https://www.melanienixon.com/blog daily 0.75 2026-04-02 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-22dsk-s2ks3-jgx8l monthly 0.5 2026-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1773957314767-A9OA4OS5K9J27GMSF15T/unsplash-image-D3GYTrmj77M.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: Love sick. Sick with Love. Entering Holy Week https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1773957053791-15NRKG718XD2Z38HE6LU/unsplash-image-CNpYALGZhMo.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: Love sick. Sick with Love. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/75065113-9d6d-4aa5-92b0-1e901ef3f7dc/19270FDA-14BE-4D48-8828-45D5BC71D0C2.jpeg Blog - Dwelling places: Love sick. Sick with Love. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1654720850818-JFFAAV58GA5PQP6YM7TQ/candlelights-2179184_1920.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: Love sick. Sick with Love. He first loved us. 1 John 4:19 (ESV) First Things First (Isaiah 54:10) Nothing you did caused my love to come to you. Nothing you can do will cause it to depart. Forever, first things first: love, simple and unconditional. Forever, first things first: the love I have for you will outlast the very earth. Even when you disbelieve it, it still burns for you. Even when you hate yourself, it is closer than you know. I love you now. I love you forever. I love you. I love you. I love you. Father, thank you, Amen. poem by Paul J. Pastor taken from The Listening Day Vol II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1714841974269-GAR2YMX355XBSST6BU54/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Dwelling places: Love sick. Sick with Love. - What we receive through this love: Agape (Original Greek: ἀγάπη (agápē) —affection, good-will, love, benevolence God’s love Exodus 20: 6 God’s protecting care Psalm 91:14, 145:20, Romans 8:28 Blessing from God Deuteronomy 11:13-15 A life of joy Psalm 5:11 Life in the promised land Psalm 69:35-36 The kingdom as inheritance James 2:5 A crown of life James 1:12 There are plenty more passages for agape, please continue as the Spirit leads. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-9nsdc-zfwbb-frd5p-gytyd-b5kjl-xydl3-tcyga monthly 0.5 2026-03-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1673558672643-J4PG07O74Z0WD34HMM2F/unsplash-image-nGo-UVGKAxI.jpg Blog - The Coffee Shop: Faith (part 2) - faith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1773248230543-S081WUBNUJ34TWFGW0DD/unsplash-image-s8Yz0dqKrVI.jpg Blog - The Coffee Shop: Faith (part 2) - Discovery. An invitation to listen and move. Is there a rhythm of faith resonating with you? Stay with one of the rhythms noted above. Listen-in to hear from God. What might He want you to notice in your life of faith with Him and with others? Take some time to read one of the Scripture passages slowly, two or three times. Journal a word or phrase standing out to you from the Scripture. Ask God about their meaning. Write down any questions you desire to ask or find yourself wrestling with. Wonder with an image of the rhythm (you may look through a magazine, your photos, out a window, or your view on a walk). How might God be calling you to respond to what you are noticing about this rhythm? Offer a prayer “Lord, Help me trust, and have confidence in the gift of faith You have given me.” God’s peace be with you! https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-9nsdc-zfwbb-frd5p-gytyd-b5kjl-xydl3-kwz94 monthly 0.5 2026-03-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1673558672643-J4PG07O74Z0WD34HMM2F/unsplash-image-nGo-UVGKAxI.jpg Blog - The Coffee Shop: Faith (part 1) - faith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1676153986783-DFEVE900HYXN8WUFFM8G/unsplash-image-XbE5ghVJjek.jpg Blog - The Coffee Shop: Faith (part 1) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-22dsk-bhr8g-yd8z2-xjjta monthly 0.5 2026-01-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/7ae6732f-cb47-4d9e-9331-cbd47097c16b/Rejoicing+girl.png Blog - Dwelling places: Joy - Dancing in Malibu Esperanza Doronila @edoronila https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1767802873680-U7I1KWJ9JDH2UUGYIB82/unsplash-image-arNw4UAYLVU.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: Joy “It is well with my soul”‍ https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-l9jf4-jnmlc-kna3r-43y63 monthly 0.5 2025-12-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/c5adfb55-42b6-46f6-ae87-35f29ed3e661/IMG_2832.jpeg Blog - this feels fitting:Friendship with Jesus - image from Casa Rodena by m r n https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1766175355710-92TOSRLJ6OF1FWT4K7LP/holding+hands.webp Blog - this feels fitting:Friendship with Jesus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1766175394670-HH2LOAZU05VPROKO2BZB/Rejoicing+girl.png Blog - this feels fitting:Friendship with Jesus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1766175541293-KH2CQDPQBRI4TROXTZHK/92157961-7CAE-4454-8DE7-505FC4B10D97.jpg Blog - this feels fitting:Friendship with Jesus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1766175591750-DP9P9UJ6NJD2RK3GM7TV/holy+spirit+color.jpeg Blog - this feels fitting:Friendship with Jesus https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-9nsdc-zfwbb-wsrd7-ckhl8 monthly 0.5 2025-05-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1678557092129-LLPH7RBXMU64AA5IPNFM/unsplash-image-sobXgw6KfiQ.jpg Blog - Prayer: Plant my feet - MUSIC (sing, hum, or move your body gently to the rhythm of the music.) Listen to: Holy Spirit Come to Us (Taize) And this by Porter’s Gate We Abide, We Abide in You Refrain lyrics: Where can my soul find living water? Apart from You we bear no fruit! O plant my feet down by the river: we abide, we abide in You. What are you noticing within your body, mind, and heart? ℗ 2017 The Porter's Gate/The Fuel Music https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/736174c0-4ea9-44d3-971b-0207bcc77a44/Dewitt+Wash+Feet+st.+glass_compl4_655249adb4fb4_resized_q80.jpg Blog - Prayer: Plant my feet Holy Trinity icon by Andrei Rublev https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-dnrsm-s3dcr-f63yf-75kz3-ecx7r-2jhcg-gkd67-exnd4-abb2j-rlsph monthly 0.5 2025-05-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1695075551915-PY0DOP8TAI38E7X46OB9/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Simply Deep: awe shadow play above, on the Paseo bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663612432116-C7R9C8JIRJZ2VJAK1TGX/IMG_7891.jpeg Blog - Simply Deep: awe - mariposa park, Albuquerque This morning being able to enter-in to one of my walking spaces again brought to surface the healthy need for awe and wonder. The spaces around my neighborhood welcome a variety of moments to pause where both inwardly and outwardly, all the expression overflows with Awe— “God, thank you for this day!” As I walked, the roses and greenery of spring in Albuquerque provided the visual eyes with awe. Along the path, a young gal was also receiving a moment of awe as she watched the mother quail run across the bike path where we were walking. Delight was the inner response to the awe she had just paused to see. I too joined in. Together the outer world spoke gently and refreshingly to our interior. May your natural surroundings call out and give way to cultivating the capacity to “awe and marvel” dear friends! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/682b220a-4cb4-4794-a159-330b31ad2f03/IMG_5146.jpeg Blog - Simply Deep: awe Pecos Shades. image by m r n https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1747070027618-YJ8NHGXL1PUXO4POLV4D/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Simply Deep: awe - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1747070112995-B5XNVUFNC8I796V3IW6R/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Simply Deep: awe - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-22dsk-bhr8g monthly 0.5 2025-07-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1742937633902-ARZ4RQKF3DJAT1QCMQWT/unsplash-image-jJzStRAJHfo.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: the soul Esperanza Doronila @edoronila https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/daa61218-6dad-4631-a5e5-e925b693649c/IMG_9207.jpeg Blog - Dwelling places: the soul - Make it stand out image by m r n Arkansas River https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1654720850818-JFFAAV58GA5PQP6YM7TQ/candlelights-2179184_1920.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: the soul “It is well with my soul” (Image by Pexels from Pixabay) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1742948826679-Q72617ZX58CB6GRXH6MB/unsplash-image-r2nJPbEYuSQ.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: the soul - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-dnrsm-s3dcr-f63yf-l48zh monthly 0.5 2025-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1645654590749-KEHSH4VAK6IQ5JS7J4L7/tempImageLNTuno.gif Blog - PLAY: Sabbath rest - Hello Friends, shadow play above, on the Paseo bridge https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-9nsdc-zfwbb-frd5p-gytyd-b5kjl-xydl3-65j79-fmynr-j6844-celab monthly 0.5 2025-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1741210045076-M8QXZJFUMK0GMY1I3JH8/unsplash-image-H2-nwtfIuLs.jpg Blog - Vines & Vineyards - Make it stand out State of your Soul https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/496f16cd-1a29-4232-a0ce-8442e591b4c4/IMG_8213.jpeg Blog - Vines & Vineyards - Make your home in Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/584eb84b-4529-4157-8340-7d0e688d317f/5687C19E-00A9-4A92-81CD-64A4D56C0543.jpg Blog - Vines & Vineyards - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/cbbb872f-74c0-40e3-918d-2a0baa283df4/I-am-the-Vine-you-are-the-Branches_Triptych.jpeg Blog - Vines & Vineyards - Artist: Jackie Railsback May we trust the seasons to God in our lives. As the Father is the vinedresser, so remain in Him, and He will remain in you. —Selah https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-l5mxe-nlmcg-dllay-76ryw-6ytjt-yct5b-atlz5 monthly 0.5 2025-02-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/76c17479-3bf9-487d-9935-06359914a69b/Abide_in_Vine.jpeg Blog - Two ways to engage in a Daily Pause - Make it stand out John 15: 1-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1666316799782-QYBGWV16D1ABSNPIOVL9/IMG_8321+2.jpeg Blog - Two ways to engage in a Daily Pause - Daily Examen: Finding God Every Day Begin with a notebook/journal, pen, and a candle if you wish. A moment of Silence to settle in before listening. Journaling (don’t forget to write the date something like 10.20.22): Thanking God for the gift of today can look like this: I felt alive in your presence today, God, when… I struggled to feel your presence today, God, when… God, I want to share more with you about a moment from today…through this experience, I think you might be telling me… As I think about tomorrow, God, I pray that… Close by reflecting on any promises of God or verses that are staying with you. Write these down or read these verses/words in a slow rhythm. Return to Silence (If you wish speak a simple prayer of Thanksgiving to the Lord) Rest in HIM. Note: Some content shared from The Examen Journal by Mary Williams https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-l5mxe-nlmcg-dllay-76ryw-6ytjt-ghfk3-jc5ep-8r78x monthly 0.5 2025-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1703102739317-VUUGDBY6UW802YXJ7NGG/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Gift of Solo Retreat - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/69a47f42-8952-4f7a-8b75-7cef370f1984/IMG_2834.jpeg Blog - The Gift of Solo Retreat - Make it stand out evening moment at the Albuquerque Open Space, NM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/be9c2191-a61a-4474-800a-1351a77f0a23/IMG_1537.jpeg Blog - The Gift of Solo Retreat - Make it stand out Candid on retreat image by m r n https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663612264792-SBSY15IOSAMJBBEEAI8Y/IMG_8257.jpeg Blog - The Gift of Solo Retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663612235494-P9QUTNEZYSF10UGH8M6X/IMG_8224.jpeg Blog - The Gift of Solo Retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663612413106-3AR702WIIOQBCRLRSL2U/IMG_7774.jpeg Blog - The Gift of Solo Retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663612432116-C7R9C8JIRJZ2VJAK1TGX/IMG_7891.jpeg Blog - The Gift of Solo Retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663612836676-K63FLPYLEBD2QV2URUH4/FCCE67D1-9A4E-41DF-BB8F-6AB13ECD4F8E.jpg Blog - The Gift of Solo Retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663613257733-3IBI14K7YHT2UOU151NV/229143A5-527F-47A5-8318-898182FE016A.jpg Blog - The Gift of Solo Retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663613580487-EZK78CGOV60IWTZRMVIJ/water-3458877_1920.jpg Blog - The Gift of Solo Retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663613286776-BH2UEU2V5ZJVRCLHLB2U/C805F511-D744-48CF-92F0-C31E40FFEFCB.jpg Blog - The Gift of Solo Retreat https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-l5mxe-nlmcg-dllay-cdtzd-g6jfc-c3yek-ffanb-fjsby monthly 0.5 2025-01-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1d672eb0-a930-4eed-8cea-86325599ed85/IMG_4684.jpeg Blog - Vines & Vineyards - Make it stand out image taken in Potter Valley by m r n https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/65001590-4f7d-46ad-96ee-5f2065162f01/The-growth-of-organic-wine-We-have-gone-from-curiosity-based-consumption-to-structural-consumption.jpeg Blog - Vines & Vineyards - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/81cad6cf-899c-4da5-a94e-ed2dfc8f757d/22bc0a8c4573701d9df70f51a971388a.jpeg Blog - Vines & Vineyards - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/3a90b577-d3df-459b-a4e1-ebfc324b473c/IMG_4669.jpeg Blog - Vines & Vineyards - Make it stand out “Fresh Grapes on Wounded Wood” taken by m r n https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1736635899894-KGHVKHAJLYHJYEC72736/IMG_1552.jpg Blog - Vines & Vineyards https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1736622956474-5FBMGMDLCRST8P35LN4V/IMG_3394.jpeg Blog - Vines & Vineyards https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1736622955223-2N72HFCG6JTX59MYGGWR/IMG_1579.jpeg Blog - Vines & Vineyards https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1736622948237-SDZPIQB8Q1MEP92KQLCP/IMG_4701.jpeg Blog - Vines & Vineyards https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1736622946748-LSY03NHJPOXLY5NYZL23/IMG_4692.jpeg Blog - Vines & Vineyards https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/32b978e3-93df-4aa5-8fa2-c3d91f625178/tumblr_cbda3692bb25dd5ea2d4a1017c137659_2375a538_1280.png Blog - Vines & Vineyards “Think often on God, by day, by night, in your business and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave him not alone.” —Brother Lawrence https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-gzpbh-plelz-c66nn-wdlt9-arxr3 monthly 0.5 2025-01-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1692324359278-Z9JMOG9RARH3PRFXURJT/image-asset.jpeg Blog - New Beginnings https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/7deabd59-8a91-4721-9611-e199dfd04140/A+year+with+Jesus.jpg Blog - New Beginnings - A Year With Jesus has a dated daily reading inviting us in— to “hearing and seeing” the way of Jesus. We all are invited— “inclusive” and not exclusive. May you find encouragements from Scripture and genuine thoughtfulness from Eugene Peterson. These are brief and can be read anytime within your daily life (morning, afternoon, or evening or anytime you need refreshment or refocus). Also included is a resonating question for each reading that gives us something to linger with and connects to who you are and where you might be in your life. A gentle offering for the new year ahead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/eb16aa1f-70af-4491-9559-1924b84e8529/year+of+small+things+.jpg Blog - New Beginnings Year of Small Things was brought to my attention by a friend. We began this in a book club way. If you are a book clubber or wanting to try a book club this may be a good resource for you. Both authors share their detailed experiences of forming ‘community’ that supports and engages real life and the journey. The desire for deeper relational patterns in life seems to be a recurring theme and a longing in our world today especially in the states. We are slowly reading through this book just dipping our feet into what living a year of small things may look like—for each of us together and individually. A unique invitation is to try this with folks— multi-generational, varied demographics and stages of life (single, married, widower…). I’ll try to keep you updated on how this one is unfolding throughout the year! Email me, I’d love to hear how you might be experiencing this read as well. (hello@melanienixon.com) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/880eb5d1-9ffe-42f7-903f-7cc8e8f372a1/the+examen+journal.jpeg Blog - New Beginnings - Delighted to share this with you! The Examen Journal by live today well and Mary Williams is beautifully laid out and simple. This journal begins with a brief description of each: *What is the Examen? *Who is St. Ignatius of Loyola? *When should I pray the examen? *Why and how I should use this journal? I am finding these to be helpful beginnings for starting the year —whether familiar already with the Examen or new to this kind of prayer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/b7bdb5fc-2a93-4557-b9e3-c77af464eaa4/God%27s+power+to+change+your+life+.jpg Blog - New Beginnings - Make it stand out A welcoming read appeared on my front porch! When a dear woman from church delivers a book to your front porch, it’s a message that God has something He wants to share with you. I am looking forward to reading Warren’s writings (which I haven’t before). His journey has been prolific and public over the years, and a neighbor when living in Orange County. So my curiosity is taking this with Light and Trust. This reading comes with a mentoring companionship also something new for me. May you too find a mentor to read along with you and see where God’s Light and Trust take you. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-l5mxe-nlmcg-dllay-cdtzd-g6jfc monthly 0.5 2025-01-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1672624501146-OL0HA7IGJC9GPYO842FQ/unsplash-image-SwCm1Ji7AfI.jpg Blog - POETRY. I welcome you in. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1735591357908-4C80QI4HL43NBJ0B6ENV/unsplash-image-mRzolUHc-FE.jpg Blog - POETRY. I welcome you in. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/f340c986-c45f-443a-8911-2c1b6a143161/Angels.jpeg Blog - POETRY. I welcome you in. - Seed God dug his seed into dry, dark earth. After a sprouting up in hopeful birth and healing bloom and garland grace, he buried it again in a darker place. Twice rudely planted seed, root, rise in me and grow your green again, your fruited tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/bada72ec-01e4-43bf-b458-0d1d6fdf9f9b/ChocoFlan-The-Impossible-Layered-Cake-Salimas-Kitchen-25-2-scaled.jpeg Blog - POETRY. I welcome you in. - (a poem still in progress from 2024) Savorous Memories “Think often on God, by day, by night, in your business and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave him not alone.” —Brother Lawrence https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-eacc7-sa692-7wmmc monthly 0.5 2024-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/165a4282-4c85-4fb3-a46d-cdbef738396b/12979F9D-A4D1-4BA2-A97A-784F457843A2_1_102_o.jpeg Blog - Arise Spiritual Direction “Arise, for your light has come” Isaiah 60:1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/69a47f42-8952-4f7a-8b75-7cef370f1984/IMG_2834.jpeg Blog - Arise Spiritual Direction https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1732922153416-ARPVGRKGY3GY3S1PYQS6/unsplash-image-GaLzDCnA5EI.jpg Blog - Arise Spiritual Direction - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1700592595258-MMAYI18VUPM42DCSJKPG/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Arise Spiritual Direction - Welcoming Companions! I invite you into the dance of love, grace, hope, truth–to wear a beautiful headdress, the oil of joy, a garment of praise… [Isaiah 61:3] Reach out, I will gladly welcome you to sit with me for a session or help you find a spiritual director. Come and see what God invites and has for you! Schedule a Session https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-gzpbh-plelz-c66nn-wdlt9-f7z47-38fns monthly 0.5 2024-05-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1667269513621-4DR4IMVMYYFL4SJ4SRQ0/krzysztof-niewolny-OxK32aLJXWU-unsplash.jpg Blog - Listening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/ead38042-83d1-4c7a-ab34-0259170dbc68/81cdxC6TYoL._AC_UF1000%2C1000_QL80_.jpg Blog - Listening. - Meditations on the Way: The Listening Day (Vol II) by Paul J. Pastor There seems to be a rhythm, a pattern unfolding from these pages which are also the way the author intended: scripture, title, scripture, poem, and closing prayer. It has been a pleasant surprise to open a page each morning and find God has already been speaking to the heart, mind, and present places in my life within the words encountered. It is like He is orchestrating and calling me to listen more—become more intimate with His way, through listening. The poem’s intertwined bring forth a human story from the author’s own life though not direct but clearly heard, felt, and evidenced. Isn’t that what poetry is meant to do? —Touch our ears to hopefully flow into our hearts. As is God’s love from the reading of Scripture. Not of rules per se but of His love, through history, psalm (song), poetry, proverbs, prayers—stories inspired by the Spirit. May this kind of devotional be something to help us —in listening for God’s voice. To “live this day in God’s presence” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/e33fa59b-3e79-42c4-b66a-9a82f64e4e1a/into+the+silent+land+2.jpeg Blog - Listening. Into the Silent Land was a welcomed recommendation, with a poetic style of writing, and various invitations to listen within the posture of silence. In a time when finding a rhythm of pause is a challenge, and even more so is the invitation for silence —not emptying of every thought but of contemplating God’s thoughts for us and about us, as His beloved child (both as individuals and as collective peoples). What drew me in was also this deepening need of “home.” As I opened the first pages, the Introduction title reads “God Our Homeland” and from there my curiosity carried on. Laird shares these words from poet R.S. Thomas: “But the silence in the mind is when we live best, within listening distance of the silence we call God… It is a presence, then, whose margins are our margins; that calls us out over our own fathoms.” May this resource be an encouragement into the invitations of being still—with God. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/cd60f343-750b-4e85-bca5-9f93bf7b3a60/22-23_Lectio_Divina_EN_angle2_720x+copy.jpg Blog - Listening. - The Gospels A reflective way of listening from the ancient way of Lectio Divina. As you can tell the liturgical year is off 2022-23. Sometimes there’s the voice within saying “I should read this book again.” How often have you heard the same voice within? If you have, you’ll find where picking up this book was chosen to read the gospels this way again—a reread has become the path for this new year of 2024-25. It’s fairly simple to align the daily readings whether in morning or evening or somewhere within the day. The rhythm here of Ordinary Time begins with an opening prayer, then follows with (Lectio Divina) Reading of the gospel, (Meditation) Listening for a word or words catching your attention, words of comfort or challenge, (Prayer) Listening to the reading again as prayer, bringing praise, petition, or thanksgiving that the Word inspires, and (Contemplation) reflections invited by a question or silence, and concluding with Closing Prayers (from the Psalms). If you haven’t experienced a rhythm of Lectio Divina reading through prayer and listening this may be a wonderful invitation to try. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/239a0340-7af9-468b-826a-8284bc009ec0/817kK6DpgrL._SL1500_.jpg Blog - Listening. - “It’s going to be amazing!” A few months ago, the pages of Murakami’s book about his writing journey Novelist as a Vocation, he noted running as a significant part of his daily writing rhythm for life. This was a great read! So why not hear more from the pages of What I Talk About When I Talk About Running: A Memoir (back cover above) so far so good! Hopefully you’ll enjoy one of these readings or resonate with something noted within Resonating Resources. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-22dsk-s2ks3 monthly 0.5 2026-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1714842222117-PD86VHBD4B70EELK073M/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Dwelling places: agape https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/75065113-9d6d-4aa5-92b0-1e901ef3f7dc/19270FDA-14BE-4D48-8828-45D5BC71D0C2.jpeg Blog - Dwelling places: agape - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1654720850818-JFFAAV58GA5PQP6YM7TQ/candlelights-2179184_1920.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: agape He first loved us. 1 John 4:19 (ESV) First Things First (Isaiah 54:10) Nothing you did caused my love to come to you. Nothing you can do will cause it to depart. Forever, first things first: love, simple and unconditional. Forever, first things first: the love I have for you will outlast the very earth. Even when you disbelieve it, it still burns for you. Even when you hate yourself, it is closer than you know. I love you now. I love you forever. I love you. I love you. I love you. Father, thank you, Amen. poem by Paul J. Pastor taken from The Listening Day Vol II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/fc2e68a2-39ba-41c4-871c-0ba74a16571a/IMG_3012.jpeg Blog - Dwelling places: agape - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1714841974269-GAR2YMX355XBSST6BU54/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Dwelling places: agape - Agape (unconditional love) More discoveries to guide us in understanding and study with the following invitation: to read, listen, let God’s Word speak to and through each of us, and then walk on, carry on, and hold on to these truths. Be encouraged. Agape (Original Greek: ἀγάπη (agápē) —affection, good-will, love, benevolence John 15:9 “…Abide in the love of Me…” John 15:13 “…greater than this love…” 2 Corinth. 5:14 “…for love of Christ…” Romans 8:39 “…nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of…” There are plenty more passages for agape, please continue as the Spirit leads. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-l9jf4-jnmlc-kna3r monthly 0.5 2025-12-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1631826259390-Y2S4RN01V94V2YI7B6KZ/flower%2Band%2Bwindow.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: You will be led. - image taken on Canyon Road, by m r n https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1709837160871-MTFZCXOGQGLCDZ8AI5X3/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Dwelling places: You will be led. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/c386cca0-8372-4fde-a6ba-be51e1f8016a/image-asset.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: You will be led. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1709659666827-HBLHFY811LUVH4IC2CPB/Nappy+%40nappystudio Blog - Dwelling places: You will be led. - The Lord is near. We often hear for the broken-hearted. To the one who looks for and seeks to see. To touch Him. He’s not the critic monster. But the voice of One who welcomes and builds up. Of One who looks across the room and smiles first, With the eyes, then cheeks, followed by lips That crack to form joy Maybe even a gentle laughter. To say “I see you, and don’t leave yet, please stay longer” Always stays with me as a friend. A kind friend who wants to guide, When one needs courage to keep going. When one needs to overcome or Lay down burdens (at times not just one but several). He raises the hands of us who first lay down our burdens or Who sit at His feet. And then, Hallelujah follows. This is the encouraging One, our guide, who is a friend– enthusiastic to say “Don’t leave yet” and “I can’t wait to see you again” before you even depart. “Can it be sooner than later.” A guide who does this, is One, I want to follow. —an oh, so slightly poem by m r n https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-gzpbh-plelz-c66nn-wdlt9-f7z47 monthly 0.5 2024-05-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1706826126602-MYZAVUP3UTZ0BI0HRS6G/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Two children’s books. Psalms. And surprised by author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/6a9eca1f-ba8e-457c-aab5-a925e32063e2/and+now+miquel.jpg Blog - Two children’s books. Psalms. And surprised by author. - and now Miguel— A very sweet family story of Miguel and his father living and learning together what it means to work together as family yet also taking on new responsibilities and learn a trade of shepherding. The delight of this story was opening the pages to find the setting is right here in New Mexico in the Sangre de Cristo mountains. For me, I was suddenly nudged into my first memories of discovering these mountains while driving the High Road to Taos, a winding path en route to reunite with my cousins the Coleman brothers. My cousin James had recently acquired a unique local’s ski resort “Sipapu” which for short is often referred to as Sipa. My first drive up there was filled with excitement and anticipation; the curious wonder of would I even recognize him after so many years since our childhood and early adult years. It had now been 20 some years. We described one another before reuniting and when we spotted each other at the base of the ski basin, we immediately embraced with smiles, joy, and reaching out to hug! This reunion began the most wonderful, loving friendship of cousins again and my love for exploring the Sangre de Cristo mountains. This is a portion of my story's connection to Miguel’s. If you ever pick up a copy, may you too find your own connections whether you live in New Mexico, visited these mountains, or have other associations that arise. The joy of reading brings us to learn, but more so to find relationships within pages to discover or uncover maybe more of who we are, or where we’ve been, and possibly where we might want to go. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/0c955248-8d12-42c4-8c52-60c3c60e4b22/gift+sea.jpeg Blog - Two children’s books. Psalms. And surprised by author. A few weeks ago, I walked into our local bookstore browsing the small used section. I picked up Anne Lindbergh’s book, intrigued by the title and book cover image of seashells. Two things stood out, one the title’s luring of the sea, and secondly, a collection of seashells I have on my coffee table ready for the grandkids to pick up and touch. These shells are purposely in reach for them and so as not to have to say “oh, those aren’t for you to touch.” Instead, I want my grandchildren to get to explore when they come for a visit or a short stay. Beyond the cover, Anne’s own story of being the wife of pilot Charles Lindbergh struck me. I am drawn-in to hearing the “wife’s” story of well-known people, and second, her writing surprised me most by being about mid-life. A place where I find myself in as wife, mother, friend, and career —all transitional in this season of life. Her experiences and thoughts keep me slowly reading portions at a time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/da9209de-9c44-47f3-9c99-49a59c954304/Psalms_0558ab24-4303-4d90-bb09-3b21a4419bc9_1800x1800.jpg Blog - Two children’s books. Psalms. And surprised by author. - The Book of Psalms came and began to open this year’s beginning and morning routine, welcoming each new day. I was surprised by this as well, but have found myself saying— “Yes!” “Lord, You know my coming and going, and what I need!” This stream of reading began divinely in Psalm 23 — The LORD, the Psalmist’s Shepherd 23:1 “The LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide, and to shield me], I shall not want.” [AMP] And the readings have continued on over these past 31 days of January, carrying into the Psalms of 24— 32. Oh, how kind these words of comfort, clarity, and swirling about at times have been! God’s Word keeps me moving forward over humps, through the valleys, and many walks along streams that are sometimes flowing and other times dried up yet they reveal over and over God is with me–caring for me and carrying me. If you find your own beginning of January feeling like a Psalm, may you be encouraged to stay with what God is showing you or waiting to be shown as you read on. Or maybe try beginning February with a Psalm reading, there are 150 to choose from. Start where your eyes are drawn, your heart and mind will follow. Trust the loving presence of God! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/239a0340-7af9-468b-826a-8284bc009ec0/817kK6DpgrL._SL1500_.jpg Blog - Two children’s books. Psalms. And surprised by author. - “It’s going to be amazing!” A few months ago, the pages of Murakami’s book about his writing journey Novelist as a Vocation, he noted running as a significant part of his daily writing rhythm for life. This was a great read! So why not hear more from the pages of What I Talk About When I Talk About Running: A Memoir (back cover above) so far so good! Hopefully you’ll enjoy one of these readings or resonate with something noted within Resonating Resources. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-dnrsm-s3dcr-f63yf-75kz3-ecx7r-2jhcg-gkd67-exnd4-abb2j monthly 0.5 2024-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1695075551915-PY0DOP8TAI38E7X46OB9/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Simply Deep: hesed shadow play above, on the Paseo bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1704757554974-HVMXUS18BZLTVNTPF8DI/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Simply Deep: hesed - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1648701746834-D4IOSTOQFYMYGB1EF23D/D0306004-E2A3-4EC8-9099-3B2DE2052D0B.jpg Blog - Simply Deep: hesed - Make it stand out neighborhood trails image by m r n https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-l5mxe-nlmcg-dllay-76ryw-6ytjt-ghfk3-jc5ep monthly 0.5 2025-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1703102739317-VUUGDBY6UW802YXJ7NGG/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Being with God: “The Gift of Retreat” - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/69a47f42-8952-4f7a-8b75-7cef370f1984/IMG_2834.jpeg Blog - Being with God: “The Gift of Retreat” - Make it stand out evening moment at the Albuquerque Open Space, NM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/be9c2191-a61a-4474-800a-1351a77f0a23/IMG_1537.jpeg Blog - Being with God: “The Gift of Retreat” - Make it stand out Candid on retreat image by m r n https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663612264792-SBSY15IOSAMJBBEEAI8Y/IMG_8257.jpeg Blog - Being with God: “The Gift of Retreat” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663612235494-P9QUTNEZYSF10UGH8M6X/IMG_8224.jpeg Blog - Being with God: “The Gift of Retreat” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663612413106-3AR702WIIOQBCRLRSL2U/IMG_7774.jpeg Blog - Being with God: “The Gift of Retreat” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663612432116-C7R9C8JIRJZ2VJAK1TGX/IMG_7891.jpeg Blog - Being with God: “The Gift of Retreat” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663612836676-K63FLPYLEBD2QV2URUH4/FCCE67D1-9A4E-41DF-BB8F-6AB13ECD4F8E.jpg Blog - Being with God: “The Gift of Retreat” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663613257733-3IBI14K7YHT2UOU151NV/229143A5-527F-47A5-8318-898182FE016A.jpg Blog - Being with God: “The Gift of Retreat” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663613580487-EZK78CGOV60IWTZRMVIJ/water-3458877_1920.jpg Blog - Being with God: “The Gift of Retreat” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663613286776-BH2UEU2V5ZJVRCLHLB2U/C805F511-D744-48CF-92F0-C31E40FFEFCB.jpg Blog - Being with God: “The Gift of Retreat” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1648742242916-LPGY84W7V2O9L61J0LTE/IMG_1549.JPG Blog - Being with God: “The Gift of Retreat” - Retreat Plan (sample) Begin your first hour (or more) releasing distractions Walking in silence, taking in your surroundings Journaling away your distractions, offering these as prayer to the God who knows and hears you Your next hour(s) Consider a slow reading of Scripture with moments of prayerful silence Lectio Divina Sit with an image using Visio Divina and listen for God’s particular words to you for this moment Let a song wash over you or sing with your own voice, listening for God’s love embracing you Your next hours You may be ready for a nap, let this be a “holy nap” of resting in God’s presence Let your inspirations or struggles flow forth in some creative way: pull out your art supplies, whittling knife, camera, whatever brings you pleasure— for God takes pleasure in being with you Your time with God is for your enjoyment and His good pleasure. Listen for His invitations of love Maybe sit in a chapel nearby or a cathedral of nature Maybe explore some new activity, or place you’ve always wanted to see Close your time with silence once again, and offer when ready a prayer of Thanksgiving to our living and loving God. (Oh, don’t forget to eat, take along snacks, and drink water!!) https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-gzpbh-plelz-3ybee-awkx5 monthly 0.5 2023-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/655c0ee9-2133-475c-bced-7653c1f7d0de/IMG_5603.JPG Blog - Neuroscience. Creativity. Contemplative. - All Things Merge photo by m r n What’s going on in the brain? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/5f9df2e4-087e-4b74-8c64-7572230e7cd1/Other+Half+of+Church.jpeg Blog - Neuroscience. Creativity. Contemplative. - The Invisible Embrace: Beauty by John O’Donohue The second/subtitle is Rediscovering The True Stories of Compassion, Serenity, and Hope. Every bit of this book’s titles speak such invitation to just sit with before even opening the pages beyond the covers imagery of the green hills of Ireland. A slow reading “Yes!” Even the Introduction is not a skimming “The Cry of Our Times: To Awaken Beauty”—sitting with just this invites reflection. More from the introduction: “We live between the act of awakening and the act of surrender. Each morning we awaken to the light and the invitation to a new day in the world of time…” Only twenty pages in, the words of O’Donohue and others he quotes take time to hear, really hear to wonder and maybe even ask where is this going, these words for I know they are touching places within. “To behold beauty dignifies your life; it heal you and call you out beyond the smallness of your own self-limitation to experience new horizons. To experience beauty is to have your life enlarged.” (20) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/7df80e23-119e-43fc-b6b6-cfeaeed74523/Nogar-graphic.jpeg Blog - Neuroscience. Creativity. Contemplative. - Quill and Cross in the Borderlands by Anna M Nogar Sor Maria de Agreda and the Lady in Blue The Blue nun is another descriptor often used in New Mexico. Our state has many connections to Spain, mystery, faith, and (indigenous) beautiful peoples of the land. My daughter first introduced me to the Lady in Blue, and then recently I met artist, Joshua S. Franco whose painting drew me in, to her, again. Her life and appearing are written about from 1628 to the present. What is so fascinating about her? Nun, writer, and missionary. And more. A highlight of these pages is local author: Anna M Nogar. She “is an associate professor of hispanic Southwest studies in the Dept. of Spanish and Portuguese at the University of New Mexico.” (noted on the back cover) Hopefully this perks your interest in one way or another: Art or historical reading! