#ReadingReflections – Random Reflection

June 29, 2020

Reading Reflections – chasing vines.

My son commented last night on the stack of books by my bed. He announced I had too many books in my pile. Crazy kid. Is it even possible to have too many books? Now that the library is allowing you to pick up books you’ve placed on hold I’ve got a stack of reading. …

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joy.marker

✍️Writing hope-filled words of reflection.
🌅 Cultivating beauty in every season.

Winter, she whispers. "lighten your load, rest, an

Winter, she whispers. "lighten your load, rest, and prepare."

When I consider winter's invitation to lighten my load, rest, and prepare, I do not think that lightening my load means I stop living my ordinary everyday life. Rather it asks that I take time to discern what this particular season of life needs and when to say "no" so I can say "yes" to what matters most without overextending myself.

Rest is not a passive or lazy activity but rather an intentional practice to restore weary bodies and souls. And I do not believe preparation requires us to make lists to be checked off (although it can), but rather a time for dreaming dreams and determining the next right steps to help us move forward.

Winter arrives when many of us are in the throws of the holiday season. Work parties, school events, and family gatherings fill our calendars, and while we may enjoy all the season's merriment and festivities, it does not always feel so restful.

And yet, even amidst the festivities, it is not too early to consider winter's invitation. While baking cookies and holiday treats, it is not unreasonable to consider how we might accept winter's invitation to rest.

When I think of winter, I think of home-cooked meals, a house warmed by a fire, glowing candles, warm cozy blankets, and a stack of books.

When I think of winter, I wish for a slower pace, more time gathering with family and friends, and space for my soul to breathe.

When I think of winter, I think of rest but also finding space to dream new dreams and prepare for what might grow come spring.

What comes to mind when you consider winter's invitation to lighten your load, rest, and prepare?

#randomreflection #seasons #winter #lightenyourload #rest #prepare

Guess What? Guess What? Guess Whhhhhaaaat? Tomorr

Guess What? Guess What? Guess Whhhhhaaaat?

Tomorrow, it is officially WINTER.

All my summer-loving friends are likely grieving the prospect of the cold, dark months ahead. And yet, if you've been around here for any length of time, you are likely aware that I consider myself to be somewhat of a winter enthusiast.

As I've attempted to learn to live more in rhythm with nature's seasons, I have uncovered the gifts that winter offers. I have learned that there is so much value, beauty, and good to be found in this season we call winter.

I was also born a Tromsness, a family of Norwegian descent.

Ness is a peak in the water, and Troms a region in northern Norway. Home to the concept of koselig, a unique Norwegian tradition. Some might say koselig is hygge 2.0, comfort that transcends mere physical comfort to embody a sense of warmth, belonging, and the Joy of life's simplest pleasures.

Joy is also my name, which holds significant meaning for such a small name. (If you want to learn the story behind my name, check out my latest newsletter; link is in my bio.)

While the Merriam-Webster dictionary would tell us that Joy is an emotion evoked by well-being, good fortune, or success. Other languages and cultures use various words for Joy to capture its more complex meanings.

Scandinavians have multiple words for Joy, Koselig being one of them.
Koselig describes the Joy found in those warm, fuzzy feelings you get when you're surrounded by people you love in a cozy setting.

As I've spent more time studying winter, my name, and my heritage, I have become a Winter Enthusiast. It just feels like it runs deep in my bones, roots, and story.

But don't worry, you don't have to be Norwegian or named Joy to be a Winter Enthusiast. You just need to accept the beauty and gifts that winter offers and embrace the warmth, belonging, and the Joy of life's simplest pleasures.

Hello, winter season; you are welcome here.

#randomreflection #winter #winterenthusiast #joy

Merriam-Webster would tell us that Joy is an emoti

Merriam-Webster would tell us that Joy is an emotion evoked by well-being, good fortune, or success. But, I would like us to consider that perhaps true Joy is found regardless of circumstances.

Chara, the Greek word for Joy, means an inner gladness, a depth of assurance and confidence that ignites in us a cheerful heart.

When using the word Joy during Advent, we are not referring to our English dictionary definition of happiness. This Joy is a more substantial and less common feeling than just happiness, and it is found regardless of circumstances.

