NATURE ALWAYS WEARS THE COLORS OF THE SPIRIT

NATURE ALWAYS WEARS THE COLORS OF THE SPIRIT

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

As I walk in the desert, nature's adornment reminds me to pray and reflect, in gratitude and supplication, as I carry the joy and pain 
that others have shared with me.

Walk with me.

Share my desert musings.

Meditate with me. Pray with me.

Find yourself.  Find your relationships.

Rekindle feelings.  Relive moments.

The words may have been yours or mine.

They are universal.

~Program Prayer used at the wedding of two young friends~

St. Theresa’s Prayer

May today there be peace within.

May you trust God

that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities

that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received,

and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content knowing

you are a child of God.

Let this presence settle into your bones,

and allow your soul the freedom to sing,

dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

~A note sent to the soon-to-be-married couple the week before their ceremony~

I am so excited about what is going to happen in 5 days.

Your family and friends... your closest circle of loved ones... are going to gather, bless, 
and celebrate your union.

In this break from the crazy world around us, it will be a place and time anointed for you.

All of us present at your wedding ceremony will be first witnesses of the love you share,

and we will leave carrying in our hearts the joy you bear.

Let your joy begin today by declaring the goodness that you have and that you share.

Every day for this special week, make the following declarations aloud over your new life together.

Soak in the peace and serenity they will bring you.

We are blessed.

We are prosperous.

We are strong.

We are healthy.

We are talented.

We are creative.

We are confident.

We are secure.

We are disciplined.

We are focused.

We are attractive.

We are well-liked.

We have good personalities.

The right people are in our future.

The right opportunities are headed our way.

We will overcome every obstacle.

We will accomplish our dreams.

~Yearning of the soul for prayer and consolation in the face of a frightening medical report~

I feel you here and reach for the hand of God. 

 If you can help me find Him please  ........     I am promising myself 
I will be strong and do the things you speak of. 

In this moment nothing seems real and my heart is breaking. 

 I am believing that there is solid ground out there somewhere .......    

Thank you for loving me.  I know you do.   

I will keep your letter close by today and visit your words.

~Words of praise to a young man who has reached out to his cousin with wisdom and guidance~

- I heard today of your visit to your cousin to de-stress her,

and your personal care in redirecting her study and lifestyle habits for her own good.

Your efforts, despite a busy work schedule 
and an active personal life of your own, are inspiring to me. 

There is no one to whom she will listen 
the way she will listen to you.

Because your admonitions were firm but rooted in love, 
they will be respected and are more likely to be followed. 

You are a credit to your upbringing and to yourself.  
I admire you more than I can say.

-Thank you for the kind words but her success is all hers.

I didn’t tell her anything the other night she didn’t already know 
or that I haven’t told her all summer.

She just needed to struggle a touch on her own.

Everyone needs to learn some things the hard way. Luckily she learned quick.

She's going to do great, just needed a wake up call. It’s good for her to mature on her own. 

~Reminder to a daughter of her father’s valiant battle for her mother’s life~

Your Dad has been the best partner your Mom could have asked for, honoring his vows to love and cherish, in sickness and in health, 
until death.

I hope he finds consolation in that knowledge, and in the rich tapestry of wonderful memories they wove through a lifetime together.  
We will forever cherish your Mom, and we know she is experiencing 
the reward for a life well lived. 

I hope we can see you soon to laugh and cry together, 
and to continue a friendship we treasure with you.

~Facing the potential loss of a loved one~ 

How does one prepare for the future?   I'm not sure I am where I should be in all of this.  

How do you prepare to let go of a loved one regardless of the when.  

Now or later or even sooner or even later?    

I am trying one day at a time to make sense of this still in half belief.    

Half of the day I do quite well, the other half I feel the dragon’s presence 

and hot tears won't stay back.

~Giggles for grandparents~

~As Art Linkletter said, “Kids say the darndest things!”~

Many of us care for grandchildren, grand-nieces and -nephews 

to help family. 

The bigger benefit is often showing the kids a resilient sense of humor. 

My older friend was with her little one 

on the way home from school the other day. 

When approaching the road crossing, 

my friend said kiddingly to her first grader grand-niece… 

you stay on the side of the cars – 

if you get bumped, you’ll bounce right back up.  I’d never recover! 

Came the quick-witted response:  What do you mean?? 

You’ve lived a good long life!  I’m not even 7 yet!! 

~Response from a daughter to caring thoughts after her mother’s memorial service~

Thanks for your words of encouragement.  

The send-off went much more smoothly than we expected, and gave us some closure,

though I can't imagine ever fully healing from this.  

She always made sure we knew how much she loved us and was proud of us

(and we expressed it back to her),

so we didn't end up with waves of guilt about things unsaid.

~Memories from a dedicated teacher~

It made me think back to when I was teaching...   Geometry Honors to be exact.

Each quarter I would assign a project...origami, string art, logic puzzles, 
research on a mathematician, the structure of a building as regard to the triangle, 

and several others.

The only rules...1) must spend 5 hrs (which had to be accounted for)

and 2) had to choose a different one each quarter.

