
My true destiny: a place at the table with God, in the world of God.
13 Aug 2022 Leave a comment
in Poetry
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2022
How can I attorney my life with trust, and speak my truth?
12 Aug 2022 Leave a comment
in Poetry

You must address all of your issues head-on right now.
Your tarot card for today is the King of Swords.
The King of Swords card shows a king sitting on his throne. The way he is positioned gives the impression that he is ready to face any challenge life brings.
In his right hand is a sword, which he holds with authority. The sword is a symbol of his ability to cut through any problem and get to the heart of any matter. He is also wearing a blue cape, which is a symbol of his wisdom and knowledge.
The King of Swords is all about taking charge and being in control. Kings don’t hesitate to express their opinions. They stand up for whatever they believe in, whether right or wrong.
They are natural leaders, and they have the capacity to comprehend all sides of any problem. People admire the strength and confidence the king exhibits.
If the King of Swords shows up in your reading, it means it’s time for you to attorney over your life and be the leader you were born to be. You may need to make some tough decisions, but you will be able to handle them with grace and ease. Give credit to your intuition, trust yourself, and don’t be hesitant to express your truth.
Facing the Hard Truth
The King of Swords is typically related to the theme of harsh or tough love. He tells you that you must give honest and sometimes difficult feedback in order to help the ones you love.
You might see this as being unemotional or insensitive, but this is not the case. While this approach can sometimes be seen as harsh, it is usually done with the best intentions at heart.
If you find yourself attracted to someone who seems to embody the qualities of the King of Swords, it may be worth considering whether or not you are ready for a relationship that could challenge you in some ways.
This isn’t to say that such a relationship would be bad for you, but rather that it would require a certain level of emotional maturity and openness on your part. Are you willing to listen to your partner’s tough love and use it to help you grow? If so, then the relationship could be very rewarding.
You Need to Take Charge
The card suggests that you are in a position of power or authority. You have the ability to think clearly and make decisions quickly because of your intelligence.
You may often be fair and just, but you can also be ruthless and cold-blooded if necessary. When it comes to your career, you are successful and always want to be in control. You want to get things done quickly and get ahead in whatever field you find yourself in. Find that inner attorney.
As for health, the King of Swords indicates that you are generally healthy and fit but may have some issues with mental health. You may be under a lot of stress or pressure, which can lead to problems like anxiety or depression.
However, trust that you will be able to cope with these problems and maintain a good level of health overall.
It’s Time to Act Now
Start by acting decisively. When you make a decision, stick to it without changing your mind. You have the ability to alter your life for the better. When you take decisive action, you can achieve great things.
If you have been avoiding an issue, now is the time to deal with it. Be courageous and assert your beliefs. Remind yourself that you have inner strength and determination and that confronting a situation head-on is often the best course of action.
Remember, you have the power to influence events, you are fighting your own case Mr. or Ms. Attorney. Have confidence in yourself when you face challenges and you’ll see the light at the end of the tunnel.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022
“Here, on earth, the process of our “novitiate” begins: we are apprentices of life, who – amid a thousand difficulties – learn to appreciate God’s gift, honouring the responsibility of sharing it and making it bear fruit for everyone. The time of life on earth is the grace of this passage. The conceit of stopping time – of wanting eternal youth, unlimited wellbeing, absolute power – is not only impossible, it is delusional.”
Pope Francis
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022
“Here, on earth, the process of our “novitiate” begins: we are apprentices of life, who – amid a thousand difficulties – learn to appreciate God’s gift, honouring the responsibility of sharing it and making it bear fruit for everyone. The time of life on earth is the grace of this passage. The conceit of stopping time – of wanting eternal youth, unlimited wellbeing, absolute power – is not only impossible, it is delusional.”
Pope Francis
If your work is published for little money, it still remains a spiritual, mental, and physical achievement, and a blessed work.
11 Aug 2022 Leave a comment
in Poetry

