What was wrong with me? Here I walked on the remote island of Iona where for thousands of years, Christians experienced God and I felt nothing.I was disappointed. What was I missing?I wrote in my journal that last full day on Iona: “Thank you Lord for this walk on ‘ancient paths.’ The beautiful hikes have physically blessed me and I felt joy with the wonderful discussions filled with laughter among friends. But spiritually something is missing. What does my soul need from this sacred time here on Iona?I know I felt a ‘quickening’ of my spirit, the touch of your hand, the closeness of your breath when I saw the Scottish landscape, the villages and people. I experienced your presence in the Edinburgh Castle and my surprise discovery of the Writers Museum. But Iona remains bare. I don’t want to miss it, ignore You nor do I want to demand its arrival either. Help me see the gift you have for me here on Iona.”On our pilgrimage to Scotland and England we spent two full days on the Island … [Read more...]
Seeing Everyday Signs
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” – Marcel ProustWhen you travel you learn to see with new eyes. Common sights in our everyday existence jump into our imaginations with new wings when seen on foreign soil.Our recent pilgrimage to Scotland and England, I was fascinated by the road signs. We were in countries where we knew the language - English, of course, - but words and their meanings were different. Here are a few of my favorites:A Loo is a bathroom. Really? They give awards for the best toilets???This would get my attention!Polite way to saying Yield.At first I thought this was a hidden Mickey.We were on a tidal island but got off safely.Here we tip cows. I guess flies are more fun in England. I just never could get one to tip over for me.And your heart...They never ceased to remind us that they drive on the correct side of the road. This made me wonder how strange some of our signs, customs and words are to people … [Read more...]
Everything – Lectio Divina
Then he called his disciples to him, and said to them, "Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury.For all of them contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."Mark 12: 43-44(She) put in everythingLord my arm muscles ache.My hands overloaded with carrying the things I cling to so desperately.My heart can’t flow, jammed with worries and cares.My head congested with past regrets and future imaginative circumstances. My heart wants to let go and run to You with empty outstretched palms but my head screams, “Wait... what if...”This woman in the Gospel today, Lord. She gave You everything.Everything.She gave out of her poverty of money when I struggle with my poverty of spirit.Yet You tell me You live within me.You are my Storehouse, my Provider.You are the Shepherd to this little lamb and sheep are not burden carrying creatures.You gently help me lay … [Read more...]
Be Alert – Quote of the Week – Henry David Thoreau
My profession is always to be alert, to find God in nature, to know God's lurking places, to attend to all the oratorios and the operas in nature.Henry David Thoreau … [Read more...]
What’s on My Night Stand?
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...]