Sunday’s Seven: 123123

Greetings and an early Happy New Year to you all, dear readers. I hope you end the day happy and shout 1-2-3-1-2-3 to bring in 2024.

A friend of mine posted a quotation that sums up my current thoughts about resolutions:

“Every year you make a resolution to change yourself. This year, make a resolution to be yourself.” —author unknown

And, as is custom, 7 good things from the past few days:

Docents at the RW Norton museum in Shreveport, Louisiana who welcome children lovingly

Surprise packages in the mail

Those printed pictures fell into my hands this season—-happy heart

Tree lights

Stocking stuffers and the realization your children have grown up to be the most thoughtful givers

105.9 is still playing Christmas music…because we are still in the season 🎄

These moments of connection. Hope for tomorrow.

Sending you a warm hug. ✌️✌️✌️🥂🎆

Almost 2024 🌟

Savior

Greetings, dear readers,

Here we are at Christmas Eve. If there is a better day in the year, I am not aware. So much preparation and possibility and power unfolding throughout the hours…

…and then finally, a moment when we call it ready. Maybe a few quiet moments with only tree lights and carols before daybreak.

We are at the fourth Sunday of Advent, and it’s rather odd to me that it falls on Christmas Eve this year. Then again, time expands for us to make room for what is needed.

I hope those of you who celebrate have moments to contemplate the many gifts in our midst. Seven here easily come to mind:

Family

Children singing Silent Night

Candlelight

Fresh cut greenery and berries in vases

Messages and messengers

That sweet collection of cards on the mantle

Traditions

Every year, I’m grateful to experience this season. This year is no exception. Regardless of circumstances and the reality of the world, here we are. Let us bring light.

Peace. ✌️

Merry Christmas.

Sunday’s Seven —17 December 2023

Packages on their way to Christmas destinations

Holiday stamps

A simultaneous text from two friends : sky alert (because these friends understand the little things)

GPS services and airport directions

Safe travel and clear blue skies

Old friends and traditions

Signing off that work computer for a few blessed days of holiday preparations/enjoyment

Find joy this week. 🌟

Sunday’s Seven: 10 Dec 2023

It’s Advent — week 2–and the theme is peace. Ahh. The ultimate goal-Miss Elusive we might say. But then, we receive her in passing moments: glitter of sun on leaves, snowflake falling afar, a handshake/hug/child’s kiss upon our hand. She’s near. We have to seek Her.

Peace visits when we make the smallest decisions, one after another. Let go of expectations. Honor with love the simple things. I hope you find your version of her this week. Maybe your her is a him. That is ok. 😉

Some peace that visited me this week in physical forms:

Double A batteries and the light they help bring to a strand of lights…

A new friend bringing felt sliders and helping me move a too heavy cabinet, which led to progress in so many ways…

Shopping with children and hoping they never lose their joy and generosity…

Saying no to the events I don’t want to attend 🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️…

And looking forward to invitations from treasured friends and our traditions 🎄❤️🎄…

The note and gift card left by a shy student on the last day of classes…

Wearing those crazy Christmas boots again this year—and remembering the fun of a dear friend miles away…

Find your peace this week. 🕊️✌️❤️🎄

Peace of spirit: merriment

Week 1 of Advent HOPE 🕯️❤️✅

Week 1 of Advent HOPE 🕯️❤️✅

Sunday’s Seven: 3 Dec 3023

Here she is…and she’ll fly by fast, so enjoy these December days.

She’s given me lovely gifts plus more this week—here are seven or thereabouts:

live holiday music at a local arts market

surprise arrivals of family and friends at art event

that thermos of hot coffee — gift and timing

candy canes lining my driveway thanks to a thoughtful son

creativity streaks

the man singing carols in Home Depot today

grocery store flowers —really underrated

…and a random decision to buy a Sunday paper. May become a habit.

Today Advent starts. I meant to post a candle flickering…but just imagine. I’ll light it later tonight. Say a prayer for us. Know rituals sustain and matter.

Hope. 🕯️