Dynamic Woman — Changing Times
Because the relevance of faith is under siege in our culture, I’m attending a lecture series titled What’s Happening in 21st Century Religion? The audience is diverse. That’s good. I want to know what people are thinking about the role of religion and faith in their lives.
For years I’ve ignored art exhibits that feature Eastern religions. At a glance, I wasn’t drawn to images that held no relevance for me. But when we were invited a to Member’s Exhibition Preview to view Wondrous Worlds: Art & Islam Through Time & Place at the Phoenix Art Museum, we accepted.
Christmas gives us special moments of unity. Our celebration may feel like a too-short intermission in our daily lives, Or we may experience an extended time of worship and visits with family and friends. Either way, the time comes to box up the tinsel and lights and express our last wish for peace, love, and joy. We wonder, why can’t we keep the Christmas Spirit of “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” all year round?
Shopping for Christmas gifts seems less fun with each passing year. My memories of Christmas shopping have little to do with purchasing gifts. The magic was standing on the pavement outside Macy*s in San Francisco ogling artistic window displays.
At its best, social media is a platform for people to engage with each other. The engagement may be commercial or personal. The experience can be sublime or annoying and downright abusive. I love the relationships I have been able to sustain and deepen because social media allows me to keep in touch.
Wealth redistribution is a political hot button but, framed differently, making an effort to spread the wealth is not a bad idea. For example, Amazon.com wants to do it all for you–fill every need on your wish list, tie it up with a ribbon, and set it gently on your doorstep. Whether you consider the big shopping jungle a boon to convenience or the bane of small business “shop local” campaigns, bypassing expedience on occasion for a deeper experience is a DIY project that can pay off. More satisfying experiences enrich our lives.
