FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT = LOVE!

Since December 30, 2025, at our church we have celebrated 3 different aspects of advent each week.

Hope, Peace, and Joy.

Today....LOVE! LOVE!! LOVE!!! LOVE !!!! is our focus!

Today, as we wait in remembrance of Christ's nativity,

 we light the purple candle of LOVE.......

to celebrate the coming of Jesus the Christ Child.....

.......our Savior! 

It also points ahead to His promised return. 

Christ's return in the Second Coming.

Reflection, prayer and expectant celebration!

GOD IS LOVE! (1 JOHN 4:8)

NATIVI-TEA: MY FAVORITE DECEMBER CUPPA!

It's the most wonderful time of the year....

"for unto us a child is born."

In the mailbox.....

Outside.....

......Swain County Heritage Museum

Inside.....

.....a church

.....and within view of my prayer chair

and a warm cuppa Bewley's Irish breakfast!

HIS WISDOM = WELL-BEING!

God's Word gives wisdom.

• (Wisdom's) ways are highways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. (Proverbs 3:17, AMPC)
• A wise man keeps silent. (Proverbs 29:11,NLV)
• She speaks with wisdom...(Proverbs 31:26a, NOG)
• If any....lack wisdom,...ask of God. (James 1:5a, KJV)

Proverbs 3:1-4 summarizes the benefits of God's Wisdom.

God's Word gives wisdom in abundance for our well-being.

Thanks be to God!

JOY = THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT!

JOY! JOY!! JOY!!!

Whether in person, live-stream or later on YouTube, we celebrated 3 Advent services today; blessed by each as we focused on the coming birth of our Savior Jesus. Each had a church family light the candle and explain its color and place in the wreath.

A small church celebrated their Christmas Cantata as a UMC choir 35 miles away joined a FBC to add voices to Advent celebration. Singing. Sharing Responsive reading among the choir including verses from Luke 2. Having a children's lesson at the altar to explain the first pink candle to be lit known as the shepherd's candle. Congregational singing "Joy to the World."

Live-stream church FEC in a later time-zone had a large sanctuary and choir loft filled with the city orchestra plus church members seniors and teens played instruments as well.

A children's choir joined the adult choir as the service began.

Little man in plaid, front row knew all the hand motions & could have led the entire group. A special treat was the acceptance of one little fellow, whose family I know well, who treated all to a view of his belly-button a couple of times. (Adorable front row little guy in black & white to far right)

A hymn/carol included, 'Silent Night, Lonely Night" was new to me but the words rang as the words told of the difficulties of life that can darken ones life and weary ones  with trials..... BUT God offers peace and comfort for one's soul when His son Jesus entered bore sorrows and offered eventually offered his redeeming blood Christ the Savior, in whom is all our hope. All is calm and bright.

YouTube Service had excellent visuals as the Matthew 1 responsive reading was led by the two lighting the candle together. I chose a few of my favorites; to reflect the reason for the Advent season. 

Thank you LORD for blessing me over and over again as each church today included HARK THE HEARLD ANGELS SING  as one they chose to sing. 

A Christmas carol close to my heart

3 great ways to celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent!

BEAUTY FOUND IN TANGLED WEBS!

Photographer friend, Anne B., has a way of finding and highlighting beauty in the messes of life!

I, on the other hand, lately have a way of making messes in life or walking in fear that my decisions might mess things up for everyone. Decision making is so difficult as "what ifs" flutter all around in my mind.

My Uncle John Edward learned during WWII to "pull self up" by his boot straps. I don't even have any bootstraps. Plus, it sounds self-reliant to me!

If I have been constantly reminded of anything since our move to NC.....it's the need to lean into the Lord every day. It's His strength I need. His path I want. Leaning in to Him gives both strength and a straight path.

Today, even in the tangles, may I find fulness of joy in His presence as I follow the path of life He has made known to me. (Psalm 16:11)

WOW = WORDS OF WISDOM!

All true wisdom comes from God.

Trust in Him = Help!

A thrust of trust for Thursday!

