Freshly Fallen Snow...

Freshly fallen snow on a Monday morning -- does it get any better?!  

        A clean slate...

            A new start...

                A brand new day...

We all have times when we need a fresh start. And then there are seasons when we need much more than that.  Could it be that the early start to Christmas decorating and Christmas music that we are experiencing are an indication that our souls are in need of

                  beauty...

                    hope...

                        mystery...

This past week as I went about my ordinary days I heard the heartache of those who

                yearn for restored relationships...

                    grieve the tragic and untimely deaths of family and friend...

                        professionally care for the most vulnerable...     

                            continue to press on beyond their capacity...

                                 ache for "normal"....

                                   long to be known, understood, and loved...      

These are indeed tender days for many.  

Have you noticed the beauty nourishes the soul?  While it may not "fix" what is broken in the world, it does help to sustain us in the midst.  So put up those Christmas lights, turn up the festive music, and take a walk in the freshly fallen snow.  Feed your soul with beauty and offer a serving to a friend in need. 

This week's recommendations:

• Make a Difference by giving just $9 or 2-hours
  
• Book:  The Third Option: Hope for a Racially Divided Nation by Miles McPherson
• Recipe:  Molasses-Ginger Cookies, The Back in the Day Bakery Cookbook