windswept

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Naomi

These are some fun pics from a recent getaway to Zeeland in the south of Holland -
Christian and I were nearly Gone with the Wind…

searching for signs of life

Posted on April 14, 2013 by Naomi

Bittersweet Spring
Newness of life only comes
through death’s subtle sting
seeds cast to the ground go unnoticed.

What strength of will is required
to bring buds burst of life to bear?
Pain filled passing through a
birth canal; surely nature’s course
And yet, we often fail to realize
the way to true living life.

Wanting the path of least resistance
Avoiding pain at all cost
we forget the narrow road leads
to treasure beautiful and unseen.

Pain’s fire proves what is real
Love, if it is love, endures.

Put fear aside
that He has entered
into death on our behalf
all who live no longer die
as men once died.

That ephemeral occasion
has met its utter end
As seeds cast to the earth, we
will not perish,
but like those seeds
shall rise again – the shroud
of death itself having been
burst to tatters
by love’s immensity.

Saint Athanasios

counting my blessings; dear friendship

Posted on April 13, 2013 by Naomi

I’m at a time in my life of great reflection. Remembering what was – these last 10 years of life in Amsterdam. It’s in these times that I am reminded of the great blessings I’ve been given in friendship.

I was taken away for a day to Delft for some delectable delights at Hills and Mills and Scheveningen’s glorious beach by these dear friends Trish, Eva, and Claire who have each played differing but all so very meaningful roles in my life over these years. And this is just a snapshot – there are countless others who I could post pictures of…

As I took time to think about these women and the ways they’ve impacted my life – I found these quotes as a way to express what their friendship has meant to me. Sometimes it’s helpful to have the words of others to express your own heart…

“When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.” ― Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Road to Daybreak: A Spiritual Journey

“A faithful friend is a strong defense; And he that hath found him hath found a treasure.”
― Louisa May Alcott

Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

“I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King

To these wonderful ladies, I’m glad you’re here with me – In this time, here and now – at the end of this era – so to speak. I wouldn’t have made it this far without you at my side.