Friday, November 30, 2018

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Once a week, on Monday afternoon, a group of residents gather. It is our worship time. As we sing hymns and pray, naming those whose concerns are known to us, we give thanks. For most of us, this gathering is a pattern deeply engrained in our lives. Worship is something we’ve always done. It is an anchor for our week and indeed for our lives.

In a way, we are like the early churches to whom Paul writes in the Epistles. We come from different places and experiences of Church and faith and worship. But on those Monday afternoons, we are together rejoicing, praying, giving thanks!

When we gather, the door is open. Outside the room people come and go. Some peek in. All of them hear our voices! This, we think, is indeed the will of God in Christ for us.

As we begin Advent, we begin to retell the familiar stories of the season. But what seems most amazing is that like our Monday afternoon worship, this coming of Jesus, our Savior, into the world happens with folks doing what they’ve always done. Shepherds are tending their flocks, a young couple are traveling because they need to be counted, stars shining in the night sky and wise astronomers are watching them, animals are feeding in the stable, an innkeeper is rejoicing because all the rooms are full. And as life goes on its way: God births God’s-self into the world!

And we who gather once a week, we are reminded to take heed of what God has done and therefor to rejoice and pray and give thanks…. and we do!

Amazing God, stir up your presence in us! Teach us, in the midst of daily life, to be mindful of the wonder of your coming to us to be our redeemer, savior and friend. Amen.

This reflection comes out of conversations between The Rev. Ghislaine Cotnoir and residents at The Hearth.

Click here to download you full 2018 Advent Devotional

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.
Psalms 25:5

We rest in God’s promises. Throughout the Liberty family of services God is at work in compassionate ways.

A note from a family member of a recent resident in Paul’s Run rehabilitation services:

“…Straight from my heart… We appreciate all that you did for our loved one during her stay at Paul’s Run. She loved being there, and all of you.

Please pass our words of thanks to your entire staff. Everyone was just so wonderful and eased our minds totally. We will always be in your debt. You made everything easier to deal with.

God Bless You All!”

Powerful Healer, Thank you for your promises of love and salvation. Amen.

This thank you letter was recently received at Paul’s Run.

Click here to download you full 2018 Advent Devotional