Holly Michael's Writing Straight

~ Connecting and Inspiring Along Life's Crooked Lines by Author Holly Michael

Holly Michael's Writing Straight

Tag Archives: Advent

Advent 23 – Surrender

22 Tuesday Dec 2015

Posted by Holly Michael in Advent

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Advent, Surrender

What do we have to surrender this Advent?

A Sacred Conspiracy

Surrender

 To give control or use of something to someone else(Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary)

“…But you don’t know what he did to me…”

“…move again?”

“…my kids…”

To give (oneself) up to some influence, course, emotion, etc… “He surrendered himself to a life of hardship. (dictionary.com)

“…actions speak louder than words…”

“…my boss…”

“…the weather…”

“…my church…”

Surrender

A very simple word with unimaginable implications.

I never understood just how big the word surrender really was until this morning. I was passing by my little table top nativity scene and pondered the little empty space among the sheep, waiting to be occupied by my little ceramic baby Jesus on Christmas Eve.

An infant. A tiny, helpless, vulnerable infant.

film_nativity_sceneIt hit me like a spiritual truck.

Picture it – The creator of the entire universe, the God over all of eternity, the infinite, majestic Now who is beyond human comprehension…

View original post 492 more words

Share this:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...

Advent Day 22 – Light

21 Monday Dec 2015

Posted by Holly Michael in Advent

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Advent, Holly Michael, Holy Catholic Church Anglican Rite, light

Below is my mom’s Christmas card that she painted. Isn’t it beautiful? She does a fabulous job with light in her watercolors.

FullSizeRender-1

We focus on “light” during Christmastime. Kansas City kicks off the Christmas season with the lightning of the Plaza lights on the Thursday, Thanksgiving Evening.

IMG_0684 At St. James, we light candles before each celebration of the Holy Mass, and we light a candle on the advent wreath each Sunday during Advent. We always have a light nearby the Tabernacle in our churches or home chapels to signify the presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. IMG_0720 3Jesus Christ is called the “Light of the World.”
The Holy Spirit came down as “tongues of fire.” They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. Acts 2:3

There are so many references to God as “light” in the Bible. Here are a few more:
Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path. Psalms 119:105

The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. Matthew 4:16

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Matthew 5:14

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:5

Then spoke Jesus again to them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17

Then Jesus said to them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come on you: for he that walks in darkness knows not where he goes. John 12:13

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; 1 Peter 2:9

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleans us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. Revelation 21:23

IMG_0709

Share this:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...

Advent Day 20 – Holy

18 Friday Dec 2015

Posted by Holly Michael in Advent

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Advent

Wasn’t sure if I could keep up the pace of blogging each day in Advent, especially with all of the busy-ness of life around this time of year. But, it’s been fun to explore different thoughts on Advent and on seeking God, and sharing what others have to say on the topic. So far, so good.

The topic today is “Holy.”

A book reviewer misspelled my name in a blog post, typing “Holy” instead of “Holly.” She apologized. I said: “I’m trying to be Holy, but one extra letter in my name keeps me from it.

Image-1 2

Photo taken in Lourdes, France by Holly Michael (trying to be Holy). Doesn’t that look like an angel above the steeple?

Well…maybe it’s more than one letter.

It’s tough being Holy and keeping the “Holiness” of the season in the forefront, especially this time of year when we should.

And it just seems like the “unholy”is having a heyday. Last night, the news reported yet another murder in Kansas City and the reporter spoke about the rash of crime during this season…that it was typical.

Last week we dealt with an onslaught of the unholy at the church (theft, unholy actions from addicts, and other crazy stuff). The struggles we and loved ones are having makes you wonder (and not in a good “Christmas wonder” kind of way).

But ultimately, THIS IS A HOLY TIME! And we should never let anything steal our hope and joy…after all, this is the time we celebrate the greatest gift given to mankind-Jesus Christ, our Savior.

My favorite Christmas song is O Holy Night. May favorite line from that song is…

Long lay the world in sin and e’er pining
‘Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth

THE SOUL FELT IT’S WORTH! WOW!

