These Sacred Threads...Living in the threads of life that hold us together
May 24
by Elpis in Nature, Sabbatical 0 comments

Marking Holy Ground (Pentecost 2015)

Cairn: a mound of rough stones built as a memorial or landmark, typically on a hilltop or skyline. Cairns have been used throughout history in ways both sacred and profane. They can be seen as simple markers on a trail, left by one hiker for another to another to mark the way. They have been used as memorials and boundaries. They are everywhere in our national parks. They serve as trail markers, tended to by Rangers, but also appear in places where no trails can go. Places where trails aren’t needed. Places where people have simply stopped and felt the need to mark an experience of the divine – to set apart the space where they have experienced the sacred. They are marks of holy grounds. Look through the gallery and you will see them all over. On this day of Pentecost, may the holy blow through where you are, and may you know holy ground. Psalm 1 Redux (from Psalms Redux, Poems and Prayers, by Carla A. Grosch–Miller) Delights is born of discipline chosen. Contentment grows with wisdom. Deep listening leads along a cairn marked trail, dew clinging to grass bent by pilgrim feet. The sky is blue here. […]
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May 23
by Elpis in Places 3 comments

Breathing and Breathtaking

From Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire: “A man could be a lover and defender of the wilderness without ever in his lifetime leaving the boundaries of asphalt, power lines,and right-angled surfaces. We need wilderness whether or not we ever set foot in it. We need a refuge even though we may never need to set foot in it. We need the possibility of escape as surely as we need hope…” Over the last week, I cannot count the number of times that the beauty of creation has taken my breath away. Desserts. Canyons. Flowers. Mountains. Snow and sun. Internet has been rare and random, but I am slowly uploading some of the pictures. These are from Arches National Park, Utah – see the gallery section for more.    
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May 18
by Elpis in Nature, Sabbatical 2 comments

Welcome to Utah!

on the road to Moab.
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May 17
by Elpis in Places 0 comments

Bind us together…

New friends. From old friends. Meet Tanya (in green) and Sandy (in blue). I went to Denver knowing many stories about their wonderful spirits, gracious souls, stunning hearts. I will leave Denver having shared new stories, a couple of meals, and delightful time with them. Tanya came from Australia, after a stopover in Rock Island, to visit our mutual friend Laura. She awaits the day Australian Lutheran Church will fully recognize the gifts of women in its midst through ordination. Sandy is a retired UCC pastor, whom my friend Katherine credits with her own journey to ordination. I am blessed to have spent time with them and experienced their gifts – and hearts and smiles – in person.  
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May 17
by Elpis in Cities, Sabbatical 1 comments

How does your garden grow?

This garden grows on the street in front of Central Presbyterian in downtown Denver. Stationed next to an entry for Denver’s only homeless program for working people, New Genesis (newgenesis.org), these small raised beds provides fresh produce for the Metro CareRing’s fresh food market, the lgbt drop-in center, and other ministries of the church.      
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May 08
by Elpis in Places 5 comments

Wonderings and Wanderings…

An occasional blog, heavy on the photos, as I wonder and wander my way through a 3 month clergy sabbatical. My god-daughter Violet listens intently as the choir sings a benediction. We’re sitting on the stunning Sabbatical Star quilt signed by the congregation. (St. John’s Lutheran-Rock Island, IL)
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