spirituality – Rivers Renewed

Playing in the Woods

When I was a kid and into my teens, I played in the woods a lot. I was in the creek, walking the trails and there was a swing attached to the largest tree I had ever seen before, or since then.

I was very spiritual and loved historic Native American culture and Asian views of the world. In fact, I have always loved other cultures, people that are way different than I am. I’ve never lost that. My favorite academic pursuit is not writing but anthropology.

I couldn’t find God in church though. Where was He? It wasn’t until many years later that I had a personal experience with God, in the traditional sense. And I ended up clearly on the right culturally and politically.

I didn’t stay there though. Over time I began to see things that were “off”. Disturbing things really, like the way they treated women, and racial prejudice. And there was always a condemnation of others, anyone different than they were, even other Christians.

I changed spiritual directions due to tragedies in my life. However, I also became a much more open, non-judgmental person. I’m no longer a Republican. I left that mess years ago. And an evangelical church is out of the question now. That’s no longer a part of me.

I care a lot more about people now, still holding onto the core of who I am. I love and respect all people (except for bullies) I still seek to be spiritual, while loving other cultures!

So there you are! Or rather here I am!

Thank you for being here!

P. S. I still love to play in the woods.

The Earth Seemed Young

The earth seemed young back then, primal somehow, when I began

searching through those deep woods trails

the earth veiled in a cloak, I already knew though

the certainty of owls wings in the night

that mist will burn away,

and that the Almighty declared….

we were never alone.

We each will find our way.

Note: Pieces here originally posted in 2015

Strange Things

I know it’s strange to hear from me this time of day but some strange things are happening. First I have felt pulled, or actually drawn to particular faith based topics. This has not happened in many years!

Yet, I find myself searching, meaning spiritually. This is very unusual.

I won’t bore you with details, but I will say I can’t stand most churches. Ok that’s out now. Tradition and liturgy are ok though.

I have no inclination to write anything political, and fiction is out of the question, because I’m still recovering from the fall that occurred almost 3 weeks ago!

Add to that I have dealt with chronic pain for the past several years, and lately it has been real bad. So bad in fact, I’ve actually thought about not blogging anymore. Weird!

And when I think of that, I always, I mean always, have a poem stirring within my spirit. What? Is writing a calling?

And the Vietnamese angel Henry Vu is so tied up now in Washington D.C. trying to protect our democracy, he may never be available to visit with us.

Gosh, so many strange things……. and yet there is always the dawn.