Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Somethings do not Change

When I lived in the monastery, our first words chanted at dawn were:

"Oh Lord,

open my lips

and my mouth shall proclaim

your praise!"

I was in love with life and spirituality! The monastery was in Pecos, New Mexico. The community was mixed: men and women, it was under the Rule of St. Benedict.

I was in my glory.

I wanted to be a priest.

Sometimes, things cannot be changed and acceptance is all that remains.

Many moons have passed since those days spent in monastic life.

Yet I have the most treasured memories dancing still within my soul.

And I still long to be a priest.

Comments

35 responses to “Somethings do not Change”

  1. mikaelah

    and so it is… not all priests live in monasteries or even look like priests (which is part of the whole magic of it and delight) … and some who call themselves priests and even look like it are not …

    Reply
  2. julie

    You do far more ‘spiritual work’ than you realize, Corey!!!! You may feel that you were in your glory during your past monastery days, but all of us are truly blessed and encouraged by that same glory in your daily sermons!

    Reply
  3. ULLA

    To many of us, I think, you are a priest… preaching a life well lived, loved and revered… Spirit comes in many forms, and sometimes surprizing paths, we are blessed to follow yours – dear Corey.
    What a lovely carving, is it on a piece of furniture?

    Reply
  4. Shannon Lewis

    You are one of a kind. The way people flock to your blog, I can’t imagine the congregation you would’ve gathered to your church.
    You give us food for thought everyday. Your spirituality keeps us well fed.

    Reply
  5. cruststation

    So true, even here we are touched and inspired by your entries your ‘dancing still within my soul’ is reflected in your personality and warmth to every one who reads this.

    Reply
  6. Shannon (Sentimental)

    Corey I agree with the others, beauty and sprituality astounds you everywhere.

    Reply
  7. andrea

    …just another crumb you’ve thrown us about your amazing life. Each day I come here I am blessed with your spirit filled, joyous posts about your life. Someday I hope to have enough crumbs to piece together the beautiful cake that is you!
    You are such a delight Corey, thank you.
    a.

    Reply
  8. blackbird

    no kidding?
    wow.

    Reply
  9. diana

    Oh Wow ! I am not surprised that you want to be a minister… Each day I also come to your
    beautiful spritual site
    to receive a daily rejuevenation(sp?) thru
    your reflections on the beauty of everyday living…I love it so…

    Reply
  10. expatraveler

    Corey – I knew your faith was strong but I would have never guessed you wanted to be a priest… I guess we all long for something, or at least I still long for things…
    I still long to live in Europe.. Maybe one day.

    Reply
  11. Jeanne

    My husband once thought of becoming a priest. (I am so glad he changed his mine)
    Giggles
    I love your words and your photographs!
    Bless you my friend.
    Love Jeanne

    Reply
  12. Paris Parfait

    Ah, Corey! You continue to surprise and delight. New Mexico? We must talk! When I was living in Santa Fe, I found it an extremely spiritual, calming place. But it’s not the place, it’s the person within. And I feel so privileged getting to know more about you and your spirituality.

    Reply
  13. Nicole

    Your truth is deep, wise, developed. I am glad you share it here. And should you so desire, I think the church would welcome your talent and contribution.
    That is, of course, as long as you are willing to get that sex-change operation. Or change churches. Whatever.

    Reply
  14. josephine

    What a fascinating story you are writing for your life! I am so thankful, Corey, that I can hear your voice here. To know that you exist is nothing short of a miracle!!
    Your beauty is a gift to anyone who comes accross it…
    ~Josephine

    Reply
  15. Colette

    I used to to be a travel writer at one time, and it was in New Mexico that I mentioned God for the first time in any article I had published. Going up into the Sandia Mountains by cable car, I had an overpowering sense that God was in the mountain; I’ll never forget it. New Mexico did that to me.
    xox

