"Summer Breeze" by Seals and Crofts was released as a single from their album of the same name (1972) and was a Top 10 hit in both The US and Canada. The repeating refrain, “Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind” has always been a gentle reminder of a season that is meant to soothe a busy life. Summer is a blessed time to rest, relax, and enjoy peaceful moments. Growing up in Quebec, on June 24th, the feast of St. John the Baptist was … [Read more...] about Summer Re-Charge
I have been on a Hiatus!
Dear Readers of Blessèd Blending,......... I have been on a "hiatus" for a while but expect to be posting again beginning in April. It just has been busy. You know what it's like, right? One of the reasons for my "busy-ness" is that my wife and I became grandparents. What a life changer is that! Two days after our beautiful granddaughter Anna Lynn was born, my older brother passed away at the age of 70. Phil was a tall, strong, athletic man who lost his fight with Parkinsonism. He … [Read more...] about I have been on a Hiatus!
SATISFY YOUR HUNGER…..THEN GO AND FEED OTHERS
How many of us grew up with mothers who, when surprised by drop-in guests, somehow managed to take what little was in the fridge and cupboard and create a feast for the unexpected visitors? A good host manages to pull off the impossible and satisfies the hungry need of those in attendance. There may even be leftovers to send home after the meal. In John 6:1-15, commonly known as the Feeding of the Five Thousand, we discover Jesus being very aware of the hungry crowds. He knows that they have … [Read more...] about SATISFY YOUR HUNGER…..THEN GO AND FEED OTHERS
Our Solitary Places
In Mark 6:30-34, there are many things to ponder. I extracted seven small phrases and zeroed in on what they could reveal to me. Who am I in this gospel? Am I one of the apostles? Am I one of the thirsty and hungry seekers? Am I a compassionate Jesus? Am I all three at different times? “…….done and taught” “……..rest a while” “……..solitary place” “……..ahead of them” “……..compassion” “……..without a shepherd” “………began to teach” The Disciples have been out evangelizing. The … [Read more...] about Our Solitary Places
“I Am Not Old, Just Vintage”
I recently celebrated my 66th Birthday on July 9th. I am still pretty good, have my health for the most part and try to keep active. Of course, every now and then I bemoan my advancing years and long for the days when I was younger, faster, thinner and seemed to have my whole life ahead of me. The morning of my birthday , I was at a restaurant being treated to breakfast. I found myself parked beside a beautiful classic vintage automobile, perhaps on its way to an antique car show. The owner was … [Read more...] about “I Am Not Old, Just Vintage”
Don’t Take Offence, Take A Look
Mark 6:1-6 In the movie, The Song of Bernadette, there was an old nun who absolutely despised Bernadette Soubirous. She mocked her, accused her of wanting attention and was bitter and angry. The story eventually reveals the true motive for her dislike of Bernadette. She was essentially jealous of her. She considered herself faithful, God-fearing and upright, and could not understand why she had not been selected to be the recipient of such an apparition as was the young girl. I think of … [Read more...] about Don’t Take Offence, Take A Look
These Things Always Seem To Happen To Me
When I tell stories about things that happen to me, often people will doubt they occurred. I also get, “How is it these things always seem to happen to you?” The truth is that for some reason they do. I want to share something that I experienced today and it still is making my mind spin with inexplicable mystery. Let me preface by saying that this past week, I have felt down. Every now and then it hits me that I am growing older and I question if I have done all the right things, made the right … [Read more...] about These Things Always Seem To Happen To Me
“Parts Unknown”
How sad to hear of Anthony Bourdain's passing at the age of 61. Even more sad is to hear that he ended his own life. It comes on he heels of Kate Spade's passing, again, by personal choosing to commit suicide. It reinforces the notion that wealth, success, recognition, celebrity does not give everyone what they want in life. As the title of Boudain's television show suggests, there are many parts unknown within ourselves that are private. They can be invisible to others who are in awe of … [Read more...] about “Parts Unknown”
Do We Really and Fully Appreciate Differences?
Whenever I travel, I am amazed by the different landscapes, flowers and vegetation that I discover in a new place. Recently on a trip, this happened for me. It is interesting and good to engage with something new and embrace things for their differences from the regular surroundings of our own little world. Most people stare with appreciation and gratitude for the blessing of being part of some unique and not seen before wonder. These moments become additions to our lives which change and … [Read more...] about Do We Really and Fully Appreciate Differences?
