Fields of Grace - Rainbow

Rainbow

 

 

 

                        Passing through

                          water droplets,

                          sunlight scatters

                          into colors;

                          a streak

                          of vibrant hues

                          crossing

                          once-threatening skies.

 

                       A promise of faithfulness

Christmas Cactus

 

 

Looking out the window at the bare trees covered with snow, my eyes came to rest on my Christmas cactus now in full bloom.  I spent a long time just looking at the plant with its bright red flowers and felt a sense of peace.

At a time of year when everything else seems to have gone to sleep until spring, the Christmas cactus responds to the shorter, darker days of winter in a different way.

It doesn't ignore the darker days, but embraces them and finds a way to bring beauty when it is least expected.  Buds appear, and burst into full bloom not on separate stalks, but at the end of the leaves; as if the blossoms were pouring forth from the innermost part of the plant through the leaves.

A reminder, that in the dark and cold of winter, the power of Love continues to move through us, blossoming even in difficult times.

November Shared Photo - A Banquet is Prepared

A Banquet is Prepared

 

As I look at this photo I notice that while the table is carefully set, it also seems a bit informal - there are a variety of plate designs, the napkins are placed under the spoon and knife instead of under the fork, and there is no tablecloth. 

 

These are things that usually happen only when family or good friends come together to share a meal. The dishes of food, ready to be passed around, lend an air of anticipation - the meal is about to begin.

 

This scene, carefully set, is a reminder that sharing a meal is more than simply eating at the same table.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Fields of Grace - Rope Swing

 

                           Rope Swing

 

                        Suspended by a

                          silver thread

                          it invites me to play,

                          promising rest

                          from the business at hand.

 

                       Stepping toward it

                          in my mind,

                          I swing freely

                          before reluctantly

                          letting go.

 

                       The invitation remains

                         whether or not I accept;

                         a gentle movement

                         calling softly,

                         waiting.



Christmas Plates

I have a collection of Christmas plates that I display in my kitchen at this time of year.  They are the familiar blue & white plates that are issued yearly.  Over the years I've found many of them at thrift stores, and one year in particular, I discovered a dozen or more plates.

As I looked through them, trying to decide which ones to buy, I noticed something special about one plate which was dated 1964.  On the back, the owner had taped a piece of paper which recorded some of the events of that year: "Spent 3 months in Florida; Tinker died; L. Peterson died."

I bought that plate, and now each time I handle it I think of the person who wrote those words; their story, their hopes and dreams.  Unlike the other plates, this one has a "human" side to it, and I take a moment to think about the person who owned it and offer a silent prayer for them.

Finding the sacred in the ordinary involves not only "picking up the plate", but more importantly, taking the time to turn it over, and discover what it has to say to us.  It means being aware and ready for the many surprises we may encounter along the way. 

Birdfeeders & Patience

Every time I fill the birdfeeder attached to a window in our living room I'm reminded of the first time I put it up.

We had been having problems with squirrels getting into our birdfeeders, so I decided to try something different and found one that attached to a window by suction cups.

I put up the birdfeeder, filled it, and waited for the birds....I waited, and waited.  It had been nearly a year, and I hadn't seen one bird at the feeder. 

I was ready to admit defeat and take down the birdfeeder, when suddenly, a bird appeared at the feeder!

After that, it was only a short time before other birds discovered it, and now I fill it several times a week.

Filling up the birdfeeder today I thought about how limited my patience was (and continues to be), and contrasted that with the infinite patience of God. 

Each day is filled with opportunities to experience the wonder and beauty of the Divine in the world around us.  Whether or not we take advantage of these opportunities, they are offered over and over again. There is no time limit on God's offer of Love to us.

November Photo for Reflection

Here is the photo, once again, for November's reflection; I'll be posting mine next Friday.  In the meantime, write down your reflections.
  
