writing when inspired about the often overlooked
July 5, 2008 – Our Backyard, Des Plaines, IL Waiting . . . I picture myself sitting here at my picnic table, waiting for you to show up. . . And I realize I have it backwards. . You’re always here. It’s me that needs to show up!
Just a few days ago, someone told me her friend’s brother died, and we talked about how to comfort someone who has lost someone they love. I wrote this back in the fall of 2006, about a year after Gordon died of hypothermia, lost in the mountains of Montana. To Those Who Would Comfort Me…
After my only brother suddenly died, I learned the value of a “breath prayer.” A breath prayer is what you pray when you can’t pray . . . when you have no words. . . when your emotions are so ragged, you can’t even form words. My breath prayer was “God, I need to hear…
My Grandson . . . . . . . . delights in my presence watches for me to come, runs to meet me at the door. Sometimes he waits until I come in the door running across the room flying into my arms engulfing me in big hug giving me one of our own special,…
written July 2008, two years ago: God, there is so much change and growth going on in my life. You are helping me understand myself better. Sometimes I get tired of the energy it takes to continue growing. And that is where I was yesterday as I sat by the Lake: Yesterday the grasses danced…
Lord, I’ve been sitting here at the lake. The assignment from my class is to “practice solitude” . . . to be quiet just be honest and say I know I should do this assignment. But I’d really like to get going. I have a lot to do today. And just sitting here quietly in…
John 15:5-8 (The Message) “I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. (the Message)…
 I have always loved this photo of a sunshiny day at Botanic Gardens. Tonight in our group when we are to choose a photo as a journaling prompt, I knew I would pick it, even though I really didn’t know how it would fit. (Since I am the facilitator, I have a certain advantage. …
Friday morning in Montana We just arrived last night. The wonderful wedding craziness that is part of any wedding starts tonight with the rehearsal. Tomorrow, Brian and Becca get married! I am out here on the deck Gordon built. I miss him, but I am OK. I do love being here in Montana, where Gordon…
Ruth Haley Barton, in her book Sacred Rhythms, says: ” It is your desire for God and your capacity to reach for more of God than you have right now that is the deepest essence of who you are.” not your woundedness . . . not your personality . . . not your giftedness ….