Advent: Day One & Two

Advent, this powerful liturgical season that we are beginning, invites us to pause in silence to understand a presence. It is an invitation to understand that the individual events of the day are hints that God is giving us, signs of the attention he has for each one of us. ~ Pope Benedict VXI

It is my hope this Christmas season to follow more closely the traditions of my faith instead of consumerism. Please don't tell me happy holidays..if you don't celebrate that's okay..but let's no longer minimize and demean the season.  This is the season of celebration of God's gift to us..a season of miracles with messages of love and hope.
How will you take pause, allowing yourself the gift of God's presence instead of the onslaught of cyber sales and inflatable Disney characters?

Tinkerings

I came across a gorgeous locally owned shop that sold handmade items from local artists/crafters.  I am sad to say that the other sign I didn't take a picture of was "store closing."  Many of the items were reasonably priced and unique.  What does this say about our mass produced one size fits all mentality?  Our schools teach to standards of learning leaving teachers very little time to weave in creativity & as parents we contine to rush through our worlds lured by McD's and one stop shopping.  I am guilty too...this is more a criticism of society than individuals.  But then again, it's the indivduals that make up society.  It is easier and cheaper for us to fund an economy that no longer makes sense & I believe we are paying the cost in small business, right brain thinking and even our emotional & physical health.  Many of us do not live with intention.  What ways are you contributing to an entity's wealth, What ways are you encouraging local growth, youth growth and/or your own?

Winter Solace

Winter finally arrived and I realized this is the 2nd year of the last five I haven't taught "Winter Solace: A Journey Within"...I have been on my own inner journey for over a year now.  My main goal has been to simplify and unfortunately teaching, writing and blogging has had to be a part of that for now.  Of course, my journal stays by my side in this journey:) 
If you could or needed to create your own sabbatical, what would it look like? What steps can you take to nourish your soul?  Create a character sketch of self balanced, at peace & life giving...try an art journal page as well.  Happy New Year!