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The Thin Place

What Is Ordinary Time And How Do I Celebrate It?

Ordinary time. It sounds so, well, ordinary. Simple. Plain. But Ordinary Time matters deeply, both in the Church Calendar and in our personal spiritual walks. 

Ordinary comes from the same word as ordinal, it is time that matters, time that is to be counted and treasured. It is common, daily time measured in common, daily life that matters deeply to God. 

Ordinary Time begins after Pentecost. 

The Church is empowered in Acts 2 to go into the world and spread the good news of Jesus. Ordinary Time reflects what that has looked like. 

Ordinary time. It sounds so, well, ordinary. Simple. Plain. But Ordinary Time matters deeply, both in the Church Calendar and in our personal spiritual walks. Click To Tweet

Traditionally, the season of Ordinary Time is the season where we remember anew the works of the Apostles and the saints that have followed them. As a Protestant, most of my knowledge of Christian history was post-Reformation. Ordinary Time is a season in which I try to dedicate myself to learning about how God has worked in His Church through all time, not just the last few hundred years. 

7 Spiritual Goals To Grow Your Christian Faith

This season, the longest one in the Church Calendar, is a celebration of how our work for God in daily life matters. It is not a season of big events like Christmas or Easter nor is it a season of preparation. It is a season of doing, each and every day, the little things that Christ has called us to do. If the rest of the year is Sunday morning service, Ordinary Time is the moment when we leave the pews and go out into the world, living the life we have been re-commissioned to live.

If the rest of the year is Sunday morning service, Ordinary Time is the moment when we leave the pews and go out into the world, living the life we have been re-commissioned to live. Click To Tweet 

For me, Ordinary Time is lived out in a few different ways. 

Ordinary Time leads me to a renewed vigor for the Great Commission. After Pentecost, I am reminded of the power of the Holy Spirit’s work in my life and how that should lead me to spread the word of God. Ordinary Time reminds me of the call to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all. 

Ordinary Time reminds me of the importance of the Church. When the Holy Spirit came, He did not descend upon them independently as individuals, but together, as a united Church. Ordinary Time reminds me of how God equipped us together as a Church and called us to be His Bride. During Ordinary Time, I am reminded that I am not an island but that I’m meant to live out my life in the community of the Church. 

During Ordinary Time, I am reminded that I am not an island but that I’m meant to live out my life in the community of the Church. Click To Tweet

Finally, Ordinary Time reminds me that other’s have walked this path before me. It is the season that embodies the Hall of Faith laid out in Hebrews 11. During this season, we immerse ourselves in the stories of God’s faithfulness in the lives of those who have gone before us. It is particularly meaningful to me to remember the lives of those who have lived since the time when the canon of Scripture was compiled. While this is not because their lives were more or less valuable than those in Scripture, it helps me realize that ordinary people, not just Biblical heroes, have seen God’s faithfulness. 

What Is Ordinary Time And How Do I Celebrate It? #ChurchCalendar #Church #LiturgicalLiving #ChristianLiving #Ordinary #OrdinaryTime
What Is Ordinary Time And How Do I Celebrate It? #ChurchCalendar #Church #LiturgicalLiving #ChristianLiving #Ordinary #OrdinaryTime
What Is Ordinary Time And How Do I Celebrate It? #ChurchCalendar #Church #LiturgicalLiving #ChristianLiving #Ordinary #OrdinaryTime

What Is Ordinary Time And How Do I Celebrate It? #ChurchCalendar #Church #LiturgicalLiving #ChristianLiving #Ordinary #OrdinaryTime

