Beauty Break
Held Together
It’s been too long since my last Beauty Break. Oh, but I’ve noticed the beauty around me. It’s more essential now than ever. Maybe because I’m older, and hopefully wiser. Maybe because of what’s happening in the world, or because I’m more aware of the pain and suffering of others. Whatever the reason, I know…
Read MoreBud and Bloom
In these strange days, we tend to forget to see the beauty around us. But it’s there….even on a rainy, gray morning. The pink blossoms on our dogwood tree help me remember. Remind me to take heart and take delight. Thank you, Father, for buds and blooms. The forms of these flowersare the intentional designsof…
Read MoreIt Is Enough
The trails beckoned me to them yesterday and I couldn’t help but stop a few times and take in the beauty. The view was more important than my pace. It was good for my body and soul. I can’t remember how I found this poet, but I’m thankful I did. He has a way with…
Read MoreHigh Cotton
The corn is harvested and the hay is baled. The dried up corn stalks are tied to lamp posts downtown on Main Street and the square hay bales line the sides of a trailer for a hayride. Scarecrows and Jack-o-lanterns greet the shoppers as they stroll along the brick sidewalks. But the cotton hasn’t been…
Read MoreThe Leaves Speak Bliss
The summer heat lingers on the first day of autumn. The crisp and cooler days will come. The leaves will turn and fall. Until then, I’ll wait. I’ll look for the golden leaves, the red and orange ones too. Fall, Leaves, Fall Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away;Lengthen night and shorten day;Every leaf speaks bliss…
Read MoreThat They Are
I shall open my eyes and ears. Once every day I shall simply stare at a tree, a flower, a cloud, or a person. I shall not then be concerned at all to ask what they are but simply be glad that they are. Clyde Kilby “In his hand are the depths of the earth;…
Read MoreDown To the Beach
I found a round stone or two and plenty of shells, though not the kind that sing. I saw no starfish or horrible thing on the beach, unless the dozens and dozens of crabs or the piles of seaweed count. But we played and lounged. We laughed and rested. Now we go back to our…
Read MoreToday
I noticed this luscious pink beauty underneath our cherry tree two weeks ago. It’s an heirloom French herbaceous peony – a fancy name for a flower I don’t give much attention. My mom planted them years ago, and regardless of my inconsideration, they bloom faithfully. The only thing I need to do. Enjoy them. If…
Read MoreThe Lamb and Shepherd
The Bible doesn’t say much about what happened on the Saturday of that first Holy Week. We know from the Gospel of Matthew that the chief priests and Pharisees asked Pilate’s permission to secure the tomb of Jesus to prevent his disciples from stealing the body and claiming Jesus had risen from the dead. We…
Read MoreSoggy Trails
I’ve wanted to post something all day for World Poetry Day. I read this poem for the first time months ago and I can’t get it out of my head. I shared it with my youngest daughter this evening since it’s World Poetry Day and all. I recited the first two lines full of passion.…
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