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/c9e4dd0f-39f5-4b0c-ad5c-aa2e79b51765/max_widt Blog - Neuroscience. Creativity. Contemplative. - Christine Valters Paintner Her writings, creative contemplations, and guiding practices have been a significant inspiration in creativity—especially with photography (with Eyes of the Heart). Now recently, I’ve come in contact with this book which has kept the “stirring up” of creative desire and longing to keep “Arising” to where my hope is others like you will become curious about your own “creativity.” Invitation. Pause for a moment. Wonder about your “creativity” —What kind of things do you put your hands to when you slow down? What isn’t easy but challenges you to try something? If you haven’t pondered this in awhile, maybe this season is an opening of grace for you. Please take a walk or sip some coffee or wine and listen with the Psalm 139 [AMP], here are a few verses sprinkled: “O LORD, you have searched me throughly and have know me… …You understand my thoughts from afar… …You are intimately acquainted with all my ways… For You formed my innermost parts, You knit me together in my mother’s womb… My frame was not hidden from You, when I was being formed in secret, and intricately and skillfully formed…” As you listen-in to the One who Created you, may His loving voice offer creative inspirations into your own life, presently. And may the guidance of the Artist’s Rule follow! https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-dnrsm-s3dcr-f63yf-75kz3-ecx7r-2jhcg-gkd67-exnd4 monthly 0.5 2024-01-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1695075551915-PY0DOP8TAI38E7X46OB9/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Simply Deep: joy shadow play above, on the Paseo bridge https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-9nsdc-zfwbb-wsrd7-wg46g monthly 0.5 2023-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/5f3f4e6f-fa32-4d57-a689-651e624a0c0a/99A61EAA-A4D9-455C-9E80-C233C59770B8.JPG Blog - Advent Moment “art with meditations” - Welcoming the Advent season of “Coming” “waiting!” S ome ask, “How do you spend your time leading up to Christmas?” My reply is always eclectic because the way of entering advent is particular to where I am or rather we are as a family—place, relationally, spiritually, life as it is. Music is our family’s first entering into the season with the tradition of decorating our tree in preparation for advent. This past Monday, our children (8 adults and 2 grandchildren) came over to be together, place wooden beads and ornaments on our family tree, eat cookies and drink tea, and listen to some classical Christmas music with some of the sweetest Charlie Brown mixes in-between. The delight of the season of Christ’s love is the center of gathering and setting the tone, and we hope will lead us all wherever we are into advent to our particular Christmas day. MUSIC (sing, hum, or move your body gently to the rhythm of the music.) Listen to: Holy Spirit Come to Us (Taize) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/f4b48d57-4d81-46f0-9df3-a3b276d62dcc/IMG_1836.jpeg Blog - Advent Moment “art with meditations” - Another portion of Advent for our family is slowing down each day for a reading. Each of us has our own choosing of what book or guide we may use (and sometimes together). This year this book made its way to our coffee table “Wounded in Spirit” —a way of unfolding Advent with art and meditations. I’m looking forward to using imagery this year for listening to what God might be saying during this year’s 2023 season. I’m already noticing ‘surprised blessings’ meaning I didn’t have to make a decision, this beautiful book appeared and resonates with where I am this year. Delighted! Maybe the invitation is for us to let go, and relinquish our choices and let the Spirit show us where we are? Holy Trinity icon by Andrei Rublev https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/ab16eb2f-ac1e-4db0-8a01-85174b33c898/Bartolome%CC%81_Esteban_Murillo_-_The_Flight_into_Egypt_-_48.96_-_Detroit_Institute_of_Arts.jpg Blog - Advent Moment “art with meditations” - by Bartolome Esteban Murillo, The Flight into Egypt Detroit Institute of Arts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/ee946616-dff9-402b-9123-765ebfeb00c8/59CFC00A-F08C-47B8-A9B2-4AE256E835F0.jpeg Blog - Advent Moment “art with meditations” - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-9nsdc-zfwbb-frd5p-gytyd-b5kjl-xydl3-65j79-fmynr-j6844-hm854 monthly 0.5 2025-11-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/496f16cd-1a29-4232-a0ce-8442e591b4c4/IMG_8213.jpeg Blog - Vines & Vineyards - Clearing a field https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1699916399097-OLBJCJOOS1C3HIO78P06/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Vines & Vineyards “Beloved” “Well-loved” “the one I love” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1700016496702-M807P976KDX3DVVJ2GUO/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Vines & Vineyards - A little reflection seeping-in: I have been fascinated by the work of vineyards since a young teen and even more so as I’ve enjoyed some beautiful familial wine experiences. My mother’s Portuguese family owns a large nursery in the central valley of California where they graft vines for prominent vineyards in California and along the West Coast. My father’s side of the family of cousins have lived and worked for years in the northern California wine country of Mendocino County. Every family gathering (especially during Thanksgiving) as a child, I’d watch the “creative-workers” of these vines and vineyards bring the fruits of their labors to share with all who gathered for a meal. I was bummed that for so long I was only able to savor the taste of their labors by “watching” and hoping one day I would be able to touch the fermented juice to my tongue. Eventually I did! The joy and laughter of celebrations always came alive during these relished familial gatherings. They have always been a gift of love for life with music, dancing, storytelling, listening, watching, joining in where all were welcomed. Thank you to my familial wine-makers and festive lovers. Reflect. Take a moment to reflect upon your own Vine(s) & Vineyard(s) experiences. What place or people appear in your memory? What senses are you attentive to or have lingered with you? Journal your own “reflection seeping in.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1699918195524-MKRTRCPTAJI34J9H6FQJ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Vines & Vineyards - How He cares for us as creator of the Vines & Vineyards: Isaiah 5:2 “Clearing the field” “He plowed the land, cleared its stones,” [NLT] “He dug it all around and cleared away its stones,” [AMP] “He hoed the soil and pulled the weeds,” [MSG] https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-bn3fl-7y4zb-4nf9z-gnjw9-x5hmd-p45b9-45kas monthly 0.5 2023-11-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1699379442783-1DD63ZQR3AY5SDWS1ROR/image-asset.jpeg Blog - PODCASTS. explore and expand. & READINGS. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/e42d4295-79de-4d08-8c05-7426607d1079/2.png Blog - PODCASTS. explore and expand. & READINGS. - Make it stand out S8E1: In the Path of Oncoming Beauty https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1699375562998-EQ1TZNNTUURPPMAII7DQ/Soul+of+Shame.jpeg Blog - PODCASTS. explore and expand. & READINGS. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1699375570899-7XAM3QYGPN0MXO7QH66Z/Soul+of+Desire.jpeg Blog - PODCASTS. explore and expand. & READINGS. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1699375614674-FWIGXKE0X4HGJGMOP6DB/Anatomy+of+the+soul.jpeg Blog - PODCASTS. explore and expand. & READINGS. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/868da937-6ce9-48b2-8552-216cd15b4ff2/Touch+The+Earth.jpeg Blog - PODCASTS. explore and expand. & READINGS. Thrilled again to share Drew Jackson’s newest poetry book intertwined with the gospel of Luke. An invitation for us may be to read one of these poems as part of our Sabbath resting, embracing, ceasing, or rejoicing day. A sliver from The Kingdom Is Ours (Luke 22:28-30) “We are the heirs, We are the air that will fill the new creation with glorious breath. We are What comes next”—last stanza https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/d034fe3c-af32-4ea6-8faa-fc6d2ea0f4b8/freedom-of-simplicity.jpeg Blog - PODCASTS. explore and expand. & READINGS. - Intriguing subtitle, “Finding Harmony in a Complex World” a two part portioned read Part 1: Foundation Part 2: Practice with an epilogue: Simplicity of Simplicity (still making my way through this one) If you decide to pick this one up, I highly recommend a slow and attentive pace, and welcome a prayerful journey awaits. Please linger and ponder maybe invite a friend to go along with you. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-dnrsm-s3dcr-f63yf-75kz3-ecx7r-2jhcg-gkd67-sb44c monthly 0.5 2023-11-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1695075551915-PY0DOP8TAI38E7X46OB9/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Simply Deep: unplanned, plan shadow play above, on the Paseo bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1698981025939-EQJW1W833U6XQ0KA3VG7/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Simply Deep: unplanned, plan - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/03279b6a-ed6d-40b5-97ee-deec489ed383/IMG_1640.JPG Blog - Simply Deep: unplanned, plan - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-l5mxe-nlmcg-dllay-76ryw-6ytjt-yct5b-7rkd3 monthly 0.5 2023-10-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1666310763088-CBN00IMU3OJT4AHDOOYO/Fritz_von_Uhde_-_Der_Gang_nach_Emmaus_%281891%29.jpg Blog - Spiritual Companionship - Der Gang nach (The Road to Emmaus 1891) image The Road to Emmaus by Fritz von Uhde, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1697776179950-XOS4ZHUKNGDAV0GNP28Y/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Spiritual Companionship A few weeks ago, a spontaneous beautiful thing took place, a little bit of an Emmaus yet in Albuquerque. My youngest son and I took a stroll through a few neighborhoods on our way to a local brewery for lunch. As we walked side by side, a conversation, or more like a checkin was sparked about “How we are presently doing in life?” We began a companioning pattern on our walk, taking turns giving voice to the question through a slow and gentle back and forth non-probing way. But evoking real things going on, a sweet sustaining vulnerableness, with listening, being kind and generous as we shared—together. It went something like this, where we took turns with an image from nature, a *rose, and began naming: A rose —“something beautiful” going on in your life A bud —“something good, but also challenging” A stem —“something true you are learning or seeing” ending with A seed —“the state of your soul” The answers were raw not coated, accepted and not questioned. They could be in any order except the seed—this was left for the last sharing. Along the path, companioning one another began, more strolling and naming. And there’s more deepening, the spirit burning within and awakening, opening places of clarity, healing, and intimacy— both with God and one another. We took our time and even carried on throughout our lunch, ordering and then eating, listening and voicing. In the end, there was what felt-like a resemblance of celebrating all that was spoken, even the hard—all of this was inner beauty flowing outward. It was with Him, the One on the road with us. The One holding all things together for our good. May you enjoy something of a rose with a spiritual companion—much like an Emmaus! *rose idea modified from my son’s friend —Thank you, V! https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-9nsdc-zfwbb-frd5p-gytyd-b5kjl-xydl3-65j79-fmynr-j6844 monthly 0.5 2023-11-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/496f16cd-1a29-4232-a0ce-8442e591b4c4/IMG_8213.jpeg Blog - Vines & Vineyards - Make your home in Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/584eb84b-4529-4157-8340-7d0e688d317f/5687C19E-00A9-4A92-81CD-64A4D56C0543.jpg Blog - Vines & Vineyards - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/cbbb872f-74c0-40e3-918d-2a0baa283df4/I-am-the-Vine-you-are-the-Branches_Triptych.jpeg Blog - Vines & Vineyards - Artist: Jackie Railsback Within the invitation of seasons, Vines & Vineyards came to surface. A place to explore how God uses this imagery to guide us in His love. One place is in the care of vines & vineyards: from clearing the field, to planting the vines, cultivating the plant, pruning the branches, harvesting the fruit, and finally treading the winepress. Over the next few months, we’ll sit with more of each care of vines portion. Throughout this fall-winter season, may we listen and notice, more so, experience for ourselves some of the work God invites us into. May we trust the seasons to God in our lives. As the Father is the vinedresser, so remain in Him, and He will remain in you. —Selah https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-gzpbh-plelz-3ybee monthly 0.5 2023-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1695234881606-O5MNHQJ0KLYX4B9BF3TL/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Picking it up again Some books just end up in your hands again. They are for gleaning one more season of fruit. Below are a few that lately have drawn my eyes, ears, fingers and heart towards reaching in and picking up again. Wondering what will they taste like or rather speak this time? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/28556a19-d688-4bdc-9a22-04cc20b8052e/With+Open+Hands.jpeg Blog - Picking it up again - The Invisible Embrace: Beauty by John O’Donohue The second/subtitle is Rediscovering The True Stories of Compassion, Serenity, and Hope. Every bit of this book’s titles speak such invitation to just sit with before even opening the pages beyond the covers imagery of the green hills of Ireland. A slow reading “Yes!” Even the Introduction is not a skimming “The Cry of Our Times: To Awaken Beauty”—sitting with just this invites reflection. More from the introduction: “We live between the act of awakening and the act of surrender. Each morning we awaken to the light and the invitation to a new day in the world of time…” Only twenty pages in, the words of O’Donohue and others he quotes take time to hear, really hear to wonder and maybe even ask where is this going, these words for I know they are touching places within. “To behold beauty dignifies your life; it heal you and call you out beyond the smallness of your own self-limitation to experience new horizons. To experience beauty is to have your life enlarged.” (20) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/43114aab-f312-49c1-a018-0a4852e9e6be/9780470453766-us.jpeg Blog - Picking it up again - A Hidden Wholeness by Parker Palmer What a beautiful subtitle: Welcoming the Soul and Weaving Community in a Wounded World Here’s a small encounter within these pages: “The soul is generous: it takes in the needs of the world. The soul is wise: it suffers without shutting down. The soul is hopeful: it engages the world in ways that keep opening our hearts. The soul is creative: it finds a path between realities that might defeat us and fantasies that are mer escapes. All we need to do is bring down the wall that separates us from our own souls and deprives the world of the soul’s regenerative powers” (184) This is just sliver. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/f5e88bd3-6b89-450b-8510-5466b1c794d9/334158.jpeg Blog - Picking it up again - Another great read Anatomy of the Soul by Kurt Thompson, M.D. Fascinating connections in the field of neuroscience and how we engage our mind, body, heart—the soul. God created, and breathed life into us for relationship. Only four chapters in and well worth wading through ‘brain’ terminology and how our minds do amazing work —one so valuable is “Are you paying attention?” In the ministry of spiritual direction, one of the main focuses is paying attention to God’s inner voice, our own voice, the movements and feelings of the body, listening well in hopes of discerning what is beautiful, good, and true. More so, being known by God and knowing God—His love and companionship, His indwelling presence. This one, and Thompson’s other books are worth picking up again. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-dnrsm-s3dcr-f63yf-75kz3-ecx7r-2jhcg-gkd67 monthly 0.5 2023-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1695075551915-PY0DOP8TAI38E7X46OB9/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Simply Deep: beauty saves lives shadow play above, on the Paseo bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1695075680343-SD8WZHFB9LHEUF9D0Y6Q/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Simply Deep: beauty saves lives - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-9nsdc-zfwbb-frd5p-gytyd-b5kjl-xydl3-65j79-fmynr-mkjxz monthly 0.5 2023-08-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1673558672643-J4PG07O74Z0WD34HMM2F/unsplash-image-nGo-UVGKAxI.jpg Blog - The Coffee Shop: gratitude - gratitude https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/8c527c5c-8ec4-41b3-9461-53294862d988/Jairus+Daughter.jpeg Blog - The Coffee Shop: gratitude - Jairus daughter image by Daniel Bonnell To Be a Realist (poem) I am a realist. I deal in the logical, but sometimes reality must give way to the impossible. Especially for the sake of our children. by Drew Jackson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1693249386303-719E7EWCRBG013BK9731/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Coffee Shop: gratitude - gratus love, O God Reflection. The impossible! Have you prayed this kind of prayer? I have numerous times. God’s answers are not always what we in ‘reality and logical’ can ever imagine. But His answers are for the best love for us—for the one being healed or released and for the ones who cry and mourners who come by our sides. Jesus wants to say to all of us “Do not be afraid any longer; only believe and trust [in Me and have faith in My ability to do this] and she will be made well.” And Jesus took her hand and spoke saying, “Child, arise!” Her parents were greatly astonished by the miracle. (my paraphrase from Luke 8:50-56) Let us pause, and be invited into quiet for a moment. Offer your thoughts and wonderings over to the One who calls us to trust. The invitation is for you and I to sit with these words, and poem To Be a Realist. Feel free to extend your time. In prayer you may wish to offer these guided questions: Listen for what is resonating, give this a name. What feels impossible, needful and worthy of pleading to the Lord about? In what way do you long for God in this place of impossible? Is there a response of gratitude arising? Offer your present longings and responses to the Lord. Wait and see how God hears and gives you His promise. Let the word gratitude become a path of God’s love in your life. Song. Elevation Worship - The Blessing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1693251873912-55VIIWFH9Y056EDUB9K6/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Coffee Shop: gratitude - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-l5mxe-nlmcg-dllay-76ryw-6ytjt-ctsk8 monthly 0.5 2023-08-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/6110dbb0-3cd6-4db0-b2d6-5b7a84b447ff/IMG_0202.jpeg Blog - Prayer: quiet and stillness - Make it stand out image taken at Wayfarers Chapel, California https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1648742242916-LPGY84W7V2O9L61J0LTE/IMG_1549.JPG Blog - Prayer: quiet and stillness - A simple Centering Prayer guide from Pennington’s book (79): Sit relaxed and quiet. —Be in faith and love to God who dwells in the center of your being. —Take up a love word or phrase and let it be gently present, supporting your being to God in faith-filled love. —Whenever you become aware of anything else, simply, gently return to the Lord with the use of your prayer word or phrase. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/713a35ac-773a-4fd4-83d3-2e78ae5be465/9BE1EAF7-E26F-4153-9B77-287DF2917081_1_201_a.jpeg Blog - Prayer: quiet and stillness - A Centering Prayer Moment (give this a try) Sitting in stillness, lifting the eyes of our heart and mind upward Hearing the words of Psalm 46 Be still and know I am God Gently sit with hands opened symbolizing the longing to receive Saying the phrase softly aloud or in your mind Listening, listening, being comforted. “Be still, and know I am God. Be still, and know I am Be still and know I Be still and know Be still Be” Imagining Jesus sitting in the midst of what is going on inside, around, above and below you. Wherever you find yourself. Or something I’ve had spoken over me is the phrasing. Listen as it is read over you. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-gzpbh-plelz-c66nn-wdlt9 monthly 0.5 2024-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1692324359278-Z9JMOG9RARH3PRFXURJT/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Marcus B., Martin, SJ. T. Merton. & H. Murakami. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/58f05db8-a6cc-48d7-bac6-6d1b022a3b26/maxresdefault+2.jpeg Blog - Marcus B., Martin, SJ. T. Merton. & H. Murakami. - Love + Work, you may have heard of Marcus Buckingham or rather his former wife amongst those college admissions, SAT/ACT scandals. He gives some insight into what happened but more so he shares what he has learned from experience and research in regards to Love + Work. In familiar language and scenarios, his writings share much for us to consider maybe even rethink, and in particular the focus of love + work, relationships and the workplace, and more with attentiveness on the whole person God cares most deeply about, each of these are walked through in this book. Fresh perspectives linger when reading his work, research, and noticings. As always— be discerning, and hold to what God’s truth proclaims, guides, and speaks. My neighbor gave this to me as a gift. And I’m into regifting good reads so here’s one for you! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/7b91a708-740b-4894-bb5d-ac2b00acfaa0/My-Life-with-the-Saints-by-Fr-Jim-Martin-1.jpeg Blog - Marcus B., Martin, SJ. T. Merton. & H. Murakami. My Life with the Saints, sounded intriguing as we often encounter names of saints in some of the churches we’ve visit here in NM, also in reading various books, as well as images gazed upon in art galleries. So who are some of these followers of Christ? This one struck me because of it’s writing style as well, and noted quote on the front cover “One of the best spiritual memoirs in years.”—Robert Ellsberg. Martin, a fascinating author as well, he grew up within Catholic childhood, then educated in business, became an executive for General Electric, then on to ministry, then a media career—sounds like a journey of experiences worth listening in on. Martin’s final quote “God does not want us to be Mother Teresa or Dorothy Day. God wants us to be most fully ourselves.” Beautiful, slow read! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/87e80198-3801-4cb2-a974-eaef1ba93559/Merton.jpeg Blog - Marcus B., Martin, SJ. T. Merton. & H. Murakami. - Merton, always surprises! The Sign of Jonas has been sitting on a bookshelf for some time. Feeling a big like Jonah lately, there was a nudge of curiosity to pick it up and hear another kind of memoir on the life of a monk. Living with God’s calling at the forefront of daily life, the “what you do” can seem strange, unconventional, peculiar, and at times questionable, “God really?” “Is this You calling me?” Listening to the unfolding of another’s story, especially from Merton whose heart, mind, and body was attuned to Jesus seemed like a good journey to read about. His autobiography Seven Story Mountain is a must read too! He mentions in this journal-like book some of the unfolding of SSM. I hope you enjoy this one! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/4e4c8c63-b1de-46f2-a33e-2813dac2194b/Marukami.jpeg Blog - Marcus B., Martin, SJ. T. Merton. & H. Murakami. - Make it stand out A few months ago, the pages of Murakami’s book about his writing journey Novelist as a Vocation, he noted running as a significant part of his daily writing rhythm for life. This was a great read! So why not hear more from the pages of What I Talk About When I Talk About Running: A Memoir (back cover above) so far so good! Hopefully you’ll enjoy one of these readings or resonate with something noted within Resonating Resources. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-9nsdc-zfwbb-frd5p-gytyd-b5kjl-xydl3-65j79-fmynr monthly 0.5 2023-08-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1673558672643-J4PG07O74Z0WD34HMM2F/unsplash-image-nGo-UVGKAxI.jpg Blog - The Coffee Shop: Peculiar - peculiar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/c6bb1323-8aee-48d6-b849-62f038ebc137/IMG_0608.jpeg Blog - The Coffee Shop: Peculiar - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/505d52f3-0a6d-4efc-bcc7-0f105bf90dea/1200px-A_Sunday_on_La_Grande_Jatte%2C_Georges_Seurat%2C_1884.jpeg Blog - The Coffee Shop: Peculiar - God’s peculiar love Reflection. As I began writing about my Sunday afternoon, this sweet company with my grandson, I was struck by how similar life with God can be, and yes maybe even peculiar. Revisiting the definition above, peculiar means: strange or odd, particular, and special. To be honest, our life with God, our relationship with and to Him is all of these. He even tells us this is, and that we will be, and we are: 1 Peter 2:9. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. [AMP] But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; [KJV] Day by day, God calls His children, His family—special people because we have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light. In one peculiar way or another, in each of our unique person’s and live’s, and also collectively in a family of community, we are given His light to shine into our darkness. May God’s peculiar love invite us into listening for His peculiar, particular, special voice where we are today. If it’s darkness or an experience of not being able to hear Him, that’s okay, He is there. If it’s sadness, or pain, He is there. If it’s unknown and adventure, He is there. If it’s a hard workplace or home environment, He is there. If it’s praying, gleaning from His word, or waiting for things in life to unfold, He is there! Let these places be invited into quiet and pause, giving them over to the One who calls us special. In your prayer. Listen for what is resonating, give this a name. What is peculiar, strange or odd? In what way do you long for God in this place of peculiar? Offer your present longings and curiosities to the Lord. Wait and see how God hears and gives you His promise. Let the word peculiar become a path of God’s love in your life. Song. Elevation Worship - The Blessing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1679856200964-WDJSG1MC17HY0P3IDJWL/unsplash-image-2X0Set_oSh8.jpg Blog - The Coffee Shop: Peculiar - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-l5mxe-nlmcg-dllay-cdtzd-g6jfc-c3yek-ffanb monthly 0.5 2025-01-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1691005995582-YXGMYTJET5WUWZ8NC60B/image-asset.jpeg Blog - POETRY. New Wineskins - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/65001590-4f7d-46ad-96ee-5f2065162f01/The-growth-of-organic-wine-We-have-gone-from-curiosity-based-consumption-to-structural-consumption.jpeg Blog - POETRY. New Wineskins - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/81cad6cf-899c-4da5-a94e-ed2dfc8f757d/22bc0a8c4573701d9df70f51a971388a.jpeg Blog - POETRY. New Wineskins - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/32b978e3-93df-4aa5-8fa2-c3d91f625178/tumblr_cbda3692bb25dd5ea2d4a1017c137659_2375a538_1280.png Blog - POETRY. New Wineskins “Think often on God, by day, by night, in your business and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave him not alone.” —Brother Lawrence https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-dnrsm-s3dcr-f63yf-75kz3-ecx7r-2jhcg monthly 0.5 2023-08-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/d95400db-05ef-4e17-a37d-2cd654f7f157/negative+space+grassy+field.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: Holding contradictions shadow play above, on the Paseo bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/ee89bc4f-31e5-4870-b8a2-87f7b3d6f6f0/1325px-Backhuysen%2C_Ludolf%2C_I_-_Christ_in_the_Storm_on_the_Sea_of_Galilee_-_Google_Art_Project+copy.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: Holding contradictions - Make it stand out By Ludolf Bakhuizen https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-gzpbh-plelz-c66nn-wamdp monthly 0.5 2023-06-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1686250792774-Q2XKUTKQWVC356CJZQSM/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Surprise Blessings https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/21bd6b2c-d3ab-4eed-9c4f-141fd0820a65/Poet+drew+jackson.jpeg Blog - Surprise Blessings - God Speaks Through Wombs by poet Drew Jackson A little more: Drew lives in New York City These poems are drawn from the gospel of Luke They are “declarative poems, faithfully proclaiming the gospel story in all its liberative power.” [IVP Press.com] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/2e026933-a45b-4280-9b43-a04e39c51ff3/9780060161569-us.jpeg Blog - Surprise Blessings - Annie Dillard, a well known writer, and poet landed in my lap this week. In this book, we are graced with this short autobiography describing her physical spaces of writing, and some of the obstacles and rhythms of putting words on pages. “As the work grows, it gets harder to control; it is a lion growing in strength” —Dillard It is inspiring to hear the story of an author’s journey, and how much of ordinary life and God’s creative breath unfolds what we read. If you’re a writer or one who enjoys autobiographical books, you may like The Writing Life by Anne Dillard https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/d0ac5a44-aef3-4e7e-a576-cd91cdce025f/nouwen.jpeg Blog - Surprise Blessings The surprise blessing came, when taking a moment in the afternoon, where sitting on the floor to pause gave perspective and a force leading me to trust God is close—He is a living reminder. What was found within these pages, is Nouwen drawing our attention to God’s healing, sustaining, and guiding ways. Some refreshing words to hear, “Good memories offer good guidance. We all have had the experience that in times of distress, failure, and depression it is the good memories which give us new confidence and hope.” and more, so beautiful, “When we walk in the Lord’s presence, everything we see, hear, touch, or taste reminds us of Him. This was what is meant by a prayerful life. It’s not a life in which we say many prayers, but a life in which nothing, absolutely nothing, is done, said, or understood independently of Him who is the origin and purpose of our existence.” —Henri Nouwen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/4d85fad5-a488-4e3b-9261-b6b89f612877/md31460020155.jpeg Blog - Surprise Blessings - Sabbath Poems Writers, anyone, even dabblers in writing, you will be greatly inspired to hear Haruki’s story in his own voice on how he became a writer. The path is telling from the book’s front cover which means there’s probably rarely a clear path in any vocation which for me is always invitation to explore, risk, keep trying, challenge, and be free to enjoy the journey. Life is made from twists and turns, Murakami streams with humility in this memoir-like read. Enjoy! https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-l5mxe-nlmcg-dllay-cdtzd-z294c monthly 0.5 2023-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1685556825008-K242ZCCONBBDH04IUP35/unsplash-image-41Wuv1xsmGM.jpg Blog - Beauty and the Brain - When two kinds of beautiful come together— an aha moment and a time for sharing what’s merging for this month’s Resting practice. Beauty and the Brain Ever since reading The Soul of Desire: Discovering the Neuroscience of Longing, Beauty, and Community by Curt Thompson, MD, his insights keep stirring in my mind, particularly in conversations about beauty. He makes connections on how the brain works with our “seeing” and what Hans Urs von Balthasar proposes about the three transcendentals whereby “beauty is first, followed by goodness, which is followed by truth.” According to Thompson, and others, “How our brain works is that before we “think” is that “we must first encounter things with our senses. First we sense, then we make sense of what we sense” “being immersed in the beautiful and the good necessarily enables us to comprehend what is true” (42) Balthazar suggests “that it is beauty that beckons us, that captivates us that draws us in” (43) With this in mind, the invitation for us in resting our souls in God, is through Visio Divina (image) prayer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1685559532755-5KZR7TP3DF4J45VCSSGM/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Beauty and the Brain - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1685662145940-99NTKG2A2M0HP1C0HBBS/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Beauty and the Brain - Make it stand out Offering #2: Contemplative prayer with Visio Divina (using the above image). Allow beauty to open the eyes of the heart, to see God’s goodness, and to reveal His truth for us. Invitation. Find a quiet and comfortable place to be still with God. This can be practiced any time in your day where rest and refreshment may be desired. This may also be practiced with a friend. Follow each of the four parts. Take as long as you can to sit with each portion of the prayer exercise. You may wish to journal as you pause, notice, and wonder. When you’re ready to begin: Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and clear your mind of distractions. Lectio (read/see with the eyes): Open your eyes and scan the image. Note what draws your interest while continuing to scale the whole image. Close your eyes and rest. Meditatio (meditate) Open your eyes and allow your eyes to be led. Focus on one part of the image and silently give it a name. Close your eyes again, holding that piece of the image in your mind’s eye. Oratio (pray): Open your eyes and look again at the part of the image that caught your eye. Allow it to bring forth a word, image or emotion. What might God be speaking to you today through this image? Close your eyes and rest. Contemplatio (contemplation): Open your eyes and gaze at the image. How would you like to respond to God today? https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-9nsdc-zfwbb-frd5p-gytyd-b5kjl-xydl3-sz7pm-93rz3 monthly 0.5 2023-05-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1684937107173-LO2THZGHW3MNMRVLCNK4/image-asset.jpeg Blog - From the garden: Restoration pt. 2 Where is God inviting restoration of your heart? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/9525a7df-9181-4cce-9116-184598ba6112/1A273EF6-B301-4060-B1F4-1E6DF41F082D.jpeg Blog - From the garden: Restoration pt. 2 - Make it stand out Monastery Lake, Pecos, NM (photo by m r n) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1684935264463-EFFV6R4WUS7PE293I7SM/image-asset.jpeg Blog - From the garden: Restoration pt. 2 - One verse a day. Meditate on God’s truth: “He (God) knows it”— 1 Samuel 16:7 “He searches it”—Psalm 7:9; Jeremiah 17;10 “He test it”—1 Chronicles 29:17; 1 Th. 2:4 “He influences it”—Ezra 7:27 “He directs it”—Proverbs 21:1 “He opens it”—Acts 16:14 “He touches it”—1 Samuel 10:26 oh there’s more…pt.3 to come https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-9nsdc-zfwbb-frd5p-gytyd-b5kjl-xydl3-sz7pm monthly 0.5 2023-05-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1684377922659-OO9O11BIPPWIJAOZABUQ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - From the garden: Restoration https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/7af27469-faf9-45ae-b55b-a3021bc5298f/IMG_9929.jpeg Blog - From the garden: Restoration - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/5235a479-d47f-40e0-9da8-bf26824783c7/IMG_5136.jpeg Blog - From the garden: Restoration - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1684446583295-ZP81UTHT7ICSGYCEFOMY/image-asset.jpeg Blog - From the garden: Restoration - Daily Life Rhythms stay tuned for Part 2: Restoration (a Biblical Word Study) https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-dnrsm-s3dcr-f63yf-75kz3-ecx7r monthly 0.5 2023-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/d95400db-05ef-4e17-a37d-2cd654f7f157/negative+space+grassy+field.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: Negative Space shadow play above, on the Paseo bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1683752976420-F988MIEJEFA4WK3HXLI8/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Dwelling places: Negative Space - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/c615713b-a888-4680-a4cd-da0378961ab5/IMG_2635.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: Negative Space - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-gzpbh-plelz-c66nn monthly 0.5 2023-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1681613777503-O39NRRME3CLXMPAJ2M8L/unsplash-image-sfL_QOnmy00.jpg Blog - inspired to write. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/cb61e269-b6ae-43ae-991a-585e5b979ab6/nouwen+.jpg Blog - inspired to write. - In the Name of Jesus was first published back in 1989 not very old but definitely a place to return to for gleaning Jesus’ way of leadership. The three main parts invite ‘return’ for some and maybe ‘continuance’ for others: part 1: From Relevance to Prayer part 2: From Popularity to Ministry part 3: From Leading to Being Led “Nouwen offers a counter definition that is witnessed by a communal and mutual experience.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/abea558f-1484-448e-a5b6-a3ce912c8069/Amy+Carmichael.jpeg Blog - inspired to write. Amy Carmichael, a beautiful soul born in Ireland, who in her early twenties became a missionary and lived most of her life in India rescuing young girls from cult prostitution and providing a safe haven known as Dohnavur Fellowship. She became crippled due to a fall and spent much of her later life in pain. Yet, she never gave up giving all her life strength and weaknesses to serve others and encourage all who encounter her through writings like this one. She exhorts us to trust God’s presence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/66d9c815-7391-471e-8a80-10efb051d002/Murakami_NovelistVocation_-book-mockup-for-site-683x1024.jpeg Blog - inspired to write. - Make it stand out Writers, anyone, even dabblers in writing, you will be greatly inspired to hear Haruki’s story in his own voice on how he became a writer. The path is telling from the book’s front cover which means there’s probably rarely a clear path in any vocation which for me is always invitation to explore, risk, keep trying, challenge, and be free to enjoy the journey. Life is made from twists and turns, Murakami streams with humility in this memoir-like read. Enjoy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/59dd9f28-1e5f-43db-bbe1-4fad9c750e40/IMG_9708.jpeg Blog - inspired to write. - A beautiful soul New Mexico author and poet, Michelle is a gentle soul, strong and courageous one who writes with breadth and depth, drawing you into real life and growing through relationships—family and community matter. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-l5mxe-nlmcg-dllay-cdtzd-g6jfc-c3yek monthly 0.5 2023-08-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1672624501146-OL0HA7IGJC9GPYO842FQ/unsplash-image-SwCm1Ji7AfI.jpg Blog - POETRY. a good way to reflect on the resurrection. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/56219fb5-1fd3-4b2e-bea2-ab057799c487/irrational+season.jpg Blog - POETRY. a good way to reflect on the resurrection. - Excerpt from The Icon Tree (one of her poems p. 107) M. L’Engle As I sit looking at the shot-at tree The rough wound opens and grows strange and deep Within the wood, till suddenly I see A galaxy aswirl with flame. I do not sleep And yet I see a trillion stars speed light In every-singing dance within the hole Surrounded by the tree. Each leaf’s alight With flame. And then a burning living coal Drops hissing in the brook, and all the suns Burst outward in their joy, and the shot child. Like the great and flaming tree, runs With fire and water, and alive and wild Gentle and strong, becomes the wounded tree. Lord God! The icon’s here, alive and free. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/4018025c-4a7d-4ade-8896-3be6f7d253be/IMG_0079.jpg Blog - POETRY. a good way to reflect on the resurrection. - Inside tomb Outside “Think often on God, by day, by night, in your business and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave him not alone.” —Brother Lawrence https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-9nsdc-zfwbb-frd5p-gytyd-b5kjl-xydl3-65j79 monthly 0.5 2023-03-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1673558672643-J4PG07O74Z0WD34HMM2F/unsplash-image-nGo-UVGKAxI.jpg Blog - The Coffee Shop: Favor - favor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1679854854699-A7ZJGIMASYMTSQW896QN/unsplash-image-fTtvCvU89_M.jpg Blog - The Coffee Shop: Favor - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1679855185913-1IC0CIIGP5RUY6AK3ZFW/unsplash-image-NP8gd2KUnfw.jpg Blog - The Coffee Shop: Favor - God’s gracious favor Reflection. As you hold on to what is resonating, what area of your life is facing hardship? Is this an area where God’s favor is desired? In what way do you long for God in this hardship? Spend time this week, with one or more of the Scriptures below, meditating on God’s promise of *favor: “let me find favor in your…” Ruth 2:13 “favor in his sight more than all…” Esther 2:17 “granted me life and favor…” Job 10:12 “with favor You will surround me…” Psalm 5:12 “His favor is for life…” Psalm 30:5 “who favor my righteous cause…” Psalm 35:27 “the favor You have toward…” Psalm 106:4 (*listing taken from NKJV Nelson Study Bible, Concordance) Prayer. Offer your present longings and hardship to the Lord. Wait and see how God hears and gives you favor. Let the word favor become a path of God’s love in your life. Song. Elevation Worship - The Blessing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1679856200964-WDJSG1MC17HY0P3IDJWL/unsplash-image-2X0Set_oSh8.jpg Blog - The Coffee Shop: Favor - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-9nsdc-zfwbb-wsrd7 monthly 0.5 2025-05-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1678557092129-LLPH7RBXMU64AA5IPNFM/unsplash-image-sobXgw6KfiQ.jpg Blog - Evening Prayer: Plant my feet - MUSIC (sing, hum, or move your body gently to the rhythm of the music.) Listen to: Holy Spirit Come to Us (Taize) And this by Porter’s Gate We Abide, We Abide in You Refrain lyrics: Where can my soul find living water? Apart from You we bear no fruit! O plant my feet down by the river: we abide, we abide in You. What are you noticing within your body, mind, heart, spirit? ℗ 2017 The Porter's Gate/The Fuel Music https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/736174c0-4ea9-44d3-971b-0207bcc77a44/Dewitt+Wash+Feet+st.+glass_compl4_655249adb4fb4_resized_q80.jpg Blog - Evening Prayer: Plant my feet Holy Trinity icon by Andrei Rublev https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/ee946616-dff9-402b-9123-765ebfeb00c8/59CFC00A-F08C-47B8-A9B2-4AE256E835F0.jpeg Blog - Evening Prayer: Plant my feet - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-dnrsm-s3dcr-f63yf-75kz3-eny5g monthly 0.5 2023-02-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/e468f3f5-7d21-4437-aab8-4a6f60f3e52b/tapestry.jpeg Blog - Dwelling places: Grace upon grace - Hand-Woven Tapestry by Tina B. Woolley shadow play above, on the Paseo bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1677454169941-0TGDW3KRWFTE19KRY14J/unsplash-image-hqxxhnrSnwE.