Holiday Encouragement

"If, as Herod, we fill out lives with things, and again with things; if we consider ourselves so unimportant that we must fill every moment of our lives with action, when will we have the time to make the long, slow journey across the desert as did the Magi? Or sit and watch the stars as did the shepherds? Or brood over the coming of the child as did Mary? For each one of us, there is a desert to travel...a star to discover"...and most importantly, a time to reflect on the joyful simplicity this season brings.

I love this quote and don't even know who wrote it. But definitely someone I would like to get to know! When you are willing to go deeper, good things happen.

So, it's ok if you are somewhere in the desert in your life-job changes, partner changes, body changes...slow down, meditate on the real meaning of the Christmas season. Let your life, and all that it involves, come to you.

If you are seeking, you will find.

Words Impact Us

Who among us doesn't understand the power of words?

Our pastor, Tom Jones,(yes,that really is his name)told a story about a monk in a monastery that could only speak 2 words a year.
First year he said, "Bed-hard."
Second year he said, "Food-bad."
Third year he said, "I quit."
His superior said, "I'm not surprised. All he's done for the past 3 years is complain."

Did you know, between men and women, we speak an average of 8-9000 words a day. OK, men on the lower end of approximately 4,000 and women can top out at approximately 20,000 words a day. WOW!

His theory is speaking and listening are closely related, and since he is capable of speaking only 4,000 words a day, he is capable of hearing only 4,000 words a day. Doesn't that explain everything?

Words are powerful. Words impact us. They can devastate or they can encourage us.

Where do our words come from?


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The Power of Words

I feel validated and encouraged. My pastor spoke this past Sunday on what words do to us. I've known what they can do for a long time and I'm sure you have to. But maybe in the business of life, you have forgotten the impact they have. More on this later.

Last night it happened to me. A friend encouraged me with words. I was amazed at the simplicity of what he said and how it made me feel. "I think you are so brave to tackle that project."

I stood straighter and smiled. A warm glow enveloped me. I am carrying those words with me today. Someone else may decide to devastate me with words. But I will carry the light inside...and remember to pass it on before it goes out.

Encouragement For Desert Travel

I did it. I ventured out into the commercial world of Christmas(shopping).

I didn't want to. I am afraid I will stray from my new journey. I so want to find the true Christmas spirit inside of me. For myself and for my family.

My mom needed me to give advice on some purchases. It was a snowy wintery day outside, which contrasted nicely with the warmly lit, wonderfully decorated stores.

They say a physical fast heightens your sense of taste. I say a spiritual fast can heighten my other senses as well. I really thought the lights seemed brighter, the textures of the season more luxurious, the smells more vivid and the gifts delightful to consider.

I love this anonymous quote from Sarah B Breathnach's book:
"If, as Herod we fill our lives with things, and again with things; if we consider ourselves so unimportant that we must fill every moment of our lives with action, when will we have the time to make the long, slow journey across the desert as did the Magi? Or sit and watch the stars as did the shepherds? Or brood over the coming of the child as did Mary? For each one of us, there is a desert to travel. A star to discover. And a being within ourselves to bring to life."

I want to devote my holidays to doing, feeling and just being.
I think I'm on my way...

Words That Hurt, Words That Heal

I remember last Christmas with regrets. That is why I am committed to doing it different this year.

I was rushing on my self-imposed speed boat the whole month, and by the time it was December 25, I was shipwrecked. And it showed. I was depleted, made negative and nasty comments to my sister, and by the time it went through the whole (large) family, she and I were both devastated. A damper had fallen on the whole Christmas celebration because of my words.

It took a long time to get over the pain that I caused my sister and myself. By not recognizing in that moment, I had the power to hurt or heal with words, I singlehandily wreaked havoc in our lives for several months afterward. Because I had not taken the time to listen to what Christmas was saying to me.

That is another reason why I am searching for the real reason for the season; one that speaks encouragement, inspiration and hope. One that brings peace--instead of pain--to myself and others.

You never know how careless words spoken in haste can impact a life.

How to Encourage

Words make a difference in life. We can impact others with the right words.

"We live by encouragement and we die without it, slowly, sadly and angrily," Celeste Holme's quote means we had better get it right!

Any day, any season is the right time to encourage our fellow travelers on our journey.

Do you know the right words to way?
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Inspiration and Holiday Encouragement

I just read this marvelous story about two women who used their passion for collecting nativities to help the homeless and inspire their communities. WOW! Talk about inspiration with a capital "I".

