Contemplative Practices for Meeting a World in Crisis with Courage, Integrity & Love
Shhh … Silent Sunday. 1/18/26
Tag: Encouragement
My Saturday Evening Post: 1/10/25 “Thank you, Anne”
As I was having my coffee this morn. I checked my email and read the weekly Saturday message from our pastor at Asbury Memorial Church here in Savannah.
In it, Pastor Billy wrote about fellow church member, friend and Savannahian Anne Allen Westbrook.
“I know that many of us continue to be stunned by things happening in a world that seems to be turned upside down. The killing of 37 year old mother of three, Renee Cole Good, is the latest act of violence and devaluing of human life that has overtaken our country. I appreciate the words Anne Allen Westbrook, put on Instagram. Anne Allen is an Asbury member and a Georgia State Representative. I am grateful for her leadership.”
Here’s what Anne had to say on You Tube:
And that’s my Saturday Evening Post.
Five Friday Happy Bringers 1/9/26
My weekly gratitude journal, of sorts.
1. These gorgeous Paperwhite Narcissus jewels blooming in the yard of the old farmhouse (in January!) where Robert and I are staying while our kitchen and living room get a renovation.
2. Daughter Amy and her Hubby Scott being named one of Savannah’s “Power Couples” in the current issue of Savannah Magazine.
3. Simplicity.
The older I get, the simpler I desire my life to be.
4. Good deals.
5. Anything Cardinal.
May you catch some joy this weekend.
Almost
HNY ‘26
My hope and prayer for us all in this brand new 2026 is for Peace.
Peace in our Individual Lives.
Peace in our Homes.
Peace in our Country and in our World.
In-Between Peace
In a short encouraging email article, “Honoring the Pause Between,” Savannah’s Ordinary Magic looks at the week we are in right now:
“This week between Christmas and the New Year often feels a little untethered. The calendar keeps moving, but something in us slows down.
It’s a liminal time — not quite behind us, not yet ahead. A space where nothing needs to be decided, named, or improved. Where rest doesn’t have to justify itself. Where listening matters more than planning.
January will come soon enough, and with it we’ll begin tending the inner hearth — warmth, protection, intention, and care. For now, this week belongs to rest and gentle noticing.” ordinarymagic.com
May we all experience—and gift—peace during this in-between time.
Countdown to Christmas 2025: “Thou Shalt Love” — Day Twenty-Five 12/25/25
It’s Here!
***********************
Christmas Day 2025
We end today’s Advent Journey with one of Paul’s beautifully eloquent writings on LOVE, found in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.
Love is patient
Love is kind
It does not envy
It does not boast
It is not proud
It does not dishonor others
It is not self-seeking
It is not easily angered
It keeps no record of wrongs
Love does not delight in evil
But rejoices with the truth
It always protects
Always trusts
Always hopes
Always perseveres
LOVE NEVER FAILS.
Robert and I send our Love to you on this Christmas Morn.
Countdown to Christmas 2025: “Thou Shalt LOVE, Not Hate” — Day Twenty-Four 12/24/25
Christmas Eve
“2000 years ago, a young family became refugees” (Fugelsang p. 173) …
… and the world has never been the same since.
Countdown to Christmas 2025: “Thou Shalt LOVE, Not Hate” — Day Twenty-Three 12/23/25
From December 1-25, I’m sharing a quote and its truth from John Fugelsang’s Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, the book Robert and I are currently and fascinatingly reading.
An odd Advent Calendar, of sorts.
Just a couple of days before Christmas, Fugelsang reminds us that “Jesus blessed the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), forgave his enemies, even on the cross (Luke 23:34), and taught his followers to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39).” p. 275
Peace and Forgiveness — Beautiful Gifts
Which we can offer at Christmastime and Anytime
