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James (Jim) Dunn E-Mail me at: jdunn@blessedblending.com Unionville, Ontario, Canada. Please contact me if you need a speaker/facilitator at your next event. I would love to be with you! Please enjoy over 20 short reflections on living with awareness. Source: Contact Information … [Read more...] about Contact Information

Many will celebrate Christmas this week. December is always a time of many emotions for me. I love putting up Christmas lights, decorating inside and out. The music of the holiday season strongly dominates the radio stations. Department stores commercialize and create atmospheres of excitement and anticipation. T.V. holiday movies are non-stop and I faithfully sit and watch them year after year, able to quote dialogue word for word and reminisce about the numerous times I have seen them and … [Read more...] about CHRISTMAS EMOTIONS

On the feast of All Saints, I began thinking about Saints in general and what it means to be one. Over the years , we all learned about the saints in one way or another. It may have been at home, in school or in church. Or maybe being familiar with city names or sports teams. If someone or some place is identified with the "ST" title, there is a religious association and history worth knowing. As a boy growing up, with no comprehension of language translations, it took me time to figure out … [Read more...] about Saints In The Making

On September 24th, 2016, my only daughter Rachel got married. Her new husband Michael and she were beaming as they exchanged vows and then walked happily down the church aisle to the strains of “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You”. It was indeed a day of great joy. Witnessing two people blend their lives together as one is moving. All promises made to myself that I would not become emotional failed as they lovingly slipped rings onto each other’s fingers and engaged in ritual signs and words of … [Read more...] about Blessèd Blending Right Before My Eyes!

To ask the question of people as to whether or not they have ever experienced setbacks in their lives would be ludicrous. We all have! Life would not be complete without them. We all know the story of the "Little Engine that Could" or the image of the caveman rolling the wheel up the hill. Nothing comes easy. Six weeks ago, I encountered a setback. It was minor compared to those who unexpectedly suffer through things that completely alter their lives. It certainly didn't compare to other moments … [Read more...] about Should I Open The Door?

Every time I go outside to attend to my flowers, I feel a spiritual presence.  I cannot help but think that God, once again, is in my garden!  First of all, it slows me down and changes my pace to something more peaceful and relaxing.  Any spiritual director will tell you that in order to pray and reflect well, that you must slow down, find a sanctuary and rest a while.  For me, this is my garden.  The simple acts of trimming or pinching off dead flowers or watering are moments that really … [Read more...] about God, Are You In My Garden Again?

While attending a conference in Jacksonville, Florida, I was graciously given an opportunity to experience a surprising and beautiful moment. It gave me a real heart-pounding sense of joy and gratitude, and I have not stopped smiling since it occurred. For many, this would be totally non-eventful but for someone from central Canada, it left me with a sense of wonder and awe. The hotel in which I was staying was located across the St John's River from the site of the conference. This necessitated … [Read more...] about Gracious Moments

The terrible fires and evacuations occurring at this time in Fort McMurray, Alberta, cannot help but make one feel great empathy for the people who are affected. The news reports and pictures depict the fear and pain in the eyes of those who have been asked to evacuate their homes. Their stability, their lives, their futures are at risk and, as with some events in life, all this occurred quickly and without warning. Interviews with fleeing residents tell stories of taking only the bare … [Read more...] about WE ARE MADE FOR EACH OTHER

"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood" begins Robert Frost's well known poem, The Road Not Taken written in 1920. I stumbled upon a tree in a local park which reminded me of this verse and its meaning. Frost comments on the struggle we all have when it comes to choice or action in our lives. Do we ever really know what we truly want? Both “roads” may take one to the same place, but are we tempted to take the “easy” way to achieve our goals in life? Do we choose based on what others urge or have … [Read more...] about Which Way To Go?

Roberto Osuna, a pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays has led an amazing life thus far. It is a story worth telling; however, life has not been easy for this young Mexican born athlete. The poverty, threat of street gangs, stray bullets, and drug lords infiltrated his childhood and humble beginnings. His passion to play professional baseball was and continues to be evident. We Torontonians cheer him on to succeed as a member of our beloved Canadian team. Close family ties bind him to his … [Read more...] about Faith Filled Passion