to abide

Posted on June 13, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

"Abide {stay, concentrate, give your full attention} in Me. Now part of this abiding means being focused on the example before us rather than being distracted and filling our eyes and ears with things that encourage what used to be called "our baser nature." Do you know what I'm talking about? I've found that some books, conversations, or films stir up resentments, impatience, or other sins such as bitterness or discontent. But other images or sounds we take in encourage the good, the pure, the life-giving."

For the Family's Sake

This from my morning reading has become something of a litmus test for me. She goes on to say,

"Not everyone is able to expend anything like the portion of time and energy on (homemaking) that she would like. In this case we have to choose what is most important and simplify unnecessary complications in our lives."

hand over hand

Posted on June 7, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

"For the struggling Christian it may seem that joy is at the bottom of a well. It is never obtrusive, but there it waits, cool and clear, promising to refresh.

We have to practice our faith, to send down the bucket on a reliable rope of faith . . . and draw up joy hand-over-hand."

– Karen Andreola

I've been smiling over this excerpt since my morning reading today. We sometimes bemoan the lack of water when we aren't doing our part to carry the bucket.

Little joys here:

vintage sheets

French vanilla coffee

morning time journaling

beautifully crafted headbands from gifted friends

care packages from afar

daughters who bring home dessert

texts from my daughter-in-law

letters from old friends

long naps

gathering supplies for new projects

All this rushed in together with some challenges and some very discouraging news. There was a choice about where to let the focus rest. I am choosing joy.

I hope you are drawing up hand-over-hand this weekend and I would love to hear what is making you smile right now.

to accept equally

Posted on June 5, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

I explained to him that the penance Jesus wanted from him was complete obedience,; obey and that’s enough.

"Can’t I do some other penance?"

"Yes, you can allow yourself the penance of being patient with others and the unpleasant things of life; to accept equally the heat and the cold and the rain; to be cheerful when tired and not feeling so well and so on.”

“But,” said Dominic, “these things come to you whether you like it or not.”

“Precisely,” I replied, “offer them willingly to God; there is nothing that will please him more, and you will be doing real penance.” Thus reassured, Dominic was very happy and completely at peace.

– St John Bosco speaking about St Dominic Savio

the best remedy

Posted on October 3, 2014 by Kim Halloran-Fry

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As longs as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.” Anne Frank

Go outside. Get your feet wet. All is as it should be. : )

child.play

Posted on September 21, 2014 by Kim Halloran-Fry

“Time is a game played beautifully by children.” Heraclitus

It is not always played so artfully by big people. This past week didn't always feel beautifully timed. Volunteering for a soccer practice run went a long way towards correcting that. It meant an hour with absolutely nothing else to do but becoming utterly drawn into their play. It's awesome. You leave windblown and and breathless and sane and laughing.

Time spent laughing is time well spent.

sunrise

Posted on July 17, 2014 by Kim Halloran-Fry

"That time of day when the sun hasn't come up yet but you can already feel it coming. It's an elusive warmth, like a subtle promise whispered in your ear, and you can go on with your day knowing you've been given another chance to get it right."

– Cassia Leo

Starry Sky Journal

Reflections from Starry Sky Ranch

Tag Archives: inspiration