Celebrating Advent: A-Z Family Guide

Since I was a little girl, Advent has been a special time of year for me, primarily because my parents made this season of waiting and preparation for Christmas so special and memorable.  In 2007, when I was a Director of Children’s Ministry at Trinity Church (Greenwich, CT), I created an Advent book for families.  As we begin Advent tomorrow, I’d thought I share this book (page by page) with you through my blog as we journey through this Advent season.

The busy world of parenting (carpooling, homework, sporting events, dance lessons, etc.) leaves little time for researching Advent activities especially in the midst of the holiday season.  If you are looking for ways to prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth in ways that would be creative and meaningful for the entire family, I pray Celebrating Advent: A-Z Family Guide will help you during this Advent season.  

In this book, the Nativity story and prayer frame each day.  These are accompanied by creative crafts, fun activities, and movie ideas to illustrate a theme, along with discussion points for parents to engage their children each day of Advent.  As an avid reader, I have also suggested storybooks to read out loud to children.  Stories, particularly the Nativity story, help to open the window of imagination for children, as well as adults.  I have made an effort to include ideas for most age groups and learning styles.  You may need to adjust them to your child’s needs and abilities.  

Each day has a theme that corresponds to a letter in the alphabet.  Every letter is coupled with a scripture verse, and you'll find activities to choose from to help reinforce the theme of the day.  There is a different symbol to denote each approach to supporting the daily theme.

As you look at each day, you may think, “How can I do all this?”  The last thing I want is to make anyone feel guilty for not “doing it all.”  Browse through each post and choose one or two activities a week to do as a family, along with the scripture reading, prayer and discussion point each day.  If you have small children, reading the letter of the day and looking at the picture may be all that is appropriate.

In the next couple days, the upcoming posts will include the following:

• Advent Countdown Ideas (Advent Wreath & Scripture Chain)
• Supply List for Week 1
• Reading for Wreath Lighting on 1st Sunday of Advent
• A is for Angels: First Sunday in Advent
• B is for Bethlehem: First Monday of Advent
• C is for Candle: First Tuesday of Advent
• D is for Donkey: First Wednesday of Advent
• E is for Eastern Star: First Thursday of Advent
• F is for Family: First Friday of Advent
• G is for God: First Saturday of Advent

It is my prayer that this will give you and your family great joy, lasting memories, deeper meaning, and a place to start the journey of Advent together year after year.  As you use this tool, I look forward to your comments and invite you to post your creative ideas for the theme of each day.

Blessings

Sarah

Thriving or Surviving Right Now?

And my God will meet all your needs
according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

There’s only about ¼ of this yearlong deployment left!  Woot Woot!

As I look back I’m reminded and thankful for God’s faithfulness along the way, particularly during those days when surviving was all I could muster, and thriving seemed impossible.  Thus far, I feel the “surviving” days have been few and far between, and for that I’m eternally grateful.  But I’ll be honest; those “surviving” days have been ROUGH…with a capital R, highlighted and bolded!  And not all those rough days were handled with the measure of dignity and grace I desired to demonstrate.  Navigating the potholes brought out my selfishness, pride, lack of self-control…you know…all the ugliness just beneath the surface just waiting for the right opportunity to pop its ugly head out. 

However, in God’s economy nothing is wasted, not even the “just surviving” days.  Those days brought me closer to my Creator.  When I ached with loneliness for the man I loved, it was Jesus’ blanket of love, comfort, peace and grace that warmed me.

When this deployment began, I had some inkling of what I might need to make it through, but God knew better and gave so much more.   He always does, doesn’t he?  But I quickly I can forget this promise…

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

Even though I live in Germany, away from so many family and friends, I’m blessed to have friends and family living within driving distance.  I’ve made new friends that have graced my life in unforgettable ways over these long months.  He’s given my passions and gifts places to dwell and grow through volunteering in the community.  And prior to this deployment He knew I’d need a companion, and He brought Oliver into our lives last Thanksgiving.  Who knew this tiny kitty, which sought us out while visiting friends at a chateau in Switzerland, would end up being so important to me thriving, not just surviving?  Oh, that would be God; I really wanted a dog.  ;)

Happy 1^st Birthday, Oliver
(our crazy loving  part Norwegian Forest cat that thinks he’s a dog)!

