peace

The Wait: Peace that Protects

/ Sharon / Leave a comment

What is peace like?
Perhaps peace…
…looks like green pastures and still waters.
…feels like breeze and sun that caresses just right.
…sounds like…

Alas, the Valley of the Shadow of Death is inevitable.  
When Chaos and Conflict arrive, where can Peace be found? 
Philippians 4:7 speaks of Peace that transcends all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
This Peace of God is not merely serene. This Peace protects.
It doesn’t always protect us from circumstances and hard times.  Life still be lifing. 
Yet in my sanctified imagination, I see Peace on guard within my soul.  

Here are some thoughts on practicing the presence of Peace during Advent.

Your Call: How does Peace speak to you in this season?  How can you practice its presence?

Advent and The Power of Expectancy

/ Sharon / Leave a comment

This time of year can be a mix of anticipation and disappointment. Imagine a gathering where joy, grief and fatigue may be sitting in a circle staring at each other and wondering why they were seated at the same table. Advent can be a season to come to terms with all of this while holding on to a glimmer of hope. One of my favorite lines of a Christmas song is from O Holy Night: A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices. Note that the weariness doesn’t disappear, yet there is joy. The picture below is speaking to me now and I wonder where you might see hope in it. 

Your Call: Journal about your reflections on this picture. How does it speak to you?