Chaos and Change

“All great changes are preceded by chaos.” -Deepak Chopra

I am contemplating a major change in my life and I feel the panic start to rise when I really consider what it might mean. Some of it is amazing and some just downright scary. As I explore the options presented, I feel as if I am standing in chaos but I am aiming for the calm at the centre of the storm. I trust that all will unfold as it should.

Peace,

Suzanne

Healthy Living

"Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." ~ World Health Organization, 1948

I have had an interesting day health-wise. I have been seeing a physiotherapist for a number of years. Today during one of our interesting chats, he mentioned that even though I was a person living with chronic pain that I did not have a chronic pain personality. I was struck by that comment. I have tried hard not to let the pain control me and not to let it devour my sanity either. I felt heartened by that insight and affirmation.

Later in the day, I saw a health professional for the first time. In my journey I have been reluctant to go to a chiropractor but decided that this was an opportunity that I should grab. I had the opportunity to have a complete assessment (digital imaging and x-rays) for only $20, a fraction of the regular price. I have had these prejudices against chiropractors but I had a really good feeling about this one's holistic approach. I return tomorrow to have him discuss what he saw in my x-rays.

Also today I felt quite well-loved after a presentation I gave to a group of spiritual directors. Some felt that I have a real gift of teaching, which I probably have yet to claim. The experience did wonders for my mental and emotional well-being. Perhaps that is why I do not have a chronic pain personality. I have my faith, hope, love, and joy to buoy me up.

Peace,

Suzanne

Know Thyself

"She who knows others is wise. She who knows self is enlightened." ~ Lao-tzu

I am presenting tomorrow the second of the sessions on leadership. I will be talking a wee bit about self-awareness before moving on to the gist of the message. I think I do know others well and I am always striving to know myself better. I have spent a lot of time lately thinking about a number of things and how I react to them.

I am currently trying to lose 10 pounds before I head off to Mexico. I thought it would be fairly easy but I have already lost 10 pounds since the fall so these next 10 are not slipping off so graciously. I do find that being stronger is a wonderful benefit of the work I have put in physically to the goal. Looking so critically at my body has been an eye-opening challenge. I can be more accepting about the benefits such as the strength and flexibility than how my body currently looks. I can also be proud that my triglycerides and blood sugars are low and that I do not have to worry about certain health scares.

I think I have struggled to love my body on and off for many years. This aging process is a tough challenge. I know I will get there again--to that place of self-acceptance.

What is it about you that needs to be enlightened right now?

Peace,

Suzanne

Life is Like A Coat

"How things look on the outside of us depends on how things are on the inside of us." ~ Parks Cousins

Sometimes life just feels like a warm, comfortable coat that you don't want to take off. You love the vibrancy of the colour, the softness of the fabric, the memories that linger, and the knowledge that it fits well. The solidness of life takes root deep within and shines through without even trying to. That glow lets people know that life is good on the inside, that the lining of that jacket is holding together the whole outfit.

When was the last time you experienced that vibrancy?

Peace,

Suzanne

One of Those People

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor." ~ Luke 4:18

At a fundraising concert tonight for street children in Rwanda, the CBC radio host introduced the organizer by saying she was one of those people. We all know them. They are the people who dream big but also shift their dreams into being. They breathe live into their dreams and enable them to take on form. Their dreams are not self-serving. They are generous gifts. They are anointed ones.

The second reading from 1 Corinthians 12 speaks of the one body needing each of its parts and no part having more recognition than another--each is needed the same amount for the end goal, for the greater good. A fundraising event does not just happen. A group of committed individuals creates success.

Be one of those people. Help to change the world for the greater good.

Peace,

Suzanne

Beautiful Moon Arising

“No one grumbles when the moon shines. Everyone becomes happy and appreciates the moon in their own special way. Children watch their shadows and play in its light, people gather at the square to tell stories and dance through the night. A lot of happy things happen when the moon shines. These are some of the reasons why we should want to be like the moon.” ~ Ishmael Beah

Driving tonight I was once again distracted by beauty. This photo turned out rather funky but I like it anyway. The white orb in the middle is the moon rising in the centre of a busy thoroughfare. The street lights and car taillights are the other colourful dots. I could scarcely keep my eyes on the car ahead of me as I caught sight of the beautiful full moon low on the horizon.