What Is Ordinary Time And How Do I Celebrate It? #ChurchCalendar #Church #LiturgicalLiving #ChristianLiving #Ordinary #OrdinaryTime
What Is Ordinary Time And How Do I Celebrate It? #ChurchCalendar #Church #LiturgicalLiving #ChristianLiving #Ordinary #OrdinaryTime
What Is Ordinary Time And How Do I Celebrate It? #ChurchCalendar #Church #LiturgicalLiving #ChristianLiving #Ordinary #OrdinaryTime
What Is Ordinary Time And How Do I Celebrate It? #ChurchCalendar #Church #LiturgicalLiving #ChristianLiving #Ordinary #OrdinaryTime
What Is Ordinary Time And How Do I Celebrate It? #ChurchCalendar #Church #LiturgicalLiving #ChristianLiving #Ordinary #OrdinaryTime
What Is Ordinary Time And How Do I Celebrate It? #ChurchCalendar #Church #LiturgicalLiving #ChristianLiving #Ordinary #OrdinaryTime
What Is Ordinary Time And How Do I Celebrate It? #ChurchCalendar #Church #LiturgicalLiving #ChristianLiving #Ordinary #OrdinaryTime
What Is Ordinary Time And How Do I Celebrate It? #ChurchCalendar #Church #LiturgicalLiving #ChristianLiving #Ordinary #OrdinaryTime
What Is Ordinary Time And How Do I Celebrate It? #ChurchCalendar #Church #LiturgicalLiving #ChristianLiving #Ordinary #OrdinaryTime
What Is Ordinary Time And How Do I Celebrate It? #ChurchCalendar #Church #LiturgicalLiving #ChristianLiving #Ordinary #OrdinaryTime

The saints whose lives were not recorded in Scripture remind me that God is still active in His Church and active in the lives of those who love Him. Ordinary Time is a season where we can stop and recognize that everything we do, we can do unto the Lord. 

The saints whose lives were not recorded in Scripture remind me that God is still active in His Church and active in the lives of those who love Him Click To Tweet

So recognize this season.

Thank God for His work in the Church and the lives of the saints who have gone before you. Find a book on the saints and read about the lives of Christians you do not know. They aren’t just distant historical figures, they are your brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Put up reminders around your home of all that God has done. Think of how you can pass on to those around you and those in the generations to come a legacy of faithful dependence on God. Then, offer each and every moment of your ordinary day in service of the One who paid the extraordinary ransom for your soul. 

Let this season be a beautiful reminder,  not of the works of men, but of the works of a faithful God who has worked and who continues to work in His Church. 

You might also like: 

The Ordinary Christian Life in Ordinary Time

Why I Love All Saints Day

10 Christian Books That Need to Be On Your Radar

How Do You Measure Time? An Examination of Christian Calendar

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The Comments

  • jmusselman8
    July 16, 2018

    Yes…we grow in the ordinary times! Love your arrow with the measuring spoons!!

    Reply
    • Bailey
      jmusselman8
      July 17, 2018

      They are special indeed! Thank you – they are a friend’s but I couldn’t resist the picture!

      Reply
  • Sophie Verlinden
    July 17, 2018

    I love what you said about recommissioned to live. That’s always my mindset when I leave a service or complete a chapter in one of my spiritual books. Such a beautiful post <3

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Sophie Verlinden
      July 17, 2018

      It’s so important that we find what reinvigorates our walk and feed the things that cause us to love God.

      Reply
  • Diane
    July 17, 2018

    This was such an interesting post to read!! Thank you for this observation..you’re right! The Holy Spirit came upon them as a body…as one! Great post!!

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Diane
      July 17, 2018

      Thanks for reading, Diane!

      Reply
  • Tiff|18thAvenueMom
    July 17, 2018

    This is such a great reminder to see God in the ordinary, and celebrate His goodness to us year round – not just during the holy seasons!

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Tiff|18thAvenueMom
      July 17, 2018

      God is good all the time. May we celebrate it always.

      Reply
  • candy
    July 17, 2018

    We can’t hide in church everyday only with people who think or believe like us. We need to go out into the world and show people how we act what we live just like the apostles. Heavenly Fathers time and our time are not the same. Patience is a virtue.

    Reply
    • Bailey
      candy
      July 17, 2018

      Thanks for reading, Candy.

      Reply
  • sruszkowski
    July 17, 2018

    This is LOVELY!!!! I so appreciate how you explain Ordinary Time. And I more in love with this time of year. 🙂

    Reply
    • Bailey
      sruszkowski
      July 17, 2018

      I’m so glad that it gave you an appreciation for this season. It matters!

      Reply
  • Rebecca
    July 18, 2018

    Thank you for the book suggestions and the great information. A reminder to go out of the pew and into the world, even in small daily tasks is such a refreshing thing! Thank you for your obedience to call, remind, and encourage us to continue to go out into the world!

    Reply
    • Bailey
      Rebecca
      July 18, 2018

      Go into the world freshly reminded of your call!