The Dragonfly
by Louise Bogan
You are made of almost nothing
But of enough
To be great eyes
And diaphanous double vans;
To be ceaseless movement,
Unending hunger,
Grappling love.
Link between water and air,
Earth repels you.
Light touches you only to shift into iridescence
Upon your body and wings.
Twice-born, predator
You split into the heat.
Swift beyond calculation or capture
You dart into the shadow
Which consumes you.
You rocket into the day.
But at last, when the wind flattens the grasses,
For you, the design and purpose stop.
And you fall
With the other husks of summer.
“The Dragonfly” by Louise Bogan, from The Blue Estuaries: Poems 1923-1968. © Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1995. Reprinted with permission.
Andre Dubus II’s books include Adultery and Other Choices (1977), Finding a Girl in America (1980), The Times are Never So Bad (1983), The Last Worthless Evening (1986), and Dancing After Hours (1996). His story “Killings” was adapted into the film In the Bedroom (2001).
Dubus said: “A first book is a treasure, and all these truths and quasi-truths I have written about publishing are finally ephemeral. An older writer knows what a younger one has not yet learned. What is demanding and fulfilling is writing a single word, trying to write le mot juste, as Flaubert said; writing several of them which becomes a sentence. When a writer does that, day after day, working alone with little encouragement, often with discouragement flowing in the writer’s own blood, and with the occasional rush of excitement that empties oneself, so that the self is for minutes or longer in harmony with eternal astonishments and visions of truth, right there on the page on the desk; and when a writer does this work steadily enough to complete a manuscript long enough to be a book, the treasure is on the desk. If the manuscript itself, mailed out to the world where other truths prevail, is never published, the writer will suffer bitterness, sorrow, anger, and, more dangerously, despair, convinced that the work was not worthy, so not worth those days at the desk. But the writer who endures and keeps working will finally know that writing the book was something hard and glorious, for at the desk a writer must try to be free of prejudice, meanness of spirit, pettiness, and hatred; strive to be a better human being than the writer normally is, and to do this through concentration on a single word, and then another, and another. This is splendid work, as worthy and demanding as any, and the will and resilience to do it are good for the writer’s soul. If the work is not published, or is published for little money and less public attention, it remains a spiritual, mental, and physical achievement; and if, in public, it is the widow’s mite, it is also, like the widow, more blessed.”
How can I have a discerning view?
10 Aug 2022 Leave a comment
in Poetry

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2022
“There are two possible views we can have towards the world in which we live: I would call one “the negative view”, and the other “the discerning view”. The first, the negative view, is often born of a faith that feels under attack and thinks of it as a kind of “armour”, defending us against the world. This view bitterly complains that “the world is evil; sin reigns”, and thus risks clothing itself in a “crusading spirit”… We are called, instead, to have a view similar to that of God, who discerns what is good and persistently seeks it, sees it and nurtures it. This is no naïve view, but a view that discerns reality.”
Pope Francis
How does a fluffy hen express the joy of the Gospel?
09 Aug 2022 Leave a comment
in Poetry

She pecks patiently
grooms the rooster
fluffs up her feathers
to applaud life…
She sits on eggs
warms the chicks
leads to water
to quench their thirst
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022
“Does our Church express the joy of the Gospel? Is there a faith in our communities that can attract by the joy it communicates?… God seems to have disappeared from the horizon, and his word no longer seems a compass guiding our lives, our basic decisions, our human and social relationships. Yet we should be clear about one thing. When we consider the ambient culture, and its variety of languages and symbols, we must be careful not to fall prey to pessimism or resentment, passing immediately to negative judgments or a vain nostalgia.”
Pope Francis
Speak with your inner child and allow her to lead the way.
08 Aug 2022 Leave a comment
in Poetry

