As I contemplated moving from ashes to hope during this yearly transition between winter and spring, and giving to instead of giving up for Lent, I noticed this sign during a recent beach visit, and it struck me with its mixed message. Do not take your dog to the beach. Do not sleep on theContinueContinue reading “Enjoy”
Tag Archives: spirituality
Ash Wednesday During a Pandemic
And we are put on earth a little spaceThat we might learn to bear the beams of love. William Blake No matter where we have lived this past year, we all have one experience in common: the pandemic. We all know how it feels to have our personal freedom and choices and pleasures denied asContinueContinue reading “Ash Wednesday During a Pandemic”
Lent 2021: From Ashes to Hope
Honesty alert! It would be a challenge for me to try to write a Lenten blog from anything other than a Christian perspective, since I have been a Christian my entire life. Yet my hope is that this blog will resonate with anyone who has felt like it is time to rise from the ashesContinueContinue reading “Lent 2021: From Ashes to Hope”
Groundhog Day Prayers
February 2, 2021 If you watched Bill Murray in the movie Groundhog Day in 1993 (can it really be that long ago?), then you know the premise—Murray’s character, Phil, awakens to the same day again and again and again. That is how my prayer life–not to mention my actual life–has felt during these long monthsContinueContinue reading “Groundhog Day Prayers”
Asking for Guides
Stand at the crossroads and look; and ask for the ancient paths where the good ways lies and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. Jer. 6:16 I enrolled in an online course this past fall that explored the interplay between contemplative practices, such as meditation and prayer, and the creative arts. WeContinueContinue reading “Asking for Guides”
Thoughts on the 2021 Presidential Inauguration
Yesterday, Inauguration Day here in the States, was, for me, a great release. I felt I was able to let go a burden of fear and anxiety and disbelief and confusion and hurt that I have been shouldering for the last four years. I recognize that many, many others feel very differently, and my heart holdsContinueContinue reading “Thoughts on the 2021 Presidential Inauguration”
When the Light Goes Out
For the first time in my life, I have a “Winter Tree” in my home. After removing the Christmas ornaments, I felt a deep yearning for light and more light and was resistant to taking down the tree. A friend of mine suggested that I replace the ornaments with snowflakes to make the tree seasonal,ContinueContinue reading “When the Light Goes Out”
Communal Light
An old, old story goes like this: Once upon a time, a young king desired to build the biggest, most magnificent, cathedral in all of Europe. He spared no cost in workmanship and in construction, and people came from far and near to watch the progress. Gold, marble, frescoes, mosaics, silver, the finest woods—all ofContinueContinue reading “Communal Light”
Winter Lament
Faith traditions across the United States, perhaps across the world, are offering a special service this time of year as the longest night, December 21, approaches. These services are often called “The Longest Night” or “Blue Christmas,” and their intention is to recognize, not shy away from or deny, the pain, grief, and loneliness thatContinueContinue reading “Winter Lament”
Soul Song
Ancient guides, ancient paths, ancient stories. Winter seasons throughout the beginning of time have drawn humanity to seek solace in these places, to discern wisdom in the darkness of shadows. I have always found it to be Truth that when I am on a journey through the shadows, the Spirit somehow knows what I needContinueContinue reading “Soul Song”
Spirit Reflections 