March is Women’s History Month or should I say Women’s Her-story Month. The Tuesday and Friday posts this month will feature women who led lives that could serve as models for us in our Christian walk. It was difficult to narrow the list for the few dates in March but I did try to find some women you may not know very well and women writers. Enjoy! We start Women’s History Month featuring a remarkable woman from the Middle Ages. Hildegard of Bingen was born in 1098. The tenth child of a noble family, she was dedicated at birth to the church as was the custom of the day. At age eight she was sent to live with Jutta, an anchoress so she could get her religious education. An anchoress is like a religious recluse who spent most of her days in prayer in her tiny private cell. When Jutta died years later, Hildegard became prioress of the Benedictine convent. In 1141 Hildegard began to have vivid visions of God that blessed her with an understanding of the meaning of … [Read more...]
TAKE HEART – Lectio Divina – February 28, 2010
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. - Psalm 31:24TAKE HEARTLord I have prayed this verse many times. I concentrate on the being strong part. The internal pep talk of “ You can do it! Just hang in there. It will get better. Your shoulders can take it. Don’t show others you are weak. Be strong.”I focus on the ending of this verse about hope in the Lord. I cling to the lifeline of hope that You will save me. Well, in honesty, the small kernel of doubt often grows into a gigantic log of uncertainty as I wait and wait and wait.In the middle of this verse, two words sit quietly like an undiscovered diamond. Take heart.When I grow weak, I have Your heart, Lord. You offer it to me and say, “take heart.”I can’t do it all by myself. I need to “take heart.”When I waver and doubt grows, You tenderly hand over Your heart for courage to stay the course.What a gift, Lord. You give me Your heart, a heart overflowing with immeasurable love, courage, and perseverance. Thank you Lord … [Read more...]
"To have your identity is the most beautiful thing there is."
A Yahoo news story this week called “Argentine stolen at birth, now 32, learns identity” caught my attention. Its message lingers in my mind. Argentine security forces kidnapped a pregnant woman 33 years ago. She gave birth in prison to a boy. The newborn was taken from her and soon after the mother disappeared. One of the military officers brought the baby home to his wife. Earlier this month the son and his birth father finally were reunited. The story is heartbreaking to read. As I look at my own granddaughter I can’t imagine living in a society that disrespects human life, tears families apart, and imprisons people for standing up for freedom. Even though the democratic process is at times frustrating, I am so thankful for our country. But this story provokes another feeling within my heart when I read this quote from the newly found son:"For the first time, I know who I was. Who I am," the young man said, still marveling at his new identity. To have … [Read more...]
Subtle Signs of Spring – Hidden Hints of Hope
February is the longest month in the year. At least it seems that way in dreary cold snowbound Northwest Ohio. I really think we should lift this month out of winter and move it in between July and August – extending summer and shortening winter. I don’t mind the changes in seasons, but by this time of year, the weight of winter seems heavy and never ending. Sort of like some of the problems we have in life. Is there any hope? If I just focus on the bleak weather and lifeless trees, then that is all I see. But if I step back with unobstructed eyes, subtle changes become visible. The days grow notably longer and brighter. Someone said to me the other day he drove home after work without turning on his headlights. When winter began on December 21, we had only nine hours of light; two months later we have 11 hours of light. Within two miles, I saw a deer, skunk, opossum, and raccoon while driving this week. The animals are awake and moving – another faint clue something … [Read more...]
The Nearness of God – Lectio Divina – February 21, 2010
"The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart” Romans 10:8a (NIV)The word is near you.How incomprehensible this is, Lord, that you love us so much you dwell within our hearts. Near - a simple but powerful promise. You are near me.You plant yourself deep within my soul and never leave me. When all others abandon me, you stay near.When I shake with fear - you are near to hold meWhen I am sick with worry - you are near to give me peaceWhen I feel lost and alone - you are near as my companion.When my heart is heavy with disappointment - you are near to carry my loadWhen I boil over with anger - you are near to calm me downWhen I am hurt - you are near to heal.When I am confused - you are near to guide me.When I am weak - you are near to give me strengthWhen I doubt - you are near to fill me with hope.When I am broken, you are near with your complete loveMy heart overflows with gratitude, my hands cling to you in sacred intimacy, and my soul rejoices within my whole being … [Read more...]
Five Notes about Music as a Spiritual Practice
“Those who sing, pray twice.” St AugustineLast Sunday our church organist played in an upbeat fashion. The music drew me into worship and I felt the presence of God. Music enhances my faith and opens my heart to see God in new ways.Music is powerful. The ancient Greeks believed that music was the gateway to a person’s soul. I tend to agree. The music we hear or sing resonates God’s inner music deep inside us connecting us like part of a heavenly orchestra.Have you ever thought of music as a spiritual practice? Here are some notes, musical notes, on how music feeds my soul:1. Prods – Music prods my soul –“Hey you, awake from your slumber. God is here!” Music spurs my soul to soar.2. Praise – Music releases notes of praise within my heart. I join a chorus from throughout the earth – birds chirping, trees rustling, whales singing – the list goes on and on – the entire planet praising the Creator.3. Prayer – Singing hymns expresses my deepest feelings often when words can’t be … [Read more...]
ASHES TO ASHES – ASH WEDNESDAY
This week Lent begins – the 40 days before Easter. On Wednesday many churches hold Ash Wednesday services. This service, being utilized by more and more denominations, originated in the 10th century. Why ashes? Lent is a time to turn our hearts to God, giving thanks for the sacrifice of His son and acknowledging our own sins and limitations. We repent and like the Prodigal Son return once again to a forgiving, loving Lord.Ashes refer to the Biblical practice of mourning. Though the actually Ash Wednesday custom is not mentioned in the Bible, the use of ashes in grief is found in 2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:1; Job 2:8; Daniel 9:3; and Matthew 11:21. We grieve our sinfulness during Lent.Ashes symbolize dust-to-dustness and remind us of the need for cleansing, scrubbing and purifying. If they are applied during an act of kneeling, the very posture of defeat and submission expresses humility before God. We are marked by the Cross of Jesus.In my church and many others, the ashes come from the … [Read more...]
Prayer to See God with an Unveiled Face – Lectio Divina – February 14, 2010
Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3: 12-18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflectthe Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing gloryLord, unveil my face. Wipe away all the hidden junk that I smear on my face, pretending to be something I … [Read more...]