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SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK
We are chosen, blessed, and broken. I attended an outdoor prayer service recently at my local parish. Sister Margaret O'Brien spoke about how our brokenness leads us closer to God. Her words were so beautiful, they made me emotional. I must get a copy of her speech. She said, "We are chosen, blessed, and broken." It makes so much sense.
As you know, I love interior decorating and collecting things from my adventures. While watching a tour of a home on one of my favorite platforms, Homeworthy, the homeowner was describing some of the seashells that she found on her local beach. She said, "broken seashells are beautiful, too." That made me instantly think of Sister O'Brien's words. "Just because something is broken doesn't mean it's not beautiful."
On a recent trip to a beach on the east end of Long Island, the only shells that washed up onto the shore that day were broken. It was amazing. I've never seen this before. Every piece of shell had unique curves and colors. Not one was whole. Suddenly, the broken ones were so beautiful to me. Instead of looking for that perfect shell, I was eager to collect as many broken pieces as I could carry. Broken does not mean they don't possess beauty.
The words of Sister O'Brien are some of the most moving prose I've ever heard. She is an English teacher at St. Patrick's School in Bay Shore, and she's a speaker of the most delicate kind. Her pause between words makes you stop and listen. We are chosen, blessed, and broken.
Faith can play a significant role in our life. It is a relinquishing of control over our thoughts. It is trusting in something beyond the physical world and beyond our own understanding. It is a trusting, a knowing, and a way of believing that everything will work out. Life has a way of finding solutions.
I recently attended mass. I enjoy hearing the Gospel. The priest spoke about evil and why God allows for bad people to exist. The priest explained that God gives all people a chance. A chance for redemption. Wow. I was blown away. I have never heard it explained this way before. He went on to explain that man comes with free will to this world. He may be good or he may be bad. God is there for all of us. Now, I understand.
We are chosen, blessed, and broken. These three words put a lot into perspective. God chooses us, blesses us, and understands our brokenness. You don't have to be religious to understand this. It's wisdom. It's philosophy. If you ever question your faith, whether it's faith in God or mankind, just sit still for a while and observe the world around you. Tree limbs are broken. Flowers lose their pedals. There may be a broken-down car on the side of the road. Or there may be a homeless person walking with ripped bags, feeling broken. We are chosen to be here. We are blessed to be here. We are broken, but we can come to faith to mend. God welcomes all of us.
Peace and Love,
Skylark
At 60 and Beyond, faith can help us understand our own brokenness so we can feel more hopeful about our life.
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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK
My pick of the week is the free Brown Bag Concert Series at the Bandshell in Bay Shore. Each Tuesday, weather permitting, there is a different band that performs for two hours in the heart of town. You can bring your own chair or use ones that are provided. Bring your lunch and enjoy the sounds that run from noon to 2:00pm. Visit www.isliparts.org for information.
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SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
The highlight of the week has been the sky show of the Crescent Moon and Venus. Don't let this beauty pass you by. Step outside and look up.
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SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK
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SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK
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SKYLARK'S ITALIAN PHRASE OF THE WEEK
English: Lord, please watch over and protect all human beings. Amen.
Italian: Signore, per favore veglia su tutti gli esseri umani e proteggili. Amen.
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SKYLARK'S INTERIOR DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK
Whatever your design style is, don't be afraid to embellish on it. Add textures, colors, and dimension with the things you have collected and love.
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SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK
What are some things you love about your home?
Please put your answer in the Comment section under this post. I'd love to hear from you.
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SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - HELPLESSLY HOPING by CROSBY, STILLS, AND NASH
Lyrics:
Helplessly hoping her harlequin hovers
Nearby awaiting a word
Gasping at glimpses of gentle true spirit
He runs wishing he could fly
Only to trip at the sound of goodbye
Wordlessly watching he waits by the window
And wonders at the empty place inside
Heartlessly helping himself to her bad dreams
He worries did he hear a goodbye?
Or even hello?
They are one person
They are two alone
They are three together
They are for each other
Stand by the stairway you'll see something certain
To tell you confusion has its cost
Love isn't lying it's loose in a lady
Who lingers saying she is lost
And choking on hello
They are one person
They are two alone
They are three together
They are for each other
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MY BRAND - SKYLARK LIVE
I created my brand, Skylark Live, when I turned 60 years old and noticed a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature ageing through knowledge and self-awareness. I am open to conducting in-person conversations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be held in someone’s home or at a local library or senior center. To be continued.
Skylark Live Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, 60 and Beyond with Skylark - Living Life Inside and Outside the Home, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, goals, motivation, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I'm open to ideas of what to write about, so let me know. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paid subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each week in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter! You can also become a paying subscriber.
Skylark Live Monthly Vlog - My first Monday-of-the month vlog is a recap of the articles I've written in my newsletter throughout the previous month. Then, I introduce a unique topic for the current month's vlog. You can find some of my vlogs on my YouTube channel. I also post them on my social media platforms. Just click my YouTube channel link below to subscribe: www.youtube.com/@christineskylark
$UPPORT ME:
Patreon - www.patreon.com/SkylarkLive
Substack - https://substack.com/@christinelarkin1?
Personal Shopper for Interior Decorating Accessories - www.skylarklive.org
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Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!
