The phrase to “paddle your own canoe” has been around since the mid 1800’s and conjures up ideas of independence, self-reliance, persistence, endurance and the belief that we control our own destiny! Several poems were written and entitled “Paddle Your Own Canoe”. Sarah Bolton’s contained an often partially quoted verse: Voyager upon life’s sea,To yourselfContinue reading “Paddle Your Own Canoe”
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The Way forward
The way forward is often uncertain and rarely takes a straight line. Sometimes, we are fine with the routine, the boring, and small pleasures. Sometimes, we long for the sun to brighten the way ahead! But all the time, there are questions lurking about, shrouded in the deep, foggy crevices of our minds. We desireContinue reading “The Way forward”
Safety in Troubled Waters
Life is unpredictable. There is beauty and joy but also darkness and sorrow. Sometimes our reality is external chaos and inner turmoil as we deal with human tragedies and conundrums that leave us discouraged, frustrated, anxious, angry, or fearful. When we are buffeted and battered by difficult, sad, and trying times, we need encouragement andContinue reading “Safety in Troubled Waters”
Solitude and Solace
Even the extroverts among us need solitude (even in a pandemic) — a time and place free for uninterrupted thought and meditation, for processing life, for resting weary minds and reviving waning spirits, and for re-energizing tired bodies. Calmness and refreshment may be found behind a door which shuts out our universe for aContinue reading “Solitude and Solace”
Rocky Shores and Firm Foundations
Looking back from the sea, this lobsterman can visually grasp the firm foundation of our great state. Maine has magnificent rock formations from its mountain ranges and slate and granite quarries to its rockbound coast with rugged, beautiful cliffs and outcroppings that hang jagged and high over the Bold Coast trail in Cutler. PinkContinue reading “Rocky Shores and Firm Foundations”
Surprised by God!
The unusual and the unexpected startle us –like a pig in the living room window! Life is filled with the unanticipated. And that is partly why God is so awesome. He is the Master Revealer who surprises us with every good thing! However, our responses to Him are a bit curious because ofContinue reading “Surprised by God!”
And the Winner is…..
We are born contenders! Most of us enjoy some form of individual or group competition. We love to cheer on our favorite teams and challenge each other with family games, pickup basketball, and school sports. We test ourselves in attempts to better our individual swim and running times, to improve our golf game, tennis swingContinue reading “And the Winner is…..”
Despair or Hope
There is something poetic and literary about these beach strollers as they attempt to find enjoyment in this dense fog. While wandering about, coming and going, and disappearing into the mist, they conjure up metaphors and raise questions about the mysteries and brevity of life. They are reminiscent of the desperate, meandering shadows of Shakespeare’sContinue reading “Despair or Hope”
A break in the Storm
When I was around ten years old, our small Church had a Junior Choir consisting of seven or eight “kids”. We were quite angelic in our little, white robes as we sang joyfully and with great gusto during Sunday Worship Service. I still remember the refrain of one of those songs: “The Storms may comeContinue reading “A break in the Storm”
Anchored
Each day we awaken within the mist of the unknown. Sometimes we do so with fear and anxiety; but in our culture, we generally feel safe and prepared for our daily routines as we look forward to the small joys that will unfold. We are not concerned about unexpected events. When we leave for workContinue reading “Anchored”
Sweet Words from Maine 