The tarot card of the day is the Six of Cups.
You may be feeling a bit nostalgic today, as the six of Cups often indicates a longing for simpler times. Childhood memories may come flooding back, and you may find yourself reminiscing about when you were young.
The two children on this card are standing in a flower garden. The castle behind them symbolizes the comfort and safety of home. The children play together peacefully, reminding us that we all have the capacity for innocence and joy. The girl hands the boy a flowerpot, representing the sharing of love and kindness.
You’re experiencing nostalgia, happiness, and a longing for simpler times. You may be feeling a bit sentimental today, but that’s okay. Sometimes, these memories can be a source of strength and comfort. Other times, they just make you smile.
It’s an excellent time to reconnect with your inner child. Let them remind you how to enjoy life and all the simple things. As we grow older, we lose our childlike nature and can become bogged down by the stresses of everyday life. This is a reminder to pause and enjoy the moment.
Reawakening Your Creative Side
Now is the time to rediscover your muse and passion. If you’ve been creatively blocked, the Six of Cups can signify that it’s time to get back to your roots. Take a moment to remember what first sparked your interest.
The pressures of the outside world can often cause us to lose sight of our creative side. We can become so focused on work and responsibilities that we forget to live and have fun.
So whether it’s painting, hiking, or playing music, find an activity that brings you happiness and run with it. It will bring your soul back to life.
A Return to Innocence
You are about to experience a return to innocence. This may be literal, in the form of a new baby or grandchild. Alternatively, it could be a more symbolic rebirth, as you let go of old baggage and allow yourself to see the world with fresh eyes.
This is a time of wonder, hope, and possibilities. You may feel like anything is possible right now. But, just like a child, you are open to everything new. So, take risks and explore the world, don’t be afraid. You may be in awe of what you find.
Think about your childhood dreams, who you wanted to be, and what you wanted to do. This is a time to recommit to those goals and pursue them with the same enthusiasm as you did when you were younger. Surrender to your imagination and let it lead the way.
Generosity and Giving
The Six of Cups indicates a time of generosity and giving. This may manifest as material gifts, but it can also be in the form of your time, energy, or attention.
Whatever form it takes, you are in a position to give freely and without expecting anything in return. You may be called upon to help someone in need or simply feel the urge to perform acts of kindness. Don’t hesitate to give from the heart.
The world needs more love and compassion, so let yours shine through. Giving is its reward, so don’t worry about what you’ll get in return.
Today’s Suggested Action
Someone needs that kindness today; you are the perfect person to give that kindness. So, give a cheerful heart and know that you are making a difference in the world.
Today, embrace your inner child and do something that brings them joy. It could be taking a walk in the park or playing with a pet.
Or, you may want to try something new and explore your creative side. It might be the perfect way to recharge your batteries and change your outlook.
Look back on your past fondly, but don’t dwell on it. It was a part of your path, but it’s not where you’re going now.
Today is a new day, full of possibilities, and your inner child is guiding you to new adventures.
SHARE THIS MESSAGE
MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022
“Christian joy is about the experience of a peace that remains in our hearts, even when we are pelted by trials and afflictions, for then we know that we are not alone, but accompanied by a God who is not indifferent to our lot. When seas are rough: the storm is always on the surface but the depths remain calm and peaceful. That is also true of Christian joy: it is a free gift, the certainty of knowing that we are loved, sustained and embraced by Christ in every situation in life. Because he is the one who frees us from selfishness and sin, from the sadness of solitude, from inner emptiness and fear, and gives us a new look at life and history…”
Pope Francis
Stay with us Lord when night fades…
06 Aug 2022 Leave a comment
in Poetry

