Internal Snapshot

~ Internal Snapshot ~

all the colors in my back yard!

no photo can contain them

every tree a different hue

every plant in fall attire

lawn and walks all

carpeted in 

autumn

no photo can capture the wonder

of this bright warm October day

so  I shall sit out here among

the falling leaves  and savor

each breathtaking moment

embed on my heart’s film

this joy against the cold

of a long winter’s night

JoMae

10/23/20

Presents

~ Presents ~

Savour the Savior

embrace the gift

whose life brought

heaven to earth

whose Presence turns

deep sadness into joy

as surely as a seed will die

in bringing forth a flower

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The meaning of Christmas is embedded in Easter

and in life lessons demonstrated by Christ

Jesus taught with words,

with action and with attitude

showing love, respect and mercy

modeling dignity and justice for all

JoMae

12/24/14

10/23/20

Wishing you some quiet moments between the unwrapping of presents and the laughter of celebrating, to ponder Christ's Presence. And give thanks. -JoMae

Raining

Thinking today of how we all land - gently or harshly crashing - onto piles of lessons gleaned from our yesterdays. Blessings. Fertile soil for all of our tomorrows. 

Autumn Morning

Front Porch Summer View

Water Color by Jayne Heetderks

~ A Gorgeous Autumn Morning ~

A gorgeous autumn morning.  70º at 11am, yet predicted to cool down sharply this afternoon.  So here I am on the front porch catching a final glow of warm sunny weather for the season. 

Woke to this day with a sense of well being. That little extra nudge of feeling centered, at home in my self. OK. Not an 82 year old widow facing another day on her own with a remaining residue echoing an empty void even after almost 4 years. That sense of ‘something missing’ living on tucked into a hidden pocket in the backpack of my soul. 

That backpack in which resides all the fertile soil, the years and memories my life is rooted in. All the love, the lessons learned, the people I’ve been blessed to know - to grow with. Folks whose lives have molded me and helped put me back together when I’ve failed or fallen.

It’s quiet out here on the porch - except for the sound of gusty breezes rustling through dry leaves still clinging on. As the wind breaks their last grip, they drift down silent as mist, carpeting the lawn. Today is a bittersweet awareness of knowing all is well, yet framing a fond farewell to summer - knowing dark winter cold is just around the corner.

One large perfect oak leaf floats silently over the railing, lands softly on my hand and rests there. Not brightly colored, but rugged and beautiful. It hasn’t even touched the ground. I decide to keep it - pressed between the leaves of a heavy volume of Emily Dickinson’s complete collection. Another poem!

JoMae

10/15/20

Some find solace in pennies found, feathers on their path or butterflies who hover near. Today’s fair leaf spoke tenderly to me.

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When my friend Jayne read this story, she gifted me with a water color illustration of it. I treasure the painting - not only for the moment it captures, but as an icon of friendship the gift embodies. Thank you, Jayne Heetderks!

Water Color by Jayne Heetderks

My Fair Oak Leaf

Morning Prayer - Trust

~ Morning Prayer - Trust ~

Photo by Dan Spoelhof: View from a Rooftop

Our FatherMother Godde,

It is morning again. I wake rested and thankful, wondering what this day will bring. Our world, it seems, is spinning chaotically. Each day brings new concerns. I used to wake and wonder what new ideas would prompt my exploration for the day. Now I wake to see what new crisis is pending. Yet I believe you know the end from the beginning and will make all things work according to your design in due season.

Trusting your promises, we remember what has gone before. Please help us to rest in that trust; in your faithfulness to all generations, in your omnipotent, almighty and just love. Thank you for walking with us through these confusing, frightening times, dear Godde.

In Jesus' name,

Amen

 

JoMae 

10/3/20