Listen...

This past Sunday the kids and I experienced two very different ways to connect with God; one very quiet and introverted, and one quite boisterous and extroverted. In our quiet activity, which was walking the advent spiral, (a very simple labyrinth constructed out of greens and other natural items) a very profound question was asked. We had been talking about how meditative practices, like walking a labyrinth, are opportunities for the mind to quiet just enough to hear what God is saying.

One child asked, “ How do you know what God is saying?” I suppose that he, like I, and I suspect most of the population, had never had a really tangible “God moment” in which actual words rang out in his ears from a

source beyond. (Please hear me when I say that other “God moments” are no less real or valuable when God speaks in other ways.) I had to think about it for a moment, and then it just came to me. For me, God speaks through emotions and feelings. When something feels right, it usually means that it’s leading me back towards balance in my life, and thus leading creation back to balance. When something feels wrong, I either need to rethink my decision, or the way I’m handling my decision.

I gave this example: How do you feel when you hurt someone or something? You feel bad, right? That’s a subtle message from God. Vice versa, when you give love to someone. Some people, however, bury their emotions through layers of the ego, and therefore have a hard time hearing the faint non-verbal messages, which God sends so frequently. Emotions, after all, are the language of the heart.

Peace, Love, and Laughter,

Emily

Trading thanks for Joy

“Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.” –Marianne Williamson

You might be tired or stressed, but if you’re reading this article, chances are, you have a home, people who love you, and all the means you’ll ever need to survive. Life is good! Even if you don’t have these things, you have life. I believe that life is like one big course of study, and even the assignments that you don’t enjoy doing teach you something in the end if you are open to learning. Sorrow is what happens when we loose sight of this. Happy people are constantly taking inventory of the things that they have to be grateful for. (I even give thanks for the challenges in my life, because they have made me stronger, and wiser.)

If you constantly focus on your gratitude, even for the tiniest things, you’ll soon forget about all that is lacking. Start to notice and give thanks for things that you normally just overlook, like a good cup of coffee, patience or understanding from a friend, or the smell of pine trees. You’re the only one who’s preventing joy in your life. I know that’s hard to hear, but it’s true.

Wishing you Joy this advent,

Emily

P.S.- Come visit the advent spiral in the upstairs far classroom!

Advent Spiral

The rhythms of nature tell me to slow down during this time of year. Strangely enough, my culture is telling me to do the opposite- shop till I drop, clean the house, go to another party, fret over Christmas gifts… etc. Yes, advent is a time of preparation, but remember the most precious thing that you must prepare in this season; yourself. In slowing down, and contemplating the wonder of the season you’re priming your heart and your mind for what Christmas is all about.

This year we’re starting a new tradition for the kids, congregation, and community. We’re building an advent spiral in one of the newly remodeled classrooms. Think of the advent spiral kind of like an advent specific labyrinth. The roots of the advent spiral are traced back to Germany in the 4^th century. Today, advent spirals are often associated with the Waldorf teaching method. It’s constructed out of real evergreen garland, candles, and items from the natural world. In the center of the spiral is the nativity.

As we journey in towards the center of the spiral, we are moving in towards Christ. We each light a candle, and then, on the Journey out we bring the light of Christ into the world. I hope that you will take the time to slow-down and contemplate the true meaning of Christmas with the advent spiral. It will be open for congregational/community use Sundays, for an hour before and after the service, and Monday-Thursday 10:00 am through 5:00 pm.

Peace, Love, and Laughter,

Emily