Encountering treasures in unexpected places.
Welcome! I’m Marilyn.
I’m Marilyn and so glad you stopped by.
My grandmother had a beautiful lilac tree in her yard. Occasionally, she would snip a few stems, place them in a jar of water, and set it on her kitchen counter. Even now, if I close my eyes and inhale, I smell the sweet fragrance.
Lilacs are a treasure and a trademark of my hometown, Rochester, New York. Colonists brought small slips of these beauties to the new world and later, varieties were developed by horticulturists. Today, thousands of people from around the world, visit Highland Park, where over five hundred breathtaking and colorful lilac varieties cover twenty-two acres. As a child, I went there to see an array of trees on Lilac Sunday in May.
A canning jar filled with lilac cuttings on the kitchen counter, the tenancy of horticulturists, and acres of varieties of lilac trees on display for the world to see. Each in its own rite is an extraordinary treasure.
Isn’t life like that, too? Small moments and big ones, ordinary and challenging times, personal and shared experiences? In each, we can find extraordinary treasures.
The simplicity of growing up in an Italian family that honors tradition, moving several times in my married life, raising three daughters, and the greatest challenge of my husband’s sudden fatal heart attack, have shown me the treasure of God’s faithfulness in all seasons. You can read more on my About page.
If you’re looking for encouragement and extraordinary treasures, you’re at the right place. Together, we can find peace during pain, wisdom for a decision, learning through waiting, compassion when grieved, and even joy when circumstances say otherwise. I invite you to meet me at my blog and join the conversation each week.
Looking for treasures with you,
Marilyn
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In the last two posts, we discussed the privilege we have of “one another”. Though following the Biblical commands for many of those "one anothers" may take work and time, one that takes very little of either, is greeting. Greeting one another. Several years ago, I heard a story about people who wanted to learn more about each other’s...
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We’ve heard and seen it-the sarcastic remark disguised as humor, being ignored in a group conversation, or watching a driver swerve into the parking spot when you had your turn signal on. But we have easily spotted the opposite- kindness- a word, attitude, or action that changes the people and the atmosphere in a room for the better. We might...
Valentine’s Day: One Another
Before Christmas supplies reached 50% off sales, the next consumer event appeared. Pink and red decorations covered shelves, and card displays reminded us of Valentine’s Day. A day designated as an opportunity to show love, affection, and friendship sees excited children write cards and place them in handmade boxes to exchange at school....
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Today I welcome Jeannie Waters as my guest blogger. Jeannie and I met at a writers’ conference several years ago. We continue to connect each week to pray together and share our writing journeys. I appreciate her wisdom and heart and share it with you today. You can read more about Jeannie at the end of her post. Sometimes we overlook what’s...
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My friend seated with her feet curled up, took another sip from her floral china mug and turned toward me. “This is what I love.” “What’s that?” I asked. “A beautiful fire, safety in the presence of a dear friend, and holding a cup of hot tea.” I agreed. Warmth came in many directions–heat from the fireplace, a trusted friend, and the comfort...
Need a Map for the New Year?
Today I'm writing over at Devotable. Click on the link to view your road map....
Christmas Contrasts: Change, Loss, and Love
Each year, I meet friends who have lost loved ones--parents, siblings, children, spouses, and best friends. What is the most wonderful time of the year for many, is the hardest for others. There have been several posts on Facebook related to grief during the holiday season. Some relate to what grievers wish others knew or would do. Some relate...
Restless Holidays?
Counting down to December 25, are you among those with more on your to do list today than when you started? We may describe ourselves as tired or busy, but would we would also say, “restless”? Restlessness implies being perpetually in motion; constant activity and moving to the next perceived important or urgent thing to do. Ironically, the...
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“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Psalm 16:11 (NIV)
