I was totally unfamiliar with this hymn before our recent retreat. The leader was also an accomplished pianist and singer. He led us singing a verse of the hymn at each session.
According to Hymnary.org the topic of the hymn “deals with comfort, rest, confession, forgiveness, grief, sorrow, Lent, atonement, Good Friday, judgment.” I would add assurance, peace, and thankfulness.
This is unlike most of the music I post about. The arrangement below was offered at Easter I believe. I love that after orchestral accompaniment verse 4 is sung a cappella.
The tree originates in Revelation 22:1-2 NRSVUE. Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month, and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
Painting of the tree in God’s garden
Below the lyrics is the YouTube music if you care to play it while reading the lyrics.
There in God’s Garden stands the Tree of Wisdom whose leaves hold forth the healing of the nations Tree of all knowledge, Tree of all compassion Tree of all beauty.
Its name is Jesus, name that says “Our Savior” There on its branches see the scars of suffering See there the tendrils of our human selfhood on its life blood.
Thorns not its own are tangled in its foliage Our greed has starved it, our despite has choked it Yet,look! It lives! Its grief has not destroyed it nor fire consumed it.
See how its branches reach to us in welcome Hear what the Voice says, “Come to me, ye weary” Give me your sickness, give me all your sorrow I will give blessing.
This is my ending this my resurrection; into your hands, Lord, I commit my spirit. This have I searched for; now I can possess it. This ground in holy.
All heav'n is singing, "Thanks to Christ whose passion offers in mercy, healing, strength, and pardon. Peoples and nations, take it, take it freely!" Amen! My Master!
I have kept the lyrics on the dining room table thinking I might learn it better that way. I have played it on Amazon music and YouTube. I cannot say I have learned it but it does refresh my soul! It certainly give hope.
Are you looking forward to being allowed to partake from this tree? Do you ever give it any thought? I have to admit that, yes, I have the read the passage from Revelation more than once, but no, I truly had not given it any thought before that retreat.
I found this story inspiring and thought provoking.
In case you are unaware a Dervish is defined as a Turkish or Persian monk, especially one who professes extreme poverty and leads an austere life, some of which perform whirling dances and vigorous chanting as acts of ecstatic devotion.
Nothing is as it seems. We so often think we have things all figured out, just like this little parrot.
“Never equate one action with another. Even though they may appear the same on the surface, truly nothing is as it seems.” Such profound wisdom in that statement!
Often I have heard people say something along the lines of, “Well my pain is not like the leukemia pain Chuck suffers. I have nothing to complain about.” Pain appears the same on the surface, but your pain is your own. Your suffering is yours, not Chuck’s. The bald parrot and the bald dervish looked similar, but had nothing in common as far as the cause of their baldness.
Do not underestimate what you go through. Do not compare your experience to others. We are all broken. Some just hide it better than others!
Have you ever purchased a new book eagerly and then set it aside, only to discover it much, much later and be delighted? I bought Everyday Sacred, Everywhere Beauty, Readings from Old Monk’s Journal by May Lou Kownacki, OSB compiled by Ann McCarthy, OSB and Linda Romey, OSB.
I bought the book through the ministry of Joan Chittister, OSB. Here is a description of the book from Catholic Shop Canada: “Mary Lou Kownacki was a Benedictine nun, poet, and renowned peace activist who co-founded Pax Christi. For years she served as Joan Chittister’s writing partner in the Erie, PA, religious community they lived in. But it was in her beloved blog, “Old Monk’s Journal,” that she delighted readers, sharing her most intimate insights and writings. There, for over 12 years until shortly before her death in 2023, Mary Lou gave readers a rare glimpse into monastic life from the inside. In hundreds of personal blog posts she chronicled current events, reflections on her decades as a nun, stories of friends, poetry recommendations and profound insights on life’s purpose and mortality. Follow along as Mary Lou navigates the personal questions, concerns, and joys of her final chapter as a Benedictine woman. Through her experiences of living simply, seeking God, and advocating tirelessly for peace and justice, these pages offer timeless wisdom on faith, community, activism, and what truly matters. For those seeking insight on a life well-lived, these pages offer Mary Lou Kownacki’s lasting spiritual legacy.”