      Reply
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Hello, I’m Bailey
about me

Hello, I’m Bailey

The Thin Place was born out of a season of struggle. A season where I felt stretched thin and desperately longed to see the goodness of God in the land of the living. The goodness of God showed up in unexpected ways. During that season, the spiritual disciplines laid out in Scripture, the traditions of the Church, and the reminders of His faithfulness seen in liturgial living and the feasts and seasons of the Church calendar all opened my eyes to the hope we have in Christ.

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Baruch, as you may recall from the book of Jeremiah, was the scribe of Jeremiah. This is a prophetic book written by Baruch calling the people of Jerusalem to repent of their idol worship and return to the Lord. 
Baruch is a great reminder of the importance of confession. The book opens with a call to make respond.
Then they wept, and fasted, and prayed before the Lord; and they collected money, each giving what he could – Baruch 1:5-6 RSVCE 
Baruch is a collection of the response to sin – both the acknowledgment of sin and the call to God’s mercy. 
#christianwoman #graceupongrace #jesusgirl #inspiredfaith #womenlivingwell #jesuscalling #faithfilledcaptions #catholicblogger #Catholicconvert #CatholicWoman #chasingsacred #christianwomenleaders #bibleverse #biblestudy  #christianblogger #faithinhim #proverbs31woman #faithful #Godisgood #encouragementgallery #godslove #christianposts #christianquote #prayer #prayertime 
#biblequotes #bibleinspiration
thethinplace
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Baruch, as you may recall from the book of Jeremiah, was the scribe of Jeremiah. This is a prophetic book written by Baruch calling the people of Jerusalem to repent of their idol worship and return to the Lord. Baruch is a great reminder of the importance of confession. The book opens with a call to make respond. Then they wept, and fasted, and prayed before the Lord; and they collected money, each giving what he could – Baruch 1:5-6 RSVCE Baruch is a collection of the response to sin – both the acknowledgment of sin and the call to God’s mercy. #christianwoman #graceupongrace #jesusgirl #inspiredfaith #womenlivingwell #jesuscalling #faithfilledcaptions #catholicblogger #Catholicconvert #CatholicWoman #chasingsacred #christianwomenleaders #bibleverse #biblestudy #christianblogger #faithinhim #proverbs31woman #faithful #Godisgood #encouragementgallery #godslove #christianposts #christianquote #prayer #prayertime #biblequotes #bibleinspiration
4 weeks ago
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1/5
The Book of Sirach is part of the Wisdom literature of the Bible. It was also written during the Maccabean revolt to encourage the people to hold fast to their Jewish faith and not to neglect the traditions and commandments handed down to them. 
Sirach is one of the books of the Bible found among the Dead Sea Scrolls in the late 1940s. It is also found in every copy of the Septuagint suggesting that is was considered to be Scripture by the Greek speaking Jews of that period.
It is full of practical, clear wisdom that is incredibly applicable to our lives today such as: 
The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord. - Sirach 3:18
The higher your position, the more you have to actively seek humility. When you are in a low position, when you rely on others, humility is a more natural disposition and you recognize your dependence on God. When you are great, you need to actively seek humility. 
Do not say, “Because of the Lord I left the right way”; for he will not do what he hates. - Sirach 15:11
This is pretty straightforward. We cannot blame the Lord when we choose sin. The Lord does not do what He hates. He will always provide a way for us to choose good and it adds to our shame when we choose sin and blame God for it. 
A slip on the pavement is better than a slip of the tongue; so the downfall of the wicked will occur speedily. - Sirach 20:18
As the Book of James expands upon the importance of bridling your tongue but more abut consistently in the Book of Sirach we are exhorted to keep charge over our tongues. Ironically, this is much easier said than done. 
Whether you’re new to the wisdom literature or have spent years pouring over proverbs, Sirach is a great place to begin in living a wiser, more biblical life. 
#bibletime #biblereading #readyourbible #proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword #savedbygrace #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #givemejesus #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #biblescripture
