Category: Joy

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Challenge, Family, Joy, Memories, Nature, Poetry, Praise, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender

Mother’s Day

This year to celebrate Mother’s Day my daughter decided we should visit the butterfly show at our local Krohn Conservatory. We had not attended for several years. It was a warm and humid day. Just what the butterfly’s love. The title was Monarchs, but I was disappointed that there were not more Monarch butterflies present. In fact, I saw none, even in the hatching cages. The children however never disappoint me at such a display. They are always in wonder and delighted when a butterfly lands on someone and they can see it up close! I just love when a child declares, “He likes me!”

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same subject opened

The above is the Morpho, largest in the display. The butterflies suffer damaged wings mostly from being caught in the covers of the circulating fans. They are still lovely and majestic though.

One subject, moving around for another sip and another. I believe this is a Julia. We grew these “Mexican Sunflowers” once at the edge of our compost pile. They were very tall and draw hundreds of butterflies!

A child pointed out this transparent winged specimen. How lovely!

It was a hard angle to capture this beauty. Called a Glasswing from Central America !

They loved feeding on the dishes of cut fruit.

It was fun to put another butterfly memory in the books. Thanks, Em!

How many butterflies can you spot this week around your home?

Butterfly Living © Molly Lin Dutina 1982 
Butterfly living, now that's for me!
Glory bound and incredibly free!
Made to be a joy to Thee!
Strengthen me for wings of liberty.

For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 NRSVUE
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. Romans 8:2 NRSVUE
Posted on in Art, Challenge, Faith, Joy, Listen, Look, Obedience, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender, Thanks, Yield

Trinity Sunday

Last Sunday we celebrated the Trinity at church. “O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” ends the collect for the day. The unfathomable, unknowable, ever present and loving God. We practice devotion and know some how that the Trinity is one.

Our Prayers of the People began with: “God who is unknowable and yet as close as our breath, help us to see you. ” Yes, God, open our physical eyes and the eyes of our heart to know and see and experience you.

I have been taken lately by tiny diagrams. The above was on our bulletin cover.

Using the Grateful Living challenge I have noticed that a tiny image is used in the corner of each daily practice. This little line drawing summarizes the challenge of the day. Oh I wish I could draw like that!

Superhero
Sharing joy
One playful joyful way to stand up
Share joy with others

And perhaps that is how our Trinity one God does things. Simple line drawings, opening doors for us to share with others. As humans we complicate almost everything having to do with God. Jesus taught us simplicity. Will we cling to that simple way of knowing, being known, loving and loving others?

May you know the Trinity as One. May you see the path before you as well lit and as something you can follow. Look to the One who loves you best and take the next step!

Posted on in Faith, Joy, Listen, Moving, Praise, Prayer, Thanks, Worship

Brad

Our church was gifted with a young priest for about 2-1/2 years. His name is Brad. He did all sorts of things that enlivened our faith and our walk. Recently it was time to tell him good-bye. He was given a job across the river in Northern Kentucky to be head rector at a church there.

On his last Sunday with us our Pastor, Roger, called all the kids up to lay hands on Brad and pray over him as he moves to his new church. Three of the kids are his very own children and one is a family friend.

It was a powerful moment. Have you ever had children pray over you? There is nothing quite like it!

I plan to forward the photos to Brad for his remembrance of that holy moment. By the way, folks at our church know that photos are taken during the service. There is not a problem posting these, especially since I am not naming the children.

Pray for the children. Pray for those moving into a new position of leadership in the churches. Pray for all church leaders. May the Lord bless us, his children and the sheep of his pasture.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands!
2     Serve the Lord with gladness!
    Come into his presence with singing!

3 Know that the Lord is God!
    It is he that made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
    and his courts with praise!
    Give thanks to him, bless his name!

5 For the Lord is good;
    his steadfast love endures for ever,
    and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100 RSV

Last week at church I kept thinking I could hear his voice among the congregation. Another parishioner told me she expected him to walk around the corner at any moment. We will miss him. We came to love him and that made letting go all the harder.