When I recently took the book off my shelf I eventually came across this entry., pages 155-157. She had decided to go back and read through her journals from 1978 to present. I myself have done that on occasion though I have never gotten all the way through mine. She wanted to know if there was anything in there worth publishing or sending to the convent archives.
She wrote, “I’m not sure if journal keeping isn’t actually the ultimate ego trip. Like who really cares what you think about … well, just about anything, Mary Lou?” And then she went to the words of Victor Frankl who wrote that “there are two ways a person can go through life. One way is to approach our calendar with fear and sadness as each day we tear off another sheet, noting that it grows thinner with each passing day. Another is to tear off the daily sheet, jot down a few personal notes on the back, and file it with the previous years.”
He writes of journal keepers:
“What does it matter if they notice they are growing old? What reason do they have to say that they envy a young person – for possibilities, for the future that awaits them. “No thank you,” they will say. “Instead of possibilities, I have realities in my past, not only the reality of work done and of love loved, but of suffering suffered. These are the things of which I am most proud.”
Mary Lou says to come to Frankl’s realization is definitely to find a pearl of great price.
Largest Pearl ever Found
The quote about tearing off a calendar page made me think of Bob and me. We both have enjoyed a page-a-day calendar this year. We sometimes make cards from our favorite pages. I never thought about writing my thoughts on a page and putting them in a drawer. Might need to try that out!
Are you keeping a journal? The last couple of years most, but not all, of my journaling has been through this blog. But I also have a couple of long shelves of hand written journals. Have you ever reviewed your journals for kernels of wisdom?
Do you have a page-a-day calendar? Do you enjoy the pithy sayings or cartoons? Do you ever write your comments about the page on the back and store it in a drawer?
Everyday Sacred, Everywhere Beauty .. we too can learn to live this way. Adopt this outlook on life for the month of November. See what a difference it can make in your heart and mind!
How would it be if we applied the song below to our love for Christ? Paul wrote about it in Colossians.
2 Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth, 3 for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
5 Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient. 7 These are the ways you also once followed, when you were living that life. 8 But now you must get rid of all such things: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices 10 and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator. Colossians 3:2-10
Can you set your mind on things above for more than a few minutes? How about an hour? Think you could handle an hour? Part of my spiritual discipline is to adopt the mindset of Brother Lawrence. He conversed with God all day long. It is not an easy task, but it can be done, even in our strange too-busy society. This song sparkled when I thought of this concept in terms of this love song! The lyrics follow the YouTube song.
The very thought of you And I forget to do The little ordinary things That everyone ought to do
I’m living in a kind of daydream I’m happy as a King And foolish though it may seem To me, that’s everything
The mere idea of you The longing here for you You never know how slow the moments go ‘Til I’m near to you
I see your face in every flower Your eyes in stars above It’s just the thought of you The very thought of you My love
The mere idea of you The longing here for you You never know how slow the moments go ‘Til I’m near to you
I see your face in every flower Your eyes in stars above It’s just the thought of you The very thought of you My love
Written by: Ray Noble, Maxime Le Forestier
When I set my mind on Christ, instead of forgetting the things I ought to do there seems to be more time made available for the ordinary things! Somehow the chronos time of the clock is overridden by the kairos impact of the moment.
In Romans we are told to offer to God our very bodies as living sacrifice. Your brain indeed is part of your body. Would you offer God your thought processes, ask God to occupy you body, MIND and spirit? The Holy One would be delighted to do so.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, on the basis of God’s mercy, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable act of worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 NRSVUE
My neighbors have become dear friends over the last four years. They are snowbirds, which means they make me VERY uncomfortable. They are here for 5 months and then depart for 7 months or so. When they are here we are often at each other’s door. Sharing food, or borrowing something. Walking Lucky together in the afternoon. Having a meal at a favorite Mexican restaurant. Sharing snacks and an evening of Euchre. And then poof! they are gone.