In the New Testament, "chara" is used to describe a deep sense of Joy rooted in spiritual realities rather than external circumstances.

As Ann Voskamp reminds us, it is "the brave who focus on all things good and all things beautiful and all things true, even in the small, who give thanks for it and discover joy even in the here and now, they are the change agents who bring fullest Light to all the world."

#randomreflections #throughouttheseasons #advent #joy #hope #peace #winter #christmas

"she laid him in a manager because there was no ro

"she laid him in a manager because there was no room for them in the inn."

It's easy to look back and make judgments on the fact that no one made room for a pregnant woman to deliver and then care for her baby.

Yet, the hustle and bustle of our ordinary life keeps our days full. So full, perhaps, that there is no room in our inn. And I can't help but wonder if I myself am making room.

As we prepare for Christmas, I wonder ............

In our sorrow, have we made room for joy?

In our doubt, have we made room for hope?

In our conflict, have we made room for peace?

In our hustle, have we made room for love?

In the chaos of our ordinary days, have we made room for the good news of great joy?

#randomreflection #advent #joy #hope #peace #love #makingroom

As we light the third candle this Advent Season (o

As we light the third candle this Advent Season (or simply pause to reflect), let's take a moment to consider Joy—remembering that our Joy is not dependent on circumstances, emotions, or feelings but comes from a more significant source.

Have you found yourself struggling to feel joyful this season?
What reminds you that there is still Joy to be found?
Where have you found Joy in the story of Christmas?

God gives us an inexpressible Joy that comes only from you.

Help us to hold in our hearts the gift of Jesus' birth and the Joy that is for ALL the people.
In this broken and war-torn world, may we not seek Joy in circumstances. But, give us the strength to actively share your Joy with others.

Give us listening ears,
Noticing eyes,
Compassionate hearts,
Open hands,
So that we might have Joy and carry Joy through our ordinary days.

May we find our Joy in you and share that Joy with others.

Amen

If you'd like to read more reflections on Joy, please join me on Substack at Throughout The Seasons, link in bio.

#randomreflections #throughouttheseasons #advent #joy #hope #peace #winter #christmas

This athletic-only attire kid pulls off formal wea

This athletic-only attire kid pulls off formal wear nicely.

From 6th Grade Music Program to Winter Formal.

#seniorsunday #classof2025

Our oldest son is in a season of attending college

Our oldest son is in a season of attending college visits, and as a people watcher, I enjoy paying attention to the various types of parents we encounter on these trips.

On a recent trip, a mother was there with her son, and it quickly became apparent that she was VERY concerned with security. She pointed out every camera and, specifically, the spaces where cameras were lacking. She asked about security staff, curfews, and campus rules. Her observations and questions all indicated she held a lot of FEAR.

As someone who lives with and takes medication for anxiety, I understand the propensity towards fear. So, I do not discount it or take it lightly.

However, I wonder if, as a society, we have allowed fear to hold too much power.

When my youngest was five, he was riding his balance bike on the sidewalk with his helmet on, and I was walking three feet or less behind him when an elderly neighbor pulled into her driveway and hit him. Thankfully, his helmet protected him from severe damage, and he quickly recovered. But that moment is seared in my mind forever.

We did everything right, we were safe, and I was right there with him, yet I had no power to stop what happened.

It was an eye-opening reminder that I am not in control, that bad things happen even when we are doing everything right, and that living in fear of what might happen only robs me of the beauty to be found today.

Making safe choices is not bad; I wear my seatbelt when I drive and a helmet when I ride my bike. Yet, understanding that I cannot control life or the events that may or may not happen, I choose not to allow FEAR to be in control.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (1 Timothy 1:7)

#randomreflection #fear #love #overcoming #anxiety
(photo: May 2015 after being hit by a car)

"The planet does not need more "successful people.

"The planet does not need more "successful people." The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of all kinds." Dalai Lama

As we reflect on PEACE this Advent Season, perhaps, instead of finding ourselves discouraged by the lack of Peace in our world, we might consider how we can be ambassadors of Peace, "let it begin with me."

What might it look like to live as a peacemaker, an ambassador of Peace?

Peacemakers represent characteristics of love. Attributes like patience, kindness, not being proud or boastful, they are not self-seeking.

