I must be willing to suffer because there is so much more at the end of perseverance. I must reject the pleasures of today for the glory of tomorrow. There is a higher calling.

Enlightened holy cross, originally uploaded by B℮n.

Grace falls like rain. Everything rides on hope now. Our Redeemer is so good.

"Many of us spend our whole lives running from feeling with the mistaken belief that you cannot bear the pain. But you have already borne the pain. What you have not done is feel all you are beyond the pain."
- St. Bartholomew

Lately, I've been feeling nerve pain again. It isn't really bad, but it totally freaks me out because I've experienced mind-blowing pain with this condition before and felt I couldn't handle it. But, I forget. I DID HANDLE IT!  (Plus, there's always neurontin and valium.)

"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." 

-Kahlil Gibran

Last week my kind friend, Esa, called me to recite me this line of Gibran's "On Joy and Sorrow." I hadn't heard from my friend in two years, but he wanted to reach out. Moments like this make life so very beautiful.

Good morning, Morning!

Holding hands, originally uploaded by Dianna Narotski.

It's a beautiful day out today. A cool, balmy breeze sweeps by and occasionally taps in puffs upon your shoulder. The sun smiles down upon the damp earth diffusing the smell of wet grass and leaves. Claire and I intended only to go outside to the park for a few minutes. I was just trying to make good on my promise to take her out. Stopping her incessant reminders was a bonus. However, the park visit turned into a little walk, then a hike. Claire and I began walking along a trail behind the apartment. We stopped and watched fish swim under a bridge then continued on searching for the shiniest leaves, the best bug-killing weapon, the prettiest cloud, or the other's hand. Claire loves holding hands. She feels more secure in the world when she's holding my hand. Little does she know I feel more secure when she's holding mine. It's beautiful to have that gift of assurance, knowing that there's a love that flows from God within us and between us.

Good Morning, Morning!

Autumn Colors at Portland Japanese Garden, originally uploaded by David Gn Photography.

"Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow."

-Helen Keller

WHAT'S IN THAT HOLE?!, originally uploaded by unaerica.

“It ain't nothing to find no starting place in the world. You just start from where you find yourself.”

~August Wilson (American Writer, 1945-2005)