growing grace farm
gardening + spirituality + homesteading + creation care
Tag: trees
the stories I could tell
the stories I could tellof dreams sweetly coursing through my veins filled with life and sustenance;of growth buried deeply within my cellsnot a choice or a have to but a need, a calling, a purpose.the stories I could tellof years and years of human… Continue Reading “the stories I could tell”
bathing in autumn light
The weather here in Western North Carolina has finally felt like autumn this weekend. I’ve been spoiled by work trips to Illinois and Maine earlier this season and have been waiting somewhat impatiently for it to cool off here in my hometown. (Whoever said… Continue Reading “bathing in autumn light”
lessons learned: the apricot tree
The season of my separation from my ex-husband, the movie Under the Tuscan Sun had just been released on DVD. I acquired a copy and probably wore it out in the first year following this life transition. On so many levels, the film seemed to… Continue Reading “lessons learned: the apricot tree”
lessons learned: forgiveness like a tree
This morning in my quiet time with the Creator, I was gently reminded that I needed to stop focusing on patterns of the past and let them go. I suggested surrender as the answer, and the Creator smiled and reminded me that in this… Continue Reading “lessons learned: forgiveness like a tree”
Mary Oliver’s When I Am Among the Trees
When I Am Among the Trees When I am among the trees, especially the willows and the honey locust, equally the beech, the oaks and the pines, they give off such hints of gladness. I would almost say that they save me, and daily.… Continue Reading “Mary Oliver’s When I Am Among the Trees”
lessons learned: God’s call as a birdsong
This past week, I was blessed to attend a leadership program through my church conference. I wasn’t sure what it would hold but I knew I was going into this time open, raw and trusting. Part of the beauty of this event was the… Continue Reading “lessons learned: God’s call as a birdsong”
Mary Oliver’s Song for Autumn
Song for Autumn In the deep fall don’t you imagine the leaves think how comfortable it will be to touch the earth instead of the nothingness of air and the endless freshets of wind? And don’t you think the trees themselves, especially those with… Continue Reading “Mary Oliver’s Song for Autumn”
Mary Oliver’s Such Singing in the Wild Branches
It was spring and I finally heard him among the first leaves–– then I saw him clutching the limb in an island of shade with his red-brown feathers all trim and neat for the new year. First, I stood still and thought of nothing.… Continue Reading “Mary Oliver’s Such Singing in the Wild Branches”
Mary Oliver’s Such Singing in the Wild Branches
With warm sun dancing about the farm this morning, the birds lift up their voices to rejoice. With eyes closed, I sit at my kitchen table and listen to their son. Peace. Such Singing in the Wild Branches It was spring and I finally… Continue Reading “Mary Oliver’s Such Singing in the Wild Branches”
on geese and journeys
Most afternoons at work, I take the dogs for a stroll around the parking lots of adjoining offices. While it is not my ideal “nature walk,” the area is surrounded by trees that are now dappled with the brilliant colors of autumn. It does… Continue Reading “on geese and journeys”
Mary Oliver’s Song for Autumn
Song for Autumn In the deep fall don’t you imagine the leaves think how comfortable it will be to touch the earth instead of the nothingness of air and the endless freshets of wind? And don’t you think the trees themselves, especially those with… Continue Reading “Mary Oliver’s Song for Autumn”
lessons learned: forgiveness like a tree
This morning in my quiet time with the Creator, I was gently reminded that I needed to stop focusing on patterns of the past and let them go. I suggested surrender as the answer, and the Creator smiled and reminded me that in this… Continue Reading “lessons learned: forgiveness like a tree”
Mary Oliver’s Song for Autumn
Song for Autumn In the deep fall don’t you imagine the leaves think how comfortable it will be to touch the earth instead of the nothingness of air and the endless freshets of wind? And don’t you think the trees themselves, especially those with… Continue Reading “Mary Oliver’s Song for Autumn”
here is calm so deep
Here is calm so deep, grasses cease waving. . . . Wonderful how completely everything in wild nature fits into us, as if truly part and parent of us. The sun shines not on us but in us. The rivers flow not past, but… Continue Reading “here is calm so deep”
birches
Birches by Robert Frost When I see birches bend to left and right Across the lines of straighter darker trees, I like to think some boy’s been swinging them. But swinging doesn’t bend them down to stay As ice-storms do. Often you must have… Continue Reading “birches”
a prayer in Spring
A Prayer in Spring Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day; And give us not to think so far away As the uncertain harvest; keep us here All simply in the springing of the year. Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,… Continue Reading “a prayer in Spring”
lessons learned: storms, trees, and being rooted in faith
I am sitting here at my kitchen table this morning peer out into the darkness. The storm is coming, and the early morning sky remains a shade of violet blue. All I see are dark silhouettes of trees gracefully swaying in the wind. As… Continue Reading “lessons learned: storms, trees, and being rooted in faith”
song for autumn
Song for Autumn In the deep fall don’t you imagine the leaves think how comfortable it will be to touch the earth instead of the nothingness of air and the endless freshets of wind? And don’t you think the trees themselves, especially those with… Continue Reading “song for autumn”
climb the mountains
Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of… Continue Reading “climb the mountains”
gratitude for this day
i thank You God for most this amazing day:for leaping greenly spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes — e.e. cummings, North America