blog

  • Witnessing Unexpected Joy & Sorrow One October Morning

    “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

    Butterfly, taken at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in National City

    One morning, as I prepared for another fine gardening day, I set aside a few minutes to spend meditating with the divine in my small backyard. During that time, I observed in silence all that was going on around me: the flowers and small trees I had just watered appeared so refreshed. The hummingbirds were feasting at our bird feeders, each enjoying a different feeder all to themselves. 

     

  • My Reflection for the Year That Was


    "Sometimes you have to let go of the picture of what you thought life would be like and learn to find joy in the story you are actually living."-Rachel Marie Martin

     

    With everything that happened this year, it's hard not to reflect on where we were one year ago.

    One year ago, there was no COVID-19. Life was on its fastest pace. Worldwide, mankind was on a roll: crowded malls, beaches, bars, casinos, gyms. Unlimited credit spending on luxury cars, expensive branded purses, worldwide travels and tours, shop till you drop, buffets, casinos. Not a lot of people went to church.

    Suddenly, the world came into a stand still. The fear of the unknown, disease affecting many people, the lockdowns have been sustained and prolonged with no end in sight. Our invisible enemy, COVID, made us go back to basics. Some turn to God, some lost faith, some find their life back to believing in a supernatural being. Some remain clueless!

  • What I Learned From Gardening

    While pruning my small trees the other day, I thought the trees must feel the pain of the deep cuts I am inflicting them. But I also saw beauty with well-trimmed leaves and well-pruned branches. In time, the trees will heal and be more robust and more fruitful and beautiful! I thought it must be fun if I can apply this lesson to real life and make my life more beautiful too!