Inversion - The act of reversing, turning inside out or upside down. Inversion - what has happened to my belief about my independence and how I perceive interruptions. Independence Inversion Most of my life when asked to identify my strengths, one answer I would give with a firm nod of my head is my independence. My parents died when I was young. My older brothers were absent for many reasons. My independence brought me leadership opportunities, chances to learn, and affirmation from others. I could do anything I put my mind to. I was proud to be independent. As my spiritual journey continued and my chronological path led to a little more wisdom, I now see my independence as an obstacle to God. I think I need to be in control. Thank you, Lord, but I can handle this one on my own. I’ll get back to You later when I need You. My trait of independence once flaunted and trotted about in all its glory, now feels heavy, weighing me down and pulling … [Read more...]
Celebrating Spring
April has finally arrived. I don’t know about you but I need, really need spring. I want to open my windows, replacing the stale furnace air with Ohio warm breezes. I need to see new life springing up from the earth and bursting at the tips of branches. I love to watch the birds frolic in the backyard and create homes in nests built with scraps and broken leftover pieces. Spring reminds me that no matter how dark, dreary and long winter is, hope will come again. Spring is God’s reminder He will come again. To celebrate Spring’s arrival, I want to roll down my car window and hang my head out like dogs love to do. Instead I behave and yell, “Welcome” as loud as I can on a stretch of the road where no one can hear or see me. I smile at Spring’s invitation to rejoice and dance with delight with the Lord. My heart spills with gratitude for resurrection. Spring by Mary Oliver Faith is the instructor. We … [Read more...]
I Have Seen the Lord – Lectio Divina
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him."Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself.Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples … [Read more...]
Easter Saturday Grace – Quote of the Week – Paul Tillich
Easter Quote Grace strikes us when we are in great pain and restlessness. It strikes us when we walk through the dark valley of a meaningless and empty life. It strikes us when, year after year, the longed-for perfection does not appear, when the old compulsions reign within us as they have for decades, when despair destroys all joy and courage. Sometime at that moment a wave of light breaks into our darkness, and it is as though a voice were saying, "You are accepted. You are accepted," accepted by that which is greater than you, and the name of which you do not know. Do not ask for the name now; perhaps you will find it later. Do not try to do anything now; perhaps later you will do much. Do not seek for anything, do not perform anything, do not intend … [Read more...]
The Verbs of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday
Ever notice the verbs from Maundy Thursday and Good Friday? I read the other day that too often we speak and write about faith in Jesus and ignore the faith of Jesus. Jesus’ words, prayers, tears, humility, and suffering during this point of the Holy Week story illustrate His faith. WE can research and listen for these action words occurring during Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and all the way through Easter morning celebrations. The verbs - the part of speech that shows action and perhaps the most important word in a sentence - show us Jesus’ faith. Breath in their meanings and ponder their lessons as you worship this holy week. I looked up the verbs of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday - the week that changed everything: Jesus spoke Replied Answered Took bread Gave thanks Broke it Gave it to the disciples Took the cup Gave thanks Offered it to the disciples Sang hymns Predicted Knelt in the garden Fell on his face Prayed more Found the disciples … [Read more...]
The Power of the Empty Tomb
The empty tomb is one image that lingers in my heart during Holy Week. What does this symbol invite you to consider? “The Resurrection is not a single event, but a loosening of God’s power and light into the earth and into history that continues to alter all things, infusing them with the grace and power of God’s own holiness. It is as though a door was opened, and what poured out will never be stopped and the door cannot be closed.” Megan McKenna I read and reread this quote, which seems so perfect to ponder during Holy Week. The Resurrection of our Savior infuses everything with God’s love and grace. God opened the door, the threshold into His heart, and that access will never be closed. May the power of the empty tomb transform and nourish your faith this Holy Week. What are you hearing from God this Holy … [Read more...]
Holy Week Scripture Lessons – Lectio Divina
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him.Luke 22: 39Luke 22:14-23:56Jesus went out as usual...and his disciples followed him Lord, so my lessons once again in this week’s long Scripture reading.Yet it is a small phrase buried someplace in the middle of those many verses that draws me in.Jesus went out as usual.I almost missed it as I get tangled up in visions of the last supper, Peter’s denial, your tears in Gethsemane.Jesus went out as usual.Prayer is a powerful anchor in Your life, LordAgain and again You left the crowds to pray in silence and solitude.I read the other day, Lord, that too often we speak and write about faith in Jesus and ignore the faith of Jesus.Prayer saturated Your faith.Your priority was time alone with God.You show us once again in this phrase and by Your actions where You found strength, direction and trust.Your “usual” nourished Your faith.Jesus went out as usual...and his disciples followed him. May I be like Your … [Read more...]
Pay Attention to Your Tears – Quote of the Week
"You never know what may cause them. The sight of the Atlantic Ocean can do it, or a piece of music, or a face you've never seen before. A pair of somebody's old shoes can do it. Almost any movie made before the great sadness that came over the world after the Second World War, a horse cantering across a meadow, the high school basketball team running out onto the gym floor at the start of a game. You can never be sure. But of this you can be sure. Whenever you find tears in your eyes, especially unexpected tears, it is well to pay the closest attention.They are not only telling you something about the secret of who you are, but more often than not God is speaking to you through them of the mystery of where you have come from and is summoning you to where, if your soul is to be saved, you should go next. Frederick Buechner … [Read more...]