WISDOM IN PRACTICE!

Wisdom in practice is action.

Think walking in wisdom.

A practical way to live out wisdom is to pass on the truth God has taught us, from His Word, to neighbors, nations and the next generation. (Allen Bible Church) 

Live it out. An RX for applying Scripture in our daily lives allows others to "see" Christ in us.

Fellowship with other believers is mutually strengthening.

Walk with the wise and become wise. 

(Proverbs 13:20 NIVa)

May we make this a true Walkabout Wednesday!

Let's practice wisdom together.

BLESSINGS OF WISDOM!

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom! (Proverbs 3:13)

Understanding enhances wisdom and takes it to a whole new level for each new situation.

Praise the Lord for the many words he gives us to meditate/chew on.....which, like His mercies, can be new every morning and lead us to paths of peace. (Proverbs 3:17)

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom! (...with permission to write in her Bible)

Enough said as a summary for this "Teaching Tuesday"!

PEACE = SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT!

Great place to be during ADVENT is with God's people!

"Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" are shared words of John the Baptist from Matthew3:2. (Pastor Dave)

Whether it's an older couple or a young family, it's a blessing seeing families come together to share in the lighting of the advent wreath.

The second purple candle is for PEACE.

Peace = wholeness and flourishing. (Pastor Buddy, ABC) 

Such peace is needed in both the church and throughout the world. 

PLACE OF GRACE CHRISTMAS PARADE 2025!

Small towns can often show folks what is important in their lives through their celebrations. Especially at Christmas.

From bands, live animals and nativities to that mean one, Mr. Grinch 

Today's Christmas parade was just that---

An early float had "Go Tell it on the Mountains" singers belting it out and many bystanders in this mountain town joined in, especially on the refrain, "That Jesus Christ is born."

JESUS Sweetest Name I Know......

'Tis so Sweet to Trust Jesus

The Sheriff's Department also participated to the delight of our first-grader grand. They locked up the Grinch so he would not steal Christmas.

Every time the Grinch broke out of jail, the Sheriffs would recapture him. The Grinch did not have a chance to steal Christmas.

A farm family used Psalm 50:10 to reflect every animal belongs to God---as they sang hymns together.

Certainly at every turn on the parade route one saw...

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

Do I hear an Amen?!

Another family float near the end of the parade blew "snow" across all attendees..... 

...with a sign that summed it all up for their family.

In case any reader is confused......JESUS SAVES....

JESUS SAVES.......TWO WORDS THAT SAY IT ALL!

ALL PATHS!

A picture can be worth a thousand words---thus this post.

A great "Saturday Short" for one who has been camped in Psalm 25.

I would give credit for this photo but I have no idea where or when I found it. Obviously it was during a warmer time!

PATHS OF LIFE!

Few paths in life are straight. The direction or length of the path can be an age-related choice based on one's physical attributes.

Though beautiful, many paths are even rocky.....both physical and mental.

So............how does one recognize the path or paths that are just right for him/her? 

Warning---My paths became so curvy, you will be confused.

Recent bedtime reading, Bathed in Prayer by Jan Karon, I came across an excerpt from her 2005 book Light from Heaven, prayer of the vicar's as he, Father Tim, sat and dog, Barnabas leaned against his shoulder. 'I am Thine, O Lord. Show me Thy ways, teach me Thy paths, lead me in Thy truths and teach me.'

(Psalm 25:4-5a)

My ESV Bible had Psalm 25 listed as Teach Me Your Paths 

OF DAVID

The first 2 verses "had" me for a few days. A great starting point for my path. I sat and went nowhere.

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

O my God, in you I trust.

The next curve in my path took me to an on-line devotional book. Songs of Jesus by Timothy Keller. I sat in my prayer chair. February 13 was location for Psalm 25:1-7. He emphasized David's convictions were "a man must live by the help of God, not by his wits." Keller's concluding prayer began, "Lord, I want to live according to your Word--"your ways, your truth"....

Obviously, somedays one can follow the path God has for them without ever standing up or leaving the house. 

