(photo by Tom Delaney, Sherburne County, Minnesota, 2025) This little patch of Black Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia herta) showed up in our woods for the first time this year. There must be just enough of a break in the overhead canopy of pines to provide the sunlight that these flowers bask in. Black Eyed Susans are … Continue reading What Becomes of the Brokenhearted
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Daily Well-Being and Happiness
(photo New day, new hope by Takky edine, 2014) I want to talk about how some things we learn from the morning prayers (Lauds) in the Liturgy of the Hours today relate to forgiveness, and reinforce the importance of forgiveness. But before I do that, I think I need to do something I haven't done … Continue reading Daily Well-Being and Happiness
Forgiveness in Elder Flourishing
(photo by Tom Delaney, Sherburne County, Minnesota, 2025) This is the time of year when the Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) is in bloom and we can see all kinds of pollinators busily working the flowers. As you can see in the photo, it’s an amazing sight of coexistence, not to mention that you may be … Continue reading Forgiveness in Elder Flourishing
As We Forgive
(photo by Tom Delaney, Sherburne County, Minnesota 2025) After sharing a photo of closed Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium) flowers a while back, I thought I really should make a point to share with you a photo of the fully blossomed flower so as to do them some justice. When you head out into the woods … Continue reading As We Forgive
You’ve Got a Friend
(photo by Tom Delaney, Sherburne County, Minnesota 2025) Wild grapes frequently show up on the borders of pastures here on the oak savanna of Central Minnesota. This year I made a point to help them grow by doing some vine dressing and using the fence around the north pasture as a scaffold of sorts. More … Continue reading You’ve Got a Friend
Many reasons, all of them good!
(photo by Tom Delaney, Sherburne County, Minnesota, 2025) The air is a bit cooler in the mornings and evenings of late. On any walk it is a small joy to see the Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) in bloom. The Evening Primrose is a species native to our oak savanna, is also known by the name … Continue reading Many reasons, all of them good!
Finding Freedom in Forgiveness
(photo by Tom Delaney, Sherburne County, Minnesota, 2025) The August crescendo of summer here in Central Minnesota brings forth the short lived beauty of the hedge bindweed flower (Calystegoa sepium). These flowers on the vine may be in bloom for as little as one day, opening in the morning and closing by noon. The thing … Continue reading Finding Freedom in Forgiveness
“…made the two of us one…”
"Now in Christ you who once were far off have been brought near through the Blood of Christ. It is he who is our peace, and who made the two of us one by breaking down the barrier of hostility that kept us apart. In his own flesh, he abolished the law with its commands … Continue reading “…made the two of us one…”
Happy Feast of St. Benedict!
Vision of Saint Benedict, Giovanni del Biondo (1356-1399 CE) We are lucky to have two Benedictine communities here in Central Minnesota: Saint John's Abbey and Saint Benedict's Monastery. Today, some words from one of the most celebrated Benedictine authors, Thomas Merton: God has left sin in the world in order that there may be forgiveness: … Continue reading Happy Feast of St. Benedict!
Forgiveness Makes It Real
(photo by Tom Delaney, Sherburne County, Minnesota, 2025) Summer blooms on our oak savanna here in central Minnesota are a sight to see every day now. This is a favorite -- Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea). The Liturgy of the Hours can be a daily routine of prayer that gives you something to think about … Continue reading Forgiveness Makes It Real
Live and Forgive 