Practicing & Praying Through Advent.

As I was reading a blog on Lara Casey and preparing December goals, I came across a post by Lara Casey founder of Make it Happen writing about one of her December goals dedicated to Advent. I soon began to ponder on what is Advent? I thought she is a Christian and so am I, but I do not recall practicing Advent. So the researcher in me began to google Advent. My findings were that Advent is the anticipation of the Coming of Jesus Christ. Advent reflects on the "two comings" of Christ. The first coming is the birth of Jesus and the second coming is what us Christians are looking forward to and that is Jesus Christ returning again. My findings also led me to learn that four weeks of study, prayer and fasting are dedicated to Advent and through this process one is able to connect with the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit in a more in depth and intimate way. Advent brings back what the real meaning and symbolism of Christmas is and focuses the mind, heart and soul on Jesus! I then decided to begin my own journey through this four week journey of Advent. I am using the devotional The Dawning of Indestructible Joy: Daily Reading for Advent by John Piper. I began my journey today on day four of Advent so I went back and read the introduction and days one, two and three.  I have learned that Advent is not just for reflecting on the coming of Christ but the "continual advent into more and more lives" (John Piper). This is awesome! God is continually working and Jesus came on a mission to seek and save the lost. Jesus is thee greatest example of what it means to seek, serve and save lives. I am excited for what will be birthed out of this journey of practicing Advent, surrendering to God and  allowing Jesus Christ to continually Advent his love, power, grace,compassion into my Spirit. I will update you on my journey. If you want to join me it is not too late. You can find many devotionals pertaining to Advent online. I will also place the link of the devotional I am reading below. Blessings and Love to You!

Shalom,
Jazz

https://document.desiringgod.org/the-dawning-of-indestructible-joy-en.pdf?ts=1446648252

Your Silence Will Not Protect You, It Will Not Save You.

Majority of my life I have exercised silence. Ever since I can remember I have been more of an observer than a talker. I have learned to be silent and have been told to be silent. Silence has come over me in voluntary ways and some in, involuntary ways. Writing has been my silent language and for so long I have exercised and practiced it well. My silence and writing have been good to me and helped me through unpleasant experiences. Silence has allowed me to observe and interpret and more often than not overthink whats been poured in. Silence can reap benefits, but at the same instance silence can kill. There will come a season where one will become so full with experience that the silence within will need to be heard and the uncomfortabilities of the soul will need to be stirred. I am not saying that people should talk to just be talking. Your story will be meaningless if  it does not meet the ears of a person who is in the motion of seeking a story with the abilities to free & enlighten. Audre Lorde said, "Your silence will not protect you, it will not save you," so imagine if you could open the doors to heaven with your words. Silence is a beautiful gift...but there will come a time when the wisdom, experience, hardships, success, joys you have acquired will need to help someone else live inspired. My Silence...spoken in Love is to come soon.

Written in Love,
J.N Clark