New Experiences in Prayer, a Boardwalk in the Marsh, and Wild Hisbicus

My husband and I spent the day at a Catholic Retreat Center, learning about the process of Lectio Divina. It was an interesting day. Although I am not Catholic I often avail myself of some of their spiritual practices and enjoy reading the works of some of their writers. 

The retreat center has a boardwalk that goes out into the marsh and ends on the banks of the Calcasieu River. I'd been wanting to get back here to walk and take pictures. When I am outside in a pretty place like this it is a meditative experience for me. It's really a pretty walk, even in the June heat. I heard lots of things, frogs, crickets, even alligators making that clicking sound they make. I tried to spot one but they are too well hidden in all the grass.

The marsh is so lovely but I find it hard to convey that loveliness in a photograph. Everything is pretty much green at this time of year, other than the bark of the trees, the moss and the red flowers. I think they are probably some sort of wild hibiscus.

 

I didn't stay as long as I would have liked, I had pressing business on the home front I had to get back to. But I stayed long enough to get several nice "flower portraits."

This one has an odd filter on top of it. "Smudgestick," I believe it is called.

I call this one "failure to unfold."

We came home for a little while then left out again to attend a Saturday night service at a church we've been visiting. The music is very loud but the preaching is good. I left my Bible and my notebook in the restroom after the service. :(

It's been a long day. I am filled. And exhausted. In a good way.