The Poetry of Teresa of Avila
What a joy it was this morning to drive top down through rolling hills of autumn color. I found myself singing aloud to the open sky. It could have been the sheer beauty and gentle breeze of the day, but it was also, and mostly, because I was on my way to present a session on The Poetry of Teresa of Avila.
Teresa is one of my favorite topics and I had presented her poetry before, but for the last year and a half everything has been on zoom. This time it was in person with a vaccinated, small group at a nearby church. To see the smiles and to hear the laughter, I was happy! Here are some of the lines from Teresa that the women of United Lutheran chose to share:
Let nothing disturb you.
Let nothing make you afraid.
All things are passing.
God alone never changes.
Patience gains all things
If you have God you will want for nothing.
God alone suffices
Remember, God, to love us in a way our souls can taste and rejoice in.
God is always there, if you feel wounded. He kneels
over the earth like
a divine medic,
and His love thaws
the holy in us.
He showed me His compassion
and spoke a divine truth,
"I made you, dear, and all I make is perfect.
Please come close,
for I desire you.
For it is true, together we live; and only
at that shrine where all are welcome will God sing
loud enough to be heard
A woman's body, like the earth, has seasons
Our souls, dear, I will just say this forthright:
they are God Himself,
we will never perish
unless He does.
All concepts of God are like a jar we break,
because only the infinite can contain
our perfect love.
What is God's will for a wing?
Every bird knows tha
Once Upon A Time in a Town Called Nazareth
Friday Evening, Nov. 19th
and Saturday, Nov. 20th
a ZOOM presentation
Betsey Beckman and I have collaborated annually to bring to life this Sabbath retreat. Once again, we will journey with the young Jewish girl, Mary, as she encounters the Angel Gabriel and says "yes!” to God’s call. Through creative practices, ritual, and imagination, we will explore how God calls each of us to the gift of incarnation and invites us to the birthing of new life.
We are honored to be sponsored this year by the virtual monastery and global community, Abbey of the Arts. Cost: $90 USD, sliding scale
To register and for more info go to
Blessed is she who believed…(Luke 1:45)
An Advent Retreat inspired by Mary and Elizabeth
Saturday, December 18*, 2021. 9 am – noon (PST)
Zoom format hosted by St. Placid Priory, Lacey, W
note date change--to correspond with readings for 4th Sunday of Advent
This NEW Advent retreat will take us to the scene after the Annunciation, to Mary's encounter with Elizabeth in the Visitation. The joy of the Magnificat, the tender scene of reunion, the friendship between women of shared faith--what better way to celebrate the wondrous season that is Advent.
Come join us for this uplifting morning--and invite a friend to come too! Cost: $45 OR 2 for $75 if you bring that friend. (Who has been your Elizabeth?)
To register and for more info go to
WHY THESE WOMEN? Four Stories You Need to Read Before You Read the Story of Jesus. Last minute editing before PDF continues. I expect to have the PDF version available soon for my ARC team (Advanced Readers Copy).
Special thanks to all of you who signed on. I will be extending that invitation soon as the PDF is ready. I will continue to update you on the book as I have the information. Thank you all for your support and interest!
