more substantial update

The year is over and 2009 is already a week old. I was ready to close the door on 2008 as it contained some dark hours of immense sorrow. However, there were days of joy and life especially as the year ended. December was a wonderful month as I took time to really enjoy the advent of Christmas - A time for hope and the realization that hope is not the enemy when disappointments come but hope is what gives us strength to hold on for a more perfect tomorrow. 

For the first time in years, I was ready for the holidays a week prior and anxiously awaited them just like my 6-year old self. In preparation of the holidays, I attended The Nutcracker Ballet, A Christmas Carol play, attended a handful of Christmas parties, and threw my annual holiday brunch. There is something that happens at this time of year where people do open their hearts and minds just a bit wider and allow grace and love to enter. This year, I also coordinated a gift drive for women and their children escaping domestic violence. We took the gifts to the shelter with holiday baking and had a Christmas party with them. If anything, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am blessed in my life.

Well, as with each year, I find a theme to meditate on. For 2009, it is "be surprised." I don't really know what that means but it probably has to do with me letting go of controlling everything and just letting life be what it is or will be. But as I found with my "peace" theme last year, it will be revealed to me through many strange coincidences and events.

2009 is starting off with excitement as I am heading off to San Francisco to visit my dear beloved's down there. It was one of those "surprises" I didn't know was going to happen. I am truly looking forward to the trip and not just because I can shop at Target and Anthropologie.

The year also holds some adventure. I have signed up for my 1/2 marathon in May (I have the race date correct & have running buddies to get me to the race on the right day). I also plan to travel to Turkey with my lovely mother and then do a walking tour of England with my mom and my sisters in June. I am thrilled about that. 

One thing I do know is that regardless of what 2009 holds is that I have people who love me that are willing to walk beside me through life. Below is a picture of two girlfriends that I have learned to appreciate and love on a whole new level this year. My heart is full of gratitude for the friendship they offer me - Thank you!!

cc, me & pk

a wee update

Just returned from a most wonderful couple of days with some of the most wonderful people I know down in Lethbridge. Christmas was fabulous and even more fabulous is my new MacBook. I am in the process of getting to know "mac"...we are in the courtship stage if you will. I am trying to figure out my pictures, music, bookmarks and all the other shortcuts that were conveniently saved on my pc. It is just nice to have a keyboard that types again so I will share thoughts and pictures soon. 

The Rebel Jesus

Jackson Browne's "The Rebel Jesus."

All the streets are filled with laughter and light
And the music of the season
And the merchants' windows are all bright
With the faces of the children
And the families hurrying to their homes
As the sky darkens and freezes
Will be gathering around the hearths and tales
Giving thanks of God's graces
And the birth of the rebel Jesus

Will they call him by the "Prince Of Peace"
And they call him by "The Saviour"
And they pray to him upon the sea
And in every bold endeavor
As they fill his churches with their pride and gold
And their faith in him increases
But they've turned the nature that I worship in
From a temple to a robber's den
In the words of the rebel Jesus

We guard our world with locks and guns
And we guard our fine possessions
And once a year when Christmas comes
We give to our relations
And perhaps we give a little to the poor
If the generosity should seize us
But if any one of us should interfere
In the business of why they are poor
They get the same as the rebel Jesus

But pardon me if I have seemed
To take the tone of judgement
For I've no wish to come between
This day and your enjoyment
In this life of hardship and of earthly toil
We have need for anything that frees us
So I bid you pleasure and I bid you cheer
From a heathen and a pagan
On the side of the rebel Jesus

The Real Meaning of Christmas

Pause

This is the place where I want to get - this Christmas...small steps are being made towards it but I do love giving gifts to people (both purchased and made) - it brings me great joy.
So I will make the change gradually - hopefully in Christmases to come, more water will be given literally and figuratively. The purpose of the church I attend (and the Church as a whole) is to take water to our world. In this advent season, I hope to find the opportunities to be a water-carrier to those in need.
I am done my Christmas "shopping" although there are a couple of makesies still to complete and gifts to donate to but I look forward to enjoying the next 3 weeks in anticipation of celebrating Jesus' birth. May the advent season be one of wonder, joy and peace to you.
For more info on the video, check out www.adventconspiracy.org.