If only we could truly and always feel the worth of our soul, as God does. All we really have to do is look to the cross…then we would know. But the unholy always tries to steal away our self-worth. Time. And. Again.

May we all turn away from the unholy that assaults us and feel the worth of our souls this Christmas season and always.

God, our Loving Father, knows our worth…and HE is ALL HOLY. He sent us Jesus to redeem us. He gave us the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom. Nothing can take away from the Holiness of The Trinity and God’s great love for us. NOTHING!

Today, on Facebook, a friend posted a rendition of O Holy Night by Josh Groban, set to scenes from The Nativity Story. It’s amazing and helps us keep the holiness of the season in perspective.

O Holy Night
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and e’er pining
‘Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees O hear the angels voices.
O night divine O night when Christ was born
O night divine, O night, O night divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
O night divine, O night, O night divine

****

Share this:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...

Advent Day 19: LIGHT

17 Thursday Dec 2015

Posted by Holly Michael in Advent, To His Glory

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Advent

Love this…sharing from another blogger! The Hills

Finding Hermione

100_3803

Seventeen days in, and the tide has officially turned.  After 400 years of nothing but the memory of ancient promises and a never-ending wait for deliverance, an old man met an angel and a young girl became pregnant.  On their own, these two events may have seemed small and rather insignificant, but then – to paraphrase a common saying – all Heaven broke loose.

Imagine it for a moment:

The night is dark and perhaps a bit cool with the slight dampness of the midnight hour.  The world is quiet.  A gentle wind rustles the branches of nearby trees and sighs through the grasses before brushing softly against your cheek.  Now and then a soft bleat can be heard from one of the sheep on the hillside, but no other sounds break the stillness of the night.

You know that the village lies just beyond the next hill, but it…

View original post 687 more words

Share this:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...

Advent Day 14: Found

12 Saturday Dec 2015

Posted by Holly Michael in Advent

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Advent, Found

Love this!

Share this:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...

Advent Day 13: Paradox of Advent

11 Friday Dec 2015

Posted by Holly Michael in Advent

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Advent

Love this! Reblogging from a wonderful blogger….

Mere Whispers

There is a place where the nonsensical becomes the most rational. Where the extraordinary becomes the obvious and expected. Where the simplest of ways births the most extravagant of wonders.

As baffling as it may appear, sometimes the incorrect is just plain right. Even when it all seems so very wrong.

Thus is the Advent season… this paradox of both arrival and completion. The conception of a Savior bent on rescuing a world at odds with its Creator. Announcing His arrival with the words “It is finished” already formed on infant lips.

From the stable, to the cross, to the empty grave…

Each step purposeful, blazing pathways of redemption through souls.

Each touch heavy with the weight of holy and free.

Each breath, from first newborn cry to last earthly gasp, declaring love unconditional for the enemies of the Divine.

Every word spoken with intention.

Every action proclaiming an undying…

View original post 277 more words

Share this:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...

Advent Day 12: Hope

10 Thursday Dec 2015

Posted by Holly Michael in Advent

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Advent, Bishop Leo Michael, Holly Michael, Holy Catholic Church Anglican Rite, Hope

I love the word “hope.” Just saying the word “hope” aloud makes me hopeful. I’ve been blessed to be able to travel a bit. Often, I put Scripture quotes on my photography and share them on social media. Here’s some of them that reflect hope.

