Hope and Fear in Advent

We are now in the midst of Advent. It is also the anniversary of the day my cousin killed himself last year. I know this will be a tough day for his mom, but I'm not really sure how to reach out to her. So many people are sad this time of year. The losses of the past years come back to haunt them.

I'm serving at my church today. I really love being a part of the service. All distractions fall away and the essence of the Eucharist is all I see.

Last night I read some of the scripture which we will use today in our service. It is so beautiful and full of hope. It is a balm for the sad, weary, and disillusioned: "The Lord has taken away the judgements against you, he has turned away your enemies...the Lord is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more..He will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in His love."

Murder on the Links

I've made a mistake-I'm listening to Murder on the Links rather than Murder on the Mews. Both are by Agatha Christie and both are Poirot mysteries. In fact many of her books have similar titles. For example: Murder in Mesopotamia, A Murder is Announced,Murder on the Nile, Murder at the vicarious, Murder, She Said, Murder at the Gallop, Murder Most Foul....You get the picture.

I do enjoy Poirot, but Ms. Marple may be my favorite Agatha Christie character. Both characters are doubted by others because of their age, but their quick wit and inexplicable insight solve the crimes that baffle the police.

So back on my Christmas list-Murder on the Mews!

Books and Tea

I've found it so hard to write with time constraints, but now that the semester is almost over I can actually write a bit about books and tea. I think I've spent enough of my blog time on me!

Twinings English Breakfast is simply wonderful tea. Basic, no frills, but comforting and refreshing-like the first time you "discovered" bottled water.

As for books I wish I had more time to read. Now I'm listening to the audio book, Murder on the Mews by Agathia Christie. She is an author I don't get tired of, like a nice comfy t-shirt.

What a lovely combination-Twinings tea and a nice paperback Agatha Christie. Great Christmas idea!!!! As C.S. Lewis once said, "You can never get a cup of tea large enough or book long enough to suit me!"