Advent Blog

Tag: #christianwomen

  • The Dark Before the Dawn

    Melancholy The Art Institute of Chicago Odilon Redon, 1876 The past year has not been easy by any stretch of the imagination.  And so, we arrive at yet another Holy Saturday from within our own tombs.  And for so many, we are even deeper in than last year.  Grief, illness, despair, conflict, loneliness, isolation, loss,…

  • Storms and Hope

    During one of our game drives in the Maasai Mara Preserve in Kenya, the bright blue sky turned dark, and thunderous slate gray clouds gathered on the horizon while the wind howled through the grassy plains on either side of us. A storm was imminent. Our Maasai guide asked if we would like to try…

  • A Woman

    Some inspirational music this Sunday…

  • Lord, Make us Instruments of Your Peace

    For our Sunday musical reflection this week, I am sharing “Lord, Make us Instruments of Your Peace.”  This is based on the Prayer of Saint Francis (1181-1226).  As many of us in the world today are sheltering in place, our staying home is an Act of Peace.  We are saving lives by staying home.   You…

  • Under God’s Umbrella

    Years ago, my Mom gave me a copy of Holly Gerth’s book, Under God’s Umbrella:  Gifts of Hope & Encouragement to Shelter Your Heart in Life’s Storms.  The book is available from Dayspring and other religious book stores. Holly shared this prayer: “Lord, my heart is in the midst of a storm right now.  Please help…

  • A Different Way to Honor the Solstice

    Psalm 25:4-5 NIV   Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. For quite some time, the month of December had been a blur of activity, noise, coldness, darkness and fuss. By…

  • Shepherd, Shepherd, hear the Calling

    My introduction to the writings of St. Teresa of Avila came from a Buddhist friend.  She had recently moved to live and work at a retreat center in Dutchess County, New York after two decades living in busy Brooklyn and Manhattan. After sharing photos of the bucolic beauty that enriches her daily routines, she let…

  • A Curved Path

    We oftentimes walk on a path that curves to the right or left in life.  This photo of a paved path that curves to the right.  It has walls of vegetation on both sides and the vegetation is very thick. So thick, you cannot see outside of the path.  The world is hidden to the…

  • A Trail of Poetry

    Over the years I have written to friends needing support and encouragement.  Learning my words helped another gave me a great feeling. Several years ago, poetry sparked my interest and I attempted this genre.  A friend said a poetry group met at a local library.  With some trepidation, I decided to attend.  The poets have…

  • Yesterday

    This Cherokee proverb is often a much-needed reminder for me. If I could tattoo it on a loved one’s forehead so that I could see it all the time, I would. 🙂  I have had to settle for putting it on my refrigerator as I do visit that frequently. I especially need these words during…