What is it about the moon that attracts the gaze of humans? After half a century on earth I still find it can take my breath away. I find myself fixated on its brightness, its roundness, and its texture. I watch it rise and love its fullness as it leaves the horizon. Part of me wants to pluck it out of the sky and bite into it, devouring its richness; another part of me is horrified at the thought of defiling it in this way. Perhaps it is my prairie girlness that aches for the sheer beauty of it and creates a longing of something beyond this expansive earth. That deep instillation of the land in my soul that cannot be separated ever.

I have so many happy memories of the moon: a smile in the Kenyan smile, a reflection on a mountain lake in Kelowna, a red harvest moon rising over the prairie fields, and a sliver peeking through clouds as the waves crashed in Crete. Yes, Beah is correct, the moon makes me happy because of the special memories it creates: romantic suppers, dancing in the moonlight, a hacky sack game in the dark in Guatemala, breathing in the peace of friends and campfires on Manitoba nights, a surprise birthday kiss from a Belgium pilgrim who was en route to El Camino via Taize, and so much more. I do not grumble when the moon shines...I shine!

Let the moon bless your heart with joy. Play in its light and know that you too were made to shine.

Peace,

Suzanne

Dark and Light

"Without darkness, nothing comes to birth,
As without light, nothing flowers." ~ May Sarton

Life lived to the fullness cannot be lived only in the dark or only in the light. There must be a balance in order to stay sane. While many of us would prefer to stay in the light and celebrate the beautiful bouquet of flowers that brings, the dark has its gift, too. We must be able to open ourselves to both gifts to grow, to blossom, to die, and bring new life.

Peace,

Suzanne

Daily Joy

"Every day we should hear at least one little song, read one good poem, see one exquisite picture, and, if possible, speak a few sensible words." ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I saw Gone With the Wind the other night. The classical tale endures on and still manages to move audiences. There are some great lines in it and the characters are intriguing to me. I realized how much I love live theatre once again--in fact the arts, whether theatre, film or music bring me much joy.

My uncle is here from out of town and I was remembering that when I graduated from high school I visited him in Vancouver where he lived at the time. He said that he would treat me to anything I wanted to do. He was so sure that I would suggest a fancy night club and an evening of dancing that he was shocked when I told him I had seen an ad for A Streetcar Named Desire which I had read in my grade 12 year and asked if he would take me to the theatre. He ended up getting season's tickets the following year because he had such a good experience.

What is it that you should do every day to bring joy to your heart?

Peace,

Suzanne

Miraculous Transformation

"His mother said to the servants, 'Do whatever he tells you.'" ~ John 2:5

We are vessels much like the water jugs in the wedding story today. Jesus takes our ordinary water and creates wine for the greater good. He transforms us into a drink for the thirsty, that quenches and delights. He makes us more than we think possible because we are needed by the world for a particular purpose. The transformation is not necessarily for us, but when we do whatever he tells us, amazing miracles are possible.

How open are you to being transformed?

Peace,

Suzanne

Give A What?!

"While you were sleeping last night, 30,000 kids died of starvation or diseases related to malnutrition. Second, most of you don't give a shit. What's worse is that you're more upset with the fact that I said shit than the fact that 30,000 kids died last night.” ~ Tony Campolo

We are a people who say we care and yet sometimes I wonder if it is true. Maybe it is but if we are not moved to action, than I simply do not understand. Today I caught a glimpse of hope though. This day has been a long reminder that we are called to be followers of Christ who respond to the call. I spent the day out at a retreat centre watching the powerful conversion of the group of people our team was leading through the Principle and Foundation of the Exercises and contemplation. This was the third meeting of these participants and each time the energy grows more intense. Today there were tears as people saw their inordinate attachments. I was moved watching lights go on for these seekers.

This evening Tony Campolo was speaking at a church two blocks from my home. The quote was not used tonight but it does capture the essence of his message. We need to be messengers of hope for our world but we get so very sidetracked. Two of the people from the retreat came and caught up with me at the end, remarking that the theme for the day continued. How do we let go of the "stuff" that is not important or essential and do the work of Christ? How do we plant the seeds of Love in this world? When do we step out in faith and give a sh*t? How do we embrace gospel values and keep our eyes on the real prize?

