Beyond Pearls: Tapestry

Friday, January 18, 2013

Tapestry - mid January

Surrounded by His Glory

Hello sun, glorious sun, I've missed you! Even the brisk and swirling, winter wind refreshes my soul today.

This Place called Home

Jim has been busy building shelving units for our new storage room in the basement. The room itself is not new, but it has a new name. For years we have referred to this space as the basement office as it once housed our computer and file cabinets. The file cabinets are still there, but no computer, no desk. For the past I don't know how many years it has become a catch-all for all the myriad of things you never quite know what to do with, but are not quite ready to banish from your life. Those things have a way of multiplying, yes? The room has become a disaster and needs a thorough cleaning-out. I am now (beyond) ready to rid my life of so much of it! Sorting through everything and organizing what we decide to keep (for now) has been deemed my winter project. I was going to begin this week, but the week-long gloomy weather and post-holiday crash got the best of me. (I guess you could call it being lazy, but I think every once in a while one benefits from a week of doing absolutely nothing.) I am ready. Let the organizing begin!

Verbum Dei

The Reading from Morning Prayer this morning:

Never let evil pass your lips; say only the good things men need to hear, things that will really help them. Do nothing that will sadden the Holy Spirit with whom you were sealed against the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, all passion and anger, harsh words, slander, and malice of every kind. In place of these, be kind to one another, compassionate, and mutually forgiving, just as God has forgiven you in Christ. -- Ephesians 4:29-32

The New American Bible propitiously lists these verses under the heading: Rule for the New Life.

I am going to make it my Rule for the New Year. It's what is lacking in the world; a world that so desperately needs kindness and compassion, that so desperately needs God. It begins here, in my own heart, in all our hearts.

Oremus

Offering thanksgiving for the birth of Gabriel Paul and Liam David, beautiful and healthy twin sons of Meghan and David Coen. Welcome to the world, sweet babies!

Pondering Them in my Heart

From Interior Freedom by Jacques Philippe:

"Often, we fail to accept others because deep down, we do not accept ourselves. If we are not at peace with ourselves we will necessarily find ourselves at war with other people. Non-acceptance of self creates an inner tension, a sense of dissatisfaction and frustration that is then taken out on others, who become scapegoats for our inner conflict. So, for instance, when we are in a bad mood with people around us, very often it is because we are discontented with ourselves! Etty Hillesum wrote: "I have gradually come to realize that on those days when you are at odds with your neighbors you are really at odds with yourself. 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.'""

The temptation to say, "Yeah, but ..." is strong. Yet, if we are truly honest with ourselves?

Quote of the Day

There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "All right, then, have it your way." - C.S. Lewis

Be careful about what choices you make, He honors them.

All Creatures Great and Small

As I mentioned previously, I have recently developed an affinity for peafowl. In ancient times, people thought the flesh of these majestic birds did not decay after death, hence they became a symbol of immortality or life-eternal. The many 'eyes' on the peacock's plume signify the all-seeing eye of God. The peacock is also associated with the Resurrection, as it sheds it's old feathers for new ones every year. They are stunningly beautiful creatures.

But mostly I'm in love with peafowl, because I'm smitten with Flannery O'Connor and she raised them on her farm. These photos were taken with my (not smart) phone this past summer at a local county farm park near my home.