- 08
- Dec
- 2023
- Posted byThe Quiet Place
- inAdvent
December 8, 2023
The Sixth Day of Advent
Yesterday, my grandson taught me that the best of gifts is not a wrapped present, but my presence with him, the gift held within doing something together. My granddaughter came with the same lesson today. We are a multi-generational household, but no one else was awake. So, just before 6:00 am, this morning, the door, to my quarters, opened slowly, revealing a sleepy, smiling face. She asked, “will you play with me?” How could I say no. I did not resist, even though the box she was carrying was one of a Play Doh ice cream set, the ones where you create ice cream delights, by forcing the Play Doh through a machine, then spooning the “ice cream” into little plastic cones or cups. Oh yes, cannot forget the many syrupy toppings to pour, or the other decorations to sprinkle. You know exactly where this is going, and you are correct. This was going to be a tarp on the floor kind of mess. I tried to match her level of excitement. Not so sure I made the cut there. But we did head up the stairs, and began setting up our ice cream parlor, on the circular table, after a plastic sheet was placed on the floor. There were so many ice cream cones and cups to decorate. The more we played, the more we laughed, and my excitement finally reached her exuberance, well almost. The mess no longer occupied my thoughts, as I watched her carefully making ice cream cones and sundaes. We cleaned up together, even the floor. The plastic sheet somehow got caught in the legs of the chairs, and play dough ended up on the floor, everywhere. But for that tender invitation to play, my morning would have consisted of paying bills and doing other adult things. However, this morning an invitation was offered, and I accepted. And because I said yes, my day was better, glorious. It reminds me, how often we hear the invitation to spend time with God, but ignore the call, choosing to work on a project we think is important. It is easy to see God in the shining eyes of a child. Today a child led me to play, and now I recognize The Gift it was. Advent continues to bring surprising lessons, especially about living in the present. I hope you too are being called to play, to see the face of God in a child, or any person really, who reaches out, with an invitation, and asks you to play.
On this sixth day of Advent, 2023, the reading I have chosen is from Isaiah 9:5-6.
The Reading
December 8, 2023
“Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:5-6
- 08
- Dec
- 2023
- Posted byThe Quiet Place
- inDaily Message
When all around you seems to be moving at a harried pace, be still. The faster the outside world is moving, move slower, breathe in deeply, and restore peace. There is no need to hurry, even when you think there is so much to do that you will never get it all done. For, more will be accomplished in quiet and peace than can be done when racing from pillar to post. When you are pressed to run, walk. When you are pressed to loudness, whisper. When you are at the edge of chaos, be still, be quiet and sit with Me.
And The Holy Spirit says:
Just because a group is moving faster and faster, speaking louder and louder, it does mean you must follow suit. Step out of the fray and continue your day, in peace.
- 07
- Dec
- 2023
- Posted byThe Quiet Place
- inAdvent
December 7, 2023
The Fifth Day of Advent
Today, I took one of my grandsons Christmas shopping. This year we decided it would be a lot of fun for him to pick out something he really wanted, within reason, of course, a pre-Christmas gift. When we arrived at the mall, we walked and walked and as we walked, all the things he thought he would like to have, as a Christmas present, changed, or were dropped from the list entirely, until there was no list at all, only the two of us walking the mall, looking in stores, and eating ice cream. I was beginning to think the shopping trip was a complete failure when it happened. He asked if we could go into the arcade. He must have felt my hesitation, as these games, which any child can play, seem beyond my capability. He took my hand and led me to the counter, where I heard myself purchasing a preloaded card. Card in hand, he pulled me, from one piece of equipment to another. It was not enough for him to play the arcade games alone, he insisted I play, with him. Soon my trepidation gave way to play, playing with my grandson, as we banged and tilted and soared into the air, chasing mythical creatures, in pursuit of victory. Wow! What fun! We left the arcade, promising each other another play date, and soon. In the car, as we headed home, he asked me if there were computers back when I was a kid. I laughed and replied, “No, we had paper and pencils.” What I thought would be a day of gifts, I bought for him, turned into the day he gave me the gift of play, and joy, and memories.
.
On this fifth day of Advent, 2023, the reading I have chosen is from Isaiah 9:2.
