For Karly

Purple Amaranthus, December 2020

 

It seems that her life 

can flourish in so many

dazzling directions

*I wrote this with my daughter in mind as she begins her last semester of college in a few weeks. Another season of motherhood begins. The photo is from an evening walk where we both noticed this every-which-way plant. 

Joy of Life

Lunch Date, December 2020

 

Oh imperfect life,

you defy expectations

and what joy you bring!

Lovely

Evening Walk, December 2020

Lovely is the light

that shines on dark wintry nights

to welcome us home

Offering

Christmas Cactus, December 2020

In late December,

recall your many prayers and

offer thanksgiving

Devotion

Tin Nativity made in Mexico, December 2020

 

Do not be afraid

it's okay to get closer

and stay for awhile

Praying for those who sit in darkness

 

Altar Parament, December 2020
Fair Haven UMC, Houston

Send your messenger

to those who sit in darkness

O Lord, hear our prayer

Send your messenger

to those cloaked in depression

O Lord, hear our prayer

Send your messenger 

to those who know loneliness

O Lord, hear our prayer

Send your messenger

to those locked in addiction

O Lord, hear our prayer

Send your messenger

to those who can't find their way

O Lord, hear our prayer

Send your messenger

to those who don't know their worth

O Lord, hear our prayer

Send your messenger 

to those who long for healing

O Lord, hear our prayer

Send your messenger

to those grieving a great loss

O Lord, hear our prayer

Send your messenger 

to all those who hate themselves

O Lord, hear our prayer

Send your messenger

bearing the fullness of love

O Lord, hear our prayer

Christmas Day

Driftwood Nativity, December 2020

Come in quietly

when you find the inn too full

come in and meet love

Christmas Eve

Christmas Cactus, December 2020

Welcome Christmas Eve,

prophesies and promises 

come to bloom once more

What She Sees

Pansies, December 2020

 

My friend sees the light

at the center of darkness

now I see it too

The Gift

Special Delivery, December 2020

 

Something wonderful 

arrives with your name inscribed

unwrap it with joy

Blessing

Zebra Plant, December 2020

 

May our days be marked

by the beautiful patterns

of mercy and grace

Inheritance

Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 2020
"Mother Mary" artist unknown

 

Her eternal gift,

unwavering trust in God's

promise of mercy

Introductions

Yaupon Holly, December 2020

I'm learning their names,

the trees in my neighborhood,

they learn my name too

 

On my Birthday

 

Destin Florida, Summer 2020

Joy is at sea side

and having your picture made

by the one you love

Joy is also here

as I welcome fifty two 

in the tide of love

Delight

Afternoon Walk, December 2020

 

Branches reach their arms

with whimsical delight through

sleeves of shining gold

Once More

Leaf Friends, December 2020

 

Let's sit together,

share once more the story of

the branch that holds us

Crossing the Field

Afternoon Walk, December 2020

 

Your beauty blazes

I cross the field for you, and

I'll do it again

* I saw this tree from about a quarter mile away and left the walking trail to get a closer look. It's the brightest tree in the mostly open field. There is a feeling when we want to get closer - to a tree, or to a person and we become willing to cross the distance. I think of those I love and how I am willing to cross the distance time and again to be close. And I think of those who love me and cross the distance as well. A beautiful mystery, to move towards each other in love. God does it so well, always crossing the field towards us and with us. 

A Blessing

Christmas Tree, December 2020

May soft light shine to

set our morning prayers aglow

on this winter's day

On to Bethlehem

Third Sunday of Advent, December 2020
Art by Jane Ray in La Historia de Navidad

 

On to Bethlehem

in the company of God

and the warmth of love

Through the Leaves

 Orange Tree, December 2020

Just within our reach

the promise of refreshment

peeking through the leaves

All that is yet to bloom

Azalea, December 2020
Fair Haven UMC, Houston

 Lead me to silence

where all that is yet to bloom

is held in your care

The Work of Love

Watercolor, December 2020

 

Fragments, slivers, seeds

create their own mosaic

it's my heart, of course

Harmony

Fence Line, December 2020

Leaves compose the prayer,

wind whispers it verse by verse

the ground sighs amen

 

Changed and Still Changing

 Late Autumn Leaves, December 2020

 

A carefree cascade,

curtain of russet and gold

changed and still changing

Welcome

Zinnia, December 2020

 

Scrawny wayward bloom

rouses the resting garden

embrace this fresh joy

Hear the Good News

Angel in the Window, December 2020

Today is the day

open your heart to receive

Love's proclamation

 

Morning Light

Winter Sky, December 2020

 

Morning light beckons

birds call to one another

will I find my song?

Speak to me of Advent

Advent Collage, December 2020

 

Speak to me of Advent.

Speak to me of the messenger being overtaken by the message.

Speak to me of living in darkness and being caught off guard.

Speak to me of recovering a lost song.

Speak to me of outward peace and inward vigilance.

Speak to me me of stepping beyond the domesticated and into the windblown world.

            Speak to me. By grace, I listen.

About the art: (clockwise) The Sense of Sight by Annie Louisa Swynnerton, Woman in an Interior by Vilhelm Hammershoi, Guitar on a Table by Juan Gris, Two Cats by Theophile Alexandre Steinlen, and Surprise! by Henri J.F. Rousseau 

Written in the Sky

Clouds, December 2020

December sky holds

a dove in billowy clouds,

 peace soars overhead

Afternoon Vigil

Egret, December 2020

He's keeping vigil,

seeing though sky splashed waters

beyond the surface

Feast

Figs, December 2020

 

Slow-ripening gift

a delicate, fragrant feast 

each spoonful savored