Children bring me some of the best glimmers day in and day out. There was a tiny one (8 months old) in a shopping cart seat that smiled at me and melted my heart. She had never seen me before but there was no stranger fear in her!
This is our little neighbor down the street. She wants to befriend Lucky but is fearful of the dog. When she can summon the courage to pet Lucky she is so satisfied. Here is her Halloween costume. Her mom said she dressed herself and they are not certain what she is. I would answer, “Adorable!”
This is the same child who likes regular Doritos. At a neighborhood picnic she ate a small bag of them. Then she realized there were partial bags laying around. So she began collecting the partial bags and eating those, too! Squeezable joy, indeed!
I ordered a crochet kit because my daughter likes Gnomes. I thought this would make a good gift for her. I set myself a goal to finish it before my birthday. And I got it done!
He is about 6 inches tall.
yep, makes me laugh every time I think of him. He lives at her house now.
As I mentioned yesterday in this blog “When I went to the Associates retreat over a week ago I was watching for my full stop. I consider the retreat a success when I finally put everything aside and come to a full stop before the Lord.” The ‘Providence of God’ is defined as the purposeful sovereignty of God. Sovereignty is the royal rank, authority, power.
My full stop came at an unusual time for me. I had decided to honor my need for rest, even if that need interfered with a scheduled convent prayer service or even the Eucharist. Saturday late morning I decided to lay down for a nap. I was looking out my window in the retreat house. The leaves on the tree were blowing, but not yet falling. I was reminded of Brother Lawrence.
Brother Lawrence is reported to have said: “That in the winter, seeing a tree stripped of its leaves, and considering that within a little time, the leaves would be renewed, and after that the flowers and fruit appear, he received a high view of the Providence and Power of GOD, which has never since been effaced from his soul. That this view had perfectly set him loose from the world, and kindled in him such a love for GOD, that he could not tell whether it had increased in above forty years that he had lived since.”
And then I realized:
Seeing this tree in autumn, knowing the changes it will endure as leaves fall and then are renewed, and after that the flower and fruit will appear, I see a high view of the Providence of God, which shall not be effaced from my soul. This view sets me free from the world, and kindles in me such love for God, that I can not tell whether it has decreased since my childhood times fifty years ago in Robison Park with God.
Yes, my full stop. I then went peacefully to sleep.
God is able to grow these trees, to keep these trees through drought and storms, wind and hail, all of the seasons and even the insults of mankind. God is able to keep me, also, regardless of what comes my way. There have been so many events in 2025 that have been difficult and/or upsetting, yet I have been kept through all of them. There is such a love for God kindled in my soul. I am in awe.
Sit for a minute and reflect upon your year thus far. Remind yourself of all the many ways you have been kept. Be grateful and in awe.
Driving on interstate highway in torrential downpour, first surprise was a vulture flying over the road. Second surprise, falling leaves in the midst of the downpour.
Walking the dog this morning, first surprise was a hawk sitting on the fence. Second surprise a flock of geese flying overhead and honking. Third surprise three vultures flying the opposite direction.
Have you been able to find glimmers during your day? Though we have had some nights with temperatures in the very low 40s I was still able to pick a couple bouquets of flowers! Those Bachelor’s Buttons just keep giving that lovely deep blue. Nasturtiums entertain us with the various colors. A few mums here and there and a dianthus to pink up the blossoms. Won’t be long before the only flowers are store bought.
A few weeks ago I planted the remaining Bachelor Button seeds. Not certain what came up! Leaves do not resemble the others. Decided to just let them grow and see what happens in the spring, assuming they survive the winter!
Watch for the glimmer sin your day. Note them. Give thanks for them. Take this beyond the gratitude list. Ponder how fortunate you are to have noticed these things. You are fortunate! I have a friend who is legally blind. She would love to be able to see what you can see. I have another friend who cannot smell any thing. Are you aware that it is s gift just to be able to take your next breath? And this one?
Glimmers and gratitude can both interrupt our mundane boring day. Open your eyes and ears and all of your being to this very moment in your/q
Rejoice evermore.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. life. And give thanks.
Recently I was given a magazine called “First for Women.” I kept it because I wanted to read the cover article about Queen Latifah. I came to appreciate her talent through a TV program that aired for a couple of seasons. That article was pretty good, but what got me really excited was the article about “Glimmers.”
I had not heard of this idea before. It is similar to gratitude or gratefulness, yet slightly different. I guess it began with research by Deb Dana, LCSW with Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D. He is a Distinguished University Scientist at Indiana University where he is the founding director of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium. He is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina, and Professor Emeritus at both the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Maryland. Their research has to do with study of the polyvagal theory in trauma treatment. The concept of glimmers has gone viral on TikTok. (I do not use it, but the magazine reported it.) Deb Dana says, “In these moments the vagus nerve is in a state of regulation. To fully thrive, we also have to experience safety and connection. Glimmers remind us that good does exist in this crazy world.”
