Bøger af Barbara Barkley

This is a book of short essays on life. As the title says, the author seeks to find and impart grace in her daily encounters with the world. This isn't always easy in a place and time when disagreements, anger, and dissension are the norms of the day. She walks a familiar journey through her life, but does so with the intention of finding God's face in the ordinary, in those she encounters, in the day-to-day experiences of living. This is a book about searching, about looking, and, sometimes, about seeing the face of God.

Early Morning "Listening"I'm really a morning person, if left to my own devices. When I'm involved with someone (when I was married or when I'm dating someone) that schedule gets pushed to the back. For one thing, I seem to pick night owls. But for another, it is hard to find one-on-one time before kids are in bed, which means staying up. But when I am left on my own, I tend to go to bed at the same time as the kids - 9 or 9:30, read for maybe 30 minutes and then crash. That means on the other end, I often wake up at 5 or 5:30, long before there is any movement from the children. I like going to bed at the same time as the kids. There is often a little more conversation than otherwise as I tuck the kids into bed. And I find I love those quiet morning moments. I look out the window and watch the birds and other wildlife. I notice the plants and trees. I think, I pray. Sometimes I eat, sometimes I read. But mostly it is time between me and my Creator to just be. No matter what else is going on, that quiet time centers me, grounds me, reminds me of the big picture. Before the hustle and bustle of the day, it helps me to slow down and take my time. Before being inundated with news and media and the traumas of the world, it helps me to just see the beauty out my window and in whatever corner of the world I am currently sitting. This time helps me to be peaceful and to put that peace into my heart to strengthen me for more chaotic moments. It reminds me to be grateful for each breath and for each day as it comes. No doubt the day will hold challenges. But I am fortified to meet them through this morning routine of peace and quiet. It is one of life's big gifts. And I am grateful.

I'm really a morning person, if left to my own devices. When I'm involved with someone (when I was married or when I'm dating someone) that schedule gets pushed to the back. For one thing, I seem to pick night owls. But for another, it is hard to find one-on-one time before kids are in bed, which means staying up. But when I am left on my own, I tend to go to bed at the same time as the kids - 9 or 9:30, read for maybe 30 minutes and then crash. That means on the other end, I often wake up at 5 or 5:30, long before there is any movement from the children. I like going to bed at the same time as the kids. There is often a little more conversation than otherwise as I tuck the kids into bed. And I find I love those quiet morning moments. I look out the window and watch the birds and other wildlife. I notice the plants and trees. I think, I pray. Sometimes I eat, sometimes I read. But mostly it is time between me and my Creator to just be. No matter what else is going on, that quiet time centers me, grounds me, reminds me of the big picture. Before the hustle and bustle of the day, it helps me to slow down and take my time. Before being inundated with news and media and the traumas of the world, it helps me to just see the beauty out my window and in whatever corner of the world I am currently sitting. This time helps me to be peaceful and to put that peace into my heart to strengthen me for more chaotic moments. It reminds me to be grateful for each breath and for each day as it comes. No doubt the day will hold challenges. But I am fortified to meet them through this morning routine of peace and quiet. It is one of life's big gifts. And I am grateful.