beauty - Related Content

Sister Jean's Six Word Story

Wednesday, December 7th 2016 7:50 am
Sister Jean Kasparbauer, FSPA

 

love-question-allure-beauty-joy-jean-kasparbauer

What's your six word discernment story?

Stop. Look up.

Thursday, July 7th 2016 10:09 am
Sister Amy Taylor, FSPA

 


Photo courtesy of freeimages.com

We live in a fast paced world of split-second decisions and short attention spans. Our minds spill over with complex thoughts and distraction as we struggle to be fully present to tasks at hand. Even off the clock, when watching a 30-minute TV show, we often multi-task by flipping channels, getting a snack or even fast forwarding through commercials via DVR. Our precious time of relaxation mirrors the lightning speed of modern living. Rarely do we sit and just enjoy the present.

Fourth of July fireworks displays trigger an automatic pause; a natural urge to stop and look up. We automatically slow to the unhurried pace of watching spectacular colors and shapes appear in the sky; listen to a symphony of “ooh”s and “ahh”s around us. Young, old and everyone in between are suspended in time. Together we are present to the moment and to one another. Memories are made as we allow beauty to seep into our souls and move each of us to reflection of things bigger than ourselves. We can hear that profound wonder in the voices of the children as they exclaim "Wow! Look at that big one!"

When was the last time you were drawn to quiet reflection through beauty? What made you stop and take notice? What are the beautiful moments in your discernment journey?

Sister Sue: nature is prayer

Thursday, November 9th 2017 10:00 am
Sister Sue Ernster, FSPA

 

rabbit

Image courtesy freeimages.com

I pray outside when I can. Being in nature is prayer for me. Whatever brings me closer to God — feeling God’s presence and love — is prayer for me. I prefer to take time in the morning to help ground and center me for the day; remembering all is gift from God. Being in nature (creation) is a reminder of God’s omnipotence, grandeur and beauty. The many flowers remind me of God’s love, beauty and fragility. Watching rabbits is always prayer. I am mesmerized by their actions, doing what comes naturally, yet showing energy, joy and beauty. Their twitching noses take me close to God. Instantly, creation is a small footprint of God’s capacity.

Franciscan Way is a series featuring prayerful reflection by Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.

A transformative moment

Thursday, November 16th 2017 10:00 am
Sister Amy Taylor, FSPA

 

Next week marks the beginning of travel for many as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches. Millions of people will board planes and trains and drive cars to gather with loved ones. Traffic, in one way or another, will most likely frustrate excited travelers dreaming of warmth and comfort once they arrive at their destinations. All of the stress melts away as joyful greetings and mouth-watering aromas greet each weary, nerves-worn-thin traveler finally crossing the threshold. This is the moment many dream of all year.


dinner-table

Image courtesy freeimages.com

Hours of love and care for guests start long before the time of celebration. Ingredients for favorite dishes along with a mix of new recipes are carefully considered as each cook desires to both satisfy and expand the horizons of guests gathered. The festive table beckons each person to linger amidst glowing candlelight as rich fall colors of gold, orange and brown compliment the trays of colorful foods nestled between gleaming, stark-white plates. Beauty intensifies as each person adds the gift of their presence around the table.  

Months of exile from one another fade as thankfulness for the moment grows. New memories are created and traditions of assembling grow deeper roots. Holiness pervades as the blessing initiates not only the beginning of the meal but also conversation laden with rich moments of the year’s harvest of blessings and challenges since last the group congregated. This is a eucharistic moment; bread is broken and life is shared. As we move beyond the static moment to see the mystery, we glimpse the transcendence of life.

Through the eyes of faith, holidays can become an experience of holy days and Thanksgiving highlights, in extraordinary ways, many of the markers of thoughtful discernment.

Gathering: moving outside of your own daily routine to join trusted friends and family and recognizing in new ways God’s activity in your life.
Contemplation: reflecting on blessings and challenges in your life.
Preparation: recognizing what you need in the moment, and also what the road ahead may require.
Beauty: being present to the moment at hand.
Abundance: recognizing that God provides more than we could ever consume.
Awareness: eyes wide open to the needs of others.

Food for thought this week as you prepare for your own pilgrimage to the banquet table …

How is discernment leading you to see beyond the surface meaning of an experience?

What are you thankful for in life and along your discernment journey?

Who will you invite to the table of your life?

*Do you know someone experiencing discernment of religious life? We invite you to share this link, www.fspa.org/showmeasign, and join the conversation. 


Tour Chapels
Explore our Ministries