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The Book of Sirach is part of the Wisdom literature of the Bible. It was also written during the Maccabean revolt to encourage the people to hold fast to their Jewish faith and not to neglect the traditions and commandments handed down to them. Sirach is one of the books of the Bible found among the Dead Sea Scrolls in the late 1940s. It is also found in every copy of the Septuagint suggesting that is was considered to be Scripture by the Greek speaking Jews of that period. It is full of practical, clear wisdom that is incredibly applicable to our lives today such as: The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord. - Sirach 3:18 The higher your position, the more you have to actively seek humility. When you are in a low position, when you rely on others, humility is a more natural disposition and you recognize your dependence on God. When you are great, you need to actively seek humility. Do not say, “Because of the Lord I left the right way”; for he will not do what he hates. - Sirach 15:11 This is pretty straightforward. We cannot blame the Lord when we choose sin. The Lord does not do what He hates. He will always provide a way for us to choose good and it adds to our shame when we choose sin and blame God for it. A slip on the pavement is better than a slip of the tongue; so the downfall of the wicked will occur speedily. - Sirach 20:18 As the Book of James expands upon the importance of bridling your tongue but more abut consistently in the Book of Sirach we are exhorted to keep charge over our tongues. Ironically, this is much easier said than done. Whether you’re new to the wisdom literature or have spent years pouring over proverbs, Sirach is a great place to begin in living a wiser, more biblical life. #bibletime #biblereading #readyourbible #proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword #savedbygrace #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #givemejesus #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #biblescripture
1 month ago
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2/5
The Book of Wisdom full of poetic principles and outlines how to live life well. Written around the time of the Maccabean revolt, it is written in the style of Solomon (and is sometimes referred to as “The Wisdom of Solomon”) but was written by later authors.
While this book was not accepted in the Jewish cannon, it is in every copy of the Greek Septuagint but it was quote by St Augustine over 800 times and, most importantly, was declared Scripture at the Councils of Hippo and Carthage. 
It focuses on Wisdom guiding the lives of the faithful, the follies of the wicked, and focuses heavily on our future home with God and the life to come. 
For those of you familiar with the Nicene Creed, the Book of Wisdom is one of the sources of inspiration of our description of Jesus Christ. The reference to Christ being “Light from Light” is taken from Wisdom 7:26 which refers to Wisdom as being a “reflection of eternal light.” 
There are also several passages in Wisdom which foretell the death of Christ. One of my favorite passages is Wisdom 14:7, “Blessed is the wood by which righteousness comes,” which reminds me how truly blessed is the cross which held the Savior of the world, our perfect Sacrifice. 
Wisdom is very similar to the book of Proverbs in length and style. It points constantly to the Lord who, as James tells us, is ready to give wisdom to those who ask.
#proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword  #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #blessedandhighlyfavored #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #daughterofaking #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #wordbeforworld
#thinplaces #encouragingquotes #christianlife #christianencouragement
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The Book of Wisdom full of poetic principles and outlines how to live life well. Written around the time of the Maccabean revolt, it is written in the style of Solomon (and is sometimes referred to as “The Wisdom of Solomon”) but was written by later authors. While this book was not accepted in the Jewish cannon, it is in every copy of the Greek Septuagint but it was quote by St Augustine over 800 times and, most importantly, was declared Scripture at the Councils of Hippo and Carthage. It focuses on Wisdom guiding the lives of the faithful, the follies of the wicked, and focuses heavily on our future home with God and the life to come. For those of you familiar with the Nicene Creed, the Book of Wisdom is one of the sources of inspiration of our description of Jesus Christ. The reference to Christ being “Light from Light” is taken from Wisdom 7:26 which refers to Wisdom as being a “reflection of eternal light.” There are also several passages in Wisdom which foretell the death of Christ. One of my favorite passages is Wisdom 14:7, “Blessed is the wood by which righteousness comes,” which reminds me how truly blessed is the cross which held the Savior of the world, our perfect Sacrifice. Wisdom is very similar to the book of Proverbs in length and style. It points constantly to the Lord who, as James tells us, is ready to give wisdom to those who ask. #proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #blessedandhighlyfavored #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #daughterofaking #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #wordbeforworld #thinplaces #encouragingquotes #christianlife #christianencouragement
1 month ago
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3/5
Chances are, the Books of Maccabees are probably the deuterocanonical books you are most familiar with!  It is in these books that we find the origins of Hanukkah.
To be honest, they are a rough read. A really rough read. They detail the suffering the people of God endured while their enemies attempted to control their land and wipe out their religion. 
It is a set of books filled with great suffering as many of the faithful are killed but it is also a book of great bravery and trust in the Lord in the midst of trials.
