3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

church

Thursday, the First Week of Advent: Titles of Jesus in the Bible

by

Lutheran Advent Season, What is is All About? Hopefully, this series will inspire, teach and prepare you for Christmas in a way you never considered. ONe of the titles of Jesus in the Bible is Wonderful Counselor. Learn how He can counsel and release you of your sins.Titles of Jesus in the Bible

There are many titles of Jesus in the Bible including incredible and lofty titles for the Baby Jesus: Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace.

This was the basis for the sermon for the first Wednesday night service in Advent at Trinity Lutheran Church in Murdock. Let’s just take the first name, wonderful counselor.

Jesus Christ was meant to walk beside us, guide us, help us and give us strength and answers when we cannot.

When the world turns against us and threatens our mind and soul who do we turn to? A counselor or therapist. Jesus.

Jesus is the best counselor. He is always there, and he doesn’t charge an hourly fee. You don’t have to place an emergency call to Him.

“You are mine. I put my name on you. You have the Holy Spirit. All my Good Friday benefits are yours: forgiveness, life, and salvation.”

Wonder of a Counselor

When your sins threaten to swallow you up and take over. You know that feeling, your heart races over all the lies you have told, the fibs, the cover stories to explain away deceit.  

Or maybe you are so consumed by wanting to get ahead at work, chasing money, playing office politics, to earn advancement by cheating a coworker or customers. THAT is how sin destroys and harms your soul.

Maybe you have an antagonistic relationship with a parent? You have fought in the past. Silence and animosity linger in the air. Holding onto anger, or hate is harmful. Don’t believe me. Try this exercise.

Think of the person and how they have harmed you. Does your breathing change, does your chest feel tight? You carry the weight. Don’t do it any longer. Let it go. Give it to Jesus, let Him console you.

Reflections of Advent Season, the title of Jesus being Wonderful Counselor

” Baby Counselor Jesus is there to console you with His saving death and resurrection. His words are divine. His words count. His words matter. His words TO YOU and FOR YOU are: “even though your sins be red as scarlet, they are made white as snow by my Good Friday blood.”

Forgiveness is powerful. It releases you from bearing the responsibility of the other person.  You can almost feel a weight taken off your shoulders. It sets you free.

Advent Season Reflections: Thursday, First Week Advent

Reading for the 1st Thursday in Advent: Isaiah 9:1-7

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 24: 1-13;  John 1:10:14

Links to follow the First Week of Advent


Wednesday, the First Week of Advent: Children of God, the Gift of Adoption

by

We are all Children of God

You aren’t an accident. Things don’t just happen for an unknown reason. 

God created you, he made those around you. He placed you in a family, exactly where you need to be and the people around you are a gift. You, in turn, are a gift to the people around you.

Who is your family? How did you come to be in your family?

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6jO7xhU_Pw[/embedyt]

You see, I was adopted as an infant. At the earliest age, it was explained that I was “chosen”, wanted, and loved. My Mom and Dad chose to have a baby, but biologically it was not possible. So God gave them a gift, me.

In fact, it was just shortly after Christmas they received a letter saying a baby girl was waiting for them. I grew up with the comfort knowing I was NOT a mistake, I was NOT an accident. I was born at the right time, for a purpose.

The Gift of Adoption. If you are adopted, you are NOT a mistake. You are a child of God and a Gift.Gift of Adoption

Many adopted children search for their biological parents and feel as if a piece of them are “missing”. I never felt that way. My husband is adopted and he feels the same way. His Mom and Dad are his parents and he has never searched and never expressed a desire.

I feel if God wants you to know, or meet, it will happen. Just like it happened with my husband and the son he placed for adoption years later. Father and son were reunited after 25 years. It was none other than the hand of God working in many people to make it happen.

Over the years many people have asked: “Don’t you want to know?” I’ve had several discussions with friends who either were adopted, or have a spouse who is adopted. Some want to blame their “life problems” on not having a “parental connection” as an infant.

I seriously have been at peace my whole life with knowing I was a “gift” from God.

Isn’t it wonderful to be a “gift”, wow, that is really something when you think about it, I mean really think about it. We give for Christmas, birthdays, and sometimes the most wonderful gifts are unexpected.

I am a daughter of God, I am a baptized child of God. My Godmother made sure I was baptized right away and she became extremely influential in my life. Sunday school in the tiny Broad Brook country church started the journey and I have been wrapped in the arms of Jesus my whole life. Maybe that is why I’m secure in my place on earth.

