Sacred and Sensible
my thoughts on living shared with you
Surprised by a Sunset
Monica E. Walton
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pray.
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As evening began to settle over the land, God painted a brilliant sunset on my little spot on the map, filling the air with luscious shades of purple!
Who could anticipate a purple sunset?!?
But, there it was. His gift of love and beauty.
Fill the world with love, it says to me. See the marvelous things that God can do! Look and believe! Take the moments to accept and receive His glory! He is here!
Even in the darkness, even in the anger, even in the fear. He is here. His hand paints the colors of the sky so that we may see His goodness breaking through. He paints the world with love and reaches down to us with such beauty. New colors bursting through the storm and spreading across the sky. “Sleep well,” He says. “I am here with You!”
It is a reminder that whatever man brings, whatever clouds our minds and thoughts, be clear in this. It’s like He is saying to us, “I am here with you. I am the way, the truth, the life. I bring all things good and beautiful. Here is a glimpse of me.” I believe He is here to paint the world with His love and light, to help us pause and appreciate what only He can do. There is power in the pause ~ one of my favorite reminders. When life wants to overwhelm me, and I’m worried and afraid, I pause to remind myself that He is here.
Sometimes He shows me His love with a quiet, tiny flower on the walkway.
Sometimes with a soft, gentle rainbow right in front of me.
And sometimes with a loud, perfectly purple sunset!
Read Pause & Ponder for more Spiritual Reflections and Sensible Tips for Living.
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A pocket-sized guide that offers readers a rich and meaningful experience for the Season of Advent. The weekly devotional draws us closer to Jesus by exploring His message for us at this time. Written in the style of Lectio Divina with a focus on the Sunday Gospel Readings for Liturgical Year A, this book inspires readers to reflect on one powerful Scripture passage each week and explore God’s Sacred Word through a contemporary lens, making the material more relatable and manageable during this busy time.
At first glance, the cover draws us into the story of the Birth of our Savior, and the material within helps all Christians prepare for His Second Coming. Monica’s writing touches the heart and explores living the Sacred Word in our contemporary world. Many groups and individuals have found her first two books a great help along their spiritual journeys.
Reasonably priced with generous group discounts, this book is ideal for Church-wide study, Prayer and Bible study groups, or individual study.
Advent Reflections for Our World Today
Features Readings for Liturgical Year A
Fr. Frank Cosgrove tells his story of leaving his native country at the young age of 24 and traveling across the ocean to a country he had never before visited, knowing he would remain in the new land for the rest of his life. He had know idea the issues he would encounter in the Deep South in 1965. He was a man on a mission when he left the lush green Emerald Isle of his native Ireland and made the permanent move to the muddy waters of Mississippi, USA. His mission? To devote his life to serving the Lord and the people of Mississippi. This book was published in honor of Fr. Frank's 60th year of priesthood in the Diocese of Jackson, MS.
Limited copies available. Contact Joe Lee at Dogwood Press for ordering information: jlee@dogwoodpress.com
Sir, Do You Know Where You Are Going?
An Irishman's Mission to America
Lean into Lent
Features Readings for Liturgical Years A, B, C
This weekly devotional will help prepare our hearts and minds to lean into Lent with our whole selves. We aren’t reinventing the rich customs or veering off course from historical practices. Lean into Lent will guide you through a new way to experience old traditions and grow closer to the Lord. Sunday Gospels, Modern Day Parables, Prayers, Reflection Questions, and more! Generous discounts for churches and group purchases! Ideal for church wide study, small groups, or individuals.
Advent Reflections for This Day
Features Readings for Liturgical Year B
Advent Reflections for This Day has a weekly focus to nurture our faith during the four weeks of Advent without feeling overwhelmed by it. This book contains the weekly Sunday Gospel passages for Liturgical Year B, each with an accompanying Modern Day Parable written in the context of contemporary experiences. Guided prayer and reflection questions are included to provide specific focus, spiritual nourishment, and inspiration to carry throughout the week making this a great opportunity for individuals, Small Group gatherings, and parish-wide study. Generous Discounts Available!
Where to buy my books?
Signed copies are available at dogwoodpress.com
You may also find Monica's latest title at these local booksellers in Mississippi & Louisiana:
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Books Along the Teche
Lemuria Books
Lorelei Books
Bay Life Gifts
A little about me...
I was born into the big, beautiful Pousson Family, and was raised in SW Louisiana. Mama and Daddy spoke Cajun French as their first language. They shared their love and faith, family, food, and fun with us six children. I graduated from the LSU School of Journalism, and over the years have worked in print, broadcast, and digital media, plus Church Ministry. Although my beloved Louisiana will always be "home," I have lived in Mississippi for over 30 years. I am very Blessed to be Mama to four amazing adults and MoMo to five precious grandbabies. When we meet, be ready for me to tell you about my children and grandchildren, and my passion for volunteering with local charities !!!
My favorite times in life are when I'm gathered with family and friends, traveling to new places, and sitting in a beautiful, quiet chapel with the Lord. I love book stores and thrift stores, live theatre, festivals, and concerts, taking long walks in the sunshine, sipping coffee on the porch, relaxing by the water, making new friends, and trying local restaurants.
My prayer is that these reflections and books draw us all closer to Jesus. Please comment and share your thoughts. Feel free to share these as the spirit moves you so that more people may deepen their relationship with God and spread His love and mercy throughout the world.
God bless you with joy & peace and keep you in His loving care.
~ Monica 💜
