Here's a quote I found on the Thomas Merton website. It seems pretty interesting:
"What am I? I am myself a word spoken by God. Can God speak a word that does not have any meaning?"
Thomas Merton, Contemplative Prayer. (New York: Image Books, 1996), p. 68.
What is God speaking in me and through me? Sometimes I feel like I can really hear and other times I wonder why I am not hearing a thing.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Last Day of 33
The last day of being 33. Where has the time gone?! It has been quite a year. I took a look at the goals for the year and am amazed that some were accomplished. For example, I took the GRE. I don’t know about graduate school yet but at least I have a step in that direction if that happens down the road.
I have been published in major publications including America Magazine.
Working on making peace with people and things that still haven’t been made peaceful in my mind. I have also spent more time with my family this year.
For my next year I want to try to get healthier for sure…gonna need help on that one, but if I met goals so far, maybe I can reach that one…
I’ve realized that life is fragile and that prayer is great and that I am grateful for friends.
I have been published in major publications including America Magazine.
Working on making peace with people and things that still haven’t been made peaceful in my mind. I have also spent more time with my family this year.
For my next year I want to try to get healthier for sure…gonna need help on that one, but if I met goals so far, maybe I can reach that one…
I’ve realized that life is fragile and that prayer is great and that I am grateful for friends.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Almost 34
Well, I've recently realized that it is nearing the end of my 33rd year. Wow. It's been quite a year--one with things I'd like to forget and also one that I actually met some of the goals I set at the beginning of year 33. One thing I did accomplish was getting published nationally. That was awesome. I took the GRE...I will never be an engineer or mathemetician that's for sure. So at least I can count out a few grad degrees not to look into, but I will see what happens with the next round of things down the road. Writing still seems it's where it's at for me. We'll see.
I'll be thinking of the next round of goals for year 34. I don't know if I will create new blog space for that or just update this one again. We'll see but I will keep you posted!
I'll be thinking of the next round of goals for year 34. I don't know if I will create new blog space for that or just update this one again. We'll see but I will keep you posted!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Lessen vs. Lesson
A good lesson can be learned when one lessens dependence upon objects to make them happy. This lesson is hard to take at first, when the society we live in seems to urge against it. By learning this lesson, though, one can lessen the load on your mind and heart because you aren’t keeping so occupied with everything. Perhaps another lesson to learn comes from trying to lessen our anger or frustration with others by realizing it’s okay to be ourselves. If we can’t lessen our desire for the approval of others we may never learn the lesson that we are unique and exactly the person we were meant to be. So let us all learn a lesson—lessen what isn’t good in your lives and live more fully than ever before.
Laugh
Despite our differences in language and culture, we all laugh in the same language. A laugh is a sound that is familiar in any tongue and it can break down barriers that otherwise might stand. If only we could learn to laugh more instead of living in arms. If I could come face-to-face with my enemy, a laugh shared between us may remind us we are more alike than different. So as you walk down the street, pay attention to the laughter. It can bring peace.
Storytelling
If “A human life is a story told by God,” according to Hans Christian Andersen, then I want to know what story God is telling through my life. I want to know your story. God seems to be the perfect storyteller. The stories are filled with drama, humor, love, relationships and a little bit of mystery to keep the reader’s attention. I know my story isn’t finished yet. We can always hope for a fairytale ending.