Give a hand. Extend forgiveness. Offer joy. Plant hope. There is so much that we can give if we only let go of our judgments and fears. I saw brave people today. I think our world has the potential to thrive based on them.

Peace,

Suzanne

Unintended Leaders

"We're all leaders, and we 're all leading all the time, often in small, unintended ways." ~ Chris Lowney

For the longest time, I never saw myself as a leader. I stepped away from the word, afraid of its responsibilities and pressures. I wanted no part of it. I was happy to be in the shadows, whispering comments from the darkness that allowed someone else to shine. Even then, I was leading, I now realize, leading from behind, but leading nonetheless.

I have been thinking about this statement of how we lead all the time, how we are all called to be leaders through our baptisms. We are called to be priest, prophet and king--each of which translates into leader. I had not ever considered that until about a week ago. To shy away from this call is to deny that the Spirit has called us into service in these roles.

I find it interesting that church groups consist mostly of women who also probably feel similar to me. I would say servant resonates stronger for lots of us, but we do not see that the term servant-leader might be one of the best types of models. Women lead as mothers, wives, sisters, teachers, nurses, doctors, and every aspect of life. We lead by example. We lead with integrity and courage. We lead our children in the path of righteousness. We lead our partners on their journey through our affirmation and encouragement. We lead ourselves along our own paths when we fill our heads with the message, I can, I will, I am able. We lead when we pick up the phone to call a friend in need. We lead when we send a quick email to let someone know we are praying for them at that moment. We lead when we drive patiently and do not get caught in road rage. We lead when we shop with the greater good in mind and we do not get caught in materialism. We lead when we think about the planet. We lead every second of the day--or at least have that opportunity to do so.

I have lots to think about in this regard and some newness to embrace. I do not think I intend to lead most days, and yet, in those small, routine moments of life, I can shine and others can see the way to go. Is that not what we are called to do as followers of Christ? How can we deny that we are leaders?

Peace,

Suzanne

Pain Threshold

“Pain is only what you allow it to be.” ~ Cassandra Clare, City of Ashes

I have been having some rather intense pain in my shoulder. I keep thinking it will go away but it does not. A wonderful massage helped ease the pain for 24 hours but it is back tonight. I jumped in the hot tub at the hotel and that has taken the edge off for the moment. I refuse to give it more prominence in my life than it deserves.

Peace,

Suzanne

Vein Digging

"The director's job is 'to point, as with a finger, to the vein in the mine, and let each one dig for himself.'" ~Chris Lowney quoting St. Ignatius

Spiritual directing is a challenge in some ways but in other ways if you realize your duty is to point the way and get out of the way, then it is easy. Our job is to hand the retreatant a pick, and let them do the hard work. We continue to affirm, to pay attention to the Spirit's call, and to give the right instrument so that the vein gets mined properly.

If we dig the vein, we discover a treasure not ours to uncover. We do the hard work that the retreatant must experience. We perhaps even find that they are not yet ready to pick up the gem unearthed. Best to leave the pick in their hands and stand down.

Peace,

Suzanne

Hope is a Good Thing

“Remember, Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.” ~ Stephen King

During Advent I waited to hear word of a friend in DR Congo, as the news flashed reports of the rebel attacks. I heard from her recently that she was indeed safe--in Rwanda and the others, still in Goma, were also safe. Life there sounds treacherous but they are managing.

My heart was saddened to hear though that my friend had just lost baby number 3, unable to once again carry the child to term. She was just weeks away from delivering. What do we do when faced with such adversity? I could feel the heartbreak in her typed words. Please pray for her.

Hope is a good thing. It can be dashed and shattered but it will rise again. Hope is one of the most resilient things I know.

Peace,

Suzanne

Beloved

"You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." ~ Luke 3:22

You are the Beloved. This is a concept many of us struggle with. I think of the Covenant House kids and wonder how many of them ever learn this lesson. For myself, for many years I have fought these demon voices that mock the Voice that loves me. I listen to them hissing in my ear some days and my confidence grows shaky. "I can't" or "I am not able..." or "I am not enough..." I have learned the Truth and still that incessant buzz clamours to silence the Sound of Goodness, Love, Mercy and Peace. The Voice of God says:

You are enough.
You are loved.
You are beloved.
You can.
You will.
You are more than able.
You are capable.
You are mine.
You are blessed and a blessing.