Lutheran Advent Season, What is is All About? Hopefully, this series will inspire, teach and prepare you for Christmas in a way you never considered. This is about the gift of adoption and how your real Father in Heaven is the only true Father you need.

Life hasn’t always been kind, there have been struggles. Oh how there have been struggles! But, God has saved me so many times I can’t count. God gave me a gift of Christ Jesus when he was born as a baby on Christmas. The gift is the promise that God will save me. He will make good out of whatever the universe throws at me.

That is what it means to be a child of God.

I believe things happen for a reason, in Gods’ purpose and timing.  For years my children have been wanting me to find out more about my ancestral heritage, their heritage. Are we Native American (Indian) like I thought? But I never felt the timing was right. Something this summer prompted me to send a DNA sample to 23nMe.Create Link

Religious views on adoption. You are not a mistake, you are here for a purpose

Nope, I’m the person that “traded their Lederhosen for a Kilt” as I found out I was more English and Irish, so our dark complexions come from Black Irish, ok. That’s cool. DNA related family, I did hold my breath when I clicked on the report. Closest relatives, a few 2nd cousins, and a thousand or so 4th and 5th cousins. I laughed. Yes, I laughed.

What did I expect? That the universe would suddenly align and all the mysteries would be solved?

No, I had no mysteries that needed solving. Since then more relatives have appeared on my report. I was contacted by a first cousin and my curiosity was piqued. One conversation led to another and after several months I have learned I have more cousins than I can count, sisters and brothers (half anyway). It has been overwhelming on both sides yet I have been welcomed into another family.

It is fun to compare family resemblances with family members and see similarities with my kids. Is the story complete? No, and that’s ok.  It is God’s timing, not mine, or anyone else’s. The story may never be told, and that’s ok.

The child of God in me knows my true Father. My parents raised me, I need no other Father here on earth.

I am content.

Reflections the First Wednesday of Advent

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 14: 1-23; 2 Peter 3:1-18

Links to follow the First Week of Advent

Lutheran Advent Season: Daily Reflections

by

The Lutheran Advent Season prepares us for the birth of the baby Jesus. Why Am I Starting a Lutheran Advent Season Series?

As Christmas approaches it is easy to lose focus on the birth of Jesus Christ get wrapped up in the commercialism of the season. The insert Lutheran Advent Season reflections in my church mailbox gave me an idea. It was copied and printed on black and white copy paper, nothing fancy and yet it is so simple.

Each day is outlined with a specific reading and lesson to reflect on the meaning of the Advent season. As I started reading so many things came to mind.

You see I teach Sunday School and have for over 25 years. I always look for inspiration, ideas, and ways to teach my fourth and fifth graders in a way they can relate and understand the Bible and the Gospel message.

Right now we are practicing for our Christmas Eve program and I am the piano accompanist. So I’m craving some eye-opening teaching time.

Hopefully, this series will inspire, teach and prepare you for Christmas in a way you never considered. I will include the Daily reading, hymns, music, and a summary of the Reflection of the Day. A link to Trinity Lutheran Church online sermons will also be provided.

I encourage you to comment below, for a couple of reasons. God wants you to ask questions. By asking questions you learn and understand.

The First Sunday of Advent

Today’s Reading: Matthew 21:1-9

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 9:8-10:11; 1 Peter 5:1-14

Jesus is coming!! He is “the coming ONE”

This, in a nutshell, is the Christian meaning of Advent. Advent is all about Jesus coming to you. He’s not coming to condemn you, He’s coming to save you. He will take upon Himself all your sins and give you everlasting life.

So what are you going to do to make yourself ready?

Nothing. There is nothing that you can do that will make Jesus love you any more than he already does. He alone makes you ready. He delivers His coming to you in His gifts.

Hymns: First Sunday Advent

Hymns during Advent are anticipatory and lead up to Christmas and the anticipation of the birth of Baby Jesus. Many songs people think of as Christmas music are actually Advent hymns. O Come, O Come Emmanuel is what I would call an anthem for Advent.

Oxford Hymn Settings for Organists: Advent and Christmas: 38 original pieces on hymns and carolsOxford Hymn Settings for Organists: Advent and Christmas: 38 original pieces on hymns and carolsSeven Preludes on Advent HymnsSeven Preludes on Advent HymnsO Come, O Come, EmmanuelO Come, O Come, EmmanuelWillis Music O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Early Inter Level) Willis Series by Carolyn C. SetliffWillis Music O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Early Inter Level) Willis Series by Carolyn C. Setliff

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO7ySn-Swwc[/embedyt]

The Piano Guys O Come, O Come Emmanuel is one of my favorite renditions of this popular Advent song. I do scour YouTube for Advent hymns and will be sharing my favorites in the month to come.

