Reach Higher

When you need a little inspiration or motivation in your life to go after your dreams...turn up the volume, lift your arms higher and reach for the stars as you listen to this song by Gloria Estafan...

Underneath the Glacial Mask...

Layers of darkness obscure the truth and the light burning brightly within me - a well chosen smile deceptively worn to hide my fear or insecurity or an an icy glare and hardened heart worn as protective gear in the games of life. What would be revealed if I allowed my well-worn masks of pretense to melt away in the Light of Truth? In those rare moments, when the masks falls away and I'm left with myself...raw, vulnerable and real...what then, would you see?

Do you glimpse the 'real me'? The woman with laughing eyes and a Chesire grin; a lonely soul who seeks solitude and beauty in nature; a timid and insecure woman on the brink of becoming herself; a strong, courageous warrior willing to face life's challenges; a strong-willed rebellious forty two-year old having a temper tantrum; a student of the spiritual life; All of these and more represent some aspect of myself. Despite the darkness, though, a pure joy and radiance exists...underlying it all. At the very core, flowing deeply within, the joy and pure essence of God's love is there. I feel it pulsing...expanding within me or contracting depending on how open I am to life. When I peel away the fears and lies, I'm left with the Truth.

What's under your mask?

Image taken on a cool winter's day at Walden Pond, Concord, MA.

Seeing Through Kaleidoscope Eyes

These images were created with Kaleidoscope software (Photoechoes.com) using my original photographs of nature as seen on this website.

Kaleidoscope: Changing Perspectives

Unity of the Spirit*

Unity of Women*

Have you ever looked through a Kaleidoscope? When I was a kid, peering at life through this magical tube offered hours of entertainment. Whole new worlds of color, light and patterns came into view. With a quick twist or turn of the tube, the images changed and transformed into new perspectives.

Life often resembles a Kaleidoscope...with its multitude of experiences constantly changing and evolving with each twist and turn along our sojourn through this world. How we perceive these experiences (positively or negatively) depends upon whether we view these experiences with 'Light' or in darkness.
"The Lord will be your everlasting light" (Isaiah 60:19)

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)


*Note: The image (Unity of the Spirit) was created from the photograph (Unity of Women, 1997) using Kaleidoscope software from Photoechoes.com.

Lean on Him

Why is it so difficult to let go of what I want, what I think I need, what is best for me and to completely and unreservedly surrender to God's will in my life?

Maybe, because I think I know better than God what's best for my life? No...I've disproved that theory too many times to know it's not true.

Why then? Well...it's simply FEAR.

I've spent a good part of my life making my own decisions, determining what's best for me, pursuing relationships, jobs and that next 'thing' that will satisfy that place inside me that longs for relief, comfort, hope, excitement...

Now, I'm asked to surrender 'My' will to God's will. My fears rise up in mutiny at the thought of letting go of the 'reigns' of my life and allowing God's will to guide me. How many times have I told myself, "I can handle it myself or if I only get what I want, then I'll be happy"?

If I'm honest with myself, when I reflect back on 'my decisions' (especially the ones where I didn't consult God) the results usually ended in disaster. I'll admit that I'm predisposed to selfishness. Who doesn't enjoy the rush of Immediate gratification when we get what we 'think' we want? On the flip side, however, when I don't get what I want, I tend to pout, sulk and blame God for his lack of timing, unfairness and any other blame I put on Him.

I don't like to WAIT for His will to play out in my life...especially when it comes to relationships, jobs, friends, creative pursuits, family...basically, any area of my life.

God's will for me isn't always easy to understand or accept at times. It's often frustrating, exasperating, baffling and confusing. Though, to God, His will is perfect for me. My mind doesn't see the whole picture...the intricate plans woven through time that unfold daily. When I look back over my life, it's easier to see the 'big' picture, the view from God's eyes.

What is needed if I want to be at peace with His will and not My will?

