What makes Christmas Eve beautiful and wonder-filled? Perhaps it’s large, soft snow flakes gently brushing faces and whitening eyebrows while twinkling tree lights interrupt the darkness and church carillons chime Silent Night. Maybe it’s Andy Williams singing Christmas is “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” where “ those holiday greetings and gay happy meetingsContinue reading “Is Christmas Really the Most Wonderful Time of the Year?”
Tag Archives: winter scene
Chasing the Wind
Powerful winds can quickly whip the sea into a beautiful but terrifying, pounding fury, but regardless of how much we feel, utilize, or struggle against these blowing gales, we cannot grasp the wind. It slips through our fingers. Following a long life of adventure, ideas, pleasures, and “things,” powerful King Solomon used the imagery ofContinue reading “Chasing the Wind”
Authentic
Although generally shy, male cardinals are unable to hide their brilliant color which marks their identity. However, who we are as humans is more about our core character than physical appearance or titles. Traits of honesty, reliability, caring, and compassion vouch for one’s genuineness, and sincerity is necessary for intimate relationships. Warren Buffet is quotedContinue reading “Authentic”
Burdened but Beautiful
Winter in Sullivan, Maine The way these trees and chairs have successfully held up under a heavy snowfall remind us that courage and strength withstanding the whims, burdens, and trials that life tosses at us are “beautiful”. Difficulties (whether self-inflicted, other-inflicted, or the complications of a broken universe) are the crucibles which reveal our coreContinue reading “Burdened but Beautiful”
The Light that broke the darkness…
Sunrise, Sullivan Harbor, Maine What will come with the rising sun? Aggravation or happiness? Dispair or hope? Disaster or blessing? Or even a long desired but barely noted and unexpected miracle? Who could have known? When the sun rose that morning “the light of the world,” the “true light that lighteth everyone” was arriving toContinue reading “The Light that broke the darkness…”
Morning Songs of the Heart
Do you ever awaken with your soul singing? Matthew Redman did as he contemplated God’s goodness: “The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning. It’s time to sing your song again” (10,000 Reasons). Perhaps a beautiful dawn was the inspiration for the awaking Psalmist who exclaimed, “This is the day the Lord has made.Continue reading “Morning Songs of the Heart”
Out With the Old, In With the New!
(In the winter of life, the past remains even though life constantly changes.) “Out with the old, in with the new” is a grand but totally impractical New Year’s expectation! Celebratory gatherings, festive toasts, fireworks, and a few seconds of Auld Lang Syne somehow allow a brief reprieve from the baggage and sadness of theContinue reading “Out With the Old, In With the New!”
Go! Tell It!
John Wesley Work Jr. was an African American educator and musicologist who compiled, “harmonized,” and published a number of slave songs which came to light during the Great Migration of Blacks from the southern states to the north after the civil war. “Go Tell It On the Mountain” dates back at least to 1865 andContinue reading “Go! Tell It!”
Why should I Rejoice and be Glad in this Day?
One day the Psalmist awoke feeling good! With gratitude in his heart and a song on his lips, he lifted his voice in praise: “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24) That may not have been the attitude of the lobsterman who ownedContinue reading “Why should I Rejoice and be Glad in this Day?”
Christmas Light
A Light in the Storm, Prospect Harbor, Maine Christmas is a season of lights. Flickering candles brighten darkened windows and warm mantels. Artificial lights decorate trees and yards and parks with colorful displays. Brilliantly lit stars are everywhere. The world seems warmer, kinder, and brighter as goodwill, generosity, and cheerful expressions of love reflect theContinue reading “Christmas Light”