Ohhh, I do love books. Right now I am reading or just finished several really good ones and wanted them with you.1. Keri Wyatt Kent is one of my favorite authors. I love how her words in her books, articles and on her blog invite me closer to God.Keri's latest book, Deeply Loved: 40 Ways in 40 Days toExperience the Heart of Jesus, is not an exception. This book in 40 reflections sharing 40 ways drenches you in God's love.I love her first story of the foster parents facing the challenge of raising a four year old boy whose roots run deep in poverty, illness and abandonment."When they tucked him in at night they ask him, `Jonathan, when God looks at you, what does he say?" And they have taught him to answer, "He says, `I sure do love that little boy!" "The truth is, God sure does love you. When he looks at you, his first thought is love...Augustine asserted, "God loves each of us like an only child."This book is rich with Scripture, practical wisdom and encouragement. I highly recommend … [Read more...]
Pilgrimage Preparation
If you read this blog regularly you know I returned last week from a pilgrimage to Scotland and England, including two wonderful days on the island of Iona, home of Celtic Spirituality. The next few blog posts will share some of my experiences while on this journey.We left for the overseas flight on October 21, but my pilgrimage preparation began before that. I prayed for an open heart and God’s help to pay attention to the things He wanted me to see. I journaled my hopes and dreams for this trip. I emailed friends for advice, such a Nancy Franson, who earlier this summer also stepped into the unknown for a God adventure. You can read her marvelous summary of her trip here. I searched for a special scripture verse to carry with me on this trip. Being an overachiever, I first thought of full chapters in the Psalms or the entire book of John, but God in His wisdom quietly led me to one verse:This is what the Lord says: Stand at the crossroads and look; Ask for ancient paths,; Ask where … [Read more...]
The Greatest Commandment
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”Mark 12: 28-31 (NIV)You said it all, Lord: “ There is no commandment greater than these.”I am to love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.I am to love others as I love myself.All other doctrine is secondary. All debates on what is true fades in the light of Your words.My worries and doubt evaporate.Carve this commandment onto my heart, Lord.Let me live each moment obeying these words.I ask Your blessing to live loving You completely - heart, mind, soul and will.Show me the way to love … [Read more...]
Home
I am home after a wonderful pilgrimage to Scotland and England. Today’s quote seemed a to fit my sense of arriving home.Home - Quote of the Week“It’s a funny thing coming home. Nothing changes. Everything looks the same, feels the same, even smells the same.You realize what’s changed, is you.”Eric Roth … [Read more...]
Flying High
I am home! I arrived late last night from my pilgrimage to England and Scotland. Next week I will write about this wonderful trip. BUT since I knew time would be very, very short I asked one more dear friend to guest post for me today. Today my blogger friend, Clella Camp, joins us. I met Clella the first time at the Florida Christian Writers Conference. Now she is one of my best friends! We are part of an online writers group called the KindredHeart Writers and help each other through sharing resources, encouragement, critiques, and prayers. I love how Clella takes everyday blessings and sees God. She writes with such wisdom and clarity. You can check out her blog, Clella's Corner, and be sure to see her book available there too.FLYING HIGH"Carry each other’s burdens” Galatians 6:2I heard them even before I stepped out the door. The honking grated on my hearing aids somewhat like chalk on a board. Shading my eyes toward the sunrise, I could see the black V formation gliding across … [Read more...]
“I Don’t FEEL like it!”
The next few weeks I am hosting a group of guest bloggers. These very special ladies all offered to help fill in while I check off an item from my bucket list: a pilgrimage to Scotland and England. Today my blogger friend, Michelle Eichner joins us to talk about the struggle of submitting to God. This Floridian loves Jesus, family, friends, football, and helping people know the joy of studying God’s Word.I connected with Michelle though Jen Ferguson’s blog, Finding Heaven, and we are partners in one of Jen’s Soli Deo Gloria small groups. Getting to know her in this group has been such a pleasure. Being part of a small group that prays for one another is so encouraging.Stop by her blog, Leading God’s Generation, and stay awhile. You will be blessed! You may also be interested in the journals her husband and her works on for middle school kids to use to help them study God’s Word on their own. You can find the journals at http://www.leadinggodsgeneration.com“I Don’t FEEL like … [Read more...]
Be – Lectio Divina
Be still, and know that I am God.Psalm 46: 10aBe still, and know that I am God.Be still, and know that I am.Be still, and know.Be still.Be. … [Read more...]
A Blessing – John O’Donohue
In honor of my pilgrimage to Great Britain,, I send you all a blessing today:May you recognize in your life, the presence, power and light of your soul. May you realize that you are never alone, That your soul in its brightness and belonging connects you intimately with the rhythm of the universe. May you have respect for your own individuality and difference. May you realize that the shape of your soul is unique, that you have a special destiny here, That behind the facade of your life there is something beautiful, good, and eternal happening. May you learn to see yourself with the same delight, pride, and expectation with which God sees you in every moment.John O'Donohue … [Read more...]