Cobwebs
Cobwebs of memories fill my mind, weaving together several moments in time. Nothing is separate, nothing’s the same. It makes me tired of this mind’s game. I wonder at times what it’s all about. Racing thoughts and forget-me-nots. Memories make for a tired mind.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Writing from 2010
Encounter Magazine Roger Fransecky
Ehow.com Definition of Prenuptial
Ehow.com Church Tax & Law
Catholic Voice Women challenged to grow in prayer, be witnesses to faith
Catholic Voice Archbishop thanks, encourages religious
Catholic Voice Coptic Church patriarch to visit St. John Church
Catholic Voice Circle of Mercy Madness comes to Omaha
West O Newspaper Let the Warm Weather Ring in the First Day of Spring
West O Newspaper Spring is Here and Wild Bird Junction has Everything You Need for Your Birds
West O Newspaper The First Day of May
West O Newspaper Carmelita de la Guardia and Richard Ness present Strings and Roses
Apogee Photo Magazine The Art of Showing Your Photographic Art:
Steps Towards a Gallery Exhibition
Ministry & Liturgy Magazine Threefold Longevity of the St. Louis Jesuits' Music
Flute Talk Magazine Flute Lessons Via Webcam
Jesuit Journeys Magazine Sharing Faith: Christian Life Communities help each other keep Ignatian Spritiuality front and center
Jesuit Journeys Magazine Liturgical Music: Spanning the Test of Time
B2B Magazine Printmaker Pedigree: Tourek Engraving
B2B Magazine Susan Madsen: Bringing Midwestern Hospitality to the masses
CSM Magazine CSM Sings at Carnegie Hall
Omaha Daily Record Paralegals CSM Law Day
B2B Magazine Doc's Choice
Omaha Magazine Thomas Sena
West O Newspaper Sir Speedy Printing Center
West O Newspaper First Day of Summer
Ehow.com Definition of Prenuptial
Ehow.com Church Tax & Law
Catholic Voice Women challenged to grow in prayer, be witnesses to faith
Catholic Voice Archbishop thanks, encourages religious
Catholic Voice Coptic Church patriarch to visit St. John Church
Catholic Voice Circle of Mercy Madness comes to Omaha
West O Newspaper Let the Warm Weather Ring in the First Day of Spring
West O Newspaper Spring is Here and Wild Bird Junction has Everything You Need for Your Birds
West O Newspaper The First Day of May
West O Newspaper Carmelita de la Guardia and Richard Ness present Strings and Roses
Apogee Photo Magazine The Art of Showing Your Photographic Art:
Steps Towards a Gallery Exhibition
Ministry & Liturgy Magazine Threefold Longevity of the St. Louis Jesuits' Music
Flute Talk Magazine Flute Lessons Via Webcam
Jesuit Journeys Magazine Sharing Faith: Christian Life Communities help each other keep Ignatian Spritiuality front and center
Jesuit Journeys Magazine Liturgical Music: Spanning the Test of Time
B2B Magazine Printmaker Pedigree: Tourek Engraving
B2B Magazine Susan Madsen: Bringing Midwestern Hospitality to the masses
CSM Magazine CSM Sings at Carnegie Hall
Omaha Daily Record Paralegals CSM Law Day
B2B Magazine Doc's Choice
Omaha Magazine Thomas Sena
West O Newspaper Sir Speedy Printing Center
West O Newspaper First Day of Summer
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Pencils
I recently found two quotes from Mother Teresa regarding pencils and I think they have a lot of merit.
"We are all pencils in the hand of God." --Mother Teresa
"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." --Mother Teresa
In my quest to be a writer, I like the idea of God being the ultimate writer. Sometimes I wish God’s pencil came with a big eraser for when I make mistakes!
So, my question would be, what is God writing with me? God has written me into the life I know, into the lives of people I know, and I have a feeling God isn’t done writing yet.
When I look back on life as it has transpired over the years, there are so many things that I would never think to write or think would be part of my story. There are things that I wish I could take an eraser to but I know that would change the story in a way that wouldn’t be my own.
What will God write into my future? Will there be a husband or children? Will there be a career at a major newspaper or magazine? :)(I hope!) Will God write me into a song that will be sung in future generations?
All I know for sure is I'm glad God has that pencil. I don't know where I'd be or what corner I'd end up writing myself into if I were totally in charge.
Let the writing continue!
"We are all pencils in the hand of God." --Mother Teresa
"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." --Mother Teresa
In my quest to be a writer, I like the idea of God being the ultimate writer. Sometimes I wish God’s pencil came with a big eraser for when I make mistakes!
So, my question would be, what is God writing with me? God has written me into the life I know, into the lives of people I know, and I have a feeling God isn’t done writing yet.
When I look back on life as it has transpired over the years, there are so many things that I would never think to write or think would be part of my story. There are things that I wish I could take an eraser to but I know that would change the story in a way that wouldn’t be my own.
What will God write into my future? Will there be a husband or children? Will there be a career at a major newspaper or magazine? :)(I hope!) Will God write me into a song that will be sung in future generations?
All I know for sure is I'm glad God has that pencil. I don't know where I'd be or what corner I'd end up writing myself into if I were totally in charge.
Let the writing continue!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Old Feelings
Lately I’ve noticed more and more how hard it is for me to let go of some old feelings. They are feelings that I was never really comfortable with, including anger at injustice and things, but they don't seem to go away.
I've always had sort of a disconnect when trying to do this. I know in my head and in my heart to let go and let God; forgive; etc. Yet the heart and head can never seem to join up at the same time with this.
With everything going on I think I'm noticing the struggle of letting go of these feelings especially because they seem somewhat insignificant to the bigger things I may be called to let go at some point in time.
