The past two afternoons, I have been a volunteer with FAITH: "Faithful Accompaniment In Trust and Hope." It's a 3-month-old program of the Catholic diocese here to practice the ministry of presence and accompaniment at the federal immigration courthouse downtown. We stand in hallways outside courtrooms or sit in as observers. We talk to those … Continue reading A Ministry of Presence & Accompaniment
Author: Cory Trenda
Could Resurrection Be a Present-Day Reality? Here’s Hoping…
Yesterday, as I ended a very positive videocall, I suddenly felt spent and discouraged. As simply Constituent Cory, I’d been speaking with my congressperson’s staffer for foreign affairs issues. World Vision has a wonderful program for volunteers to have meaningful dialog with their congressional representatives and senators on issues critical to our poorest global neighbors. … Continue reading Could Resurrection Be a Present-Day Reality? Here’s Hoping…
New Year, New Beginnings
Pansies remind me of Janet: her sunny personality, profound faith, boundless love. Pansies bloom only for a season. The yellow marigolds I replace them with in June are missing a certain something. Yet an empty planter feels like I am refusing God's gifts because they just aren't -- well -- pansies. Hugs, Carol One year … Continue reading New Year, New Beginnings
You Can’t Always Get What You Want. But…
As the sun set over the Pyrenees mountains on my first day walking the Camino de Santiago, we gazed into deeply carved shadows and serene pastoral settings. Apropos of nothing, a fellow pilgrim reminded me, "They say the Camino doesn't always give you what you want, but it will always give you what God knows … Continue reading You Can’t Always Get What You Want. But…
Till Death Do Us Part
Greetings from Houston, as my Camino pilgrimage begins. I'm in a good mood! I'm anticipating the adventure, which ends in exactly 50 days by sprinkling some of Janet's ashes on the Spanish coast on the anniversary of her death last year, God willing. I begin walking on Saturday July 20, but my pilgrimage begins now. … Continue reading Till Death Do Us Part
Janet’s Stories & Life Lessons in PDF
Dear Readers & Friends, This isn't a meditation from me per se, but as part of completing my wife's 'dear unfinished tasks,' I'm delighted to share the PDF version of Janet's collection of short autobiographical Stories You Didn't Know to Ask About !! If you enjoyed her chapter on 'Advice I'd give my 20-year-old self" … Continue reading Janet’s Stories & Life Lessons in PDF
Camino de la Vida: Our Pilgrimage of Life
Last weekend, I found myself back in what felt like my "home church” – the annual World Vision major donor conference. The affection and care lavished on me by many friends—both former colleagues and dear World Vision supporters—was overwhelming. So many told me of their sustaining prayers for me this past year and of their … Continue reading Camino de la Vida: Our Pilgrimage of Life
Dear Unfinished Tasks
Just a few weeks after Janet's death, I read a lovely poem called "Turn Again to Life" and felt like they might well be Janet's words written just for me: If I should die, and leave you here awhileBe not like others sore undone, who keepLong vigils by the silent dust and weep.For my sake, … Continue reading Dear Unfinished Tasks
In the Bleak Mid-70’s
[Dear readers, I've wanted to share this story with you and was asked to lead devotions last week (for a team of economic development experts), so I'm sharing that version and apply some lessons for all of us below that...] "In the Bleak Mid-70's." ...In the middle of December, that's how it felt to me. … Continue reading In the Bleak Mid-70’s
For the Beauty of the Earth
Today (Tuesday, Dec. 5) is the three-month anniversary of dear Janet’s death. The day snuck up on me a bit, but when I realized it I changed my plans and visited two favorite spots where I have previously sprinkled some of her ashes. It became a tender day. I messaged a friend... ...and sat for a … Continue reading For the Beauty of the Earth
Cory Trenda 