While hearing Genesis 8: 1-12 proclaimed at Mass, I felt Noah’s gentle hand on my heart.Noah opened the hatch of the ark at the end of 40 days during the great flood. He firstreleased a raven that “flew back and forth until the waters dried off from the Earth.” It’sunclear if the raven stayed awayContinue reading “Noah, God and me”
Category Archives: growth
HOPE
A trace of last night’s snow covered some of the ground, with tips of grass peeking through. Our first snowfall in over a year! The sun was out, and had melted most of the little white dusting. Two excited young brothers across the street were bundled up against the winter wind, swaying the barren trees.Continue reading “HOPE”
When Hearth Hits Home
Sitting near a beautiful large stone fireplace in a Franciscan Friary, I imagine its use in years past, heating the large high-ceilinged gathering space. Now it serves as decor. No more wood in its belly, presently filled with artificial green ferns. What a beautiful, stately hearth! The room is currently warmed by wall heaters, underContinue reading “When Hearth Hits Home”
** Fireworks **
I watched a 4th of July fireworks display last night. It was hot and muggy, but enjoyable to be with friends, family and community. Not one to gravitate to “live” fireworks in the uncomfortable heat (sometimes it’s pleasant to be indoors, watching them on television!), I began to search for a possible connection with GodContinue reading “** Fireworks **”
Who’s There?
I have the Merlin Bird app on my cell phone, and use it often. Sitting on the screened-in porch, I listen to birds call in surrounding trees. When curious about an unrecognized song, I use the app to record and identify the kind of bird who sings so beautifully. I’ve come to be able toContinue reading “Who’s There?”
It’s Here!
Spring is here, oh, season dear. Rain is needed – let’s be clear. Bulbs in soil, thirsting sure, Sun rays needed to endure. Wet and dry, warm and cold, Days are varied, we do behold. Bird songs heard once again, Robins, sparrows, jays and wrens! Trees budding baby greens and pink, Petals forming at branches’Continue reading “It’s Here!”
Gentle Greeting
Blue spruce, Surprisingly soft to touch, Greets me upon arrival for a peaceful weekend. I walk toward the retreat center with a lighter step, Having reached out to briefly hold a branch’s end. “I’ve been waiting for you!” it seemed to convey. Time to return home days later, Walking past this magnificent tree, I reachContinue reading “Gentle Greeting”
Leaf Release
I stood in the Peace garden, just to “be” on this last day of September. A small autumn leaf let gravity take over, after a life time of spring and summer dancing green, and let go. She let go of all she had known: of her leaf community, of the branch which had nourished her,Continue reading “Leaf Release”
Scrapbook Lessons
This week, as our country celebrates its birth, I’m digitally transcribing what I have written in scrapbooks, recorded over 50 years ago the “old fashioned way”: parts of the story of my life, from birth through college years. Remembering people in events and pictures, forming who I have become. We remember our country through stories,Continue reading “Scrapbook Lessons”
Trees Bridging Seasons
Bare branches are a lovely sight (to some!) in cold dreary months: Their exposure allows us to see a tree’s foundational skeleton. Winter can be a time to focus inwardly: What are we truly made of? Look at our naked complexity! As baby green leaves emerge in early spring months, we see two seasons inContinue reading “Trees Bridging Seasons”
Pondering Christ 