As a child, I can remember always being so confused about what “advent” was and how one celebrates it. Let’s be honest, as an adult I have also struggled with what the true way of observing the Savior of the World’s arrival should look like to a follower. A genuine, true, loyal follower of Christ should look different to the world every day, but what about during advent?
Advent is the season observed by most Christians as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the nativity of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the second coming. It is most often observed December 1 – December 24, some even begin as early as November 30. It does have a Latin foundation, adventus, meaning “coming”. Historically, during this season, many would fast from meat, dairy or eggs as a sign of holiness and a time separated in devotion to Christ. These days are to be a clear reflection of hope, joy, peace and love.
Would we ever consider that God is asking us to fast from our normal “celebratory” focuses in December in order to better claim these days in the intimacy of the Father? What if our children walked away from the month of December having a better understanding of who Christ is and less knowledge about the cookies and cakes? Can we even allow ourselves to think that He may desire a fast in the busiest seasons of eating all year?
These days should be days that we prepare our hearts to enterthis season. What is the pre-advent? These are the days where we make our focus on the Savior and begin to empty our hearts and minds of all the things that distracted us from the Christ. In Titus 1:15, “to the pure, everything is pure.” May we enter a new kind of purity with Jesus in these days of separation for holiness.
Pondering about how advent is best to fit into the daily walk of a Christian, I am paused on sharing any details. These days of the Christian journey are shaped more by what men lead us to do in our followings than the Spirit of the Living God in His leadings. In this day, instead of seeking what others are called to do in their “adventing”, today, seek the Lord and what He desires of us in our pilgrimage.
“Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life…… AND let your eyes look directly ahead ANDlet your gaze be fixed straight in front of you…. AND all your ways will be established.” Provers 4:23, 25, 26b
In today’s time, we have a logo for everything. Every program, every service line, every business and church. It represents everything. It is to encompass the very essence of that organization or product. But what would the Creator’s logo be? What about the Savior’s logo? Or the Comforter’s logo? Do they have an image?
Here are some options:
The cross.
The world.
The clouds.
Humanity.
The wind.
LIGHT.
Blood.
The sound of a newborn.
Are these the logos of God?
What is a logo? Definition: A logo is a visual mark that distinguishes a company, organization, product, or brand. (According to google)
Does Jesus have a brand? An image? Does He need one?
Everything in this world is consumed with marketing an image to deliver a message to provoke an action.
Let me say it again.
Everything in this world is consumed with marketing an image to deliver a message to provoke an action.
What are we promoting or marketing? What message are we sharing? What action are we desiring from those around us? Here is a thought that has crossed my mind – what if everything we did ONLY promoted the Name of Jesus…. How would the world look different?
Philippians 2:9-11
“For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
If we are Christians, we are called to be the evidence and residence of Jesus. Do we reflect the evidence and residence of Jesus?
What name are we more concerned with promoting than Jesus? If we believe that His Name is the only Name that saves, then why do we concern ourselves promoting any other name?”
John 14:6
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”
Acts 4:12
“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
Either we believe this or we don’t. If we do, then we believe Jesus is the Messiah and we should look, be, act and see different. So, if this is true, anything else we put above this Name is idol worship. Are we pushing another name other than Jesus Christ?
I ask again, what would Jesus’ logo be? Would we dare put it on our cars, shirts, hats or backpacks? How would we approach His Name differently if we believe His Name truly possesses the power we say it does?
This leads me into great thought and inner dialogue with myself asking who or whom do I represent?
The last ten years of life have created more stress than I ever dreamed one person, one family, could experience. In bullet point fashion, let me incredibly briefly share the load:
⁃ Emotional, Physical, Mental & Spiritual: growth of my own family through infertility and adoption and cleft palates
⁃ Physical: Illness equating to my father being in the hospital every holiday for a solid two years
⁃ Spiritual: Two massive church splits
⁃ Emotional: My oldest niece adopting four amazing kiddos
⁃ Emotional, Mental, Physical, Spiritual: the loss of my sister, my father, Clif’s grandmother, and Clif’s uncle
⁃ Spiritual: attempting to rebuild relationships with people and attempting to build new friends
⁃ Physical: stress killing me AKA weight gain and new food allergies
⁃ Emotional: family dynamics looking radically different
⁃ Emotional: watching dementia move into our family
⁃ Emotional and Mental: the amazing company I work for was purchased and all the changes that come with the beauty of realignments, new team members, new processes
⁃ Emotional, Physical, Mental & Spiritual: greater battles than ever seen before in my own home front
⁃ Emotional, Physical, Mental & Spiritual: stepping away from all of the ministries and volunteering that consumed my schedule in search of more peace and true connection and meaning
⁃ Emotional: loving on two sweet foster babies for one year with my oldest niece
⁃ Emotional: watching my youngest niece celebrate high school ceremonies and start college without my sister
⁃ Emotional: watching my sister’s three girls expand and grow without the joy present of my sister
⁃ Emotional, Physical, Mental & Spiritual: losing everything that seems normal to me
⁃ Spiritual: determining what in the world God wants to do with me now
⁃ And that is just to name a few….
