Words are a powerful element in my life. God’s word. Words I scribble in my journal or in this blog or books. Words inspiring me, giving me hope, instilling energy to keep going. Lately other people’s words have been refreshing my spirit.  I call these “borrowed words” as they often express what I am experiencing but can’t quite describe.  I read their writing and say, “Yes, that’s it!” Here are a few examples: “When your life is filled with the desire to see the holiness in everyday life, something magical happens: Ordinary life becomes extraordinary, and the very process of life begins to nourish your soul.” Rabbi Harold S. Kushner  Gary Fawver wrote: “Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won’t come in.” Last line from poem titled With Passion by Rumi: “Why look like a dead fish in this ocean of God?” “Forgiveness is the gift that says two things: First, I am just as weak as everyone else … [Read more...]

Summer sabbath is the slowing down and savoring the beauty, refreshment, and renewal of summertime. For many of us summer means travel, camping, fresh fruit and vegetables, water activities, ice cream, family get-togethers, and backyard BBQs. Even in these times following pandemic rules and recommendations, people long for the refreshment of a change of pace. Of course, I am writing this from Ohio, in the Northern Hemisphere. For those living south of the equator, please pardon my wandering through the warmth and sunshine. I am heading out this week and returning midweek next week for a postponed from last year and alleluia we can go this year trip.  So I gathered some thoughtful and fun sayings about summer sabbath for your pondering and joy: One must maintain a little bit of summer, even in the middle of winter. Henry David ThoreauWhen the sun is shining I can do anything; no mountain is too high, no trouble too difficult to overcome. Wilma RudolphIf you have a garden … [Read more...]

10 quotes to ponder. I do love quotes.  I gather them and tuck them into my heart like a squirrel amassing acorns for the coming winter. I collect these nuggets of wisdom that feed my soul in times of hunger, discernment and seeking. Here are a few recent quotes I discovered and deposited into my heart: Prayer is sitting in silence until it silences us, choosing gratitude until we are grateful. Richard Rohr ****** Prayer pushes us through life's slumps, propels us over the humps and pulls us out of the dumps. Prayer is the oomph we need to get the answers we seek. Max Lucado ****** I serve. I do the dance I must. I plant trees, but I am not the doer of this work. I am the facilitator, the instrument—I am one part of the symphony. I know there is an overall scheme to this symphony that I cannot understand. In some way, we are each playing our own part. It is not for me to judge or criticize the life or work of another. All I know is that this is my dance. I would plant trees … [Read more...]