Saying Grace

I sat on the deck this afternoon after church with a plate of leftovers. I started to eat, and then remembered to thank God, to “say grace” for the meal. Sometimes “saying grace” is perfunctory. Sometimes it’s seen as a duty. Today– it just flowed out of what was flowing in. And out came the poem between bites of spaghetti. Blessings to you and yours this day! “Saying Grace…” For the fresh gentle breeze on this warm November day ForRead more
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reminders of hope

This sweet little bouquet of buds was a gentle reminder of hope for me today. I didn’t expect to see it on the old, neglected apple tree that has appeared lifeless since well before last Winter. As you can see, these tree branches have seen better days. But these branches are from the same tree with the bud bouquet and the photo is taken on the same day that I took the first photo. What is seen depends on theRead more
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…a few thoughts on hurting and healing…

Hurts Deep hurts that aren’t dealt with Can turn into Hate deep hate that infects and infests hearts deep deep into the heart And the healing? Deep healing? It takes ReOpening the hurts, those deep hurts, and feeling and reeling and dealing- then…healing and forgiving …and then living with hearts that hurt and heal and love and feel and in time HOPE Oh my friend– feel, forgive, heal… the hurt is worth the healing Hope is a reality when ourRead more

…a few thoughts on forgiveness…

“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” ~ Lewis Smedes Question: Seriously? Even when the offense is so deep and horrific and impactful? Thought: Forgiveness is only necessary when there has been an offense. Sometimes that offense has been incredibly great. Question: But doesn’t forgiveness mean you’re making light of what is done? You’re allowing the person to be ‘off the hook’? Thought: Nope. It’s an acknowledgement that there was indeed anRead more
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Southern Snow

The winter is coming to a close. It’s the first day of March, and boots gave way to sandals today. It’s been unseasonably warm in North Carolina and the warmth is slowly melting away any hopes I have had of a good long snow this winter. I always love a good snow. It white washes the world a bit and helps things come to a halt around here. As a teacher, well, I so look forward to having an unexpectedRead more
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In the moment

In the quiet of this moment Oh my friend be still and know there is grace to live this moment To hold on and to let go In the quiet of this moment May your heart find strength to see Deepest beauty Amidst deep sorrow Oh how joy can walk with grief For in the moment in the quiet May the love that IS -surround Surround you and your sweet mom with the love that is profound Deeper, higher, wider,Read more
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Wide Open

Oh Lord, sometimes when I see a need, I want to RUN boldly… Bulldoze… Crash in and help in ways I think will help. And yet, I feel the need to tip toe, be cautious, not assume that I know or understand what’s best. At these times I realize how very human I am. But…I’m thankful that because of your love & forgiveness, I can RUN boldly… Bulldoze… Crash in and ask you to help in ways that only youRead more
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What hands can’t hold

Some things cannot be taken But they’re the things we cannot hold Oh when our world is shaking, quaking, we’re breaking We will hold to  what we deeply know Light bursting through the shadows Comes as we choose to see  The beauty amidst the ache Like mortar in a mosaic masterpiece Some things we’ll never fathom What ifs of what could be But may we hold to what we know We are loved and loved will always be Oh thatRead more

Stubborn Little Hyacinth

Stubborn Little Hyacinth Peeking through the soil Resilient little perennial It’s been a year of toil Yes it may show up in the blooms This year, so scant and slight But beautiful little Hyacinth You made it to the light!! (And that was no small fight!) Stubborn little Hyacinth I feel a bit like you Am hopeful that the resilient beauty I’ll see in me like I see it in you. Beautiful, Lovely Hyacinth What a gift you are toRead more

part of the dance

“If you stumble, make it part of the dance.” ~Author Unknown I read this quote today and just love it. Because we all stumble. Maybe the key to recovering from a misstep is fully owning the ‘stumbles’, acknowledging them, then picking ourselves up and moving on. And not just that, but picking ourselves up and making the stumble part of our dance, part of our story. I love that thoughtRead more