-
#AtoZChallenge: Music as prayer
Photo by Diane Weidenbenner I’ve become more aware of the transformative experiences in my life. Those things that edge me a little closer to the person I want to become. Close friendships contribute to my life. Spending time with family, although not as often as I’d like, strengthens my foundation. Reading the Word, going to church and hearing an inspiring message are encouraging. Swimming with my husband (at least that’s what I call it) allows me to reflect, pray, focus on my breathing and relax, especially when followed by the whirlpool. Music also has the ability to touch my heart and soul. Many times it can lead me to prayer…
-
Blogging A to Z: D-ovekeepers
Photo credit: CBS 2015 As an Easter treat, I wanted to watch CBS’ new two-night mini-series, the Dovekeepers, in one sitting this weekend. It was viewable “on demand” so I could watch it in its entirety. And, my husband was napping (too much romance for his taste)! Executive Product Roma Downey and her husband, Mark Burnett, bought the rights to New York Times best-selling author Alice Hoffman’s book, after traveling to Israel and visiting Masada. The female lead is played by Cote de Pablo, from NCIS fame, which caught my attention in the previews. Dovekeepers tells the story of the Roman siege on 1,000 Jews who were hiding out on the…
-
Blogging A to Z: April showers
Málaga airport by Bert Kaufmann, Creative Commons license. Flickr. “Caution, moving walkway is nearing its end.” April is a time to look forward. Sunshine stretches into longer days. Crocus and daffodils sprout and remind us that winter, as the moving walkway announcement at the airport warns, “is nearing its end.” I’m thinking about what flowers I’d like to plant, what festivals I’m looking forward to, and what photography possibilities await me. The birds are singing and the intermittent rain we receive is painting the grass green. Things are looking up! And, then I find out that in two and a half weeks, I am having knee replacement surgery. Whaaaat? I…
-
Winter preparations for Christmas
I listen to WGBL on my way to work and the day after Thanksgiving, they begin playing Christmas music. Recently I heard a song by Matt Brouwer and I had to call in and ask for the name because it struck a chord with me – it was “Better Days.” Here’s a sample of the lyrics: “And you ask me what I want this year And I try to make this kind and clear Just a chance that maybe We’ll find better days ‘Cause I don’t need boxes wrapped in string And designer love and empty things Just a chance that maybe We’ll find better days Refrain: So take these…
-
Very thankful
It’s Thanksgiving day and Joe and I arrived safely back home among snow flurries and unexpectedly icy roads, after enjoying a delicious dinner made by my sister-in-law, Amy, in Indianapolis. We had all the familiar foods that warm our tummies and remind us of gatherings past: home-made dressing, melt-in-your mouth turkey, sweet corn casserole, green bean casserole, two sweet potato casseroles, cranberry sauce, other delicious carbs and of course yummy pumpkin, peanut butter and apple caramel pies. My nephews were present with their sweet wives and children. My two great nephews seem so grown up (the oldest is three and a half) and a great niece is expected mid-December. And,…
-
Quitters never prosper…
© 2014 by Diane Weidenbenner Okay. Officially the saying is “Cheaters never prosper.” But, since I am going for encouragement with this photo and short blog, I’ve changed it up a bit. For any of you out there that are having an especially trying time – you’ve lost a friend to cancer, or you’ve lost your job, or you just need to know that God is real and available, and unconditional in His love … this bridge is for you! It is to remind us that there is always another way, another opening, another opportunity right around the bend. There is always a different perspective, or a lesson to learn…
-
“X”OXOXO
Sister Ann Casper (left) and Becky talking about the Youth Art Contest and Sister Ann’s remarks. She intiated the inaugral event and fostered its success each year. She loved the fact that youth came out to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods for the Art Contest! Photo © Diane Weidenbenner I wish you had known my friend, Becky. She had a great sense of humor, was a wonderful writer and she never met a stranger. She passed away April 25 and will be missed by her friends and remaining family, puppy dogs and co-workers. Here’s what I learned from Becky: Hawthorn Park, in Terre Haute, Ind., is a wonderful place to take your dog…
-
“F”aith that’s teeny, tiny and trusting
Have you ever said, “I wish I had more faith?” I have. In one of my recent readings, I was reminded that it’s not up to me to have lots of faith. Jesus talks about having faith the size of a mustard seed (Luke 17:6), which is fairly small. What’s more important – what I need to keep in mind – is the object of my faith. The all-knowing, always-present God is with me. He is the object of my faith and he’s the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Yesterday I blogged about my experience getting into Journalism school. When I was younger, I had faith in God that couldn’t…
-
Life sped up
Peaches from Ditzler’s Orchard, north of Terre Haute, Ind. I’ve noticed that as I get older, the days, weeks – even years – fly by at warp speed compared to when I was young. At least that’s how it feels. I remember school getting out and my brother’s and my trip to the local library to get the first few books on our reading list. I remember leaving windows open in the house at night to get the cross breeze because we didn’t have air conditioning. I remember going down the street to play at the Dunning’s house and not coming home until the street lights came on (or someone…
-
Providence and roses
“As Providence would have it” is a phrase that’s common where I work. You see, I work for a group of Catholic nuns (they prefer the term women religious). I’ve always believed in the Providence of God although I didn’t use that terminology when I was younger. One of my favorite verses is “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) I believe this with all my heart but some days it’s hard to hold on to, physically. I’m surrounded, daily, by strong, incredible women of faith but I…