Speaking with The New York Post Ms. Dana said, “Glimmers are these tiny moments of OK-ness, joy, excitement, ease, calm, any of those flavors that give you the feeling that you are safe enough in the world to feel present and OK,” Dana said.
How do you know if you’ve bumped up against a glimmer?
“You may feel something happen in your body, a warmth or an openness or breath change, or your eyes might focus on something. It may bring a slight smile. So there’s an embodied response,” she added.
“The brain follows suit with its own response, recognizing that something is beautiful or fun or that it likes it: “It’s a body-brain experience, and they work together,” Dana noted.
“Noticing glimmers is a powerful healing practice. It’s important to remember that no glimmer is too small to notice. Each small moment of goodness contributes to a broader sense of well-being and recovery. Think about each glimmer as one piece of a larger puzzle. By actively looking for and appreciating these moments, you can gradually shift your focus from the pain of trauma to the small joys in life.
“Over time, this practice can lead to significant improvements in your mental health and resilience.”
I believe we all need improvements in our mental health especially in this tumultuous year of 2025. So if you have grown tired of listing gratitudes, or sharing your gratefulness, why not begin to look for glimmers? Then take the bold step of sharing them with someone else! Remember, no glimmer is too small!
The first definitive rain and cold front moved through here the other day. Up at the flower shop the wind even threw on its side a potted tree. The many oak leaves that had littered the yard are gone – poof! – taken off to other places. The maples are starting to change, but have not yet blessed us with yellow showers. That will begin momentarily.
Writing about October author Joyce Rupp in her book “May I Have This Dance” says, “Although autumn might seem to be a harsh reminder of death, we can also be encouraged to enter into the mystery of eternal life. We see autumn standing in surrender as the winds sweep her trees naked. The frost browns her meadows and deadens her plants. But a deeper truth is beneath the appearance of death.
“A movement toward life takes place in autumn. Dead leaves that seem to have no value are transformed by winter snows and spring rains to rich humus for new growth… No new growth will come unless autumn agrees to let go of what has been. The same is true of our lives.”
Is that woman a great author or what?!? Are we willing to let go of what has been? Bob and I celebrate our birthdays about three weeks apart. He is two years older than I am. This aging thing brings both of us face to face with the changes that have occurred in our bodies over the many years we have been married. We are no longer strong and as frivolous like in our youth. We both want to approach aging with calmness, peace and an acceptance of what is. That is easier to write than to do. So much easier.
Turn the page
I do know from reading and re-reading the book Radical Acceptance that I only increase my suffering by refusing to accept what is. So here I am turning the corner on 75 and he just turned 77. My older friends in their 80s and 90s tell me I am still young. Whew! I do not feel young!!
The Holy Spirit assures me that God is not finished with me yet. As I learn what I am to lay aside and where to proceed I remember the trees and the changes autumn brings.
Molly, can you stand in surrender and be encouraged to enter into the mystery of eternal life? Dallas Willard taught that eternal life begins now for those of us who love and follow closely after God. There truly are times in my encounters with the Holy One that I can forget the challenges by body presents and breath deeply of the life God offers me in the here and now.
The following piece of music helps me do just that if I will stop, breathe deeply and listen closely. I hope it helps you draw close to God in the present moment and blesses you. I hope you will take the time to listen to all of this piece. For me, it is like a musical prayer. Three minutes, 53 seconds of bliss. Just stop and listen.
I am waiting to hear it. Supposed to rain all day long! I am eager to listen to it. Hoping Lori can work from home with the window open. I told her when I walk the dog I will be tempted to just stand in the rain without a raincoat!
In the center down silence At the altar within my heart I come to adore You and listen for Your voice
As the rains come down from heaven and water the earth And do not return empty So is my word which goes forth
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isa 55:10-11 NRSVUE
And I listen …it is here…Drip, splatter, patter, drop, wash. Prayers answered. Leaves dip as they are washed, grass bends as ground absorbs. Blue jay continues to sing from some place as Cardinal calls. Rain continues, individual drops that in the gutter form a rush of water.
Individual drops that form a cloud, pour out and fill the dry place to make a puddle. Individual drops that converge on one place and transform that place into something new.
Individuals that are transfigured into something new. Leaves in the garden seem to wave at me. Then the rush of rain changes to a torrent from the sky. How do the birds navigate through that while being pelted on the head?
Come Lord, rain upon me and change me too. Fern frond twitches Not a rabbit, rain. Lily pads at the pond ...
My poem from long ago rings true today in my heart.
The rain gauge tells me 2-1/4 inches have fallen so far. I will gladly walk the dog in this rain we have needed so very desperately. We have a neighbor who calls with some regularity to find out how much rain our gauge has collected. I considered buying him a rain gauge, but then we might never hear from him!!
Lord, this rain is wonderful to us. My friend just texted it is heavenly. I so agree.
Our church has a labyrinth dedicated to Lisa Bernheisel. She was an Associate Priest from 2018 to her death in 2023. I never knew her, but I do love a nice labyrinth. I have walked the one at the Convent of the Transfiguration and at the Sisters of Charity in Delhi Township. Recently I arrived at the our church for a meeting. I was early and knew I could go explore the labyrinth which is down the hill from the parking lots.