Image-1 2

St. James Anglican Church in Kansas City where we live and where my husband serves as bishop and rector

11169792_10155666037115647_3176150327506487985_n

Two weeks after the 2004 Tsunami in South India, Tamilarisa. I used another photo of Tamilarisa for the cover of my nonfiction book: Tsunami 2004 – Still Waiting Through Waves of Hope

11940174_10155970037075635_345555723_n

By our cottage on Sand Bay Point in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

Image-1-1 2

Behind my sister’s house in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

FullSizeRender-3 copy

This one is not taken by me but by my friend, Lynn Baxter, while leaving for work in the morning in Canton, Ohio

Image-1-2

On the porch of our friends Bill and Jane Graves in Springdale, Arkansas close to our church Corpus Christi in Rogers, Arkansas

IMG_0980

In Lourdes, France on a retreat with Father Luca and Elisa

IMG_0977

A visit to Estes Park, Colorado while in spending time in ministry in Greeley, Colorado at St Gabriel’s Church

IMG_0973

In Yercaud, Tamil Nadu South India, (used in scenes from my novel, Crooked Lines)

IMG_0968

Somewhere on the road, somewhere heading west 🙂

IMG_0375

Big Horn Mountain, Wyoming close to our church, Church of the Holy Trinity in Sheridan, Wyoming

IMG_0972

White Cliffs of Dover, Dover, England with our friend Father Britto

IMG_0970

on the Isle of Iona, Scotland

IMG_0976

In Bentonville, Arkansas with my sweet son, Nick, walking the trails at Crystal Bridges

IMG_0969

Sand Bay Point, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

And one last verse of hope from the last book of the Bible:

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Revelation 21:4

Share this:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...

Advent Day 11: Promises…

09 Wednesday Dec 2015

Posted by Holly Michael in Advent

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Advent

I decided to reblog this from Unexpected Hope today. Well said!

The way we stand

Matthew 1:1-17

Four hundred years of silence from God and the New Testament opens up proclaiming that the promises made to Abraham and David are fulfilled in Jesus. Abraham had received the promise that his offspring would bless the Earth and through his descendants there is a continuation of that promise. David was promised that he would have an ruler from his line that would forever reign. These promises and all of God’s promises find their fulfillment in Jesus.

This genealogy shows who Christ is, but it also displays who God is and how he works. We see here that God used the most unexpected people to fulfill his promises, he used liars like Abraham and Isaac and foreigners, seemingly outside of God’s promises, like Ruth. God worked through David who murdered, Solomon who forsook God, Rehoboam who broke God’s kingdom, Hezekiah the prideful, Manasseh who fought against God, and Josiah who disobeyed…

View original post 411 more words

Share this:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...

Advent Day 4: Need

02 Wednesday Dec 2015

Posted by Holly Michael in Advent

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Advent, Blog, Christmas, Holly Michael, Need, psalm 27:4-6, www.writingstraight.com

Pretty Simple. We need God. Once we recognize that truth and seek Him, we will find Him. And what joy when that happens.

True. Christmas. Joy.

Seek Him this Christmas. Love this psalm and this amazing video done acapella.

Psalm 27:4-6

4 One thing I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the Lord.

 

This is pretty awesome:

Share this:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...

Advent Day 3 – Waiting. Joy.

01 Tuesday Dec 2015

Posted by Holly Michael in Advent

≈ Comments Off on Advent Day 3 – Waiting. Joy.

Tags

Abba, Advent, Advent Day 3, breakthrough, Father, joy, patience, Waiting

IMG_0663What Amazing Words of Promise! I’ve spent a lot of time in this past year with thoughts focused on waiting…wondering. When will I get that big breakthrough I’ve been praying for? When will I see the change I’m waiting for? When will God really come through for me?

We all ask these questions, but if, according to God’s Word, we are truly children of God, heirs….then our God, our “Abba, Father” will not and cannot abandon us. It is not the nature of God, The Perfect Father.

The problem lies with us not understanding His timing, or what He is going to work out through our wait and circumstances. Or what better plan He has for us. He will not let us down. He will not abandon us.

FullSizeRender-3

He will come ! Jesus Christ came down from Heaven at the perfect time for humanity. Heaven’s perfect plan. God will come through for us. He is our Champion, the Lover of Our Souls, Abba Father, Emmanuel-GOD WITH US! A breakthrough will come, even if it’s not exactly what we thought it would look like.

