Category: Spiritual Journey Thursday

Spiritual Journey Thursday and Poetry Friday, Week 2: 2026 One Little Word

1/8/2026

Today Spiritual Journey Thursday is hosted by Margaret. SJT is a monthly practice regarding our spiritual like. It is usually held the first Thursday of the month. With the holidays, we agreed to share this week. Ruth at There is no such thing as a God-forsaken town is hosting Poetry Friday.

"Love Endures #17". Mixed Media, Jone Rush MacCulloch. 2025

My One Little Word for 2026. My word for 2025 was DREAM. This past summer, a word started tagging along with me, and had me purchase small and tiny canvases to create little pieces of art with hearts to give to people and leave places. A couple hearts were left in Paris by a friend, My 2026 OLW word is LOVE.

For many years, I have photographed hearts in nature as signs of love in the world. And this fall The Clackamas County Arts Alliance accepted my collection, "Close to Nature’s Heart", showcasing hearts found in nature and inspired by nature with photography and mixed media art. Each piece will be paired with a poem.

Some of favorite quotes found:

“Do all things with love” from 1 Corinthians 16:14.

"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive." - Dalai Lama
"Love is not only something you feel, it is something you do." - Mother Teresa

A Golden Shovel based on a Rumi Quote

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Spiritual Journey Thursday and Poetry Friday, Week 49: Light, Darkness, Silence, and Hope

12/3/2025

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Welcome to Spiritual Journey Thursday. I am hosting this month. I've included this for Poetry Friday as well. I’m subbing both Thursday and Friday this week so I have this written early.

December is typically seen as one of the three dark months: November-December-January. It’s considered the darkest with the Winter Solstice on the 21st. I remember a time when I wasn’t a fan of these shortened days but now I embrace them.
In preparing for this post, I found this haiku on the Holy Disorder of Dancing Monks on Facebook:

The darkness will pass
The Sacred light will find us...
Will we be awake?

by Pat Leyko Connelly

How will you be awake? I look for the good and kindness in the world everyday. Writing my daily haiku awakens me. Getting out to see the sunrise like I did today (which for transparency, I’m writing this on Wednesday). I feel through writing and creating my art I am leaving hints for the Sacred light to find me.
While on the Holy Disorder of Dancing Monks page, I found this quote from Thomas Merton:

"The world of men has forgotten the joys of silence, the peace of solitude, which is necessary, to some extent, for the fullness of human living."

Wow, I took a breath, it resonated. It feels like the perfect companion quote to go with the haiku.
Our world is so noisy currently. This is why being at the coast or going up to Wildwood is so necessary for my spiritual well being. I’m a little sad as this year it will not work to wake up to ocean sounds on New Year’s Day. I am looking for alternate places of solace, such as, The Japanese Garden, which will be only open to members on January 1.
As we move through Advent, each week holds a word. Hope-Peace-Joy-Love
This week I noticed Hope in the news that an anonymous donor is covering the cost for the last two terms of seniors in medical school at the University of Washington. It gives me hope in the generosity of others. Earlier this year, when a college friend of mine lost his home to fire, hope came though those who reached out to him in his time of need. Hope was this morning at sunrise.
In the coming weeks, my plan is to notice darkness and light, the moments of silence and find ways the Advent word for the week manifests itself.
How about you? Please leave your SJT link below. My entry for Poetry Friday is below.

Poetry Friday

Irene at Live Your Poem is hosting Poetry Friday this week.

This is my daily haiku for 12.03.25. It finds hope in the morning and connect with SJT.

day begins
in the bird's song quiet hope
all aglow

If you want information about the 2026 New Year Postcard Exchange, read HERE.

Please sign up by December 20 on HERE.

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SJT and Poetry Friday, Week 5: Open Doors

2/7/2025

This month's Spiritual Journey Thursday theme is Closing Doors Opening Doors | arjeha. And Carol at Beyond LiteracyLink who's invited us to share love. Both these themes are needed in the world at this moment.
Bob offered this quote from Alexander Graham Bell: “When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.” Most likely you have heard a shorten version of the quote.

It seems that doors are closing for many and other doors people are waiting, uncertain that their door might close. This is what I have heard from friends this week, Some of their adult children with government jobs or ones that depend on federal funding are living, waiting for the shoe to drop. For me, it's hard to see that the door might close and another one will open for them.

Carol shares this quote from a 1912 postcard: Love in all its complexity, is the ethereal beauty that resides within the human soul.

I am feeling the heaviness of this week. My faith is being challenged. This is a little rambling that needs work, A found poem within the two quotes.