We get to use their garage while they are gone. During their long time away we usually go into their home once a week or so to turn lights off and on, open blinds, flush toilets, etc. Their departure is hard on all of us, including their adult son and his young family who live here in Cincinnati. Two of her brothers live in Lima, Ohio and Indianapolis so they too miss this couple when they fly south. Yes, I experienced angst as the date drew closer.
His health has been declining rapidly and this year will be especially hard getting him through the airports and back home to Florida. When I read the selection for Lectio 365 the morning of their departure I immediately sent it along to her. She felt it was from God through me and read it before she climbed out of bed. So glad I could send her some comfort and strength.
“I choose to rejoice in the God who holds my hand today, joining with the ancient praise of all God’s people in the words of Psalm 73…
You hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalm 73:23b–26 (NLT)
She determined to hold the hand of God throughout the day as they traveled. Travel is VERY hard work and the older I get the more I declare that. Imagine traveling with a loved one in stage 4 Parkinson’s disease! Nightmare.
Lectio went on to pray: “I join David now, bringing my whole body before the Lord in prayer. I bring attention to my eyes. What attracts my gaze? Is anything distracting me? Jesus, I fix my eyes on you. Help me keep my focus on you throughout this day. I look down at my right hand. Is anything making me nervous today? Or causing my hand to tremble? Make me unshakably confident that, as I hold onto you, I am held. I place a hand on my heart. Is my heart glad today? Or is it heavy with sorrow? Holy Spirit, fill me with supernatural gladness as I invite your presence.” https://lectio365.24-7prayer.com/share/devotionals/2026-10-19/morning?locale=en
I miss our friends and neighbors. They say friends are the family you choose. We have chosen this couple. I am glad they made it back to Florida safely. I will miss them as they continue to journey with Christ through the awful disease of Parkinson’s. They remain in my prayers.
I remember Grandma Snapp playing this. It seemed to me she was playing chords, but this person does a good job of it.
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame; and I love that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain.
Refrain: So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown.
2 O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me; for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above to bear it to dark Calvary. [Refrain]
3 In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see, for ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, to pardon and sanctify me. [Refrain]
4 To that old rugged cross I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear; then he’ll call me some day to my home far away, where his glory forever I’ll share. [Refrain]
United Methodist Hymnal
The hymn was written the year before my mother was born. Her dad was an itinerant Methodist minster in both Ohio and Kentucky. Her mother played the piano and my mother was forced to stand on a soapbox and lead the hymns. When I was young Mom said she had enough church growing up. My sister and I were dropped off at church. My parents attended at Christmas and Easter if we were singing in the choir. American evangelist and song-leader George Bennard (1873–1958) wrote the hymn.
I remember Grandma Snapp playing this hymn on our piano. She was always uncertain she could reach the chords with the arthritis in her hands. To me she did great! She died at age 79 after breaking her hip and contracting pneumonia.
All these years later, the hymn rings through my soul from time to time. To me the most memorable part is “where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain.” Jesus, our Savior and King. Help us never to forget your cross and all it stood for then and now.
Oh my. A friend just asked me to pray. Her parents are considering buying a larger home where the young family and the older folks can all live together. I agreed that I would pray for them, but my heart was so sad that my young, vibrant neighbor who loves God might leave the neighborhood.
Her prayer is that if this is God’s will the doors to make it possible will fly open. If it is not God’s will and just the plan the humans have dreamed up, nothing will make it go.
As Gamaliel advised: “But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time. So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God Acts 5:34, 38-39 NRSUV
It was such a gain to meet this young woman when we first moved in. It would be such a loss to me and others to have her leave the neighborhood. Losses and gains: such is life.
