As my one word for 2017, “Create” turned out to be an apt summary for my year. As I sought to be open to what God might create in me, that led to new blog articles, new ways of doing ministry, new connections both on-line and in real life, and the creation of a new proposal for my next book.
Now at the start of 2018, I’m still exploring what it means for me to create–and yes, that includes finishing my book manuscript that’s due February 1st! The book is still very much a work-in-progress, and I’m eager to see how it will continue to unfold.
At the same time, when I’ve needed a break from the book, I’ve been playing with this new website design that I’m unveiling for the first time today. I love the bright new look of this Karuna WordPress theme:
- It allows my feature photos to keep their original shape instead of getting arbitrarily cropped into the same standard frame size, which was one of the major changes I wanted to make from my previous theme.
- It allows me to customize with a header photo of the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona. This photo was taken by my husband, so it’s a personal reminder of our visit to Sedona one year and beautifully conveys the faith-based theme of my website.
- And I love, love the new Tangerine font for my site title, and hope that it displays properly on your computer or other device.
For comparison and as a historical record for myself, here’s a screen shot of my previous Opti theme that has served me well for the past year. I bid it a fond farewell as I move on to a new year and a new look for this site.
The other creative project I’m unveiling today is a new e-book: How to Pray When Prayer Seems Impossible. I’ve wanted to create an e-book for some time, have been working on it off and on for the last while, and now finally it’s ready! For 2017, some of my most popular posts have been part of my How to Pray When You Can’t Find the Words series. Now I’ve distilled the five basic principles from that series into just five pages plus a closing prayer. If you’re already a subscriber, you should receive an email today with your copy. If you’re not a subscriber but would like a copy, just click on the book cover below.
Writing/Reflection Prompt: If you chose a word or phrase for 2017, how did it go for you? What will your one word be for 2018?
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April Yamasaki 
April, my word for 2018 is “purpose” and it was picked out of a bag at church. It is already whispering to me, and I need to listen carefully, and follow directions!
That’s a great word, Elfrieda! Did you pick from the bag as part of worship, or was it at some other gathering, and how was it introduced? I’d be interested in hearing more.
Hi, April. Akemashite, omedeto gozaimasu. Kyonen iroiro osewa ni narimashita. Kotoshi mo aikawari ma sezu, yoroshiku onegan itashimasu!
Now that is the Japanese greeting Gary Sensei must know. Anyway, it says: Congratulations, the New Year has opened. Last year you were so good to me, Please be good to me this year also.
When I dropped in at Vangy’s this afternoon, her grandson Seneca greeted me with the Japanese greeting. He took me quite by surprise, and I gave him a big hug. Actually, I did more. At New Year’s grandparents and great grandparents give their grandkids money gifts, so I had a little envelope, Japanese style, for each of the boys.
Looking forward to our meetings. Without our regular meetings, feels as if we have lost contact.
Blessings for the New Year,
Mary
P. S. Did you finish your book?
Hi Mary – what a wonderful Japanese greeting, and good for Seneca! I’m looking forward to starting the Sacred Pauses group again too. I’m still working on my book, but making good progress.
Hi April,
I wanted to thank you for your e-book. Since starting a family I have found it difficult to maintain a consistent personal prayer life. There seem to be so many distractions throughout the day! One of the things I loved about Sacred Pauses was your practical, realistic advice. Your e-book did not disappoint in this regard either. It also inspired me to revisit another fantastic resource which I found a year ago – this website on Ignatian prayer: https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer. Finally, from the words “O God of the impossible” your closing prayer spoke to my heart. Peace be with you in the New Year.
Thank you so much, Lisa. I appreciate your kind words about Sacred Pauses and my new e-book, and am glad you find them both helpful. I resonate with much of the Ignatian approach to prayer as well. Peace and blessings to you for this new year.