We are ALL Children of God

August 19, 2021August 19, 2021 / Called to Write - NC Trees Photography / 1 Comment

Hearts pure at birth

Minds untainted by the whispers of others telling us what to think, do, perceive or believe

Maturing slowly from children to teenagers

Grasping to know who we are, what we truly believe

Asking ourselves what or whom would I most like to be

Then the sun breaks through in shades of pink, gray, white with a blue sky behind those clouds

And we know, we aren’t perfect

We are ALL doing the best we can to be a human, an adult, a sister, mother, situ, wife, friend, co-worker, neighbor

Traveling and navigating a Spiritual existence in a human body

We aren’t perfect

If I don’t say the right words at the right time, or misinterpret something you’ve said or done, don’t take it personally, kindness will return, if apologies are needed they will surface and be said, if not, know that this imperfect human is doing the best they can

So to you my brother or sister in Christ, know that in my heart, underneath layers of life’s experience, exists pure love

©Anita Adams 8/2021

HEALING takes whatever time it takes

June 27, 2021 / Called to Write - NC Trees Photography / 1 Comment

Learning to hold on when the healing is in year three and you feel like you will never fully recover is COURAGEOUS

There’s a reason I’m on this journey to wholeness

Even in the dark – the light still exists

HEALING takes whatever time it takes

During this time of Healing

I’ve shed some unknown ‘judgements’ about myself and others that I didn’t even know existed – this part of the healing process has been a GIFT

HEALING TAKES whatever time it takes

Haven’t I prayed for PATIENCE?

Well, here it is …

HEALING TAKES WHATEVER time it takes

Thank you CREATOR for hearing my prayer for walking with me in the dark, for giving me an outlet to spread my wings, to be GRATEFUL for ALL the many gifts you’ve given me

HEALING TAKES WHATEVER TIME it takes

It’s okay to REST, to PAUSE, to BREATHE, to REJOICE, to LAUGH out loud

Waiting is part of the process as well as Trusting

HEALING TAKES WHATEVER TIME IT TAKES.

Where am I headed?

June 1, 2021 / Called to Write - NC Trees Photography / Leave a comment

A typed note rests on my desk with this question Where am I headed?, and I read it every day.

I don’t know where I am headed

I do know that I am being prepared for something else; And I will recognize that calling or destination when the door or window opens

My prayer each day is your will for me God, and others

I listen and wait

Look and notice

Close my eyes and grow silent

Working and growing in compassion to meet the challenges of the day before me, as best I can

Nature and prayer are the balms that soothe my soul

Bathing under the canopy of the forest

Listening to the wind as it sways the trees’ trunks and limbs, they join in song, singing to one another is the music of my heart

Early morning, the birds’ song and banter brings a feeling of comfort like a flannel blanket on a cold day

Creating art from photos or gathered pieces of paper and moss, paint on canvas, herbs wrapped in string and presented as bouquets

Where am I headed?

Perhaps the answer is to grow deeper in gratitude for all the gifts I’ve been given – a compassionate heart, a listening ear, eyes that see, arms and legs that move and carry me from place to place, a knowingness that all is well …. and, more will be revealed – Hope.

~ Anita Adams 5/30/2021

Longing

May 11, 2021 / Called to Write - NC Trees Photography / 1 Comment

to feel the wind on my face

to hear his voice

to hug my grandsons without masks

to retire and enjoy my days writing and creating art

to go to Mass and receive Communion

to sit on the shore at the beach, and listen to the ocean’s song, to feel its waves wash upon my feet

to bathe in the forest and breathe in the fragrance of pines and flaming azaleas

to finish a book or two

to be guided to where and what my true calling is

to love and know myself so well that naturally, love overflows to all those around me

to be more grateful

to be present in this moment, in this breath

~ Anita Adams 5/11/2021

Good Friday Reflections and more

April 2, 2021 / Called to Write - NC Trees Photography / 1 Comment

Tell me what I missed….

Today – I missed the basking in the warmth of the sun

Yesterday – I missed a walk in the evening

A Year ago – I missed celebrating Good Friday with my Mom

Missing the smiles behind the masks, the hugs from those I know and love, and those I like, but know not – yet

All the moments and hugs from my grandsons from September 2020 until now

Life and its fluidity

Making the most of those moments and grateful for the comforts I have – a partner, a home, eyes that see, ability to feel with my heart and mirror the love back that’s been gifted to me.

Prayers that go something like this….

I am Tree

Tiny seed placed in the ground

Watered and nurtured with sunlight

God’s spirit poured out on me

Help me grow a little at a time

Roots clinging to the earth

Filled with the Spirit

Nourished with nutrients to grow

Branches stretched up toward the Heavens

Swaying in the wind

Dancing, singing with birds and bees

Giving thanks to our Creator

Singing songs like I Believe

Thank you – Love, Me

©Anita Adams 2021

March 28, 2021 / Called to Write - NC Trees Photography / 1 Comment

Definition of Epiphany: a sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something

Epiphany

This week I’ve had two –both with men, both familial.

The first with my son during a telephone conversation from him, which I listened as he spoke to me about his life, responsibilities, wants and needs. As I listened, what I heard was a type of discontent. And, it dawned on me that this may be what I have often echoed to my own parents, and how sad it must have been for them to have heard this same discontent from me for years. I decided right then to consciously change this language to content, possible and hopeful with all persons one conversation, one day at a time.

The second epiphany came last night when I shared with my father the first epiphany and he listened and looked at me and then said, you must have forgotten how you were as a young girl – I did NOT expect to hear these words or the examples of heart ache he described thereafter. Yet, I listened. I apologized for the heartache I bestowed unknowingly on him and my mother.

And then, I shared my perceptions of what happened in my life at that time. As he listened, and he did, I knew he was hearing my recollection and realization much differently. It was a lot to absorb for both of us. And even as I share this now, I know that we will both never be the same. For me, I will be more compassionate, listen more, talk less, need less, and continue to strive for that balance, that art of contentment.

As Easter approaches, and Lent comes to a close, I will share something I offered up during my Lenten journey with Christ. My Lenten Fast was this – to choose NOT to engage in any negative communication with others or toward myself, and if I slipped up, I would deposit $1 in a jar to be given to an organization for those who are less fortunate than myself such as MANNA FoodBank recipients or Catholic Charities. I may have $10 in the jar to distribute – not bad for 40 days of commitment and what I’ve learned is that this will be an ongoing way of life for me – listen more, talk less, if I must talk, be aware of my choice of words. An acronym for the word ‘THINK’ is this: Is what you are about to say: Thoughtful, Honest, Intelligent, Necessary and Kind? If so, it’s okay to proceed, if not, it’s best to just listen or move on.

Happy Easter – Spring !