O Christmas Tree

It was a magical sight! A Christmas tree lit up with a fragile package of life under its boughs. Parents, two sets of grandparents, aunts, and uncles gathered for Baby's First Christmas to watch a little bundle of energy's movement.  

I sit back now and reflect on this magical Christmas in which my grandbaby Sierra Kathryn became the focal point. Past Christmastimes flash before me. I see my mother's 1940 manger, an array of Christmas trees, and children's faces but this year one image looms brightly-an angel of glee and cheerfulness who brings joy to all.  

Could there be a better blessing than this sweet child with a beautiful  smile and loving ways?

Life is full! 

Isn't it amazing how one small child can bring healing to life? 

Last week, I was fortunate to have witnessed the magnificent light show at the Morman Washington D.C.Temple. I created a short video using the Magisto platform. You can access that here.

I'm joining Mary Lee Hahn for her #haikuforhealing project and Poetry Friday where Heidi Mordhorst is the host. 

It's #ThankfulThursday and I want to thank all those who graciously offered their talents and poetry love to help me build my Autumn Ablaze Gallery.

Reach

What better way to open a morning than to 
REACH for positivity and possibility. 

My day began with gratitude for a shining sun.
I reached out to touch the world
as I glided down the highway.
Traffic was heavy and focus
needed to arrive safely.
Persevere through
challenges,
I thought.
©CV, 2017 

Donna Smith's one word, reach, was on my mind but there was no time to write. Now at the end of day, I reflect on the power of #ThankfulThursday as a catalyst to pour gratitude into the universe. I am thankful for: safe passage to the regional meeting that I was facilitating, new learning from the keynote presenter, positive communication with colleagues, a wonderful dinner with friends, and the quiet of alone time. 

As I reach out to find further inspiration for this post being offered to Spiritual Journey first Thursday, I give praise to Irene Latham for gathering our community of believers each month and to Donna Smith for opening her site for commentary on her one little word, reach. 

There is much to reach for in life. 

The road ahead may be bumpy

but with a shiny light from above,

I will be able to reach further destinations.

Songs of Hope

Throughout the years I have walked down different paths on life's journey with faith as my guide so spending time writing about a spiritual journey filled with hope is right timing. Holly Mueller, a Twitter friend, has asked that we share aspects of our spiritual journey today. With the topic of hope as my prompt, I write despite the pressing call of various tasks because hope is my beacon that moves me forward each day.

Holly has reminded us that the Biblical explanation of hope is confident expectation. I have never thought of hope with those words in mind but do know that without hope I would often be adrift in the turbulent sea of life. Perhaps, you have felt the same nagging feeling during times of stress. At these times, I try to remain calm, call on Divine Providence to support me, and repeat these words from Psalm 33:18, Hope in the Lord and His unfailing love. It is the unfailing word that guides me; the constant presence of hope from the infinite Giver of abiding hope that cushions my missteps and lights my path. It is now with confident expectation I will open each day forward.

In the night when stresses mount, let the anxious voice inside give rise to a song of hope. 

 Listen to A Song Of Hope here.

Thank you Holly and the members of Spiritual Journey Thursday for thoughtful posts on this #ThankfulThursday.

Souvenir from REFLECT WITH ME: Summer Serenity

In anticipation of the unveiling of my new gallery collection of REFLECT WITH ME: Summer Serenity in late August, I decided to provide a sneak preview. Various writers have accepted my invitation to capture their summer go-to spots for quiet meditation, relaxation, or enjoyment in photographs accompanied by their poetic thoughts. Today, I created a poem for Poetry Friday based on photographs taken at two different beaches, one on the East Coast of the United States and the other on the West Coast. This is my teaser for the new gallery. 

I have always been captivated by the beauty of the beach and intrigued by driftwood washed ashore. On one of my summer jaunts to Long Beach on the south shore of Long Island I found an interesting piece of driftwood in the sand. Later, as I was perusing some travel photos taken by daughter when she traveled to the state of Washington with her husband, I found a photo of a collection of driftwood cast on to Ruby Beach.  

If you would like to join me in my new venture, please saunter over to 

Exploring Summer Serenity 

or

Summertime's Alluring Call to Relax, Reflect, Recharge

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This post is written as a #ThankfulThursday tribute to the Poetry Friday community who welcomed me as a new contributor. You can find a collection of wonderful additions to this week's Poetry Friday at Poetry for Children hosted by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong. There is an exciting announcement about plans for their next installment in The Poetry Friday Anthology series. 

PS: Special thanks to Karen at The Graphics Fairy for allowing use of her Vintage Clip Art-Souvenir Seashell Postcard. Check out her site.