In this great knowledge, I can move into my mission in the world and be free. I can risk and I can succeed but I can also fail, knowing that at the core of who I am and what I do I am loved. I am one of the Beloved. This is pure gift.

Do you know that you are the Beloved?

Peace,

Suzanne

Leaving Gratitude

"Catherine leaves grateful hearts and happy memories with her children..." ~ from an obituary for Catherine Shearer

When I started in the Deaf Community some 30 years ago, I volunteered at what was then known as the Kiwanis Centre of the Deaf. Catherine was a hard of hearing woman on staff there. The last time I saw her was at a 95th birthday party for one of our "old" friends. Another friend had warned me of her Alzheimer's disease and her inability to remember. What might have seemed like a sorrow to some is a precious memory today. Catherine greeted me three times during the course of the evening with great joy: "Suzanne! Wonderful to see you. You look marvelous. What are you doing lately? You are always doing something exciting." Three times came similar words and the sparkle in her eyes each time she recognized me for the "first time" was genuine and a blessing. My response was to enthusiastically reply as though I was hearing her utter the words for the first time.

She was a pioneer, paving the way for hard of hearing people in the province with great gusto and creating curriculum to teach speech-reading when she learned none existed. She was a mentor and cheerleader for many. She took young people like myself under her wings and even had one or two move in with her when it was time to fly their family nests and try life on their own. I appreciate how interested she was in people's lives, including my own. I am grateful for her efforts on my behalf and how she would always take a minute to thank me, first for my work as a volunteer, and later as an interpreter. She knew gratitude and left it among the hearts that mourned her passing today.

As her three children shared their remembrances of their mother, I was awe-struck at how glowingly they spoke of her. She really had been a faithful mom, leaving wonderful memories and a deep sense of being loving and loved. What a wonderful gift!

I pray that when I leave this life, that people will hold grateful hearts and happy memories regarding my time here on earth. Lately, my mind comes back to what do I want to leave here when I am gone...gratitude would be a good legacy.

Peace,

Suzanne

Tick Tock

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?" ~Mary Oliver




I saw this TED talk (http://www.ted.com/talks/candy_chang_before_i_die_i_want_to.html ) over the Christmas holidays at a friend's place and loved the idea of creating a public space for an exchange of inspiring ideas. My friends mentioned that my city had such a wall on one of our buildings and a few days later, I happened to serendipitously pass by it so I flipped around and took some photos of it. The comments were not all stellar and inspiring but some were: before I die I want to be baptized...quit drugs, be happy, have a family, right my wrongs, apologize, inspire a movement, change lives, inspire others to live, leave hope, quit drinking, pass calculus, be a man, grow old, and hug you. Keep in mind that these walls are often in low-economic areas of the city.

It made me wonder what I might write on such a wall. I have a long life list. I cannot tell you how long I have to live to get half of those dreams checked off. I have had a busy life to date but there are so many desires of my heart to still explore. The clock ticks with a loud reverberation reminding me that time is of the essence. Things I might put down on such a wall include:

*Write and publish an inspiring book
*Return to Africa and make a difference there somehow
*Create something beautiful
*Save a soul
*Plant seeds that I might never see blossom but scatter joyfully and peacefully anyway
*Be physically pain-free

Many items are running through my head and I find myself realizing that I have done some of them already. This is a neat exercise but I am not sure what I want to really write down...except maybe LIVE! What would you write on such a wall? Would you splash it boldly in capital letters or scribble it on carefree?

We are given so many joys, blessings and opportunities. We only have to choose them and then act. Life offers so much--why choose only a fraction of it?

Peace,

Suzanne

Love is Like a Box of Chocolates

“Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this too, was a gift.” ~ Mary Oliver

Relationships are dynamic. We never know where they might lead or how they might end. I have been reflecting on how relationships are like boxes of chocolates--you do not know what you will get when you open the box. One time you can find a variety of candy there and love exploring each temptation, discovering the treasure it yields. Another box can have all the same chocolates and became predictable and comfortable.