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: Grace upon grace - Reflection. Is there something more for us in Grace? I recently read Unhurried Leadership by Alan Fadling and this quote began unfolding some reflections and reignited a longing curiosity for more understanding, more learning to more living out the embodying of grace in life with others. He writes of his own realization: “...far and away the majority of times the word grace was used (in the New Testament) it wasn’t referring to the free gift of salvation we receive by faith. Instead, grace most often referred to some facet of actually living out a Christian life.” And he offers, what I am calling the Charis question, where do I need grace in my life? Throughout of my faith journey, I have heard the repetitive phrase “saved by grace” or “salvation by grace” and many variations of this attributed to salvation through faith in Christ and the once saved always saved which I am beyond measure and eternally grateful for (which I have yet to even get a glimpse of what this means eternally). But, I have over the years been curious how much wider, expansive, and not so ‘simplistic’ in a way grace goes beyond these repetitive phrases; to a deepening meaning which is more so —living grace. Alive and growing, yes! Is there as well some formative creativeness of grace likened to painting, sculpting, weaving, musical composition or poetic writing, etc? I guess you could say tangible in a way maybe it is through ‘touches of grace’ ‘tasting of grace’ ‘aromas of grace’ ‘hearing of gracious voice’…and so on. I confess to wondering and say this is a desire of mine, to go beyond the expansion of grace only “of saved and done” to the indwelling for a continuous transformation in living grace. A while back, I was asked to share my “come to faith” testimony which for me was at first thought those repetitive phrases “saved by grace” “salvation by grace” which meant name that moment you confessed the worst sin committed up to being a teen and Jesus touched you and healed the condemning path to hell you were on. Saved, baptized, and now you could get into heaven. That was a very scary and vulnerable moment for me to speak of, the flood of shame came back in as a wave. I have to say though it was helpful in a reflective way because I realized how far I’ve come in understanding there was so much more to see in my life than that moment. (I won’t be sharing that story here and I imagine you have your own testimony story). What I want and hope to offer is the beautiful furthering of the living grace path throughout our day by day. May a focus instead on the charis definition of grace be somewhat of the breaking apart of hard clumps of soil, tilling the ground so more nourishing can happen, creating porous soil where watering can now penetrate and keep the growing–moving gently in living grace. While much of this has been going on for some time this is the first time attempting to articulate reflections on this place of formation and offer you to join in. It is through what I have come to explore in this past month—a tilling of soil in Scripture with the focus on the relationship of believers to grace. With each Scripture and phrase below, the invitation is to read the passage and sit with the Greek word “charis”--all the descriptions, listening into your present life where you are with God. Allow His voice to speak love into the place where you feel like you’ve hit the wall, or have hard clumps of soil in your faith journey. God wants to invite us into charis—living grace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1677512537873-6AU9MOP5EQ5C45Y0FZYR/unsplash-image-JS8E0jTQSsM.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: Grace upon grace - Believer’s— “are under grace” Romans 6:14 “For sin will no longer be a master over you, since you are not under Law [as slaves], but under [unmerited] grace [as recipients of God’s favor and mercy].” [AMP] Selah (pause and think on that— charis, where do I need grace in my life?) “stand in grace” Romans 5:2 “Through Him we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in our hope and the confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying] the glory of [our great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power].” [AMP] Selah (pause and think on that— charis, where do I need grace in my life?) “are what they are by grace” 1 Co 15:10 “But by the grace (the unmerited favor and blessing) of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not [found to be] for nothing (fruitless and without effect). In fact, I worked harder than all of them [the apostles], though it was not really I, but the grace (the unmerited favor and blessing) of God which was with me.” [AMPC] Selah (pause and think on that —charis, where do I need grace in my life?) “abound in grace” 2 Co 9:8 “And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity.” [AMP] 1 Tim 1:14 “And the grace (unmerited favor and blessing) of our Lord [actually] flowed out superabundantly and beyond measure for me, accompanied by faith and love that are [to be realized] in Christ Jesus” Selah (pause and think on that —charis, where do I need grace in my life?) Prayer. Is there something more for us in Grace? —offer a prayer to the Lord and sit with Him loving silence for just a little longer https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-9nsdc-zfwbb-frd5p-gytyd-b5kjl-xydl3 monthly 0.5 2026-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1673558672643-J4PG07O74Z0WD34HMM2F/unsplash-image-nGo-UVGKAxI.jpg Blog - The Coffee Shop: Faith - faith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1676153986783-DFEVE900HYXN8WUFFM8G/unsplash-image-XbE5ghVJjek.jpg Blog - The Coffee Shop: Faith - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1676154956456-VC72UBJLUY17HXIMUQCF/unsplash-image-Gv27sh7Q0aM.jpg Blog - The Coffee Shop: Faith - Rhythm of faith Discovery. Is there a rhythm of faith standing out to you? Stay with one of the rhythms noted above and listen in to hear from God. What might He want you to notice in your life with God today? Take some time to read one of the Scripture passages (two or three times) Journal a word or phrase standing out to you from the Scripture Ask God about their meaning? Write down any questions you desire to ask or find yourself wrestling with? Wonder with an image of the rhythm? (you may look through a magazine, your photos, or moving your body to the rhythm) How might God be calling you to respond to what you are noticing about the rhythm? Offer a prayer. “Lord, What are your invitations today? Help me trust, and have confidence in the gift of faith You have given me.” amen. Enjoy stillness and quiet for a moment, hopefully you will find a lasting refreshment and gratitude of faith as you are with God in this season. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-bn3fl-7y4zb-4nf9z-wawmr-ce6n4-9wh2r-7e9kd monthly 0.5 2023-02-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/efb3beeb-510b-4d17-83fc-97eb16ade324/john+muir.jpg Blog - The Senses? Climbing, creativity, and calling. - My First Summer in the Sierra Lately, there’s been a tug of revisiting some of my childhood memories of camping in Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Valley. And a dream of returning as an adult to explore more. The Muir Project documentary Mile…Mile & a Half first grabbed my attention, and a few months ago reading Valley of the Giants—the women rock climbers of these enormous granites have widened my eyes and challenged my mind. These two have enamored a possibility of hiking some of the Muir trail this coming summer. So picking up one of John Muir’s stories the First Summer in the Sierra has been a slow read and great choice. What I found in reading these descriptions in the middle of winter has been an escape, a serenity of outdoors into my heart and home where I wait for warmer days and the enamored possibility— a Hope to see the Giants granite walls and green meadows soon, oh soon, please! I offer these readings and a few films for they speak to God’s creation, and the soul’s desire to do hard things while placing trust and care into His hands and one another’s hands at times. I found the teams willingness to go to such lengths something worth noticing as we live into loving God and loving others—an otherness in community that is committed. I know there’s more but this is a start. Here are the two film recommendations for you: Free Solo is a 2018 American documentary film directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin that profiles rock climber Alex Honnold Explorer: The Last Tepui another film that follows elite climber Alex Honnold and a world-class climbing team on a grueling mission deep in the Amazon jungle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/2a249068-474b-4738-bf19-8686af44fc78/513CYPa5E9L.jpeg Blog - The Senses? Climbing, creativity, and calling. - “our imaginations are a vital part. A part planted there by God for a purpose, imagination is something to be used not just to teach but also to enrich creativity and to bring enjoyment”—Luci Shaw Are you looking for inspiration and deep connectedness between faith and art? Shaw’s writings will inspire as she gives attentiveness to the formation of our whole being through our Creator and His longing for us to be creative’s bearing His image. Breath for the Bones, yes! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1675532659545-PS3231SG04EVCMJUMWSL/unsplash-image-GT6rDF2AhEM.jpg Blog - The Senses? Climbing, creativity, and calling. images taken in San Patricio, New Mexico shadow and light contemplative practice https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-9nsdc-zfwbb-frd5p-gytyd-b5kjl monthly 0.5 2023-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1673558672643-J4PG07O74Z0WD34HMM2F/unsplash-image-nGo-UVGKAxI.jpg Blog - The Coffee Shop: Trustworthy - trustworthy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1674600875754-CB6D9L397YTS9JB37YN1/unsplash-image-DNkoNXQti3c.jpg Blog - The Coffee Shop: Trustworthy - Reflective Journaling Invitation. Reflective journaling began the trail leading to unveiling a focus on trustworthy. It may sound jumbled and it is. It (journaling) is an effective path of discovering where God is in our lives. Noticing our surroundings, then taking in what we see and hear, what we read and write invites an all-in listening for what God is actively and graciously doing within us. Take a few moments in your week to listen and write as reflective journaling with one or more of the questions below. Whether with pen and paper or iPhone notes, write loosely and honestly your reflections in sentences, phrases, or single words. Explore co-creating with our Creator, God. When have I recently noticed God’s work in my life? When have I testified of His trustworthiness? How can I share my growing, and learning faith with others? https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-9nsdc-zfwbb-frd5p-gytyd monthly 0.5 2023-01-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1673558672643-J4PG07O74Z0WD34HMM2F/unsplash-image-nGo-UVGKAxI.jpg Blog - Tune out. Tune in. - sifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/68e6894f-8af4-4be5-a3a2-c8dbb8b0e015/iStock-482430338.jpeg Blog - Tune out. Tune in. What comes to mind when I think of sifting is gold panning. Growing up in California near the gold mining towns of the central valley in Columbia, and the Sacramento area, gold panning remnants still linger. A school field trip or family outing was often made to see what gold mining was all about— a hands-on history lesson. One of the things I remember is that if you were going to try gold panning it was a lengthy commitment of your day to sift through the sand, rocks and mud and just maybe find a tiny gold nugget. As a young person, a tiny gold nugget was like winning the lottery–the biggest smile you ever saw. Tiny nuggets can brighten our hearts. So how can we put to practice sifting in our time of So Much and hear the most important golden truth of God’s love and care for us and allowing Him to illuminate what is— Real. Clear. Hopeful. Helpful. Engaging. Life-giving. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1673559879082-1OFX4J5M7343IM64NYIY/unsplash-image-AM8oCvHo84I.jpg Blog - Tune out. Tune in. This week consider just one more time the story of Jesus’ birth allowing it to linger with us. In Luke 2:19 we are told: “Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart” “Mary treasured all these things, giving careful thought to them and pondering them in her heart.” These were the true and good, beautiful things of God coming to Be among us. O How encouraging God’s words are to us. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-bn3fl-7y4zb-4nf9z-wawmr-ce6n4-9wh2r monthly 0.5 2023-01-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/2b692571-cd52-4d90-9e02-ecaaa7150430/IMG_0769.JPG Blog - Is Peace and Unity possible? - Plowshares—image by m r n images taken in San Patricio, New Mexico shadow and light contemplative practice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/9a91fc6e-0b05-4696-be64-eaccd392528c/He+call+me+friend.jpeg Blog - Is Peace and Unity possible? - —(excerpt from back cover) “Sometimes I’m asked, What should we do? How can we make a difference? This book is my answer. BE FRIENDS. First with God. Then with others—every kind of other you can think of. Because the simple, powerful, messy, explosive truth is: the world is changed one friendship at a time. Won’t you join me, friend?” by John M. Perkins —He Calls Me Friend, in November, I was privileged with the opportunity to travel by van to Dallas area with a group of dear people. We were endowed with listening: to stories of faith, of struggle, of remaining faithful, to hold fast to the peace and unity—a “firm center” of trust that the Spirit of God is at work in the midst of our weakness. A most beautiful time my words cannot describe. The conference was called Take to the Wind—conversations, teachings, and worship focused on bringing attentiveness, awareness, engagement and uncomfortableness for all of us so in togetherness there is the way of Christ “to advance the gospel, the local church, and the kingdom of God in this day and age as well as in years to come…” I personally am still reading through these pages learning and being reminded that friendship takes time, a long time to really grow and deepen. Highly recommend these pages to you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/7af3d669-60b6-4668-a54a-8a06f2961781/love+kindness.jpg Blog - Is Peace and Unity possible? - LOVE KINDNESS A must read friends. Challenges and gleanings are powerful from Biola’s president Barry H Corey, his honesty really struck a cord for me. Some highlights barely scratching the surface of The way of Kindness: “Kindness is a third way, the way of firm centers and soft edges” “Kindness opens us to adventurous relationships and the joyful journey we otherwise would miss” “Making oneself “receivable”—the objective of the receivable life is not to be received but to be receivable…” https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-l9jf4-jnmlc monthly 0.5 2024-03-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1671315826559-0PZ7VRP6OAMKI0R1L6KF/unsplash-image-FtZL0r4DZYk.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: Rejoicing Roots (pt II) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/5fa72b9b-c033-4444-8788-2e3fd836e62d/IMG_9041.JPG Blog - Dwelling places: Rejoicing Roots (pt II) - late Fall (October 2020) image shot at Santa Cruz, California https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/7c476c58-59ac-4d9b-8314-f79ea1c7bc4f/0510D3BC-5B7B-4645-82FA-D176D2BAA53C.jpeg Blog - Dwelling places: Rejoicing Roots (pt II) A few months ago, I shared an article titled Finding Your Roots which was inspired by the PBS program with the same title yet my focus was not on just family lineage but specifically on the lineage of prayer within my own life and family. This journey of writing the article helped me see God has Presence throughout my life even in the midst of hard things. I encourage you to read through the previous article posting and continue on reading part II: rejoicing roots. My hope is you will find your own life story with a new lens of God’s Presence. If not that’s okay, keep looking and as I texted a dear friend recently with “Keep showing up” God is! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1671314437008-UB3DZZ3R593JOM82PO0A/unsplash-image-CMOa3H1SXG0.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: Rejoicing Roots (pt II) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/06a3734c-04e8-476c-9168-1ac4171af7c4/IMG_4260.jpeg Blog - Dwelling places: Rejoicing Roots (pt II) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/ac2e6b1e-3e14-4d09-b4c3-5b904f363e45/Van+Gogh.jpeg Blog - Dwelling places: Rejoicing Roots (pt II) - Present reflection. What I was given through this experience was the gift of knowing God’s presence in a deepening trust where doubt and faith became a dance. A dance of doubt leading to faith, and doubt and faith again, doubt more faith—this began to resemble my life with God. My leaning in and His faithfulness. And now, being okay with the twists and turns of my life, not linear but more circular much like the cross bracelet I wear to remind me that our lives are likened to the brush strokes of a Van Gogh painting. It has been in these circular movements of life and the hard things of life where my family lineage of prayer revealed God was always present. Facing the everyday, ordinary living where I was “in” (and still come my way) times of financial struggles, the losses of our baby boy, a season of cancer, stresses causing my father’s body to respond with a heart attack, neighbors coming to the door talking of their trials and hardships —we cry out God where are you? Don’t you see what’s going on in our lives? Are you listening to our prayers? He says “Yes!” And “I want you to know Me more than anything or anyone. Know Me.” I want you to trust ME. To grow your faith this is how much I love you. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-l5mxe-nlmcg-dllay-cdtzd monthly 0.5 2022-11-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1669164347386-ZZOSD5M8K6U1JCCGHIGM/unsplash-image-qbTC7ZwJB64.jpg Blog - Breath prayer - Make it stand out “In Him (Christ) we live and move and have our being”—Acts 17:28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1cb2e162-6b7c-4d44-a19c-32f3017a96e8/F6E4A3FD-FA62-4F7C-838B-1D5AEB840901.jpeg Blog - Breath prayer - Make it stand out “Think often on God, by day, by night, in your business and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave him not alone.” —Brother Lawrence https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-l9jf4 monthly 0.5 2022-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/e6267bb9-fc91-48fb-963a-39efed4d6961/360BF359-3BF0-4901-A3D7-6CDAF7A1226A.jpeg Blog - Dwelling places: Finding Your Roots (part I) - November photo by m r n image shot at Santa Cruz, California https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/7c476c58-59ac-4d9b-8314-f79ea1c7bc4f/0510D3BC-5B7B-4645-82FA-D176D2BAA53C.jpeg Blog - Dwelling places: Finding Your Roots (part I) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1668440122880-KIWH7OXVPIPDZ44RYDVC/unsplash-image-y0OAmd_COUM.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: Finding Your Roots (part I) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1668440664484-HQPT8J6IG3VJKXNIUIUE/unsplash-image-s8Yz0dqKrVI.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: Finding Your Roots (part I) Many prayers of Thanksgiving have also been offered: for the joys of our children being born, family reunions where everyone made it safely, travels when flying and taking road trips, on camping trips the gratefulness for the stars, moon, the rains and all the gifts of God. Yes, I have been incredibly blessed with a lineage of praying family members around me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1668439313670-071FI5GQ89Z6E565HIAG/unsplash-image-lHsRNouubps.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: Finding Your Roots (part I) - Listening or just Being moment. Psalm 62:1 —“For God alone my soul waits in silence” Psalm 46:10 —“Be still and know that I am God” I invite you to sit with one of these verses. Listening and or just being with God even if you don’t hear anything particular except the sounds in your midst. Notice your breath, your body. How are you experiencing the silence? Take some time to reflect and journal if you wish your own noticing: What words of God are arising? What words of God would you like to hear from Him? I long to hear from God ___________________. Ask God to guide your heart, mind, and body as you rest with and in Him. