Wading Together

Egret Family, January 2021

Wading together

we leave the shoreline and go

where mysteries swim

* This is one of 2 egret families I've spotted in our neighborhood over the last few weeks. One parent stands in the middle of the young ones, who are learning to fish. The other parent stands at a further distance, watching over the group. They seem undisturbed by people walking the trail. 

Every Windblown Mercy

Feather caught in tall grass, January 2021

Learn to walk slowly

catch every windblown mercy

that lands in your heart

What I'm Reading

The Book Stack, January 2021

Sink into the chair

light the lamp and brew the tea

welcome words and worlds

 

Winter Guest

Paperwhites, January 2021

Welcome paperwhite

you brighten winter's landscape

without and within

* The paperwhites always catch me by surprise. For a long time, there is just a clump of dark green grass - and the last few days they have sent up stems and started to open up. I think of how winter feels on the inside too - as a season of the soul. And how gifts arrive to brighten our inner landscape - they come by grace.

Looks like Love

Winter Vines, January 2021

Looks to me like Love

found a place that needed Love

and started to grow

 

Morning Prayer

Warmth, January 2021

Before morning light,

kindle your spirit in me

O Lord, hear my prayer

 

Winter

Vines on the Fence, January 2021

 

Do not rush to spring,

winter has her lessons with

seeds still on the vine

Blessing from the Open Field

As it is in Heaven, January 2021
Brenham, Texas

 

                            May you find in your heart a spaciousness wonder.

                            May you find in your heart a reflection of heaven.

                            May you find in your heart the boundless blue of possibility.

                            May you find in your heart a trustworthy horizon.

                            May you find in your heart a faithful moon.

                            May you find in your heart a welling of praise.

Let Yourself Be Here

Golden Hour, January 2021
Brenham, Texas

Let yourself be here

in quiet contemplation

where straw becomes gold

Where Pink and Yellow Sing

Horse Nettle Berries (yellow) & Beautyberries (pink)
Brenham, January 2021

Pink and yellow sing

through washed shades of dove and deer,

their bright winter song

Eye to Eye

Buck at Sunset, January 2021
Brenham, Texas

 

We gazed eye to eye

instinctive caution rippled 

and then, strange kinship

* I was returning from a walk in the woods when I came upon this beautiful buck at the feeder. We stared face to face for several minutes. He startled once and ran, but slowly made his way back. We were in each other's presence for almost an hour - waiting each other out and curious. 

Something Bright and Precious

Royal Bayrueth Pitcher (Bavaria),  January 2021
Brenham, Texas

 

Tell me the story,

how something bright and precious

found its way to you

* This pitcher sits on a shelf in a friend's ranch house. I have often wondered about the story behind it. I love to hear stories about how people receive things that are precious to them. Did it get passed down through the family? Was it uncovered in a local antique shop? Was it a gift for a special occasion? Is it someone's favorite color or favorite flower? 

Invitation

Reflection, January 2021
Brenham, Texas

Step into stillness

the trees will show you how to

rest in reflection

Step into stillness

the pond will show you how to

rest in reflection

Step into stillness

the sky will show you how to 

rest in reflection 

Rest in reflection

no need to be other than

who you really are

And There Was Evening

Evening Light, January 2021
Brenham, Texas

 

Gentle amber gold

covers the winter prairie,

her garment of praise

Blessing

Napping Squirrel, January 2021

Blessed Sabbath day

curl into your resting place,

the spot carved by love

Squirrels in the Oak Tree, January 2021

*I saw the first squirrel during breakfast when I looked up through the window. He was curled up and napping in the sun. When I picked up the camera and walked outside, I saw the other squirrels on a higher branch. They only blinked at me a few times, but didn't run away. I love that the tree shelters them in secure comfort and peace. They are probably full from the birdseed pilfered from the feeders in the backyard.  
 

Sisters

Red-tipped Photinia, January 2021

Not twins, but sisters

 warmed by winter sun, shining

with marbled beauty

Noticing

Mexican Heather, January 2021

 Delicate blossoms

fringe around the sunlit edge

of a new morning

Enough

Carnations on the windowsill, January 2020

 

Always within reach

a small bouquet of goodness 

enough for today

January's Gift

Camilla, January 2020

January's gift

even in winter gardens

bursting joy abides

Reunion

Gruene River Bridge, January 2021

 

Wandering this place

feels like a longed-for visit

with a treasured friend

Pause

Gruene Mansion Inn, January 2021

Pause before you knock, 

trust that goodness awaits you

on the other side

A Moment

Gruene Mansion Inn, January 2021

 

Your light falls and fills

this hidden moment before

reaching open air

Holy Ground

Comal River, January 2021
Gruene, Texas

 There are places where

heart and soul may be woven

together again

A Prayer for Finding

Gruene Mansion Inn, January 2021

 

I pray you will find

the door intended for you,

the one with your name

* I am recalling the many doors I have discovered and walked through over the years. Doors leading into places, relationships, work, experiences, opportunities, lessons. Did I find all the doors meant for me? I can't know for sure, but I am grateful for all the doors I found and entered in. It feels like there are fewer doors now, but I've got a handful of keys in my pocket. 

Stars

Gruene Mansion Inn, January 2021

 

As the darkness grows

we need stars to guide the way

Lord, let there be stars

* Yesterday, a mob stormed the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. It feels like much has been lost from public life - consideration, good sense, valuing the common good and our common life together. And yet, much goodness is present in my local community. Prayers for mercy and repair for our country and beyond. 

20+C+M+B+21

Epiphany 2021
artwork by Esben Hanefelt Kristensen

Let's be on our way

to meet the one who meets us

with unfailing love

*The title is a traditional house blessing written in chalk on Epiphany. To learn more, click here.

Welcome

Guadalupe River, January 2021
Gruene, Texas

 

Who would you most like to meet here?

Peace

Panda Plant, January 2021
(Kalanchoe Tomentosa)

Soft morning light falls

on silvery green, bringing 

the fullness of peace

Given

Unwrapped, January 2020

The gifts are given

tug the ribbon, peek inside

there's something for you

The gifts are given

everyday, ordinary

in the here and now

The gifts are given,

share something of yourself to

join the great exchange

Above

Full Moon, Winter 2020

 

Above winter clouds

framed by still silhouettes, shines

luminous beauty

New Year's Blessing

Frog Prince, Winter 2020
Houston Zoo

In the coming year, may you catch all the goodness coming your way.

In the coming year, may what you most desire come into view.

In the coming year, may you be drawn into delightful play.

In the coming year, may you be open to new wonders. 

In the coming year, may you be transformed more and more into who you were made to be.