1. Notice the details of the scene.

2. Imagine yourself physically present in the photo.

3. Write down what you see, hear, etc., as you are describing the scene to someone.

4.  Is there something in your own experience that is triggered by this description? (appreciation, celebration, etc.).

Fields of Grace - Cemetery

Cemetery

 

 

 

 

Precise rows of monuments

great and small

stand in quiet witness

to lives long-lived

and unfulfilled tomorrows.

 

A place where

completion and interruption

lie side by side.

 

Where grief and sorrow

find a measure of comfort

in a sure and certain Design.

Prisms and Rainbows

I have some prisms hanging in my kitchen window - simple, clear crystals that capture the light.  The sun is lower in the sky this time of year, so direct sunlight shines through the crystals, painting rainbows on my walls.

When my grandchildren come over I spin the prisms and the rainbows swirl around the room, delighting them as they try to catch and hold the colors.

As I thought of the clear light shining through the crystals and then becoming rainbow colors I realized that this is how God works through us.  Like the crystals, we are not called to be anything other than we are - just that we remain open to the Divine in our life.

When we allow God to work through us, we don't always know who will be touched or how.  An encouraging word or an act of kindness are some ways the Light shines through us, bringing the "color" of God's love to those around us.

Changing Clocks/Shorter Days

Now that we have officially "fallen back," there is no denying that the days are getting shorter.  We live in a valley, and the sun begins to sink behind the ridge earlier than ever, and in another month it will be dark by 4:30 p.m.  It's hard to believe that in the summer it's light till nearly 9:00 pm.

While I enjoy all the activities of summer, I also appreciate this time of year when things slow down and I can catch my breath.  I know that by the spring I'll be thinking of all the things I plan to do in the yard, and eager to plant the garden; but for now, I appreciate this season of shorter days, and quiet reflection.

Just like the seasons of fall and winter allow the earth to rest, we also need a time of quiet.  We tend to forget how important it is to schedule some quiet time into our lives on a regular basis; too often we measure success by our accomplishments, or how busy we've been. 

November Image for Reflection

Here's the image for this month.
Refer to the Sept. 28 post for some guidance as you begin your reflection and writing. 

You can email any questions or insights to me at fieldsofgrace.cathy@gmail.com 
I'll share my insights on Nov. 16.

Fields of Grace - Pumpkin Hanging from Vine

In keeping with the season, here's a pumpkin poem with color photo from my book, Fields of Grace, Everyday Encounters with the Holy

Pumpkin Hanging from Vine

 

 

Grounded fruit

look on in wonder:

"Not for me,"

"Too risky,"

"Unnatural."

 

The vine listens

only to the sun's call;

reaching up,

delighting in

new horizons

above the tall grass.

 

Patience, trust and

perseverance

support the vine

in its quest;

its fruit held fast by

sturdy ropes of faith.

 

Seeds of impossibility

are planted every day;

some see only an

impossible tomorrow,

others see a possible

TODAY

 





Washing the Glassware

Washing the Glassware

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have pieces of red glassware in all shapes sitting on my windowsills.  I love how they bring color into the rooms - especially during these cold months.  One of the challenges of having the glassware sitting out, though, is keeping it dust free so that the sun can freely shine through.

 

Because the dust gradually builds up each day, I'm not usually aware of it until I look closely and notice a thin layer clinging to the surfaces.  After washing things up and placing them back on the windowsills I'm always amazed at how much brighter the colors are, and wonder how I could have missed seeing the impact of the dust.

 

I think that's how it is in life, also.  Most of us don't do anything terribly wrong; there are times, however, when we make choices that are not always compassionate, loving or responsible.  These "specks of dust" collect in time, gradually keeping the Light from shining through as brightly as before. 

 

Usually we aren't even aware of the cumulutive effect until we take the time to honestly look at ourselves; asking forgiveness for our failings and pledging to do better.  The result is that our relationship with the Divine improves: the Light is the same as always, but now our faults and shortcomings don't prevent its fullness from shining through us.