And then we book a trip for all 16 of my family members to ALASKA. Yes, that’s a lot of people. Yes, we all have super strong personalities. Yes, we are all painful when we get cranky. Yes, we know when to spend less time together. Yes, everyone came home alive.
I asked around and determined Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas was for us! We chose July 4th week for many reasons – and loved that we did. We chose the easier option of docking in and out of Seattle being that we were travelling from Knoxville, Tennessee, to the other side of the country. And as many of you know, we flew Delta- where all the kiddos got pilot wings and airplane trading cards. Be sure to try their chicken salad box for purchase – we highly recommend. Don’t forget to ask for wheelchair assistance with your airline if your party needs that- it created the greatest experience for my mom.
We made plans to spend the weekend in Seattle and so glad we did! We enjoyed seeing all there is to see at Pike Place market, Luke’s lobster rolls, Soul Cycle, the original Starbucks, Elliott’s Oyster House, Seattle Mariners game, and, of course climbing Mount Rainer. I won’t share the hotel we stayed in because I wasn’t super happy with the experience. I only talk about the excellent things. And the other stuff I try to forget. Being that we had 16 people of all ages, we divided and conquered a lot. But it was all amazing!
We ubered to the boat dock and I was thoroughly impressed with the entire onboarding experience- especially since my mom needed wheelchair support. Royal Caribbean has logistics down to a beautiful science. I had never been on a cruise ship before nor travelled this way via water. No one in my room was ever seasick nor felt uneasy about the large ship. We had all of the medicines, but none were needed, thankfully.
We chose the ship that stopped in Sitka, Skagway, Juneau, and Victoria. We had two full days at sea on our seven day trip.
I’ve been told that “water triggers our parasympathetic nervous system.
I am a big believer that God created this world for His Glory and our good. As God was speaking and creation was responding, we see God do miraculous things with His very Word. For reference, check out the powerful historical timeline of Genesis 1 & 2. God’s Word carries power and weight. His Word creates, and creates things the first time in a way that can reproduce itself. God’s Word on any situation causes changes to occur. God’s Word impacts hearts and souls – hard and soft. I was mesmerized by all that my eyes could see. I was mesmerized with all of the creatures I was able to behold – eagles, whales, sea otters, and seals. I was astonished with views of ocean waves, mountains green and snow covered, waterfalls, small towns, lakes and rivers, and don’t forget the small town Alaskan folks thrilled to meet you.
My soul needed rest.
My body needed rest.
My mind needed rest.
My calendar needed rest.
My heart needed quiet stillness.
Frequently, I have been reminded of the historical narrative of Peter walking on the water to Jesus, especially when I was on a boat (ship) surrounded by water.
Matthew 14:22-33
Immediately He (JESUS) made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!”
How often do I focus and meditate on the wind? How often do I become frightened by the very thing that God controls, Jesus controls? Why do I let that “thing” sink me, when my Saviour says, “Come!”
Lord, I long to live as the version of Peter that climbed out of the boat and walked. Lord, I ask that you give me the strength and power to fixate my eyes solely on your face. In Your eyes.
The water that surrounded us washed over my soul. Being immersed in God’s creation without a schedule and internet wrote a new rhythm on my heart and my mind. Today, I choose to be in the midst of things that matter. I choose to focus my eyes on Jesus and those things that do not align are removed. The peace of God consumed my trip and I am beyond thankful for the time He met with me there.
In Sitka, Clif and I experienced a bike and hike which was super fun – Thimbleberry Lake Trailhead not on e-bikes but real bikes! I could live in Sitka – 8,500 people and 14 miles of paved roads. A simpler life. We also enjoyed eating reindeer and blueberry soda from a local food truck. Not to mention purchasing SALT from Alaska Pure Sea Salt! If you want to see bears, this is the place. Also, your photographer husband will be sad for days if he doesn’t see a bear. Make note. 😆 In Skagway, the entire family rode on the White Pass Yukon Route Railroad and it was incredible. I highly recommend you bring snacks and coffee onboard and they only provide bottled water. We also enjoyed an Alaskan Fry Bread at Klondike Doughboy. Amazing! I could live here too! We were able to experience 4th of July celebrations in this small town – tug of war and contests. It was incredible!
