Soundings

The Blog of Mercy by the Sea

We at Mercy by the Sea have so much we want to share with you:

  • Inspiring and transformational quotes, prayers, poems, videos and books we discover or rediscover
  • Conversations with upcoming presenters
  • News and events about what's happening at Mercy by the Sea
  • Resources and thoughts on contemplative prayer, spiritual direction, the second half of life, emerging leadership, creativity, our relationship with nature and much more!

You'll find seasonal photos of the grounds — vegetation, trees and winged and four-legged creatures that make their homes here.  We'll capture changes in the light and colors as the seasons change.  So bookmark this page and come back regularly. or subscribe to our weekly eNewsletter where these posts will be sent to your email inbox.

School for the Second Half of Life: Cohort Four’s Graduation Ceremony

Mercy by the Sea thanks and congratulates the fifteen participants in the Fourth Cohort who graduated from The School for the Second Half of Life on December 10, and welcomes the fourteen participants who will begin the School on January 28. Click here to view the graduates' photo and to read Marie Boyle's words as she opened the beautiful graduation festivities, designed by the class.

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By Marie Boyle  | 

Grieving - the Sacred Art: Hope in the Land of Loss

When I offered an update on my year long writing project, my friend said, “It sounds like the book is writing you.” He was right. Each time I dipped back into the words to rework, edit or add source material, I re-entered sacred space. I returned to a place of waiting and deep listening. I hoped my message was authentic and true, at least from my point of view, and that it might help others. At the same time,..

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By Lisa Irish  | 

Standing on the Shoulders

There is a song Standing on the Shoulders, words and music by Joyce Johnson Rouse used in many anniversary-type rituals. As we near the celebration date for the Golden Jubilee of Mercy Center by the Sea, it would seem a fitting conclusion to these weekly blogs to recognize...

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Posted 9/10/2022