What are you reading this summer? Since I am at my retreat as you read this post this week, I am writing this early and sharing some of the books I am enjoying this summer. I think it is always fun to get a glimpse at what others are reading. Here is my current list: Soundtracks – The Surprising Solution to Overthinking by Jon Acuff. Jon has a terrific podcast that accompanies this book called All It Takes is a Goal. At first, I borrowed this book from our library -don’t you love our local libraries? – but liked it so much I purchases a copy so I could study and highlight his wisdom. I am a chronic negative self-talker. My internal voices and what Jon calls “soundtracks” shout behind the scenes of my behavior and thoughts much more than most people think as I try my best to be an encourager and an optimist. This book offers great advice on how to turn down the volume and how to create and use positive thoughts/soundtracks more often in practical and very readable … [Read more...]
Silent Retreat Expectations
At the end of this week, I attend my annual silent retreat. I’m tired. I’m empty. I’m lost. All ingredients for being ready for a time to be with God, listening, walking, and bathing in his love. “A spiritual retreat is medicine for soul starvation. Through silence, solitary practice, and simple living, we begin to fill the empty reservoir. This lifts the veils, dissolves the masks, and creates space within for the feelings of forgiveness, compassion, and loving kindness that are so often blocked.” David A. Cooper Last year’s community silent retreat was canceled due to the pandemic. I did take a few days in August to stay by myself in a hermitage and walk with God on the retreat grounds. Nice, but interesting enough, I missed being with community in silence. I have written in the past about the value of this spiritual practice and encourage you if you are interested or even hesitate, to take the time to read and pray about going on … [Read more...]
11 Apps for Daily Prayer – Divine Technology
How do you start your day? Me? Coffee, walking, and prayer. All with the help of technology. My coffee is ready when I get up in the morning since I use the timer feature on the coffee maker. What a great way to wake up with the delightful smell of coffee in the air. I am a house walker, walking throughout my house at a fast pace, up and down the stairs, listening to podcasts and working out with the goal of 50 minutes and 6000 steps to start the day. I love my Fitbit for tracking and try to close all three fitness rings on my Apple Watch by the end of the day. I also practice morning prayer and use several apps on my phone to help me slow down, quiet my spirit and thoughts, and hear God in new ways. Technology can be a distractions sometimes but also a help in deepening prayer. Below are some great suggestions to try. I think all use either Apple or android and most links go directly to the app page. You will have to go to your app store to download. … [Read more...]
Word Nerd, Words Overheard, Words Undeterred
I am a word nerd. I love playing with words, learning new ones, studying the Word, and exploring their meanings and history. Some words tickle all our senses like a delicious treat as they cascade and take flight from our tongue. I have been thinking a lot lately about words. I love to read. One of my favorite books, next to the Bible, is my beat-up, falling-apart-at-the-seams Thesaurus. I am on several daily email lists highlighting interesting ones too. I have been wondering if each of us have a single word set by God into the center of our souls that guide us throughout life. One word or perhaps a small phrase resonating throughout our lives adding meaning and purpose. Yes “word” could be my divine imprint, but I also am drawn to, “nourish/nurture.” I do know I love having a word of a year. This year’s word – GO- is so simple, short, yet full of wisdom and guidance. I have been amazed how GO weaves its way into my life and appears just at the right moment, guiding a … [Read more...]
Pentecost Pondering
Pentecost is the coming Sunday, May 23 commemorating the arrival of the Holy Spirit and is often called the birthday of the church. The word Pentecost means “fiftieth day,” as it is celebrated fifty days after Easter. I have been listening to what others have to say about the Trinity– God, Jesus, and Spirit- and how they address them. The words they chose give us a glimpse into their faith. Many people know God and they describe their relationship with familiar names: God the Creator, Lord, Yahweh, the Holy One. One of my favorites is Abba. I love the intimacy of that word. God the Father took me a long time to embrace since my own dad died when I was a teenager and I had to work through abandonment issues. I know God the Father is difficult for many others too, but God can heal those wounds. Next, I hear beautiful names for Jesus: Alpha and Omega, Savior, Morning Light, Emmanuel, Christ, Master, Son of God, the Way, Good Shepherd, and so many more. But … [Read more...]
Books Ready to be Read
Books! I love them. I have a constant list ordered to borrow from my library. And of course, I buy too many books. Amazon and I are on a first name basis. I don't have too many books; my challenge is not enough bookshelves. I do love to read what others are reading and have shared current books I am reading on this blog too. So here are a few I am immersed in reading, savoring, highlighting, enjoying and devouring. Growing Slow by Jennifer Dukes Lee The idea of unhurried living certainly appeals to most of us worn out by busyness, expectations, and distractions. In this book Jennifer talks about when she gave herself permission to slow down and invites us to join her. I can't wait to read the practices she suggests for slowing down. She writes, "Hurry will consume you until you have nothing left. But we don't even know it's happening, because there's a popular idea out there that purposeful living is synonymous with hurry. And that if you want a great life, … [Read more...]
Charm Bracelets – Capture the Past, Cherish the Present
Charm bracelets – did it wear one in high school? A few weeks ago, a good friend (Thanks, Mary Ann) showed her high school charm bracelet on Facebook and asked if anyone else wore one like hers when we were younger. The response was so fun and brought back many memories. So I looked. I pulled out the step stool to reach that high shelf in the closet where the old jewelry box rested covered with dust. Nostalgia descended upon my soul as I sort and sifted through classic pieces from my mom and from my life many moons ago. Old pins. Nameplates from first jobs. Not working watches worn by an elderly long gone saint who still lives in my heart. Finally, I found it and slowly touched each captured moment from my teen years. Capturing the Past What is or would be on your childhood charm bracelet? Not only is this fun but also remind us of our roots and early experiences that formed our souls. Come on, let's share. Even men could at least imagine what … [Read more...]
Languishing and Lingering Lessons
Lingering and languishing are two words murmuring in my mind and heart lately. I haven't heard anyone said these two words out loud, but sense many people feel empty, depleted, and lack the energy even to linger and savor the present time. We fixate on the never-ending pandemic dominating our lives, news, and choices. We then play the "someday when we can be normal again" game, focusing on the future. Languishing "Part of the danger is that when you’re languishing, you might not notice the dulling of delight or the dwindling of drive. You don’t catch yourself slipping slowly into solitude; you’re indifferent to your indifference. When you can’t see your own suffering, you don’t seek help or even do much to help yourself.” Great quote from an article in the NY Times so well written by Adam Grant and titled "There’s a Name for the Blah You’re Feeling: It’s Called Languishing." It opens with this sentence: "The neglected middle child of mental health can dull your motivation … [Read more...]