Seasons of the Soul, On Becoming Who You Are is a new book written by one of my favorite authors, Michelle DeRusha. The book takes you through the four seasons of the year with delightful detailed observations, thoughtful lessons from nature, and spiritual formation wisdom and healing we all can use. Michelle incorporates great quotes and personal antidotes that keeps you reading. I love Michelle’s raw honestly as she struggles to let go of ego and world driven expectations and her discovery of her true self. She models for us a way of discernment, listening to God, and how to allow ourselves to be how God created us to be. As a fellow writer, I loved her use of imagery and language. Here is an example: “This morning from my desk at the sunroom widow I caught sight of the yellow iris waltzing in the spring breeze, ruffled petals swishing like the hem of a flamenco skirt.” A shelf worthy and time worthy book! This is one book I am keeping by my prayer space for … [Read more...]
Pondering All
All is my word of the year. All walks with me. Shows up unexpectedly in books and conversations. Stops me and says, “Hey, take a moment and listen. I have something to tell you.” I am fascinated by having a relationship with one simple word. A word of the year becomes a companion, a wise fellow traveler, and a fun sidekick. I think that is what surprises me the most about this practice – a word of the year isn’t all serious, deep, dramatic lessons – the word sparkles with joy and smiles too. I hunt for “all” in stores. Maybe finding a great sign. A pin. Or special greeting card expressing this word in a creative way. I am one who overthinks the past and lives in the future, planning, organizing, trying to control out of fear of what might happen next. All grounds me in the present. All is what we have right now. All is all that matters. Pondering the word “all” this year has given me a new lens to see my life and the world. All has widened my view. Given me … [Read more...]
Share Four Somethings – August 2022
Share Four Somethings is a regular blog post where I feature bits of wisdom in four categories. I love this practice as it collects moments for reflection and growth. These “somethings” become markers in our spiritual journey. With so much pivoting and uncertainty in our lives right now, being grounded in a simple practice like this guides my way. I listened to my heart and to God and narrowed down my four categories and to see what they will teach me this year. Something Wise Something Wonderful Something Whispered Something Whimsical Each one reminds me to pay attention to these qualities in my life as gifts from God. I am learning that whimsical is the hardest one for me to capture and one that need the most coaxing to appear. This was true again this month. Something Wise Prayer is not asking for what you think you want but asking to be changed in ways you can't imagine. Kathleen Norris Prayer can be moments of letting go and leaping … [Read more...]
The Spiritual Practice of Questions
Questions! Do you have a curious faith? Some people belong(ed) to church that discourages asking questions. As a spiritual director I have learned the power in the spiritual practice of using questions to explore, understand, and hear God in new ways. 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. Lore Ferguson Wilbert has just released a new book, A Curious Faith, that looks at the questions God asks, we ask, and we wish someone would ask us. Questions grow from curiosity. Trying to … [Read more...]
Book Lover Day – What Are You Reading?
Book Lover Day is coming! August 9. This is a day to relax and enjoy a book – of course I think that could be every and any day. I sure do like reading and often am pouring my heart into several books at one time. Some I buy but many come from our library. Gotta love the library. Here are a few quotes from my current pile of books. Write for your Life – Anne Quindlen.“I have to write to discover what I am doing.” Flannery O’Connor“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.” Anais Nin“Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master.” Christian Lange, in his 1921 Nobel Prize acceptance speech. Amazing this was said 100 years ago and is even more true today. New Seeds of Contemplation - Thomas Merton (an often reread – do you have books you continue to pick up and reread?) “Contemplation is the highest expression of man’s intellectual and spiritual life. It is that life itself, fully awake, fully active, full aware that it is alive. It is spiritual … [Read more...]
Prayer of Abandonment
The prayer of abandonment by Charles de Foucauld has haunted me all year. The words keep appearing in readings. Its message scares me yet draws me into contemplation. This prayer is calling to my soul. Can I really pray this prayer? Am I honest in saying thank you in response to God doing what he wants with my life? Is this truthfully my only wish to be abandoned to God? Will I ever fully surrender my all to the All? Part of me says yes, but my ego shivers with the consequences. I yearn to be closer to God but to be honest, my pride, personal agenda, and independence pulls me in opposite directions. I thirst to keep the eyes of my heart only on him. This prayer of abandonment requires trust and faith that I am inadequately equipped for – I am not strong enough to pray this prayer on my own. Then I realize I am overthinking, overreacting. Fear blocks me from risking my love for God. “Just take a deep breath, Jeanie. Slow down and pray. God will take care of the … [Read more...]
The Spiritual Practice of Simplicity
Simplicity is a spiritual practice promoted by many. But I am going to be honest – keeping it simple is hard for me and this is one practice I ignore and neglect. Anyone with me? After all the uncertainties and constant pivoting of the pandemic, the turmoil of war and political divisiveness, and life in general I crave more simplicity. Letting go. An uncluttering of the emotions crammed in my soul and simple trust in God. I have kept my eyes far too long on what is wrong and have been weighted down with fears, shifting, ever-changing plans, and doubts on where I need to go into the future. "To be simple is to fix one's eye solely on the simple truth of God at a time when all concepts are being confused, distorted, and turned upside down."— Dietrich Bonhoeffer How am I trying now to practice simplicity? Please note the word: trying. I have much to learn yet about this discipline. I am decluttering my schedule. Reviewing all my commitments and activities. … [Read more...]
50 Years!
50 years ago on July 15th I married my hubby. A partnership with no regrets. Lots of love and challenges. Ups and downs. Joys and unforgettable moments together. I don’t feel old enough to be married this long – love must keep you young. I love you more today than ever before. And I would do it all again. This week we thank God for bringing us together, giving us both patience and wisdom and a companion for life. Love you, Sweetie! … [Read more...]