“All” is my word of the year, and I am exploring, listening, and watching for its wisdom and lessons. I am still in the get-to-know phase of my new friendship with my word. I so enjoy the One Word Community founded by Lisa Burgess where I shared my words and experiences with others who also do this practice each year. Thanks to @lynnmorrisey who suggested in the comments there to read Mark Batterson’s book All In to add insight to my word. Reading what others write about your word of the year is a great way to start. Discovering the words to define and clarify whatever we are experiencing in our spiritual journey often lights the way forward. This simple but powerful practice grounds us if we are upset, in transition, or uncertain. Naming and describing our feelings, our thoughts, our reflections and even our word of the year settles our souls and aligns us with God. “All” is defined as the whole. The total. Nothing held back. Batterson explains that this word … [Read more...]
Books Ready to be Read
Books! I love them. I have a constant list ordered to borrow from my library. And of course, I buy too many books. Amazon and I are on a first name basis. I don't have too many books; my challenge is not enough bookshelves. I do love to read what others are reading and have shared current books I am reading on this blog too. So here are a few I am immersed in reading, savoring, highlighting, enjoying and devouring. Growing Slow by Jennifer Dukes Lee The idea of unhurried living certainly appeals to most of us worn out by busyness, expectations, and distractions. In this book Jennifer talks about when she gave herself permission to slow down and invites us to join her. I can't wait to read the practices she suggests for slowing down. She writes, "Hurry will consume you until you have nothing left. But we don't even know it's happening, because there's a popular idea out there that purposeful living is synonymous with hurry. And that if you want a great life, … [Read more...]
What’s On My Reading Stand?
What's on my reading stand? I don't know about you but I am one of those types who has multiple books going at once. I pick one up to read one night, then often am onto another one next. I love to slowly digest the wisdom from other writers. I love the blog posts where I get the glimpse into what another is reading so thought today I would share what is piled up, ready to be taken in by my heart, mind, and spirit. 3000 Miles to Jesus – Pilgrimage as a Way of Life for Spiritual Seekers by Lisa Deam. She had me at the word – pilgrimage -as that is a key word in my spirituality. This is a new title exploring that everyone is a pilgrim and we are all on a journey. This is a book about traveling well. "For Dante, pilgrimage required two elements; the challenge of distance and the sense of being strangers in a strange land." I certainly can agree with that statement – both in my external travels and my inward journey. I especially like how she introduces us to fellow … [Read more...]
Searching for Certainty in Uncertain Times
Searching for certainty? Aren't we all seeking solid ground in this crazy upheaval of a year we are living in? Searching for certainty, if I am honest, has always been a need of mine. How about you? Shelly Miller's Searching for Certainty Searching for Certainty is the name of a new book, released today, by my friend and fellow writer, Shelly Miller. Searching for certainty always leads me back to the certain, faithful God of all. I read an early copy of Shelley's book and her words made me realize how often uncertainty has influence my thoughts and behaviors. She shared her shaky times in her life and then surrounds her story with wisdom and grace. Each chapter ends with amazing thought-provoking questions to take to God through prayer and journaling. Ironically Shelly wrote this book long before the pandemic arrived at everyone's doorstep - God prepared her heart to share these insights just in time to provide strength, wisdom, and encouragement for all … [Read more...]
What I am Reading in September
What am I reading right now? I love peeking onto other people's bookstands, discovering new books to read. Reading and lifelong learning are passions of mine and between our local library now open for limited hours and good ol' Amazon, I always have plenty of piles of books to tackle. I am one of those types who read more than one book at a time. I graze. I underline. I highlight. I make notes in my journal. In 2020 I wanted to read more and can honestly say, this is one goal that so far, I have accomplished. So here are a few of the books expanding my heart and nourishing my mind right now. The Interior Castle – St Teresa of Avila. Translated by Mirabai Starr. I have just begun an online course on the Interior Castle from Richard Rohr's Center for Action and Contemplation. The material is presented by Mirabai Starr, the author of this version and James Finley. Mirabai's enthusiasm and obvious love for Teresa of Avila is phenomenal, inspiring the reader to dig … [Read more...]
The Spiritual Practice of Knowing, Speaking, and Sharing our Faith Stories
Faith stories. Can you express your personal story of how God has shaped your life? Do you know and share your faith story? How does this spiritual practice impact both our lives and the lives of others? Faith stories. I listen to them in conversations. I love reading them in books and articles. I lean forward expectedly when they are shared in interviews. Faith stories connect us with one another. Remind us we aren't on this journey alone. They inspire us to try once again. They motivate us to stand up for grace, justice, and love. Knowing, speaking, and sharing our stories reveal how God is ever-present in our lives. Knowing our faith story – Reflecting on how we first learn about God, how to pray, what helps us hear him gives us insight into how God is shaping us, calling us near to him. I call it holy hindsight – to review both our spiritual high points and low times and know God walked alongside us. Knowing our faith story brings healing and fills me with … [Read more...]
The Inner Chapel – New Book by Becky Eldredge
Are you aware of your inner chapel? The idea of an inner chapel intrigued me and invited me into Becky Eldredge's new book, The Inner Chapel, just released this week. She defines the inner chapel as "simply a place within each of us where God dwells and where we can meet God." This book then shares what this means and gives us insight and tools for this fresh idea of spiritual growth. What a reassuring and welcoming image to hold and behold. This is a deep book full of comfort, guidance, and invitation to come closer to God. Its words provide even more value in this time of uncertainty and fear. To know we are not alone, no matter where we are or what our circumstances are – God is with us. The Inner Chapel is a book overflowing with God's promises and offerings of insights to new approaches to prayer. Promises such as: We Are Not AloneWe have ShelterWe Belong to GodWe are Fully Seen and Offered MercyWe have a Companion in Our Suffering In our inner … [Read more...]
What Are You Reading? Fiction? Nonfiction? Both?
What are you reading right now? I am normally a nonfiction reader so this will surprise those of you who know me – I actually read and finished a fiction book this past week. I also enjoy several nonfiction ones in my improved practice of making the time for self-care in reading. This was one of my goals for 2020. The spiritual practice of reading feeds the mind and the heart. New ideas stretch our imagination and shape our faith. I love opening my eyes to see the world in new ways, in God's way. What am I reading? The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michelle Richardson. This is the fiction book I mentioned above. I did enjoy the story and couldn't put it down once I get started. Based on historical facts about in the 1930s in Kentucky where women rode mules or horses to deliver books and reading material into the hills of Appalachia – of course, anything doing with books appealed to me. The main character is a traveling librarian, part of … [Read more...]