March is Women’s History Month and this year’s theme is Our History is Our Strength. Intriguing title isn’t it?The web site says, “The stories of women’s achievements are integral to the fabric of our history. Learning about women’s tenacity, courage, and creativity throughout the centuries is a tremendous source of strength. Until relatively recently, this sphere of women's history was overlooked and undervalued. Women’s achievements were often distorted, disdained, and denied. But, knowing women’s stories provides essential role models for everyone. And role models are genuinely needed to face the extraordinary changes and unrelenting challenges of the 21st century.”Living a reflective life is a spiritual discipline I know I need to practice more. I need to take the time to look back over my personal history, and identify my strengths. This month also opens the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the people, especially this month the women in my life, that have empowered me … [Read more...]
Spiritual Lessons from the Pixar movie UP
Ok, I know this movie was released in 2009 – so I am behind times but this past weekend my husband and I watched and thoroughly enjoyed the Pixar film, “Up.” We laughed. We wiped away a few tears. And the movie’s lessons linger with me.Basically UP is the story of an older man, revisiting a dream from his youth. When he was younger, he and his wife both dreamed of going to South America on a big adventure. After his wife dies and life as he has known it changes all around him, he decides to go on that adventure even if he is alone. But he is not alone as an eight-year-old boy stows away on his trip. As they explore together, they met a menagerie of talking dogs, an evil villain, and a really cool bird.This movie is full of rich lessons:· Treasures can be found in even the oddest of relationships. Everyone has a story and we can learn and grow from sharing those stories with our fellow companions on life journey. Makes me wonder who am I missing, ignoring or walking past on my … [Read more...]
Tomorrow’s Troubles – Lectio Divina
“So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:34Today’s trouble is enough for today.Trouble filled my world this week, LordWorries about the future.Canceling much-anticipated plans.Heaviness with unexpected change and new responsibilities.Yet I feel Your presence as I walk through each day.You whispered to me this morning, “Don’t worry about tomorrow. I will be with you.”Thank you Lord.The weight of the future lifts from my heart because Your heart holds each coming day.The tension from my shoulders and neck relaxes with Your tender touch.As I peek out the window to the coming week, I know all time is in Your hands.No matter what troubles bubble up tomorrow or the next day or the next – I will keep my eyes on You, not the difficulties.You hold the future, Lord. And that does not worry me at all. … [Read more...]
Using Your Gifts – Quote of the Week – Henry Van Dyke
“Use the talents you possess, for the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except the best."Henry Van Dyke … [Read more...]
One Question: What Would You Ask Jesus?
Ice breakers! Love ‘em or hate ‘em – they do help to create a group spirit and build relationships. Sometimes they are fun. Other times, thought provoking.I attended a retreat a number of years ago where the first night they had us line up in two lines facing one another. We had 60 seconds to talk to the person in front of us before a bell rang and we moved onto another person. We shared: If you were having lunch with Jesus, what one question would you ask Him?I will never forget the answer I heard over and over again:Am I doing ok?Most people said the question with lots of hesitance and obvious self-doubt as if they weren’t doing alright, God wouldn’t love them as much.Why is it so hard to bring the love God has for each of us from our head to our heart?Why don’t we really believe, grasp onto and share with others this unconditional, overwhelming love?Why can’t we accept ourselves, as imperfect as we are, as God’s children?I watched a Chonda Pierce video last weekend where she … [Read more...]
People are More Important than Any To-do List
I spent most of Monday in the hospital emergency room. Not for me, but with my 99 ½ year old best friend, Esther. Esther, bless her heart, kept worrying about me. “You are so busy… I am keeping you... Just go... I will be ok… I am such a bother…” I stayed. Then on top of the inch of ice that covered our area the night before, Mother Nature began to dump an additional six inches of snow.“Go home,” her voice said, but not her eyes.I stayed.Yes my to-do list sat untouched all day.Yes I still have lots to get done this evening.Yes the pit in my stomach tightens with looming deadlines and others’ expectations. People are much more important than any list of things to do.My tummy may churn, but today I listened to my heart. And I stayed.PS I didn't write this to pat myself on the back. I just wrote it from my heart with the message that people are the most important thing we have. Some have asked about Esther and she is doing well today and being discharged. Thank you for your … [Read more...]
Seeking God’s Face – Lectio Divina
“Your face, Lord, I will seek.” Psalm 27:8bYour face, Lord, I will seek.Lord You know the truth.I did not seek You much this week.I let the world distract me.My focus blurred with worries, fears, and to be honest, busyness. My busyness, not Your work.I know when I seek You first, I see You more.That is my deepest desire.To look at my loved ones through Your eyes.To see the beauty in my least favorite season of winter.To find Your light in this dark world.To really see another who I may with my own eyes ignore or don’t notice.Open my eyes Lord, lead me.May I always hunt for You in every circumstance.Help me see the world through Your eyes.Your face, Lord, I will seek. … [Read more...]
Anticipating Spring in February – Quote of the Week
"Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle ... a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl. And the anticipation nurtures our dream." Barbara Winkler … [Read more...]