Spiritual Reflections Archives - Page 2 of 3

Wisdom Found in Waiting

April 24, 2013 No Comments

Today’s Wednesday Wisdom thoughts are a blend of recent test result of my husband, Tom’s, rare form of mucosal melanoma and of my own life lessons. I am on a self-imposed personal adventure to notice small miracles which Solomon (my alter ego aka “wise sheep”) and I call “a God thing” for short or revelations of divine Presence for the official title. Interestingly, these are usually secrets in the wide open where we often miss them. While there have already been many “God things” perhaps our first big lesson about wisdom is:

Behind the Scenes & In the Know

April 17, 2013 No Comments

It is Wednesday Wisdom Day at TSJ! Our twin grandchildren had a Suzuki piano recital on Sunday. They are seven years old and watching their recitals is a reminder of how quickly they are shaped and molded. And most of it is behind-the-scenes work. Parents and piano teachers put in a lot of work to make sure the kids practice and show progress. Along with that are backstage details to get set up and create the best environment for the event. Our twins’ parents invite all of the grandparents (even some surrogate grandparents) to a dinner at

~ From Space to Grace ~ Part II

April 13, 2013 No Comments

The topic of finding inner spaciousness has been lingering in my mind and heart since my last blog. It has lead me to explore the difference between striving and stillness. I guess the fact that I went from a tangible experience of finding space in an overfilled storage closet to finding space in my heart and mind for a new and more peaceful way of “seeing” God, self, and others has really intrigued me. I have often been fascinated by the fact that many times spiritual and personal truths are inspired (or revealed) within the context of everyday

Remembering . . .

April 5, 2012 No Comments

It is that time of year when school kids and their teachers look forward to at least a long Easter weekend. Some have several days off. In the joy of anticipation, it seems a little difficult to write about anything real serious. Yet, it is the time of year for many of us to celebrate Passover and Easter. As a culture, we find it difficult to think for long about how deeply they symbolize that uncomfortable alchemy of life that brings sadness and lament along with praise and thanksgiving. Soul work truly is a process of dying and being reborn. In our

Beyond Perfect

March 29, 2012 No Comments

One Small Note . . . Beyond Perfect In our culture, we are so programmed to look for and expect perfection. Before we buy something we make sure it has not even a tiny scratch, and if it does have a flaw, we expect to pay far less for it. Imperfection, after all, decreases its value. Younger and younger children are encouraged and expected to excel in a sport in order to be in line for success. More and more students are taking the SAT exams several times to get a score as close to perfect as possible in order

Sip It & Zip It : Savor Each Moment

March 14, 2012 4 Comments

This morning’s blog idea comes out of my kitchen cupboard. . . I have many mugs, in fact more than I would care to count. But I have a personal favorite that “says it all.” It is a small white porcelain mug that is so well used that its glaze is slightly cracked on the inside, only adding to its personal value. This mug also has a little lid with a tiny honey bee on it and the lid can serve to keep the tea hot or as a coaster to put under it to protect the furniture. It

The Sweet Nectar of Summer

August 22, 2011 No Comments

Where did the summer go? It seems lately that the hummingbirds and goldfinches are eating feverishly at their respective feeders. Perhaps they are soaking up the last days of summer and are instinctively preparing for flight. Watching the birds this summer has been particularly cathartic for us as Tom completed his radiation treatments and regained his health and strength. The birds fed our souls, as nature so often does. However we have also been amused and amazed at bird behavior around our feeders. And it has reminded me of how kids start to behave by the end of summer. They

Shame and Guilt be Gone

June 21, 2011 No Comments

I hate to admit it, but I am intimately acquainted with shame and guilt. I am on a quest to be free and to inspire freedom in others from life-stripping shame and needless guilt. I also want to encourage parents and teachers to avoid shame-based ways of shaping children’s behavior. What is an example of shame-based language? Here are a few: “You should be ashamed of yourself.” “You are an embarrassment to the family.” “Shame on you.” “I am ashamed of you.” “I am so disappointed in you.” “You will never amount to anything.” Shaming language focuses on making the individual

Life Can Whiz By…

June 15, 2011 No Comments

Nature reminds us of the miracle of life and love. People also can remind us of the miracle of life and love. Life in all its richness and love in all its reach, do go together, don’t they? Recently I was blessed by attending a service in memory of of Ann’s mom, Dorothy. Ann is a former colleague and dear friend. I was privileged to get to know her mom in years past. The funeral mass was a blessing that continues to linger with me. It was a profound reminder of the power of presence each of

Little Toad Distracts This Aspiring Writer

June 6, 2011 No Comments

I was hoping to share something profound with you this Monday morning, but alas I am so distracted by creatures around me this morning that I decided instead to invite you to join me on my deck for an imaginary quick cup of coffee. It is so beautiful out with birds singing and calling from all directions, that I thought you too might like a mental break. Imagination and images are wonderful ways to rest the mind and renew the spirit once in awhile. Sometimes distractions can actually be renewing for our minds and spirits! A couple of weeks ago,

The Shared Journey

Category: Spiritual Reflections