It gave me such insight into each child…some of their projects were incredible!

One that stands out...an entire manger scene in origami in miniature...

it was magnificent!  

My favorite was making kites...using all the angles, 

then going out to the fields behind the school and flying them.

It was quite a sight! Thank you for bringing back all those wonderful memories!!! 

~Another dedicated teacher shares a favorite exercise with her students~

Here's what I did with my students:  World Hunger and Related Issues.

PowerPoint was interesting, but the activity and discussion that followed was the critical part of the event. 

Defining "poverty," researching the cost of living, the cost of every day products, average salaries vs income of celebrities/sport figures,
defining and giving examples of Developed Nations, Developing Nations and Underdeveloped Nations.  
Students were handed a card with a number on one side and a color (green, blue or orange) on the other.  Developed nations-Blue- 13 students got 50 cupcakes, Developing Nations-Green- 20 students got 20 cup cakes, Underdeveloped Nations- Orange - 50 students  got 13 cupcakes).  
The discussion that followed was quite interesting. 

Developing Nations (under the leadership of two of our brightest kids) decided 
to share their cupcakes, so everyone would have one. 
I asked the Developing Nations that this was a one day fix; were they willing to do that every day?
What would it take to help people develop on their own/with assistance to be less dependent on Developed Nations? What would that do to their own economy? What are they going to want back in return for their help? Would they accept immigrants?
That got the ball rolling and an hour later, after nearly each of the 83 students came to the microphone to point out issues and facts, MOST student decided to share, so that each student had a cupcake.  The discussion continues...Our future citizens of the world.

~Prayers for a brave little girl~

Our 12- week old Grand- Daughter is back in the hospital - 

I met them there and stayed till 3 AM. 
Just talked to my son; they were up till 7 
and the doctor came to check on her.  
She is dehydrated and malnourished. The doctor thinks 
she'll be in the hospital for 2 or 3 days. 
Please keep her and her parents in your prayers.

~Beauty in simplicity - Old-fashioned, neighborly outreach~

I understand that you guys will be making the big move on Saturday.

Looks like we will be distant neighbors.

I was wondering if you wanted to bring the girls over

to spend the day with us in our pool

while you pack up the truck and drive down.

We'd be happy to take them for the day or just for a few hours

if that helps you.  

Let me know.  Take care and good luck with the move.

~Brave struggles by a family of faith~

 We don't know what treatment is going to look like yet.  He will be in the hospital for the next 2-4weeks.  
Then will undergo intensive chemotherapy 
for the next 6 months, 
followed by 18 months of less intensive chemotherapy.  They are still doing tests to see if it has spread 
to bones and brain.  
So far we know he has a tumor in his chest, it was sitting on his heart and lungs making it difficult to breath.  
He has been given steroids to shrink the tumor which has greatly improved his breathing.  He was also given his first dose of chemotherapy yesterday.  
So far he is in good spirits.  
Normal healthy 2yr old behavior.

We haven't decided where his sister is staying all summer... She was with grandparents for a few days.  
Then with us on the weekend.  She is having her first sleepover with friends tonight and tomorrow.  
We are most likely going to have my sister-in-law and her college age daughter 
watch both her and the baby during the days.  That way she could come be with us at night.  
So as summer goes on play dates will be an awesome break for her.  
She had the best time yesterday.  Thank you to those who made it.

As far as help right now.  Gas cards and baby diapers would be most helpful.  

We are lucky enough to stay in onsite housing for only $25/ night.  
But it will add up as time goes on so donations of a night at the Sharing Place 
would be awesome.  

Meals will probably be more crucial as time goes on. 
I will try to keep you in the loop.  
We appreciate your continued prayer most of all.  

He is in God's hands as we all are. 

~The devastation of AIDS as it leaves parents with regret and remorse~

-I never thought I’d watch this happen to our son. 

-We always still loved him, even after he left.  
And now we can believe he’s in Heaven.

-I wish we’d loved him through whatever his Hell was.

Long white arms
Losing their strength and form
Sixty year man on twenty year old skin
Skeleton, your eyes have lost their warmth
Look to your father for some support

Hush, hush, hush
Says your daddy's touch
Sleep sleep sleep
Says the hundredth sheep
Peace peace peace
May you go in peace

Cruel joke you waited so long to show
The one that you wanted wasn't a girl
All your life you kept it hidden inside
Now when you step
You stumble
You die

Oh maybe next time
You'll be Henry the 8th
Wake up tomorrow, Alexander the Great
Open your eyes in a new life again
Oh maybe next time
You'll be given a chance

Hush, hush, hush
Hush...

“Hush” by Annie Lennox”

~Words of a young woman wise beyond her years who has become a gift to the world~

“Once I had asked God for one or two extra inches in height,

but instead he made me as tall as the sky,

so high that I could not measure myself.” 

“We human beings don't realize how great God is.

He has given us an extraordinary brain and a sensitive loving heart.

He has blessed us with two lips to talk and express our feelings,

two eyes which see a world of colours and beauty,

two feet which walk on the road of life,

two hands to work for us,

and two ears to hear the words of love.

As I found with my ear,

no one knows how much power they have in their each and every organ until they lose one.”

 ― Malala Yousafzai, 

I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban

~Eternal yearning for connection~ 

“The more isolated and disconnected we are, 

the more shattered and distorted our self-identity.

We are not healthy when we are alone.

We find ourselves when we connect to others." 

Without community we don't know who we are... 

 When we live outside of healthy community, we not only lose others. We lose ourselves...

 Who we understand ourselves to be

is dramatically affected for better or worse

by those we hold closest to us.” 

― Erwin Raphael McManus

~Veteran’s Day correspondence with a newly-discharged young Marine~

-Treat yourself kindly today, and remember how different 

our way of life would be 

if not for the service of men and women

willing to sacrifice for our great country...

Just like YOU!

-Thank you for thinking of me, 

but I think of all the ones I knew 

who never made it back,

or who came back scarred for life.  

They are the heroes I salute every day.

~Correspondence between two 60-somethings 

about the value of wisdom gained through experience~

-Did you ever feel as though your age was held against you more than seen as a benefit? 

I often feel inspired to stand alone against the ready answer, the easy response,

and my intuition tells me to find a better way. 

-I believe that’s because you never seem to lose sight

of the human being at the end of the transaction.

In your passion for the poor, the marginalized, and the grieving,

you bring to the table a resource of spirit and light that should be respected.

-I thank you for that, and I do see the good that comes out of sometimes having to go it alone. 

It’s not meant for my benefit, but so that those in our care will never lose hope.

~A note to an accomplished young woman, and her insightful response~

-I wanted to let you know that I awoke this morning with a smile,

thinking of how this day was so special because you are so special.

And I feel that not only because you have accomplished so much in your life-

early on as a diligent professional, later on as a joyful wife and mother,

and always as a fervent family person...

but really because of your compassionate and good heart.

It's always a pleasure to think of not what you do, but how you do it.
On This Day, your birthday, my prayer is that you will know in your generous heart how valued you are,

and what a difference you have made to everyone who loves you.
Be Happy This Day

-Thank you so much for this message.

To be honest, I have found myself questioning some of my choices of late,

lamenting my inability to achieve true life balance.

I was all in re: my career, and now all in re: my family.

But I find myself searching for that space in between,

which would allow me to be totally present for my daughter,

and yet still find satisfying and rewarding work. 
At the end of the day, I know that I will find that space.

And it means a lot to me that you are out there believing in me 

while I continue on my journey!

~Trust, even in the seemingly-small things, well-placed in God~

The studies this year were configured around twenty-nine learning maps.  It was difficult to anticipate which of the twenty-nine lessons I might include, so I thought it would be an adventure to leave each evening’s teaching to God’s leading.  For the first two nights, I asked a guest to draw a title from a basket. The first two nights the selections were “Who Will Answer My Questions?” and “Who Am I?” The pairing of these two pieces was truly inspired, with one night flowing naturally to the next. It was fun and curious to allow each night’s teaching to be a mystery even to me right up to the time of presentation. 

I woke up to the third day and struggled to maintain 

the “random” draw of titles. I felt a strong compulsion to teach the segment “Where Do I Belong?” The first two nights dealt with such issues as big questions, relationship, spiritual companions, and identity. I was concerned that the discussion might become too focused on one’s own walk, apart from community.  I considered setting aside the nightly drawing... 

It was difficult for me to discern whether I was being moved to teach this specific title or if abandoning the draw would represent personal manipulation and a lack of trust in God’s direction. 

When the time came to draw titles, of course, it was indeed “Where Do I Belong?” I was stunned. The next hour was an amazing expression of God’s presence and movement  and seemed to effectively give affirmation to the entire week’s events. The teaching and discussion was profound. Lives were touched. Community was formed. 

A lot of brokenness was revealed and a lot of reconciliation was initiated.

One of two things happened today. Either one was miraculous. 

Either God drew the very title I felt compelled to choose on my own; 

or, he was giving me an early “heads up” as to what the teaching 

was appointed to be tonight. 

Amazing.

  ~Conversation about the gratifying opportunity to be of service~

 -How can I say “Thank You” properly?

I feel like having you “on the team” just breathed huge life into the squad.

Isn’t it just beyond words what having them in our lives does for us?

Your interest in them is like a healing balm in their otherwise frantic lives

where adults are constantly telling them when to come and go.

Your intense joy in being with them showed and they greatly benefited.

We are bigger and better and deeply enriched by having these teenagers in our lives.

-You are the best influence on these young women that I can imagine.

The life lessons they have learned will take them well beyond the game, and serve them well as they use the perseverance and persistence you’ve taught them 

to face and conquer life’s challenges.

Thank you for the opportunity! 

  Even as I walk alone,

You are in my heart.

You whom I have met and loved,

And you whom I have only been given the chance to help in fellowship.

When we step together in spirit,

Whether joy or sadness awaits us,

Nature seems indeed to wear the colors which fill my heart

As I carry with me your spirit.