Buttercups in Bloom

It began in loss. It gave way to turning inward. The fog lifted and we could see the beauty in the forrest.  The trials became a new trail that revived our spirits.  Closure unfolded in surprises. Love echoed from the years gone by. Holiness was encapsulated in the faces of those who have shaped us. Quiet love fed us without question. Back porch days laid the rock of revival. Music rose like a sweet symphony in the darkness. Envelopes filled with words that soothed the soul. In grief there was new life.  Dinners filled with our favorite things. Connection were laughter rises with ease,                    where hugs are given freely                    where you know the miles may separate you but the love will travel with you. Glasses raised and moments captured.  A catch in your throat for the kindness. Loss has led to new life. Heartache has been woven into healing. W...

It started with a simple question in 2022. It was a question that was born out of trust with a foundation built on love. We waited for almost 8 months before beginning the design. As the design meetings unfolded they always came back around to one important request.  Tweaks were made along the way and 6 months later the plans were laid forth. Questions unfolded. By 2024 we stood with anticipation as the several weeks of financing and signing the paperwork took place....itching for our dreams to become a reality. The day arrived like a slow moving cloud and the landscape in the backyard began to change.  By the summer our cars were moved out of the garage, the washer and dryer were moved inside our dining area, a concrete pad formed in a place that was once green space in our backyard and a hallway was erected from our garage out to the new space.    We laughed a lot about the final summer cook outs at P-Pop's watching Alone, recognizing that the next summer he'd be w...

Centering Great giver of life, we gather today acknowledging your presence with us. You have unfolded before us in the bright, blue sky Reminding us that your reach is far beyond what we can comprehend. You have given a slight breeze, inviting us to settle into your ever-blowing presence, Reminding us of the depth and breadth of those who have gone before us. Those who walk alongside us. The Companion that fills our lungs when we are unable to breathe. You have risen from the ground in the form of bright green grass Reminding us of the gentle whisper of growth, even as death presses down upon our beings.  You are spread among the roots of the trees Reminding us that as the seasons change,  Your strength gives us balance,  stability and a firm foundation,  preventing our souls from being swept away in the unpredictability of life.  Creator, all things seen and unseen we acknowledge your presence with us today. Provide a balm for our weary souls. B...

In  the celebration of Pentecost tomorrow.  Listen The gentle breeze is blowing. The birds are singing in the trees. The night crawlers cry out. Listen Do you hear the cries of those shaking in fear? Do you hear the grumbling within the bellies of those who pass by? Do you hear the slurs of hatred spewing forth? Listen The world is awaiting a whisper of gentleness. Our neighbors are gathered to hear the ringing of peace. The praise of joy lingers in anticipation. Listen The movement of God’s holy companion comes upon us. The offering of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control is filling us. The calling to listen and respond is beckoning us forward. Listen.

Ashes to Ashes The words….the sentiment….the mark across our foreheads Leave us standing in the darkness Pulls us into the grit of  uncertainty Acknowledges the grief that swells within. Your ashes have left us grieving. empty        wandering in silence.                   standing in the shadows. And yet, here in the shadows        of these trees,        we find new life. A life that rises from the soil A soil that nourishes in ways that we cannot see A soil that births something new out of devastation A soil that reveals beauty in the movements of the season. Here in the shadows,  we find a sliver of light reigning through. We find the strength of your character held among the black walnut, elm, ash, and poplar trees  We feel you envelop us through the thick, rich foliage that spreads across the ground. We hear your song of praise as the birds call to one ano...

In the thin veil where night begins to meet a new day you left this world.  Last Saturday we were gathered, the mood was heavy. We wanted to leave but you pulled us in, beckoning us to stay a little while longer.  You knew, you knew the days that lie before us would be transform us and you wanted us close.   I wanted to leave. I wanted to take a break but you called to Emma, asking her to stay and after a short nap you lulled us awake so that we might have another moment with you.  Your spirit left you in peace. As your body was prepared for your transport we stood shoulder to shoulder, tears flowed freely and we let your love envelope us.   My spirit is broken, my heart uncertain and my body weary in the realization that your heavy footsteps will never again come down the hallway.   I wonder did you know, did you hear how much I loved you?  Did I say it to you often enough?  I know you hear me now.  The pecans sit on the stair...