I was reading the story of Samuel and Hannah in today’s readings (1 Samuel 1:24-28 and 1 Sam 2:1-8 as our Psalm) and thinking about Hannah. She waited her whole life for a baby and was told she never would have one. God gave her one despite the non-believers that surrounded her. Once she has … Continue reading Listen, Ponder, Trust
Fortitude
Beat Steady
For Didi.
The Four Degrees of Love: Part 4
The final part of a four part series based on a study session with St Bernard and the Four Degrees of Love.
Where is God waiting for YOU?
Where is God connecting the dots of your life? I am finding my faith and writing are starting to intersect with drawing and painting! Comment with your answer!
The Four Degrees of Love: Part 2
Only a humbled heart can experience gratitude because gratitude it directed to something outside of our own doing.
The Four Loves: A Four-Part Reflection
Love is such a simple word but has so many meanings. The degrees to which we are loved and we love is not so simple. Let's take it one degree at a time.
Your Role in the Play
From central casting agency. You have been cast in our upcoming production for the following role: “Immigrant.” This is a leading role and an essential character to the story. Immigrant: role description and back story You are journeying to a great destination that will provide you with freedom and peace. You are willing to do … Continue reading Your Role in the Play
Yearning for the Stable Moon
Last night we ventured out as a small group of friends to an area nearby on a mountain where the Vanderbilt Observatory is tucked at the top of a clearing. Saturday nights once a month, the famous Bluebird Cafe offers live music with some of the originals and best singer/songwriters in this talented place called … Continue reading Yearning for the Stable Moon
Strengthened By Brokeness
I recently hit a bit of darkness in my spiritual life when I went through several important changes in the late spring/early summer. They were all challenging to say the least, but God is faithful and He led me one step at a time through those dark woods. My friend, "Dred" who is training to … Continue reading Strengthened By Brokeness
Annoyance is a Luxury
In a culture of comfort we can follow the example of St Junipero in fortitude for mission.
Time Adds Beauty
It’s never too late. Just before COVID hit I found a book at the library in preparation for our trip to England. I didn’t realize that this book was about to open a new world to me, not just in travel, not just in history, but in illustration. Susan Branch is an artist and writer … Continue reading Time Adds Beauty
In the Storm
The storms of our lives are where we need a savior. Will you keep trying to be your own savior? There is a better way. The way of LOVE.
Con-Soul
Con (with ) Soul (Invaluable individual spirit)...walking with someone without trying to "fix" them. That is to console...
I Showed Up
This week's prayer group called us to focus on those who have been entrusted to our care, and the case of a selfless young woman.
The Hiccup
What do hiccups and holiness have in common?
Bedtime Stories
When my children were little, we would have what was called a "Book Picnic". Sometimes we would read together in an elaborate "fort" made from kitchen chairs, couch cushions and blankets. Sometimes we would pile all the blankets and pillows on the floor and lay on our tummies together reading our favorite books. My personal … Continue reading Bedtime Stories
Kids and Confession Verses Cancer
Changing things up this week, I am introducing you to a blogger who has a huge beautiful family and a wonderful sense of humor. The very name of his blog expresses who he is "Fortitudine", meaning fortitude. And, oh yea...he has brain cancer. But that is a post script, because as all people with this … Continue reading Kids and Confession Verses Cancer
A Day in the Warmth of the Son
The first of spring's warm and sunny days are everyone's joy. They remind us that the sun did not abandon us, but was quietly accompanying us through the long winter days, shrouded by a haze that required our trust in knowing it would come back out again. When our trust is rewarded by those first … Continue reading A Day in the Warmth of the Son
Do Whatever He Tells You
"Do whatever he tells you" stamped on a silver cuff bracelet was a meaningful gift from one my beautiful sisters last year for my birthday. The inexhaustible meaning of this line from The Wedding at Cana, continually leads me like a star toward my quest for guidance on how to live my faith. Although, due to … Continue reading Do Whatever He Tells You
Encountering Resolutions: The Best of 2018
Celebrating the New Year has always meant a stream of old movies or opening a new book, and of course, getting organized. I guess the best thing about New Year's is the sense of personal renewal we all feel, making resolutions to better people; physically, financially, and personally. I also feel the blessing of renewal … Continue reading Encountering Resolutions: The Best of 2018
The Fifteenth Time
It's been a week of great loss and trials for many people I know. My heart was heavy as I drove to church this morning. Having trouble distinguishing between my tears and the pelting rain on the windshield, I knew deep inside that I must shake off this dreariness immediately. In my car, I began … Continue reading The Fifteenth Time
“I sing you to me, Mrs. Boss”
I have a problem. I speak a rare language that not many people speak, and as such, I often go misunderstood. It can be lonely, but I can't help it. When I get excited, happy or angry, I just blurt out words..movie lines. After yesterday's Encounter With Christ, where Jesus uses a little child as … Continue reading “I sing you to me, Mrs. Boss”
Be Opened
Riding through the desert nearing Palm Springs, we noticed the field of often photographed wind turbines. I was transfixed by their soothing flow; all coming from wind and solar energy, but spinning at different speeds and even different directions. These turbines stand together in a crowd but starkly individual, drawing their power from the same source. … Continue reading Be Opened
Membership
Getting ready to head back to school, LB wanted to get a few items to replenish his apartment before senior year begins. "Let's go to the warehouse club...I have coupons!" With that we were off, deliberating through the long isles of bulk grocery and home items, only to find at check out that our coupons … Continue reading Membership
Peace and Pancakes
"This weekend, there is gonna be FIRE!" This was the call from the pulpit we heard at our local church last year at this time, as Pentecost Sunday approached, and it brought a smile to everyone's face. "The Holy Spirit is coming! He is giving us the tongues of fire (like he did for the apostles) … Continue reading Peace and Pancakes