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
Yesterday, 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. I realized late in the day that it was also the anniversary of the murder of John Lennon, another strong advocate for … Continue reading
“In a futile attempt to erase our past, we deprive the community of our healing gift. If we conceal our wounds out of fear and shame, our inner darkness can neither be illuminated nor become a light for others.” ― Brennan Manning, Abba’s Child: The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging I recently came … Continue reading
Last night, my husband and I finished watching the beautiful documentary, Into Great Silence, an illuminating look at the lives of Carthusian monks of the Grande Chartreuse monastery in the French Alps. The monks live a simple, ascetic spiritual life, devoted to prayer and silence, Scheduled times are intentionally set aside for walks, conversation and, in … Continue reading
He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. – Psalm 23 This week’s activity for the summer sermon series at our church, Decatur Presbyterian Church, is to take pictures of green pastures and still waters. Today, my daughter and I spent some time walking along the … Continue reading
“You are the sky. Everything else – it’s just the weather.” – Pema Chödrön As luck would have it, I came down with some version of the viral crud that’s been going around. The combination of rest, Reiki self-treatment, fluids and vitamins do seem to be helping. I find that when I’m not feeling well, the … Continue reading
The other day, I spent the afternoon updating my upcoming Classes & Events Calendar for 2013, and before bed, I spent some time reading Pema Chödrön’s new book, Living Beautifully: with Uncertainty and Change. Over the years, I’ve received spiritual teachings in dreams, and the one I had that night was no exception. I was … Continue reading
