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Advent Journey, Wk 2—Friday’s Fave Five

Friday's Fave Five @ Living to Tell the Story-1 1. Assignments—Sunday
Genesis 12:1, 4

Gerry challenged our small group Sunday night: watch for your God-assigned task this week.

Having that mindset has helped me look for opportunities, like driving other people around a lot, as assignments from the Lord.  life talk

Abram accepted his assignment to do what God wanted. Jesus accepted his assignment, too. The huge task of giving up heaven and coming to earth is not one I would have readily accepted. I’m glad he’s not me. We’d all be in deep trouble.

2. Guidance—Monday
Exodus 13:21

Jenna’s drama teacher has been sending out encouraging, God-glorifying e-mails after their daily rehearsals this week, giving the kids guidance on how to improve, focused on giving glory to the King. She keeps them pointed up, and it blesses the kids to have a greater focus than themselves.

God had promised a Messiah to his people for centuries, and sent an in-person Guide for not only those in Jerusalem, but for people of all time. What a blessing that we have him to follow, and have others to help us follow him.

3. Songs—Wednesday
Luke 2:14

I didn’t get to church Wednesday night as early as I wanted to, so I missed out on lots of good singing. But I did make it in time for “Magnificat” which is Mary’s song of praise after she was told she would bear the Messiah (Luke 1:46-55).

Songs like this give me a lift by making it easy to give Jesus the praise.

Magnificat Wouldn’t you have loved hearing the angels sing in the sky on Jesus’ birth night (Luke 2:13-14)? One day we will AND be a part of the chorus ourselves!

4. Traveling companions—Wednesday
Ruth 1:16

Mama may not remember what she had for breakfast, waiting roombut she remembers that she’s supposed to stick by her man. She wants to be at every doctor’s appointment with my dad, sit right beside him, and do what she can for him. My sister took this picture of them with her phone this week. 

They may be very different, but they’ve been faithful traveling companions for 55 years. That’s a great example to me. 

During Advent, I’m reminded that Jesus traveled down here 2000 years ago to be with us, and remain with us as the perfect traveling companion, everywhere we go.

5. Mountains made low—Thursday
Isaiah 40:4

Not so good news on Thursday with my dad. They’re actively looking for lung cancer now. It’s a mountain for all of us. But I’m finding peace in knowing that the Lord has already paved the way ahead of us, and will continue to be with us every step of the way.

Why? Because he came to make the mountains low and the uneven ground level. He doesn’t remove our hurts, but he stands with us in them and gives them purpose, even when we can’t understand it.

* * *

I appreciate all of you who prayed for my dad last week. And I’d appreciate your prayers again. More tests today...

May you each have an Advent journey that is rich and meaningful. For more favorites on the journey, visit at Susanne’s blog.

17 comments:

Cassandra Frear said...

I like the idea of watching for your "God-assigned task". I am thinking that could be my focus for the holidays.

elizabeth said...

I pray for your dad and family Lisa.

Susanne said...

I'm sorry about your Dad's health issues. Praying for him and your family!

I loved #2. After having some teacher issues here it is so nice to read about a really good, encouraging teacher!

Linked you!

Hazel said...

Magnificat - that sounds charming. I hope I can find it on youtube. I cracked up on "we'd all be in trouble." :-) God-assigned task is a good idea. I'm sorry about your Dad. Your Mama sounds like mine when my father had health issues.

Unknown said...

I love that picture of your mom and dad....that is SO dear! I like how you related it to the two of them sticking together, to Jesus traveling with us through life. :) So true!
I will pray for your dear dad, nice to see a picture of him too. This is so true-
"He doesn’t remove our hurts, but he stands with us in them and gives them purpose, even when we can’t understand it." AMEN!

Jerralea said...

I love the "God-assigned task" idea, too.

The picture of your mom and dad is so moving ...

I love the way you arranged your FFF post. Your posts are always so uplifting to read!

Carrie said...

What a beautiful post. I liked #1...as well as the picture of your parents. Thank you so much for sharing that!

Barbara H. said...

It's so helpful to look at the tasks of the day as God-appointed, especially those tasks that other people need for us to do.

Love that photo of your folks. I hope and pray things go well for your dad and for the Lord's grace and peace for you all.

Lisa notes... said...

Thanks, friends, for the sweet prayers again this week for my dad and family. Much appreciated!

My daughter and I have been reading through a little devo booklet by Mark Zimmermann that I got somewhere (?) years ago and it really prompts our thoughts in these directions. It's called "Our Advent Journey: Devotions on the Road to Bethlehem", copyright 1999. I recommend it, if it's still available.

Brenda said...

What a great example you have in your parents. And lots of other great things this week.

Dorothy said...

Hi Lisa,

Just want you to know that I am praying for your Dad too...and for all of you who know and love him best.

I love the image that comes to my mind with your description of Jesus as "the perfect traveling companion." Thank you.

Willow said...

Praying for your dad...

When we had some disappointing news this week, I was so thankful I had been reading the Advent portions of Scripture from the church calender and was able to share those passages with others.

Looking forward to lighting the third candle...

Lynn said...

Dear Lisa,

I join with your other friends, here to continue praying for your Dad and all of your family.

Sending hugs, too.

nikkipolani said...

Will be praying for your Dad, Lisa.
As for your #3, I'm really looking forward to hearing the angels sing. And us, too!

Kari said...

I'll be thinking and praying for your Dad. I can relate to what you are going through.
Looking for God's assigned task - sometimes it's the small things.
Thanks for sharing your Five - I'm always blessed and challenged.

Anonymous said...

Hello from Romania ,
please read the blog – My heart His words – archive from november, at Humbled and convicted , my friend Tammy Nischan wrote them the story and some pictures of some hungryes poors kids , what we try to help them for Christmas .Our LORD will be so proud of us if we will do something!
I love you blog,
sweet blessings and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Violeta

Marg said...

Thanks for sharing about your Dad...It's hard to get that kind of news...and may you be encouraged that our heavenly father knows all those details also. Thanks for you encouraging relevant post again.

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