The Thanksgiving decorations are packed in the attic. Leftovers stacked in the fridge. Memories tucked away. A grateful heart. Ready now, for the Season of Advent. The practice of gratitude paving the way. A time of Preparation. The days leading up to the celebration of the birth of Christ. We prepare for so many tasks, attention to careful details. Shopping lists, and daily planners. Packing lists and Christmas lists. All in preparation; second nature as we move through the rhythm of the day. Choices and ... View Post
Creating A Day That is Purposefully Thankful Day # 27 of Thankfulness
The season of Thankfulness. The settlers of this land grateful for sustenance; coming together in fellowship. A time to be grateful. And what is gratitude really? The lists that I have made of all the things I possess? That happy feeling when we are content and things are going swell? That is a part of the practice. True gratitude is deep contentment in life, no matter the circumstances. A Thankful life is lived looking through a different lens. One is not born a thankful person. It takes effort and intentional ... View Post
We Need To Be About The Business Of Turning. Is Your Soul Up To The Challenge? I Dare You. Day # 15 of Thankfulness
Most days I do not want to be thankful for anything. I want to step into the pit that says woe is me and stay there. I want to let the pain over take me. Each day is work. Work to surrender. It is a conscious effort to step toward the holy each day. I wake. I remember. I hand it all over. It is the way of the morning; before my feet touch the ground. (even before coffee-some things need to be done without coffee) All my thoughts, all my desires surrendered. . . an emptying. Even before I get out of bed. Each ... View Post
Are Those Waters Really Uncharted? Day #5 of Thankfulness
There are days when everything is hard. Getting out of bed. Focusing. The weight of this world. The "what ifs" of the day. Looming. When all the woes seem to circle round. The crisp clarity is marred. And you wonder,"What is this all for?" Meaning clamors for attention. It can rise and become the driven thought. Pushing aside any beauty. It is loud and demanding. A churning and unsettled place to be. We hope for answers. A solid plan wanted. That 5 year plan. Yet, in a moment 5 year plans ... View Post