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-gzpbh-plelz monthly 0.5 2023-04-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1666815293904-NJLGG6UFU44BU2KUT692/IMG_8617.jpeg Blog - A Snail’s Pace: Beauty, prayer, and rhythms of rest. image shot at Fourth of July campground Trail, New Mexico https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1666816581822-TUQW9CXP5T74XJ377JPL/Beauty+O%27Donohue.jpg Blog - A Snail’s Pace: Beauty, prayer, and rhythms of rest. - The Invisible Embrace: Beauty by John O’Donohue The second/subtitle is Rediscovering The True Stories of Compassion, Serenity, and Hope. Every bit of this book’s titles speak such invitation to just sit with before even opening the pages beyond the covers imagery of the green hills of Ireland. A slow reading “Yes!” Even the Introduction is not a skimming “The Cry of Our Times: To Awaken Beauty”—sitting with just this invites reflection. More from the introduction: “We live between the act of awakening and the act of surrender. Each morning we awaken to the light and the invitation to a new day in the world of time…” Only twenty pages in, the words of O’Donohue and others he quotes take time to hear, really hear to wonder and maybe even ask where is this going, these words for I know they are touching places within. “To behold beauty dignifies your life; it heal you and call you out beyond the smallness of your own self-limitation to experience new horizons. To experience beauty is to have your life enlarged.” (20) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1666819253482-BFQRMKVPHGXB4ZT4VPOJ/22-23_Lectio_Divina_EN_angle2_720x+copy.jpg Blog - A Snail’s Pace: Beauty, prayer, and rhythms of rest. - Lectio Divina of the Gospels This is one (just finishing 2020-2021 year) has turned into a soothing and helpful evening reading—again slow, also laid out weekly. I’ll be picking up the newest version 2022-2023 to begin in November. I highly recommend this Gospel way of engaging with the Scriptures if you’ve enjoyed learning, practicing and exploring Lectio Divina. I love this book because it also includes prayers and reflective questions if you’d like to journal or sit with more. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-l5mxe-nlmcg-dllay-76ryw-6ytjt-yct5b monthly 0.5 2023-10-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1666310763088-CBN00IMU3OJT4AHDOOYO/Fritz_von_Uhde_-_Der_Gang_nach_Emmaus_%281891%29.jpg Blog - Daily Pause(s) - Make it stand out image The Road to Emmaus by Fritz von Uhde, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1666316799782-QYBGWV16D1ABSNPIOVL9/IMG_8321+2.jpeg Blog - Daily Pause(s) - Evening Examen Begin with a notebook/journal, pen, and a candle if you wish. A moment of Silence to settle in to your listening. Journaling (don’t forget to write the date something like 10.20.22): I’m Grateful for… Exercise today: My Emotions today: (ex. enlivenment, joy, compassion, worry, frustration, sadness… What caused these feelings to arise? The Beautiful today: The Challenges today: Tomorrow’s Wonderful: Close by reflecting on any Promises of God or Scriptures that are still staying with you. Write these down or read these verses/words in a slow rhythm. Return to Silence (If you wish speak a simple prayer of Thanksgiving to the Lord) Rest in HIM. Note: Some content shared from Daily Pause Journal https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-dnrsm-s3dcr-f63yf-75kz3 monthly 0.5 2023-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1665282556631-M3XCQQS9ID5LZ8L0OQ9E/92157961-7CAE-4454-8DE7-505FC4B10D97.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: Writings by the Pond - Dear Friends, shadow play above, on the Paseo bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1665284209259-2GUQRNIGXOL1DLQVSEVN/IMG_6870.jpeg Blog - Dwelling places: Writings by the Pond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1665280701735-QZ4LNJZNST3NYUAZT0PE/IMG_8213.jpeg Blog - Dwelling places: Writings by the Pond - “Remain in Me, and I in you” John 15:4 “Live in Me (Jesus). Make your home in Me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the Vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me. 5-8 “I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant.” If and when you are in grief seasons, may you and I look for fruit and life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1665280969308-5CNFTWOP5VVP280SL8DZ/IMG_0735.JPG Blog - Dwelling places: Writings by the Pond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-bn3fl-7y4zb-4nf9z-gnjw9-x5hmd-p45b9-56xgy monthly 0.5 2022-09-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663796590608-GCLRT4FE2LF9UERFNH2U/the-way-of-a-pilgrim-3.jpeg Blog - classics. And podcasts. A Spiritual Classic From Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663797855445-V0NI8S9DR8PSB5REIE6B/Valley+of+Giants.jpg Blog - classics. And podcasts. - Fabulous Reading! A Classic of sorts since these Yosemite Valley rocks have been around forever. I grew up camping in the Valley below and the meadows above. My dream of mountain climbing may be too late, but reading of these courageous women throughout the history of climbing has gifted me with courage to face anything hard. They arise literally physically and interiorly not giving up to their desire to overcome and summit the challenges of El Capitan and Half Dome. I have thoroughly enjoyed this reading and am looking forward to reading more from Mountaineers Books. A shout out to the author Thank you for compiling these stories Lauren DeLaunay Miller! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663795231061-R44E40SSDXNBCUBRO9E3/eh-leader-artwork-2019.jpeg Blog - classics. And podcasts. Living in the Desert Without Leaving Your Life with Pete Scazzero Check out more: SILENCING THE SEDUCTIVE VOICE OF YOUR FALSE SELF ONE THING NO LEADER WANTS (BUT EVERY LEADER NEEDS) “Blessed Are The Meek” https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-l5mxe-nlmcg-dllay-76ryw-6ytjt-ghfk3 monthly 0.5 2023-12-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1661915073138-V22HKOJR8BRBG39UJD5N/BEB41F90-F628-4E6F-AE90-76A762489911_1_201_a.jpeg Blog - Being with God. Silence and Solitude. Solo Retreat. - Make it stand out Sandia Mts, ABQ, New Mexico https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663612264792-SBSY15IOSAMJBBEEAI8Y/IMG_8257.jpeg Blog - Being with God. Silence and Solitude. Solo Retreat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663612235494-P9QUTNEZYSF10UGH8M6X/IMG_8224.jpeg Blog - Being with God. Silence and Solitude. Solo Retreat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663612413106-3AR702WIIOQBCRLRSL2U/IMG_7774.jpeg Blog - Being with God. Silence and Solitude. Solo Retreat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663612432116-C7R9C8JIRJZ2VJAK1TGX/IMG_7891.jpeg Blog - Being with God. Silence and Solitude. Solo Retreat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663612836676-K63FLPYLEBD2QV2URUH4/FCCE67D1-9A4E-41DF-BB8F-6AB13ECD4F8E.jpg Blog - Being with God. Silence and Solitude. Solo Retreat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663613257733-3IBI14K7YHT2UOU151NV/229143A5-527F-47A5-8318-898182FE016A.jpg Blog - Being with God. Silence and Solitude. Solo Retreat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663613580487-EZK78CGOV60IWTZRMVIJ/water-3458877_1920.jpg Blog - Being with God. Silence and Solitude. Solo Retreat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1663613286776-BH2UEU2V5ZJVRCLHLB2U/C805F511-D744-48CF-92F0-C31E40FFEFCB.jpg Blog - Being with God. Silence and Solitude. Solo Retreat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1648742242916-LPGY84W7V2O9L61J0LTE/IMG_1549.JPG Blog - Being with God. Silence and Solitude. Solo Retreat. - Retreat Plan (sample) Begin your first hour releasing distractions walking in silence taking in your surroundings or journaling away your distractions, offering these as prayer to the God who knows and hears you Your next hour consider a slow reading of Scripture with moments of prayerful silence Lectio Divina or an image to sit with Visio Divina and listen for God’s particular words to you for this moment or a song to let wash over you or sing with your own voice and listening for God’s love embracing you Your next hours you may be ready for a nap, let this be a “holy nap” of resting in God’s presence let your inspirations or struggles flow forth in some creative way, pull out your art supplies, whittling knife, camera, whatever brings you pleasure— for God takes pleasure in being with you Your time with God is for your enjoyment and His good pleasure. Listen for His invitations of love maybe sit in a chapel nearby or a cathedral of nature maybe explore some new activity, or place you’ve always wanted to see Close your time with silence once again, and offer when ready a prayer of Thanksgiving to our living and loving God. (Oh, don’t forget to eat, take along snacks, and drink water!!) https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-eacc7-sa692-n8je3 monthly 0.5 2022-08-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1661203840674-5UMGLAAWRDNSYELUX0UD/IMG_3015.jpeg Blog - Dwelling Places: Phronema (FROH-nee-mah) and Light. image shot @ Los Poblanos Open Space https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1661203049575-WC60YP8IAPFVA0KY1JQB/26C1C707-1A5D-4A10-A9F5-7C2EFCEDBD4A.jpg Blog - Dwelling Places: Phronema (FROH-nee-mah) and Light. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1661203144754-86YE4F8UXZE169B7PBZ3/IMG_1574.JPG Blog - Dwelling Places: Phronema (FROH-nee-mah) and Light. - Another word trail, LIGHT. The beautiful collision of the new word phronema came at the same time with this old and familiar word LIGHT, in particular studying “Believers and the light of God.” Over the course of this year, I continue to embark on and enjoy using word outlines from the back pages of my bible. There is an intentional phronema when we look into the Scriptures, meditate, pray, and wonder about our interaction with God, who He is, in our world, in our communities, and within our being— mind, heart, soul, and the body. The invitation is to offer you time with phronema and light to explore on your own. So with this, I lead you off on your path to gaze upon the gift, the power, and radiance of our relationship with the light of God. Below is the outline for Believer’s and the LIGHT of God: —We are enlightened…. Heb 6:4, 10:32 —We are children of the light……1 Th 5:5, Mt 5:14 —We are called into God’s light……………..1 Pe 2:9 —We confess that the Lord is our light…Ps 27:1, Mic 7:8-9 —We walk in the light……………..Isa 2:5, 1 Jn 1:5, 7 —We live as children of the light……….Eph 5:8-11 —We shall someday enter the kingdom of light…….Col 1:12-13 —We look for a new heaven of only light…….Is 60:19, Rev 21:23, 22:5 —Our path gets ever brighter……..Proverbs 4:18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1661205820039-QV8RMCGL9E2H4OH7X2P6/9CD3786E-D743-48E4-9B5D-A1970745DF41.jpeg Blog - Dwelling Places: Phronema (FROH-nee-mah) and Light. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-bn3fl-7y4zb-4nf9z-wawmr-ce6n4 monthly 0.5 2022-12-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1659994404094-1JI0N5PD2X7CECHUCRYI/2.png Blog - Eclectic. Refreshing. Living. - Matthew 5: 1-12 images taken in San Patricio, New Mexico shadow and light contemplative practice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1659995437460-W1AAPYSXGYIJDWCUW8AZ/71lATWwdXIL.jpeg Blog - Eclectic. Refreshing. Living. - —For one who desires to companion others with prayer and just as the subtitle states “for helping yourself” as well. —Inner Healing was recommended and then sent in the mail to me by a dear uncle, so I felt the necessity to engage and embark in these pages without knowing where I was heading or what I was going to explore. —A very informative and healthy read! I am grateful for the Spirit’s invitation to explore and listen in to authors who not only write but share their personal experiences with prayer. I can say I don’t fully understand how God works through prayer but I too, join them in saying by experience “God does work in, with, and through the mystery of prayer.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1660078608461-9EAYWAEI81PH5ETPT6LL/9781944967703-us.jpeg Blog - Eclectic. Refreshing. Living. - At the same time, this parallel of reading with Scandrette has been slowly unfolding, giving much for thought and expanse thus deepening the ancient roots in the life of followers of Christ. This month has been very eclectic which is good! Thinking Orthodox is definitely another SLOW path of travel whereby I’m only coming to the half-way number of pages. After teaching a history timeline for the last 13 years to my 2nd graders that just barely touched on Orthodox and much on Reformation, Roman Catholicism, and Protestantism it became apparent that I had missed a deeper understanding, reading, wondering, learning and experience. A slow pouring from these pages has been a beautiful experience. If you get a chance to read this book, I would love to hear from you! https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-9nsdc-zfwbb-btc5n monthly 0.5 2022-08-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1659835734323-1NIZVCIOOQJN9E1YU8OS/IMG_8021.jpg Blog - Evening Prayer - MUSIC (sing, hum, or move your body gently to the rhythm of the music.) Listen: Wait for the Lord (Taize) Listen: Jesus, Remember Me (Taize) Crucifix, Philadelphia Museum of Art image by photographer Jeff LeFever https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1659838213257-5LZTTD1NIQHMBR7URFY4/IMG_8003.jpeg Blog - Evening Prayer - Make it stand out skyline by m r n https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/exploring-gwlse-r2gnc-jg7yf-b467y-x7jfk-4rsz7-8lagn monthly 0.5 2022-09-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1658273230544-WS9GTDF3T5K89RHMYSAY/image5.jpeg Blog - Creative Giving: - Welcome. My friend Heidi Goodmann. Charity and compassion meet when spending time with Heidi. I admire her honesty, kindness, and imagination; these three always linger, offering inspiration, wonder, and hope. Pieta taken @ the Church of St. Giles, Prague https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1658276323368-4XL233NEG8JB0460MITK/image8.jpeg Blog - Creative Giving: - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1658275201232-F1NJN4SWSSTH3BYEEY0X/image4.jpeg Blog - Creative Giving: - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1658275884918-QOUYQ76J7VLHKT6YODBG/image1.jpeg Blog - Creative Giving: - Le bonheur de vivre (The Joy of Life) is a painting by Henri Matisse. (Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia) Joie de vivre, a French expression often used in English to express the exuberant joy of being alive by Michelle Marie Sharp https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-dnrsm-s3dcr-x9tzc monthly 0.5 2022-07-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1658084210951-ZPFR06NH99NIOEHUJL7L/helping-4661809_1280.jpeg Blog - Compassion. Adam and *Oscar. image by pixabay.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1657836687458-8V8Y7QM2A4EUA5BZMYH3/51x3qSYowcL._SL350_.jpg Blog - Compassion. Adam and *Oscar. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1657836364634-4AU5PC1VC5C96LNR2GOH/8110e8b0bd75a5bc892eb6a939f0d6c571dbde7d.jpeg Blog - Compassion. Adam and *Oscar. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1657837242310-ZWZM6YRR4JHFXIK3DSAE/boy-6781191__480.jpeg Blog - Compassion. Adam and *Oscar. - Make it stand out image by pixabay.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1657837303724-5OZ31FZ0CN13GP90K55C/playground-99509__480.jpeg Blog - Compassion. Adam and *Oscar. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-bn3fl-7y4zb-4nf9z-gnjw9-x5hmd-p45b9 monthly 0.5 2022-09-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1657418554983-QAH5HIZBGIQ1885ASLUR/istockphoto-879661826-612x612.jpeg Blog - PODCASTS: explore and expand. image from pixabay.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1657418946032-BPFVDAKL77OWQHQ12BSE/Season%2B9%2BPost%2BTemplate%2B%288%29.png Blog - PODCASTS: explore and expand. Gold and Shadow with Sho Baraka. . https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-9nsdc-zfwbb-frd5p monthly 0.5 2023-01-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1656970311019-FB1BVC65Z9ARIYEBI8PK/IMG_8034.JPG Blog - Daily Prayer - Longing by Matt Ulery a special feature Recently while my husband and I were visiting Chicago, we made it to the suburbs to hear Matt (on stand up bass) and a small ensemble play (four female string players). We didn’t know what to expect with this live concert. What a surprise and incredible experience! A gentle, humble and quiet spirit, Matt composed this piece Longing and shared briefly about its unfolding. His words and the music were a beautiful blessing to my soul. I hope you enjoy listening and see where the Spirit of God speaks to you through his music. It’s an instrumental composition so feel free to close your eyes and have a listen. What are you noticing within your body, mind, heart, spirit? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1656970596951-026TPBZHEHB7OTUYTCHM/IMG_1233.jpeg Blog - Daily Prayer - sanctuary photo by m. r. n. Holy Trinity icon by Andrei Rublev https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-22dsk monthly 0.5 2024-04-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1654226299469-WYJ6NHPQ6M6C2ZNBXD2V/IMG_5128.jpeg Blog - Dwelling places: the soul image Open Space, Albuquerque, NM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1654720850818-JFFAAV58GA5PQP6YM7TQ/candlelights-2179184_1920.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: the soul “It is well with my soul” (Image by Pexels from Pixabay) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1654720521246-845XNJU0FVOGPNIFOHXY/dove-3426159_1920.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: the soul - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1654226540998-F8XHNIXORD4Z4LGW0S4S/608A9AD3-7E25-4C9B-B991-C295B917645B.jpg Blog - Dwelling places: the soul - The spiritual desire of the soul: Thirsts for God https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1654209054911-2GMHCNG5QY3IB8M7HOWJ/18C89ACD-CD51-4B0D-8F0D-49AE9F154A7C.jpeg Blog - Dwelling places: the soul - Spiritual Desires of the Soul Over the next few days or weeks continue your searching and study with the following: The Soul… Yearns for God (Psalm 84:2) Seeks God (Dt. 4:29; 2 Ch. 15:12) Finds rest in God (Ps 62:1,5) Waits for God (Ps 130:5-6) Turns to God (Dt 30:10, I Ki 8:48) Takes Refuge in God (Ps 57:1) https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-gzpbh monthly 0.5 2022-06-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1625093001736-OBNH9JWHWU4TNY3VX78X/image-asset.jpeg Blog - K. Rahner, H. Nouwen & J. Forest image shot at Los Poblanos open space, New Mexico https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1653942780777-SKRM6HGKNZQVQ00MVKDJ/Behold+the+Beauty.jpeg Blog - K. Rahner, H. Nouwen & J. Forest - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-eacc7-sa692 monthly 0.5 2022-08-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1651771333956-I7ULOX44I4Y3IQVZ6HNN/BC465664-B517-42BA-9C28-2903F6CDCDAC.jpg Blog - AriseBlog: Why the name? image shot @ Los Poblanos Farm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1651802284759-OS46QHP3QJW6MEDRB95F/isaiah+60+copy+2.jpg Blog - AriseBlog: Why the name? - Make it stand out My story both begins and continues with the words of Isaiah 60:1-2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1651772061997-W3KSDP7548IS8BIDT9F8/IMG_5915.jpeg Blog - AriseBlog: Why the name? - …A story being told… About four years ago, I began to encounter what is common in our life–spiritual journeys. I say common because it is! In my realm, it was only alluded to or coined “fall away” from the faith but I’ve learned that is not so. I confess, I’m only just beginning to understand the ancient writings on these experience(s). What is it? Sorry, I missed naming it, or maybe that’s because neglecting to name it is easier than facing this common place in spiritual journeying called “dark night of the soul” by St John of the Cross and “spiritual aridity” by Teresa of Avila, and others. “By night he meant that our senses are no longer gratified.” “We no longer can look to or depend on what we understand, taste, feel or imagine, for “faith lies beyond all this understanding, taste, feeling, and imaging.”