    Reply
  16. berrie

    You would have made one heck of a priest hon! …I do believe tho, that you are indeed ministering in a small way to all who are lucky enough to find your blog here:o)to bring a smile to another through words and photos is a gift* & you truly have it! xox

    Reply
  17. Amber

    I would so love to hear more of this time in your life!
    🙂

    Reply
  18. la vie en rose

    pecos nm–not too far from where i am now…

    Reply
  19. Annie

    Hi Corey. What a wonderful picture. It reminds me of my trip to France ten years ago. I was so fascinated by the home exteriors adorned with niches and holy figures. I came home and eventually attached angels next to my front door. It’s a start. Also, I am familiar with the monastery you speak of. I’m pretty sure they have a website I’ve visited. Silent retreats are a favorite memory of mine.

    Reply
  20. Judy Scott

    I wouldnt have found your blog if you were a priest and its such a beautiful place to visit. judy x

    Reply
  21. ms*robyn

    oh boy, what would the powers that be, make of a female priest. something I just don’t understand, actually. It would be fun going to confession with a female priest, I am sure they would understand lots more about women’s confession than men do! I always wanted to be a nun in a silent order, something my husband tells me would not be at all possible due to the fact that I chatter.

    Reply
  22. vicci

    Hi Corey…Hope you had a great Easter…It was very wet here…but we had a good day. I’ve always wanted to be a NUN!

    Reply
  23. Alex

    I have just been catching up on your last 6 or 7 posts, and had to copy down onto my cafe napkin some of the quotes and questions you posed. Beautiful writing! I am so glad you stopped by my blog. I miss so much not having Net access at home right now and I look forward to being able to check in here more regularly. Happy Easter to you!

    Reply
  24. Beth

    Well it seems as though through your blog you’ve found a different kind of ministry. I truly appreciate what you do. You certainly have led an interesting life!

    Reply
  25. Deryn Mentock

    What a stunning image! I think you haven’t lost your first love…

    Reply
  26. herhimnbryn

    I think someone has already said this, but you do not have to have the formal qualifications to be a ‘priest’. Living life with grace and kindness is qualification enough!
    Thankyou for your kind comment on my dog post and your email with holiday wishes.

    Reply
  27. Mary Jane

    I find it difficult to believe that Jesus only wished men to have all the power…maybe some day women will have their chance to serve….and the Church will be able to connect in a deeper way with it’s branches……love this post…merci beaucoup….

    Reply
  28. imelda

    wow, you really have an interesting life journey… is this beautiful picture from the monastery?

    Reply
  29. mad

    I kind of believe the Davinci Code, or want to. Mary was Jesus’s equal, that fact squashed by the Church and the ower hungry. The women found him, or found the empty tomb…Perhaps it is our dreams, lived in faith, that truly shape the world, slowly but powerfully, outside the structure of the given orthodoxy.
    Peace and love are the gospel, clearly given, chosen by you. Perhaps you are a priest, but in a different role, living, breathing peace and love, sharing that with a growing audience, articulated and pictured here, beautifully.
    There are billion doors to enlightenment, we each have our own to find. You have yours…in peace…

    Reply
  30. isabel

    hola from New Mexico, Corey!

    Reply
  31. mary ann

    beautiful piece…
    🙂 mary ann

    Reply
  32. AscenderRisesAbove

    love the richness in the color of this; makes you just want to touch it.
    the church of corey,,,

    Reply
  33. Cammy

    St. Therese of Lisieux felt it was her vocation to be a priest, too. (And she also wanted to be a missionary.) I think you are a bit like her: in your own “little way” you too are bringing heaven here to earth . . .
    Ora et labora.

    Reply
  34. Mary Kate

    What a lovely street-corner virgin and child! Is this in your village? We saw so many like this in Rome — I was taking pictures of all of them! In Seville there are many also, but are often painted on tile rather than on wood or stone.
    Happy Easter!

    Reply
  35. pam

    you are such a fascinating woman, dear Corey!

    Reply

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