Warm Holiday Greetings to TSJ Friends!
Here at our Shared Journey headquarters we are enjoying the holiday spirit along with all of its scheduling demands and we want to wish each of you a safe, warm-hearted and special Christmas.
Today’s bog/letter is our chance to say thank you for being part of 
our journey and to share some lighthearted closing reflections for the year. Soon we can say 2018 Is completed! Rather like the fireplace I have been writing to you about here at TSJ headquarters. I took this quick picture as evidence to show you! Once installed by Isaac Heating and Cooling company, Mr. John built the framework. Solomon and SJ knew he wanted to do it and that he could. He worked ever so carefully and lovingly.
And I am pleased. After a few delays and mild concerns from you-know-who, I am smiling and remembering that all creations start with the seed of a thought. I mean even TSJ coaching practice started the same way . . . a thought.
You know the process. . . . plant and water the seed (research possibilities) with enthusiasm and determination . . . gather your resources . . . stumble over the messes that are part of creating something . . . falter with the challenges . . . persevere .. . and …
Then . . . Completion and Celebration!
The picture above the mantle was a birthday gift from Mr. John. It was painted by a friend and local artist, Roland “Chip” Stevens. It tells the story of a shipwreck and rescue. And is a reminder that storms come in life and people have to work together (share the journey on land, sea or in the air) to help and even rescue one another.
This can be to literally save a life, or figuratively to save our minds from destructive thoughts, our hearts from being hardened and our lives from being engulfed by stormy seas.
With each other’s help and with faith in God we can sail with hope and peace to our final Home. This week we have been remembering Mr. Tom who peacefully completed his life journey four years ago and we know many of you miss him as we do. I can still hear his voice telling me to keep Solomon telling messages of love and wisdom.
Christmas time, a good news season, however, for people of Christian faith is a reminder that our Good Shepherd came to show us how the way of faith and hope through him and the Heavenly Father brings spiritual abundance while we are here.
But for everyone this season- no matter your religious views – invites us to be open hearted, discover new joys in our relationships and bring our gifts of gratitude to each other. What a way to enter a new year.
Speaking of a new year, Solomon wanted me to remind you he and SJ are taking a two week break from WW letters so we all can wind down from 2018 and wind up for 2019.
But most of all Solomon and SJ are anxious for me to tell you about their recent happiness. (They got some attention and approval and who doesn’t like that?)
So – the other night Mr. John and I, Solomon and SJ and Sigmund had the joy of having Mr.Tom’s and my part of our combined families gather here as a first installment of our holiday festivities. 
We all miss Tom and held him in close honor in our hearts. And we celebrated as Tom would want us to – with love and laughter.
But Solomon and SJ (Solomon Junior) were especially delighted by this gala. It seems we have had mostly grown-ups around here lately and while Solomon and SJ are always here listening, watching, and enjoying being present, most people who are “grown up” don’t pay much attention to stuffed sheep! ( Ouch, Solomon bristles when I call him a stuffed sheep.)
As you can imagine (and imagination is where it all begins!), our “stuffed symbols” of wisdom (Solomon), personal development (SJ) and intelligence (Sigmund) were delighted to meet our oldest son’s lovely girlfriend’s charming nine year old daughter for the first time. I had fun too because of course, you know what makes my world go ’round is showing off wizened old Solomon, curious young SJ, and smart Sigmund.
Anyhow, it has been awhile since I have explained to a child why I have a very large (and very wise sheep) sitting in my small office.
I told her Solomon offers wisdom because he is old and learned from his shepherd, David.
SJ asks questions because he is young and has a lot to learn.
And Sigmund? Hmm, how do you really explain that we have to have an “intellectual” on this team when you already have the very wise Solomon?
Well I explained that Sigmund understands some things about us humans – what we think and why we do what we do because he has studied psychology. So he adds his ideas when Solomon is teaching SJ and – because he is a hand puppet – he has helped me teach people about how our brains inform our behavior..
During this Christmas season when we think about shepherds tending their flocks, Solomon wants us to remember the baby grew to become our forever Chief Shepherd. He knows that it is HIs amazing grace that rescues us from ourselves so we can live with joy.
A couple of days ago while reading from John’s Gospel (10) in the New Testament, I was reminded he told his disciples, “I am the Good Shepherd .. . I know my own [sheep] and they know me.”
He explained that is the nature of shepherding. To know and be known.
A shepherd knows his own sheep and they come when they hear his voice. I am learning to listen to that voice.
As the shepherd who wrote the 23rd Psalm said, “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” Just remembering that brings to my heart joy and peace. How about you?
Love from Ms. Margie and “the team.” May your heart be warmed as by a fireplace.
