Under Reconstruction and On the Way Back

Since late February, I feel as though I've literally been "under reconstruction."  Between surgeries, injuries, and other inherent problems, I've been out of commission and for a good portion of the time "typeless" (if there is such a word) and unable to blog.  I should have posted a note before my absence, but life got in the way.

However, I feel certain I'm on the way back to wholeness, thanks to God's grace and healing.  And I'm ready to get back to blogging and working on my writing projects.  I hope in the next few days and weeks to share some lessons learned recently, and I hope that by sharing them with you they might enrich your lives.

Until then, I pray God's blessings on each of you.

Advent Has Begun

Sunday marked the beginning of Advent, a time of patiently waiting for the magic of Christmas.  During this time, may we all reflect on the light and promise that is to come.  The following prayer was used in the order of worship at our home church on Sunday.  I thought it worth sharing with you.

Almighty God, we ask that you awaken us as this Advent season begins.  Help us  to notice the holy longings in our hearts.  We ask to be touched by the and the hope which come from you.  Deliver us from being people of hurry, impatience and jadedness.  Teach us to recognize the tempation to turn this Christmas into just another Christmas.  In candle and each Christmas light, help us to sense your grace-filled presence.  Soften us when we become invovled in this season only with our wallets, but not with our hearts.  We pray to become bearers as well as receivers of comfort and hope.  Amen.