Love wonders
about the closing of doors
because of your beliefs, your ethnicity, your job
Love wonders
what if we do not see the open doors
because it took so long for them to reopen
Love wonders
when the human soul
will take action and re-open the doors.
©jone rush macculloch

Save the Date

We need more community! Join me on Saturday, April 5, 11 AM-1PM EST (feel free to come for all or part) to kick off National Poetry Month. Details soon!

Spiritual Journey Thursday and Poetry Friday, Week 52: 2025 OLW and an Invitation

1/2/2025

Yes, it says "Week 52" and yet, it's January 2, 2025. It's one of those mischievous ways of the calendar.
The first Thursday is Spiritual Journey Thursday and tomorrow is Poetry Friday. Margaret Simon has Spiritual Journal Thursday and Mary Lee at A(nother) Year of Reading hosting Poetry Friday.

Spiritual Journey Thursday: 2025 One Little Word

For the last thirteen years, I have chosen a One Little Word. My 2024 word was "Expand-take a Risk." It served me so well. From sharing art in the community to going to Japan, my world expanded. So in thinking for the word this, several came to mind. I've chosen DREAM for 2025. Langston Hughes' "Hold fast to dreams /For if dreams die/ Life is a broken-winged bird/That cannot fly. " has always resonated with me.
Finding quotes that make me want to copy them down has been trickier. I found two that I used for golden shovels. A golden shovel, riffing on wilde.
A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.
~Oscar Wilde
I disagree with Wilde...it's never a punishment to see the sunrise.
And this quote by Anaïs Nin:
Dreams are necessary to life.
~Anaïs Nin

Dreamers find their way by moonlight

Consort with the dreamers
the ones who find
the tchotchkes and trinkets left on their
deck by crows. The ones who know the way
to the sea by
their whimsy and moonlight

©jone rush macculloch, 2025 (draft)

Dreams are necessary to life
Anais Nin

In my dreams
the ravens are
at the feeder. They’ve returned the necessary
keys and word, I lost last decade to
the divine chaos of life.
©jone rush macculloch, 2025 (draft)

Invitation for Saturday, January 18, 2025

What: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." - Martin Luther King Jr.

Let's create or write poems for persistence, for presence during the Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. Let's share our work in community.

If you are a writer, a poet, a slow stitcher, or artist, join us for a couple hours of creative community. 10-12 EST
If you can only join us for an hour, great. Join us.

Join here: Creating for Persistence.

WINTER POETRY SWAP JOY

I'm always excited when Tabatha Yeatts puts out the call for poetry swaps. I love out poetry community, our connected collective. This year, Tanita Davis and l swapped. Her poetry rock will be on display with my other rock words, She's nudged me with some slow stitching with a little felt embroidery project and given me words for future poems. Thank you, Tanita.

Spiritual Journey Thursday and Poetry Friday, Week 48: Wintering

12/6/2024

Kim Johnson hosted Spiritual Journey Thursday with the topic of 'Wintering". She recently finished reading Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May. It is a TBR book on my imaginary pile for a while.

The fabulous Carol at The Apples in My Orchard is hosting Poetry Friday. She's reflecting on caring for her father and the seasonal transitions.
I researched quotes by Katherine May and found several that rang true to me:
When it’s really cold, the snow makes a lovely noise underfoot, and it’s like the air is full of stars.” — Katherine May

“That is wintering. It is the active acceptance of sadness. It is the practice of allowing ourselves to feel it as a need. It is the courage to stare down the worst parts of our experience and to commit to healing them the best we can.” — Katherine May

“We have seasons when we flourish and seasons when the leaves fall from us, revealing our bare bones. Given time, they grow again.”— Katherine May

I also follow Christine Valters Paintner. I subscribe to daily messages. This recent one tied in so beautifully with the topic of wintering,

I love all the seasons. The season I am in is my favorite. They each bring a unique rhythm. The invitation of winter invites me to begin the day by having tea and the gas fire lit. I watch as sunrise shows up. This year as part of wintering and the Christmas season, I have be participating in the "Advent Photo-of-the-Day". I am enjoying the challenge to photo something for the word of the day and creating a tiny poem for #haikuforhealing24 and #haikuforpersistence24. Below are some of the recent haiku for wintering and being in the season.

It's 28 days until the new year! Time to start thinking of sending New Year Post Cards! I've have also been thinking that this is an excellent way to incorporate the small poems that some have been writing thanks to Mary Lee Hahn and the hashtag #haikuforhealing2024 and mine #haikuforresilience2024.

