Reading a daily devotional feeds the soul and feeding on God’s word each day is an essential spiritual practice for our walk with Him. But do you ever just plan don’t have time for your morning routine? I sure have had that lately and feel a parchedness in my soul and a disconnect from God.I lived through a series of difficult nights and early mornings helping a dear friend through major health issues.Then this week my husband and I left at 5 a.m. to take another friend to the hospital for early morning surgery.My morning time with God has disappeared.Except for one bright moment:Author Beth Bence Reinke sent me her pocket size devotional to review. Little did she know she sent it to me just at the right time, as I desperately needed a way to communicate with God in a quick and easy fashion. Her words provided nourishment just when I most required them.Fruit Lovers’ Devotions to Go is unique in several ways. First it is pocket size, so it fits easily into a purse or pocket. Its … [Read more...]
Priceless Friendships
Friendship - I have been thinking a lot about that word this year.The etiology of this word comes from Old English combining obviously the two words – friend and ship. Friendship is the deep, close, trusting relationship between people traveling together on the same journey, on the same ship. No matter how difficult or fun, unexpected or routine, long or short the trip is, friends make all the difference.The Gospel a few weeks ago – one of my favorites – told about two people traveling together on the road to Emmaus, sharing their confusion and sorrow. Another friend joined them for their journey too.Then this quote struck my heart this week:“It takes a long time to grow an old friend.” John LeonardDeveloping and maintaining friendships does take time, but the result is priceless. Friendship can hurt too. We dig deep in our hearts to forgive, to give more when we feel depleted, and to just plain hold hands and be present for one another.My prayer of gratitude this week is thankfulness … [Read more...]
Note to Readers
Dear Friends,I won't be posting here the week of May 9 as I am helping a dear friend through some difficult health issues.Thank you for your understanding and hopefully I will "see" you next week.Jeanie … [Read more...]
Our Slow Hearted Walk with Jesus on the Road to Emmaus – Lectio Divina
Then he said to them, "So thick-headed! So slow-hearted! Why can't you simply believe all that the prophets said? Luke 24: 25 (The Message)So slow-hearted! Why can't you simply believe …Lord I know you never leave us. You are with us every moment, every breath we take.I know.My mind accepts this.But I have a slow heart. I have heard that one of the longest distances is between the brain and the heart. Though only 18 inches – faith takes a lifetime to travel and take root in our souls.Come walk with me on my journey to Emmaus, LordPry open my ears. May Your words burn in my heart and set it aflame in faith.What can’t I simply believe? Be my pacemaker, Lord, and set my heart to beat in rhythm with You.I do believe. Help my unbelief. … [Read more...]
My Favorite Story about Mothers -"When God Created Mothers" by Erma Bombeck
When the Good Lord was creating mothers, He was into His sixth day of "overtime" when the angel appeared and said. "You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one." And God said, "Have you read the specs on this order?" She has to be completely washable, but not plastic. Have 180 moveable parts...all replaceable. Run on black coffee and leftovers. Have a lap that disappears when she stands up. A kiss that can cure anything from a broken leg to a disappointed love affair. And six pairs of hands." The angel shook her head slowly and said. "Six pairs of hands.... no way." It's not the hands that are causing me problems," God remarked, "it's the three pairs of eyes that mothers have to have." That's on the standard model?" asked the angel. God nodded. One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks, 'What are you kids doing in there?' when she already knows. Another here in the back of her head that sees what she shouldn't but what she has to know, and of course the ones here in … [Read more...]
National Day of Prayer – Thinking about Prayer
May 5 is the National Day of Prayer. Its mission is to mobilize prayer in America and to encourage personal repentance and righteousness in the culture.Many communities will host local celebrations and ecumenical services praying together for peace, guidance, and wisdom to live in today’s world.Ever think how we learn to pray reflects how humans learn language?First others speak for us, modeling the words so our brains and mouths can begin to comprehend how to work.Then we learn prayers written by others and possibly recited down throughout history: Now I lay me down to sleep, the Lord’s Prayer and a favorite grace to say at dinner time.Then we venture out on our own, trying to tell God what we want and what we think we need. “Me-me-me. It’s mine,” says the toddler. Or “Life’s not fair and I want it now,” says the teen.Later we learn to say please and thank you with prayers of gratitude and praise.Do we ever fully learn to surrender all of our hopes and dreams and release them into … [Read more...]
God’s Response
My world changed on June 5 2009. Kyla Eve Rummel was born, my first grandchild. I wrote on this blog shortly after that grand day:Did you hear it? That loud whooshing noise last Friday, June 5th?At the exact moment of my new granddaughter’s birth, with her first intake of air, Kyla Eve stole my heart. Love for this new child swiftly gushed into my core and changed me forever.Whoosh! Love exploded triggering a chain reaction. Every instinct inside me wants to protect her, love her, and see her daily.Whoosh! My arms ache to hold her, to touch her.I watch her now as a toddler, exploring the world, learning new words, and embracing each moment as newly discovered treasure. You may have read in one of my past blogs how I got my grandma name, Amma.On the silent retreat I attended last week, I read Robert Wick’s book, Crossing the Desert. In this book Wicks tells about the ancient desert fathers and mothers in the 4th century who provided guidance on how to live. The book companioned me on … [Read more...]
God’s First Temples: Trees: Quote of the Week
A few minutes ago every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving, swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship. But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease. Every hidden cell is throbbing with music and life, every fiber thrilling like harp strings, while incense is ever flowing from the balsam bells and leaves. No wonder the hills and groves were God's first temples, and the more they are cut down and hewn into cathedrals and churches, the farther off and dimmer seems the Lord himself. ~John Muir … [Read more...]