Blessed Christmas

I saw and heard so much this Christmastime. I feel at peace, aside from my son giving himself a slight injury from a gift he got from his accomplice/father.  My own heart was calm and full, knowing the blessings I've been given. Love, home, family, friends, food, laughter, music...all that I'm thankful for. I love that Advent was more than shopping for me, and our bible study was spiritual food for others as well as for me.  I am keenly aware of several friends who are experiencing their first Christmas without the someone they love, and I am grateful that they are surrounded by close family and friends who can share the challenge with them.

I spent time praying, as well, as I hope we all do, for those who do know feel the peace we may feel. Those who are missing someone special, those who are angry or stressed, confused or at odds with people they love. There are people who have lost their way or lost their "mojo" and are just trying to steer themselves down the middle of the river again. I pray that all these are blessed with peace, comfort, forgiveness, renewed energy and health. I pray that those who would bless them are able to do so. If it is me who must do it, I pray that I recognize the moment when it is upon me, and am able to be God's arms and voice rather than my own, and can deliver the blessing that he asks me to bring.

God bless us, everyone.

Mother Mary

Since I was a little girl, Mary, mother of Jesus, has been special to me. I remember watching The Song of Bernadette with my mom when I was a girl, and it had a profound effect on me. It made me think that something special could happen to me, too, someday.  Mary was the topic in our small group this week, and was the subject of the sermon in church today. And the music was so special; it was emotional for me, and Dody and Carol often sing so beautifully that it brings me to tears.

As it turned out, something special did happen to me one day. The story of Mary finding out what her destiny was to be reminds me of my own discovery when I was expecting Steven. It had been all but declared impossible by specialists, so I did perceive it as a miracle. My joy of knowing that I was going to have a baby was echoed in the words today from Luke: My soul magnifies the Lord..." 

Our experience in Advent is one of waiting, hoping, and praying, making our hearts ready. Every day, my own heart turns more toward the Breath of Heaven. What a special time.

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