Another One!

Courtesy of Pixabay

Yes, another year down and another one on the horizon. Instead of a formal post I want to take this opportunity, at the end of another year, 2018, to thank all of you for reading, "liking" and especially "sharing" my posts.  By doing the likes and shares I am able to see more inclusive stats on my web page.  

I also appreciate your phone calls, comments and referrals for spiritual direction appointments.  Seeing so many transformed lives of those individuals who have come for spiritual direction over these past few years I continue to get so very excited for what it has to offer. 

That is true for not only a one time appointment but for the consistent, regular appointments over months and often years. If I could only take a before and after snapshot of a person's spirit to share the miracle that often happens in those individuals...very heartwarming for both parties, them and myself.

When I see these changes I will always say, "it certainly wasn't me, but God!"  And then I am very certain to say, yes, God continues to sit in his chair, thus 'Third Chair Spiritual Direction'!"  So, from me personally and Third Chair Spiritual Direction, a blessed 2019 to each and every one of you, and thanks again...and let me encourage you to continue liking and sharing my posts!  Thanks!

Full Moon

Courtesy of Pixabay

I was looking at the beautiful full moon Christmas Eve and thought how apropos it was for that night:  when the Greatest Light came into this world in the most humble and unassuming way...a baby who would grow to give his life for us, out of love.  

The winter solstice also presented itself this week which means the days are in the process of growing longer, and lighter, even if only by seconds the first day.  In no time it will be obvious of the longer days, but not quite yet. 

How much light do each of us bring into the day? Or is this a question that we don't give much thought to? Some days when I look back on my day I think by only the grace of God did my day go so well: that I wrote that letter, sent the sympathy card or made that call...or made a long-overdue visit to friends. Perhaps it was even less dramatic especially when I helped my husband on with his coat or was patient helping him into the car. Nothing major.

It amazes me how these few minutes of light come each day almost unnoticed. It's easy to be blind, to not give it a second thought but when we connect the dots of life with the seasons around us, especially Advent, Christmas and eventually Lent, the picture becomes clear. Each of us can  become that light, as bright as the moon, with our everyday unassuming acts of love to others... like what came so unassuming to us on Christmas! 

If you would like a spiritual companion, a spiritual director, to help you connect the dots of your life I can be reached for an appointment at: 920.793.3530. I can see clients in either Two Rivers or Crivitz, WI. 

I also invite you to not only "like" this post but to "share" it, too!  Thank You!

Tomorrow

Tomorrow!  It's here!  Yes, Christmas Eve, then Christmas.  Last night I had one of those nights that allowed me to spend time looking up various topics on the web.  It helped me to "change my channel" of thoughts that were going between my ears! We've all had those nights! 

Well, there were a few words that caught my attention: expectations, procrastination, perfectionism and 15 minute increments. Yes, the first things this site mentioned was how to get ready for company, but hopefully not letting everything go until the last minute.

As a Christian, preparing for the second coming of the Christ-child, this time before Christmas is also a time that I sometimes get into a perfectionistic mode thinking I have not "done" Advent the right way. After relating my spiritual life to my home cleaning life, I can let go of my expectations and perfectionism.  There is still time to take a few minutes of prayer time each day to thank God for sending His son, Emmanuel, into this world...the biggest Gift ever. 

Courtesy of Pixabay

Yes, tomorrow is Christmas!  May each of you have very blessed days with friends, family or whoever you may be blessed to be with, even if you are alone.  Yes, "Jesus is the Reason for the Season." Merry Christmas!

I am honored when you "like" and "share" my posts!  Over the years so many folks have informed me of the inspiration they receive with these thoughts.  Thank you for helping me spread these messages of strength and hope! 

"Wonderful Life"

Well, the holidays movies are playing! Some are very traditional and it's not unusual to sit through those same ones year after year.  "It's a Wonderful Life" is one of them.

Some remarkable comments have been made to me lately that indicated something that I did or said recently or many years past was instrumental in assisting that person in life.  One comment was, "you saved my sister's life!"  I honestly don't remember a thing of what that situation was. I explained that it "certainly wasn't me, but God." Another person's whole affect was different today, a minor miracle!

