Winter's in the Air

It's hard to believe it's already December. Not sure where another year has gone. It's been a challenging year-- lots of losses, lots of changes, lots of reflection and prayer.

I am grateful for all the good I have but I am saddened by the loss of several good friends. I am still working on acceptance and surrender to the things I cannot change. I recognize life has many experiences for us and we don't love all of them. I do KNOW that there is growth in each and everyone of the experiences I have and that whatever I am still judging as "not good" means there is an opportunity for more growth and greater love.

I am committing myself to loving more. I am committing myself  to stop labeling that which appears (that I did not expect)  as anything other than Divine unfolding. And I am committing to live in the question-- what is in this experience that is FOR me?

As the year comes to a close, I say Thank you God for this human experience-- with all its trials and tribulations as I understand it's likely the only human experience I will ever have.

So, I am grateful for it-- there is much good, much love and much growth.

Happy Holy Days to all-- celebrate and be mindful-- welcome all. Remember what Rumi says,

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.



Blessings to you and yours.

Life is so Fragile

Today is a sad day for me. I lost my best friend. Her passing was quite sudden and certainly unexpected. We have been friends for 45 years. It is still settling in as I am finding it difficult to truly believe!

She left behind a loving husband, daughter, grandson, sister and brother-in-law and numerous cousins and many friends and acquaintances. We will all miss her greatly.

While I know that life never dies, we are left here without the physical presence of those we love and that is difficult. I will think about the many wonderful times we shared: the fun, the holidays, the laughs, the movies, the dinners, the card games....

I loved you Linda. I love you still and love never dies. I know you moved on carrying in your heart the love of those you so generously gave yourself to.  Farewell, my friend-- until we meet again.

A Milestone

On August 15, 2014, I was finally given the designation of Ordination. This is given by our organization to licensed ministers who have served between 3-10 years and shown a lifelong commitment to the ministry.

I am so grateful. I am so grateful to have this behind me. I have worked long and hard for this to happen. My teacher would be so proud. I am proud of myself. With me, were two of my ministerial classmates. I am proud of them as well.

My community is planning a celebration in October. I feel blessed.

Snow is in the Air

For the past day it has snowed and rained and sleeted and snowed some more. What resulted was 15"-24" of white blanketed everywhere. I love the beauty of the snow but not so much the clean up required.

I am supposed to leave town in two days to go to the sunshine state. I am really not so excited like many of my colleagues. I would be just as happy to stay home in the cold weather. The sun was shining all day and melted the residual ice left on the walkways. It actually felt warm.

It will seem a bit strange to be in 80 degree weather in a couple of days after the last two weeks of close to zero. Trying to figure how to pack and hope to see Mickey while I am there.

Stay safe and warm wherever you are--Happy Valentine's day--blessings, Iris