12.21.17 … “God’s love is the container in which we are privileged to live. It is neither gilded nor padded – it never promises that we will not suffer or know pain. But it is rock solid and watertight.”

“Solvitur Ambulando” – It is solved by walking, 2017 Advent Labyrinth Walks, Winter Solstice Labyrinth Walk, Avondale Presbyterian Church – Charlotte NC, Service of Wholeness and Healing at First Presbyterian Church – Charlotte NC:

It is a lovely night for labyrinth walk. And there is a sliver of a moon in the sky. And that makes it all the darker for a walk on this winter solstice 2017.

As I approach the sacred garden, I hear shouts from the gym and the sounds of basketballs in motion. I smile, I used to watch my sons play church league ball.

The labyrinth is very well lit tonight. Were they expecting me?

I walk up the hill to get a view of the city before I walk and then I smile at the thin crescent moon. While I walk, I amuse myself looking at my shadow.

Afterward I head downtown to my home church. The Service of Wholeness and Healing is one of my favorite services all year. I can’t imagine not lighting a candle. Definitely a cathartic event.

Thank you, Katherine for a meaningful service, and thank you, Pen, for providing me with a quote:

“God’s love is the container in which we are privileged to live. It is neither gilded nor padded – it never promises that we will not suffer or know pain. But it is rock solid and watertight.” – The Rev. Katherine Cooke Kerr

12.16.17 … “the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of your saints.”

Several close friends have lost a parent this week. It also happens that my mother and I were sitting at the Varsity talking about heaven on Thursday. She asked me what I thought heaven was.

I think these words from The Book of Common Prayer describe it well: “the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of your saints.”

Wishing I could be with you, Joni and the entire Seehorn/Trobich family. And thinking of you, Ward.

12.5.17 … forcing paperwhites …

“Solvitur Ambulando” – It is solved by walking, 2017 Advent Labyrinth Walks (1st Week of Advent-Hope, Walk 2), Myers Park Baptist Church – Charlotte NC:

As I approach I notice that there are children playing on the edge with three moms at the side orchestrating a play time.

This concrete labyrinth is totally covered in leaves so I use my feet to rake them. I’m sensorily inundated with the sound of the moving leaves across the concrete. A good metaphor for pushing aside the busyness of the season? Maybe I will bring a broom next time.

The weather is warm, almost too warm.

A friend who is not on social media sent me a message today,

Happy advent. Hope u enjoy advent as much as lent. Any practices for this season?”

We have enjoyed reconnecting over her mother’s private labyrinth in Cumming GA.

This was my response…

“And to you!

I try to walk labyrinths and I love all the advent devotionals. I own a few and receive several on the internet. I also enjoy the silly secular holiday dailies which give a whimsical aspect to the holiday.

And I force about 50 paperwhite bulbs! [Since this friend gave me paperwhites as a gift in 8th grade, over 40 years ago!]

What about you? “

What about you? Any practices for the season?

12.5.17

12.3.17 … “Dietrich Bonhoeffer gives us a picture of Advent as “a prison cell, in which one waits, hopes, and is completely dependent on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside.” The essence of Advent, then, is expectancy and readiness for action: watchfulness for every small opening, and a willingness to risk everything for freedom and a new beginning.”

“Solvitur Ambulando” – It is solved by walking, 2017 Advent Labyrinth Walks (1st Sunday of Advent), Eastminster Presbyterian Church – Marietta GA:

My sister joined me for my first 2017 Advent walk. We were shrouded in fog and we used the time to talk. It just worked for us today. We weren’t able to solve the problems of the world, but we tried.

The first Sunday of advent focuses on HOPE. Where do you find hope? What are you hoping for?

As I am still relatively new to the observance of Advent, I noodled around and enjoyed Karen’s introduction to Advent:

Dietrich Bonhoeffer gives us a picture of Advent as “a prison cell, in which one waits, hopes, and is completely dependent on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside.” The essence of Advent, then, is expectancy and readiness for action: watchfulness for every small opening, and a willingness to risk everything for freedom and a new beginning.

Source: Welcome, all Wonders! Advent 1 — Theological Horizons

https://www.theologicalhorizons.org/theological-horizons/2017/12/3/. welcome-all-wonders-advent-1

One of the joys of visiting my brother near his birthday. 🙂

We watched Murder on the Orient Express (1974) with my mom and sibs. My brother commented this was his first movie date movie. I honestly don’t remember mine. I do remember my most significant first date movie when I was a freshman in college, Deer Hunter. I always told my children NEVER take a first date to a movie like that!

Do you remember your first movie date movie? What was it?

I nearly slammed on my brakes. The most extravagant Christmas display is already up and lighted … God bless them and their neighbors …

Super Moon tonight …

12.3.17