"Once we clearly acknowledge the soul, we can learn to hear it's cries. - Dallas Willard, Renovation Of The Heart."

It takes courage to pursue our dreams. It takes time and patience to unearth buried treasure. But I believe with all my heart that we must do both.

12.20.2010

Fourth Monday of Advent


Advent Reading

Psalm 33:1-5, 20-22; Zephaniah 3:14-18a; Luke 1:39-45

"Do not be weighed down by the clutter in your life: lots of little chores to do sometime, in no particular order. If you focus too much on these petty tasks, trying to get them all out of the way, you will discover that they are endless. They can eat up as much time as you devote to them.

Instead of trying to do all your chores at once, choose the ones that need to be done today. Let the rest slip into the background of your mind, so I can be in the forefront of your awareness. Remember that your ultimate goal is living close to Me, being responsive to My initiatives. I can communicate with you most readily when your mind is uncluttered and turned toward Me. Seek My Face continually throughout this day. Let My Presence bring order to your thoughts, infusing Peace into your entire being."  (God Calling, Sarah Young)

"Now, as the world clamors for more toys and loud festivity, is the time for us to put first things first, and seek silence, if only for a few precious minutes a day. Now is the time when, ever more intently, we are to watch and listen for God." (Kathleen Norris, God With Us)

We are only a few days from Christmas.  Many of us still have much to do, too much to do.  I can easily get caught up in the doing and forget why I am doing any of it at all.  A lot of the stuff we think needs to be accomplished no one else would miss.  I am trying to let much go this year.  How about you??

My soul waits for you LORD; you are my help and my shield. For my heart is glad in you, because I trust in your holy name. Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon me, even as I hope in you.
Psalm 33:20-22

Amen


7 comments:

S. Etole said...

Yes, each year gets less and less about doing and more and more about quiet being.

Pamela Holderman said...

Mary, these are just beautiful and much-needed advent readings. Thanks so much and have a very blessed Christmas.
Pam

Theresa said...

Beautiful words of wisdom~ Thanks for sharing your advent readings & lovely art. Wishing you a beautiful Christmas & Happy New Year~ (hugs)Theresa

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

Ah sometimes a narrower focus can make the moments sing :-) Hope you have many 'singing moments' this Christmas.
I know you are going to have a fantastic, fun Christmas with your family, there's wonder in the air!

Jennifer Richardson said...

Thank you Lord for the psalms
and for the peace and perspective
that flows from them.
Yes, my soul,
wait on the Lord.
And, Mary, your ART!!!
Oh how it speaks to me
and warms
and brightens
my heart.
Thanks for the gift of you:)
-Jennifer

Dena E's Blog said...

Yes yes Sis, I soooo agree with your post and with these other wonderful women..This past year I have allowed God to become more and more in my life until I then, wanted Him to be my everything.. Isn't He beyond AMAZING that way..And also as the above comment says, Thanks for the gift of YOU Sis...I sooooo miss you and know you're very busy, so just thought I'd pass by and say Hi, Merry Christmas!!! Hopefully Super~Hubb's and I will get some cards designed and snail mailed out soon, and we'll send one to you. They'll no doubt be for the New Year though ;0)
May our Sweet LORD cover You with blessings while you seek Him in this, His beautiful season.
Isn't it magnificent knowing He is the Reason for every Season...I'm sooooo very blessed that He brought Beautiful Blogging Sister's like you into my life this past year..Truly, it sooooo warms my heart......Hugs Dena

Dena E's Blog said...

ps>>>> HE is beyond Amazing in "ALL" HIS ways...
Amen