Today we present thoughts on listening and mindfulness from Jenifer Kirin, a certified life coach who is also a Bon Secours co-worker. This structured post begins with a poem about listening, followed by a discussion, and lastly, information on how to take action by engaging in an event related to the topic. POEM On Listening There is a power in the listening, in getting past the thoughts we want to speak: to share our similar experience, to express compassion and…
Tomorrow, Monday, April 8, a Total Solar Eclipse will cross North America from Mexico to Canada. Millions of people will spend about 5 minutes witnesses something truly magnificent - the moon completely covering the sun, creating total darkness in the middle of the day. There was a similar eclipse in August on 2017. My husband and I traveled to Jackson Hole, WY to be in the path of totality. When he started planning the trip (years earlier), I thought it…
Today is National Dandelion Day (who knew?!). We found this list of "Life Lessons from a Dandelion" from the Wisconsin State Farmer website. It's full of beautiful reminders for all of us... Advice from a dandelion, written by Jerry Apps Never apologize for being one of the first to celebrate the arrival of spring. Remember that small can be beautiful. Be proud of who you are and what you can do—even though some may despise you. When you are stomped…
Today is the start of Catholic Sisters Week, a week dedicated to honoring women religious around the world. As a ministry of the Sisters of Bon Secours, we are dedicated to service their mission of being "Good Help to Those in Need" to all that enter our doors and to creating a retreat schedule that honors their work and ministry of providing healing, compassion, and liberation to all people. Please join us in praying for the Sisters of Bon Secours…
The month of March is designated as Women's Month and Friday is International Women's Day. As a ministry of the Sisters of Bon Secours, we remember the first twelve women to become Sisters of Bon Secours 200 years ago. They stepped out in faith to care for people in need in ways that were unheard of and often looked down upon. They trusted in God to lead them in answering the Call to care for the poor, the sick, and…
We are rounding out our Black History Month series with a list of inventions, patents, and creative solutions that we still use today that were created by Black Americans. This listing is not comprehensive and it includes inventions that solved significant problems and also two that bring tremendous joy! Garrett Morgan - the traffic light to include the yellow "warning light" (1922) Alexander Miles - automatic elevator doors (1887) Mary Van Brittan Brown - home security systems, complete with cameras,…
Today's blog is shared by Mary DeTurris Poust, a regular blog contributor and retreat presenter at the Center. It's a story of encountering the Divine through the Lenten season. Mary will be back at our Center April 12-15 leading the Stillpoint Retreat, which focuses on Psalm 46: Be Still. What does that mean in our ever-busy society? How can we be still when so much is expected of us? Mary will lead us through finding spiritual practices we can utilize each…
We spend a lot of our lives busily going from one task to the next. We often miss the present moment. The present moment is where we meet God. The present moment is also where we find the space to respond in healthier ways to our experiences instead of reacting automatically. Mindfulness is paying attention to what is happening in the present moment — nonjudgmentally and with compassion. Paying attention gives us valuable information we can use to live…
Today's Ash Wednesday prayer is brought to us by Pastor Jenny Smith. Rev. Dr. Jenny Smith is the Lead Pastor at Wesley Freedom United Methodist Church in Sykesville, Maryland. Please take a few moments to quiet your heart and mind and then join us in reading... The ashes on my head are a reminder of God’s love for me. God promises that nothing can separate me from God. As you see my ashes, remember I am a child of God! …
Our labyrinth was installed in 1999 through Nature Sacred (formerly the TKF Foundation). Nature Sacred's mission is to create green spaces for all to enjoy and share the positive effects from spending time in nature. Our labyrinth is a fixture on our property with many guests building time for a labyrinth walk into their retreat schedule, or others coming here with the sole intention of journeying through the labyrinth. It is a blessing to so many and we are grateful…
