted avoidance.

  Instead, I see a post that says “CHOOSE JOY JUST BECAUSE.”

  

  Dang it Morgan Harper Nichols and your gorgeous artwork and intentional words. Here’s a link to her work on Instagram.

  Morgan Harper Nichols

  The timing and simplicity of her post spoke directly to my grinchy, questioning heart.

  I’ve lived enough life to know this being a human deal isn’t easy. Life can feel like a roller coaster, can’t it? And I’ve learned some bonus lessons through the mayhem of Joseph’s illness and my own medical chaos.

  One thing I know is I can get angry at God. I have been angry at him. I’ve slung my frustration and disappointment and hurt at God with some ummm pointed language… and with tears.

  
  But God wants a relationship with me, with you. Knowing God, believing in Him isn’t just a ritual or a weekly habit to check off the list. And just like in any relationship, I can’t just sling words at God and not wait for a response. I wouldn’t do that to you and you wouldn’t do that to me.

  I see the Choose Joy just because; And I go outside to breathe in the crisp air.
  I close my eyes to soak up the vitamin D offered freely by the sun.
  I plug in the Christmas lights on the tree and on the banister and on the mantle.
  I light a few candles.
  I open my bible.

  And, one of the scriptures from the Jesus Calling reading today is 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” I mean…

  My heart still hurts for the hurt around me but I’m making room for Joy because God hears me and answers me in artistic, meaningful ways in the most unexpected places and always in His word.

  I pray that if you are feeling grumpy, alone, neglected that you would tell God and then look, listen, wait.

  Posted in DECEMBER 2019 | 0 Comments | Tagged 1 Peter5:7, Advent, How the Light Gets In, Jesus Calling, Morgan Harper NIchols

• Day 11

  Posted at 3:33 pm by How the Light Gets In, on December 11, 2019

  Jenna and I met a few years ago but I think our hearts have always known one another. I honestly believe God was smiling when Jenna and I met. FINALLY GIRLS! FINALLY!

  Jenna is aware, eyes open, heart ready – She lives and loves her 4 boys and wonderful husband that way. She cares for and counsels her friends that way. And lucky for all of us, she points and shoots her camera that way too.

  Look through her pictures on her website or on Instagram and you can see it. Her perspective is not just a physical position but a heart posture. Jenna loves Jesus, the one who is “like the light of morning at sunrise.” – 2 Samuel 23:4 And that perspective is reflected in the special-ness of her photographs.

  JENNA MACE PHOTOGRAPHY

  

  Day 11 – We’re getting closer to the light. If you’ve been “walking” with us this Advent; you are learning a bit more about God and a lot more about the many ways He is trying to get your attention.

  Today let’s be aware of our perspective and adjust as needed.

  Posted in DECEMBER 2019, Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged Advent, How the Light Gets In, Jenna Mace Photography, Jesus

• Let’s take Day 10 Together

  Posted at 2:34 pm by How the Light Gets In, on December 10, 2019

  Streams in the Desert. This is a deep and sometimes heavy devotional. Take a few minutes to go through today’s reading.

  

  

  The question: “Are there some people in your circle of friends to whom you naturally go in times of trials and sorrow – people who always seem to say just the right words and who give you the very counsel you so desire? If so, you may not realize the high cost they have paid to become so skilled at binding up your gaping wounds and drying your tears.”

  That’s a doozy of a first paragraph and an important one. You need people. I need people. More importantly, we deserve a circle of trusted friends who laugh with us and wipe our tears for us. We do.

  The scripture from the “Streams in the Desert” devotional comes from a letter Paul was writing to the people of Corinth. He starts the letter by praising the God as the one “who comforts us in all our troubles with the comfort we ourselves receive from Him.” – 2 Corinthians 1:4 God sounds like a good friend, doesn’t He?

  And to bust through all the doubt of an unseen God; God sent us Jesus. By Jesus’ life we can FEEL comfort. He suffered, he cried, he was betrayed, he was hungry. And he also spent his life loving others, including everyone, being a good listener, pulling people together so he could tell stories, sharing a meal with friends.

  The verse we focus on today paints a picture of how valuable we are to one another – sharing pain, sharing comfort, sharing Hope. God made us for community. God made us for each other.

  God comforts us through His son and through each other. Look for that today.

  If the devotional felt deep, can I offer you a “lighter” look at the same message?

  Christmas Day is in our grasp so long as we have hands to clasp.

  Christmas Day will always be just as long as we have we.

  Welcome Christmas while we stand heart to heart and hand in hand.

  I pray today you hold the height and width and breadth of the message:

  Dr. Seuss & “Streams in the Desert”

  You & Me & God

  – Together we go hand in hand.

  Posted in DECEMBER 2019 | 0 Comments | Tagged 2 Corinthians 1:6-7, Advent, Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, How the Light Gets In, Streams in the Desert

• Day 9

  Posted at 4:39 pm by How the Light Gets In, on December 9, 2019

  YOU are not alone.

  Let that truth hug your heart.

  Yes, Schools change and Friend circles shift and Job assignments rearrange schedules and Kid’s school/sports/social calendars subtract mom and dads time – period.

  Still, You are NOT alone.

  Today’s devotional from “She Reads Truth” sees that ache and soothes it with a fundamental truth of Jesus, he is “God with us.”

