Category Archives: Living Holy

Be Yourself (in God’s will)

Posted on February 26, 2012 by The Joyful Hermit

Being oneself is always a challenge, for most of us may not really know ourselves well enough to be that which God has created!  For one reality always remains: Our selves are constantly evolving.  Yes, God works with us throughout … Continue reading →

Posted in Hermit Ponderings, Living Holy, Spirit Lifters | 2 Comments

Dorotheos of Gaza Said This, That Sticks

Posted on February 3, 2012 by The Joyful Hermit

This morning I was reminded of a man named Dorotheos of Gaza.  It had to do with contrition… saying we are sorry.  But first let’s learn about this hermit born into the world at Antioch in Syria around 506.  From … Continue reading →

Posted in Hermit Life and Lore, Living Holy, Misc, Saints/Holy Folks, Virtues | 2 Comments

Wisdom from a Wise and Holy Woman: Teresa of Avila

Posted on January 24, 2012 by The Joyful Hermit

When we think of people who influence us–as public figures, mentors, or private friends–sometimes we forget those who are not in our geographic region….or our lifetime.  One such person to me is a woman named Teresa de Cepeda y Ahumada.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Living Holy, Misc, Saints/Holy Folks | 3 Comments

Epiphany Cake

Posted on January 13, 2012 by The Joyful Hermit

While Epiphany is the 6th of January, it is celebrated now in the Church in the United States on the Sunday following January 6.  I tend to celebrate it both days unless the 6th falls on a Sunday.  Regardless, it … Continue reading →

Posted in Living Holy, Misc, Recipes | Leave a comment

Advent Gifts

Posted on December 5, 2011 by The Joyful Hermit

Advent prepares the heart and hearth for the coming of Christ, celebrated on December 25.  Advent begins four Sundays prior to Christmas.  The spiritual theme is inner and outer preparation while waiting.  Advent heralds the beginning of a new liturgical … Continue reading →

Posted in Grandparenting, Living Holy, Misc | 1 Comment

Eating Humble Pie

Posted on November 24, 2011 by The Joyful Hermit

The idiom popped into my mind a few days ago and departs not:  Now eat your humble pie.  It is something my dad would say, surely.  After hearing it in my mind over and over, it was time to research.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Cost Savers, Living Holy, Recipes | Leave a comment

Happy Eternal Birthday!

Posted on November 22, 2011 by The Joyful Hermit

A letter arrived in which someone urged:  Don’t go away!  It has been a day of pondering not being noticed, as well as of celebrating the tenth birthday of my dad who died Nov. 20, 2001–but was born into eternity … Continue reading →

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Doing Great Things for God

Posted on November 19, 2011 by The Joyful Hermit

As a child, in one of those moments remembered in each detail, and deeply sensing God, I promised with my life to do great things for God.  When a bit older, someone taunted me about my promise:  “You’re just a … Continue reading →

Posted in Living Holy, Misc, Spirit Lifters | 3 Comments

A Little Bit of Bitter

Posted on November 16, 2011 by The Joyful Hermit

Someone emailed asking how not to be bitter.  Came on a day in which I was at peak of bitterness, having had meekness challenges galore [reference post: Meekness Rice Pudding].  A steam-roiling walk gave opportunity to ponder the query on … Continue reading →

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Meekness Rice Pudding

Posted on November 15, 2011 by The Joyful Hermit

Baked rice pudding seemed just right on a chilly, rainy November morning.  Besides, I was pondering the virtue of meekness; and the two complement each other in essence and substance. While meekness is associated with humility, meekness differs, just as … Continue reading →

Posted in Living Holy, Recipes | Leave a comment