There are days I identify very strongly with the main character in that Christmas movie, looking only at his shortcomings and failures, until the angel, George, "saved" him from his attempt to end his life. I have never been suicidal but sometimes I don't "get it" that my life, my presence or words have done any good in this world.  Recently my sister told me that any positive benefit with others may not be for my gain, but maybe what they receive from my presence.  Hmmmm. 

No, I certainly don't go looking for accolades but when I meet a person and comments like these come to me, it encourages me to keep praying to stay in line with God's will each day for me.  That's what I pray for.  Most days I don't know how the day will look and most surprising gifts fall into my lap!

Yes, it's easy to see our own shortcomings and think they glare to others but not necessarily so. Maybe our presence or gifts are what they need from us, not what we need. Notice I am not saying "presents" but "presence."  There is a difference! It's a good thing there are others in my life who let me know indeed it is a wonderful life! It truly is!


If you would like a companion to talk about your "wonderful life" I can be reached at 920.793-3530 for spiritual direction. 

Living Psalm

Be a Living Psalm 

It matters not. 

The dialogue, the arguments

are not worth

the air you expend.

Rather, pick up the empty

beer bottle and rumpled

week old newspaper

from the sidewalk.

Stop, for just that moment

as you slice the peach

with a serrated knife.

Two drops of juice.

Look into the watery eyes

of the homeless man;

they may or may not

 be vacant.

Hold the hand of your partner

of fifty years, smile

at the faint whistle of air

through his nostrils.

Be patient with your impatience

with your aged Mother; 

know she, too, hates

you at times.

Lift your eyes to the ballet

of eagle and wind, a wind

that can sometimes send

roof tiles and tree limbs flying.

Slice the radish paper-thin,

spread it fan-like around

the white plate. Bless the bread

before you eat it.

Know that life shakes herself

awake each day, that random

pieces fall into your lap.

Your job is to hold praise

and lament with equal regard.

Your job is to be a living psalm.

Jennifer (Jinks) Hoffmann

SDI Spiritual Directors International

I am a spiritual director with offices in either Two Rivers or Crivitz, WI.  If you would like to make an appointment with me for spiritual direction to discuss being a "living psalm," I can be reached at: 920.7933530. 

Nativity Displays

Courtesy of Pixabay

This past week a friend of mine asked me to go to a display of nativity settings. A local church has had this display for three years and it was a wonderful evening with a great atmosphere, thanks to a young lady playing the harp, refreshments and friendly volunteers. 

As we looked at each and every setting I was thinking to myself how nice it is to have "waiting and preparing" time for Christmas.  Yes, time goes fast especially when decorating and shopping have not even been started in my household!  

Of course, this first season in the Christian church world is known as Advent. We not only prepare and we wait for Christmas but also the second coming of the birth of the baby, Jesus.  This time also encourages us to prepare our spiritual selves, our relationship with ourselves, with God and with others.  

So, looking at nativity settings isn't just a superficial holiday past time for me, it offers me some pondering time of how I need to spruce up my spiritual life as I look to the arrival of a very notable person in my life...Jesus!  That happens December 25th!  

If you would like to do spiritual direction with me I have offices in Two Rivers and Crivitz, WI. This would be an ideal time to discuss with a spiritual companion how you are preparing your spiritual life for Christmas.  I can be reached at 920.793.3530.

Points of Light

I don't know about you but I have been glued to President HW Bush's funeral proceedings for the past days. More than once there was reference to his quotes when he used the term "points of light." During these days it became clear what these words meant to him, and it makes sense!

Courtesy of Pixabay

Driving home from a meeting last night I had some time to ponder.  Looking out over Lake Michigan I looked up at the sky to see what stars I could see, knowing there was also reference to the stars in these quotes. However, it was an overcast, cloudy night; no stars could be seen but I knew they were there. 

It hit me; "how could I, each of us, be like the stars, a "thousand points of light?" Thinking back over time I have had friends share some incidences with me that helped them or a family member, something I said or did.  Many of those times I didn't even remember, but they certainly did. 

So, today, I am renewing my resolve to be the best person I can be in word, action or deed knowing those "points of light" are such an inspiration to others! What about you? It doesn't necessarily take a president's death to make this awareness, but it did for me! Thank you 41 and may you rest in peace!

If you would like to share how you enjoy seeing life in a deeper way and would like an appointment with me, a spiritual director, I can be reached at 920.793.3530. I have offices in either Two Rivers or Crivitz, WI. It might be the best gift you could give yourself this Christmas season!