 

Because we don't live in a vacuum, this "dust" will continue to accumulate.  Our task is to free ourselves from the limits it places on us by regularly taking time for honest reflection; allowing the fullness of the Light to shine through us.  We can then, once again, reflect this Light to the world around us, giving witness to the power of Light/Love to transform the world 

Fields of Grace - Bare Trees

Just like the bare trees make it possible for us to see things often hidden by the leaves, pain and difficulties can often strip away things that keep us from becoming aware of a larger Reality.


                         Bare Trees

                                   Surrendering to
                                     Nature's ultimatum,
                                     they've let go
                                     of past glory,
                                     preparing for
                                     winter's austerity.

                                   Their nakedness
                                     offering a view
                                     beyond the immediate
                                     to a vista
                                     hidden in
                                     summer's high growth.

Walking in the Fog

There's something other-worldly about walking through fog - a cloud that's come to earth.  It wraps itself around familiar objects, softening them, and muffles sharp sounds.  In its quiet, gentle way, the fog transforms the world around us.  The fog not only surrounds us on the outside, but is taken in with every breath, becoming a part of us.

As I took my morning walk enveloped in fog, I thought about how God's love surrounds us.  Like the fog, this Love transforms us, quietly and gently, ready to be taken in with each breath; offering a level of intimacy beyond our imaginings.

Prayer:
Loving God, remind me of your Presence, surrounding me always.  Move me to breathe deeply, so that I may be transformed by your Love and carry it forth into the world.   Amen

Symphony of Color from Fields of Grace

The colors of fall are past their peak near us, but this photo and poem show just how beautiful they can be.

Have a good day!

Symphony of Color

 

 

 

                        Like an artist using

                          rich oils of sound,

                          the leaves paint

                          a symphony of color.

 

                        Vibrant reds,

                          bright yellows,

                          deep greens,

                          each play their part

                          to the fullest.

 

                        Melody,

                          harmony

                          and rich bass notes

                          combine,

                          presenting the season's

                          brilliant finale.

 

Falling Leaves

Before the strong winds of a few days ago, it seemed that the fall colors would be bright despite the drought of this summer.  The winds had blown most of the leaves off the trees, whether or not they were ready to fall, and with the exception of a few trees, the color had mostly disappeared.

One morning after a particularly windy day, I was surprised by the scene that greeted me as I stepped outside to get the newspaper.  There had been a freeze during the night, and the morning was brisk with a blue sky and bright sun.  Most impressive of all was that there was not a breath of wind, and yet the leaves were falling.  

They were not being torn violently from the tree, but were dripping to the ground like a golden shower. In the still of the morning, there was only the soft sound of the falling leaves. It was as though the trees were consciously letting go of each leaf, and accepting the next phase of life.

Like the trees, our lives can be altered suddenly by challenges and loss that are beyond our control. Things like death, illness and unemployment can come upon us like a strong wind, tearing away at our very identity.  Sometimes we are left holding on to only a few, tattered remnants.

Other times, change comes about quietly, like the tree letting go of its leaves.  These are conscious decisions we make - deciding whether to stay put, move on to the next step, or if it's time to change direction.

Prayer
O God of life, help me in times of sudden change to know your faithfulness and love hold me firmly.  And in those times of quiet change, guide my decisions as I seek your path.   Amen



 

October Shared Reflection - Weathered Building

Here are my reflections for the photo posted Sept. 28, first in prose, and then in a short poem.  Feel free to share your comments or insights with me - fieldsofgrace.cathy@gmail.com

Weathered Building

The siding and roof on this small building are faded and weeds are growing around the foundation.  There seems to be nothing special about it, and at first glance it appears abandoned.  It's the geraniums in the sparkling, clean window that tell a different story.  The building is not abandoned, in fact it houses some beautiful flowers.

I thought of how people can be like that building - easily dismissed because of first impressions.  I reflected on this and applied it to my life: how often do I miss opportunities to encounter beauty because I don't take the time to really see what is before me? 

