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...]
Words of Comfort
Words of Comfort 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 there was one only. This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord, “You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has … [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...]
7 Books & 7 Quotes about Books
Books Books – I love them. I have piles on my nightstand, stacks on my desk, and too many on my bookshelves so my hubby tells me. "Do you really need another book?" he asks. " Do you need air?" I answered with a glare. I should own stock on Amazon. And I will be truthful – I support our local library too. I borrow quite a few of the books from their shelves – share the love, right? I enjoy reading other people's blogs about what they have read or are reading, so thought I would share a few with you this week. Most of the following books I have read since the first of the year. Hopefully you will find a couple of new books to enjoy! 7 Books The Gift for All People – Max Lucado I love how Max Lucado writes – inspirational stories and powerful word images. This book is a collection of short devotional stories focusing on God's gift of love and grace for all of us. My only disappointment is the book isn't original – it is composed of stories taken from his earlier … [Read more...]
Good Friday – It is Finished
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30 … [Read more...]
Merry Christmas! 11 Christmas Quotes and Prayers
Take a moment over the busy Christmas days to ponder a few Christmas quotes and prayers. May these words bless your time with God. “What is uncertain is not the ‘coming’ of Christ but our own reception of Him, our own response to Him, our own readiness and capacity to ‘go forth to meet Him.” Thomas Merton When the shopping is over And gifts stashed away When the food has been eaten And the children off to play May one thing remain In your heart and your home May the Christ in Christmas Stay all year long. Author Unknown May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen. by Robert Louis Stevenson Give us, O God, the vision, which can see Your love in the world in spite of human failure. Give us the faith to trust Your goodness in spite of our ignorance and weakness. Give us the knowledge that we may continue to pray with understanding … [Read more...]