Pause to Ponder

Like a tree I am a slow,

enduring force reaching toward the heavens
Giving til every leaf falls off,
forever rooted in the promise of new life

Away from my many books this morning
I pondered just how much of what I’ve read
have I retained and to what end?

I may be like a little library to those around me
but of what good might my knowledge be
if not surpassed by wisdom and love?

Then I prayed that I might be
a good read for others today,
a source for what’s life-giving

The journey toward a healthier planet
begins on a path made by our own mistakes
and continues today when we lovingly
call Earth our Mother

Mary’s story is my story and probably your story too. Told not to be afraid., try something new, we are called to bear God’s goodness beyond what we first think we can do.

In quiet candle light, the day beckoning me
to a lifetime’s work of being and doing afresh,
giving need to One who formed me from dust

I felt bright white floating wings flutter in my soul
stirring a tingling, dazzling sensation inside me
and by this personal sentinel assured and secured

Life is too short to see all I want to see,
do all I want to do,
and achieve all I’ve deemed important

But to arrive at peace with a quiet mind
in a love relationship with Divine
is and forever will be my greatest prize, my all in all

For the past twenty years or more, contemplative spiritual practices have become the sure foundation of who I am and how I participate in every aspect of my life. However, the call to be alive in our later years is dynamic—both a quiet dwelling with the sacred in care of the soul and a lively act of involvement with others in community, sent out to use our signature gifts and talents to help heal a fractured world.

Children and retirees alike
People of all ages
and every stripe
Long to be free to shine their light

Blessed and not lacking in the gifts we need
Encouraged by others to use them
We rise and shine for all to see
and the Spirit of Love to guide them

My first Sunday as minister at Pioneer Presbyterian gave me much to smile about. With the power of Love one small voice can make a difference!

This New Year comes with a surprising fresh start. Today by the gracious invitation of the people at Pioneer Presbyterian Church in Warrenton, Oregon I begin service on the Clatsop Plains in Word and Sacrament ministry, providing spiritual care and guidance with a special focus on later life wellness in Christ.

Many of you know I felt led to put my role as pastor behind me, open to a new outpouring of Spirit and creative service in my older years. After much consideration and prayerful discernment, however, I am now prepared to humbly accept this wonderful opportunity to be active again in parish ministry and I ask God to help and guide me.