The Reading
December 6, 2023
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” Isaiah 9:2
- 07
- Dec
- 2023
- Posted byThe Quiet Place
- inDaily Message
Come, there is something I must tell you. Come, there is something I must give you. Come, here I AM. Will you listen, so you might hear that which I say? I will speak to each of you, in a different way, for that which I will say is meant especially for you, each of you. Be still, so I might give you the gifts I intend to give you, each of you. For the gifts, those coming from Me, will be different, for each of thee. Come.
And The Holy Spirit says:
While you might have gifts similar to those of others, each gift will hold something special, unique just to you. Do not let your gifts of spirit languish on the shelf, unopened, unused. Pick them up and open them today, so you might use that which has been given unto you, by The Hand of God.
- 06
- Dec
- 2023
- Posted byThe Quiet Place
- inAdvent
December 6, 2023
The Fourth Day of Advent
This morning, I rose, opened my bedroom door, and walked into my small sitting room. I turned on the lights of the Christmas tree, and the other lights sitting about. In the darkness of the room a frequency of lights began to create the energy of the new day. My glance was drawn to the simple wreath of greenery and candles, once again. I wanted, and delighted in, the lights on the tree, leaving them on all day. But, for the circle of tree branches and candles, I would wait, each day, for the quiet ceremony which would carry me away, into a sacred refuge of peace. Michael and I loved this time of year. We stepped into a space in time with the lighting of the Advent wreath, at sunset, every day. And when a hush rose-up from Mother Earth, the song was sung, the candles were lit, and we were at peace, no matter how busy the day might have been. Oh memories, how rich, how deep, how precious. But that does not mean they should shine all day. The circle of light is saved for quiet, at the end of the day; and it is in that sanctuary I am called to sit, to pray, to embrace The Way of Advent.
On this fourth day of Advent, 2023, the reading I have chosen is from Isaiah 9:2.
The Reading
December 6, 2023
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” Isaiah 9:2
- 06
- Dec
- 2023
- Posted byThe Quiet Place
- inDaily Message
Do not waste time feeling you are misunderstood, or that no one appreciates what you do. How does the heart of the bird beat? You do not know when you see it on the wing. What you see is the bird doing what the bird does. And in so doing that which it is meant to do, it somehow brings pleasure to you, just observing flight, or hearing its song. From whence cometh the stream? It is of no concern to you when you find such delight, as it splashes the bank and sings its own tune as it travels along. The bird will fly and sing, even if it is not pleasing to you. The stream will continue its journey, even if you care not from whence it came. And it should be the same for thee. Soar and sing. Dance, and splash in the waters of Earth. When you live, as you are meant to live, care not what others think of thee. Dwell only in The Light held in The Love I send to thee.
And The Holy Spirit says:
Do not be limited by what the world thinks of you, or what it assigns you to do. Rise up and soar into the realm of possibility that you are destined to be you. And then, you shall rise in The Light, and soar in The Love of God, forevermore, no longer limited by that which is transitory, passing in its nature. Live, because there is always more.
- 05
- Dec
- 2023
- Posted byThe Quiet Place
- inAdvent
December 5, 2023
The Third Day of Advent
Here we are, just in the third day of Advent, and I already feel the comfort of the sanctuary it has now become. Yesterday afternoon I headed out to Trader Joe’s to get all the ingredients for homemade vegetable soup. With the temperatures dipping it seemed more than appropriate, for me, it was necessary. What I encountered, in my quest, was a sea of smiling faces. The pace has quickened, yes; but still fluid, no pushing, no sour fixed expressions. I spent some time talking with the lady checking me out and found it more than a pleasant exchange. It was fun. Sometimes, especially this time of year, I must admit, I tend to focus on the errand, the task at hand, avoiding, when possible, conversing with others, along the way. This year it is different! It was easy, nice in fact, to stop and talk for a while. When I returned home, and put the soup on to simmer, I found myself slipping down the stairs to my quarters, in my son’s home. And there it was. The Advent wreath sat on the coffee table, the atmosphere was still, quiet, yet welcoming in so many inexplicable ways. The energy of Advent embraced me. It lives, and so do I.
On this third day of Advent, 2023, the reading I have chosen is from Isaiah 7:13-14.
The Reading
December 5, 2023
“Then Isaiah said, ‘Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel’.” Isaiah 7:13-14