Posted on in Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Joy, Praise, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks

Think About This One!

“When we are grateful, we want to share, to reach out, to tell others of the goodness of our benefactor, to bring hope, healing and happiness to others.” M. Basil Pennington

When I go to the Convent for retreat there is always a card on the bed with quotes and a photo. This was one of the quotes on the card my last visit.

Benefactor is sort of an old fashioned term. Rarely do I think of God as my benefactor. Merriam Webster says a benefactor is someone or something that provides help or an advantage : one that confers a benefit.

Bless the Lord, O my soul;
and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
    who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the Pit,
    who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good as long as you live
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103: 1-5 RSV

Oh yes, my benefactor has benefits. This is just a partial list. Read it again. Have you known any of these benefits? Do you bless the Lord’s holy name with any regularity? When was teh last time you reviewed the benefits the Lord offers you?

I was weighed down with concern over a few loved ones. The Lord reminded me that the Holy Spirit hovers over them 24/7. My concern is to be first and foremost to bless the Lord. My soul forgot and became entangled in the what-ifs and if-onlys. God reigns over this universe, even the universe of me and my loved ones. My job is to bless and exalt that same God.

How are you doing with recognizing your benefactor? As Pennington wrote, are you bringing ‘hope, healing and happiness to others’?

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Humor, Joy, Obedience, Prayer, Thanks, Traveling

Little Jesus

During Bible study in the room where we do not usually meet I saw a tiny figure of Jesus on a high window sill. I was curious where that came from and who climbed up there to position it.

When we went to the Smoky Mountains the motel we stayed at had the same figures lined up on the computer monitor where we checked in! She told me the story about the man whose idea it was. She said if you read his story online he will send you some for free. I read it, did not find how to get any for free. I did find how to order them from Amazon. I decided, why not?

Recently we went to a liquor store in Northern Kentucky where the selections are much larger than the local stores in Ohio. I put some figures in my pocket.

There was a Banana Pudding man, selling his homemade desserts. I approached him with my hand closed saying, “This is a southern thing.” He put his hand out, palm open saying, ” I’m southern.” I placed the Jesus figure in his palm. I spoke, “We can all use a little Jesus.” He loved it!

When we got to the cash register I told the young man who rang up our order, “I saw your cross.” I gave him one. He turned to his friend as we were walking out and exclaimed with excitement, “Look what she gave me!” His friend took it in his hand and began to walk away with it.

“Hey, that’s mine! Give it back! I’m going to show Susie!!” He was very indignant.

I returned to his register saying, “No need to fight boys. There is enough Jesus to go around.” I gave him 2 more. Now when my computer was letting me type this up it put Hesed in place of Jesus. Yes, there is enough hesed to go around, too! (Hesed: a Hebrew word that encompasses a range of meanings including loving-kindness, mercy, and covenant loyalty, often describing the faithful and generous love that God has for His people and the love that individuals should show to one another. It is not just a feeling but an action that reflects deep commitment and kindness.) Was God using my keyboard there?

In the parking lot was a woman with large cross around her neck. I gave her one saying, “Here is a reminder we all need a little Jesus.” She was enthusiastic about Jesus and told me her Jesus is MUCH larger than this. She declared she needs a lot of Jesus! I assured her my Jesus is much larger than this plastic piece.

Some of you might object to the tiny dolls that say Jesus loves you. I would have to say that anything that sparks this much positive conversation about the Savior is just fine with me.

What have you done lately to share your faith in the Savior? Was it this pleasant for all?

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Faith, Joy, Look, Nature, Praise, Thanks, Trust

Stars in Daylight

I was wondering aloud to Bob the other day about the stars when the sun rises and we can no longer see them. I am still pondering the wonders of the heavens several days later as I write this.

I am certainly not a master of astronomy, just a curious old woman. https://starrymaps.com/guides/daytime-star-map/ gave me a few answers.

