Beautiful Life Turns A Corner

We have been pondering and musing about the future of this blog. I know that my time is limited with my part-time night job working with my hubby, and too often I feel be-draggled around the edges for not having quite enough rest many days, but despite all that, it does seem that when I think about coming to post something here, my feet drag. In truth, it's my heart that drags.

This sense of pulling and dragging, in the past, my dear friends, has usually signaled a shift in my heart's passion. When the zeal lessens about a project or focus or job, it either means I've outgrown something, I'm no longer excited about what I'm doing, I've accomplished or fulfilled that particular mission, or there's something else that I'm meant to set my sights to and grow.

And then it becomes time to neatly fold up the gift of this present experience, tuck it into my life experience steamer trunk, thank God for it, and press in to discover that new love that's simmering.

I've been feeling a shift in the air for some time -- as I say, I've been thinking about this blog for a while -- and it's not just because it's the new schedule, or it coming into autumn, but because there are other kinds of writings stirring on the inside of me that seem to be struggling to come out. I've thought about just adding a new category here, but I don't think these new things will fit within the already generous parameters of my theme for It's A Beautiful Life.

If you've followed me for any length of time, you will know that living a beautiful life is very important to me for my own sense of happiness and well being.  And the joyful thing of it all, I have found so many of you who share that similar heart.

When things get ugly 'out there' there is a whole host of us pushing against that dark tide with hearts wide open in expectation that we will still find all manner of glorious, lovely, graceful, and loving expression around us to nourish and fill with hope. Sometimes, as I've said over and over, we find it in the most unexpected places.  (Even when Miss Molly and I are zooming around the performing arts theatre lobby or we'll polishing the brasses once again.)

But something, or rather, Someone entreats me to join forces with Him in the push against the darkness. The One who lives inside me breathes an urgency to begin to share more of my life and all that He has poured into my being these five plus decades.

The grace for staying true -- in untrue and up-side-down times -- comes when we quiet ourselves to listen for that Call to live out every day in every way the Royal Law of Love. It's what ultimately creates those corners of 'heaven on earth' we all long for.  It's what so many others are waiting for, as if with bated breath, waiting for someone to tell them it's possible for them too.

 

So... if you wonder why my postings have been few and far between of late, too often choosing to share words written by other noble hands, that's a little of why. We're not leaving this blog ... maybe taking a turn and we're not quite sure where it leads. Perhaps this past year with all its awkward experiences has been bringing me closer to my new door.

I'm wishing you the pleasantest of evenings.

May your days this week be sweet and filled with hope for good things ahead.

With Love,
Brenda
xox

Posting Links Mentioned Above

The Dance of the Night Shift

The Pleasure of Ca-Plunk

Brass Polishing Moments and Other Nuances

I'm Supposed to Go Through This Door?

Photo One:  Lilac & Lavendar

Photo Two: glittergraphics.com

Mother Teresa Speaks

Although many of us have probably heard it before, this piece attributed to Mother Teresa is worth a reminder as it illustrates a vibrant picture of what walking 'on earth as it is in heaven' looks like in working clothes -- it's just doing the right thing...anyway.

 

People are often unreasonable and self-centered.

Forgive them anyway.
 

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.

Be kind anyway.
 

If you are honest, people may cheat you.

Be honest anyway.
 

If you find happiness, people may be jealous.

Be happy anyway.
 

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.

Do good anyway.
 

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.

Give your best anyway.
 

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.

It was never between you and them anyway.
 

~ Mother Teresa

 

 

 photo source:  Vintagefeedsacks

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful Autumn Day

Looking from my backyard into that blue, blue sky!

'Tis one of those perfect autumnal days.  Mellow with bright blue skies, temperatures warm with a wee nip in the air, birdies gathering in sunny spots amongst the shrubbery. Peaceful. Languid.

We're off enjoying some time with family which includes celebration around birthday cake -- black forest, to be exact. Yum!

Here's wishing you beautiful glimpses...

Brenda

xox

 

Floral Glimpses From My Perch

Who could have guessed the Rudbeckia we planted earlier this spring would make such a showing in its first season out. We had hopes it would help fill a 'hole' in the garden once the spring and summer perennial parade had waltzed past.

Well you can imagine, then, how DELIGHTED we were at the utter exuberance of this particular plant, towering well above the window sill at around seven feet. It obviously feels planted in the right spot (hot and protected in the southerly exposure).

I've never looked that closely at this flower before -- isn't she a beauty?
What a hat ... fit for a Russian Princess, wouldn't you say!

A sprightly dance they made
as petals fluttered in the breeze.

Hope you've got something that's delighting you as much today,

Hugs,
Brenda
xox

 

Here is Your Life

Words from Frederick Buechner that speak to me today

Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are because the party wouldn't have been complete without you.

Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid. I am with you. Nothing can ever separate us. It's for you I created the universe. I love you.

There's only one catch. Like any other gift, the gift of grace can be yours only if you'll reach out and take it. Maybe being able to reach out and take it is a gift too.

Wishing you  glimpses of heaven in unexpected places,

Brenda

xox

Photo source:  The Graphics Fairy

Simply Sunday: Slowing Down

I like to keep Sunday as a quieter and simpler day. It doesn't always work out that way, but an ideal week for me includes a time where I can shrug off the cares of the world to take time to pause and reflect, to look inward and upward.

Peter Marshall (1902 - 1949) a Scottish-born minister who became Chaplain of the US Senate, gave us a similar thought shaped in a prayer:

"In the name of Jesus Christ, who was never in a hurry, we pray, O God, that You will slow us down, for we know that we live too fast. With all of eternity before us, make us take time to live---time to get acquainted with You, time to enjoy Your blessings, and time to know each other."

I used to think the harried hurriedness of our society was just a malady of the 20th and 21st centuries, but after reading numerous books and accounts of people who lived in past decades and centuries, it seems each generation has had to face its own version of temptation to 'live too fast'.

I've been learning that it takes deliberate planning to make space in my week to rest. But I'm also learning the value of taking that time -- as Peter Marshall says to become better acquainted with God, to relish the myriad blessings that have come my way, and to savour the friendships I share with family and friends.

On that note, I wish you a gentle rhythm of peace and rest, the time to pause and enjoy, to be refreshed and ready for a new week!

Peacefully,
Brenda
xox

Photo source:  Vintage Feed Sacks