Peacemakers are not people who avoid conflict at all costs. They welcome disagreement but approach conflict, willing to listen and learn first. They are open-minded, seeking to understand while valuing the truth.

Peacemakers are proactive in how they live, building relationships, and trust. They often show mercy to others, display acts of kindness, and win the hearts of others.

Peacemakers are gentle in spirit; they are calm and slow to anger. They understand emotions are involved and are sensitive to others' feelings. It does not mean they always agree with everyone; instead, they know how to disagree politely.

#randomreflections #throughouttheseasons #advent #hope #peace #winter #christmas

Happy 18th Birthday,🥳😲🏈🎉 Benjamin! As

Happy 18th Birthday,🥳😲🏈🎉 Benjamin!

As we cross this milestone with you into emerging adulthood, there are so many feelings. Eventually, I'll find the words to adequately express all those feelings, but today, we want to just celebrate you.

May you always know you are so very loved.

#birthday #turning18 #emergingadult

As we light the second candle this Advent Season (

As we light the second candle this Advent Season (or simply pause to reflect), let's take a moment to consider Peace—remembering that Jesus came to bring Peace to the world and to show us how to live as peacemakers.

Think of your ordinary every day; what spaces do you find lack peace?
What is one characteristic of a peacemaker that you are living out well?
Where might you improve how you live as a peacemaker? In your homes? Your community?

God remind us that your Peace can be found even in the middle of chaos and war.

Help us to hold in our hearts the gift of Jesus' birth and the reminder that he came as our Prince of Peace.

In this broken and war-torn world, may we be Peacemakers. Give us the strength to actively engage in bringing your Peace to others.

Give us listening ears,
Noticing eyes,
Compassionate hearts,
Open hands,
So that we might see Peace and carry Peace through our ordinary days.

May we find our Peace in you and share that Peace with others.

Amen

If you'd like to read more reflections on Peace, please join me on Substack at Throughout The Seasons, link in bio.

#randomreflections #throughouttheseasons #advent #hope #peace #winter #christmas

Pausing to remember birthday #1 as we prepare to c

Pausing to remember birthday #1 as we prepare to celebrate birthday #18.

#seniorsunday #classof2025

There is Hope for the Worn-Down Soul. There is Hop

There is Hope for the Worn-Down Soul.
There is Hope for those Labeled or Despised.
There is Hope for those who feel as if they Don't Belong.

Hope can be found in the most Unlikely and Unexpected Places.

While at the time of Jesus birth shepherds were labeled "sinners" by the religious leaders; the angels appeared first to the shepherds announcing good news of great joy that will be for ALL the people. (Luke 2:10)

While a stable wasn't likely where Mary wanted to deliver her baby, Jesus was born in a place where the shepherds would feel welcome. And when they left, Mary treasured up all these things. (Luke 2:19)

"Faith invites us to live wonderstruck-a journey
marked by holy courage and irresistible Hope."

Margaret Feinberg

#randomreflections #throughouttheseasons #advent #hope #winter #christmas

Looking for unique winter-themed gift wrapping, or

Looking for unique winter-themed gift wrapping, ornaments, cards, wearable art and more?

Now through December 15th, all winter-themed items at Random Reflection on Etsy (link in bio) are on sale for 25 % off. And there is always free shipping when you spend $35 or more.

#randomreflection #etsyseller #smallbusiness #cybermonday #seasons #winter #watercolor #christmas

This extraordinary young man turns fifteen today.😲

Join us in wishing him a very happy birthday.
He loves lots of attention (ok, not really, but we enjoy giving it to him anyway.)

Happy 15th Birthday, Josh! 🥳🎉

#birthday #celebration

Today marks the beginning of Advent, the liturgic

Today marks the beginning of Advent,
the liturgical season anticipating the coming of the Lord.

While attempting to hold space for serious conversation and reflection, real life often interrupts our plans. So, in full disclosure, our family practices this season perfectly imperfectly.

Yet, I have come to recognize that no matter how you practice or don't practice Advent, there is value in pausing to consider each week (whenever that opportunity comes). With all the commercialization and celebration, there is value in remembering the why behind this season and what really matters most.

