"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.

12.23.2010

Fourth Thursday of Advent





Advent Reading

Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a; Matthew 1:18-24

"Today our readings ask us to reflect on a mystery: when our lives are most barren, when possibilities are cruelly limited, and despair takes hold, when we feel most keenly the emptiness of life - it is then that God comes close to us...but we are not without hope, for it is because we are so empty, having used the last scrap of our own resources, that God can move in".(Kathleen Norris, God With Us)
Emmanuel

"The promise of Isaiah that we heard at the beginning of Advent is now closer to fruition, if we will only pay attention to the signs: "The wilderness and the dry land's shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and bloom." 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)

Emmanuel

God is with us

Father, may we be intentional in setting aside time to be with you.

10 comments:

Hindsfeet said...

Oh my Dear!! I can't tell you how fitting your post was for me today.......What a WONDERFUL WONDERFUL word!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for being such a lovely conduit......

Merriest of Christmases...
Liz

jgr said...

Hi Mary,
Thank you for the lovely message - and for your beautiful art!! Merry Christmas to you and your family, my friend!

thekathrynwheel said...

Have a wonderful Christmas Mary, and a happy and artful 2011 :-)
Kate x

Pretty Things said...

Thank you for this moment. Peace be with you.

Jennifer Richardson said...

Oh I love the idea
of God moving in.
Yes, Lord, move on in
and find plenty of space
available for you
....I want there to be
roomy places inside of me
for Him.
-Jennifer

Poetic Artist said...

Mary,
Your post and God's words are what I need.
I have a lot of space.
Merry Christmas my sweet friend.
Katelen

LeeAnn@Encouragement Is Contagious said...

Mary, God has given you such a BEAUTIFUL HEART! (along with a beautiful smile-which I love coming here to see in your profile pic) The words you choose to share with us are always so touching and real and moving. You are truly a blessing to me my sweet friend. Really, really Y♥U are!

Love and Joy be yours this Christmas!

♥Lee Ann

Nikki (Sarah) said...

Freedom!! I found it in Him.....Merry Christmas Mary...to you and your family...wishing you His best.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Merry Christmas...and thanks for sharing your Advent Post...just wonderful!! I have been inspired by your art work and words this past year...thanks for sharing.

Jane Farr said...

Merry Christmas Mary! Thank you for keeping us grounded in God's Word all through the year, but especially at this time of preparation. May His peace be yours.