I don't want to be angry forever at things that happened, things that aren't fair. It's funny because I never got angry before. I would turn it inward and it would come to the forefront in other ways but now that I'm noticing the anger feeling I can't get it to go away for the life of me! This is sure a turn around :) I guess maybe I'm not sure of it's anger/hurt or what the name of these feelings are, but whatever it's called I want out!
I've always had sort of a disconnect when trying to do this. I know in my head and in my heart to let go and let God; forgive; etc. Yet the heart and head can never seem to join up at the same time with this.
With everything going on I think I'm noticing the struggle of letting go of these feelings especially because they seem somewhat insignificant to the bigger things I may be called to let go at some point in time.
I don't want to be angry forever at things that happened, things that aren't fair. It's funny because I never got angry before. I would turn it inward and it would come to the forefront in other ways but now that I'm noticing the anger feeling I can't get it to go away for the life of me! This is sure a turn around :) I guess maybe I'm not sure of it's anger/hurt or what the name of these feelings are, but whatever it's called I want out!
Monday, June 7, 2010
An Oprah Quote Reflection
"Don't settle for a relationship that won't let you be yourself." Oprah Winfrey
I know I have found myself at various times and circumstances in such relationships. They don't seem to begin that way and I find that I am even more frustrated by that pattern. It seems like the very relationships that do not foster my being myself are the ones that take up the most mental and emotional energy in wondering what went wrong or wanting to salvage such relationships.
How do you break the pattern of getting into these relationships that in reality do not let you be yourself? And how do you stop wanting to rescue such relationships?
I've been blessed in my life with many friendships that have taught me that I can be myself and after all these years those friendships have remained. I'm just afraid to get stuck in trying to release the other relationships.
I know I have found myself at various times and circumstances in such relationships. They don't seem to begin that way and I find that I am even more frustrated by that pattern. It seems like the very relationships that do not foster my being myself are the ones that take up the most mental and emotional energy in wondering what went wrong or wanting to salvage such relationships.
How do you break the pattern of getting into these relationships that in reality do not let you be yourself? And how do you stop wanting to rescue such relationships?
I've been blessed in my life with many friendships that have taught me that I can be myself and after all these years those friendships have remained. I'm just afraid to get stuck in trying to release the other relationships.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Time Flies
I went to my 15 year high school reunion this weekend. How does 15 years seem to go by in a whole lot less time? Watching a video of pictures of our class from that long ago seemed so funny--we looked a little younger but I think I haven't changed a whole lot--my hair is just straighter!
It's neat to see how life has progressed with people over the years. Many are married or have children; some are single; many are still in the same town. It's amazing though that I've been in the same town as a lot of them for many years and I've never run into them until this reunion. There are others I'll see all the time!
It's neat to see how life has progressed with people over the years. Many are married or have children; some are single; many are still in the same town. It's amazing though that I've been in the same town as a lot of them for many years and I've never run into them until this reunion. There are others I'll see all the time!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Is there a story?
Many times in my mind I feel like I have a story to tell. I want to be an author and I want famous authors to read my work and want more of it. Yet when I sit down with a pen and piece of paper, all I can do sometimes is doodle. I write "I wish I could think of something to write." I just get stuck for some reason.
So I wonder if there really is a story in there or if there are just so many things blocking it that I cannot find it. I've been writing a fiction story with my young cousin so that helps me keep a little writing going on the creative side. I've got lots of starts of stories, but I think what I keep noticing is that I feel like I've got the "Great American Novel" inside just waiting to come and meet itself on the paper, but I haven't the foggiest idea what the novel will look like.
I want to write about my faith journey and have put together some things for that. Maybe I will put it together and chip away at the novel through this blog. We'll see what happens. Maybe someone can give me ideas on what to write. Any ideas?!
So I wonder if there really is a story in there or if there are just so many things blocking it that I cannot find it. I've been writing a fiction story with my young cousin so that helps me keep a little writing going on the creative side. I've got lots of starts of stories, but I think what I keep noticing is that I feel like I've got the "Great American Novel" inside just waiting to come and meet itself on the paper, but I haven't the foggiest idea what the novel will look like.
I want to write about my faith journey and have put together some things for that. Maybe I will put it together and chip away at the novel through this blog. We'll see what happens. Maybe someone can give me ideas on what to write. Any ideas?!
Long Time No Write
I have been keeping up on writing and actually accomplishing one of my goal for the year of being published nationally--but I've been wriitng on other topics that have distracted me a bit from this blog.
I will try to post more frequently.
I will try to post more frequently.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Almost Lent
I cannot believe it's the beginning of Lent tomorrow. I'm always a little hesitant around Lent because so many challenges have been faced around that time. This Lent isn't any different. So I pray that I can be as prayerful and responsive to God during this time as I am able to do so.
