Would You Trade 10 Minutes of Your Time for Peace?

Over a decade ago, sparked by my distress over the United States starting two wars in the Middle East, I began inviting friends and family to pray with me a Novena for Peace during the holiday season. Some might—and some have—called this a naïve gesture that won’t make a difference. Given the social unrest at … Read more

Birthday Blessing Ritual

Last night I was graced to sit in a sacred space with about 30 other women to receive a blessing from a dear friend who was celebrating her birthday. Shirah is an observant Jew who teaches mindful living through the practice of Mussar and as she’s matured in her spirituality she has become very aware … Read more

Everyday Spirituality: What do you treasure?

Where your treasure is, there also will your heart be (Matthew 6: 21) Ahh, the word treasure. Looking for treasure is the past-time of many a 3-year-old who hasn’t yet lost sight of the wonder of life’s adventure, a child who can still clearly see the beauty even in simple rock. In a world filled … Read more

Willing to Forgive

Forgive Forgiveness is an act of the will An act of self-love in response to anger borne of injustice and hurt Anger turns to resentment which disperses its consuming poison Spreading like a cancer of the soul Consuming every particle of love and hope A survival skill, this act of will Forgiveness is not at first … Read more

Perception, Life, Death

I saw this photo of a quote regarding perception and don’t know the author whose wisdom created it, but kudos to her (or him) for this insight. Perception has been a hot topic for me in 2011-2012, the year of my grief. Though I, like everyone, have experienced many losses large and small none has affected … Read more

Choose a life that matters

I honestly don’t know where I came across this little essay below, probably it was an email that circulated years ago. It had no author’s name attached but the wisdom contained in it was both simple and profound, so I kept it for future reference. After some small, inconsequential edits, I share it now with … Read more

Resurrection Tree

When hiking on Cougar Mountain outside of Seattle, I found a tree growing out of an old, decaying, moss-covered cedar stump. I dubbed it the Resurrection Tree. The new tree was not a cedar but some other kind of pine whose seed had dropped into the decaying mass to create a tenacious, determined new life. It … Read more

Novena for Peace 2010

We are in one of the holiest times in the Christian calendar. We are being invited yet again to ponder the mystery of God made flesh, God who would walk among the people and instruct them in the ways of love. In honor of a God who loves us so, in thanksgiving for a God … Read more