KINDNESS COMMENTS AND BEYOND!

How rewarding to receive a special gift from a dear couple who have been longtime friends! A kind gift---a book I had never read! A book full of kindness woven into life's complexities. The book had me at the humor on the dedication page all the way to the PROLOGUE! 

Did I mention even a gift offering at the end?

Theo of Golden, published in 2023 when I had an occipital lobe stroke & I was unable to read without audio help. This timely 2025 gift became for me a book to savor. 

Often I saw examples of where joy and sorrow could co-exist. It reminded me of 2 Corinthians 6:10 phrases "as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing, as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing but possessing everything."

"Sadness and joy can co-exist" as seen in the lives of some in Golden. Theo's "friend" Asher believed "for anything to be truly good, there must be love in it. He then asked Theo how does one know if something has love in it? Theo responded ".....That is the question, isn't it? And I'm not sure I know the answer either. But God does. (Theo of Golden, p. 129. Emphasis mine)

Amen. God knows the answers we need!

Throughout the book, I sensed Theo's wisdom was sadness can make one bitter or wise. 

Hmm-- Sadness can make one bitter or wise.

Metaphorically, I'll take that one step further......

The choice is ours! But God knows the best answer. 

WISDOM NEGATES WORRY!

Don't worry be happy is a bogus catch-phrase! It gives no counsel or real wisdom to one who has a "worry-bent"----even knowing worry is worthless!

(Wisdom's) Ways are highways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. Proverbs 3:17, AMPC.

May this former teacher, yet often slow learner, remember the wisdom of "praying BIG to worry less" thus clearing the "worry-webs" in her head.

TORN AND TATTERED!

Torn and Tattered. The way I feel some days!

Once belonging to F. Heron. Purchased by me in 1998(?) in Harley, England near Gatwick Airport. Diane A., JoLynn H. Pam Higg, and I were staying at Kevin's B&B near the antique shop. 

Reason for purchasing....Psalms prayers, Hymns of old & pictures similar the ones in Mama Davenport's KJV Bible.

I appreciated the wealth of wisdom therein.

 

God guides me with His counsel (wisdom TLB, wise advice, NIRV)....for me it is good to be near God; 

(Psalm 73:24a & 28:a)

Never torn and tattered but fresh and new each day.

ADVENT: WORTHY OF NOTE!

For Christians, Advent is an important celebration of the four weeks leading up to Christmas and the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ! An advent wreath usually contains three purple, one pink and one white candle.

Today in North Carolina, Tennessee & Texas the first candle, a purple candle signifying hope, was lit by special people in special ways.

A Baptist Church in Bryson City, NC

An Evangelical Church in Memphis, TN

Isaiah 11:9

A Bible Church in Allen, Texas

Jesus is true God and true man are celebrations worthy of note in the Christian community of faith!  

SCRIPTURE & HYMN OF GRATEFUL PRAISE!

SCRIPTURE & HYMN OF GRATEFUL PRAISE! 

Humming and praising as I go today!

But God....reminded me to start first with Him!

Psalm 100 it was---already bookmarked with a card from Joyce Ann!

My ESV Bible labels it A PSALM FOR GIVING THANKS!

• Serve the Lord with gladness. Come into His presence with singing! (v. 2)
• Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! (v.4a)
• Give thanks to him; bless his name! (v.4b)

SCRIPTURE & HYMN OF GRATEFUL PRAISE 

IN EVERYTHING..GIVE THANKS!

IN EVERYTHING..GIVE THANKS!

4 words that say it all!

As today began, our horn of plenty, aka cornucopia from harvest days, was overflowing! 10 of family and friends coming for Thanksgiving. 

All sharing in the bounty of bringing and enjoying!

Daughter called..... sick....unable to come or make food. 

Jack has fever!

Owen unable to help us move furniture. 

Prayers needed for healing---comfort & strength! 

-4 coming. 

Run to store necessary to replenish with whatever's left on shelf.

Making do is what we'll do......delivering food to them too.

4 words that say it all!