The stairs were not as intimidating as they looked from above. I always approach a labyrinth with a listening heart. I began the slow approach to the center, around the path and back the other way, a step further out and follow the path until it no longer mattered where I was on the course. Progress is not the goal, but listening, yielding, quieting, centering in God.
I cannot tell you clearly now what my goal was that morning. I can relay that what I sought I found, that peace that passes all understanding, that knowing that I am known, and held, and loved. Towards the center of the circuitous route my eyes were opened to see a stone that looks like a cracked egg shell. I knew that was for me to leave at the center. When I arrived at the center I was delighted that the huge stone that marked center-point had a crack in it, like the rock that is higher than I, the cleft of the rock, the split or crack.
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah. Psalm 61:2-4 KJV
As does each of us, that morning I was longing to be known and heard, held and cared for. Here was the Spirit showing me that I am just that: seen, heard, held, cared for, and provided for. I picked up the ‘egg shell’ rock and placed it in the cleft.
At the center of Labyrinth
Resting in the cleft of the rock
I left the area knowing I had fulfilled what St. Augustine of Hippo is quoted as saying:
It is solved by walking.
Soon our church will celebrate the memory of Lisa Bernheisel. I feel as if I missed out by never having known her. Perhaps I can celebrate this life I never knew by serving to sweep the labyrinth. We will see the condition of my ankles and hands as I approach that idea! Arthur-itis is not my friend, but he keeps coming to my house.
Walking Lucky around the pond one early morning these words filled my head as I saw the glistening surface of the water.
The pond seems to be sparkling, Just tadpoles kissing the surface. Father make me sparkle as I reach to kiss You, I pray.
Watching the autumn leaves out the window during prayer time I wrote: The gentle breeze here is loosening the leaves. They drift to the ground. Reminds me to release burdens and move into a new season. We breathe in the new day, exhale the old burdens.
Have you turned random moments into prayer? I believe each of us can! What would this image have you pray?
The Burr Oak tree out our front window has delighted me this autumn. During the summer the leaves were so thick we could not see the little birdhouse hanging there. Then the tree began to drop leaves. The mowers have cleaned up fallen leaves from under it at least twice. Today it is green, though the leaves are more sparse than in the summer.
It is almost as if she declares, “Steady as she goes!” Let’s not have too much autumn too soon! Besides it is still running in the high 80s here. They promise us a change in temperatures this week. Once again, I am not holding my breath on that!
We can see the bird house clearly now. I do not think any birds were housed there this year. Seems I would have noticed with all the feeders and activity that occurs at times. As the Burr Oak continues to lose her leaves I will once again be reminded of the Brother Lawrence revelation about a tree in winter. Until then I am delighted by the lingering green.
Nothing gold can stay, Frost taught me so the mighty sycamore tree in form of tiny leaf shows me how to change from green to gold to brown and be refreshed with drops of golden rain as I rest upon the ground be still my soul ~Molly Lin Dutina (For photo above)
Recently another cooler night forecast was into the 50s. I made certain our bedroom window was open. We were not in bed for 20 minutes before Pepe Le Pew was outside! Remember how he courted Sylvester?
Stinky le pew!!
The odor was so bad I had to close the window. Actually gags me, it is that strong! Amazing the fumes do not kill the flowers out there!
By morning the stench was gone. I am not silly enough to think it will not occur again. Gross. One of those times I wonder, “What were You thinking, Lord?” Gotta love Looney Tunes!
Our church bulletin says: “If you noticed a heavy emphasis on God’s creation in this liturgy, there’s a reason! From September 1 to October 4, Christians around the globe celebrate the Season of Creation.” Below is information copied from the online website https://seasonofcreation.org/about/
The Season of Creation is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion, and commitment together. During the Season of Creation, we join our sisters and brothers in the ecumenical family in prayer and action for our common home.
Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I proclaimed 1 September as a day of prayer for creation for the Orthodox in 1989. In fact, the Orthodox church year starts on that day with a commemoration of how God created the world.
The World Council of Churches was instrumental in making the special time a season, extending the celebration from 1 September until 4 October.
Following the leadership of Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I and the WCC, Christians worldwide have embraced the season as part of their annual calendar. Pope Francis established the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation in the Roman Catholic Church in 2015, and in 2019 started celebrating the Season of Creation as well.
In recent years, statements from religious leaders around the world have also encouraged the faithful to take time to care for creation during the month-long celebration.
The season starts 1 September, the Day of Prayer for Creation, and ends 4 October, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology beloved by many Christian denominations.
Throughout the month-long celebration, the world’s 2.2 billion Christians come together to care for our common home.
I like the idea of being united with other churches around the world for this event. As I look out the office window and see our burr oak tree changing her gown from green to yellow to brown, I am reminded that none of us inhabit this earth alone. We need to care for it in community and with future generations in mind. May God lead us in paths of righteousness regarding this gift of the earth we live upon and the air we breathe.
Treasures in Plain Sight, A Christian Blog 