When I learn to be open and willing to believe that God's will is always so much better for me than my feeble attempts, then I am more able to let go and trust in Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight." (NIV)

"Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for GOD'S voice in everything you do,
everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep
you on track." (MSG)

Becoming a Butterfly

God's power to transform our lives from the inside out is not only visible in outward appearance. More importantly, our hearts and minds are renewed and transformed at a very deep level.

When I'm ready and willing to change, the first thing I must be willing to release is all that I think and believe that I am. Letting go of the old self is required for a new life. Am I willing to let go and trust God to transform me into a new creature? God's design for our lives is always perfect. Trust and let go!All that I was, All that I am and All that I am to become...I will surrender to Him. Lord, create in me a pure and clean heart that lives for you. Let all that I do be a reflection of your Divine love and grace. Let your light shine through me that others may see your Glory.

Transformation of the Butterfly

SHE HAD ME AT MOO

Spiritual Transformation

Butterfly: The Mysteries of Transformation
[a short video presented by Humanity Healing Foundation]





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*If you landed on my site looking for more detailed information about the phases of a butterfly, check out these links:

The Glorious Butterfly
[site includes information on raising monarch butterflies, videos of butterfly metamorphosis, christian perspective of transformation process, stories and images of butterflies, lesson plans for kindergarten and pre-schoolers]

Butterfly emerging from the chrysalis
[site includes slide show of complete metamorphosis of the butterfly]

Picturing God Through His Creation
[blog includes images of the metamorphosis of a butterfly; offers a Christian perspective on transformation]

The Butterfly Site
[#1 site for the most complete and current Butterfly information; includes biology, pictures, links and more]

The Children's Butterfly Site[site includes information, photos of life cycle of butterflies; links to Butterfly and Moth resources on the web; translations available in Français, Deutsch, Español,Italiano, Nederlands]

Butterfly Sites on the Web
[this site includes a list of resources on the web with full description of websites]

God Doesn't Shout

God wants to speak to me. I'm often too busy to really listen. It's difficult to hear His still small voice speaking to me when my world is full of noise and distraction (internal and external). It is only when I begin to turn off the sounds (turn off the radio, turn off the cell phone, turn off the computer...) that my mind begins to slow down. The internal voices drift off and I am left with the pure sound of silence. I pray that my heart and mind will be open to hear God's calling.

"Silence is the first language of God; all else is a poor translation." ~ Thomas Merton

He said: "Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord,for the Lord is about to pass by." Now there was a great wind,so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake, and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence—and then there came a voice to him that said, "What are you doing here Elijah?" —I Kings: 19:11-13

Crooked or Straight?

"The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out." ~ Proverbs 10:9

In·teg·ri·ty
Pronunciation: \in-ˈte-grə-tē\

1. firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values
2. an unimpaired condition; soundness
3. the quality or state of being complete or undivided (wholeness)

Integrity Self-Assessment:

• Am I living in alignment with God's will? or am I living according to my selfish desires?
• Do my actions match my words, or do I say one thing and do another?
• Am I the same person in all areas of my life or do I say and do things to adapt to whatever group I am with?
• Do I keep my commitments and my word or do I make empty promises and excuses?
• Am I truly being honest with God about all my thoughts, actions and behaviors... the ones that I don't really want to share with anyone (especially God)... the thoughts of lust, self-righteous anger, jealousy, judgment or resentment?
  

LORD, I pray that when I start to walk down the wrong path and stray from what I know is right (which I often do) that you will guide me back with a firm and gentle hand.

Image taken at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, MA

Be Still

The sermon series at my church is focusing on making space for God in our busy lives. I race through my work days with anxious anticipation of the weekend. The weekend finally arrives! My weekend begins with a fast-paced agenda. Satisfaction comes as I start to check off my 'to-do' list...now I feel productive, worthwhile, as though I'm 'doing' something good that offers a sense of accomplishment. Work and activity provide the illusion of a worthwile life...the more I work, the more I feel as though I'm being useful and of service. In order to feel better about myself, I work harder, try harder and "do" more so that I don't lose that feeling.