Oliver at about 6 weeks @ 1.5 lbs.

Oliver is 1 & 10 lbs!

 What’s been essential to you thriving through difficult challenges?

Blessings

Sarah

Reflecting, Remembering & Celebrating Life

“Where were you when JFK or MLK Jr. was killed?” That’s the question of my parents’ generation.  For my generation, the question is, “Where were you on 9/11?” 

I was in my home in Stamford, CT getting ready to leave for the office (an office that was moved 5 months earlier from Greenwich St & Vestry just north of North Tower to a five-minute drive from my house).   My sister, Joanna, who worked for Reuters at the time, called from Norway and told me to turn on the TV.  I never went into work that day!  My day was spent on the couch, windows open on that beautiful fall day, watching the horror unfold on TV, listening to fighter jets and helicopters overhead as they protected the sky over New York City, fielding calls from family and friends wanting to confirm I was in Stamford not NYC, and waited to hear from each of my friends who lived and worked in NYC.  By the evening, I had heard they were all safe (some walking from the Towers up to 125^th Street to get a train out to CT or walking over the Brooklyn bridge to make it home)…all except one… 

R.I.P. John D’Allara

NYPD, Emergency Service Unit – Truck 2

(Survived by a wife and two sons; remains recovered March, 2002.)

I thank God every time I remember you. 
Philippians 1:3

Later that evening I attended a prayer meeting at my church, then went out to dinner to celebrate a friend's birthday.  It might seem odd, but even in the midst of sorrow and saddness there's life to be celebrated.  


On 9/11, my husband, David, was in his truck on his way to the convocation that would begin his first day of seminary.  He was going back to school to follow a call on his life to become an Army chaplain.  On the 10^th anniversary of 9/11, I sit in Baumholder, Germany on a beautiful fall day and married to a man, David Chapman, who is currently deployed in Afghanistan serving his country as a chaplain.  I can honestly say, I never imagined this is where God would bring me 10 years later.  However, I give praise and thanks for the journey that has led me here. 

God has brought into my life a husband who loves the Lord more than he loves me (my only request in my prayers for a husband), and we now have the honor and privilege of living life alongside and ministering to an amazing group of soldiers, spouses and children who serve our country and sacrifice time with family for country.

My prayers today have been focused on the families who lost a loved ones on 9/11 and for those who, over these last 10 years, have had a family member step forward and pay the ultimate sacrifice.  I pray each day for my husband as he serves in Afghanistan and for all those serving in a combat zone.  I pray for our service men and women who are affected emotionally, physically, and spiritually by years of war. 

As I’ve prayed, reflected and remembered tears have been shed.  This day has also been spent in the company of some amazing military spouses enjoying and celebrating life as we long to hold our deployed husbands in our arms once again.  For me, this has been a day to reflect and remember but also a day I’ve chosen to celebrate life!

Where were you on September 11, 2001?  How have you spent/memorialized this day?

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11

Blessings

Sarah

Battle Ready

The Armor of God

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  ¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Ephesians 6:10-18

As Army spouses, we’re familiar with armor.   It takes up space in our homes, and we move it from one duty station to the next.  Perhaps you’ve even tried it on yourself?  It goes with our husbands (spouses) downrange to protect them as they face an enemy that is known, tangible and seen. 

As we stay behind and manage the home front, our enemies aren’t as tangible and many are unseen.  However, we are in need of armor…it’s just a different kind of armor…the armor of God.  Only the amour of God is sufficient for the fight, we can’t do it on our own…and we’re not meant to go it alone. 

By David Ward, 2007

So armor up WONDER WOMEN (and men) with…

the belt of truth

the breastplate of righteousness

feet fitted with the readiness from the gospel of peace

the shield of faith

the helmet of salvation

the sword of the spirit

Spiritual attacks during a deployment (and in life) are a given.  Why wouldn’t the enemy take advantage of such a ripe opportunity?  There’s the temptation of loneliness, depression, infidelity (physical or emotional), pride, jealousy, feeling overwhelmed, doubt and fear.  And, I’m sure you can add a few others.  When we put on the armor of God we rest knowing we’re not in the fight alone.