I hope to try and get healthier this Lent, especially as I'm praying for healing for my loved ones. I also will pray for others' intentions, which for some of them are related to the prayers of my own heart.
Lord, open my heart this Lent. Show me the way. Amen.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Curveballs and Such
Life has its way of throwing curveballs and challenges. They come in many forms. This one comes in the shape of a sick loved one. I have been writing reflections on this new experience but I don’t know if I will put them in this blog or keep them separate. So this blog might reflect some of the things but I will try to focus on other reports.
It has been tough realizing that things could happen like this to our loved ones. Life is so fragile. I know my faith is strong and I pray it continues to be so during this experience. I also pray for strength and courage for all who are experiencing illnesses. There has to be a positive outcome to this. I don’t know what else to do.
My freelance writing still keeps coming along. I have three articles due this month and I am going to try really hard to find more writing. It will help with income, perhaps resume help down the while and maybe will help keep my mind on other things depending on how things go in the coming months. Yay for writing!
It has been tough realizing that things could happen like this to our loved ones. Life is so fragile. I know my faith is strong and I pray it continues to be so during this experience. I also pray for strength and courage for all who are experiencing illnesses. There has to be a positive outcome to this. I don’t know what else to do.
My freelance writing still keeps coming along. I have three articles due this month and I am going to try really hard to find more writing. It will help with income, perhaps resume help down the while and maybe will help keep my mind on other things depending on how things go in the coming months. Yay for writing!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Imagination
I am a daydreamer. I have been accused of living in “La la land” at some points in my life. So, as I was in one of my mind wanderings, I noticed a little child at church who rolled her parent’s church bulletin in a round sort of telescope and she proceeded to look around the room through the looking glass. It made me think about how imagination changes in people as they grow older.
I am always amazed when children can make simple objects into the most obscure telescope or castles. As an adult, I tend to imagine peace in certain situations; conversations that I wish went better or took place at all. Children imagine a world of possibilities, fairy tales, dragons and castles.
So, what if adults had the type of imagination that would allow us to dream of possibilities that seem impossible today? What if we each took 10 minutes a day to imagine? I know John Lennon wrote “Imagine” but I think there might be a chance to change a whole lot more with a little childish imagination :)
I am always amazed when children can make simple objects into the most obscure telescope or castles. As an adult, I tend to imagine peace in certain situations; conversations that I wish went better or took place at all. Children imagine a world of possibilities, fairy tales, dragons and castles.
So, what if adults had the type of imagination that would allow us to dream of possibilities that seem impossible today? What if we each took 10 minutes a day to imagine? I know John Lennon wrote “Imagine” but I think there might be a chance to change a whole lot more with a little childish imagination :)
Sunday, January 10, 2010
thoughts on snow
When I was at Mass this weekend, the priest said to think about the beauty of the snow. So in an effort to turn my distaste for this white precipitation I decided to try it. I know I'll never like it but perhaps it will turn into an interesting reflection or at least a reflection anyway.
If each snowflake is unique, as it is, then perhaps all the snow that has fallen in these parts are reflections of all the unique people in the world. Or it could be a reflection of how many sins God has forgiven and since it seems to keep falling perhaps we could see that God is continuing to forgive sins...although I wish we could symbolize that more in the rays of sun that may fall upon us :)
If each snowflake is unique, as it is, then perhaps all the snow that has fallen in these parts are reflections of all the unique people in the world. Or it could be a reflection of how many sins God has forgiven and since it seems to keep falling perhaps we could see that God is continuing to forgive sins...although I wish we could symbolize that more in the rays of sun that may fall upon us :)
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Listening
Listening is an art. It’s a skill that many people have, as well as a skill many people could improve upon. It occurred to me while trying to listen to people that we don’t often listen enough or well enough. I wonder sometimes if people you hear “talking to themselves,” while sometimes medically condition to do so, might just have been tired of waiting for people to listen to them.
I know it’s hard to listen especially when someone is complaining a lot, but I think it would even things out in the long run. After all, some conversations about relationships tend to focus on this very thing. “He or she doesn’t listen to me.”
Maybe for another new year’s resolution I can learn to listen more closely. Even if I might not always like what I hear :)
I know it’s hard to listen especially when someone is complaining a lot, but I think it would even things out in the long run. After all, some conversations about relationships tend to focus on this very thing. “He or she doesn’t listen to me.”
Maybe for another new year’s resolution I can learn to listen more closely. Even if I might not always like what I hear :)
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