IN EVERYTHING..........GIVE THANKS!

SENSORY GIFTS!

Vivid Imagery that evokes our 5 senses.....can often evoke all five & then wrap it with emotions, which one can even feel without touching!

That's what arrived at our door this past weekend! A timely gift as it will welcome others to our house for Thanksgiving!

An aromatic bouquet that touched my heart.

Beauty can be seen immediately along with reflections in the ornament. The earthy wiff/smell of the fresh evergreen is a close-up woodsy aroma. The velvety feel of the bright red bow invites fingers to stroke/touch it. When the door opens one hears the sound of ornaments "ringing" a welcome! Of the 5 senses, only taste is left. But this wreath has that covered as well with the nutcracker standing guard to remind us of taste of fresh nuts to be cracked waiting inside!

This sensory generous gift from our friends in the faith, Beth and Bill, has warmed our hearts and coaxed warm memories of so many Christmas Eves in the past! 

Thanks you! Thank you!! Thank you!!! (1Thessalonians 1:2)

GOD ORCHESTRATED PATHS CROSSING!

Have you ever met someone from Texas on your first week in a new state? (North Carolina) A new state for her as well! 

We sat right beside each other at the driver's license place making the long wait an adventure!

The next day, we ran into each other again at the Courthouse picking up our new tags. She unknowingly picked up the last "In God We Trust Plate." A choice that showed me our hearts were in the same place! 

One day Mr.Mike seated for a yummy lunch at Everett Street Diner---just the two of us-- not sure where our hubbies were. We both took home our left-overs--again, girl after my own heart! 

She visited our home for a "Molly" event. Larry and I visited her home overlooking Fontana Lake--blog readers have seen beautiful pictures she shared from there!

My first medical malady hit. Visitors were not to be part of my recovery!

She started praying and kept praying when more and more doctor appointments and hospital visits in far away places, became somewhat routine. She kept praying and texting----keeping up, even when I could not.

Recently, a "new to me", autographed devotional book, GOOD MORNING, God!, arrived; the author, Ginger Hurta, is a friend of hers! Daily entries "seem spot on."

Entering Thanksgiving week, today's entry certainly hit the spot for me!

Glory in His holy name, 

let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!

(1 Chronicles 16:10)

Grateful for the Lord orchestrating our paths to cross! May we both continue to have hearts that rejoice in the Lord for His glory & the good of our friendship! Cathy G. and me!!

SUNRISE SUNDAY TO SERENE SABBATH!!

What a begining to my day! 

A bIg thanks to Cathy G. for sharing.

She probably saw it yesterday from her mountain ridge over looking Fontana Lake! But I saw the pic as I started my Sabbath!

A SERENE SABBATH BEGINNING!

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you." (Isaiah 60:1)

Believers, lets awaken to God's call and reflect His light and Presence every step of the way to today!

More to come....probably tomorrow as we're headed to church and I won't be online after, if I want an extended serene Sabbath!

OUR CREATOR!

On this misty mountain morning, I would feel lonely except for the Presence of the Lord and the blessings & prayers of friends from afar! 

Anne Brewer--November Calendar

For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies, 

for the love which from our birth, over and around us lies. 

Lord of all to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

 

Even with the chill of the mountain air, I feel warm inside. The sun brings warmth to my toes. They are tapping. I feel like dancing....a ridiculous idea from someone who has trouble staying vertical on most days.

But God.....in His love and mercy has me considering dancing as I hum to quiet my soul. Humming to diminish the  noise in my head and heart, especially for dear ones!

Delighting in the presence of our Creator, I now begin to pray for others!

May we hum and toe tap together, in a "dance" of sorts, wherever God has us today! 

TUESDAY TREAT!

What a treat!

When one's youngest grand receives a special stuffed animal from her dad's recent Bahama's trip, she is all smiles!

When granddaughter chooses to name her "piggie" Dotsy after her grandmother, Grandmother is all smiles!

Grandchildren are the crown of the aged. (Proverbs 17:6)

Truely a Tuesday treat for this grandmother!