A few weeks ago I returned to Malaysia to visit family, and - lo and behold! - discovered that my mom had planted three coconut trees in the front yard. The coconuts require lots of tender, loving care, demanding precise amounts of fertilizing for a few years before it can bear fruit, before we can enjoy cooling, sweet, fresh coconut!

When I was a kid, Advent was an exciting time. Mostly because it was leading up to the reason for the season: Santa Claus and presents. What? Don’t @ me. Now, as an adult, mostly I feel dread and annoyance. I hate presents. I hate shopping. I hate the cold. And apparently, I really hate joy and happiness.

They identified with Jesus, because Jesus identified with them. Whipped, flogged, slapped in the face, crucified, hung.

Although my sacred is marked profane, let my profanity be considered holy.Would the curse words of my mouth and the rage-filled meditations of my heartSome way, somehow, be pleasing to You.