Scanning the crowd under the tent at an annual remembrance service, one cold December evening recently, reminded me of the nearness of grief in this season of Light. For grief bound the common thread among all of us present. We came whispering their names; those who left us too soon. We celebrated their lives, and the gift of grief each…
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The Gift of Grief During the Holidays
Waiting with Hope
Each year I enter the holiday season with intentions of remaining present; embracing every moment of the glorious “season of Light” and savoring the precious truths God has for me. Alas, my noble intentions quickly dwindle amidst the daily distractions. As I began my Advent celebration, a thought struck me: “How would waiting with hope change my perspective on my…
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November News: Share Four Somethings
Easing the shock of yet another month all but concluded, I rejoice in a glance back at my November News joining Heather Gerwing as she hosts a monthly feature called, Share Four Somethings, where writers share the fourth Saturday of each month something in each of four categories from the previous month. The four categories remain the same, something loved, something read or heard, something treasured, and something ahead. The premise…
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Gratitude and the Glory of God
Approaching the end November, the month we most associate with gratitude, this year more than previous years challenges me a step further. My soul refreshed from a month of mindful gratitude, my heart thrills with holding another lesson; gratitude and the glory of God. weekly mindful gratitude challenge Each Monday throughout November, I shared weekly mindful gratitude challenges for Mindfulness…
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The Beauty of Thanksgiving
On this Thanksgiving Eve, eager anticipation of food, fellowship and fun fill the minds of young and old alike. Intoxicating aromas float gayly from kitchens, bloated with activity; escorting memories of Thanksgivings past before us. All of this and so much more envelops us in the beauty of Thanksgiving like a thick homemade quilt. Perhaps the passing of time whispers…
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Choosing Gratitude in the Hard Places
Like so many broken dreams, the glass shards slid from my hands into the waste basket. The tiny slashes on my palms betrayed the jagged edges recently held there. As I rinsed my hands under cold water, the sting of open wounds spoke of loss. Choosing gratitude in the hard places feels like holding the jagged pieces of your life,…
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Joy in the Lord Overflows in Gratitude
Journeying with JOY this month moves me closer to the end of my year long pursuit of understanding the wealth of my tiny One Word friend. As you know from following along, JOY blessed me with many transforming lessons! This month JOY met Gratitude as I learned how my JOY in the Lord overflows in gratitude. If you are new…
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Exploring the Grace of Gratitude
My goal for November involves cultivating a mindful approach to gratitude, rather than the casual lip service the month of Thanksgiving generally receives. While throwing out a quick “thanks” to someone, or my habitual “thanks, Lord” is easy and points me in the general direction of gratitude, it falls short of cultivating true heart gratitude. This week join me in…
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Autumn Reveals God’s Beauty
Mesmerized by the fading afternoon sun peeking in and out of the leaves above my head, my peaceful time in the garden delighted me, as autumn reveals God’s beauty. Though but a faint breeze, its gentle caress accompanied each falling leaf to its earth bound rest. Each leaf, as if the only one of its kind; gayly dancing on the…
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