It has been approximately 63 days since we began our corona quarantine. I didn't need to count. I had a fairly good idea because yesterday I read Psalm 62. I began reading a Psalm a day right around Oregon's shelter in place order. I read Psalm 62 and scribbled it into my journal. He's solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul.I gulp deep breaths and let it out slowly. I wonder if my feet have been on the ground. Everything I've read or done lately has had a different texture, a ray of light coming through Continue Reading

commence (kuh-mens): to initiate, launch, originate, open, arise I am sitting here in my pajamas on graduation day. My family did not fly in, the stage is silent, the auditorium seats are vacant, no hats tossed in the air. Even so, this week, I joined the Class of 2020. This has been a week to remember, I celebrated my 35th wedding anniversary, my 59th birthday, and my Covid19 graduation from Portland Seminary. On Sunday, we will celebrate Mother's Day. Whoever thought it was a good idea to put all of that into one week had lost her mind. You may Continue Reading

When I am worried, shaken, or my fears are ruling the day, I often turn to the Psalms to remember my significance in a chaotic world. My favorites are the ones that have to do with God the Artist of the universe flinging stars into the sky and at the same time tenderly taking care of stars and sparrows and small things like you and me. A hearty walk outside in any kind of weather is another way to rearrange my heart. So far, even during this time of social distancing, I am keeping up my rhythm of a daily Continue Reading

It was said of poet and Jesuit priest, Gerard Manley Hopkins, "As an artist, Hopkins could not be static; whenever he looked back, it was to go forward with more confidence." This is summer, fading and lingering all at once. This list is a form of Examen that I practice in community at the close of each season. Actually, I keep a disorganized list in my journal of what I am learning all thoughout the current season. Some are small, some heavy, some lighthearted, and others just plain interesting. Sometimes, I can see what I am learning captured Continue Reading