Starting a new year provides a great opportunity for reflection. Thoughts and gratitude for the year that has passed. Wishes and dreams for what lies ahead. Perhaps also a new surrender to God at the start of a new season. "Blank sheets" and all that.

This year I have been thinking a lot about all the drama, all the tensions, in this story of Jesus coming into the world.
Has there ever been so many angels on a mission with important greetings from God? Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds... Not to mention a heavenly host?

Last post I wrote about treasures in the dark. Now I want to write about riches in secret places. Maybe Advent 2023 can be a time to look for - and find - the riches God has hidden for us?

We are in the middle of November. It gets dark early in the afternoons, and it's often dark when we get up. At least here in the north. The sun rises late and sets early.

Everyday life can be busy, and it does not have to be a goal to put in more. But how about putting something away, replacing something, to prioritize what I really want?

The need and longing to both be and do something for each other and for God inspires us to get started. What about the hustle and bustle that once ruled our lives, do we want to return to it?

This was the day Marie stopped crying. Or, she did not quit completely. She could cry silently under the duvet occasionally in the evenings. When she was all alone. But something closed in her heart that day.
This incident was not unique. It was one of many Marie had experienced. And after this she did her best so that no one would see it when she was hurt