gardening + spirituality + homesteading + creation care
Several years ago, I bought my first kitchen table. My parents had given me another when I was in college which served its purpose lovingly for many years. But something about starting a new family with my daughter and this little farm made me… Continue Reading “table”
In the past year, deer seem to have become my spirit animal. We have crossed paths, stared into each others’ eyes, shared apple trees and surprised each other in the darkness of night. In my readings of deer as spiritual beings, I understand that… Continue Reading “Mary Oliver’s The Place I Want to Get Back To”
This is a repost from a couple of years ago. I am fully appreciating its relevance on this Ash Wednesday. ~cameron This morning, a friend of mine posted a link on her facebook wall to a “Reverse Lent Challenge.” The subhead noted, “Don’t give… Continue Reading “give up and give on–lessons learned from Lent”
As I climbed onto the treadmill this morning earlier than I’d like to admit, I was reminded by the Voice Within that every day I am offered new life, and it is my choice how I live it. I may not always make positive… Continue Reading “you make things new”
In honor of the UN’s International Day of Peace, September 21, 2015. The Peace of Wild Things by Wendell Berry When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life… Continue Reading “Wendell Berry’s The Peace of Wild Things”
As I’ve been leaning into Grace this week, I thought I’d repost this one written a few years ago. ~cameron “I do not understand the mystery of grace — only that it meets us where we are and does not leave us where it… Continue Reading “allow Grace in”
This past week, I mistakenly received an email from an organization asking for my volunteer support. This happens now and again because there are several farms named “Grow in Grace.” As Sophia would have it, some of my recent readings for my spiritual direction… Continue Reading “Lenten reflection: grow in grace”
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. ~attributed to Plato but documented as being written by Ian Mclaren, pseudonym of Rev. John Watson (1850-1907) This morning as I got the dogs out of the car, I paused to rub LuLu’s… Continue Reading “our little LuLu”
This morning as I read of the postponement of Kelly Gissendaner‘s execution, I wondered what it must be like for her as she waits in the unknown. I wonder if her faith is surrounding her in peace. I wonder if a flame of hope… Continue Reading “Lenten reflection: the Potter”
As I continue to grow in the ways of my faith, I find that I have become a collector of prayer practices. It is quite a colorful collection to suit different moods, situations, and spaces. These simple acts of prayer are mine, and I… Continue Reading “morning mantras”
Last year, I wrote this post on this date and reread it this morning as a reminder for my soul. Five years post surgery in the world of cancer or illness is something to be celebrated with much joy. I am also embracing this… Continue Reading “a milestone to celebrate”
This week, I was reminded of a statement I used to say to my daughter when she was a little girl, “You made a mistaaaake!” Now before you think this former early childhood teacher had no business working with little kids, let me explain.… Continue Reading “lessons learned: you made a mistaaaake!”
This morning, I am delighted to find an email from Jan Richardson in my inbox with information about her new Women’s Christmas Retreat. She notes that in Ireland and other places, Epiphany is celebrated by women as a day of rest, reflection and retreat… Continue Reading “blessings by Jan Richardson”
Through the gift of grace and family and friends, my daughter and I are in the process of remodeling our home. In years past, I might have said “house” as the clutter of stuff and shadows of memories seemed to create a bit of… Continue Reading “a new sense of home: gratitude, grace, and growth”
God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say “thank you?” ~William A. Ward When I first read this quote, I quickly thought, “Ugh, that one sounds like it comes from the front of a greeting card.” I… Continue Reading “86,400 seconds: have you used one to say “thank you””
This past week, I had the honor of accompanying our youth group on their Carolina Cross Connection mission trip. It was a week that exceeded any expectations I had for their growth and mine. I continue to be in awe of how God awakens… Continue Reading “lessons learned: ripples on a pond”
After a spiritually challenging day yesterday, I just wanted to curl up in my bed and forget the world for awhile. Instead, I took my own advice, put the dogs in the car, and drove out to my favorite spot in the country to… Continue Reading “lessons learned: waiting on the cows”
The past couple of months, I have experienced the unconditional care and support of friends. Sometimes, if you are lucky, you find people who take you as you are. I consider it “grace” when they experience it all, love on you, and accept you… Continue Reading “lessons learned: tomato cages and friendship”
As I squatted by the trellis yesterday to plant more sugar snap peas, I looked down at the boots I was wearing. I’ve had them for a couple of years now, so they are not so colorful anymore, but I fondly remembered that I’d… Continue Reading “lessons learned: on growth, gardening boots, and grace”
