What is Ninepatch? Ninepatch is the monthly publication of a non-profit organization by the same name. In the pages of this Ninepatch magazine, women – and the men who support them – share their spiritual journeys and life experiences through letters, essays, poetry, book reviews and more. Ninepatch offers a forum where contributors can be heard and enjoy an atmosphere of sharing and acceptance. Such sharing is vital in helping other women and men find their place in an eternal spiritual circle where all know and are known.

**

This month in Ninepatch

“A Few Helpful Folk!” — Chapter 16 of BUS RIDE, by Frances Fritzie,

AROUND THE FRAME (Letters to the Editor)

FABRICS (Our Experiences)

SPECIAL TOPIC (The Hardest Phone Call I’ve Had to Make)

INSTRUCTIONS  (Reading, Listening and Viewing)

THREAD (Our Knowing and Our Spirituality)

YOUR HOUSE ON THE WATER (A Self-Discovery Game)

By the time June’s summer solstice arrives, I hope to be in Michigan for a longer-than-usual visit with family and friends.

For the last two weeks, my thoughts have turned to Grand Rapids where I lived for thirty-five years. Taking such a long drive is like a pilgrimage. When I joined a spiritual group in 2000 and traveled with them to Ireland, we prepared. Months before, we read books from a special list, chose service positions for the group and prayed for the others by name.  In a like way I am daily preparing for my journey: thinking of my destination, considering missions I hope to address there and praying for family and friends.

Preparations of intent, service and prayer can transform any journey—even a trip to the grocery store. A key is holding one’s focus on “a high road.” For example, as I write my grocery list, I consider it a loving service of food provision.  As I walk or drive to the store, I see the street as a representative of “life’s road” and ponder where I am on my life’s journey. When I arrive at the shopping area, I greet my fellow journeyers with a smile-prayer.

Thus ordinary life is transformed.

Blessings on your June journey!

Frances Fritzie

*

NEW SPECIAL TOPIC:

*