“How we map a daytime sky

“Modern astronomy has mapped the position of every visible star with extraordinary precision. We know, down to the arc-second, where each star sits at any given moment from any point on Earth. This isn’t guesswork — it’s celestial mechanics, the same science that lets us predict eclipses centuries in advance.

“When you give us a date, time, and location, our software calculates the exact arrangement of stars above that place at that moment. It doesn’t matter whether it was noon or midnight, overcast or clear. The math doesn’t care about the weather or the sunlight. It cares about the geometry of Earth’s rotation and the stars’ positions — and those are always known.

https://starrymaps.com/guides/daytime-star-map/

Isn’t it amazing that even though we cannot see them the stars are there, above us, as we circulate around the sun.

“New research led by Sarah Caddy, a PhD candidate at Macquarie University, shows that this is possible. Caddy and her team have successfully captured one of the brightest stars during daytime observations, opening up new possibilities for astronomy.

“The first time I saw stars during the day was actually whilst hosting a group of primary school students at Sydney observatory,” said Caddy. “The kids really wanted to look through the telescope, so despite it being midday, we pointed it at the brightest star in the sky – Sirius. You can imagine my astonishment – and their excitement – when we could actually see it!” 

“I guess it takes that sort of childlike curiosity to explore things we would have previously discounted as impossible.”  https://www.spaceaustralia.com/news/seeing-stars-day

Sirius is about 8.6 light-years from Earth.

So I tried to read up about the movement of stars and other celestial things like planets. To tell the truth, the science is WAY beyond my comprehension. I do know that when ever I am able to stay awake past dark and the sky is clear I am fascinated with the stars and planets I see. I can only imagine how tremendous those creations appeared when there was no light noise created by mankind. One night in the mountains of Colorado we were able to see the Milky Way in its glory. Wow!

The book of Common Prayer says:

At your command all things came to be: the vast expanse of interstellar space, galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses, and this fragile earth, our island home. By your will they were created and have their being.

All glory to you, our mighty God! Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest!

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Faith, Joy, Look, Nature, Praise, Spiritual growth, Thanks, Traveling, Worship

May 17 Fathom His glory

I may have told you previously that my friend, Debby, gave me a copy of a book entitled Amazing Grace: A Morning and Evening Devotional by Stephanie Sample. I have been thoroughly enjoying this book. On May 17 the entry called Fathom His Glory reminded me of our recent trip to GSMNP.

It begins with Psalm 19:1-2 NIV

The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.

Imagine my joy reading this verse and then almost simultaneously remembering this sight!

Look into those woods. Saplings and full grown trees. See the many layers of creation there? The mountains are also layered. And the clouds; such a wondrous creation we live in! Part of me wonders why some creature did not eat the brown stalks during the winter. The green is soon going to outgrow those brown stalks. Declaration! Proclamation! Speech and knowledge without words.

If we lived in Tennessee I would want to return to this very spot in all four seasons to try to capture the glorious creativity of God.

What calls to your soul to notice the vast creativity of the Lord?

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Faith, Joy, Look, Praise, Special Event, Thanks, Traveling

Have You Been A Witness to This Much Awe?

She seemed to say, “Now you stay right there!”

Rich Mountain Road is one of Bob’s favorite drives in the Smoky’s. The other is Parson’s Branch road. That one was still not open for the season. Drats.

Rich mountain is described as “a one-way, 7-mile journey on a twisting gravel road that leads north out of Cades Cove and ends in the town of Townsend. The road winds through quiet forest that often features excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature photography.”

“Are you staying put?” she asked.

We stopped the car. Mom thought about challenging us. She had walked towards the car aggressively, (first photo). Then must have realized we meant no harm. (second photo). We waited quietly to see what she would do.

Excellent opportunity indeed! Look who we got to see. The mother was small. Maybe her first cub?

photo by r m dutina

To our amazement they crossed the road in front of us. The remaining photos are taken by me from inside the car!

I think the baby could not have been more than 2 days old?
It reminded both of us of a very small puppy!

As we drove on in amazement, I realized except for the photos, we might be the only people to actually see these two this spring! What an awe inspiring event.

