Often misunderstood, the word “virtue” intimidates most people. Somewhat archaic, its usage in our modern language is relegated to classic or religious literature. Yet, visiting with my One Word friend this month, revealed not only its transforming power over adversity, but its merit as a virtue. Amazingly, my journey with my bold friend, resilience, reaches the halfway mark this month!…
Read More
The Transforming Power of a Little Known Virtue
Looking For Joy? It’s Closer Than You Think
A friend of mine shared a little ritual she uses whenever she takes a walk. She never ends her walk without finding something which delights her. Rarely dominating her time, the search provides a great way of staying present. Finding she notices more of her surroundings, looking for joy breathes peace and purpose into her walks. Intrigued by the premise,…
Read More
Love When Beauty Fades
It came rather suddenly. Others around me encountered it sooner; but I never felt especially bothered by it until recently. Unrecognizable at first, I wondered at the gnawing discontent within. Organizing photos on my computer, it all came clear: time fades beauty. Grouping photos of myself, observing the unkindness of the years, the tale of aging unfolded before me. Never…
Read More
The Joy of Planting Pennies
Though the summer solstice is still thirteen days away, once Memorial Day closes, most thoughts turn towards summer. While my thoughts have yet to turn in that direction, childhood summer memories filled with the joy of planting pennies, bring a smile to my face. Perhaps the unseasonable temperatures, or a barefoot walk in dew damp grass the other morning triggered…
Read More
Joy Comes in the Morning
For many years, the beauty of the morning escaped me. Never really “a morning person” the years of raising babies with long nights of interrupted sleep stole my mornings from me. Beyond the strain of motherhood, seasons of suffering claimed my night hours. Yet, over time, God gently revealed the truth spoken by the sun each day: “Joy comes in…
Read More
May Mercies: Share Four Somethings
Waving farewell to another month, I rejoice in a glance back at my May Mercies joining Heather Gerwing as she hosts a monthly feature called, Share Four Somethings, where writers share the fourth Saturday of each month something in each of four categories from the previous month. My regular readers often notice I choose a “theme” for my Share Four Somethings post. Last month…
Read More
The Opportunity of a Lifetime
Sometimes we look for opportunities and sometimes they look for us. But one thing I know; negativity and the inability to court possibilities, blinds you to the opportunity of a lifetime. Born out of possibility, opportunity comes our way when we, by faith remain open to all God has for us each day. Our walk in this month of May…
Read More
Tie a Knot and Hold On
An old quote, “When you are at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on”, attributed to Theodore Roosevelt, wrapped me in Resilience this month. The unpredictability of last month quickly unfolding into all out adversity this month. Staring out the window, watching a torrential downpour batter a fledgling red maple tree, I marvelled as the tiny…
Read More
Release Resistance and Uplevel Spiritual Growth
Have you ever felt the frustration of desperately desiring change, only to find no real change occurs? Whether you long for positive change in your circumstances, relationships, personal or spirtual growth; where you place your focus determines the outcome. If you feel stuck in a perpetual pursuit of unsuccessful change, you may be too focused on resisting the negative. Learn…
Read More
