Tag: joy

LOVE… AND LAUGHTER

I was pleasantly surprised to find this cheerful wreath on the door to my office when I arrived one morning last week (I serve as the Parish Administrator at our local Episcopal Church). A few hours later, I learned from Father Andy that the… Continue Reading “LOVE… AND LAUGHTER”

“OH, LES, THERE’S A PAINTING!” (ADVENT JOY)

My dad was a talented yet humble watercolor artist who often painted landscapes; over time, my mom found her new role as his creative assistant, learning to watch for interesting, “paintable” scenes. Dad would be driving through the countryside when Mom would suddenly exclaim,… Continue Reading ““OH, LES, THERE’S A PAINTING!” (ADVENT JOY)”

CHRISTMAS, HERE AND NOW

Last weekend, our family gathered for our “Family Christmas,” a tradition that began three years ago when we struggled to find a December day that fit with all of our schedules. We have found that celebrating the holiday in the summer season works well… Continue Reading “CHRISTMAS, HERE AND NOW”

LONGING FOR GOD’S PURPOSE, DAY ONE

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?Wednesday, March 26th In my younger years, I sincerely longed to know God’s purpose for my life and vocation. I wanted to please God by choosing the right career path, the right way to live and serve each day, and… Continue Reading “LONGING FOR GOD’S PURPOSE, DAY ONE”

LONGING FOR GOD’S PROVISION, DAY TWO

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?Thursday, March 13th It seems to me we can never give up longing and wishing while we are thoroughly alive. There are certain things we feel to be beautiful and good, and we must hunger after them. ~ George Eliot… Continue Reading “LONGING FOR GOD’S PROVISION, DAY TWO”

15. CHRISTMAS DAY: LOVE AS HOPE, PEACE, AND JOY–FOREVER

Wednesday, December 25th And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven…!” (Luke 2:13-14) “For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.” In the last… Continue Reading “15. CHRISTMAS DAY: LOVE AS HOPE, PEACE, AND JOY–FOREVER”

12. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: JOY FROM MARVELING

Friday, December 20th The more I learn to see that God’s presence is with us in everything, I increasingly find all of creation as sacred and divine. God’s presence is revealed in Jesus, in Spirit/Christ, and in one another. God’s presence is also revealed… Continue Reading “12. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: JOY FROM MARVELING”

11. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: JOY WITHIN HEARTACHE

Wednesday, December 18th With all of the joys of the Advent and Christmas season, most every one of us will also have tender moments of heartache as we miss our dear ones who have gone on to eternal joy. We will hold an ache… Continue Reading “11. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: JOY WITHIN HEARTACHE”

10. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: JOY DESPITE IMPERFECTION

Monday, December 16th We have all heard that the unexamined life is not worth living, but consider too that the unlived life is not worth examining. ~ Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way In a recent podcast, CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman shares the story… Continue Reading “10. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: JOY DESPITE IMPERFECTION”

9. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: JOY IN CHRIST

Sunday, December 15th (For my spiritual practice in this week of Joy, I plan to sit and savor a refreshing glass of sparkling water or a mug of hot tea each afternoon.) I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John… Continue Reading “9. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: JOY IN CHRIST”