sheltered

Hygge (hoo-gah) is a Danish word for contentment and comfort. It is that sense of feeling warm, safe and sheltered. I know that during our winter months, we have that need to be those three things when the cold winter storms invade our geographic locations. The bears and other hibernating animals totally understand how to be sheltered during those long, dark days.

The trees with naked branches give us a sense of bleakness, but their roots are deep and strong within the ground. The strands of dead grass under the canopy of snow creates a lack of exuberance and energy but we can change that color palette of our lives. Thinking thankfulness in all situations.

When I venture out into the snowy paths of the forest, I bundle up and layer my clothes, don my touque and put on my mittens. I also love the warmth of a hot cup of tea or an elixar to warm me when I come in from the cold. I feel safe and sheltered each night when I can curl on my couch with a great book and know that my flowered comforter will keep me warm all through the night when I retire to bed. But what about those who have lost their homes? What about the homeless who sleep on the streets at night? What about the ones who are living in makeshift shelters because of a natural disaster? What about those who have lost jobs? What about those who are ill and needing help?

Our lives are often not clothed with strands of satin nor rose petals along our paths, but rather hard blows and setbacks to bloody scars in this battle called life. Our crown of glory will be from our Master at the end of our race.

As we lead up to advent, Christmas season and shorter days, I pray that we can consider those who don’t feel warm, safe or sheltered and think of ways we can make someone feel any one of those things.

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25

chasing clouds

Remember when you were a kid and you would lie on your back in the soft, green grass and look up at the blue sky as the clouds raced by? You would shout out to the universe all the different shapes as they changed in front of your eyes. The fluffy, white, pink and grey clouds drifted by on a sunny or a cloudy afternoon and became whatever your imagination could conjure up.

Remembering and thinking back on times gone by makes us realize how the shape of our world has changed. We look back and recollect our memories of carefree days, childhood dreams and better times. The world today has traded peace for protests; hearts for hatred; love for lies. What have we done? Hardship and healing are still here, but the hurts to Mother Earth are evident. We need to rise up and take notice that we can all help to make the world a better place.

The Greeks have a word - metanoia - which means thorough and purposeful change in life. Perhaps it’s time for us to think differently and make positive changes. What can I do to make someone’s life better? What can I do to help the world? Where can I serve? How can I use my talents and gifts? How can I leave this world a better place? How can I share love today? Only you have the answer to the questions - why not start that change today!

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Praise, prayers and paths

We have seen our gardens devoid of color and life. The bees are gone, the flowers frozen in the pots and we awake to darker mornings. The full moon radiantly shines as it glances through the clouds and the trees whisper a prayer to say goodbye to yet another month. And yet, our prayer is one of praise.

Even though our lives have been changed in so many ways this past year; there is much to be thankful for. The birds still sing, the snow casts its white beauty over the branches and the glorious sun still rises in splendor each morning. People still smile, laugh and share their stories. Babies are born. We can still sing and revel in nature and all life has to offer. Gratitude.

I recently listened to Dr. R. T. Kenall who had some useful advice. He shares five tips to break the betrayal barrier when we can’t understand why things are as they are and they don’t make sense. He says to: Be honest and share your worries. Make that list of things to be thankful for. Fight self-pity with all your heart. Choose to believe that God has a purpose for everything. Be patient for blessings to happen. Check out: http://sermons.tsc.nyc/totally-forgiving-god/

We can choose to change up our thinking. Start your day with a praise and a prayer.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3: 5-6

Heart and soul

Lately, I have been dabbling with different kinds of art. I’ve tried painting with alcohol ink which has resulted in some very creative, abstract canvases. I’ve been experimenting with junk journals by gluing, cutting, rearranging, and adding bits of paper, feathers, buttons, lace and pictures. I’ve always loved taking photos and trying to capture different perspectives. I find all of it very relaxing, fulfilling and fun!

I know people pursue art as a creative outlet and make a living selling their work, but there are others who are gifted as musicians, singers, rappers, poets, writers, photographers, bloggers, podcasters, speakers and a plethora of other creative humans out there. How fortunate we are to be able to celebrate them, to listen to or read their words or to gaze in awe and wonder at their creations. Each one has put something of themselves into his or her song, musical instrument, composition, sculpture, canvas, or page.

There is a word not used often that encompasses all of those thoughts: Meraki is to do something with your soul, creativity or love. It is to put something of yourself into your work. So whether we are accomplished musicians, artitists or writers or just souls wanting to share some of ourselves, with others and the world, we can do so “merakily!”

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

mountains quake

As the snow falls lightly outside my kitchen window, accumulating a white blanket covering the green grasses and fall leaves in my yard, I can start to feel like I am falling into a winter of sorts in my soul. Dark mornings, cold winds blowing, hiding inside warm spaces are days I know will be long and dreary if I dwell on the parts I don’t love about this wintry season.

When those days can get me down, I know that I need to be getting up. I need to change my cadence to the music in my head. One of my favorite recent songs had me listening to the story behind the song. Tasha Layton talks briefly about the inspiration for her song, “Into the Sea - It’s Gonna Be Okay” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gBHEHWFKFY and even though the events, situations, craziness of the world is evident all around us, our perspective can change. Have a listen.

The mountains remind me of the way I can approach winter and life. From afar, they are magnificance set against the sky. There is wonder and hope about the future. I know summer is over, but the closer I get to autumn and the peaks, the more daunting they are with rock faces and snow crusted tops and approaching winter. I can cringe in fear of them falling or devour the beauty with my eyes and see majesty. Because there is wonder all around, I am going to choose to see beauty and not fear.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear; thought the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46: 1-3 NIV

wise words

There’s a Great Horned owl that has recently frequented our neighborhood in the evenings. Western folklore, considers the owl a wise, silent and solitary bird of prey. but when I see this bird, I am reminded of one word: Wisdom. As it perches on the branches, silhouetted against the shadow of the sky, it sits waiting patiently, observing and attuned to its surroundings before it dives into the night to hunt for its prey.

We have wisdom teeth, great philosophers like Socrates, Magi or wise men from the bible, sages, Buddha and shamans; not to mention Elders, in the church, with Indigenous Peoples and throughout many cultures in the world. Old age is often honored, celebrated and respected and people search for and seek out those who possess wisdom. I watched a news clip the other night of a woman who was celebrating her 100th birthday. I had to chuckle, because when the reporter asked her what advice - or wisdom - she had for others, the aged woman replied, “Keep breathing.” We have access to inspirational quotes on social media giving advice and motivation. Even though we know that wisdom is perceived differently across cultures, one fact remains; it is desirable and has positive characteristics. How can we begin to even measure it?

Recently, Penn State University attempted to answer that very question. They discovered many factors that contributed to people’s perception of wisdom. Kind, joyful, optimistic, strong, concrete, respected were to name a few characteristics, but three remained dominant over all. They were charismatic, goal-oriented and unconventional. Basically, wisdom is desirable and has positive characteristics. Who wouldn’t want to be considered wise?

Sapience, intuitive or discerning knowledge, is at the heart of every religion. The bible has a number of books of wisdom including Proverbs and King Solomon’s thoughts in Ecclesiastes. In the New Testament, the book of James, Paul shares from James 1:5, NIV: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." 

And so, all we need to do is ask. Wise words indeed.