Nothing the rest of the day could top this!

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Cooking, Faith, Joy, Praise, Thanks

My Faith Journey Through Prayerful Observations

That is the subtitle of the new publication of my poetry which will be available through Amazon April 30, 2026. On Monday, April 20 Bob and I took Dana to dinner at Nicola’s in downtown Cincinnati to celebrate the completion of this book.

Wondrous bread basket and bread sticks I could live on! When the staff realized we were celebrating the publication of the book, not only were they effusive with their praise, but they brought each of us a glass of champagne! The chef wanted feedback on the foccaia which were were eager to give. It was delicious!

I ordered the Caesar salad and my favorite, Tagliatelle Bolognase, their famous family recipe handed down for generations.

Dana’s Salad

Goat cheese,melted like brie, on the side of the greens

Bob had the mussels.

Then they both had Diver caught Scallop. Chef says if a piece is broken in the kitchen he enjoys them raw. Both Bob and Dana thought they were delicious.

For their Ta-da! moment they both had lamb.

Truly gourmet Lamb with spaghetti

Of course, we all had dessert. Bob ordered his favorite, creme brulee, with a twist. “LAVENDER CRÈME BRULEE with raspberry foam and crystallized orchid.” He loved it and never offered me a single bite. Dana and I shared a dish of chocolate gelato and Citrus Tart Italian Meringue with Amarena cherries. Oh yum.

It was such a lovely evening. Bob, my love, my editor-in-chief and major photographer, did himself proud in treating us. This was a tremendous celebration over years of work that is finally out of my filing cabinet and being released to the world.

Thanks be to God!

Posted on in Faith, Focus, Joy, Listen, Obedience, Praise, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender, Trust, Yield

Psalm 16 Repeats

Have you ever noticed a Bible verse repeating over and over again in your life?

In our recent readings for the Second Sunday of Easter we read Psalm 16. Verse 11 is especially meaningful to me.

“You show me the path of life.
    In your presence there is fullness of joy;
    in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 NRSVUE

When I skipped church as a young teenager and walked the paths in the park worshiping God, it seemed as if David’s experience was my experience, too.

In 1993 I attended a silent retreat. When Psalm 16 came up I felt led to take verse 8 with me and practice God’s presence as I walked the Convent grounds.

I keep the Lord always before me;
    because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Psalm 16:8 NRSVUE

The practice that day deepened my faith and my trust in this God who is always at my right hand. Isaiah 42: 6 verses a and b go along with this verse.

“I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness,
    I have taken you by the hand and kept you…”

When I attended the Jewish funeral service for our dear “Aunt Cloty Gutman” in May, 2002 they read this Psalm. I was deeply touched as I remembered again that we both shared trust in this God whom David extolled.

The path of life, fullness of joy, pleasures forevermore … why would I seek after anything else?

I learned early in life that the God of Jesus is Who I wanted to seek. After dabbling in things of the world and even tasting the occult, I realized that only Jesus is eternal. Only God Almighty is going on forever. That is Who I want to follow. That is Who I want as my leader.

Protect me, God,
for you are my refuge.
2 I said to Adonai, “You are my Lord;
I have nothing good outside of you.”
3 The holy people in the land are the ones
who are worthy of honor; all my pleasure is in them.

4 Those who run after another god
multiply their sorrows;
To such gods I will not offer
drink offerings of blood
or take their names on my lips.

5 Adonai, my assigned portion, my cup:
you safeguard my share.
6 Pleasant places were measured out for me;
I am content with my heritage.

7 I bless Adonai, my counselor;
at night my inmost being instructs me.
8 I always set Adonai before me;
with him at my right hand, I can never be moved;
9 so my heart is glad, my glory rejoices,
and my body too rests in safety;
10 for you will not abandon me to Sh’ol,
you will not let your faithful one see the Abyss.
11 You make me know the path of life;
in your presence is unbounded joy,
in your right hand eternal delight. The Complete Jewish Bible