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

The Blueberry is visiting from Atlanta. He brought along his family and favorite toys, Buzz Lightyear and Woody. They are one week into a two-week visit. Our house has looked a little different this past week. There are English peas on the floor, tiny shoes by the door, and sweet faces awake with the brewing coffee pot. But mostly there is more laughter and toddler noise, and Woody in unusual places - in the laundry basket, under the covers, on the stairs, in the library, even in the kitchen colander where at noon we drained the shells for mac and Continue Reading

"Construct a calendar of grace, Genesis days and moon-marked months." Eugene Peterson I still can't believe I did it. I lost Mike's car key. You know, the key fob original to the car that is dumb expensive to replace. Mike was gracious. After a few days and still no key, he simply ordered a new one. But I found I was fussing at myself on the inside about it. What a dork! How could you lose his keys? How hard could it have been to put the keys in the drawer right away? Stop what you're doing right Continue Reading