The Pool of Bethesda [buh THEZ duh] in Jerusalem is one of the many places where Jesus performed miraculous healings during His three years of ministry before His crucifixion on a Roman cross. This New Testament story can be found in the Gospel of John, chapter 5, verses 1 through 18. Although the story we … Continue reading Stir the Waters
Several years ago, I moved from the house where my late husband and I had raised our three children---two girls and a boy. It had three bedrooms so that meant the two girls shared a room in our suburban home. My husband died young of colon cancer at the age of fifty-two. Thus, unfortunately, he … Continue reading Discovering Nuggets of Gold — A Poem Reflecting on Life and What Remains After I’m Gone
"The Hole in My Heart" Poem by Connie Carlisle Polley The hole in my heart will never be filled Yet someday will be not so deep, not so fresh. Someday my body’s shivering deep chill With returning embrace and kiss will be met. So I’ll not lose hope even though I weep. Goodness will help … Continue reading The Hole in My Heart — a poem by Connie Carlisle Polley
The Old Testament prophet Isaiah, in the midst of many other prophecies, foretells the birth of the Messiah this way: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Emmanuel.” Isaiah 7:14, Holy Bible, New International Version. Emmanuel means “God dwells … Continue reading The Emmanuel Who Dwells With Me: 2024 Christmas Devotional & Poem
Hello, faithful readers! There are just 5 days left until the release of my latest children's book, PLAY CLAY HOORAY! Your support means the world to me, and I’d be grateful if you would like, comment, review, and share this excitement with your friends and family. It truly makes a difference. You can share this … Continue reading Count Down to PLAY CLAY HOORAY: Your Likes, Comments, Shares, and Reviews Requested!
As I view my patio garden this morning, I'm reflecting on two 19th century American writers who spoke about the importance of the kindness we extend to those around us and the far-reaching effects of this kindness. Take Care of Your GardenKind hearts are the gardens,Kind thoughts are the roots,Kind words are the flowers,Kind deeds … Continue reading The Importance of Kindness
We should always be mindful that young children want to be like their parents (or other primary caregivers). That's the message of the following lyric especially for dads of boys. Just as little girls like to walk in the high heels of their moms, little boys relish scooting along in their daddies' seemingly gigantic shoes; … Continue reading Watch Your Step, Daddy
"The Hole in My Heart" Poem by Connie Carlisle Polley The hole in my heart will never be filled Yet someday will be not so deep, not so fresh. Someday my body’s shivering deep chill With returning embrace and kiss will be met. So I’ll not lose hope even though I weep. Goodness will help … Continue reading The Hole in My Heart — a poem by Connie Carlisle Polley
One day Nonny showed Timmy A picture on the wall. She said next to his Daddy Was a man she called Popaw.* “There used to be a Popaw Who played with your sister Sue. But since your Popaw died, There’s just me and you.” A tear rolled down Nonny’s cheek As she held Timmy up … Continue reading Holding Popaw In My Heart (a new poem)
We have recently witnessed via our televised news the surprising outbreak of violence between Hamas and Israel, the scale of which has not been seen in the Middle East since October 1973. This brings to mind a poem of prophecy I first wrote in 2019, inspired by a quote attributed to David Ben Gurion, the … Continue reading Present Conflict Between Hamas and Israel–Messiah’s Footsteps?
