within oneself... the Beloved

 “Within oneself, very clearly, is the best place to look [for the Beloved]… and it’s not necessary to go to heaven, nor any further than our own selves; for to do so is to tire the spirit and distract the soul, without gaining as much fruit.”

~Teresa of Ávila, Collected Works, vol I, 357

It has been way too long since I last posted—and I have so much to tell you about!

There’s a new book, a new baby, a landmark anniversary, an upcoming gathering, a new beginning… where do I begin?

After a string of several days of violent and downright scary storms here in Oklahoma, the past couple of days our weather has been lovely, with chilly nights and plenty of sunshine.

And I simply can’t get enough of being outside.

Sometimes I am in awe at how much nature affects me, how deeply it blesses and renews my spirit. It’s not about just recognizing the beauty in creation—and the hand of the Creator, but about the peace and grace I find just being in it.

I know, I know. Nature can also be fierce, unpredictable, combustible, extreme. Trust me. I know. I live in Oklahoma!

But no matter what I need, or what emotional state I’m in, or how much anxiety I’m fighting, or what feelings are bubbling from deep inside me, or how dry my prayer life seems… I look at the clouds in the sky, or listen to the concert put on by the birds in my backyard, or feel the wind come sweeping down the plains and across my face—and I breathe deeper.

God is here. The Beloved is within me… and I can rest in the Beloved.

I have so much to tell you! But that’s enough for now...