What is the cure for a restless mind and heart?
Where do I make space for God in my life?
When do I slow down and just rest?

If I want to know God, I need to spend time with him.

"As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God."
— Psalm 42:1

Letting go of the activities, the busyness, the distractions in my life seems at times difficult, yet it is essential if I desire to know God more fully...to experience His power and presence in my life.

Slow me down Lord that I may hear your still small voice whispering to my heart...



"Be still, and know that I am God."


"Be still, and know that I am..."


"Be still, and know that I..."


"Be still, and know that..."


"Be still, and know..."


"Be still, and..."


"Be still..."


"Be"

(Psalm 46:10) Variations on a psalm

Image taken at Great Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Concord, MA

Decluttering the Mind

Each day, I need to review my thoughts, attitudes and actions and determine whether or not I've harmed anyone or need to make amends. When I refuse to acknowledge my part in any situation, I'm at risk of building up resentments and anger. Eventually, these will block me off from God and my fellows. A retreat leader once referred to these unresolved issues as 'tumors of unforgiveness'. Without resolution of these long-standing issues, my chances for peace and inner contentment diminish and I'm left with bitterness and a hardened heart.

In the past, the solution to anger or resentment towards a perceived offense or injury was to cut someone out of my life rather than deal with the conflict. I thought the problem would be solved by avoidance. The only treatment I've found to be effective is 'spiritual surgery'. God is the ultimate healer. I go to Him with an attitude of honesty, humility and a willingness to see the truth. If an amends is needed, I go to that person to reconcile the differences.

I'm trying to practice this in my daily life. It's not always easy to do. I enjoy being 'right' and feeling superior to others at times. When I look more deeply into these attitudes, underneath I uncover a deep sense of fear and insecurity. I ask God for tolerance of others opinions that may differ from my own. I ask for humility to see myself as I am through God's eyes. I ask for God to remove the fear of others opinions of me, the fear that I'm not enough or someone else if better or has more. I pray for an attitude of love and forgiveness for myself and others. When I live more in the Truth, I experience a greater sense of peace in my mind and heart.

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. either do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. ~ Matthew 5:14-16

Photograph of sunflower taken during a 2 week road trip to New Mexico, 1996.

Living Waters

What an amazing discovery to witness the magic and transformation that occurs in nature...nondescript rocks transformed in an instant, by the incoming tide, into beautiful and exquisite works of art. It's true for ourselves, too. Our spirits and true essence become dulled by the harsh realities of life's ever-changing tides...and when we find and live in our true element, our design and uniqueness shines through.

If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living waters. ~John 7:37-38 (NIV)

Rocks found on the coast of Rye Beach, NH (2006). The rocks (displayed in a handmade pottery bowl, created by my father) serve as a focal point on my desk at work to remind me of the beauty and uniqueness inherent in all of creation.

Patiently Waiting

Patience...the answers will come to you in God's time.
Be still and listen between the silence of the night and
the dawning of the new day. The whisper of God's loving
voice calls softly to your listening ear. Be still, my child...
Lay down your heavy burdens...the weight is too much for
you to bear. Let My peace settle upon you like a soft blanket.
Close your eyes and rest in the beauty of my Grace and the surety
of my everlasting arms.

"As a mother comforts her Child, so will I comfort you," declares the Lord. ~ Isaiah 66:13

Photograph taken at Mount Auburn Cemetary, Cambridge, MA

The Heart Rock Collective

...have you ever discovered a 'heart rock' in your travels? Where were you? Walking on a beach, walking in the woods or perhaps someplace else? What feelings were evoked when you found it - love, sadness, joy, curiosity...? The heart shape is a universal symbol identified with throughout the world. What does it mean to you?

Check out our new blog site: http://heartrocks.blogspot.com/

We invite you share your stories and images of "heart rocks" found and/or received. If you wish to post your 'heart rock' story/image, please send an email to heartrockcollective@gmail.com. An invitation to add your name to the list of blog authors will be sent to you.