You spread out a table before me, provisions in the midst of attack from my enemies; You care for all my needs, anointing my head with soothing, fragrant oil, filling my cup again and again with Your grace. Certainly Your faithful protection and loving… Continue Reading “lessons learned: the blessings of watering cans”
How Love burns through the Putting in the Seed On through the watching for that early birth When, just as the soil tarnishes with weed, The sturdy seedling with arched body comes Shouldering its way and shedding the earth crumbs. ~from Robert Frost’s “Putting… Continue Reading “a meditation from Vigen Guroian’s Inheriting Paradise”
I believe I have posted this poem before as it is one of my favorites. As I was searching for a prayer about nature this morning, I came across this poem on another blogpost, literary lew. (read the post here.) Some mornings, the blogger… Continue Reading “Wendell Berry’s The Peace of Wild Things”
This morning, a friend of mine posted a link on her facebook wall to a “Reverse Lent Challenge.” The subhead noted, “Don’t give something up. Take something on.” In her comment section, others had noted that “giving on” was more their speed than “giving… Continue Reading “give up and give on–lessons learned from Lent”
This date holds a special anniversary for me–it is the day four-years-ago that I had surgery which unexpectedly also removed cancer from my body–a miracle of sorts. In the last few years, I intentionally chose to walk (and even skip!) down some new paths… Continue Reading “today is the day~celebrate life!”
In honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther’s King’s celebrated day today, I have selected some of my favorite quotes by him. I consider him to be one of my heroes, and his words have mentored me through many a season in my life.… Continue Reading “honoring the man who dared to stand”
I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world. ~Mother Teresa Shine your light, share your love–take the gifts and graces bestowed up you and give them away freely and unconditionally. Then… Continue Reading “love letter to the world”
As I am sitting with the word “joy” this week, I have been reflecting on what brings me great joy in my life. Joy as in uninhibited happiness. The kind of joy that helps you put challenges in perspective and reminds you of what… Continue Reading “lessons learned: baking with my daughter”
The Peace of Wild Things When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake… Continue Reading “Wendell Berry’s The Peace of Wild Things”
God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say “thank you?” ~William A. Ward When I first read this quote, I quickly thought, “Ugh, that one sounds like it comes from the front of a greeting card.” I… Continue Reading “86,400 seconds: have you used one to say “thank you?””
“I went to sleep with gum in my mouth and now there’s gum in my hair and when I got out of bed this morning I tripped on the skateboard and by mistake I dropped my sweater in the sink while the water was… Continue Reading “lessons learned: terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days”
The Peace of Wild Things By Wendell Berry When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, I go and lie down where… Continue Reading “resting in grace”
This week, Grace stopped by so I thought I’d re-share this one today.~Cameron “I do not understand the mystery of grace — only that it meets us where we are and does not leave us where it found us.” ~Anne Lamott I began this… Continue Reading “lessons learned: when Grace comes knocking, allow Grace in”
28 “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest.… Continue Reading “lessons learned: Farmer Boy and resting in the Spirit”
This date holds a special anniversary for me–it is the day that I had my second and final surgery and was told I was cancer free. In the last three years, I intentionally chose to walk (and even skip!) down some new paths on… Continue Reading “today is the day, celebrate life!”
This morning, I stare out my kitchen window at a cold rain that is relentless. What might have been snow years ago has now become dreary wetness, and it leaves me longing for the good ol’ days of sledding and snow people. On my… Continue Reading “lessons learned: brokenness like a mosaic”
Today brings with it several anniversaries for me. By the time, I received my cancer diagnosis on this date 3 years ago, I began to wonder if God had a thing for February 9. The gift, however, that February 9 brings with it is… Continue Reading “happy journey day”
Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is… Continue Reading “a testament to living”
…. there may not be enough marigolds all summer to equal the first spring crocus ~ Nancy R. Hugo Last week, I traveled to Wisconsin for a business trip. While I love having a break away from the normal routine, this time, I was… Continue Reading “lessons learned: the crocus in winter”
In honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther’s King’s celebrated day tomorrow, I have selected some of my favorite quotes by him. I consider him to be one of my heroes, and his words have mentored me through many a season in my life. … Continue Reading “the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King”