A more traditional version of O Come, O Come Emanuel YouTube edition is the performed by a traditional choir.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xtpJ4Q_Q-4[/embedyt]

I like both. Which is your favorite?

Links to follow the Lutheran Advent Season of Reflection

Tomorrow I will share another of my favorite hymns for Advent Season: Savior of the Nations Come.

 

Letting Go of Christmas Expectations and the Stress

by

Merry Christmas to everyone, I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season.

As you eat prime rib, turkey, and open gifts from your family and friends are you thinking this Christmas is not meeting expectations? Is it different, are your traditions changing? Our Christmas traditions are definitely changing and it’s not a bad thing.  It’s an adjustment.

Merry Christmas church candles

Due to outside family obligations, we have “our” Christmas on Christmas Eve-Eve on December 23rd and open presents at 12:01 am on Christmas Eve.

Long story, but it’s become a tradition. Normally I get the 23rd and or the 24th off, but this year I had to work and it really put my Christmas season out of whack.

We had the dinner, which was AMAZING, but then can prime rib roast NOT be amazing. My husband was wonderful in getting dinner prepared while I was at work and Christmas program practice.

I basically showed up and ate, which wonderful and odd at the same time.

It’s now Christmas Day, it is just the two of us, and the house is quiet. This gives me time to reflect on the year and where I’ve been and where I’m going.

This year I “let go” during the Holidays.

    • I didn’t get every Christmas cookie made.
    • I didn’t get cards mailed, ok that’s several years in a row.
    • I didn’t stress about all the presents under the tree being adorned with bows, ribbons and looking fancy.,,,in fact
    • ALL the presents were with the SAME wrapping paper, and not a bow to be seen (OMG!)
    • Not all the Christmas decorations were put up this year.
    • I shrugged off the fact my “extra” presents for people didn’t happen this year.
    • I didn’t cry when all the kids couldn’t be home during dinner. (traveling from out of state isn’t predictable)
    • I didn’t stress about the “yearly” family Christmas photo in front of the tree where everyone is dressed up for church service. (didn’t happen this year)
    • I didn’t freak out that everyone couldn’t make it to Christmas Eve service. (my daughter had to work late)
    • I didn’t go into a panic trying to find that present (ornament) that got “lost” this year. It will show up this week I’m sure.

What I did do this year.

  • I was thankful for the present, now and today.
  • I sat on the couch, watched the Christmas tree lights and listened to Christmas carols on Pandora.
  • I hugged my adult kids when I could, much to their dismay.
  • I snuggled on the couch with my husband watching Christmas movies.

and…

Baby Jesus in the cradle at a Church Christmas program

    • I played the piano during the church Christmas Eve program and listened to the pure sound of the kids singing Away in the Manger.
    • I teared up singing Silent Night at the Candlelight portion of the service.
    • I am grateful to be alive and have all my grown kids healthy, happy and all together today. No matter where they are spending the day.

Holy Gifts: The True Meaning of Gold, Frankincense, and MyrrhHoly Gifts: The True Meaning of Gold, Frankincense, and MyrrhC Is for Christmas: The History, Personalities, and Meaning of Christ's BirthC Is for Christmas: The History, Personalities, and Meaning of Christ’s Birth

&

&

True meaning of Christmas

Does it feel different? Yes, and it feels odd. But,…Christmas is not about the commercialism, the wrappings, or the gifts.

It starts with Christ, a baby born a humble birth, in a time of turmoil, who was sent by God to save His people and world. The Peace of God, the everlasting forgiveness who washes away our sins, cleanse us and makes us new.

To think over two thousand years ago a simple baby, a child, a man, was able to change the world. All of this without social media, just word of mouth from one person to another.

Merry Christmas Everyone and Remember the Reason for the Season!

The First Christmas NightThe First Christmas NightThe Christmas Miracle of Jonathan ToomeyThe Christmas Miracle of Jonathan ToomeyThe Christmas Story: From The King James BibleThe Christmas Story: From The King James BibleAway in a Manger: The Christmas Story from a Nativity Scene Lamb's Point of ViewAway in a Manger: The Christmas Story from a Nativity Scene Lamb’s Point of View

&

 

God’s Blessings and Easter Miracle Stories

by

Easter Miracle Stories Can Happen

I believe in Gods’ blessings and the Easter miracle stories because I witnessed a personal Easter miracle.