1620466_10152808303838552_4645499050452435227_n

Let us trust, now. We must trust in His great Love and Mercy. Let us prepare our hearts for the coming of THE KING. Let us open our hearts to Jesus, the Savior of the World. Let us turn our anxious waiting to thoughts of Hope, Joy, and Peace this Advent Season. Let us seek the Giver, not the gifts! “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

Share this:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...
← Older posts

Scan to purchase Crooked Lines

QR Code
Get your e-book signed by Holly Michael

Pages

  • About
  • CROOKED LINES, A NOVEL by Holly Michael
  • SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER. WHY NOT?

Holly Michael

Top Posts & Pages

  • Book Review: The Father's Love by Dave Moore
  • Kept by Sally Bradley - Big City Fiction with Real Issues and Real Hope
  • Religion and Moral Lessons in South India Folklore

Categories

  • 16 Chapters to Christmas
  • A to Z Challenge
  • Advent
  • Award
  • Best Web Sites for Writers
  • Betsy Byrne
  • Blank Pages
  • Book Marketing
  • Books
  • Christianity
  • Christmas
  • Crooked Lines
  • Diabetes
  • Family
  • First and Goal
  • Football
  • Guest Author
  • Guest Blogger
  • Guest Blogging
  • Holly Michael's New Releases
  • Holy Catholic Church – Anglican Rite
  • India
  • India's Crown
  • Inspiration
  • Jake Byrne
  • Journeys: In Writing and Life
  • kim moore
  • Kyani
  • Monday's Connections
  • Nick Byrne
  • Photography
  • Prayer Request
  • Prayers Needed
  • Social Media Information
  • To His Glory
  • Travel
  • tsunami 2004
  • type 1 diabetes
  • type one
  • type one diabetes
  • type won
  • Weekly Book Review
  • Writing

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 4,557 other followers

Facebook Author Page

Facebook Author Page

Subscribe

RSS Feed RSS - Posts

RSS Feed RSS - Comments

Facebook

Holly Michael

Create Your Badge

Holly Michael

  • Hi, neighbor 👋! Want to learn more about the latest market trends 📈, real estate developments 🏡, and lifestyle ins… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 1 year ago
  • Hi, neighbor 👋! Want to learn more about the latest market trends 📈, real estate developments 🏡, and lifestyle ins… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 1 year ago
  • Hi, neighbor 👋! Want to learn more about the latest market trends 📈, real estate developments 🏡, and lifestyle ins… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 1 year ago
  • facebook.com/story.php?stor… 1 year ago
  • Cant believe it’s been this long...In 2004, Leo Michael and I were in South India immediately following the tsunami… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 1 year ago
Follow @hollymichael


Get Follow Me Buttons

Me

Holly Michael

Holly Michael

Done this: Regular freelance ghostwriter and online editor for Guideposts for Teens/Sweet 16 Magazine, creator/editor of a magazine for Wal-Mart Corp., journalist, newspaper features writer, published in a variety of national magazines and local newspapers, script writing/editing for corporations. Doing this now: author of fiction and nonfiction, blogger, and editor of Koinonia Magazine. I’m the wife of Rt. Rev. Leo Michael, an Anglican Bishop in the Holy Catholic Church-Anglican Rite. Mom to three great kids: Nick (#81 Rajin Cajuns), Betsy (Super cute professor) and Jake (T1D & NFL player) Also, enjoy my travels extensively across the United States and internationally.

View Full Profile →

Reviews from Goodreads.com

Goodreads

Blogroll

  • Discuss
  • Get Inspired
  • Get Polling
  • Get Support
  • Kristen Lamb's Blog
  • Learn WordPress.com
  • Rasana Atreya
  • Rich Maffeo
  • The Bookshelf Muse
  • WordPress Planet
  • WordPress.com News
April 2021
S M T W T F S
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
252627282930  
« Dec    

Blog Stats

  • 73,681 hits

ACFW


American Christian Fiction Writers

Contact by email

hjmichael at sbcglobal dot net

Pinterest

Follow Me on Pinterest

Autographed Copy of First and Goal By Jake Byrne

https://en.support.wordpress.com/paypal/

NaNoWriMo 2012 Winner!

