Christmas Thoughts

Holy Anticipation,
that breathtaking space in-between
what has been, what is, what is-to-come.
Where winter dreams reveal secret longings
and winged angels announce the coming of Love.

You draw us to the edge of Advent possibility
like the song of angels drawing shepherds—
eyes wide and breath held—
waiting, watching.

Come, settle into our living for awhile
and do not let us settle for too little.
Amen.

-Pamela C. Hawkins
Simply Wait

Christmas Thoughts

Loving God, help me be the face of joy
to someone who might be struggling today.
If I am facing struggles of my own,
gently guide my thoughts toward gratitude,
that I may rejoice always in you. Amen.

- Beth A. Richardson
The Uncluttered Heart

Christmas Thoughts

God calls us to come home for Christmas. God calls us to come back from all those places where we have settled for less than the fullness of life promised to us in Christ. God calls us back from all the ambitions and possessions we have pursued, thinking they would satisfy us. God calls us to let go of any bitterness and resistance to forgive that block the light of love from warming us. Preparing for Christmas means looking deep within ourselves and asking if our hearts are truly at home in the lives we are living. God calls us to come home and to rest, to be embraced by one who loves us as we are. God offers us a place where we are fully known and also fully accepted. -Mary Lou Redding While We Wait

Advent Days

God of comfort, wrap me securely in your nurturing arms.

Let me be your voice, your heart,

your loving touch to someone who needs a word of grace,

a voice of hope, a loving hug

during these sometimes difficult Advent days. Amen.

-Beth Richardson, The Uncluttered Heart beth@betharichardson.com

Thanks for Homes

As we contemplate all that we have to be thankful for"

A soldiers young daughter (her father in the process of being transferred and moved to a distant post) sits on the floor in an airport departure lounge, among her family's meager and ragtag belongings. Sleepy, the girl leans against the packs and lays her head on a duffel bag.

A well-dressed woman walking the concourse, stops when she sees the scene, and pats the little girl on the head. "Poor child," the woman says. "You haven't got a home."

The child looks up in surprise. "But we do have a home ma'am," she answers. "We just don't have a house to put it in." In her wisdom, the little girl knew that home is not what we own, but who we are.

It means a gradual process of coming home to where we belong and listening there to the voice, which desires our attention. Home is the place where that first love dwells and speaks gently to us. (Henri Nouwen)

Looking for Answers

What kind of life does my heart want?
I find no easy answers to that question,
but I know the answer means
giving up the fantasy of always moving forward
and allowing instead for seasons of dormancy.
And it is always time to listen.
Perhaps the heart’s single greatest desire
is to listen attentively to the voice of God
speaking through scripture, nature, daily events,
and the kind of reflection that leads to expanding self-knowledge. …
My heart wants the kind of life that leaves room for God.

- Elizabeth J. Canham
Heart Whispers

Today's Gift

This day is a gift from God,
and I open it with prayer and gratitude,
asking that I might use it wisely,
asking that there might be time and opportunity
to serve by sharing what I’ve been given.

- Roberta Porter
Alive Now, July/August 2011