Category: haiku

Time to be still

Musee D’Orsay
Paris, France
August 2019

(photo by Carla Romarate-Knipel)

A new year has begun

My feet wants to keep going

But my heart desires to be still.

Within me a clock is ticking

Not fast or hurried, but steady

It is saying, you can be still

And keep going.

Stillness does not mean stuckness

Stillness can be active courage

Willing to remain calm and focused

Even when so many things are screaming for my attention.

Time to be still is good

At the beginning of the new year

It is necessary.

In stillness you take a deep breath

Before you take the next step:

You notice

You pay attention

And then you go on …

until it’s time

To be still again.

By Carla A. Romarate-Knipel

January 5, 2026

“Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room”

Advent Devotional

December 3 -9, 2023

Scripture:  Luke 3:1-6

Thought/Verse of the Week:   As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the desert,  Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him…”- Luke 3:4 (NIV)

One of the things that I love about living on Delaware Street is that I can walk to the Woodbury Public library, the Coffee Shop and the Post office. Years ago, in one of my walks to the Post office, I noticed that the lamps on Broad Street had been decorated with evergreen wreaths and red bows.  Looking at these festive lamps reminded me of Charles Dickens’ beloved classic, A Christmas Carol.  

As I strolled down Broad Street, I imagined Dickensian characters singing Christmas carols underneath one of the lamps – with white, powdery snow falling and laying on their woolen coats.  

While reflecting on these images and sounds, memories of Christmases past flashed through my mind.  One of them was of street children singing carols outside our front door at Jelimore Apartments, Iloilo City, Philippines.  It was the first Christmas Dave and I celebrated as a married couple.  In the cool December air, the carolers sang, “Joy to the World.” 

When they got to the chorus, we were surprised to hear these words, “Let there be one, let there be two…”  As they continued singing it became obvious that our young friends didn’t know the correct lyrics of the beloved Christmas hymn.   We had to point out to them that the words of the chorus really were, “Let every heart prepare him room…”  

As we continue our Advent journey, let us remember to prepare a room for Jesus in our hearts.  Let us set aside anything that will hinder us from being a gracious host to Jesus and all those that Jesus will send our way in this season of love, joy and peace.   (CRK)