                                        Faded,
                                            weathered,
                                            unkempt;
                                            hardly worth a
                                            second glance.

                                        Color
                                            unexpected;
                                            startles,
                                            beckons,
                                            invites.

                                        How many
                                            invitations
                                            have I refused
                                            without even
                                            knowing?

Fields of Grace - The Golden Wood

It's always nice to see the photos from Fields of Grace in color; here's one that's especially appropriate for this time of year, although most of the leaves have been blown off our trees in the past few days.  

Take some time to pause and wonder at the gifts presented to us each season.

The Golden Wood

                   
                    Showers of sunlight

                      fall to earth,

                      dripping silently from

                      branches overhead,

                      forming a golden mist

                      on the forest floor.

 

                    Crumpled sheets of

                      yellowed parchment

                      gather in piles;

                      collecting like a poet's

                      unsuccessful attempt

                      to capture the moment.



 

Moonlight

Moonlight is one of those things most of us are unable to fully appreciate since it occurs while we are usually asleep.  We're familiar with the light of the sun, a light so brilliant we can't look at it directly.  The sun's light encourages growth, and warms us.

But what can we say about moonlight?

A few nights ago I awoke and became aware of a light shining under the bedroom door.  Thinking I had forgotten to turn off a light, I got up to investigate.  Imagine my surprise when I opened the door and discovered the glow was produced not by an electric light, but by the light of the full moon.  The light was streaming in through the picture window, bathing the room in a soft, white light.  I sat down in wonder, enjoying this scene which had been playing out while I slept.  I thought about how the moon itself has no light of its own, but reflects the light of the sun, and I began thinking of the "moonlight" in our spiritual life.

Just as we cannot look directly at the sun, we cannot experience God directly in this life - but we are provided "mirrors" that reflect God to us.  These are the graces we experience through the movement of God in the people and the world around us.  When we pass from this life to the next, we will experience the brightness of God with no need of mirrors or filters.  In the meantime, however, God is revealed to us in our daily life - stay awake and take notice!

Here's a story* which illustrates the idea of experiencing God through the familiar things in this life:

"God decided to become visible to a king and a peasant and sent an angel to inform them of the blessed event. 'O king' the angel announced, 'God has deigned to be revealed to you in whatever manner you wish.  In what form do you want God to appear?'
  Seated pompously on his throne and surrounded by awestruck subjects, the king royally proclaimed: 'How else would I wish to see God, save in majesty and power?  Show God to us in the full glory of power.'
  God granted his wish and appeared as a bolt of lightning that instantlty pulverized the king and his court.  Nothing, not even a cinder, remained.
  The angel then manifested herself to a peasant, saying: God deigns to be revealed to you in whatever manner you desire.  How do you wish to see God?'
  Scratching his head and puzzling a long while, the peasant finally said: 'I am a poor man and not worthy to see God face to face.  But if it is God's will to be revealed to me, let it be in those things with which I am familiar.  Let me see God in the earth I plough, the water I drink, and the food I eat.  Let me see the presence of God in the faces of my family, neighbors, and - if God deems it as good for myself and others - even in my own reflection as well.'
  God granted the peasant his wish, and he lived a long and happy life."

*Spiritual Literacy, Reading the Sacred in Everyday Life by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Your own reflection for photo posted Sept. 28

Reflecting on the photo posted Sept. 28, may be something new to you, but give it a try.  Get comfortable with writing for yourself, remembering that each of us is an individual with unique experiences which will influence what/how we view the photo.

You're also welcome to email any insights to me. (fieldsofgrace.cathy@gmail.com)

Here's a quote about individuality from Beauty, The Invisible Embrace by John O'Donohue.

The Beauty of Individuality

 

"The heart of all creativity is the awakening and flowering of individuality.  The mystery and magic of being an individual is to live life in response to the deep call within, the call to become who we were dreamed to be...it is the call to discover and realize the divine blueprint in the soul...to be an individual is to 'stand out' from the group or the system and such separation always entails vulnerability...Faithfulness to individuality is at the heart of compassion and creativity...The awakening of individuality is a continual unfolding of our presence....Individuality is the creative voyage of aloneness in which the gifts and limitations of real presence emerge."

