Do you choose a word of the year? Many people participate in this practice – yearly choosing a word or phrase to frame or accompany them in the next 12 months. Some people will even say their mind didn’t do the selection, but the word settled on its own in their hearts. I have followed this practice for the last few years and am always amazed how the word weaves itself throughout my life. The word pops up in quotes, in my reading, in conversations. I hear it in prayers and sermons and presentations. I will be walking and an image of the word bubbles up. I hear it in dreams and in emails. My word grounds me, gives me an anchor for the year and helps me focus. Only one year, did the word never add much to my spiritual growth. I should at some point go back and reread my journal from that year and see if that word breathed more life into my life than I realized or maybe another word intertwined that year that I never noticed. The Origin of a Word of the Year In the third and … [Read more...]
Christmas Ornaments Traditions
The tradition of putting Christmas ornaments on our tree each year brings back memories and smiles, creates a bright, seasonal ambiance to the room and tells the story of our faith, family and life journey through displaying family heirlooms and cherished collectibles. This month I have been exploring different themes of Advent and traditions with Christmas to help prepare our hearts for celebration of the birth of Christ. Something as simple as Christmas ornaments enriches our holiday and deepens our Christmas experience. Christmas ornaments provide several moments of connecting with our memories and generating a holiday spirit – as we unwrapped them and put them on the tree, as we watch them in the twinkling lights and tell others the stories behind the décor and as we gently wrapped them into safe keeping for another year. The History of the Christmas Ornament Bringing inside an evergreen this time of year began in Germany in the 15th and 16th centuries. Often these trees … [Read more...]
A Writer’s Prayer
I wrote a Writer's Christmas Prayer as part of an assignment for my local writers' group. Our homework was to create a fiction/nonfiction story or poem to answer the question: What do I want as a writer for Christmas? Our inspiration included all sorts of gift ideas for writers. Thought you may want to see a few of the ones that were fun and stood out for me: Jane Austen Socks - so fun! Antique Style Wood Folding Travel Writing Lap Desk - so cool! Go Away I'm Writing Tee Shirt - brought a smile to my face But I digress...or I will be wishful shopping all afternoon. Back to my writing assignment. I was at first going to explore physical gifts like these or even imagine a far away writing retreat but then the muse called me to listen. I wrote a Writers Prayer instead and thought I would share it here today. A Writer’s Prayer Dear Lord, What do I want this year as a writer? What gifts await me in 2017 as a communicator? Where are you inviting me to … [Read more...]
Christmas Traditions – Jolabokaflod
Never heard of the Christmas tradition of Jolabokaflod? The word Jolobokaflod comes from Iceland and means “Christmas Book Flood.” The people of Iceland share in the wonderful holiday ritual of giving books to one another on Christmas Eve. Then they spend the night reading. The BBC reported in 2013 that “This island nation of just over 300,000 people has more writers, more books published and more books read, per head, than anywhere else in the world.” Jolabokaflod dates back to World War II when currency restriction limited the number of gifts that could be imported. The regulation on paper was more lenient, so books rose in popularity. Some historians think the practice dates back even further as Iceland is a country rich in storytelling and folklore. In November, a catalog featuring all the new books is sent to every household. Commercials on television is less advertising for electronics, gadgets, and jewelry and focus more on books. What a wonderful … [Read more...]
Advent Themes – Expectations!
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...]
Monthly Musings –What I Learned in November
Monthly Musings Each month I pause and look back at what I am discovering, learning, and exploring in life – I call these my monthly musings. I believe strongly in living a reflective life as a spiritual practice. We rush through life, often missing the lessons, enjoying the highlights and sleeping through what we should be paying attention to. Capturing these special moments gives meaning, depth, and delight to life. Let’s wake up to the wonders in the ordinary all around us, especially at this most sacred time of year. I record what I notice on the pages of my Monthly Musing Journal. You can use anything, scrapes of papers, a journal or a calendar. Copies of my Monthly Musing Journal are available on Amazon and are a convenient way to keep track of the little things in life we often miss. Or if you want to click the button at the end of this post to get a free copy of my one sheet Monthly Musing handout. What I Learned in November Lessons Learned I am reminded this month … [Read more...]