In Maccabees, two of the theological principles used today are clearly seen. The first, that God created the world out of nothing. 2 Maccabees 7:28 details how God did not make the world out of things already created, but out of nothing. 
The second principle is that of praying for the dead. While there are references throughout Scripture and it is a clear practice of the Early Church, it is most clearly referenced in 2 Maccabees 12. 
#christianwoman #graceupongrace #jesusgirl #inspiredfaith #womenlivingwell #jesuscalling #faithfilledcaptions #catholicblogger #Catholicconvert #CatholicWoman #chasingsacred #christianwomenleaders #bibleverse #biblestudy  #christianblogger #faithinhim #proverbs31woman #faithful #Godisgood #encouragementgallery #godslove #christianposts #christianquote #prayer #prayertime
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Chances are, the Books of Maccabees are probably the deuterocanonical books you are most familiar with! It is in these books that we find the origins of Hanukkah. To be honest, they are a rough read. A really rough read. They detail the suffering the people of God endured while their enemies attempted to control their land and wipe out their religion. It is a set of books filled with great suffering as many of the faithful are killed but it is also a book of great bravery and trust in the Lord in the midst of trials. In Maccabees, two of the theological principles used today are clearly seen. The first, that God created the world out of nothing. 2 Maccabees 7:28 details how God did not make the world out of things already created, but out of nothing. The second principle is that of praying for the dead. While there are references throughout Scripture and it is a clear practice of the Early Church, it is most clearly referenced in 2 Maccabees 12. #christianwoman #graceupongrace #jesusgirl #inspiredfaith #womenlivingwell #jesuscalling #faithfilledcaptions #catholicblogger #Catholicconvert #CatholicWoman #chasingsacred #christianwomenleaders #bibleverse #biblestudy #christianblogger #faithinhim #proverbs31woman #faithful #Godisgood #encouragementgallery #godslove #christianposts #christianquote #prayer #prayertime
1 month ago
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4/5
Judith is another archetypal story of the battle being won at the hand of a woman, seen also in Judges and Esther. 
During the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, an army is sent to destroy the mountain town that Judith lives in. The people are greatly distressed and death seems to be the only option. Judith, a wealthy widow, trusts in the Lord and ultimately, kills the opposing military leader and brings peace to the people.
It is a story of God’s provision for His people in their exile through an unlikely source, a widow. In Judith, we see an archetype pointing to Mary and to the Church, waiting for her true Bridegroom. 
But it is also a story that points to the Lord’s desire to draw all nations to Himself! One of my favorite parts of the book of Judith is that it tells us of the conversion of a man who initially sets out to fight the Jewish people coming to believe in the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. 
“And when Achior saw all that the God of Israel had done, he believed firmly in God, and was circumcised, and joined the house of Israel.” - Judith 14:10
It beautiful reminder that God’s deliverance is for all mankind. 
#proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword  #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #blessedandhighlyfavored #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #daughterofaking #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #wordbeforworld #encouragingquotes #christianlife #christianencouragement
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Judith is another archetypal story of the battle being won at the hand of a woman, seen also in Judges and Esther. During the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, an army is sent to destroy the mountain town that Judith lives in. The people are greatly distressed and death seems to be the only option. Judith, a wealthy widow, trusts in the Lord and ultimately, kills the opposing military leader and brings peace to the people. It is a story of God’s provision for His people in their exile through an unlikely source, a widow. In Judith, we see an archetype pointing to Mary and to the Church, waiting for her true Bridegroom. But it is also a story that points to the Lord’s desire to draw all nations to Himself! One of my favorite parts of the book of Judith is that it tells us of the conversion of a man who initially sets out to fight the Jewish people coming to believe in the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. “And when Achior saw all that the God of Israel had done, he believed firmly in God, and was circumcised, and joined the house of Israel.” - Judith 14:10 It beautiful reminder that God’s deliverance is for all mankind. #proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #blessedandhighlyfavored #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #daughterofaking #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #wordbeforworld #encouragingquotes #christianlife #christianencouragement
1 month ago
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