Growth
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Christmas, Day 12
And so the festive season ends. We bid farewell to these our friends:the carols, lights and Christmas greens,the pause recalling what it means to live with gratitude and hope,the attitudes that help us cope with one more year… Continue reading
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Christmas, Day 11 (The Demented Cyclists)
Get out of the way,and the way becomes clear. We are our own roadblocks. Your anger approaches—get out of its wayand let it pass! Your anxiety encroaches—get out of its wayand let it pass! Your unkindess reproaches—get out of its… Continue reading
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Christmas, Day 8
Small-town downtown,Christmas Eve:stores close at 5:00 PM– less competitive spirit, more desire for all all to be home, to have this evening with family and friends, perhaps to bask in the warmth of a candlelit service, … Continue reading
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Christmas, Day 6
The Christmas bells? They slowly dim.We find less need to think of him. Our dancing slows to weary shuffles,and merry bells our shuffling muffles. "Ding! Sing!" try the bells once more,but we are dressed and out the door. Text and… Continue reading
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Christmas, Day 4
Longing speaks of God,leans into the Divine,lurches heavenward. Let yearning yield to the Holy. Text and image © 2012 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved. Continue reading
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Christmas, Day 3
Nine years ago this day,mother willed herself away. Grief blinded us to this gift,which she had so carefully wrappedand presented, privately, to herself. Guilt blinded us to this tender exchangeas spirit said to soul,"Here, for you…that best of gifts,the one… Continue reading
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The Christmas Story
Today is Christmas. Today we honor a child born ages ago, a child of most meager means. This child shall be a new kind of king–an unheard-of and completely misunderstood king. Don't miss the irony in this: This king cannot survive… Continue reading
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For Christmas Eve
At Christmastimewe strive to findsome cause for hope,some peace of mind. Is it in the giftsor carols old,or in the snowand biting cold? Do we find it inour Christmas treesor unrestrictedspending sprees? Is it there in cocoaand candy canes,in children's… Continue reading
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Christmas Reflection
Most of us have all we need;on this I'm guessing we agree. So why the harried rush to spendas if on this our peace depends? For that which causes hearts to lift is more the giver, not the gift. Be still… Continue reading
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Christmas Wish #6
In this season,may you discover your own meaning. May you not be sucked inby the expectations of others.May it be (or not be)whatever it is (or is not) for you. Be silly, be joyfulbe withdrawn, be morose,be spiritual, be religious.Let… Continue reading