Dear Reader, Thank you for your thoughtful feedback on “Beginning Again” Reflections  I’m finding that you appreciate the free verse style that makes them a quick read. Here are your emails from the past few weeks. Warmly, Tricia

You can access previous postings by visiting www.spiritworks.org. Just click on “Spiritworks Newsletters” at the top, then choose “ARCHIVES.”

Reflection #38 Living with Passion

Love it Trish. –J

Tricia, As a grandparent, that "when to speak and when to keep quiet" is most essential. My son is doing the dad thing so much better than I did, and my father before me...so proud! –B

Did you create the picture? One of your cards you sent me made a framed picture in my bathroom. –C

What was your process?  Did you paint over the photo in rainbow type colors?  I really like it.  TH --D

NOTE FROM TRICIA:  The picture I used in this Reflection was simply a photo I took with my Apple phone. No paint or touch up involved. Just wonderful sun light on a body of water. The bonus was I shared the day. With my granddaughter Lucy!

I so appreciate this. --R

The business world I once worked in lacked passion that was compassionate, Compassion was discouraged, suggesting it was not viable, Instead to be replaced by a "fire in the belly" passion like a fire breathing dragon. Such are the woes of our world where money, power and greed rule the day.--T

Beautiful and inspiring. I have many days now that I just want to pull the covers back over my head and sleep. Trump and his minions are exhausting. I have become a part of "Sumter Speaks", a group that involves some local protesting, letter writing, etc. A part of the national "No Kings" movement. It is hard to know what to do in the constant barrage of attacks verbally and physically. I pray I can do enough, when I do not always know what that will be.--F

Reflection #37 Shifting Gears

Shifting Gears” is a good way to express how I view this new season and year in my life. I’ve been enlightened by Judas conversation with Jesus in THE CHOSEN episode. Judas wants Jesus to build on His Messiahship and Jesus asks Judas, “so, if I don’t do what you suggest will you still believe?” Judas looks confused and gives a hesitant, “yes.”  But then Judas goes off on “what use am I if I can’t use my talents.” (Paraphrased) And as I watch this scene over and over frequently throughout this year, I recall how disappointed I have been over the years people not accepting the use of my gifts and blaming them. I came to the realization after watching this video numerous times that Jesus didn’t expect me to do all ‘I’ did. And I was convicted of my jealousy and blaming. For 2026 I am stepping back, listening more, and being more selective in what I do. My plan is to let Jesus lead me and if there is nothing apparent, I will wait in worshipping, reading scripture, and letting it speak to me. And, I live in gratefulness. I love Jesus so deeply and that is enough for me because he has and is sustaining me mightily. --C

Tricia, thank you for sending your reflections. Reading them, I have been about to re frame some of the past trauma in my life into something more redemptive. Keep them coming! –B

Well received with many thanks. -O

Reflection #36 Grandparenting

Lovely. A “keen hearted sense of humor” is very important.😊. --M

Hi Trisha, I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas. Mine was quiet. I love what you wrote about being a grandparent. It is all so true!!!  Thanks for some more great perspective on life❤️. Have a blessed New Year! --L

Guess we as grandparents, and great grandparents at my age, we can all learn when to speak, or when to be quiet. It's not easy to step back and let the younger generation speak their minds. They do have a lot to say, don't they. Glad to see you will be leading our Mission u school in July. I was just elected to be Spiritual Growth Mission Coordinator for Susquehanna Conference and will be joining the school in person this year. For two years I went online and enjoyed it so much. Until we meet, God bless as you prepare for the days ahead.--R

Beautifully written Tricia. –D

Absolutely true. Very inspiring to us who opt for many excitements in the future having children at adult age is very exciting because I got some experiences along the way babysitting nieces & nephews and getting to learn more from their parents who happen to be grown up. The future is brighter by grace & this new year 2026 is a year of blessings. Referring to this reflection there are lots of lessons included to be used both in current situations & in the future to be able to handle our loved ones, 😍😍😍😍especially we who are last born—(hahahaha)--being handled like babies. God Bless –O

Reflection 35 Epiphany

Thank you for this gentle reminder. -D

Reflection #34. A New Year

This is amazing. Well received. Thanks for all the shared reflections.

God bless.-O

Reflection #30 Rooms of Your Heart

Well received-- the email. First of all, I adored the dog. It is beautiful😍 It is a very constructive passage, mostly the last paragraph. Says yes to an open breathing heart, to whatever brings light back into the rooms of your heart. It made me think & ask myself a question: what can we do to bring back lost light both in our hearts & mind. Another thing stuck into my head. in this reflection 30 is how can I let go of pleasing too quickly and lay down the slights, put downs, as well as the patience spent on those who don’t cherish it and how can I react accordingly without hurting other individuals feelings also protecting my inner peace in a diplomatic manner. May lord help me out. Hugs & Blessings, --O