 

Here's the photo again.  Have a good day - and start writing!!

 

 

 



Fields of Grace Sampler - Tree Branches in Autumn

Tree Branches in Autumn

[from Fields of Grace, (c) Cathy Scherer Stubbs]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                            Wrapped in black velvet,

                              branches and trunks

                              set off amber leaves,

                              providing the

                              framework for

                              Autumn's spectacle.

 

                            Do I remember

                              it is Love's

                              faithful Presence

                              that supports and

                              gives life

                              to my efforts?

 

 

 

 



Clocks

As I said my morning prayer recently, I gradually became aware of the ticking of the clock in the room.  It was a soft sound, and formed a kind of background music.  I thought about how this steady, unhurried rhythm remains the same, regardless of the  weather or the time of day.

Like the sound of the clock, God's Love forms an undercurrent of faithfulness, even when all seems to be in chaos.  God allows us to experience life with all its joys and sorrows, but always remains nearby. 

This steady beat of Love continues, whether or not we recognize it; a reminder that we are never alone or forgotten.

Prayer:
Good and gracious God, thank you for the gift of this life, with all its joys and challenges.  May I always be aware of your Loving Presence, a faithful, steady rhythm in my life.   Amen










  

#1 What do you see? What speaks to you?

Beginning today I will be posting a photo once a month (usually on a Friday) and inviting you to join me in  "finding the sacred in the ordinary."

The photo will be from my collection and one that I have not previously written about.  Together, we will discover lessons in the world around us.  I'll come back to the photo in two weeks' time, and publish my thoughts on it.

I invite your comments and insights during this time, whether in poetry or prose. (fieldsofgrace.cathy@gmail.com)
There are no "right" or "wrong" insights - we are individuals with unique experiences.

Here are some suggestions as you begin this exercise:

1.  Just look at the photo and let it fill you - notice the details of the scene.

2.  Place yourself in the scene, allowing yourself to imagine being physically present.

3.  Write down what you see, hear, smell, etc., as if you are describing the scene to someone.

4.  Is there something in your own experience that is triggered by this description? (appreciation, beauty, celebration, loneliness, faithfulness, etc.)

5.  If you find yourself struggling for words or insights, leave the photo for a bit.  Allow yourself time to think about it, come back later and begin again.  Sometimes the message is loud and clear, and other times it may take some time for it to surface.

I have found that the photo may not take me where I expected to go, but it always leads me where I need to be.

Here's the first photo:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unexpected Grace

Not everything is serious in the world of the Sacred.  In fact, I often think of God watching our world & smiling (even chuckling). 

 

I came across this sign and it made me stop and look around - which is exactly what it was meant to do. 

 

Be ready for unexpected graces crossing your path!

 

 

 

Frog Crossing

(from Fields of Grace (c) Cathy Scherer Stubbs)

 

 

 

                                  Sometimes it takes

                                   an official sign

                                   to slow us down,

                                   to see the life

                                   beneath our feet.

 

                                  We're so busy

                                   looking up

                                   we forget

                                   to watch

                                   where we're going.

 

                                  Moments of

                                   unexpected grace

                                   intersect

                                   our path every day.

 

                                  Watch for the signs!

 



 

 

After the Frost

The colors in my garden have been particularly vibrant these past weeks, with the bright red salvia standing next to the golden marigolds.  But I know it won't last much longer - the frost has begun to gradually dim their colors, and soon they will have faded completely.

When that happens, it will be time to prepare the garden for winter; pulling up dead plants and mulching others.  Before I begin that task, however, I say a prayer of thanksgiving for the gifts of the garden - for the flowers that fed my spirit, and the fruits and vegetables that fed my body.