A box full of darkness though is one that loses its flavour, turns stomachs and hardens hearts. It takes a long time to sort through the candy that left a bad taste, the disappointing fillings, the staleness, the half-eaten ones, the ones that were spit out, and the ones that never were meant to be tasted. Disappointed in not being more discerning and struggling with trusting another box can overtake a gentle soul who was just looking for sweetness.

It may take months or years but a dawning that the darkness too will shed light on the gift gathered in the pain does come. Healing happens. The decision to reach for another box might be instinctual rather than logical but the desire can return.

In love, what kind of chocolate box do you want to be?

Peace,

Suzanne

Believe in More

" Give yourself fully to God. He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in His love than in your own weakness." ~ Mother Teresa

I have this sense lately that something big is unfolding in my life. I got a little sidetracked in recent months but now I want to give myself fully to God and get back on track. I want to trust that God's love can do much more than my perception of what I cannot do. I want to believe that God can accomplish great things for this world through me. Help me, Creator, to think big and to get out of the way. Use me.

Peace,

Suzanne

I am Worthy

"When you show someone he or she is worthy of love, that can be profoundly healing." ~ Ryan and Kelley, Almost Home

The Ignatian Lay Volunteer group I belong to met tonight to discuss the next chapters in this book. This is the line that struck me as I read and what I shared on. I think that many of us have fragile self-esteems but that many people have a support network that help them heal and become strong. We learn we are loveable and loving. However, some children never do. I see it in the men at the federal prison here and in some of the Deaf students that I work with. I recognize in myself my long journey to believe that I am worthy of love.

I wondered how many of us in that circle tonight have never had anyone believe in us. I would venture a guess that everyone there has someone who believes that they are worthy of love and that experience has caused profound healing in their lives. Whether the volunteers work in the prison as I do, or with street people at the Drop-In Centre, we encounter people who do not believe in themselves or their own goodness. Even the sea urchins in the above photo needed to believe they had something to offer the world besides their cunning and hustling.

The gospel reading tonight was the feeding of the five thousand which was very powerful for those who volunteer at the Drop-In. The line tonight that struck me was "Give them something to eat yourselves!" It jumped out as a command, awoke me from my complacency and weariness of the day. It some ways it slapped me across the face and made me accountable as a disciple of Christ. It called me to action. I am the one who must make these people understand that they are worthy of love. I am the one who must feed them with the Bread of Life. Me. No shifting the responsibility here.

What do you see as your responsibility to bring Love to this World? Will you feed the hunger yourself or wait for someone else to do it?

peace,

Suzanne

Beauty in Humble Places

"Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing." ~ Camile Pissarro

Beauty distracts me many times a day. I see it all over. I am grateful for this gift. I don't only see beauty in nature but I see it also in people, in words, in ideas, and in actions. Beauty lives in humble places. It lives in darkness. It lives in joy. It lives hope. It lives wherever it can take root, wherever it can creep in.

Are your eyes open? Do you see it here? Or over there? Or within you? Keep watch!

Peace,

Suzanne

Seeking the Star

"The Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.'" ~ Matthew 2:2-3

Epiphany has arrived. The wise men have followed a star to discover the Child, born King of the Jews. In seeking Him, they desire something. Perhaps they do not even know what it is their hearts are longing for but when they find him, they are not the same. The road home has changed and so have they.

What is it about seeing the face of Christ that transforms us, that stirs our hearts, that changes everything, and sends us on a different path? We lay down our gifts and carry on, but we are not empty-handed. In fact, we give what we knew how to give and yet somehow we continue on with a new gift, a fresh stirring, a different blessing. We can, in fact, become the gift because of what we have been given.

Take time in these first few weeks of 2013 to examine the gifts you bring to the world on behalf of the Christ child. Seek the star throughout the year. Be ready to worship when you stumble across Christ in the oddest of places.

Peace,

Suzanne

Seeing God's Face

“To love another person is to see the face of God.” ~ Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

I wept this afternoon as I was transported back to the time of the French Revolution and was immersed in the famous story of Jean Valjean. There were so many amazing quotes and themes in this story. For me, there was much significance in the mentality towards prisoners. I was struck too at the hatred that possessed Valjean and how he was transformed into a gentle, loving soul. He truly was the face of God a number of times throughout the movie. We reflect what we desire and his deep desire to keep his eyes on God's grace shone brightly from him and brought light to the darkness of his world.