Reading "Sharing the Reason for the Season" story from www.americanprofile.com encouraged me to keep looking for the light. It's out there. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things. It made me weep. It made my heart sing.

They used their pain as fuel, to propel them to dream big, and then bring that dream to reality.

The definition of true encouragers. Words do make a difference.

Thank you, Nora and Judy. My day is getting brighter!

Enlightened Encouragement for Dark Days

I woke up to rain--everywhere--and darkness. Not much light in this morning.

I'm fighting to keep from retreating back under the covers. As I stumble through the dark to the coffee, I'm wondering where is the Festival of Lights that commemorated a miracle so long ago? Is it possible...could it happen to me today?

I need light. I crave light. I turn on my white twinkling Christmas lights and gradually feel their soothing oil encourage me in my darkness.

Centuries ago, the temple oil burned abundantly for eight days. I'm looking for a simpler soulful abundant life in my journey in the present season. Could I find answers in joining the two together?

The light is more powerful than darkness. Maybe that's all I need to remember today.

Simple Soul Satisfying Christmas Encouragement

I want to give myself to the magic of Christmas. I want to feel the celebration. I want it to be warming to my heart and gentle on my soul.

So I'm on my way to find a simple, serene and soul satisfying season. One that doesn't leave me depleted at the end of December. One that makes me hopeful for the new year.

You see, my soul needs Christmas, so I just can't give up on it.

Since the holidays are usually confusion and chaos, what if I started with the opposite of that? What if I choose a quiet time-holy day-silent night? OK what if I started with an hour of silent meditation?

I need to shut out the input...boy, is that hard. My to do lists torment me swirling around in my head.

How about some Christmas music? I love the old familiar carols and new beautiful renditions of the old familiar carols.

I want the real miracle of Christmas to be upon me, to be able to delight in the celebration of the true reason for the season. I want to feel the pulse and experience the energy of a miracle that gives life to all who will listen.

Really listen...to what the silence can tell you and me.

Depression overshadows season cheer

What can we do to change this kind of thinking and encourage others to have a more joyous holiday season?
This is my new mission. I am on a journey to discover things that make a positive difference in my life during the Christmas season and what I can do to impact others in the same way.

Secret to Happy Holidays

Holidays can bring depression. Instead of family, friends and fun, love, laughter and lights, what if the holidays were dark, lonely and empty for you.

Over 1/3 of Americans suffer depression and holidays can make it worse. While millions of Americans are shopping and going to parties, millions are not.

While the reasons vary with circumstances, there are some common denominators.
Expectations of perfection--trying to choose the perfect gift, plan the perfect party, find the perfect tree and decorations--help make unrealistic goals that can never be achieved.

My insecurities run rampant telling me that if I don't give my family the latest gift I might not love them enough. If I'm not invited to many parties, I might not have any friends. If I don't decorate beautifully, I might not have good taste. If I don't bake delicious cookies, my kids might have an unfulfilled childhood. If I don't spend alot, I can't keep up with the neighbors.

While glossy magazines are fun to look at, the guilt I feel from trying to accomplish what they sell, leaves me exhausted and searching for more this Christmas season. My soul needs Christmas...but not in frenzied fashion.

I want to be a serene and happy human being enjoying the sights and sounds of the season, instead of a frantic doer checking off her list and feeling empty. What can I do to celebrate this longing within me? How can I make Christmas a time for renewal, rededication and rejoicing?

Home for the Holidays Encouragement

Everybody hurts...everybody needs encouragement.

The holidays are upon us and millions are traveling this weekend alone.
What do you hope to find when you go home?

I have been hearing the words to the song by Bon Jovi and Sugarland in my head, "Who says you can't go home...It's the only place that calls me one of their own."

Holiday memories can bring about intense feelings that sometimes surprise us--both pleasureful and painful. Maybe we wonder, now where did that come from...

Do you have nostalgic memories of a wonderful Thanksgiving or Christmas scene--decorated house, big turkey dinner, sparkling lights, wrapped presents, crackling fireplace, fabulous smells--all signaling love and laughter?

Or perhaps yours was a Christmas turned chaotic--no decorations or beautifully wrapped gifts, only disappointments with the people you call family. Thanksgiving was spent with cold food and people you really didn't get along with. Maybe you get an ache in the pit of your stomach when you remember the yelling, anger, jealousies and the pain associated with home.

What do you do about that place called home? I'd like to hear your comments and what you do to combat those feelings.