As we light the first candle this Advent Season (or just pause to reflect), let's take a moment to reflect on Hope—remembering the HOPE found in the Christmas story and moving beyond the Christmas Story and into our own lives.

What do you hope for in this season?
Where have you found yourself losing Hope?
Where have you found Hope in the story of Christmas?

God gives us the courage to pray with hopeful expectations.

Help us to hold in our hearts the gift of Jesus' birth and the Hope of his anticipated return.

In this broken and war-torn world, may we not lose Hope. Nor, let us become complacent in our Hope. But, give us the strength to actively engage in bringing your Hope to others.

Give us listening ears,
Noticing eyes,
Compassionate hearts,
Open hands,
So that we might see Hope and carry Hope through our ordinary days.

May we find our Hope in you and share that Hope with others.

Amen

If you'd like to read more reflections on Hope, please join me on Substack at Throughout The Seasons, link in bio.

#randomreflections #throughouttheseasons #advent #hope #winter #christmas

December 1st marks the beginning of the Advent Sea

December 1st marks the beginning of the Advent Season. I don't know about you, but I am entering this season somewhat worn down and weary.

Still, Christmas Carols yet to be played out loud have been dancing in my head, especially the song, Oh Holy Night and the words, "A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices."

It seems appropriate to consider:

How can a weary soul still hope when so many things feel hopeless?
How does the weary one hold peace with so much of our world at war?
How can a worn-out and weary soul rejoice and live a joy-filled life when there is little to celebrate?
Where does the weary soul find love in this war-torn and divided world?

"One of the principle gestures of Advent liturgy is simplification."
Blake Billings, Ph.D.

In this coming Advent season, let's keep things simple, holding space for what is true in our lives and what we know to be true of God.

Beginning December 1st, my Throughout The Seasons newsletter will go live on Sunday instead of Monday to coincide with Advent Sundays; link in bio.

In the days and weeks ahead, may we focus on how we, a weary world and worn-out souls, can still find hope, peace, love, and joy in our ordinary days.

#randomreflections #seasons #advent #winter #throughouttheseasons #hope #peace #joy #love

"In the memories we make and recall, in the storie

"In the memories we make and recall, in the stories we tell and retell, in the family recipes we eat and repeat, there are things we learn at the family table we don't learn anywhere else." Leonard Sweet

May we gather friends and family together.
May we gather stories, recipes, and memories.
May we be inspired to continue to gather beyond the holiday season.

To those celebrating today, a very Happy Thanksgiving!

#randomreflections #throughouttheseasons #thanksgiving #gathering #autumn #fall

Merriam-Webster defines gathering as assembly, abs

Merriam-Webster defines gathering as assembly, abscess, collecting food or raw materials from the wild, collection, or compilation. While technically correct, this definition does not express the depth of what gathering has the potential to achieve.

While a gathering does not require a table or food, I've come to believe that the best kind of gathering happens around a table in a community with people.

In his book From Tablet to Table, author Leonard Sweet says, "As we sit and eat together, we don't just pass food around; fellow diners pass bits of themselves back and forth as well, exchanging tales as well as condiments."

As many Americans plan to celebrate Thanksgiving this week, may we also consider the value of gathering even beyond the holidays.

Read more Reflections on Gathering on this week's Throughout the Seasons; the link is in my bio.

Photo: Flashback to 2017 Thanksgiving at Grandma's house.

#randomreflections #throughouttheseasons #thanksgiving #gathering #autumn #fall

This past week, we attended your final High School

This past week, we attended your final High School Football event,
we remembered four years of so much learning and growing,
we celebrated your hard work and significant accomplishments.

And as we say our goodbyes to this particular season,
we remember that,

Every Seasons End
Marks a New Seasons Beginning.

We can't wait to see what your next season of life brings.

#seniorsunday #classof2025

In a world where everyone is shouting, desperate t

In a world where everyone is shouting, desperate to be heard,

May we not add to a world that is already noise-polluted by shouting our words, but instead live by example.

May we consider carefully the influencers we allow into our lives, the people we choose to imitate.

May the words we share out loud be backed up with how we choose to live.

May we live in a way that shows, rather than tells, others what it looks like to love God and others.

#randomprayer #throughouttheseasons #seasons #autumn #fall #wordsmatter #howwelivematters

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