Corrie ten Boom advised Chuck Swindoll (and others too) to hold all things loosely. I first heard that lesson when my kids were becoming older teenagers. I need to remember the same lesson now. Us old folks tend to get crusty and stuck in our ways. Somehow we think things will always be the way they are right now – both the good and the bad things. God sends changes to each season to try to convince us to honor and cherish each stage of our lives. Still, I tend to get stuck.
Corrie said, “Pastor Swindoll, you must learn to told everything loosely – everything. Even your dear family. Why? Because the Father may wish to take one of them back to Himself, and when He does, it will hurt you if He must pry your fingers loose.”
Oh Molly, open your hands! Rejoice at the many blessings God has sent your way! Let it all stay loosely present to you. When a blessing is removed, remember how wonderful it was.
My daughter loaned me a book called “Raising Hare, a Memoir” by Chloe Dalton. I told Bob I might need to purchase the book. I keep wanting to write in it, underline passages, turn down corners, (none of which have I done). This tome especially moves me because in 2020 we found baby rabbits in our front garden, right by the front steps. {This week I have been loving our flower beds with the cheer they bring me in the midst of the panic and chaos of pandemic. I have picked and delivered multiple bouquets to neighbors and even my sister. I did notice that I need to get out there and spruce up the front flower bed from the dead leaves of last winter and general chickweed, etc. A clump of Hyacinths near the front door were especially packed with dead grass.
Today I looked and thought, “That is unnatural to have that much dead grass around the hyacinths.” Taking a break from writing I decided to move it away so the bulbs could flourish. As I reached down I realized I should probably use my handy table knife that I keep there for cleaning off shoes, just in case some mouse or unsavory had decided to move in. So I grabbed the knife and began to lift and move the grass. Noticed fur and WHAM!! there were little tiny eyes and ears. Nope, not mice! Baby bunnies!! I hurried put the grass back in place.} Many years earlier I had heard a rabbit get killed by a cat. It literally screamed. I will never forget how human the cry was. When we discovered these little bunnies we knew they were not safe jumping around the flowerbed. Plus, we owned a dog at the time and it was just a matter of time before she found them, too.https://treasuresinplainsight.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=2450&action=edit and https://treasuresinplainsight.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=2467&action=edit
Why tell you all of this? I had to capture one tiny bunny to try to put it back in the nest. I can still recall the sensation of that fluffy fur in the palm of my hand. Yes, the mother rabbit came and moved the buns. I never heard one being killed, I did not find any piles of fur. But I gained a sweet memory in that one moment holding that little one.
photo by r m dutina
Sure the book is about hares in the English countryside, not American cotton tail rabbits, but I am eating it up. What memory do you have that is precious to you? When the circumstances around it changed did you feel a loss?
Can you discern the way losses and gains move like the seasons?
Rejoice at the many blessings God has sent your way! Let it all stay loosely present to you. When a blessing is removed, remember how wonderful it was.
I was in the back garden last week and as I looked down I saw nasturtium seeds above the ground! I realized these were grown by my plants over the summer. I picked them up and brought them inside to dry for planting next spring. I was really glad I did because 2 days later I saw a chipmunk foraging in the same area! Had I not gotten the seeds when I did that chipmunk would have stuffed its cheeks and carried them away! I am certain he will find other seeds in the garden that I missed. The nasturtiums are almost finished for 2026. Each time I pick a small bouquet I think, “Oh this is likely the last one!” Until a hard freeze I might be able to enjoy them. Then it will be losses and gains again.
Summer bouquet
The rose pictured above has a few more buds on it. One large maple is all yellow and green now. The mowers set their blades lower this week. Autumn is upon us. Lord, help us remember that each season offers losses and also gains. Ha! I just saw the first slate colored Junco return for the winter 🙂
When we traveled recently we made it a point to stop in Columbus, Ohio at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum for their newest exhibit “Portraits of Courage.” These paintings by former President George W. Bush were on tour in Columbus, Ohio. He features men and women who served and were wounded in combat.