I keep thinking about my resolutions for the year and how I just want to be more kind and sow seeds of peace. Valjean inspired me to live this goal as he acted with mercy and kindness. The movie is a redemption film, a love story, a history lesson, a tale of hope, and an inspiration. It shows how people can be selfish or righteous; others show extraordinary signs of grace and forgiveness.

We have choices. We can let our past destroy us or we can rise above and beyond what bond us to freedom. We can act out of revenge or mercy. We can let the world know our deeds of goodness or have them discover them happenstance. We can redefine ourselves. We can be selfish or selfless. There were moments in this film that broke my heart and there were moments that blessed me.

In this first week of 2013, you may still be pondering what lies ahead and what is your role in it as I do. Create a new you this year and bring more goodness to our world.

Peace,

Suzanne

Living Forward

"Your past doesn't define what you are going to be. It's ok to look back in the rearview mirror, but don't stare. You can learn from your history, but don't let it define you." ~Jim in Almost Home by Ryan and Kelley

I remember watching a sunrise in my rear view mirror one year, gasping at the sheer beauty of the colours that exploded across the prairie sky. My eyes were focused on the behind, when suddenly it began to rain. I looked forward and that was when I received the gift. Right there in front of me was a spectacular rainbow. Tears filled my eyes. I had been in reality hanging onto something precious and beautiful in life and could not seem to let go of the past. The rainbow symbolized that if I stopped clinging and looked forward, the future had beauty waiting for me, too. I just had to keep my eyes on what was ahead of me.

As you enter this New Year, what do you need to let go of so that you can receive an equally amazing gift?

Peace,

Suzanne

Resolved

"To live for God’s greater glory simply means that my life is in harmony with God’s overall purpose for humanity." ~ Vinita Hampton Wright

Day Two of the New Year and I find myself still wondering what exactly are my resolutions that are measurable. I caught myself today examining if something I had done was very kind. I should have done something else. It was not that I had done something horrible; I simply had not done something that would have been kinder. My resolutions from yesterday may indeed be taking on quantifiable standards.

I also started the day with an appointment at the specialist, a lovely doctor who explained everything to me gently and clearly, and let me be on my way within ten minutes of my arrival. As I drove off, I felt the anxiety melt from my heart and I lifted up a prayer of gratitude. My prayers had healed my condition and no procedure was required of the specialist. I made a mental note that I had promised to keep my eyes on Jesus with a trusting heart and that I had only somewhat succeeded as fear crowded out peace these past few days. I had though been grateful so I could give myself a check mark there.

The Jesuits have a motto: Ad majorem Dei gloriam or for the greater glory of God. I think about what I want my year to reflect and I came to this today, wondering if that was the word that I wanted to capture for the year ahead. I am not sure yet about that but I know I want my life to be in harmony with what God wants for me and for the greater good. I will continue to think about resolutions but for now I am resolved to live for the greater glory of God.

Peace,

Suzanne

New Beginnings

"Our family wishes you a year that will leave you grateful constantly." ~ Bob Kikuyu, friend, in a Facebook post

The eve of New Year's Day brings reflection at last upon what lies ahead for 2013. Today was the Feast of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, the one who is blessed because she believed. She was a young woman of deep faith whose yes changed everything. As I enter into this New Year, I have not thought much about specific resolutions but the ones that do come to mind are solid:

1. Keep my eyes on Jesus with a trusting heart.
2. Do something beautiful for God this year.
3. Have more fun.
4. Continue working on staying healthy in mind, body, emotions, and spirit.
5. Be grateful in all things.
6. Try something that scares me.
7. Continue to define what is important and nonnegotiable in my life and stand by these beliefs.
8. Be kinder. Spread peace. Bring joy.
9. Fall in love. Stay in love. Let it change everything.
10. Create beauty for myself and others.
11. Serve faithfully.
12. Be open to God's gifts.

Naturally these goals are too general and lack a "SMARTness" about them but I think there is a wisdom in them anyway. These are the things that are most on my heart as the New Year rings in and like Mary, I want to believe and say Let it be!

What about you--what does Wisdom whisper in your ear as this New Year begins?

Peace,

Suzanne