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Spiritual Journey: Advent

I love having a specific word to inspire my writing each week. Thank you Holly! Join us sharing our Spiritual Journeys over at Holly's blog each Thursday. 


ADVENT. I've been thinking about this word for the past few days. I feel like this week's topic inspired a poem...


Advent
Be still 
Light the candles
Pray with wonder
Listen
Listen
Listen
Listen

Advent
Slow down
Prepare yourself
Invite hope inside
Watch
Watch
Watch
Watch

Advent
Pay attention
Be purposeful
Do all things in love
Pray
Pray
Pray
Pray

Blessed is she
who has believed
that the Lord 
would fulfill
His promises
to her! (Luke 1:45)

Advent is a time of preparation, prayer, hopeful anticipation and so often I find myself forgetting about it. Not paying attention. Getting lost in the busy-ness! December is a time of rushing and planning and baking and parties and wrapping and traveling. Advent gets lost in the chaos. This past Sunday my pastor preached about hopeful expectations of the season. He asked this question: What miracle might God want to birth in my life? If I want to see the miracle, I need to focus on listening, watching, praying, and BE-ing.  It's the heart of this season, the Heart of Christmas...

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Comments

  1. Margaret SimonDecember 4, 2014 at 6:43 AM

    Michelle,
    I love your poem shaped like three crosses, significant and symbolic. I am also thinking about slowing down to pay attention and be intentional. Happy Advent!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Holly MuellerDecember 4, 2014 at 7:22 AM

    Both you and Margaret wrote about intention and attention. The "Heart of Christmas" song is a perfect reminder.

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownDecember 4, 2014 at 8:03 AM

    Your reminder is so important -- to slow down, listen and pray. I'm working this year to focus on the season rather than the hustle and bustle. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  4. CarolDecember 5, 2014 at 7:23 AM

    Your poem made me cry, as did your pastor's question. I'm going to start praying this question this week. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. RamonaDecember 5, 2014 at 10:15 AM

    Michelle, I love your poem! Be still, slow down, pay attention - wonderful advice for this season of advent.
    On another note, are you the slicer who gave me my delightful box with so many wonderful quotes? I wasn't kidding when I said that I really can't remember names, but I wanted to thank you again (if you are indeed the slicer who gave it to me with the words - "I'm not crafty).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michelle HaseltineDecember 6, 2014 at 6:37 AM

      Thanks Ramona! It sounds like a wonderful gift...it's not from me though. :)

      Delete
  6. JaanaDecember 6, 2014 at 8:53 PM

    Great song to remind us about the true reason for Christmas! And your poem, Listen, Watch and Pray! What could be more meaningful during the Advent season.

    ReplyDelete

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