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2022
“Stay with us, Lord Jesus, when hope fades and the night of disappointment falls. Stay with us, for with you our journey presses on and from the blind alleys of mistrust the amazement of joy is reborn. Stay with us, Lord, because with you the night of pain turns into the radiant dawn of life. Let us say, in all simplicity: Stay with us, Lord! For if you walk at our side, failure gives way to the hope of new life. Amen.”
Pope Francis
The Round
by Stanley Kunitz
Light splashed this morning
on the shell-pink anemones
swaying on their tall stems;
down blue-spiked veronica
light flowed in rivulets
over the humps of the honeybees;
this morning I saw light kiss
the silk of the roses
in their second flowering,
my late bloomers
flushed with their brandy.
A curious gladness shook me.
So I have shut the doors of my house,
so I have trudged downstairs to my cell,
so I am sitting in semi-dark
hunched over my desk
with nothing for a view
to tempt me
but a bloated compost heap,
steamy old stinkpile,
under my window;
and I pick my notebook up
and I start to read aloud
and still-wet words I scribbled
on the blotted page:
“Light splashed…
“I can scarcely wait till tomorrow
when a new life begins for me
as it does each day,
as it does each day.
“The Round” by Stanley Kunitz, from The Collected Poems of Stanley Kunitz. © W.W. Norton, 2000. Reprinted with permission.
“In certain ways writing is a form of prayer.” —Denise Levertov
05 Aug 2022 Leave a comment
in Poetry

God named me in His temple
at Baptism
after my father wifed my mother
when I took my vows and gave them to Christ
when I met my x-priest and we married
had 2 glorious children
and now they have another Britain man as stepfather.
He’s a Smitty too!
jp
all rights
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022
“When confronted with failure in life, nothing could be worse than fleeing in order to avoid it. It is a temptation that comes from the enemy, who threatens our spiritual journey and that of the Church, for he wants us to think that all our failures are now irreversible. He wants to paralyze us with grief and remorse, to convince us that nothing else can be done, that it is hopeless to try to find a way to start over… There is but one path, a sole way: it is the way of Jesus, the way that is Jesus. Let us believe that Jesus draws near to us on our journey. Let us go out to meet him.”
Pope Francis
And what do we do with frailty and weaknesses?
04 Aug 2022 Leave a comment
in Poetry

Be Glad Your Nose is on Your Face
by Jack Prelutsky
Be glad your nose is on your face,not pasted on some other place,for if it were where it is not,you might dislike your nose a lot.Imagine if your precious nosewere sandwiched in between your toes,that clearly would not be a treat,for you’d be forced to smell your feet.Your nose would be a source of dreadwere it attached atop your head,it soon would drive you to despair,forever tickled by your hair.Within your ear, your nose would bean absolute catastrophe,for when you were obliged to sneeze,your brain would rattle from the breeze.Your nose, instead, through thick and thin,remains between your eyes and chin,not pasted on some other place—be glad your nose is on your face!
“Be Glad Your Nose is on Your Face” by Jack Prelutsky, from Be Glad Your Nose is on Your Face: And Other Poems: Some of the Best of Jack Prelutsky. © Harper Collins, 2008.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2022
“On the path of life and faith, as we seek to achieve the dreams, plans, hopes and expectations deep in our hearts, we also come up against our own frailties and weaknesses; we experience setbacks and disappointments, and often we can remain imprisoned by a paralyzing sense of failure. Yet the Gospel tells us that at those very moments we are not alone, for the Lord comes to meet us and stands at our side. He accompanies us on our way with the discretion of a gentle fellow-traveller who wants to open our eyes and make our hearts once more burn within us. Whenever our failures lead to an encounter with the Lord, life and hope are reborn and we are able to be reconciled: with ourselves, with our brothers and sisters, and with God.”
the Lord wants us to be artisans of a new history, weavers of hope, builders of the future, peacemakers…
03 Aug 2022 Leave a comment
in Poetry

Marvin Bell said, “Much of our lives involves the word ‘no.’ In school we are mostly told, ‘Don’t do it this way. Do it that way.’ But art is the big yes. In art, you get a chance to make something where there was nothing.”
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2022
“Often we measure our lives on the basis of our income, our type of career, our degree of success and how others perceive us. Yet these are not life-giving criteria. The real question is: am I giving life? Am I ushering into history a new and renewed love that was not there before? Am I proclaiming the Gospel in my neighbourhood? Am I freely serving others, the way those who preceded me did for me? What am I doing for our Church, our city, our society? Brothers and sisters, it is easy to criticize, but the Lord does not want us to be mere critics of the system… Rather, he wants us to be artisans of a new history, weavers of hope, builders of the future, peacemakers.”
Pope Francis