If nature is meant to heal and soothe and restore the us, then it must be our duty to prescribe the same in return. 

Among the finer things in life to find is that which stands on its own.

The space between where we are and where we want to be. Knowing that we each have an innate calling inside of us that shows us our individual way.
It generally brings the like-minded together and binds us with love. 
Call to each other in a way that we can all hear.

The stars are still there, obscured by the light. The morning washes away the tears of darkness. A dream survives, flourishing in the mist of the new day.

 As we drifted away in a boat to enjoy the early morning calm of the lake, our friends gathered after breakfast to worship this past Sunday. In a circle they sat, with guitar and voice at the ready. They had gathered on the dock, over the open water, and rejoiced in the open air. We could hear their voices raised in the distance. Generally, we would join and take part in the gathering to give thanks. 
In our way we did. Me in silent prayer, thanking the God of our universe for everything in his command, given to us to care for. For the safety of our children. For the healing of our family and friends.
Her in quiet reverence to the beauty we could see by the paddle of a small boat, and in the thanks she offered to God for the moments we spent together.
We are part of the circle even when we don't join the circle.

Just giving thanks. Everyday, For kindness and beauty. Health. Happiness.

The eternal struggle to live, and live with the fact that many of us believe that this life doesn't end our existence. Death is one of those sure bets. Even for those who don't feel charged to "believe", there is a lot to say for living life as Christ did. 
For those who don't believe in him: fine. I wont sit here and say your wrong. It's your opinion. Fine.
But know this--
Even if he wasn't what he said he was; what WE believe he was, and is: didn't he try to live life by the best possible rule? Love your neighbor like you love yourself, don't lie, don't wish you had someone or something that someone else has, don't kill each other, etc
Any time anyone lives that way, even non-believers, you honor Christ and have lived like him.
You don't have to believe or be indoctrinated into anything:
Just do what's right.

Palm Sunday, Good Friday... Easter. All the best reasons to post on spirituality. 
In my mind, rituals of friendship, rituals of prayer are only a small part in the play. A gathering of like minded people isn't only about coming together in the same place, it's about a feeling- a desire to understand what it is we're gathering for. 
This life is a doorway, the key to which opens not only life on earth, but pathway to the stars and the universe beyond. 
Love and be loved is the easiest rule.

Colossal wet snow last night. Had to dig out just to make it. The seats were almost empty. I left with a filled heart. There's always room for more.

I pray a lot. Every morning, before I leave for work. I have to have some quiet; some alone-time with my thoughts. If it's still dark, all the better. 
Lately, it's the children I offer my thoughts to.