Kreativ Blogger Award

V B Award

versatileblogger11
ChristianBloggers.spruz.com Badge, This badge may be displayed on the blogs and websites that are listed in our directory.
Inspired Reads
NetworkedBlogs
Blog:
Holly Michael writing straight
Topics:
Novelist, Editor, Author
 
Follow my blog

MY COMMUNITY



Blogs I Follow

Blog at WordPress.com.

Redwood's Medical Edge

Medical Fact for your Fiction

The Kingdom

Here Be Dragons, Here Be Dreams

Truth in Fiction

Meet the story behind the story

Prayerlogue

Prayers, Devotionals, Meditations, Bible Studies

ultimatemindsettoday

A great WordPress.com site

Attila Ovari

It's a Girl Thing.

I over-analyze. But hopefully it's endearing.

Making Time For Me

Mom and Wife just Trying to Make Time for Herself in this Crazy Life

Our Day's Encounter

Just another WordPress.com site

CopyGhosting

Copywriting, ghostwriting, editing, proofreading, script doctoring, digital marketing, crowdfunding, training & mentoring services

Josh Prather

God. Life. Family.

Kimberly Mungle

Learning and Development Professional

The Relentless Pursuit

One pilgrim's quest for authentic faith and some reflections on the journey.

The Deepest Love

Pastor Mak

A Pastor's Ponderings and Such

Servant Leader Life

Walking with Jesus, Leading like Jesus

Prayerfully Yours

Thoughts on Prayer

A Sacred Conspiracy

To conspire... act in harmony toward a common or agreed upon end. God wants to conspire with us [and] this means that God calls us to give our lives to God, to surrender completely, so we may live more fully. Dallas Willard

ombiaiinterijeri

All things nice

Hanna Caroline

Holder of my Heart.

Top of JC's Mind

eclectic, like me

Hugh's Views & News  

A man with dyslexia writing about this and that and everything else!

Annie Rim

Reflections from My Lanai

Photography and Writing as Spiritual Practices

Seeing God At Work Every Day

David Dendy invites you to join the challenge of seeing God at work every day...

Interrupting the Silence

An Episcopal Priest's Sermons, Prayers, and Reflections on Life, Becoming Human, and Discovering Our Divinity

You're not getting any younger

A single Christian feminist woman trapped in a well-meaning family-orientated church system

dragonflydanele

Articles, Interviews, and Book Reviews by Danele Rotharmel the Author of The Time Counselor Chronicles

Melissa G. Henderson

Its Always A Story With The Hendersons

For the Love of His Truth

A Christian Blog about Fundamental Biblical Facts

OneReality1

Meeting my family

RESEARCHING MY FAMILY TREE

i dwell in possibilities

encouragement for the journey

Deeper Roots

"You will take root below and bear fruit above" 2 Kings 19:30

styledbyryn.wordpress.com/

Empowering those to be beautiful...

musings by melina

Walk with a Christian homeschooling mother of 11

Mere Whispers

These are the mere edges of His ways, and how small a whisper we hear of Him . . .

A Glimpse of Starlight

finding the light beyond the clouds

MNBernard Books

Book Reviews & Literary Discussions

Spiritual Formation Center

AWAKENING TO THE DIVINE PRESENCE IN THE WORLD

Pushing a Feather

They say writing is just pushing a feather...

Be Holy!

Striving for holiness with a Catholic heart.

Daniel Ogle

Natalie D Wilson

Independent Author

Raspberryman

Welcome to Raspberryman. I hope you will find in these words and books inspiration, some entertainment, and ideas to find grace in the world today.

Elijah Stevens

Teacher, Mentor, Coach, Writer

the beautiful changes...

...in such kind ways...

Apprentice 2 Jesus

An Anglicostal Connecting to a Real World

catholicpsychdoc

Catholic-without compromise

Advent Journey

Finding Christ each day

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.
Cancel

 
Loading Comments...
Comment
    ×
    %d bloggers like this: