Compassion and Peace in a Confusing World
All kinds of thoughts going through my mind these last few weeks. The Center for Disease Control reported we may choose to wear a mask, or not wear it, based on the infection rates of where will live. Of course, this sounds positive and is based on the clear statistics across the U.S. that the… Continue reading Seeking Peace
Uh oh! I saw it again in this morning’s newspaper -- the phrase which has been eye-opening for all of us: “Out of an abundance of caution...” This morning’s iteration was related to the security fence being set up around the Capital Building in Washington prior to the president’s State of the Union message tomorrow. I don’t know… Continue reading Commentary on Today’s World
I participate in a group called Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, an organization and community focusing on contemplative spirituality. Along with their teachings, the group spends a great deal of time in contemplative prayer including intercessory prayer for others. Richard Foster, in his book Prayer, defines intercession as “shifting our center of gravity from our own needs… Continue reading Life’s Mysteries
I still feel as if we all are isolated. A few days ago, I needed to visit a drug store. I was thinking two or three times about going – will it be crowded, which mask do I have in the car... the one my sister-in-law made – not safe but comfortable, or the N-95… Continue reading The Good in Our Life
I start off 2022 feeling grateful for my circumstances – wonderful family, nice home, relatively good health, numerous friends, interesting pastimes, resources to enjoy life. But, I am also vigilant because of the continued pandemic, the government, the culture, the future and the impact of all these matters on my friends and our country. I… Continue reading Grateful, But Vigilant
During the Christmas season, Christians reflect on the word “peace.” In the faith tradition, Christ is the Messiah and the Prince of Peace. We sing of sleeping in “heavenly peace,” and wish “Peace on earth, good will to all” in the hymn, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. The advantage of using this word for the blog… Continue reading Thoughts for a New Year
Just over one year ago – November 16, 2020 to be exact, I started this blog...At Peace. The first blog post coincided with the U.S. approaching 250,000 pandemic deaths. I listed seven major losses that people were experiencing at that time... a significant number of additional people still are. I wrote that many people were… Continue reading One Year Old
I watched a recent newscast which reported on the following issues: Congress, airplane travel, Earth care, elections, and vaccination mandates. Each story explained angry confrontations occurring with each issue. We have a long way to go to find middle ground. The newscast prompted me to share some thoughts about anger associated with the death of… Continue reading Today’s Anger
I read a newspaper article this week that reminded me of Mexico’s Sunday (November 1) commemoration of The Day of the Dead, the traditional visits to graveyards. Last year they had to forgo the Day because of the pandemic. The Day of the Dead provides symbolic means to outwardly honor the lives of their deceased loved… Continue reading Dia De Los Muertos
I opened the middle drawer of my desk recently and noticed my father’s watch. Shortly before his death in 2009, with his permission, I assumed ownership. I reached for it, wound it to see the tiny second hand rotate once again, very slowly. I re-read the inscription on the back: Frigidaire Best Seller, Summer, 1956. My… Continue reading Watching for Meaning
At Peace 