Respite is a gift of stillness that we can give to others. Those brief moments that allow the whirlwind of life to die down, even for just a little while, and remind us of the peace we carry within us; the divine gift of stillness that never leaves us. Continue reading Carols of Stillness & Peace
Stillness is a time when we make room to hear the voices that we need to hear, even the ones that disturb us, that challenge us to be who we think we are. Continue reading “It Wasn’t My Turn”
There is something counter-cultural about stillness. For all of the apps and articles helping us to focus on mindfulness and being present, the caroler’s refrain that “all is calm, all is bright” continues to elude us. Continue reading Why Stillness for Advent?
I want more from Advent, this season of preparation. I want the stillness of waiting, of expectation. I want the peace of resting, of trusting. I want the wonder of hopeful imagination. The true gifts that Christmas offers.
Not instead of the celebrations, but in the midst of them. Because that’s where faith is found… along the way. Join me in Growing Still this Advent. Continue reading Growing Still This Advent
God didn’t design us to all be alike. To think alike.
To act alike. Create room in your heart this Christmas for those who are different from you. Continue reading How Do You Decorate Your Gingerbread House?
We bring expectations to so many areas of our lives. Our relationships, our work, our faith, even our experience of Christmas. Subtle checklists of what should be – how it should look and feel – that can sometimes get in the way of seeing the gifts right in front of us. Continue reading Great Expectations
What if hope were on our wish list this year. Even better, what if that was the gift we sought to give. To wrap up big and small acts of justice and mercy and peace and slip them into the stockings where they are needed the most. To light a candle of hope in the darkness of too much self, too much them, not enough we. Continue reading Is Hope on Your Wish List?
We spend so much energy cramming all we can into all of the spaces in our lives – our calendar, our closet, our mental checklist – that when room is finally created, anticipation can’t help but well up with the wonder of how it will be filled. How God will fill it. Continue reading Open to Wonder
Be still – today. Yes, I know what day it is. If your Christmas to do list is like mine, there may still be more unchecked than checked. Stocking stuffers have yet to be wrapped, batteries not included have yet to be bought, the sudden leak in the downstairs toilet has got to be fixed, and that carrot cake is not going to frost itself. Continue reading Something Bigger Than Ourselves
Today’s Word: LOVE Today’s Time of Stillness: 17 minutes “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 This Third Sunday in Advent we light the candle of Love. Love divine, all loves excelling, joy of heaven to earth come down. Continue reading Love
The ‘Mary’ in me decided that Jesus cares a whole lot more about my mental stability than whether the little deer on the mantle are grouped in the aesthetically correct numbers. Or if I ever do actually finish those thank you notes.
Nope. He cares more about your spirit and heart and how you use them to grow and to love on others — his people — maybe even people we don’t understand or agree with, or even like. Continue reading More Like Mary… and Joseph
Today’s Word: PEACE Today’s Time of Stillness: 10 minutes “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 This Second Sunday in Advent we light the candle of Peace. Sleep in heavenly peace. The Spiritual Practice of Stillness Stillness … Continue reading Peace