In Juneau, my brother and family did the special excursion that took you on a boat off of our ship that was much closer to the glacier and wildlife – Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. They loved it! Also, in Juneau many of us explored over to the Mendenhall Glacier and waterfall. It did include a one mile paved hike, so I recommend renting a wheelchair for this event. It was beautiful – on our drive there we saw eagles everywhere. Also, I heard the crab legs were excellent! In Victoria, I was thoroughly overwhelmed with its beauty. Our crew broke off and did many things – e-bikes around the city, photography around the city, shopping around the city and tea room. This is a city I would make plans to go back for more time. The Abkhazi Garden was divine with its tea room experience. And the town was gorgeous with its Fairmont Empress Hotel, sailboat harbor, China Town, and British Columbia Parliament building. It was a very quick trip to this stop, but it was well worth the time.
None of this includes the family feud night, silent disco, Bingo, speakeasy with live music, workout center overlooking the ocean, running the track above the ship, ice cream Skip Bo game, Taco Goat Cat Cheese Pizza game, Bananagrams game, watching the sun go down at midnight, every hour on the hour, virgin pina coladas, incredible dining experiences and the spa! And so much time in the pools!
And we experienced a beautiful time spent with family. We made memories and every second of it I am thankful. My vow is to never waste a moment of this life. My vow is to keep striving to protect my rest and my peace. My vow is to continue to create relationships with those who truly care about me and for me. My vow is to keep my thoughts meaningful and uplifting – fighting against the critical spirit. My vow is to live life to the fullest and attempt to follow everywhere the Lord leads. My vow is to walk on the water keeping my eyes focused and unhindered.
The formal night. Lounging early morning while the rest of the world slept.Taken by Heather Haley… not Clifton Haley. 😂My people. Check out Amazon for Clifton Haley Photography Alaska Prints.
I love You, Lord For Your mercy never fails me All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands From the moment that I wake up Until I lay my head Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
Life is hard. Life is full of unexpected twist and turns. I find it is much easier to count the ways things don’t go as planned, than the ways of a Faithful God. I find that list forms naturally without even thinking about it. The pains and shortcomings or the “could’ve beens” can easily overtake us and create the space of sadness that imprisons you. We look at one another with the eye of “their life must be perfect” when in reality none are. I heard it once said that we must, “kill the idea of what life is ‘supposed’ to be.”
And all my life You have been faithful And all my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
The “supposed to be”. Who even created that image and where did it come from? As we walk and grow, we must stop and take inventory that while we have all experienced struggle and pain, in those moments His mercies never failed us and we were held in His hands. My journey has created in me the burden of constantly watching for what is going to hit me and my family next. And through these calculations, I try to determine the level of impact and how to prolong or soften it as much as possible. And remind myself that all my life He has been faithful.
Now, I am not sure how healthy that is – but I have definitely done it my entire life. This past week when my dad was back in the hospital again with more of the distress to the body found from diabetes – I was reminded of the goodness of God. In pain, we are forced to choose – depression and sadness or thankfulness and growth. Each day, my joy must be found and lingered in. Lingering – that is a very unique word that can be so very difficult to achieve in this world. Lingering means lasting for a long time or slow to end. I remember the last time I saw my sister alive was our last choir practice together – and we lingered in the parking lot chatting and goofing off. I have never been more thankful for that lingering moment. All of our days are numbered, we must learn to calculate our moments. Where and how can we change our lives by lingering a moment longer with a soul nearby?
I love Your voice You have led me through the fire In the darkest night You are close like no other I’ve known You as a Father I’ve known You as a Friend And I have lived in the goodness of God
It’s amazing what the fires of life can look like. As the world continues to turn upside down, the weather events of extreme nature continue to increase, the loved ones around us pass away and illnesses overtake us – we must cling to His Voice. The day is coming where all will be made right. The day is coming when we will be able to look to the sky and our redemption will be here. The day is coming, as stated all throughout scripture, that we will feel no more pain nor struggle. And when the night gets dark, we must be reminded to turn to the One that is close like no other. He is our Father and our Friend. He is the One that knows our pains and struggles even when we cannot put words to them. He is the One that can carry us through any and all endeavors and paths in the journey we choose to fall down in. He is the Perfect One with the Perfect strength.
Through this journey, I have been reminded of a CS Lewis quote, “I want God, not my idea of God.” I want my idea of God crucified and only the One True God to survive.
And all my life You have been faithful And all my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
‘Cause Your goodness is running after It’s running after me Your goodness is running after It’s running after me With my life laid down I’m surrendered now I give You everything ‘Cause Your goodness is running after It’s running after me
When words won’t come and smiles are forced, I will sing of the goodness of God. When the days are long and the burdens are heavy, I will sing of the goodness of God. When the struggles and challenges keep coming, I will sing of the goodness of God. When the Bible won’t open and the enemy’s lies are strong, I will sing of the goodness of God. When I choose wrong, when right was there all along, I will sing of the goodness of God. Every moment is a choice, and I pray that I will continue to sing of the goodness of God.
And all my life You have been faithful And all my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
Chocolate and blueberry pancakes on a Saturday morning with my sweet girl creating our name place cards and coffee in my favorite cup given by my favorite sister. A Saturday morning linger.
The Journey 