Spiritual simplicity

We are planning a trip to Paris and the beaches of Normandy. That means library trips, viewing appropriate web sites, reading, dreaming, and counting days. I have just finished reading "Heaven in Stone and Glass" by Robert Barron. The subtitle is "Experiencing the Spirituality of the Great Cathedrals." I love cathedrals. I have been to a few; Westminster Abbey, Saint Pauls, the Vatican. I look forward to visiting several in France.

Of course France and Napoleon. I have bought Rick Steves book on Paris and am digesting it slowly. Beaches are important. Janet's dad landed on Utah Beach on D-Day. I will watch a few movies on WWII.

Barron makes an interesting comment while spending a day of meditation in Chartres Cathedral. He spent a day of reflection, going throughout the cathedral. He sat in various corners while making the rounds of the church. He often meditated for long periods sitting in front of one of the windows or sculptures. Near the end of the day he walked the labyrinth. That, to me, sounds like the ideal way  to see a cathedral.

As to my days I enjoy reading Alex Tang and have enjoyed studying the Tecarta Bible, a real app addition for Bible Readers.  I am enjoying The Ladder of the Beatitudes by Jim Forest. I am looking forward to the Thomas Merton Event the first week in June, celebrating the 100th year of his birth. Hope to see you there.

Last Monday in the Bahamas

I am sitting outside in a shady place. A soft breeze blows. I have been reading from the book of ecclesiastical. Be thankful. Keep your eyes on the Lord. Quietness is part of a true religious experience. Whether by the office window, seaside, a mountain top, the silence is the key.

We have little time for silence . to many things seek our attention. Just to be. So hard! So I am thankful in the sun and the blessing of being away.

Eden

Enjoying, 83 degrees. Eating at Garden of Eden tonight.

I am totally iced out. Tired of the cold weather and dismal cloudy days I am going somewhere tomorrow where it is 84 degrees. Check back and see where I ended up.

The Olympics a journey

This past year we went to St. PETERSBURG RUSSIA,part of a Baltic Sea tour. The Olympics relived lots of Russia history to me. We went to the fortress of St. Petersburg and St. Paul where all the czars are buried. I grew appreciative of Peter the Great while standing by his tomb. Even the Romano's were there after there bodies had been recovered.,

The history of Russia is full of great tragedy and monumental struggles. The churches have become museums, but there is a vibrancy. Traffic jams remind one of New York City. Smaller cars but usually only one driver. The Hermitage, the Russian louve, stands on a precipice like Mount Everest, a beautiful creation.

The modern Russian city reminds me of ancient victories and defeats, but to often all we see is strange commodes, devastating descriptions of a proud Country that can take care of its own security needs without our meddling superiority.

We somehow miss a trip to Tolstoy`s home or trivialize this countries struggles because our own pride of course conquers our day. Something to think About!

Moments

Every moment is a gift. Relax, get into the moment. Be present to the moment with everything you are. (Lax)

No Snow

There is no snow where I live. We have had 2 To 3 inches all over the South but not us. There Is talk of an impenetrable wall south of I 40 that is like a black hole for snow. None arrives.

In the meantime we see politicians blaming the weatherman, a viscous intruder attacking Jim Cantor, and even dogs sleeping on their backs to protest the snow. Several other headlines capture our attention:a cruise ship has 700 sick passengers, a man has been caught with hundreds of sleepy snakes hoarding his house,super bowl weather stirs up concern,, and I am sick with a head cold, sore throat, and coughing.

My birds are hungry and me to sick to walk out in 10 degree weather to feed them. When I am sick I don't read, don't drink enough juice, and feel miserable. I pass the time watching the science channel. Maybe a nap is appropriate. Where is Yogi Bear when I need him. My eyes hurt from typing this. I have read the paper. Oh wrll, just complaining!