—The Voice of Jesus by Gordon T Smith (172) In my story, I was experiencing what I can describe as sensory overload and was overwhelmed that I couldn’t feel, see, taste, hear, smell— what was good (healthy) or bad (unhealthy) for me. A famine-like experience, a wilderness, a desert, “an absence”--these are often descriptors for such times in one’s life. What did my dark encompass? –Bitterness for sure creeping in. Or was it a healthy bad taste in my mouth?, Possibly both; a paradox, a contraction probably so. –Empathy, fatigue and overload. At times this felt paralyzing (unable to set my feet on the floor of my bedside, but eventually I did each day–by day). I was carrying too much and absorbing the pains of others. I’m still finding words to describe what was going on. I’m okay with that. –Wounded and lacking in compassion (at least it felt that way) –Panic and anxiety never previously experienced –Pain, at times both physical and emotional –Quietness and sometimes argument Whom did I turn to? The only One I know —my Jesus, Savior and Friend of all Friends. Many times, and even in conversation with the Lord, I didn’t know what to ask, feel, or how to respond. I just knew I needed to hear from Him. His voice matters most. When I picked up my Bible, I began reading small chunks of words in the Psalms, and passages in the book of Isaiah. Why? I really don’t know. But, I found that the words and activities of life in the book of Isaiah bore a very clear resemblance to what I was experiencing and wanted to see where I was heading. I read through it very slowly. Meditating, chewing, wondering, frustrated, and wondering more as I read. I found myself in the midst of a wilderness, dry and hungry, and with a thirst. A place where I felt lost, alone, and without answers. As I stayed with these uncomfortable places, longing for God to help me, I began to notice and learn that I was being led in a helpful direction. Eventually the time came where I could spot a porch light softly radiating at the end of a tunnel. In this dark, the words Hope and Trust kept moving me forward. The dark became dim, lifting the weightiness of my mind, heart, and body. The Spirit of God was helping me to see and be hopeful. I began having moments of peacefulness break through my anxieties, my bitterness, my noise, conflicts, and confusions. The chaos of feelings, the silence and absence were breaking apart as light was beginning to show itself through the tunnels of a dark night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1651788138741-6JXIDBYTZNEKZXAHPD4R/IMG_0769.jpg Blog - AriseBlog: Why the name? Just this past winter some newness began to flow as I sat down on the barren winter grass at my local park to reflect on this time in my life journey. These words of past and present colliding: It Is in, A Place Of closeness to God, Learning the fullness of God, Surrendering to all of Him. My senses are gray (still at times) and full of light, And sometimes still dim, But the light is His, True Light piercing what was once dark, very dim. Healing has come and continues. My soul—hungry and thirsty for God’s truth and wholeness. I’ve come to pray simple words like that of St. Francis “My God, My All!” And embracing the silence, and absence has become known as solitude; a peacefulness and gracefulness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1651789958918-RO7JVI7QEQ2UUY04U674/FullSizeRender.jpg Blog - AriseBlog: Why the name? - Story Unfolding. And where am I now? Currently trusting My God in the movements of “staying with” meaning not abandoning, but resting, wondering, discovering, allowing the ways of God to guide and expand my love and knowing of Him and in loving others well. God has modeled for us this theme of life story. Story being told and story unfolding permeate, embody, and “incarnate” our living (as a dear friend recently said). Yes, surrendering to the Incarnate love of God, Jesus the Son, and the gracefulness of the Holy Spirit. A day by day, moment by moment adventure in this life we are staying with until eternity welcomes anew. Staying with has been a steady and sure phrase word for this year from May 2021 to May 2022 as I reflect on the path, the transitional journey, and trailblazing. “Trust in and rely confidently on the LORD with all your heart. And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].” Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP) This past fall to summer, I stepped out of a long and fulfilling journey in elementary education to explore the beginnings (trailblazing) of Spiritual Direction and writing Arise Blog –offering reflection, rest, reaching out, and resonating resources for others. And welcoming people to journey with me in “Being with God” in their uniquely given life stories–to walk, rest, lie down, and “be” sometimes moment by moment. The words of Isaiah 60 were the hope filled words I heard in the depths of my struggle, and some days I still have to hear. I leave you with these words from Greg Boyle’s book “Tattoos on the Heart” as we are invited to enter into one another’s lives, “Compassion isn't’ just about feeling the pain of others; it's about bringing them in toward yourself'' (75) This is what I hope to convey in sharing reflections on my journey as well as all that Arise Blog is offering each month. I wanted to share with you a bit of this unfolding, and what’s going on in the present. I pray you may be encouraged as you live with the intentional and surprising gifts of God—they will come with joyful sorrows and hope for abundance of life here and now. Gracefulness, Melanie https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-9nsdc-zfwbb monthly 0.5 2022-05-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1651930295935-CR1LZ5RY7FRGM13UINY4/_Y8R0249.jpg Blog - Evening Prayer - MUSIC (sing, hum, or move your body gently to the rhythm of the music.) Listen to: Holy Spirit Come to Us (Taize) And this: Bless The Lord my Soul (Taize instrumental) Bless the Lord, My Soul Bless the Lord, my soul, and bless God's holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life. What are you noticing within your body, mind, heart, spirit? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1651930487744-DF2HPM2DFH9URBU24YTJ/Angelsatmamre-trinity-rublev-1410.jpeg Blog - Evening Prayer - Holy Trinity by Andrei Rublev Holy Trinity icon by Andrei Rublev https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-bn3fl-7y4zb-4nf9z-gnjw9-x5hmd monthly 0.5 2022-07-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1650573759864-SN1VED53FGBYTP7LQKDK/47852B77-BD85-48B0-9B7F-C659C8EB1392.jpg Blog - Homeboy Industries. Faith. Creativity. Trinity, taken in Southern California. photo by m.r.n https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/exploring-gwlse-r2gnc-jg7yf-b467y-8labw monthly 0.5 2022-05-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1651277678257-HBFM1RTWRHTJSVLQC62N/IMG_6232+2.JPG Blog - Guest feature: Mother’s Day tribute https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1651278913619-L9X1LEV4DWME1L2IF8WV/FullSizeRender-preview.JPG Blog - Guest feature: Mother’s Day tribute - my mother Lenora my mother Lenora and I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1651280171863-42L7S1MQQWBUMS0VXVCD/IMG_4672.JPG Blog - Guest feature: Mother’s Day tribute - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-dnrsm-s3dcr-f63yf-2zyae monthly 0.5 2022-04-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1649127803560-MW0E8O7QOAZM33EOVXRU/7226A036-71A3-45BE-891E-B3814F89F7D9.jpeg Blog - Spring. Easter. Poetry. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1649131926795-II96G2DYUDCYS6F89DST/Gertrude+More+copy.jpg Blog - Spring. Easter. Poetry. - Make it stand out poem taken from Prayers of the Heart by Richard Foster https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-l5mxe-nlmcg-dllay-76ryw-6ytjt monthly 0.5 2022-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1645830050181-IWVCEYCWGLXRQBZNEZZZ/IMG_3945.jpeg Blog - Spiritual exercise: Centering Prayer - Make it stand out image taken at Norbertine Abbey chapel, ABQ, New Mexico https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1648742242916-LPGY84W7V2O9L61J0LTE/IMG_1549.JPG Blog - Spiritual exercise: Centering Prayer - A simple Centering Prayer guide from Pennington’s book (79): Sit relaxed and quiet. —Be in faith and love to God who dwells in the center of your being. —Take up a love word and let it be gently present, supporting your being to God in faith-filled love. —Whenever you become aware of anything else, simply, gently return to the Lord with the use of your prayer word. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1645831956676-BBPIY8RYSCCLCNNIBZOG/0CABC14E-B0D4-4CDE-A564-DA510CBC7E1E.jpg Blog - Spiritual exercise: Centering Prayer - A Centering Prayer Moment (from my own life) Sitting in stillness, lifting the eyes of my heart and mind upward The word “radiant” became present. Listening, listening, wondering, seeing God’s radiance in the sunlight through my window this morning Imagining God’s radiance beaming from the heavens Upon Moses, Upon Jesus Sitting, listening, “radiant” “Sing aloud and shout for joy” “be radiant over the goodness of the Lord” —(Jeremiah 31:12) “Radiant light” “radiance of God’s Presence” Radiance rests within, upon, around me. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/exploring-gwlse-r2gnc-jg7yf-b467y-x7jfk-4rsz7-n75k3 monthly 0.5 2022-04-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1648696649978-T7N8QUFSGZV9R8AQXJFN/t_s-eliot11.jpg Blog - Guest feature - With all due respect to the American/British poet, T.S. Eliot, April is not always the cruelest month, at least here in America where, ironically, the National Poetry Month takes place. T.S. Eliot penned this line in his famous poem The Waste Land in 1922. The National Poetry Month was established in 1996. Somewhere within the 74 years from the poem’s inception to the creation of a month given to highlight poetry, good ol’ April was chosen as the season to celebrate verse. Works for me. May not for Eliot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1648699863615-T2I0T6X28KO6JWM7LG5Q/wilson.jpg Blog - Guest feature - Make it stand out NM Poet, Keith Wilson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1648700257542-X03GHNRS8ZVU6YY00144/Composer-Warner-Hutchison.jpg Blog - Guest feature - Make it stand out Composer, Warner Hutchison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1648701746834-D4IOSTOQFYMYGB1EF23D/D0306004-E2A3-4EC8-9099-3B2DE2052D0B.jpg Blog - Guest feature - Scholarship Drive Traveled I-25 to hear the sound Of French horns sing Come to the Fair. composer as compass, we talked of a playwright who penned Lesser Gods and a poet who was moved because music married his text to mariachi music, reading aloud at the sesquicentennial celebration of a city I find myself in, walking the campus of a university to listen to Victor blow oblivion in the April air near Grave’s Registry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1648703490505-MRGB74MWUFJPB3BP94OR/brian-nixon.jpeg Blog - Guest feature About Brian C Nixon My best friend (and husband of 30 years). It is with gratitude and kindredness that this month I’d like to share with you Brian. He inspires by gifting us with his varied creativity. Brian is a writer, artist, musician, and educator. He’s a graduate of California State University, Stanislaus (BA), Veritas Seminary (MA), and is a Fellow at Oxford Graduate School (D.Phil.). Most of all, he is wonderful Opa and father delighting his children in becoming life long learners. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-bn3fl-7y4zb-4nf9z-gnjw9 monthly 0.5 2022-04-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1637641907405-6VM2Y682D6MQ3M2IKK9U/IMG_1426.jpg Blog - Slow reading. Picking up that book again. image view of the Sandia Mts in Albuquerque, New Mexico https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-dnrsm-s3dcr-f63yf monthly 0.5 2025-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1645654590749-KEHSH4VAK6IQ5JS7J4L7/tempImageLNTuno.gif Blog - PLAY: Sabbath rest - Hello Friends, shadow play above, on the Paseo bridge https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-bn3fl-7y4zb-4nf9z-wawmr monthly 0.5 2022-08-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1645499835831-V0JH2HUVUEDCQVPLKYPP/IMG_6397.jpg Blog - T. Merton, C. Paintner & D. Willard images taken in San Patricio, New Mexico shadow and light contemplative practice https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-9nsdc monthly 0.5 2022-05-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1646074824596-8Y4O0ULZ2ANVC7LWGUQX/IMG_6092.jpeg Blog - Spiritual exercise: Prayer - Radiance “They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord, over the grain, the wine, the oil, and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall be like a watered garden, and they shall languish no more.” Jeremiah 31:12 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/exploring-gwlse-r2gnc-jg7yf-b467y-x7jfk-4rsz7-p2t8f monthly 0.5 2022-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1645730313827-78ZIBJ7TY9SVCNM4OLX5/Princess+Lillian+and+Grandpa%27s+Goodby+profile+cover.jpg Blog - Guest feature: Meeting God in the Pages https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1645739565970-MF71C49GM7T064UL623I/IMG_6428.JPG Blog - Guest feature: Meeting God in the Pages Pieta taken @ the Church of St. Giles, Prague https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1645827929494-8TKC6IY7NMYWAJCHT6KT/Isaiah%27s+legacy.jpeg Blog - Guest feature: Meeting God in the Pages - Biblical fiction, Historical Fiction: Authors in these genres do a ton of research to present as accurate a picture as possible of the life and culture in which their stories take place. Biblical fiction takes us into the world and circumstances of Biblical characters. This can inspire greater curiosity that points us back to the Bible and can give us a greater understanding of the passages in which those characters are found. Historical fiction shows us God’s continued work with humanity in every age and situation. If God was with them in that horrific time period, I can be confident He’s with me in mine, in whatever political events may occur. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1645739826444-KL0O7DCP4Q21H5O3RXK1/IMG_6430.JPG Blog - Guest feature: Meeting God in the Pages - Contemporary Fiction: What does it look like to follow God in the present age? Contemporary fiction excels in answering that question, providing examples of characters in all walks of modern life who struggle and seek God in circumstances we’re likely familiar with. And if we haven’t personally experienced it, we learn to better empathize with those who have. Romance: While romance can be found in every genre, I separated it to emphasize its relational. Romance in books isn’t just about how two people fall in love (which is great) but often showcases their personal struggles, their perceptions of each other, and their personal and relational growth throughout the story. In Christian Romance, the books usually highlight how the characters seek God for guidance and wisdom in their new relationship. This latter aspect can remind us to seek God’s wisdom in all of our relationships (not just the romantic ones). Children’s Books: One of the biggest wonders of children’s books is their ability to communicate complicated issues and truths in a way that’s fun and easy to understand. Christian children’s books are also great conversation starters that can prompt kids to ask questions and give adults the opportunity to better engage with the kids in their lives. In each character/story-driven genre, we can find heroes and heroines who are going through the same inner struggles we are. We can stand on the outside and observe how God helps them grow. If God helped them, it gives us courage to believe He’s with us and can help us, too. God created us all to be unique individuals with our own backgrounds, stories, and personalities. He knows where we are and what we need. One of the ways He speaks to us is through the pages—the pages of Scripture and the pages of books that point to and proclaim His Truth, Goodness, and Love. by Michelle Marie Sharp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1645732377489-8KL2XXGDRZDA89PFCI8Y/DSC_3435.JPEG Blog - Guest feature: Meeting God in the Pages Welcome. Jenny Fulton, a dear friend of mine, and an amazing 2nd grade teaching partner. She is a delightful and kindred creative. Jenny is a wife, mother, and writer who enjoys studying God’s Word and sharing what she has learned with others. She is the author of Princess Lillian and Grandpa’s Goodbye, A Princess’ Guide to the Alphabet (to be released June 2022), and an upcoming Bible Study on 1 Corinthians. An enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, Jenny developed a keen interest in language and cultures. In 2007, she graduated from Grace University with a B.S. in Bible, a B.S. in elementary education, and an endorsement in K-12 ESL. For the next seven years, Jenny worked as a teacher in a variety of cultural and educational settings, both abroad and in the United States. Her days are now spent raising her three young daughters and writing as much as time and opportunity allows. Some of her others works include: Heart. Mind. Soul. Blog and The Quest for Hope: Invisible Battles Book https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-dnrsm-s3dcr monthly 0.5 2022-02-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1643660585451-TMMX095KWAEH0FKVBZ8W/tempImagePsz9uB.gif Blog - Word Shift (part two): busy to full…receive instead of take… image shot at the family dinner table https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-l5mxe-nlmcg-dllay-76ryw monthly 0.5 2022-02-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1643651885124-6IRQJNW7007SABRD80UU/D0306004-E2A3-4EC8-9099-3B2DE2052D0B.jpg Blog - Spiritual exercise: Thematic Word Study - Thematic Word Study Outline REDEMPTION Begin with a prayerful reading of Isaiah 43:1 Christ redeems us —Romans 3:24, Col. 1:13-14 The ransom paid was his blood—Eph 1:7, 1 Peter 1:19, Rev 5:9 The ransom paid with his death—Mk 10:45, Heb 9:15, 1Tim 2:6 The purpose of Redemption To justify us before God—Romans 3:24 To free us from wickedness—Ro 6:7, 22, Titus 2:14 To free us from the law—Gal 4:5 To free us from the curse—Gal 3:13 The results of Redemption We are forgiven—Eph 1:7, Col 1:14 We can now live free lives—Gal 5:1, 13 We can now serve God—1Peter 2:16 We await our final redemption—Luke 21:27-28, Romans 8:23, Eph 1:14 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-bn3fl-7y4zb-4nf9z-ap89w-l854t monthly 0.5 2022-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1640976294185-3T8W1JZRS2QEKRMIENVC/F28736CA-A4D8-4818-8B09-F118CBCBDEF1.jpeg Blog - Compassion. Leadership. And Fiction. warmth. Albuquerque, NM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1643214858455-LSXR3RLSO3ROK1HQZSFT/9780060663599_590x590%402x.jpg Blog - Compassion. Leadership. And Fiction. . https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/exploring-gwlse-r2gnc-jg7yf-b467y-x7jfk-4rsz7 monthly 0.5 2022-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1642785021596-KXEPKQWIMENSCK7UPYE2/_MG_0838-%28LeFever-StGilesPieta%29.jpg Blog - Guest feature - Make it stand out Pieta taken @ the Church of St. Giles, Prague https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1642785195292-9NP35CLAI3W3YY0GI0DM/MelBlog+Extra-1+copy.jpg Blog - Guest feature - Recollection. Travel. Resonate Faith. That was a recollection from February 27th, 2009. Now it is February 2022, 13 years later. I had spent a month or more every year at my own expense since 2003 for 14 years visiting and photo-capturing churches and cathedrals across the United States, Europe, and around the old city of Jerusalem (Bethlehem, too, one Christmas Eve). When I started that project, I kept a travelog with the subtext of “traveling in God’s pocket,” and photographed the churches from a perspective of resonant faith (not objectification). I went looking to see God’s Hand moving in the experiences I would encounter. To do this takes intentional time and the will to seek and find - and be amazed, living by God’s Grace. Having the photo assignment and a will for witnessing the intersection of church aesthetics and Christian theology, I had a reason to be wandering the streets of foreign cities, with minimal financial support or connection, often times questioning daily what it was I thought I was doing. As it turns out, my faith was being re-formed in experiencing the religious cultures across the family of God, and also the “life between the grace notes”. It wasn’t the product of my time that was so significant in changing me, but the process I underwent to obtain the photographic study. It wasn’t all joyful. I often felt lost, alone, anxious, bored and stuck. I started my journey in 2003 to see if an aesthetically built consecrated space could affect one in their spirit. But much of my favorite imagery evokes in me an empathy for God’s jewels as they interacted with these remarkable spaces. It wasn’t the mass or ceremonies, or preaching or teachings or sermons that moved me most, or even the art (though that was exceptional and I feel a highly warranted pursuit); it was the heart of those single souls who came for private audience, on their own time through out the course of a day, off-program, to sit, kneel, pray and reflect, often in the dark or by the light of a candle. These people, these moments, became the face of grace and beauty for me; a glimpse of God’s heart for us all. by Michelle Marie Sharp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1642785726802-MJSWC5RF7N7LW2L2D5FQ/SelfLab-3361-1ArtFB.jpg Blog - Guest feature About Artist Jeff Lefever A longtime friend. Jeff inspires, engages, and challenges the eyes, heart, and mind to explore life and its beauty and quirkiness all around us. As a fine artist and photographer, he suspends a moment and offers expansion to what is before the onlooker in and through his work. I have enjoyed travels, meals, walks, and long conversations with Jeff, and knowing the next time we meet we will carry on from where we left off in a new moment of time but with the sweet familiarity of friendship. I hope you will take a moment to check out more of his work below: Foundation for the Biblical Arts (stories) https://foundationforthebiblicalarts.org Book on Consecrated Space: http://www.blurb.com/b/8789423-the-consecrated-space-deluxe-edition Travelog: Traveling in God’s Pocket. http://travelog.jefflefever.com https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-eacc7 monthly 0.5 2022-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1640926639207-JYY0IOYQ241YWPOFDI3M/IMG_2834.jpeg Blog - Day by Day image shot @ Los Poblanos open space https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1640980342461-77NPC7EVW5VRN1PZJ3Y7/IMG_5598+2.jpeg Blog - Day by Day - Let me share with you my Story. 