Good morning... My new favorite tree ornament is a transparent two inch square holding a tiny ice skater. Handmade by our wildly creative friend Corinne Adams, this symbol sums up my Advent season thus far, gliding along almost effortlessly, empowered by the Spirit of God with us. Yet today is Monday and by the time we skate through [...]
Good morning... I love unique days when I get to experience both the sunrise and the sunset. The sunset on the Saturday night of our Advent women's retreat was absolutely spectacular, so I went to bed so excited to see the sun gloriously rise on Sunday morning. As usual, I woke early without an alarm and walked up [...]
Good morning... When my inside self feels topsy-turvy, off-balance, cockeyed, truth finally dawns: "I have elbowed God out of the way." I have stopped diligently anchoring myself in Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, forever. I have started tipping toward my own selfish whims. I hate this topsy-turvy, off-balance feeling, this experience of spinning cockeyed. It's hard [...]
Good morning... While on our women's retreat the first weekend of December, I met a small, sweet book. The Art Of Pausing: Meditations for the Overworked and Overwhelmed. In a simple, inviting pattern the authors offer poems, photographs and short reflections on the names of God, the character of our Creator from whom all blessings flow. When life [...]
Good morning... After our small group Christmas gathering, I simply had to snap this photo. The image reminds me of our need to rest amid the holiday hurry. Breathe deep. Allow the Spirit to fill us full. Prepare for the peaceful presence of our living Lord to be born in and through us each night and each day. [...]
Good morning... Luke 3:4 whispers, “Prepare the way of the Lord.” In his chaplain's devotional message this week, my husband Steve remembers with us the focus of this Advent season. May we practice the presence of the living Christ born in and through us today. ****** "Prepare the Way of the Lord" by Rev. Steve Allen - December [...]
Good morning... I was driving around in December's hustle, rushing to here before dashing to there. "Of course, there's a train," I texted the photo above to the person forced to wait as I was running late. A line of red taillights. Stopped by a standstill. Traffic mounting along with my anxiety, my frustration, my anger at myself. [...]
Good morning... The winds of December are already blowing wildly, and it is only day number three. Excess. Expectations. Extras galore. How much of this crazy do I bring on myself, speeding, scattering, struggling to do it all? Today is the last day of our semester's class and, for the life of me, I cannot find my book. [...]
Good morning... I have never cut from the yard fresh greens and red berries to decorate a Christmas wreathe from scratch. At age 58, I savor this first. On Monday my dear friend invited me to come to her basement, and together we collaborated to create fresh, homemade beauty. What fun! [...]
Good morning... Okay, so you know I tried a new thing yesterday. I did not write a blog post, on purpose. It was Sunday, the very first day I intentionally practiced the art of Sabbath-keeping, setting apart the seventh day of the week as a day of rest, honoring the sacred rhythm set forth by God at the [...]
