Month: December 2011

I Wonder As I Wander

I haven’t heard this song for many years, but I heard it today on the radio and I was reminded of its simple beauty. My friend Jeff asked if I had been tuning into any of the radio stations that play continuous Christmas music this time of year. When I told him that I hadn’t, he texted me the call letters of a couple of the local stations, and I Wonder As I Wander was the song that was being played.

This Christmas carol, written in the 1930’s, has its origins in the mountains of Appalachia, and speaks directly to the reason for the season. I hope you enjoy it, and can truly capture the meaning of the words.

Ignatian Spirituality Inspiration

Keep the Joy Coming

Last night, I helped a friend of mine wrap what seemed like a hundred presents for his kids. He has a family tradition of wrapping each child’s gifts with the same wrapping paper, so that there’s no need for tags or confusion as to who gets what. What a smart idea, especially if there’s lots of kids around.

Anyway, I also took time to wrap the gifts I’m giving out as well. I usually dread the wrapping exercise, probably because I’m not too good at it, but last night, I had a great time. In fact, it brought a lot of joy to my heart.

Inspiration

The Christmas Song

I’ve been looking for some classic Christmas songs to post each day this week. Boy, are there a lot to choose from. 🙂 Who does a better job at The Christmas Song than Nat King Cole? Enjoy!

Inspiration Prayer Spirit

Christmas and Kids

Last night, I taught my last fifth grade class until after New Year’s. To say that the kids were wound up would be an understatement, that’s for sure.

At the same time, it was great to be with them, and hear about all the traditions their families have.

One family always has a cheese souffle on Christmas morning. One has seafood on Christmas Eve. Another always travels to Michigan on Christmas night, arriving about twelve hours later (those poor parents).

Ignatian Spirituality Inspiration Prayer

Those Christmas Mysteries

Post author By seedthrower1
Post date 12/20/2011
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Hold on. I’m not talking about the real Christmas mysteries, like the Virgin Birth, Joseph’s dream, the Wise Men, The Star.

No, I’m talking about the genre of mystery writing that revolves around some aspect of Christmas. I don’t know about you, but I love a good mystery. I get this from my mom, who loves them more than I do. Over the years, I’ve found that they provide a great stress release for me, and I’m always looking around for a new one.

Catholic Church Italy Prayer Spirit

Gabriel’s Message

If you were in a Catholic Church today, you heard the story of the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38), where the Angel Gabriel told Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus.

Talking about a whopper of a conversation! In the end, however, Mary’s yes set the stage for an event that would radically change the world forever.

Earlier today, I was reminded of the song Gabriel’s Message, sung by Sting for a Christmas album several years ago. Unfortunately, my favorite image of the Annunciation (this one above), painted by Fra Angelico and residing in the Diocesan Museum in Cortona, Italy, wasn’t used in this video clip below.

Inspiration

Christmas Time Is Here

This is a great little clip from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Charlie is feeling down in the dumps. He tells Linus that Christmas is coming, but he’s not happy. He doesn’t feel the way he’s supposed to.

When you stop and really think about it, many of us don’t feel the way we should about Christmas. Listen to Linus’ response. You gotta love it.

Have a Great Weekend!

Main Course Soup On Saturday Soups and Stews Vegetarian

Crock Pot Chili

With so much going on during these days leading up to Christmas, it’s easy to think that you’re too busy to prepare a healthy meal. Wrong! Think Crock Pot 🙂

This chili recipe, since it makes about nine hours to cook in the crock pot , might need to be made over the weekend, and then eaten during the week. However you do it, give this delicious recipe a try. I think you’ll be surprised by the depth of flavor, made especially so by the addition of cocoa powder. Enjoy!

Ignatian Spirituality Inspiration Prayer

Divine Appointments

Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night with the strong feeling that you need to pray for someone?

It happens to me pretty regularly, and usually I wake up because I was thinking about this person as I drifted off to sleep, or maybe earlier in the day I heard about a problem they were dealing with. A quick prayer at that moment is all it takes and I’m back to a blissful sleep in a minute or two.

There are other times when I wake up and I feel like I need to pray for someone, but I don’t know who it is.

Catholic Church Inspiration Prayer

Are You Sure This Is Right?

Post author By seedthrower1
Post date 12/14/2011
No Comments on Are You Sure This Is Right?

A good friend of mine is the Campus Minister at a nearby university. For the past several years, he has produced an Advent devotional, with each day’s contribution written by students, faculty and staff.

I was up to see him a few weeks ago, and picked up this year’s edition, and have been using it each day as I get myself spiritually ready for Christmas. The devotional for today, written by a student named A. Boyd, is worth sharing.