Send five, send ten or send to all?
In Japan, it’s called Nengajo, a Japanese custom of ushering in the new year.
How It Works:

Choose to send five or ten postcards.
Create a postcard: you can buy a postcard and write a poem on the other side or you can create one postcard to send to everyone (I use Walgreens or Zazzle)
Once you get the names, send by January 29, 2025 (start of the Chinese New Years and someone's bday. wonder who?)
If you choose, you can work in the Chinese animal for 2025: The year of the Wood Snake. It is not required.

Click here to join us: 2025 New Year Post Card Exchange

Announcement: #haikuforpersistence2025 #poetryforpersistence2025

As we begin 2025, there will be changes and challenges for us. Many of us were hoping for a different outcome last November. On Saturday, January 18, 2025, 10AM-3 PM EST , 7 AM-12PM PST, I will have a Zoom Writing and Creating Salon as a place to write for #haikuforpersistence2025 and #poetryforpersistence2025.

I will be honest, I am a teeny bit scared about hosting this salon. I am hoping to share some mentor poems (DM me if you have one that would be good), having writing time, and share in community if you feel moved. Also, I think I want to have a c0-host to help me monitoring the Zoom room and tech (DM me if interested)

I am also suggesting that you make a donation to a charity of your choice. I am seriously considering donating to Planned Parenthood. Details and sign up some. You know, in some ways this is my OLW (Expand) in action.

Poetry Friday, Week 44: Taking the November Challenge by the Inklings with a Tie In to SJT

11/8/2024

Linda at A Word Edgewise hosted Spiritual Journey Thursday last week and her prompt was "world". She also shared her prompt for the The Inklings: As we enter Native American Heritage Month I ask that you respond to Joy Harjo's Fall Song in any way that makes your heart happy.
I needed this prompt. Have you read Harjo's poem? It's so good. It has been fuel for three poems.

Thank you, Linda for this incredible poem.
There are so many juicy lines in this. I was Between the election and the passing of a friend, it's been a week.
I turn to writing and art in times such as these.

Today, I'm sharing two with the focus on Linda's prompt for SJT.

Thank you to Cathy at Merely Day by Day and her powerful poem, "In the Mourning".

The Greyness of Winter
The earth is slightly damp with rain
From “Fall Song” by Joy Harjo
I voted. Then bided my time for the
results to come in by digging in the earth.
Planting bulbs to contrast the greyness of winter. Is
it too early for hope? I slightly
pat down the mulch with a damp
hand. The one with
cramps from the letter writing. My eyes spill rain.
©jone rush macculloch, draft, 2024

When the World is Unhinged
Is there another word for ‘‘divine’’?
From “Fall Song” by Joy Harjo

Our world is
unhinged at this moment. There
is anger, fear, and worry for one another.
It feels like actions and words
of the our better angels cannot compensate for
the collective sadness of now. How do we contact the divine?

©jone rush macculloch, draft, 2024

SJT and Poetry Friday: Week 39

10/3/2024

Thanks to Leigh Anne Eck for hosting Spiritual Journey Thursday and Tabatha Yeatts for stepping in to host Poetry Friday.
The theme of SJT is change/transformation. Autumn is such a great time for this theme, Days are getting shorter, leaves are changing, and the mornings have a crispness to them. The sky even seems bluer. I am returning to SJT and Poetry Friday after being gone for about six weeks. As it often happens, while taking a rest, a break is good, returning always feels like a change, a groggy, sloggy return. Can I still write? Are there poems that eke out onto the page? What I planned to do while in Japan: sit, sketch, and write, didn't really happen. I was acclimating to heat and humidity, figuring out the trains and subways, and monitoring the impending typhoon.

What calls to me is this quote :The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. — Lao Tse

This is where I am. Taking that first step. Reaching out to my writing pals. Last Saturday, I was in an hour long writing session. I found Georgia Heard's Write Bites class to engage myself. Re-dedicating myself to reading the Two Sylvias Muse weekly newsletter.
Last week, I also took another step in the area of returning to the practice of yoga.

In Poetry Friday news, I was pleased to return home I early September and find my Haiku Society of America's (HSA)members' anthology. I have a haiku in this journal.

Last May, I witnessed the aurora borealis and was so taken by the experience, I wrote this:
sky ribbons flutter
I inhale
aurora borealis

If you were gifted the experience you know,

Spiritual Journey Thursday and Poetry Friday, Week 31: Pause

8/1/2024

Carol is hosting the topic “pause” for August’s Spiritual Journey Thursday. It’s a fabulous topic for August. When I was teaching, August 1 signaled it was time to pause before the beginning of the new school year. In Celtic tradition, August 1 is Lunstal (Scottish Gaelic, pronounced “loo-nas-til”), the midpoint between Summer Solstice and Autumnal Equinox. It’s a time to pause as the berries are ripening and harvesting is beginning.

