Tag Archives: nature

Be Seated

While at Mass the other day, one of my friends, Chris, was the lector. The priest and deacon were seated, and the 3rd chair next to Fr. Mike was vacant. After he finished reading, Chris headed to a seat, behind the 3 chairs where the priest and deacon were. Fr. Mike stopped Chris, patted theContinue reading “Be Seated”

Gazebo Prelude

“My” gazebo. 6:30 AM I’ve never been here this early, Waking with the birds’ morning praises. I listen. No Merlin app to tell me whose song. The Robin dominates – is she a morning person? A dove “coo coos” under a tree. Blue Jay calls from afar (when will he draw near?). A chipping sparrow,Continue reading “Gazebo Prelude”

Noah, God and me

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”

Snow prints

Snow prints. They can tell the story of who visited this place, and show the chosen path. I see that deer stepped onto a frozen pond, just as far as the snow-covered ice ended. Did they drink from the exposed water circle, before jumping to solid ground? I see a grass-exposed hillside. The white groundContinue reading “Snow prints”

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”

What’s your song?

During a daily Mass, people were reverently quiet in prayer. The Scripture readings were proclaimed, the homily delivered, and as the Consecration began, I noticed persistent singing from outside. A mocking bird, no doubt! She joined in prayerful chorus with us, as we worshiped and thanked our Creator for life and love. She continued singingContinue reading “What’s your song?”

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?”

MORNING STILLNESS

I sit and listen to singing birds surrounding my gazebo. I sit and listen for God’s voice. My mind struggles to be still. I want to hear God’s voice! I want to see each bird I hear. I gaze ahead to the woods, beyond the screen, but I don’t see any calling birds. The geeseContinue reading “MORNING STILLNESS”

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!”