The exhibit runs through Dec. 31 “and includes 66 paintings and a four-panel mural honoring 98 post 9-11 veterans. Each portrait is accompanied by an essay, written by Bush, which visitors can find in his Portraits of Courage book.” Regardless of your politics this gives a tribute to those who serve our country in the armed forces and suffer injuries in the process. I pray that those who govern the country will ALWAYS give Funds to support those who have served and especially those who were wounded during their service. My generation was not good at supporting those who served in teh Vietnam war. Perhaps we can amends on that by supporting those who need us in their fight for survival and recovery from the wounds of war?
The following are a few of the paintings. My photos did not turn out very good due to the lighting in the exhibit.
If the exhibit tours your area make an effort to go see it. It was quite inspiring and moving.
Robert Milan Dutina, the love of my life has a birthday today and I am privileged to make him his favorite carrot cake. Bob is truly a gift from God to me!
This man is kind and considerate. He can get along with anyone who makes an effort to be civil. For decades he has made it his practice not only to read the Bible but to try to live the commands of Jesus in everyday life.
His sense of humor is boundless. Sometimes he drives me wild when I am not in the mood and he continues with his humor. There are as many voices in his repertoire as a stand up comedian. He has a schtick for almost any situation.
As to his birthday cake, I got the recipe years ago from a woman who swore I would like it. To me carrot cake always sinks like a rock in my stomach. Turns out most recipes have a full cup of oil in them. Hers has only 1-1/2 tablespoons. It is complete with cream cheese frosting. He likes his cake best after it has been refrigerated. Several of his friends in the laboratory where he worked made such a deal over his cake, he continues to deliver a piece (or 2) to those people even though they are all retired now. So yes, Bob is generous. The opening photo is from last year’s cake!
When he heard that Gary had Parkinson’s disease he began visiting him several times a month. When Gary finally passed Bob continued visiting his widow and son. She is now slipping into dementia, but he continues to make an effort to see her with some regularity. Bob is kind and his faith carries over into day to day life.
He is organized and tiny to the point where I dubbed him “Mr. Tidy” and he knows I call him that. His desk is more than likely clear and mine is more like an inch or two deep in projects. He likes the sticker I bought that says, “Creative minds are rarely tidy.” He has been my editor in chief over my writing projects. He is very intelligent.
As we enter our twilight years Bob continues to try to keep pushing himself into activity. Sometimes I wonder if he has sense enough to go sit down and rest? Occasionally he stops in his recliner for a moment or two. I am glad to see that!
We debate who will die first. Neither of us knows for certain. If I die first his goal is to spend 2 or 3 months in Paris mourning. If he dies first I go to the Aran Islands in Ireland to mourn.
Happy birthday to my loving man of 56 years. What a ride!
I was playing music in my car from my favorite songs on a data stick. The next day I kept hearing a melody. Then a few words. Finally, I realized I was hearing the bridge from a song by a group called the Newsboys. The song is entitled We Believe.
The following are the words from the bridge:
So, let our faith be more than anthems Greater than the songs we sing And in our weakness and temptations We believe We believe
Anthem: 1. A hymn of praise or loyalty. 2. A choral composition having a sacred or moralizing text in English.
"Our faith greater than the songs we sing", so necessary if we are to push through our difficulties and struggles. Songs help, but there are times when there are no songs. There are times I am hard pressed to even remember a melody!
Here are the lyrics of the song followed by a music video. [Verse 1] In this time of desperation When all we know is doubt and fear There is only one foundation We believe, we believe
[Verse 2] In this broken generation When all is dark, You help us see There is only one salvation We believe, we believe
[Chorus] We believe in God the Father We believe in Jesus Christ We believe in the Holy Spirit And He's given us new life We believe in the Crucifixion We believe that He conquered death We believe in the Resurrection And He's comin' back again We believe
[Verse 3] (I called it the bridge) So, let our faith be more than anthems Greater than the songs we sing And in our weakness and temptations We believe, we believe Here is a video of the song.
Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 NRSVUE
