All I can say is 'Amen' to what you have written. After searching for what I am blamed for for 30 years, I find the Crucified Christ, up holding and blessing me in His Peace and Love - even in Christ crucified. But nothing can separate me from the Love of God.
I read many of these after posting mine. Did any one else notice the pattern that many of us ended with the internal sense of calm, wonder and inner peace? More than a coincidence!
Carrie I love the lIne: "There are too many endings to count and too many beginnings to even hold." For someone who is mature in age it just speaks to my soul. Thanks for helping to start the new year right. Happy New Year. Hugs.
Thanks for the reminder that we only have the now! I used to think of things with the concept of time passing or time until something happens. I definitely have more time behind me than ahead of me. I thought maybe I would try to figure out how many days it has been that I have lived but it feels too daunting. And it doesn't really matter. What matters is being in the here and now in the Loving and the Light of the Universe. Namaste.
Hi Teri! I'm a Music Dir. at a Presb. Church in Flanders,New Jersey.
After our Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols, enhanced by our Bell and Chancel Choirs, Soloists, and candlelighting finish with Bells, Organ, Piano playing, Cong. singing "Silent Night" and Chancel Choir soaring above with our "Peace on Earth" Obligato, there was a pregnant silence in the raised candles, still filling the Sanctuary....
Then two young children called out with giggles, "Merry Christmas!" Soon other "Merry Christmases" cascaded over the many candle holders(candles snuffed out now☺️), as the Bell Choir rang out "Carol of the Bells" and the Sanctuary rapidly emptied and families donned coats and scarves to dash home.
After all was arranged for following Sunday service, I stayed behind in my Choir robe for a bit in the Quiet, gazing at the Nativity Scene, illuminated by artificial candlelight, whispering "This is my 48th Christmas Eve, last Sunday was my 48th Christmas Pageant, and feeling, not limiting myself to Life already lived, or the less days that may remain, but praying Mary's Magnificat with new understanding and great Love for the Creator/Christ/Spirit/Eternal Now Who flows with us in an ever now Now.
I LOVE the [term/concept/inspiration] of "emergency back-up dog"!! (in case of emergency, break glass...? Pet or hug vigorously ? Snuggle 4X a day, as needed...? Thanks for your continued examples and leadership and love of the best parts of humanity. Carrie, you are truly a treasure! Thank you for sharing yourself with us! Love you!, Mike and Galen (personal, much-too-big-for-a-pocket primary support dog and companion)
As I was sipping a cup of matcha, I savored the flavor. I found peace in the babbling of a fountain in the room and the soft hum of the furnace and space heater. Looking outside, the world looks very calm and peaceful even though a heavy snow is on its way. While paying attention to time is useful, it also is arbitrary as you point out and can lead to anxiety about the future and "running out of time". Thanks for the reminder to be fully present in the moment, for that is where we live.
Breathe in pre-dawn light
Open the heart and cluttered mind
Feel Presence’s embrace
Time drifts aimlessly.
Focus turns inward and blurs.
Find me where I Be.
All I can say is 'Amen' to what you have written. After searching for what I am blamed for for 30 years, I find the Crucified Christ, up holding and blessing me in His Peace and Love - even in Christ crucified. But nothing can separate me from the Love of God.
Now with my tea:
the heat draws me in
and solace encloses me
in Courage and Love.
I read many of these after posting mine. Did any one else notice the pattern that many of us ended with the internal sense of calm, wonder and inner peace? More than a coincidence!
t took 3
first, focusing was hard
second, return again to my senses
third, ahh! inner peace
tea warming cold lips
closes a window as snow
falls on sleeping bears
Carrie I love the lIne: "There are too many endings to count and too many beginnings to even hold." For someone who is mature in age it just speaks to my soul. Thanks for helping to start the new year right. Happy New Year. Hugs.
Quiet sips of tea
Amaryllis blooming red
Aww the joy of home
A Tanka wrote me...(Tanka fotmat adds two 7-syllable lines to Haiku format)
"Resting in Quiet,
Watching gently falling snow,
Hands hug hot teacup,
"To Do" lists all set aside,
Sighing, I rest in Presence.
This is lovely
Thanks for the reminder that we only have the now! I used to think of things with the concept of time passing or time until something happens. I definitely have more time behind me than ahead of me. I thought maybe I would try to figure out how many days it has been that I have lived but it feels too daunting. And it doesn't really matter. What matters is being in the here and now in the Loving and the Light of the Universe. Namaste.
Hi Teri! I'm a Music Dir. at a Presb. Church in Flanders,New Jersey.
After our Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols, enhanced by our Bell and Chancel Choirs, Soloists, and candlelighting finish with Bells, Organ, Piano playing, Cong. singing "Silent Night" and Chancel Choir soaring above with our "Peace on Earth" Obligato, there was a pregnant silence in the raised candles, still filling the Sanctuary....
Then two young children called out with giggles, "Merry Christmas!" Soon other "Merry Christmases" cascaded over the many candle holders(candles snuffed out now☺️), as the Bell Choir rang out "Carol of the Bells" and the Sanctuary rapidly emptied and families donned coats and scarves to dash home.
After all was arranged for following Sunday service, I stayed behind in my Choir robe for a bit in the Quiet, gazing at the Nativity Scene, illuminated by artificial candlelight, whispering "This is my 48th Christmas Eve, last Sunday was my 48th Christmas Pageant, and feeling, not limiting myself to Life already lived, or the less days that may remain, but praying Mary's Magnificat with new understanding and great Love for the Creator/Christ/Spirit/Eternal Now Who flows with us in an ever now Now.
One sip, snow falls
Pumpkin spice smell, white blanket
Quiet reverie
Thanks Carrie
I LOVE the [term/concept/inspiration] of "emergency back-up dog"!! (in case of emergency, break glass...? Pet or hug vigorously ? Snuggle 4X a day, as needed...? Thanks for your continued examples and leadership and love of the best parts of humanity. Carrie, you are truly a treasure! Thank you for sharing yourself with us! Love you!, Mike and Galen (personal, much-too-big-for-a-pocket primary support dog and companion)
I LOVE "much too big for a pocket primary support dog"!
As I was sipping a cup of matcha, I savored the flavor. I found peace in the babbling of a fountain in the room and the soft hum of the furnace and space heater. Looking outside, the world looks very calm and peaceful even though a heavy snow is on its way. While paying attention to time is useful, it also is arbitrary as you point out and can lead to anxiety about the future and "running out of time". Thanks for the reminder to be fully present in the moment, for that is where we live.
What a marvelous reminder::: thank you so much for these wonderfully-wise words
Tree lights still shimmer
A view of snowy peaks peeks
Dog yawns, time to ski
I really appreciate the mindfulness moments you encourage so often. Thank you!
cradle the warm cup
taste and inhale and embrace
comfort of home