Miracles from Heaven: A Little Girl and Her Amazing Story of Healing

Many of you hear of Easter miracles, stories testimonials and casually dismiss their validity. You may patiently listen, smile, and nod your head. But truly not believe.

I did the same. But no longer. My father was dying in a hospital. The doctors and nurses were saying any minute, any hour. But I witnessed my own miracle on Easter.

All we need to do is believe and have faith. It’s that simple. Christ died for us on Good Friday many years ago and through the miracle of his Resurrection showed how we can have everlasting life.

All we need to do is believe and have faith. It’s that simple. Christ died for us on Good Friday many years ago and through the miracle of his Resurrection showed how we can have everlasting life.

For by Grace you have been saved through faith and it is not your doing, but a Gift from God (Ephesians 2:8).

easter miracle stories

Easter has a special meaning for me and the traditional Easter hymns bring me back to certain times in my life when I have witnessed miracles.

There are true life miracle stories that happen every day. Stories that have no explanation that can only be attributed to the grace of God.

My Easter Miracle Story

In 1995 I received a call from my Mother on Good Friday. Dad was in the hospital and not expected to make it through the weekend.

I immediately flew 1500 miles to Connecticut and we started a 24-hour bedside vigil.

The years of emphysema and COPD had taken a toll, Dad was laying in the hospital bed, nonresponsive and hooked to machines that beeped his life story.

I had the overnight shift on Saturday night and spent the hours repeatedly putting his oxygen mask back on his face, as he kept pulling it down. The nurses came in and asked me what I wanted them to do if he stopped breathing.

They did not expect my Father to live through the night.

I just gave them a stern and outraged look and said, “He can hear you, we aren’t going to talk about it.” You see, my Father had not yet met his brand new granddaughter, who had just been born a few months earlier.

The next morning was Easter, and I left the hospital when I Mom arrived to attend Easter Service at my home church of Grace Episcopal in Broad Brook CT.  Traditional Easter songs have always moved me in ways I can’t explain.

I sat in the back, in one of the Mother rocking chairs with my baby girl, and listened to the traditional Easter hymns in that small church. I prayed, I held my baby girl, rocked her, and wept. The He’s Risen hymn touched my heart and soul and I can’t explain the feeling I felt.

It was a warmth, a radiating “tingle” throughout my entire body that did not cease. I tried to sing, but could not because of the lump in my throat.

I prayed for an Easter miracle.

After church, I went anxiously to the hospital. My Dad was sitting up and drinking coffee.

I have no explanation except as an example of the many Easter miracle stories that abound.  Afterward,  I learned he was on seven prayer lists that morning.

Thank you for that Easter miracle and those last few days with my Dad. Christ is Risen indeed, and Jesus gives life.

Hymns to Enjoy this Happy Easter

To me, these hymns are Easter. They are my favorite traditional hymns and I look forward to singing Jesus Christ is Risen Today hymn during church every Easter morning. I do have to admit there is always a lump in my throat as I remember sitting in my hometown Episcopal church praying for my Father.

Jesus Christ is Risen Today Hymn

Traditional Easter songs cross over various denominations. The following Christian hymns and music are sung in churches of various denominations including Episcopal, Lutheran and Catholic churches.

Christ the Lord is Risen Today Hymn

My favorite traditional Easter hymn is “Christ the Lord is Risen Today.” It reminds me of not only my own Easter miracle story but God’s grace in my life every day.

He’s Risen, He’s Risen Hymn

Another favorite hymn in both the Lutheran and Episcopal church is the He’s Risen Hymn. It’s also one of mine. The majesty of the He’s Risen hymn played by an organ is magnificent and will send a chill through your soul.

Thank you for reading and listening. If you have a favorite Easter Hymn or Easter miracle stories please share them, below.

Remember Easter is not just one day, but all year round. Christ is Risen!  

Have a Happy Easter and look for Easter miracle stories in your life, not just on Easter, but every day.

If you love the traditional Easter songs and are looking for Easter hymns and sheet music for the piano try the music books below.

Lorie Line - The Heritage Collection Volume 6 - Piano Solo PersonalityLorie Line – The Heritage Collection Volume 6 – Piano Solo PersonalityHeritage Collection 2 by Lorie Line (2000-09-29)Heritage Collection 2 by Lorie Line (2000-09-29)Christ Is Risen! - 26 Easter Songs Celebrating the ResurrectionChrist Is Risen! – 26 Easter Songs Celebrating the ResurrectionA Month of Sundays: Easter and Lent (Sacred Performer Collections)A Month of Sundays: Easter and Lent (Sacred Performer Collections)