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.

To Live A Poem

I found myself again at the edge of the ocean pouring out my aggravations and complaints to the water. Suddenly I realized I was living a poem Mary Oliver had already written! And I smiled.

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By Annette Chittenden  | 

Soil and Spirit: Seed Catalogues and a Sower's Dreams

Seed catalogues begin to arrive this month. Perusing the pages on a winter day brings comfort. This human need to be connected to creation will not go unmet even when the land seems to slumber, preferring a hard frozen blanket of earth to the soft caress of the gardener’s hands.

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By Jean Golicz, Master Gardener and Mercy by the Sea Volunteer   | 

Sharing the Music of What Happens

“So, Finn,” said the Celtic warriors to their leader, “What do you think is the best music in the world?” “The best music,” he said, “is the music of what happens.”

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By Mary C. Daly, RSM  |