In the twentieth century, the practice of cryonics (preserving dead bodies for a future ‘resurrection’) came into being. Though dismissed by many as a pseudo-science, others have clung to its hope by having their own or loved one’s body go through the preservation procedure. According to my Google search, there are at least four cryonic … Continue reading How to Live Forever
It has always been true that the world has a way of catching us off guard. Many of us like to think we have our life in control. Especially if we were fortunate enough to be born into a comfortable middle-class family, we have been taught to work hard and life will reward you. Pestilence, … Continue reading Sabbatical Series: A Poem of Hope (Words of a Friend)
When we feel our gut rumbling, most of us—if we are fortunate enough to have a full pantry—respond by getting something to eat! And when our throat feels parched, we instinctively reach for a drink. But do we recognize hunger and thirst of the soul? Does your spirit just feel like something is missing and … Continue reading Satisfying Hunger and Thirst
Fairy tales would lead us to believe concerning love relationships that everyone lives "happily ever after." Sometimes those relationships entered into during youth do last a lifetime. Other times, death or difficulties intervene and unions and marriages are cut short. Today I'm sharing with you a poem I wrote for my brother as he found love again … Continue reading Love Found Again (poem)
A few months ago I moved from the house where my late husband and I raised our three children, a modest three-bedroom house in the suburbs. He died young of colon cancer at the age of 52. So, he did not live long enough to hear the cheerful noise of grandchildren filling the rooms of … Continue reading Nuggets of Gold
"The Hole in My Heart" by Connie Carlisle Polley The hole in my heart will never be filled Yet someday will be not so deep, not so fresh. Someday my body’s shivering deep chill With returning embrace and kiss will be met. So I’ll not lose hope even though I weep. Goodness will help me … Continue reading The Hole in My Heart
I remember being exposed to the importance of taking part in the American voting process even as a young child. I only knew that there were two sides from which an adult could make a choice and they were called Democrats or Republicans. As a youngster, I didn’t know anything about party platforms or politics. … Continue reading Taking Sides in a Voting Dilemma
I want to share with you a poem I wrote for my oldest grandchild when he was about ten. I printed it, put it in a frame and presented it to him as an extra Christmas Eve gift. I’m sure whatever else I gave him—and this was before any of the other grandchildren were born—seemed … Continue reading Ode to Stephen
A few months ago I moved from the house where my late husband and I raised our three children, a modest three-bedroom house in the suburbs. He died young of colon cancer at the age of 52. So, he did not live long enough to hear the cheerful noise of grandchildren filling the rooms of … Continue reading Nuggets of Gold (new poem)
Voters will soon go to their polling sites and in some places they may have to stand in line for an appreciable amount of time. They are willing to wait in order to exercise their right to elect persons they feel will represent their concerns on health care, jobs, immigration, crime and more. Many will … Continue reading A Laughable Limerick: Voting Dilemma
Where do we turn when there is violence all around us? Where do we run to feel safe when there are those who relish shattering the safety of our schools, the sanctuary of our places of worship, and the normalcy of our marketplaces? Run to family and friends and console one another with compassionate words … Continue reading A Poem of Hope: Words of a Friend
I recently lost a cousin who was my age. We both married fairly young, pursued middle class careers, raised children in suburban homes, and later lovingly invited grandchildren into our lives. Her death has caused me to reflect on what I have accomplished thus far in my life and what my future goals are. The … Continue reading Poem on the Transient Nature of Life, “The Silence of a Tomb”
I recently was talking with a lady who found out I go by the name “Nonny” with my grandchildren and that I share some of my reflections on life on “Nonny’s Blog.” “That’s so interesting that you use the name “Nonny,” she said. How did you come to be called “Nonny”? I told her I … Continue reading Another Nonny!
A number of years ago while I was still teaching in the classroom, I told a colleague of mine I was looking for a new family doctor and asked if she would recommend her physician. "Oh, yes," she said. "Dr. Bakula Sheth is my G.P. I'm sure you would like her. She takes time to … Continue reading Doctor, Doctor, I’ve Been Thinking . . .
Astronauts reach for the planets. Movie stars aim for the Oscars, and the Golden Globe Awards. Politicians stump for votes. Teachers have a loftier goal--they touch tomorrow, or in other words, they touch the future through their influence on students in their classrooms. Some years ago I walked into a school hallway and saw in … Continue reading Touching Tomorrow
In times of turmoil around us--hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, mass flooding, unparalleled fires--and within us--sickness, disease, death, accidents, addiction, poverty, crime--many individuals cry out, "Where is God?" Particularly anguished are families who lose innocent children. This is not a new question. And I'm sure I don't have new answers. I certainly will not have answers … Continue reading Where Are You?
I had the good fortune of coming from a large extended family when I was growing up. There were so many aunts and uncles and lots of cousins--so numerous that I'd have to stop and count to give you exact numbers! And, on my Mom's side of the family, we all lived within close proximity. … Continue reading Here’s To Happy Trails
Nonny's Blog 