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...]
The Rhythms and Rest of Sabbath
How can we practice the rhythms and rest of Sabbath? In November, Sabbath has been the theme for Healthy Spirituality’s Tending the Holy Thursday series where I highlight a spiritual practice or a person(s) of faith for several weeks, so we can explore the topic with more depth. It is my hope and prayer we all can learn something new, gain ideas, and be motivated to dig deeper into this practice. As usual with each month’s theme, I have an additional FREE download for you. I knew I wanted to learn more what the Bible said about Sabbath and was surprised at the number of verses referring to this practice. Then I began to dive into quotes from the writings of others who pondered this topic and I was amazed at the nuggets of wisdom I discovered. So I compiled them for you into a PDF called “Quotes and Verses to Ponder About the Sabbath” and you can obtained this resource by simply clicking the button at the end of this post. I hope its words deepens your exploration. Finding the … [Read more...]
Broken Crayons Still Color – A Book and a Blessing
“Every one we meet loves someone, longs for something and has lost someone.” This expression reminds me that all of us are broken. Every single one of us carries hurts in our heart, sores in our souls, and wounds in our self-worth. All of us are broken crayons. Where do we find hope in the midst of heartbreak? How do we grow from the kicks and cuts from life? I know praying, speaking to a spiritual director, journaling, listening to God’s word – all gives me strength to face a new day. But another key practice is hearing the stories from others – how they survived. How they learned and transformed a tragedy into a triumph. How, as Michael Hyatt wisely advices, take a bad circumstance and ask yourself, “What does this experience make possible?” Broken Crayons Still Color – A Book My friend and mentor, Shelley Hitz, just released her newest book, Broken Crayons Still Color. Don’t you love that title? Shelley has poured her heart into this book and takes us on a journey … [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...]
Thoughts and Tips about the Sabbath
Do you practice honoring the Sabbath? If so, in what ways do you remember this sacred time of rest and refuge? In November, Sabbath is the theme for Healthy Spirituality’s Tending the Holy Thursday series where I highlight a spiritual practice or a person(s) of faith for several weeks, so we can explore the topic with more depth. It is my hope and prayer we all can learn something new, gain ideas, and be motivated to dig deeper into this practice. How is God inviting us into Sabbath? As usual with each month’s theme, I have an additional FREE download for you. I knew I wanted to learn more what the Bible said about Sabbath and was surprised at the number of verses referring to Sabbath. Then I began to dive into quotes from the writings of others who pondered the Sabbath and I was amazed at the nuggets of wisdom I discovered. So I compiled them for you into a PDF called “Quotes and Verses to Ponder About the Sabbath” and you can obtained this resource by simply clicking the … [Read more...]