Once we put on our armor and are battle ready, we’re reminded in verse 18 that we’re to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”  It’s God’s strength that will win the battle, not ours; we need to invite him into our struggles.  And just to make sure we don’t get too wrapped up in ourselves, Paul reminds us to “always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”   Spiritual battles are happening all around us, so once you have got your struggle(s) of the moment under control and made sense of it, keep your armor on and step in beside a friend.

It’s about the Kingdom, so don’t forget to put on the full armor of God each day along with that great pair of shoes (or in my case, scarf).  It’s character that wins this battle not brute force.

What are you struggling with spiritually right now?  What attacks are your friends under at this moment? 

Watch over your heart with all diligence,
for from it flows the springs of life.

Proverbs: 4:23

Blessings

Sarah

Share My Calling

During my courtship with David, most of which took place while he was deployed in Iraq, we came to a point where we both knew that the other was God’s best for us.  All very exciting for two people in their mid 40’s each stepping into marriage for the first time!  In the midst of the joy and excitement my husband called and told me he needed me to really pray about our union.  He wanted me to understand that I wasn’t just marrying him, David, but a man God called to not just to be in the Army but to be an Army Chaplain.  He wanted me to be certain that God was not only calling me to marry him but to marry his God- given calling.  If I didn’t feel marrying an Army chaplain was God’s call on my life, David felt we should part ways. 

I did take three days to get with God.  Marrying David, the Army Chaplain, would mean I’d leave my job of 8+ years as Children’s Ministry and Community Life Director at Trinity Church in Greenwich, CT; leave an area I’ve lived in for over 22 years; and say goodbye to all my friends to move where he was stationed - Ft. Riley, KS.  On top of that, David promised this calling would mean I’d have to be flexible…giving up a date night because there’s a soldier in need, or setting our problems aside for a time while he helped others deal with theirs.  God called me to be a chaplain’s wife, and we marked the moment before God on Thanksgiving weekend, November 27, 2009.  Yes, David was right, flexibility is essential in this calling. 

However, I believe there’s a calling for me within David’s calling.  Yes, being a wife is a calling in and of its self, but I feel he has a broader calling for me as well.  God doesn’t call one spouse into a journey and not have a plan for the other. 

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

God has a plan; he’s set out a course for me to run with perseverance.  My part in this relationship is to be quiet and hear his still small voice so that I can answer his call.  For now, David’s call as an Army chaplain allows him a consistency of duties but in different locations.   My call in Kansas is different from the plans he has for me in Baumholder, Germany.  Frankly, determining and navigating God’s call has been more difficult in this new life I find myself.  As a single working woman I was use to thinking in terms of “job,” with a paycheck, benefits, etc.  I’ve had to alter my perspective over the last year; although a job could be in God’s plans down the road.  After much prayer and discernment with my husband, I’m finding the path God has laid out for me during this season.

If you’re struggling in this area, don’t lose heart.  He hasn’t forgotten about you; he’ll anoint you.  Keep listening to God’s still small voice; he’ll direct you to the path he’s chosen just for you…in this time and this place.  Don’t ignore the call; you’ll miss the opportunity to be a blessing to those in your midst. 

 

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6

What’s God’s calling on your life within your spouse’s call?  Are you struggling with your spouse’s call?  What are the heart issues in relation to this?

Blessings

Sarah

Refinement

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith– of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

1 Peter 1:6-7

I gather with a group of women twice a month for Bible study, and for the next couple of weeks we’re meditating on the above scripture and the refinement that God is doing in us.   Honestly, I think he’s refining me daily, but there are seasons when the refinement heat gets turned up…and I can feel him slowly beginning to turn the heat up on me! 

Peter wrote his first letter to believers in today’s northern Turkey around 64 or 65 AD.  He was probably in Rome witnessing the persecution of believers.  When I’ve read this scripture in the past I tend to compare myself to the suffering of persecution saying, “Well, Sarah, it’s not like you have ever “suffered” in the way Peter is talking about.  Again…me missing the point!  The trials God walks me through thus far haven’t been me “suffer” because I’m a Christian.  However, he has and will take me through trials where my faith is refined...bringing me to my knees and causing me to focus on the only One who can provide encouragement and strength. 

