• Advent

    Our Advent Companion: Joy

    Joy inhabits this third week of Advent, when we light the bright pink candle of joy. Traditionally called The Shepherd’s Candle for the joy-filled message to shepherds who were keeping watch over their flocks by night, the candle adds unexpected beauty…

  • Advent

    Our Advent Companion: Peace

    The second candle of Advent is Peace. I have always enjoyed the additive aspect of Advent. Each week we add to our experiences: They complement each other and enrich these fast-moving days. Just as the vines and branches of the wreath…

  • Advent

     Our Advent Companion: Hope

    This week marks the beginning of Advent, the holy season that starts the first Sunday of December and ends Christmas Day.  Many Christian traditions include the weekly lighting of candles on an Advent wreath. Each week during Advent, I will share…

  • Nourishment

    Singing with Grateful Hearts

    It was a couple of days before Thanksgiving, and the newly formed community children’s choir rehearsal drew to an end.  Their Christmas concert was just a couple of weeks hence.  The group of 14 or so elementary-aged children sang, talked, wiggled,…