22 years ago in Modesto, California, I was 28 years-old and in the midst of my third pregnancy, carrying twins. Our oldest son Isaiah was 7 and our daughter Sutherland was 3. I was homeschooling these dear ones while trying to keep myself healthy and off bedrest for this pregnancy. My prenatal appointments were “often” and “not quick”— being certain to get every measurement for twin A and twin B. Ultrasounds at every visit after having to drink what felt like gallons of water before and then being told “Don’t pee.” “Really!” I tried to make it through and I did. And making decisions like wanting to know the sex of the coming two. Of course! Early on it was “determined” we were having a girl and a boy. Wonderful! And do you want to check for Down Syndrome amniocentesis? I declined. And a very detailed ultrasound that would give us in color the details of where fluids were moving and assure all was going well. Sure, that would be great! Seven months in, a few weeks after my thorough ultrasound, on the 24th of January, I woke up ready to embark on our homeschooling day and we did! Becoming tired and uncomfortable around 1:00 pm, I sat on the couch, pausing for a moment, holding my back, and thinking I may be having back labor. I was 33 weeks into this delightful yet weighty experience (8.5 pounds of babies in my womb), with still a month and a half to go. My March 12th due date was a long way away. So I carried on, going through my day. Besides, I had a 4 o’clock appointment. By 5:00 pm during my appointment, I was told to go home and pack my bags. Be ready to check-in to the hospital by 6:00. There was time to stop this labor from delivery. Brian and I settled in my hospital room not knowing what was going to take place. Within the first few hours, an IV dripped in my veins, two large bags of magnesium sulfate. My body and skin felt hot and on fire. The fluids were not stopping these two babies from arriving. We called my parents and someone called on all our friends and family to start praying! By 8:00 pm, a nurse who had been with us for a while began preparing me for the “Big Room” (delivery with possibility of C-section or anything else needed). She began whispering in my ear “look to the light,” “follow the light,” not knowing what her intent was for me; it didn't matter. The prayer on my lips was Jesus Jesus Jesus… Speaking this aloud as I am wheeled down hallways, and into the Big Room. All I could see were a few strange faces staring down at me and the ceiling above. I had no idea what was going to happen next. Within an hour, I had delivered Twin A who was whisked away. I could barely hear a cry but slightly in the distance I heard my baby cry which brought joy to my heart. Was it our girl? Or our boy? No answer came for me but instead the caring voice of my delivery nurse saying “Get ready”; “Push”; “We need to get baby B out now!” Oh right, of course delivery number two! A man was standing above me next to my husband getting ready to put me out with anesthesia (a C-section may come). I heard the caring voice again saying “Push Now!” and the doctor pulled two legs out first, and breech baby Twin B was born. Oh what a relief! (Yes, I’m leaving out many details that followed). Our twins were born and whisked off. I was then wheeled in my hospital bed back into my room feeling exhaustingly dumbfounded by what just happened. Somehow I delivered twins naturally and one of them breached. Jesus was in that room with me, I’m sure! Within moments, there was a solemness engulfing my room. I noticed our pastor sitting in the corner praying. A doctor came in (not my delivery doctor) and said “Here’s what’s going on, we need to make some decisions quickly. Baby A is not doing well. He has no kidneys (later we learned the term Potter’s Syndrome) and underdeveloped genitals and brain. We can try to send him to Sacramento but there’s a terrible thunderstorm right now and we don’t know if there’s anything that can be done.” All I can remember is feeling numb, shocked, and tears pouring from our eyes and heart. Praying “What O God, what do we do?” An hour later at 12 am, now the 25th of January, we were finally taken to the NICU to meet our sons. To say Hello to one. Cailan who will be “touch and go” for the next 7 weeks. Then, the unforgettable moments of saying Hello sweet baby Riley and Goodbye precious Riley in sobbing voices until we meet again one day in heaven. Looking back each year, I find myself remembering every detail of this night that changed our lives forever. In all the thoroughness of my prenatal visits, to the preparations of birthing and getting our home and lives ready for twins, and becoming a family of six– all was changed in a matter of hours. Instead of snuggling with my newborns, I slept in a cold dark hospital room alone that night, and the next day began planning for our son’s funeral. Two days later, I went home with no newborns, and tightly hugged my Isaiah and Sutherland with tears streaming from my eyes. With great sorrow, and with great joy we brought our son Cailan home 7 weeks later, still “touch and go'' for another 4 months. And from there, I began living every day in the breath words of “Day by day” Knowing first hand that God opens and closes my day and the unfolding of each one given. In 2022, I will continue to answer the question “How are you doing?” with “Well, day by day dear friend!” And in this year, like every year after 2000, I carry on with a great dependency and a great hope that “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere” Psalm 84:10. Joy and gladness, Melanie https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-l5mxe-nlmcg-dllay monthly 0.5 2022-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1640921427181-7BG9M9U7IKQOGOQ5ROWF/7C104A15-349F-4A17-A918-881F2642ED66_1_201_a.jpeg Blog - Spiritual exercise: Breath prayer https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/exploring-gwlse-r2gnc-jg7yf-b467y-x7jfk monthly 0.5 2022-01-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1640984574489-8D0HEVNHHF85YJ00J1JU/IMG_0413.JPG Blog - Guest feature - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1639952260898-RLYGY72EZOZPXWN9JCCC/fetus.jpeg Blog - Guest feature - For further reflection: Take a moment and gaze at this picture. What might the Holy Spirit want to speak to you about slow beginnings? Notice what words, images, or feelings come to mind. Is there a prayer stirring in your heart? Take some time to talk to God and listen to His response. by Michelle Marie Sharp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1639963645988-F81YTX3MUQBQ7J8RUC7T/IMG_0732.jpeg Blog - Guest feature - Ten Fun Facts About the Author (Kerry Tomberlin) I love to hike the Bosque (cottonwood forest along the Rio Grande) with my dog. I am a big Disney nerd (Jessie is my dog and was named after the cowgirl in Toy Story 2 I love to experience God in creative ways. I am currently enrolled in a spiritual direction program called Selah. I am a Soul Care Mentor and teacher trainer at Holy Yoga, Global. Cheese is everything. I’m married to my high school sweetheart. My husband and I are rabid New Mexico Lobo basketball fans. I have really long toes. I know I am God’s beloved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1639951653373-K4M6GX6LHPTTGDXU2L58/tempImagefRBizD.png Blog - Guest feature - Make it stand out “I love to experience God in creative ways.” https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-bn3fl-7y4zb-4nf9z-ap89w monthly 0.5 2022-01-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1640976294185-3T8W1JZRS2QEKRMIENVC/F28736CA-A4D8-4818-8B09-F118CBCBDEF1.jpeg Blog - Dorothy Sayers, “Solo” by Stephen W. Smith, & Michelle Marie Sharp’s newest book… warmth. Albuquerque, NM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1640975921914-1H65UIYHTN4FIIE8M2FP/cover_2.jpg Blog - Dorothy Sayers, “Solo” by Stephen W. Smith, & Michelle Marie Sharp’s newest book… - Every Step a Monument Life is an adventure, within and without. https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc-dnrsm monthly 0.5 2022-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1637956430287-V4BNYQKMNDOB42S32WZA/IMG_0637.jpg Blog - Word Shift: loneliness to aloneness image shot at Sandia Crest, ABQ, New Mexico https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh-l5mxe monthly 0.5 2021-12-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1637948225820-BB5N1S0HPA2NWKW2WJ1V/Psalms_0558ab24-4303-4d90-bb09-3b21a4419bc9_1800x1800.jpg Blog - Spiritual exercise: Lectio Divina @ alabasterco.com https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/exploring-gwlse-r2gnc-jg7yf-b467y monthly 0.5 2022-04-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1638386798125-EFAV9LO3Q847SGST7GE8/IMG_5762.jpg Blog - Guest feature https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1638401366832-P0LEZJWY60AUCNSATSAD/FullSizeRender-preview.jpeg Blog - Guest feature by Michelle Marie Sharp https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-bn3fl-7y4zb-4nf9z monthly 0.5 2021-12-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1637641907405-6VM2Y682D6MQ3M2IKK9U/IMG_1426.jpg Blog - Photography, Psalms & Wholeness image view of the Sandia Mts in Albuquerque, New Mexico https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k-rbhyc monthly 0.5 2021-11-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1635114325781-OEJ99RPZX25VJYNIB3X8/E154A509-3A26-46FD-82A1-F1C9F86BADAB.JPG Blog - Dwelling places image shot at Santa Cruz, California https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l-4ptjh monthly 0.5 2021-11-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1634854310643-MQYC5MQ9N0ZAKAEN22IR/Ps85-700.jpeg Blog - Spiritual exercise: Prayer artist John August Swanson Psalm 85 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/exploring-gwlse-r2gnc-jg7yf monthly 0.5 2021-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1635984920719-C6FXFICQDVE7S8W0O8KF/image1.jpg Blog - Guest feature Gold and Grace by musical artist Rebekah Lusko https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1635985907810-XFZJS5AOJZSCZUA61O8B/image2.jpg Blog - Guest feature - His Daughter. I was his daughter: “I thought to myself, I would love to treat you as my own children! I wanted nothing more than to give you this beautiful land- the finest possession in the world. I looked forward to your calling me Father and I wanted you never to turn from me.” Jeremiah 3:19 by Michelle Marie Sharp https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-bn3fl-7y4zb monthly 0.5 2021-11-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1625093001736-OBNH9JWHWU4TNY3VX78X/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Brother John of Taize & Current podcasts image shot at Los Poblanos open space, New Mexico https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw-zht7k monthly 0.5 2021-10-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1631826259390-Y2S4RN01V94V2YI7B6KZ/flower+and+window.jpg Blog - Dwelling places image shot on Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc-bn3fl monthly 0.5 2021-10-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1625093001736-OBNH9JWHWU4TNY3VX78X/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Women engaged. Ruth Barton’s “Sacred Rhythms.” Current podcast “Guided Prayer: broken identities” with Michelle M. Sharp. image shot at Los Poblanos open space, New Mexico https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/exploring-gwlse-r2gnc monthly 0.5 2021-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1633289201081-8C6QR3NEP9LFW5UNNNX8/3E6BF526-CE97-4FC2-B65F-8FABC0F0F5C8_1_201_a.jpeg Blog - Guest feature https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1633381476996-LY3VSQBOC22E67MA3NAG/IMG_3726.jpg Blog - Guest feature - Five Things by Michelle Marie Sharp https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn-f6d3l monthly 0.5 2021-10-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1631827551967-OO0L0MQJD6KKMXSJ8HIT/IMG_5223.jpg Blog - Spiritual exercise photo shot in the Rio Grande bosque, ABQ, New Mexico https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/soul-r4adw monthly 0.5 2021-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1630351655328-Q9XGV5CYCI6JFWY5B91P/705E2CD0-3E5F-49FA-9D99-4B4FE9A4F139.jpg Blog - Dwelling places image shot along one of the Rio Grande acequia’s, a view of the west mesa volcanoes, NM https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/summer-retreat-4gypn monthly 0.5 2021-09-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1625094530884-V6Q0FPP6FD2GDX6JTMMC/Aro+Ha_0394.jpg Blog - Spiritual exercise photo shot at Bryce Canyon, Utah https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/exploring-gwlse monthly 0.5 2021-10-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1625353069245-61FOSNM4741OJ7FAB7L5/20140302_trade-151_0742-copy.jpg Blog - Guest feature https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/yoga-syssc monthly 0.5 2021-09-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1625093001736-OBNH9JWHWU4TNY3VX78X/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Henri Nouwen & current podcasts image shot at Los Poblanos open space, New Mexico https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/category/Resonating+Resources monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/category/Devotional monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/category/Reaching+Out monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/category/Reflection monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/category/Resting monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/gift monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/trust monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/savory monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/devotional monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/Scripture monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/soul monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/rhythms+of+life monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/faith monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/spiritual+practices monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/vineyards monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/life monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/irrational+season monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/parable monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/responding monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/writing monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/season monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/Drew+Jackson monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/God monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/poetry monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/wine+making monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/listening monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/crosswick+journal monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/reflection monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/change monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/luci+shaw monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/meditate monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/gratitude monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/calling monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/blog/tag/madeleine+L%27Engle monthly 0.5 https://www.melanienixon.com/home daily 1.0 2025-12-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1744826195373-D0N0I7B9RJ6IAJQKOD4T/unsplash-image-M9jrKDXOQoU.jpg Home - Safe Space A safe space is where you can offer questions and responses while sitting with a trained listener. As a companion, I will gently listen and wait with you in discerning the present landscapes in your life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1729263724820-IQWPX7HXUBQSNBJ51GN6/unsplash-image-XdbUsFkAwqA.jpg Home - Reflection In our time together, we pause and notice where God is inviting deepening connections in your life. Love and awareness surface during these moments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1744826829159-XP3FFOB6N3N2YSDEUWCE/unsplash-image-g6oL2ENVG10.jpg Home - Silence Each session welcomes silence and space for contemplation. This gives time for discerning what the Spirit of God might be showing you while noticing, giving images or words to ponder as we are listening. https://www.melanienixon.com/about daily 0.75 2025-05-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/efaace52-ead8-40ff-8335-5db17bb1bc56/IMG_0152.jpeg About Sitting with a spiritual companion is a beautiful experience whereby we see and hear where God is present in our lives. It is a gift to help you see God within your life’s journey and discovering the graces of love within your daily life. In the midst of today’s constantly moving and changing culture, we need spaces and moments where we can rest and refresh, slow down and take a breath. Spiritual direction offers this and so much more. Some days it may feel like you are in a tug-of-war emotionally, spiritually, physically, and mentally. You may find yourself asking questions like: What do I do in this situation? Who can I trust to listen? Is God really with me? If you are asking some of these questions, spiritual direction may be for you. Spiritual direction for me has and continues to be a safe and gentle space for discernment and walking through my own life challenges. Throughout many years, I have journeyed on a continuous path of seeking God’s wisdom and knowing God loves me. Life in all its ordinary ways is where I have experienced tensions and growing in my faith with God and alongside others. The paths have been deepening experiences in God’s generous love, grace, and goodness. It has been at times through struggles and sorrows, sickness, healing, loss--the ordinary life of this world. In all of this, God still remains with me, and reminds me daily that I am His beloved and He is mine. Centering on Him brings forth peacefulness and rest. As a Spiritual Director, my heart's growing passion is to help others listen for God’s voice through this kind of companionship. https://www.melanienixon.com/spiritual-direction daily 0.75 2025-04-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1699563752916-YEPDR4OOR280IN1ND343/image-asset.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1732982919375-8ZPVGFTOXP4QE8JX8N1Z/image-asset.jpeg Spiritual Direction - Loving Attention. Spiritual Direction focuses on listening and responding to God’s loving voice. Together, we notice, reflect, and pay attention to God’s activity within your own life story. We trust the Holy Spirit’s presence to guide us as we listen together. Spiritual Direction is one of various spiritual practices where God shapes and transforms us as we trust Him. Spiritual Direction is not meant to replace other forms of helping ministries such as biblical, pastoral, or psychological counseling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605cc7e0aee76d676e0d2da1/1620394271284-F0CBU57596X4HEBEVLGP/MelRoom2+copy.jpg Spiritual Direction - What does a Spiritual Direction session look like? Spiritual Direction invites a one-on-one conversation in a safe space where we slow down and give time for you to explore your life with God. You are invited to offer questions and wondering, struggles and confessions. In this time, as your listening companion, I come to each session from a place of prayer. Within the hour, you and I are guided by the Holy Spirit through moments of contemplative silence, reflection, and conversation all the while trusting that God is lovingly at work. Each session is about an hour. Come as you are. https://www.melanienixon.com/schedule-a-session daily 0.75 2025-11-01