One of the best things about Advent and the holiday season is the opportunity to delight in the spectacle of warm lights and bright color all around us, especially as the days get shorter and colder. Everything right now is glittery, glitzy and over-the-top. Magical moments are everywhere you look. I love that more of … Continue reading
Do you know someone who is going through a tough time right now? Maybe he is struggling with a relationship or family issue. Or she was laid off and in the process of trying to find a new job. Perhaps it’s a student cramming to get through finals and finish papers for the semester. And … Continue reading
The next ten days before Christmas are usually a whirlwind of hectic activity – holiday luncheons, evening parties, church and school events, shopping, wrapping, cooking and baking… Is your head spinning now? If not, kudos to you! But if it is, give yourself a day off (or at least a few hours or an evening) … Continue reading
During the holidays, I notice that strangers are more likely to start up conversations while waiting on line, or wishing each other well in passing. The personal boundaries we usually keep up the rest of the year falls during the holidays, when people are feeling more excited, open and generous. The other day, I was … Continue reading
The holidays can be a very hectic time – both joyous and stressful. Add to it colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours, which can darken moods and zap energy. During Advent, we wait in ever-deepening anticipation of what is to come, and what has been promised. We wait, preparing to move from darkness into a … Continue reading
Advent is supposed to be a time for waiting and anticipation, for spiritual reflection and cultivating hope, peace, joy and love in our hearts. Yet, for most people, December is crammed with holiday events, shopping and other obligations that can be a drain on time, energy and peace of mind. If holiday jingles jangle your … Continue reading
A lot has been said about the power of forgiveness to heal and transform lives. Forgiveness is one of the most crucial spiritual teachings we have been given to learn, yet it can be one of the most difficult to put into practice. “Forgive and forget” is a popular mantra, but in truth, it can … Continue reading
This week, we lit the Advent candle of peace. It was a moment to reflect on our Prince of Peace, Jesus, who taught us to open our divided hearts toward a life of reconciliation. Yesterday was also the anniversary of the murder of John Lennon, another strong advocate for peace. One of the ways we can create … Continue reading
Words may fail, but a true hug never does. We are a culture disconnected from healthy, loving, healing touch – everything that a heartfelt hug offers. One of the books my daughter loved for me to read to her was a book called Hug, by Jez Alborough. The main character, a chimp named Bobo, searches … Continue reading
When was the last time you received – or wrote – a handwritten note to someone, just because? Sure, you still may write thank you cards and maybe even Christmas cards by hand, but when was the last time you wrote a note or letter by hand? Now that emailing, texting and social media are … Continue reading
