RESTORATION

Restore; 1. to give back. 2. to return to a former or normal state, or to a position, rank, use, etc. 3. to bring back to health, strength, etc.

Restoring the land is like restoring our own souls, or helping in the restoration of others who are broken, alienated, or lost.

I think we all have a remnant of Eden within, an anscestral memory we just can't shake, that longs for the perfection of all things. God restores our souls. We are co-redeemers as we enter into the lives of people in the world, and as we help restore the earth. God created both, in the beginning, beautiful, harmonious, but now out of synchronization with the original intent.

At Prairie Pond Woods, I take out things that aren't supposed to be there, vines that choke trees and pull them to the ground, and animals that destroy the natural balance. I let the scars on the land heal over. Like we should do.

I put things in that are supposed to be there; beautiful things or necessary things that lend grace and abundance to the overall ecosystem, which other creatures feed on or shelter in.

I assess it regularly, and dream about its potential and the gifts it can offer others for their healing and transformation. Like we should do with others.

Anyone who "tends the earth" or "loves their neighbor" knows these ongoing struggles. God, once again, uses nature to teach us valuable lessons in wisdom if we pay attention and learn. I consider this a sacred and holistic work to help in redemption, not only for the people who yearn for it, but also for the earth that groans for it.........

SOUP WISDOM

I’ve been musing about soup lately. How good some of the old stand-bys like homemade chicken noodle, chili, and bean soup would taste on these true wintry days of late, how I would like to add some new concoctions to my pot-o-pleasure repertoire, and why it is I like to make soup so much?

I just really like to make soup. And eat soup. And share soup, if I have the opportunity. It’s about the only thing I really like to cook anymore…which gives me the summers off. My husband can take a chicken or any good piece of beef and make it taste like heaven on earth. But soup is my thing.

When discussing why this is so, my husband said one day, without hesitation, that it has to do with my need to build community. “What?” I asked, thinking he had totally missed the topic at hand. But then I saw that it is true, I get great joy when women gather together at Prairie Pond Woods for the purpose of reflection, inspiration and refreshment. They come, with all their different gifts and perspectives, some expectant, some frazzled from a busy week. I offer them a warm and comfortable place to unwind, connect with one another, and simmer in their own thoughts, before we gather back to share a metaphorical bowl of our inspirations, nature sightings, and prayers.

One of the joys of preparing soup is the simple trust that all the ingredients will blend together in the broth, so that when its done it is delicious, and produces a taste better than any single ingredient would. In the same way, I am always amazed, when leading a retreat or nature journaling workshop, how easily women blend together to form a community. How easily they share their hearts and bare their souls. How readily they offer comfort and encouragement to one another. How quickly tears can turn into the laughter that says, “It’ll be ok.”

I hope, as you try to keep warm this winter by piling on the layers, you’ll also consider trying to heat up from the inside, out, with a yummy pot of soup. Most genuine and lasting things happen in that direction.