Holidays are full of expectations. I expect everything to be perfect, nice, full of joy. I long for family members to get along and to feel loved. I want the table to look just right and the food to be yummy. I expect to see the smiles on the faces of those around me and hear the giggles and glee of my grandkids. I long to experience the wonder and awe of that first Christmas too. To hear the angels in all their glory singing. To kneel with the Wise Men and worship the newborn King. To cuddle the Prince of Peace in my arms and my heart as Mary did. To rest knowing Jesus has arrived and will come again. Expectations can be both good and bad, but are part of our human nature and a relevant Advent theme to ponder. Expectations I read the other day that expectations were “premeditated disappointments.” When we focus on too high, unrealistic, and far long-off possibilities and dreams, our hopes are often dashed. When I cling too tightly on how I see things and assume how … [Read more...]
You’ve Seen One, But Do You Know the Meaning About the Moravian Star?
The Moravian Star? You’ve seen one. I’ve seen them. But do you know the meaning about this Advent Star? I didn’t know its name and learning its story revealed a new tradition I am adding to enrich my holiday season. What is the Moravian Star? You will recognize the Moravian star when you see it. I did too, but didn’t know that this type of star had a special name and story. While we may decorate with stars on our trees and mantels at Christmas time, the Moravian star is unique in having usually 26 points and is multidimensional. The number of star points can range from 6 to more than 100. The Moravian Star represents the greatness of God, creator of the universe, the star that led the Wise Men to Bethlehem to worship the newborn king and the star of David, the Messiah, Christ. The Moravian star is often made from paper and is illuminated so it shines from within. Usually white or yellow, the star has been made in all the colors in more recent times. What is the Story of the … [Read more...]
Advent Themes – HOPE!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15: 13 (NIV) As the reader finished the second reading on Sunday with these words, I felt like God was presenting the message in this blessing just for me. As a spiritual director, I have learned to pay attention when words or an image vibrates within my heart and stirs my spirit. On Sunday these words of Advent hope struck me deeply and continue to stay with me in my prayers and conversations with God. In December on this blog, I’m exploring the various themes of Advent and what they could mean for our life now and forever. This week’s word: HOPE! Why Advent Hope? December here in northwest Ohio is dark and damp and dreary. Winter is gloomy and murks my spirit. I long for the warmth and lightness of summer, not the snowy, hide by the fireplace under the crochet blanket, dusky coldness that shrouds everything. I realized … [Read more...]
Advent Themes – Look!
Advent is one of my favorite seasons of the year. The candles, music, words, and themes stir my spirit and refocus my heart of the true reason for the season. Exploring Advent themes brings peace and depth to my walk towards Christmas. Advent is the four weeks before Christmas and is a season of waiting, expecting, and hoping. Advent prepares our hearts and minds for the coming, or “advent” of the Christ child at Christmas. Advent invites us not to do more, but to pause and be and listen and refocus on what matters. [Tweet "Advent invites us not to do more but to pause and be and listen and refocus on what matters. "] The next few weeks on this blog, let’s dive into the themes of Advent and what they could mean for our life now and forever. This week’s word: Look! Advent Theme - Look Up! I told the kids during the children’s moment last Sunday that God invites us to watch for him during this season. Look intently for his presence. Watch for his appearance. Stay awake … [Read more...]
2016 Thanksgiving -A Day to Give Thanks
Happy Thanksgiving from my house to yours. Today is Thanksgiving in the U.S. A time to give thanks to God for all he gives us. Take a moment to ponder all his gifts. Think about what we miss or ignore that provide for us. Breath in life. Behold the present. Be thankful for all things. A year ago I printed a free download titled "Questions to Nurture Gratitude" for you to ponder. If you want it again or didn't get it last year just click the button below to get your free gift. Thank you. Click Here to Receive the List May your day be filled with gratitude! … [Read more...]
Healthy Spirituality Gift Guide
Healthy Spirituality Gift Guide Gifts to Feed Your and Your Friends’ Faith I love giving and sharing great gift ideas, knowing I am nourishing both my faith and those of my loved ones and friends. Below are some ideas I have recently compiled for holiday gift giving. Hope you enjoy this special edition of Healthy Spirituality. The Absolute Find of the Year – My Pick Shacke Packing Cubes – What did I ever do without these? My clothes are less wrinkled (though they have a few creases when I rush the packing) and fit into smaller suitcases. I love this product! Dayspring The products created by Dayspring are wonderful. Here are just a few neat ideas: A great jewelry collection. I especially like the “Be Thou my Vision Necklace” as that is one of my most favorite hymns. Word Matter Letter Box Collection of wall art is both inspirational and beautiful. Since my fourth grandchild was born in October I have been going crazy with Christian baby gift ideas. Check … [Read more...]
What I am Most Thankful for this November
This Thursday in the U.S. we will be observing Thanksgiving. Though this holiday seems to focus more on food than being grateful, I have been thinking about what I am most thankful for this November. Often we offer our gratitude for the big, obvious stuff – the blessings God sends, our loved ones, friendship across the years, our favorite foods, health and even life itself. But this year my prayer have expanded. Thankful Challenge My challenge to myself and I invite you to join me, is to dig a little deeper and think beyond the obvious to those behind the scenes moments and people that need to hear our gratitude. Here are some examples: Thankful for the truck driver who brought the food to the processor or the distribution center, the workers who unloaded the food and those who stocked the shelves at the store for our convenience. Thankful for the farmer who raised the turkey, the potatoes, the wheat for our bread. The scientists who create new seeds to produce the food … [Read more...]
Advent Adventures
Don't forget to join the Advent Adventure, beginning today on Facebook live at 2:30 eastern on my author page and learn more about this holy time. Monday the topic will be what actually is this season and why is it important? Tuesday: We will explore the themes and roots of this time in the church calendar before Christmas. Thursday: I will share lots of tips and resources and ideas to honor this season. If you can't join me live, catch the replay. On the video I will share with you exciting news about my new book and a free Resource Guide. Let's explore this holy season together. This year Advent begins November 27. … [Read more...]