Finding The Life Preserver during the Holidays

I often feel like I'm pulled in a hundred different directions during the Holidays.  Between the needs of family, friends, and work; there is the added stress of shopping, driving, and trying to make other people happy.  There is great JOY to be found in making someone else smile: whether it is through receiving a gift, playing games with family, or simply sharing special moments.  But there is also the people-pleaser that needs to go to this party, or that party...as if to make an appearance equates to love and care.  There is no avoiding the fact that other people judge us for attending, not attending, and our level of happiness over the Holidays.  Where am I going with this?---stay with me...
Being financially burdened this Holiday season has made me realize  those judgements were just in my head.  I have an imagination that thinks other people judge my gifts, my attendance at a party, my attitude...and anything else...and this imagination always has a negative judgement.  But this year felt different.  I had few gifts to give, and they were simple.  But everyone understood my situation, made me feel welcome and loved, and gave back a gift to me through the realization:  People are not superficial.  The season really IS about LOVE.  Everyone seems to want a genuine connection.  Seeing the good in people and situations has really made a difference in my attitude towards life.  My life preserver for the Holidays: A positive outlook!

The wind blows and the spirit moves

Have you ever prayed for opportunities?  Sometimes it helps to have a symbolic image to think about as we contemplate our prayer life and the answers we are seeking.  Imagine how the wind blows: we can't stop it with our hands when we stand outside...we can ignore it, but that doesn't make it go away.  When we pray for an opportunity: the spirit of life continues to blow around us.  Are we ignoring the spirit, or are we looking-watching-and paying attention.  The draft of the spirit is always swirling around us like a wind of opportunity.

Peace and Love to you all!

Inspiration at the Gas Pump

I'm sure that you never thought I would be inspired by a gas pump...indeed, the digital screen was sending me a message.  The screen was small and would only display a few lines of text.  The first screen said:
The best way to start...


The second screen went by so quickly, I didn't see it the first time... it said


your day, oh thank...


and the third screen said, simply.....heaven.


Now, of course, I understand this is a 7-Eleven slogan, "The best way to start your day, oh thank heaven." which is a good message all by itself.  But, now, imagine you missed the second screen like I did...
"The best way to start your day...Heaven" and the message becomes even more simple...and clear


This was a gas pump reminder to me: "have I been praying every morning?", "have I been grateful for the things I have?"


....just some thoughts to ponder...from a gas pump!