One of my favorite Bible verses is “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) We are reminded to pause. I also found this quote: Silence is the pause in me when I am near to God.”
Arvo Part. I feel this so much when I walk in the woods or on the beach.

There are times in the day in which I practice a pause. Every morning, I take the dog outside and I am so glad, I pause to find the moon and watch the first light of day. Each afternoon I nap. I don’t really fall into a deep sleep, it feels more meditative.

What would our world be like if more people take time to pause?

Laura at Poems for Teachers has the weekly poetry round-up. She’s sharing her new book and a terrific poetry prompt.

I loved that I captured the moon this morning. What a beautiful pause.

May Spiritual Journey: Growth

5/2/2024

Thank you for your patience today. I love each season as each one is gives a different lens to look upon life. May 1 is the halfway point between spring and summer solstice. The days are still lengthening, the soil is warm enough for the starting of crops, and I am watching as the juncos return to the nest. It's a time of expansion
which contains part of my OLW, expand.

“When you expand your awareness, seemingly random events will be seen to fit into a larger purpose.”
Deepak Chopra
I am learning to sit and rest to expand awareness.. In a period of spring's rapid growth, taking time to rest and be idle has its benefits. You can hear your breath, watch as the bumblebees busy themselves in the Rhododendron blossoms. I make myself sit daily and rest even though, the writing calls and the art calls. It's vital as a creative to take this time.

I love this poem by Christine Valters Painter
Spring Ephemerals

The lambs have appeared overnight
smelling of salt and soil.
Where just yesterday bellies were
still heavy with growth,
soft mouths suckle,
so full of longing, tiny “o”s of joy.

Sparrows form a choir,
coax the sun awake,
thrum of blackthorn blossoms
where before was only branch and bud.
A yellow festival of daisies and dandelions
blanket a fragrant meadow,
swath of primrose announce themselves
with pink fanfare.

The river reveals she is my sister
as she rushes into the arms of the sea.
White horses galloping across sky
are my brothers, and soon I see even
the delicate bone left from a swallow
as part of me, white gleam of belonging,
how I am no longer Earth-and-me
but one wild love for this world.

Please share your verses and thoughts on growth.

SJT and Poetry Friday, Week 10: The Gathering of Young Poets

3/8/2024

Welcome to Spiritual Journey Thursday (late edition) and Poetry Friday. How are we into week ten of the year? I'm a tad late as yesterday's dubbing job was a whirlwind of checking in books, meeting with students. Then leaving early as my husband has a dental emergency which requires the pulling of a tooth. so unexpected.

This month Ramona from Pleasures from the Page asks us to reflect on 'Gather". I instantly thought about how the Poetry Friday community gathers each week to share from our little corners of the world.

We gather
words
family
friends

We gather
observations
the weather
the seasons

We gather
goodness
faith
wonder

creating poems
from moments
of this life
~jone rush macculloch, 2024

For Poetry Friday, Laura at Laura Purdie Salas is gathering us all and sharing news of her latest book, Oskar’s Voyage . it looks to be a very cool adventure.
I have had the opportunity to teach poetry in two different classrooms in the last month. The first graders were to write snowman poems in January but we were snowed out. So when February arrived, the teacher asked if it was still winter and could we do the snowman poems. we also created our snow people. He has seventeen students but not everyone was in the room when we wrote the poems.

Later in the week, I was asked to sub in a third grade class where they had been working similes (it shows). I used a poem from my WIP as a mentor text on How to Have a Friend.

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Spiritual Journey Thursday and Poetry Friday, Week 2: 2026 One Little Word

A Golden Shovel based on a Rumi Quote

Spiritual Journey Thursday and Poetry Friday, Week 49: Light, Darkness, Silence, and Hope

Poetry Friday

SJT and Poetry Friday, Week 5: Open Doors

Save the Date

Spiritual Journey Thursday and Poetry Friday, Week 52: 2025 OLW and an Invitation

Invitation for Saturday, January 18, 2025

Spiritual Journey Thursday and Poetry Friday, Week 48: Wintering

Announcement: #haikuforpersistence2025 #poetryforpersistence2025

Poetry Friday, Week 44: Taking the November Challenge by the Inklings with a Tie In to SJT

SJT and Poetry Friday: Week 39

Spiritual Journey Thursday and Poetry Friday, Week 31: Pause

May Spiritual Journey: Growth

SJT and Poetry Friday, Week 10: The Gathering of Young Poets

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A Golden Shovel based on a Rumi Quote

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Save the Date

Invitation for Saturday, January 18, 2025

Announcement: #haikuforpersistence2025 #poetryforpersistence2025

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