What trial are you going through right now?  In the past I’ve gone through loneliness, depression, disappointment in those I’ve trusted, and times of great refinement in my character.   Currently, I’m going through a difficult and long separation from the love of my life trying to navigate the huddles that keep popping up.  There’s no illusion here...God’s going to use this year-long separation from my husband to do some “heartsmithing.”  It’s already beginning, and I sense the greatness of it’s magnitude. 

Peter warned his readers that “now for a little while” they may have to suffer. But like fire refines gold, so trials refine faith.  He’s essentially saying the trial of our faith is more important than the goldsmith’s trial of his gold.  It’s said that a goldsmith waits till he sees his face is reflected in the gold, and then he knows it’s ready to be taken out (if you’re a goldsmith, let me know if this is true).  God wants to see his face reflected back when he looks at me. Right now his image is probably VERY hazy when he looks at me, thus I’ll be getting dipped in and out of the hot refiner’s fire for a life time.  I’m human, so I reluctantly submit to his refining, although I know whatever character trait (s) he’ll work on in me over the next year will be for the purpose of reflecting more of him and less of me to the world, which is my heart’s desire.  Christ will get the praise, glory and honor!

Lord, please grant me courage and obedience to submit to your good and gracious refining work. 

What is God “burning off” in your life right now?  What character qualities do you see God developing in you?  As you meditate on this, I’d like to suggest you take a listen to the song “Refiner’s Fire.”

Blessings

Sarah

PS:  I get the sense he’s going to be working on my pride…big time!

(Image found on Google images without attribution.)

Grow Where I'm Planted

This week begins my year-long journey of navigating a new normal.  I’d like to think my sadness is special, but the fact is…it’s not!  A friend of mine posted on Face Book the day he deployed, “For over 200 years soldiers have been answering the nation’s call.”  When I read it I thought yes he's right, and for over 200 years spouses have said good bye to their loved ones and moved forward navigating life without the ones they love by their side.  This gives me encouragement that I can do it too.  My goal is to try and navigate the year with dignity and grace; so, I need a plan.  And, I’m going to need more than just a little help.

While working on my Bible study and reading a couple books this week, the same scripture kept popping up giving me comfort and encouragement.  I love when God chases after me like this…making sure I don’t miss His point (which I’ve been known to do in the past).  In reading Jeremiah 29 several times this week, I was comforted by verse 11,

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

I’ve read this scripture numerous times, and I was reminded as I reread the passage this past week of the context in which God was speaking to the Israelites - they were exiled in Babylon (an exile that would last 70 years).  What I heard the Spirit whispering in my ear was not only does He want to prosper me, give me hope and a future; He plans to bring this about even in the midst of difficult circumstances.  He’s telling me, as he did the Israelites, to get on with life…don’t just survive it, thrive in the midst of it.  In other words, He wants me to grow where He’s planted me.  

Yes, I know…easier said than done…I hear you.  However, God being God, He gives the “how to” in the next few verses (12-14).

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity

These verses encourage me to move forward; at the same time, they’re a reminder that my best laid plans may not be God’s plans for me.  If He’s going to grow and prosper me, I have to be an active participant in His plan…I need to meet him half way.  I’ve learned the hard way that it’s much easier to get on board with God’s plan than it is to expect Him to get on board with mine.  Frankly, my plans haven’t always been “God’s best.”

He’s placed me here at this time and in this place for HIS purpose.  As I grieve and process saying good bye to my husband for a season, I’m spending more time in prayer and trying to sit quietly to hear His still small voice…listening to how He wants to grow me personally, and my marriage despite the physical separation.  What’s His plan for me this year?  What do I need to be doing (or not doing) to help Him bring the plan through to completion?  I’m still figuring it out, but I’m excited to make some plans (I love planning); however, I’m going to check in with God first.  I’m reminded of the saying, “If you want to make God laugh, just tell Him your plans.” 

The challenges of life are inevitable, and no matter the circumstances, no matter how big or small the hurdles may seem, God wants to prosper and grow me through them…he wants to prosper and grow you through yours as well.   As you listen to God, what’s He telling you?  Partner with Him…wherever He’s planted you is where He intends to grow you.

Blessings
Sarah

PS:  I think I forgot to mention…it probably won’t be a cake walk…growing pains and all!