Prompt for August's Spiritual Journey:
What is on your heart and in your spirit?
Linda Mitchell, the host of August's Spiritual Journey Thursday, invited the Spiritual Journey community to reflect upon what we felt today. Since my life is still unpredictable, I will start with what happens in my real world. I often need to juggle my thoughts based on issues, challenges, or appointments. Let's start with the:
Evening Disturbance & Morning Thoughts
While reading this morning, I discovered a light on the virtual path. I would like to say that I tossed grief aside, but in reality, grief never goes away. With my one word, "restore," on my side, the Bible verse below confirms that my broken heart and spirit will be restored in my spiritual journey.
DailyVerses.Net
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What's On My Heart and In My Spirit!
On sunkissed days
I breathe in summer air,
Pause, then listen to the call
Of my grieving heart and spirit.
I breathe in summer air and
Clear what's causing confusion within.
My grieving heart and spirit
Accept the challenge to let go of fear and doubt.
Clear what's causing confusion within.
Divine Truth will restore my life in every part,
Accept the challenge to let go of fear and doubt.
With this, I shall walk a renewed path.
Divine Truth will restore me in every part.
Calmness will bring a crown of peace.
With this, I shall walk a renewed path,
On sunkissed days
©CVarsalona, 2026, Pantoum
Photos at Adler Hospice Center, A Place of Peace
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layered in peace
tranquility speaks
©CVarsalona, 2026, haiku and photo
SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
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Off to the Beach
Ruth at There is no such thing as a God-forsaken town is our host from Uganda where she teaches. She shares a cheerful poem, For the Bird Singing Before Dawn by Kim Stafford.
My timing is off these days, so excuse my late entrance.
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That waterfall is beautiful! Grief is such a funny beast, isn't it? It isn't 100% tamable...but also something that has it's purpose for us. I hate the pain I see in people that are greiving...and yet, it's necessary and part of growth. I hope and pray that the light of the summer sun gives you and your family kisses and new memories this weekend. Carry on, Carol. You're doing good spirit work.
ReplyDeleteLinda, thank you for the experience of digging into my thought patterns. When I came out of my bereavement session, I could not deny the beauty of the flowing waterfall. I quickly took photos and then used a digital tool to create the scene. The experience was uplifting as was my session. Even if the weather is not sun-kissed, I will still be grateful to see the shore where I spent so many years with the family. Have a wonderful weekend.
DeleteCarol, “A new dawn awakens hope fills heart”. I love this thought because it reminds us that whatever grief or problems we face today, tomorrow is a new beginning and there is hope in that future. The waterfall is cleansing. It washes away the darkness leaving light in its wake. Letting go of fear and doubt is difficult, but as you say, Divine Truth is there to lead the way. The beauty of an evening sky offers a restfulness to a troubled soul. Here’s wishing you safe travels and an enjoyable time with your family. Hope the weather cooperates. Bob
ReplyDeleteBob, thank you again for taking time to respond to me. Your thoughts are always right on. Thank you also for picking up on the metaphor. After my bereavement session, my eyes fell upon the waterfall in the meditation area. It started to rain in small amounts but being there in the calmness of day was comforting. I did not start out with fear last year but grief pulled me into a cycle of doubt. The evening sky usually helps my troubled soul. As I said, you were right on with your interpretation of what I wrote. I send best wishes to both you and Kathy during these strange climate change days.
DeleteAs always, Carol, your heart speaks through your words. "Walk the path..." really jumped out as I re-read your reflection. Hard as it is, it is what we do -- walk in faith and trust; walk with people who companion us; find solace in the micro-moments. Peace be with you!
ReplyDeleteThe Hospice Center photos reflect peace in the midst of grief. I hope your family trip goes well and you have some precious moments of love.
ReplyDeleteOh, Carol, what a beautiful collection of what's on your heart at this time. I hope you're enjoying sun kissed days at the beach with your family and reveling in the moments you have together. I love mornings since it's the time I feel most hopeful. And your haiku about the evening light with the photo gives me pause to appreciate evening more. May you feel blessed and loved as you walk this path of grief.
ReplyDeleteCarol, I love reading your sweet reflections on this chapter you are living without Richard, so graciously, so bravely, so hope-filled. You are an inspiration. The dark clouds and night sky in your first photo/poem is perfectly aligned with "hope fills heart" in the tiny corner of light. Your pantoum is the perfect form for your thoughts of what's in your heart and spirit. Peace to you, friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol, for sharing your heart with us again. Grief is a heavy load that friends can help us carry. And likewise, your contributions to this community buoy others, even as you walk this hard path.
ReplyDeleteOne part that touched me about your journey is to write of "a renewed path". After the muddle of grief one finds oneself in, stumbling along a path strewn with, well, sometimes boulders, & it's so hard to get around them, over, under, I'm sure you understand, and love reading that you're finding a way, Carol. I think of you often & wonder how you are. Thanks for sharing so much!
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