“Samhain marks one of the two great doorways of the Celtic year. The Celts divided the year into two seasons: the season of light and the season of dark. Some believe that Samhain was the more important festival, marking the beginning of a whole new cycle, just as the Celtic day began at night. In the silence of darkness comes the whisperings of new beginnings.”
— Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, Sacred Seasons: A Yearlong Journey through the Celtic Wheel of the Year – A Self-Study Online Retreat
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
After a good day of study and ministry
After a good day of reflection
Despite snow falling and storms brewing
To spend time with neighbors and dear friends
To enjoy wonderful music
To enjoy incredible fellowship
To Be Still in the midst of so much activity
What a gift you have given, Lord
For the calm and the wonder
For the music and friendship
For all of your gifts
I thank you Lord
Now as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
“Asceticism, at its heart center, is about letting go of everything that keeps us from God and moving us along a journey toward authentic freedom.”
— Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, The Soul of a Pilgrim: Eight Practices for the Journey Within
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
A long yet productive day
My energy level was challenged
An evening of relaxation and reading
An evening simply being still
An evening with my sweetheart
For these opportunities and gifts I thank you
Now as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
What a day, Lord
What a time of ministry
What an opportunity to share your Love
Also what an opportunity to Be Still
For restoration
For rejuvenation
For rest
For these gifts I give you thanks, Lord
Now as I lift my prayers for family and friends
As I lift this humble prayer to you
Lord in your mercy, hear this prayer
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
I caught this Elk calf snoozing in the grass next to a Spa across the Big Thompson from the Twisted Pine on Moraine which is near our Condo. I took this as a reminder that we sometimes need to slow down and be still in order to hear the Spirit’s whisper. The calf was snoozing and recharging batteries before continuing to wander and graze in preparation for winter.
We haven’t exactly had time to slow down and Be Still these past few weeks. Between hospital calls, funeral planning, and a trip back to Minnesota to see my Dad it has been busy. The moments of stillness have come in unusual ways. Visiting with my very dear friend from University and her family at the funeral of her young nephew was such a time. In the sacred space of mourning and simply being with each other was a comfort and a blessing. Being with my Dad at Mom’s grave and at meals sharing stories were such moments of blessing. Visiting the graves of two very precious neighbors from my growing up days in Austin at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery was such a moment of blessing and simply being still.
Flying back to Colorado and getting a good night’s sleep at the hotel before preaching this morning at Timnath Presbyterian Church was refreshing. The time of worship and fellowship were a tremendous blessing. Now we are safely back up the mountain and the snow is falling. Thankfully the drive back was slow but uneventful as the snow fell. The snow really began to fall hard once we made it back to Estes Park and picked up our precious puppy, Pixie.
Our welcoming committee of one was glad to see us! This fellow has hung around our neighborhood for the past three years and it is always good to see him. As I spent some time with him, I felt again the call to simply Be Still.
As the snow continues to accumulate, I am enjoying time with my sweetheart and our puppy with the fireplace flowing. After a very full week of ministry, family, time in the Valley of the Shadows, and travel; I am glad that I have this opportunity now to Be Still.
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
What a long day of travel
Yet precious moments with friends who are family
Walking with them through the Valley of the Shadows
Spending time simply being, loving, laughing, sharing tears
Special moments and special bonds
Thank you Lord, for this time
Now as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
It has been a wonderful and difficult day
So many stories shared
So many years, so much laughter
All of it wrapped in love
Aging can be difficult
Grief is never easy
It ebbs and flows
Often without warning
The Valley of the Shadows can be difficult
Thank you Lord
For the love of family and community
Thank you Lord
For your continued presence and guidance
Now as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
Wise words from Jake!
Compassion begins making us whole once we admit that we need it.
— Read on jakeowensby.com/2019/10/25/learning-how-to-accept-help/
