Hamilton. This popular Broadway show burst into our lives two years ago. In Chicago a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to see it and to enjoy its story in person. My reaction? Phenomenal! Wow! I want to see it again. My good friend, Nancy, who knows and loves music and stories, told me last year I would like it. I wasn’t sure but I do trust her opinion, especially when it involves musical theater. I know I like history, but come on, me listen to a show mostly with rap and hip-hop? Really? Ha! I was quite the skeptic. When will I learn to quit allowing my arrogant presumptions and judgmental attitude to block an opportunity? Sigh. I listened to the music of Hamilton. I read more about his story. I fell in love with this musical and couldn’t wait to see it in person. Total reversal. Unexpected surprise. Lesson learned – once again. Often our opinions obscure opportunities. [Tweet "Often our opinions obscure opportunities. Jean Wise"] Five Spiritual Snippets from … [Read more...]
A.W. Tozer – Person of the Month
A.W. Tozer – I bet you know his name and maybe read his books, such as the Pursuit of God or The Knowledge of the Holy. But what do you know about his man? Here at Healthy Spirituality we explore different faith practices and learn the stories of people of faith to fuel our faith and nourish a healthy spirituality. I love learning the background of others before us who walked in faith – so much wisdom and lessons in their stories. We discover our own story within their stories, all encompassed in God’s story. Let’s meet A. W. Tozer. A.W. Tozer – His Story Of course, the first question is what does the A. W. stand for? And the answer is: Aiden Wilson. Now you can impress your friends with that bit of info. Here are some highlights from his life: Lived 1897-1963. Became a Christian at age eighteen and was ordained at age twenty-three, serving in the Alliance Church . Wrote more than thirty books. He wrote the rough draft of the book he is best known for: … [Read more...]
Monthly Musings –What I Learned in January
January Monthly Musings One-twelfth of the year is gone already. Wow. Time seems to speed faster and faster, doesn’t it? Just one reason why stopping and capturing the moments each month has become a valuable practice for me. Each month I pause and look back at what I am discovering, learning, and exploring in life – I call these my monthly musings. Living this reflective practice helps me slow down and savor this precious gift of life we’ve been given and all the gifts to be discovered given by such a loving, gracious God. Capturing these special moments gives meaning, depth, and delight to life. Let’s wake up to the wonders in the ordinary all around us. I record what I notice on the pages of my Monthly Musing Journal. You can use anything, scrapes of papers, a journal or a calendar. Copies of my Monthly Musing Journal are available on Amazon and are a convenient way to keep track of the little things in life we often miss. Or if you want to click the button at the end of … [Read more...]
Quotes to Ponder
I love reading quotes to ponder. If you have been reading Healthy Spirituality for very long, you know I love quotes – concise bits of wisdom - to breath into our souls and meditate in our mind. I have been writing some long posts lately and think a shorter one is in order. How about some quotes to ponder today? The following words have been lingering in my heart lately and stirring up conversation between my deeper self and with God: Without faith there would be little meaning in my life. I should be ‘a mere pillar of darkness in the dark.’ Observers in the full enjoyment of their bodily senses pity me, but it is because they do not see the golden chamber in my life where I dwell delighted; for, dark as my path may seem to them, I carry a magic light in my heart. Faith, the spiritual strong searchlight, illumines the way, and although sinister doubts lurk in the shadow, I walk unafraid towards the Enchanted Wood where the foliage is always green, where joy abides, where … [Read more...]
The Spiritual Practice of Kindness
The Spiritual Practice of Kindness Kindness Have you ever stopped to think about kindness? I was surprised to learn the week of August 25- 31 is Be Kind to Humankind Week. Never heard of that one before, but the idea lingered in me as I pondered interesting spiritual practice. I wonder how the world would be, how we would live, how children would learn if we intentionally cultivated the spirit of being kind each day. In a world filled with fear and cruelty, we are itching for an outbreak of this characteristic. I hunger for more tenderness, politeness and respect. Kindness creates bridges, builds hope, and fosters gratitude. This loving act heals relationships and transforms lives. It’s easy to stay in our habits, our comfort zones of busyness and self-focus. Remember we are being shaped by our Father and his spirit dwells within us forming the gifts of “love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” within our souls. … [Read more...]
Hold On – Pueblo Blessing and Words of Comfort
Hold On - Pueblo Blessing and Words of Comfort Hold on to what is good, even if it is a handful of earth. Hold on to what you believe, even if it is a tree which stands by itself. Hold on to what you must do, even if it is a long way from here. Hold on to life, even when it is easier letting go. Hold on to my hand, even when I have gone away from you. Pueblo Blessing Keeping it simple today by sharing this blessing and comforting words. Life has been rough this past week due to an unexpected death. So I am resting and being with God. Probably writing this post more for me than you today – but sharing my heart with you. I am reminded of the classic story called Footprints in the Sand. I know I am being carried at this time: Footprints in the Sand One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times … [Read more...]
12 Quotes from Dorothy Day
12 Quotes from Dorothy Day For May's Tending the Holy Thursday theme where I delve into a topic or a person of faith for several weeks, we are looking at the life and words of Dorothy Day. Today I am sharing some of her quotes and then next week we will discuss what her life means to us today. If you missed the introduction about this fascinating Christian woman, here is the link for the first in this series. Remember I created a free Reflection Guide for you to download by just clicking the button at the end of this post. I think this guide would be great to copy and keep in your journal for further contemplation. It has several quotes divided by topics, followed by a writing/reflection prompt and questions with space to write. I hope it blesses your journey with Dorothy. Dorothy Day Quotes “I have long since come to believe that people never mean half of what they say, and that it is best to disregard their talk and judge only their actions.” ****** “I really only … [Read more...]
Monthly Musings – What I Learned in April
Monthly Musings Each month I pause and take a look back at what I am discovering, learning, and exploring in life – I call these my monthly musings. Living a reflective life is a spiritual practice that adds depth and gratitude to our lives. Often our busy schedules make it difficult to keep a daily journal, but we can find the time to take notes of the some of the highlights, lessons, and joys by waking up and paying attention. I record these on the pages of my Monthly Musing Journal. You can use anything, scrapes of papers, a journal or a calendar. Copies of my Monthly Musing Journal are available on amazon and are a convenient way to keep track of the little things in life we often miss. What I Learned in April Lessons Learned The series I wrote in April on discernment struck a chord with many readers and deepened my awareness of discernment, not just a tool for a major life decisions, but a way of life to live each day. What a blessing we have to have so many … [Read more...]