Finding the Sacred in the Ordinary involves taking time to be aware of the present moment.  Cleaning out the garden can be seen as just another chore on our "to do list" for fall, but it can be much more than that.  It can offer us the opportunity to pause and remember our connection to the Divine through the simple things around us.

Fields of Grace - Benches by the River



 Here is a poem with its photo from my book, Fields of Grace, Everyday Encounters with the Holy [(c) cathy scherer stubbs, 2011].

 

The photos in the book are in black & white, however.  

(I'm hoping at some point to have them available in color, whether online or in print.)

 

 



 

 

                                     

Benches by the River

 

 

The trees have come

                              to take it in -
                              water for their thirst
                              and beauty
                              for their growth.

                              An invitation
                              extended to all:
                              "Stop,
                              rest awhile,
                              refresh yourself."

                              But we hurry by:
                              "Not today,
                              perhaps tomorrow."

                              The invitation
                              will be there tomorrow,
                              but the river of today
                              will be gone
                              forever.



 

 

 





Roses & Weeds

"When I have trouble writing, I step outside my studio into the garden and pull weeds until my mind clears - I find weeding to be the best therapy there is for writer's block."  Irving Stone



Spending time in my garden usually provides some interesting insights, and working around the rose bushes recently was no exception.

It had been quite a while since I'd weeded, and it was getting difficult to see the roses, so I headed to the garden.  I had a sense of satisfaction as I pulled the weeds and grasses that had grown up around the bushes.  As I got closer to the roses however, things got a bit more difficult.  The thorns on the bushes poked me as I tried to free them from these invaders who were robbing them of sunlight and nutrients.  It seemed that the roses had not only learned to live with these intruders, but were now actually defending them.  The closer I got to the roses, the more difficult the task became until it seemed they were actually attacking me.

All of this started me thinking about how we recognize and deal with the "weeds" in our life - the habits/behaviors which are not life-giving and keep us from becoming all we are called to be.

Reflection Questions:
What are the "sunlight & nutrients that I need to flourish?

What are the things that deprive me of these?

What steps can I take to ensure I get the "sunlight & nutrients" I need? (start with 1 or 2 things)

Prayer:
All loving God, thank you for the gift of life.  Help me recognize those things that keep me from becoming all you have created me to be.  May my life give you praise.  Amen

Wind Chimes

As I sat outside saying my morning prayer recently, I couldn't help but stop and just look and listen to the world around me.

The sun was shining in a bright blue sky and there was a light breeze blowing through the trees.  I gradually became aware of the sound of the wind chimes playing softly in the background.  Sometimes there was only a single note that seemed to hover in the air, and other times there were several notes harmonizing with each other.

This set of wind chimes has been hanging outside our house for nearly 25 years and I've never tired of hearing it.  The metal pipes are tuned to each other so that it truly plays music when the wooden clapper strikes them. 

After all this time, it's not particularly lovely to look at, but I think its music has grown more melodic through the years.  I began to think of the many kinds of wind chimes - some are beautiful, some are noisy, and some are seasoned. 

The beautiful wind chimes hang inside.  More like objects of art, they are protected from the breeze, and away from the whims of nature. 

The noisy wind chimes hang outside, but their sound can be more like noise - their pieces of clanging metal or clinking glass competing with each other for attention.

The seasoned wind chimes hang outside and are open to the breeze.  They aren't particularly beautiful, but their pipes are tuned to each other and provide a gentle melody. 


My reflection led me to ask the question, "What kind of wind chime am I?"


Am I the beautiful wind chime; content with the safety of the familiar, and unwilling to discover my own song?


Am I the noisy wind chime, forgetting to invite your Spirit into my life to bring balance - focused only on "getting things done" at any cost?


Am I the seasoned wind chime, open to the movement of your Spirit; accepting the risks, willing to discover and share my unique song and presenting a melody that plays out in times of gentle movement or moments of conflict? 


Prayer:
Good and gracious God, may I be open to your Spirit moving through my life; calling forth my song, and providing a gentle reminder of your Presence.