Tag Archives: angels

Studying and fighting for champion trees

Posted on by
4

I spent last week in a place I love. I love running there like no other place, because running there means I get to enjoy shaded trails under towering trees, and stop to drink in sweeping vistas of mountain ranges covered in hardwoods and pines. I can run longer and breathe easier in this place of magnificent trees. (Well, maybe not physically breathe easier because of the elevation, but there’s an emotional breath that comes more easily to me when I’m there.)

So when I imagine a world without trees, my heart catches, and I think of this beloved mountain place. I cannot let myself imagine it without its crown of trees. You might wonder why I would even try to imagine a world without trees. Well, because a book I recently read, The Man Who Planted Trees by Jim Robbins, asked me to do just that. Continue reading →

Good tidings of great joy

Posted on by
5

We’ve made it through the darkest day of the year. The solstice is behind us, and the light is returning. On Friday we celebrate the birth of the Light.

I’m guessing you’re busy today. Perhaps family has already come with suitcases and packages. Or maybe you’re the one packing to head over the river. Or you’re stuck at work trying to wrap up that project. Or you feel chained to the stove preparing one last batch of cookies. Or no one is helping you with the mounting pile of dishes, and you’re left feeling anything but full of Christmas cheer.

Will you take just a moment to savor these verses today? To prepare for the blessing that is Christmas?

And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people, for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
– Luke 2:9-11

I like the good “tidings” from other translations, but good news works just as well. Can you imagine the shepherds as they beheld the angel? Can you picture the angel’s great joy at getting to be the one to deliver the news?

closeupChristmasangel2012_FT

I shared this angel’s photo here several years ago. She remains one of my favorite Christmas decorations, and I’m happy to share her with you again this year.

Merry Christmas, dear friends. May peace and blessings—and the Light—surround you in the coming days.