A few weeks ago, in the middle of Peter Heller's mystery novel Celine, I ran across this quote that I needed: "There might not be a measure of happiness left in a life, but there could be beauty and grace and endless love." This last refrain resounded like a prayer, like a song: there could … Continue reading When Grace and Grief Collide
"I believe that the most important single thing beyond discipline and creativity is daring to dare." Maya Angelou When I think of daring. I don't usually think of me. But I have been daring lately. Daring to be content. Daring to be happy with me and the life that is mine. Daring to be unapologetic … Continue reading Daring Contentment
February is an Eeyore kind of month. Gray. Gray skies. Gray snow. Gray trees. Gray clothes. Gray mood. But today, the sun is out. I'm wearing hot-pink. And I decided to make a list of some of my favorite things. You know, I think Rogers and Hammerstein had Maria give us some very solid advice. … Continue reading Then I Remember My Favorite Things
I love words. If you've been hanging around this blog for a while, you might know that I especially love Frederick Buechner's words. Not only do I love the way that he paints beautiful pictures that burrow deep into my soul, that catch my breath, that bring me to tears. I love how Buechner illuminates … Continue reading Words of Grace: 10 Favorite Quotes from Frederick Buechner
"Whether or not it seems sacred at first, a threshold can become a holy place of new beginnings as we tend it, wait within it, and discern the path beyond." -Jan L. Richardson I find myself at a threshold this morning--stepping from what was and into what is to come. Life is made up of … Continue reading To Pause at a Threshold (Or: What in the world happened to the time?)
“Creation itself is a sacred text through which the presence of God is revealed to us.” –Christine Valters Paintner Last weekend, I hiked with my family through a gorgeous piece of woods in a state park close to home. The trees were green with young leaves. Warm sunlight illuminated young ferns and a myriad of … Continue reading Walking with your Eyes and Heart Wide Open
May your heart be welcome soil for your dreams, whether big or small: Dreams of Love, Beauty, Grace, and Peace. May you be curious about these dreams and show them kindness. May dreams become vision, and vision become the work of your hands, feet, heart, mind, and soul. May you have the courage to find your … Continue reading A Blessing for Your Dreams
Who am I? What have you made me for, God? Why am I even here, right now, on this beautiful planet? What is my role here? These are questions that haunt me. The answers somehow eluding me. Maybe that is because I have been looking for a job description. Something that comes with pay would … Continue reading What Makes You Come Alive?
A little over a week ago, I told my doctor that I was turning 40 on the 2nd. She looked at me confused. "That's not right, is it?" she asked. "My birthday is on the second." "Yeah, but I thought you were only 38, " she replied. "Oh... that's right! 40 comes next year." I … Continue reading I want to sink into what is
The kids needed a break about three miles into our family bike adventure. We found a resting spot off of the trail and climbed off of our bikes. We were chatting and drinking water when I noticed that the trail was empty in both directions. We were miles from any roads. "Hey, People. Stop talking. … Continue reading The Search for a Quiet Life
Jessica Sanborn 