To Be Born Again is Not to Become Someone Else (Thomas Merton Quote)
As we look for renewal and reawakening, this is important to remember.
Spirituality
Long Lake Artist-in-Residency Day 1
On Long Lake at this special church camp, this time with an artist-in residency! I’ll be showing you progress photos of my art this week.
The Hymn We’ve Been Singing Repeatedly
We sang this hymn throughout our trip, riveted to both the meaning of the words and the beautiful melody.
My Endless Source of Inspiration
Inspiration is something that streams to me and through me, and not ever something I generate or am responsible for.
For God is All-in-All (poem by Ethel Margaret Soden)
No evil can touch me; no harm can befall,
for He is my Father, my Mother,—my All.
Mysteries (Poem by Mary Oliver)
Let me keep company always with those who say
“Look!” and laugh in astonishment,
and bow their heads.
Newspaper Article on Compassion by Polly Castor
Often the idea of compassion is mixed up with the words sympathy and pity. I would describe the difference this way.
Our Graduate’s Lovely Church Sendoff
The State College Christian Science church has been loving and supportive, and has made a big, positive difference in our daughter’s college experience.
Paint the Bird (Book Review)
It is not a fun read, and is R-rated in places, but the metaphors ring poetic on the rebound. The main characters are a disillusioned aging African American minister who who picks up an artist at a bar whose HIV positive gay son has just died.
We Have the Mind of Christ (Polly Preaching #3)
“What does it even mean to be prepared to ‘receive Christ?’ Christ is the perfect reflection of God, the complete effect of the one Cause, which we all intrinsically include. The Christ is not…
Don’t Block Your Unique Expression (Martha Graham quote)
There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is…
Celebrating God as Mother (quote by Jenny Morris)
‘Like the eagle that stirs up its nest, and hovers over its young, God spreads wings to catch you, and carries you on pinions.’ Deut. 32:11-12′
Interlude of Utter Unwinding (New Poem by Polly Castor)
When we cease all our trying, we hear better.
Tattoos on the Heart (Book Review)
This book is written by a Jesuit priest who has a ministry among the competing gangs in a ghetto in Los Angeles. He gives them jobs, removes tattoos, and buries them young because of rival gunfire
Nexus (New Large Mixed Media Painting)
The new highly textural painting of mine is quite large (28″x40″) and is done in mixed media: pastel, acrylic, and ink.
How to Resurrect (New Easter Poem by Polly Castor)
Resist hurt,
Refuse to be defeated,
Release blame,
Assuage guilt…