  She Reads Truth Devotional

  If you happen to be a He and not a She– there is ALSO a “He Reads Truth” to explore.

  He Reads Truth Devotional

  The She/He/Kids Read Truth website brings together a worldwide community to be in Gods word everyday. They offer a website, an app, a blog, new podcast, beautiful bibles, bible studies, crafts, artwork, and more.

  If you don’t have a circle of people you meet with to discuss God’s word. Can I suggest the “Reads Truth” online community as a first step?

  You were made on purpose for purpose.

  You are not alone.

  May you feel the God of Hope with you today so we can celebrate His birth together.

  Amen.

  Posted in DECEMBER 2019 | 0 Comments | Tagged How the Light Gets In, Immanuel, She Reads Truth

• Day 8

  Posted at 3:56 pm by How the Light Gets In, on December 8, 2019

  We are starting Week 2 of Advent with a look into how the Bible works. Don’t roll your eyes or stop reading – stay with me. Pleeeeeeease!

  First, the basics: There are two main parts to the Bible; The Old Testament (before Jesus) and The New Testament (Jesus’ life and after). I’m not going into the argument of whether to interpret the Bible literally, scientifically, etc.

  The Bible is a beautiful example of the mastermind Author that God is and how His word is full of purpose and intention. I’m pumped. Can you tell?

  It’s no mistake that two of my favorite humans sent me a text relating to the same verse. No mistake, no coincidence; just God.

  On Tuesday, Colleen sent me a link to Isaiah 40:3-5 -“A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” She told me how her Pastor suggested putting emphasis on IN THE WILDERNESS. Sit with that for a minute and see how it changes the directive of the verse? IN the midst of the crazy, the painful, the sad, the chaos, look for God there. Don’t just look for Jesus in the celebration or healing. Look for Him IN the mess so He can help make a way out.

  Which leads me to Josie (a friend I never dreamed I would have), who sent me a link to the song, “Waymaker.”

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SE_M9noEhNE

  Isaiah was a prophet in the Old Testament, so his words were written before Jesus walked the Earth. While Jesus lived, he referenced Isaiah a lot. One of Jesus’ friends continued sharing Isaiah’s words even after Jesus had died. Paul wrote a letter to the Romans. An excerpt from that letter was our Second Reading at Mass today.

  

  Paul is encouraging us to look at what was written before for our HOPE. He wants the Romans to know the God of patience and comfort and offer the same to each other.

  Here’s where we come in because everyone listening to that reading today, YOU reading it now; we are ALL invited to participate in this overarching, powerful and lovely story of Hope.

  Day 8 – My prayer for you right now is that no matter where you are that you will call on God to make a way through it.

  Posted in DECEMBER 2019 | 0 Comments | Tagged Advent, Biblia.com, How the Light Gets In, Isaiah 40:3-5, Waymaker

• Day 7 – Take your vitamins

  Posted at 5:09 pm by How the Light Gets In, on December 7, 2019

  Let’s take a break from reading.

  “Multivitamins for your Weekend” is an email that comes out once a week FULL of good for your soul stories and videos and pictures.

  Here’s the link to check out your dosage of “Only The Good Stuff.” https://annvoskamp.com/2019/12/only-the-good-stuff-multivitamins-for-your-weekend-12-07-19/

  Posted in DECEMBER 2019 | 0 Comments | Tagged Advent, Ann Voskamp, How the Light Gets In, Multivitamins for your Weekend

• Day 6

  Posted at 9:19 pm by How the Light Gets In, on December 6, 2019

  Prepare, Peace, Promise, Relationship – these are the stand out words from our first few days of Advent together.

  And for today, God strings the words together while weaving in a new one; LAUGHTER.

  

  Not expecting that were you? LAUGH. One of God’s hope for you is that you would laugh again.

  In a world with so much hurt it is easy to wonder if God sees or even cares.

  In today’s reading, Abraham and Sarah lived their lives in faith but Hope was fading. All Sarah wanted was a baby. As the story goes, the woman was around 90 years old when God told Abraham (her even older husband) she would have a baby. Her reaction? She laughed a snarky laugh.

  Sarah LAUGHED at God.

  People, can we appreciate that the author of life itself would allow the detail that one of his main characters in the beginning of humanity laughed at Him!?! Sarah and God had enough of a relationship that God called her out.

  “Then the Lord said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh and say,Will I really have a child now that I am old? Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time..” – Genesis 18:13-14

  By this time, She was AFRAID and then chose tooooooo… say sorry? Nope, Sarah LIED! Look up Genesis 18:15. It cracks me up.

  And God kept his promise.

  

  Do you know what Sarah named her baby boy? Isaac. Isaac means “he will laugh, he will rejoice.”

  

  God’s timing, His appointed time, may not line up with ours. And that stings.

  I have prayed for a lot of things in my life. Recently, I prayed for something big. I still don’t have the words to do the story justice. But in the meantime, here’s a picture of laughter.

  

  Is anything to big for God? Nope. Keep praying. Keep talking to God, asking and trusting that His time must be the right time.

  Love you.

  Posted in DECEMBER 2019 | 0 Comments | Tagged Advent, Ann Voskamp, Genesis 21:6, How the Light Gets In, Laughter, Sarah, Unwrapping the Greatest Gift