Gazing is the act of fixing our eyes in a steady intent look with focused attention. Gazing evokes feelings of curiosity, interest, pleasure, wonder and love. One of my favorite quotes and I keep this by my computer is from Anthony DeMello: “Look at God… Looking and you…and smiling.” Ahhh, to be present in the gaze of God, gazing back in mutual love. This is worship. This is being fully entering into the presence of God. This is communion. A moment of savoring and soaking in God’s love and us loving God. May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah – Psalm 67:1 Gazing Gazing has popped up in my reading and listening quite a bit these past weeks. I find God does that when he is drawing my attention to something important. Pay attention – God is inviting us closer all the time if we notice. “The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And … [Read more...]
Old Spiritual Journals – Keep or Destroy?
Old spiritual journals – do you keep them or destroy them? This question is the number one question I get asked when teaching or writing about keeping a journal. And I fear the number one reason why some people never begin this life-giving spiritual practice – What if someone reads what I write???? Let’s talk about the riches of keeping our journals and some reasons why you might not want to. What is a Spiritual Journal? A spiritual journal is a notebook or some type of recording of your faith journey. The focus is on your relationship with God, how you see life through your spirituality and where you prayerfully think God may be inviting you next in life. A spiritual journal is not a diary – where all the nuances of daily life are documented. Significant life events or what is impacting you in ordinary living can be the framework, but the essence of what you write is through the lens of your faith. How is that event transforming you? What does God want you … [Read more...]
The Power of Holding Unanswered Questions
Unanswered questions shaped my recent retreat and continue to linger in my journals and contemplative talks with God. I am a fixer and quick decider. I like the comfort of knowing answers or at least the next couple of steps on this adventure and gift of life God has given all of us. Tell me where I am going and what to expect and I will dig down and get there. But that isn’t God’s way, is it? Unanswered questions are the fertile ground of growth, formation, and surprises. I wonder why does this question nag my soul? What does it mean? What does it make possible? The best lessons emerge in the wrestling, welcoming, and wondering with each question. I am going to be vulnerable and share with you this week some of these questions I am holding and listening to in this journey. I hope maybe they will resonate with you too and nurture your walk with God. Unanswered Questions What makes me sing and jump for joy? Why would I throw away an opportunity to serve … [Read more...]
Spiritual Practices on a Retreat
What spiritual practices support a retreat experience? I recently return from an 8-day silent retreat. What is a silent retreat? Here are some previous blog posts about this intentional time with God. Last week I reflected how my word of the year guided my week at a retreat center. I also observed how various spiritual practices slowed me down and helped me pay attention to God’s presence. Spiritual practices don’t impress God, just so he answers your prayers. Spiritual practices are tools that align our hearts with God’s. Most of these practices I have experienced before, but once again realized their value in the spiritual journey. These are essential and life-giving for me. Maybe my sharing will remind you once again of the places and ways you too can connect with God. Silence and Solitude – My soul revived soaking in silence and solitude. This shouldn’t surprise me but each time these practices astonish me with their renewing impact. I read that Dallas … [Read more...]
Word of the Year – Retreat Reflections
Every year I am amazed how a simple word or phrase that silently creeps into my heart in midwinter and slowly emerges as my Word of the Year weaves itself into my soul. In 2021 the word that chose me is simply, GO. Two letters we all learned to read early in life, but one word oozing with power, wisdom, and gentle companionship. I just returned from an 8-day silent directed retreat. Yes, I did stay quiet (most of the time.) The practice of attending a retreat at least yearly is life-giving for me and essential for my spiritual walk with God. My spirit rests and recalls its Creator and its central call and life purpose. Two weeks ago, I shared my expectations about this year’s retreat and now want to share some of my lessons and retreat reflections in this weeks and next week’s posts. Word of the year – Retreat Reflections What did my word of the year - Go - show me on retreat this year? Keep Going - God is inviting me to be more than to do. I am … [Read more...]
Summer Reading
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...]