My word for the year wavers this year. I have done this practice of exploring and pondering one word throughout the year for more than 10 years. A word for the year is a rewarding, deepening, guiding discipline. But I struggled this year with discovering the word that best fit my soul. I started in November listening, watching for words that shimmer, resonate with potential to be guiding stars. The list grows, then narrows to a few candidates for prayer and “second interviews.” Does the word stretch my imagination, contain enough mystery to invite me deeper, touch a hunger within my soul? I read what others were discovering and learning. Listening, looking, seeking a new word for 2023. The past few years spoiled me with a clear winner. A strong word that taught me lessons and brought me closer to God. This year that hasn’t been true. Yes, I watched for key words. Yes, I wrote out a list. Yes, I began to narrow the list down to a few possibilities. … [Read more...]
Declutter
Declutter is one of my favorite chores at the first of a new year. A new year stirs up the cleaning bug within my heart. I want to start the year right – with a new calendar, a decluttered office, and a sense of control over at least something in my life. In January I like to ready, rearrange, and rediscover. Readying Don’t you love the old phrase, “I am readying up the house?” This phrase comes from a blend of Scottish, Irish, and German slang and means to tidy and declutter a space. Readying our surroundings involve decluttering, cleaning, and straighten up what is left behind from the previous year or season. In early winter I tackle cupboards, drawers, closets, and shelves. Those inside jobs that often get neglected. I take things to be recycled or donated. Rearrange Next, I rearrange those cupboards, drawers, and shelves once they are cleaned and put them into order. One big project I just completed was reorganizing all my bookshelves in my home office. … [Read more...]
Moving from Christmas to the New Year
Some of us are still celebrating with family. Some of us are already packing away all the holiday decorations. Some of us are still on vacation mode not quite ready to go back to work. Some of us, pastors, law enforcement, EMT’S, nurses, never got the day off. (Thank you!) Some of us are still eating. Some of us faced the reality of the scale already. Some of us can’t quite grasp the end of the year. Some of us can’t wait to get rid of 2022 and move onto 2023. But we all look at the calendar and see 2022 quickly ending and December almost gone. I found this great song by Matthew West that seemed very appropriate for this week of in-betweeness. So take a moment, hit the pause button and listen to these lyrics. Such a great reminder. “Day After Christmas” Here comes the letdown Christmas is over Here comes the meltdown, there goes the cheer But before we have a breakdown, let us remember The light of the world is still … [Read more...]
A Christmas Blessing
God grant you the light in Christmas, which is faith; the warmth of Christmas, which is love; the radiance of Christmas, which is purity; the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice; the belief in Christmas, which is truth; the all of Christmas, which is Christ. Wilda English From my house and heart to yours: Merry Christmas! … [Read more...]
Share Four Somethings
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. Sometimes simple is best, right? I listened to my heart and to God and narrowed down my four categories and to see what they will teach me this year. Each one reminds me to pay attention to these qualities in my life as gifts from God. While earlier in the year I struggled with the whimsical category, this month that one was the easiest. God certainly surprises us! All the time! Something Wise A Franciscan Benediction May God bless us with discomfort At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships So that we may live from deep within our hearts. May God bless us with anger At injustice, … [Read more...]
Hark, the Glad Sound Hymn Story
“Hark, The Glad Sound” was the first hymn we sang this year during our church’s midweek Advent Service. I noticed it also is the first hymn listed in our hymnal in the Advent section. I knew this song but didn’t know much about its author and enjoying learning the hymn stories behind our church music. Its words present wisdom and insight for our Advent time too. Philip Doddridge wrote this hymn in 1735. Do you know anything about him? I didn’t and was surprised to learn he composed more than 400 hymns in all, Most of his music wasn’t published but was created for and intended for his congregation, generally to accompany his sermons. His congregation didn’t use hymnals, but instead had someone sing the hymn line by line from the pulpit with the congregation repeating each line in turn. I was also amazed on how old Hark the Glad Sound was - created almost 300 years ago. Doddridge was born in London, June 26, 1702. He was the youngest of 20 children and at birth … [Read more...]
Advent Prayer
This Advent prayer was written by one of my Lamplighters, mentors, and guides - Henri Nouwen. The words shape my morning prayers in this season. May this prayer bless you too. Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!' Amen. What advent prayer lights your way right now? PS: Advent is a great time to pause, listen to God, and draw closer to the Creator and Gifter of all things. Many people chose to read a special Advent book during this season, and I will humbly … [Read more...]
A Thanksgiving Blessing
I have used this blessing for our Thanksgiving meal and on retreats. Rereading its words this past week reminded me of God’s goodness, grace, and lavished unconditional love. I am grateful for all of you, for life, and God’s amazing gifts. May these words by Joyce Rupp from her wonderful book, Out of the Ordinary, bless you and yours also. May an abundance of gratitude burst forth as you reflect upon what you have received. May thanksgiving overflow in your heart, and often be proclaimed in your prayer. May you gather around the table of your heart the ardent faithfulness, kindness, and goodness of each person who is true to you. May the harvest of your good actions bring forth plentiful fruit each day. May you discover a cache of hidden wisdom among the people and events that have brought you distress and sorrow. May your basket of blessings surprise you with its rich diversity of gifts and its opportunities for growth. May all … [Read more...]