Gratitude
“We cannot be grateful for all that a given moment brings us; yet, in any given moment, we can be grateful for something. The gift within the gift of any given moment is opportunity.” ~ Brother David Steindl-Rast
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Essays and musings of a retired teacher/ librarian who is daring to call herself a "writer."
The world lost Sherry Owensby-Sikes this past weekend. For years she ministered to my parents and countless others living at Franke at Seaside. She believed, preached, and lived her faith in the Good News. I wrote this essay back in 2016 and offer it now as a tribute to her. I will always be grateful that our paths crossed. ~c.h.
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How the words of Thoreau and the closing of our summer porch taught me to see again the gifts and possibilities of each season…even winter.
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Sometimes it is necessary to look back before moving forwards.
Read MoreIs it possible that chaos and disorder could actually be good for us?
Read MoreMy three sisters and I lost our mother one year ago. I miss her fiercely. Yet, I am learning to find light in her absence. She loved poetry and filled journals with her favorites. Perhaps this one would have been carefully folded between the pages. I would like to think so. ~c.h.
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Finding the greater good in my marriage meant seeing it as happy without comparing it to another's.
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"Write the story of your life in 300 words or less," said my writing teacher...ta, da!
Read MorePerhaps both adults AND children could use a little Eloise in their lives today?
Read MoreHow do we get past our different opinions and viewpoints and find hope in this most American of all holidays?
Read MoreSometimes my summers get off to a bit of a rough start…this one was no exception.
Read MoreIs it possible to find gratitude for what is by imagining the worst?
Read MoreAs another school year draws to a close, shouldn't we all take the time to thank a teacher?
Read MoreIf given the given the tincture of time, could we launch a "Revolution of Tenderness?"
Read MoreAs I learn to cope with my fear of flying, perhaps I will learn to shed other fears as well.
Read MoreIs it possible to heal our spiritual slights and hurts in the same way we heal our physical ones?
Read MoreHow do we begin to find a way beyond "I'm right and you're wrong?"
Read MorePoetry may not bridge all our divides nor cure what ails us, but it might be a way to heal some of the dis-ease so many seem to be feeling these days.
Read MoreIt took a visit from a beauty queen to remind me that beauty can also be found in a caring heart, a bright mind, and a fierce determination to make the world a better place.
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