“Let It Go” from the Disney movie “Frozen” was the hit song last year. Everyone was singing the words from youngsters to advertisers and comedians to pastors and flashmobs. Letting go can be a type of prayer too. Often it is called the prayer of release or the prayer of relinquishment. Sounds simple but often, in reality, quite challenging. I turn to God for help with a burden or a concern about a friend/loved one. I worry. I am afraid. Anxiety drives my prayer. I give my distress to God….then take it back. Leaving it in his hands is difficult. What type of things can we let go into God’s care? Our attempt to control Our will Concerns, worries, fears Physical and emotional burdens, life circumstances, discernment and distractions Friends and family Attachments that come between us and God When trying to let go in a prayer, I come to God, quiet myself, offer my prayer, often picturing placing the concern into his hands. But after a few minutes or hours, I … [Read more...]
What Symbols Encircle You in Your Portrait?
Imagine arriving at the artist studio to have your portrait painted. You would poise in a typical stance, hold your hands in your customary manner and hope the end result showed your true self. What symbols would the artist paint around you to represent your life? I attended a workshop last week where we explored this question. Two Benedictine sisters shared the story at St. Benedict and discussed his legacy and his Rule. They introduced his biography by showing a common artist rendition of what he may have looked like including items that described his life. St. Benedict holds in one hand a book representing his most important contribution – The Rule of Benedict, the foundation of many religious orders' guidelines and still used today. His other hand grips a shepherd staff, symbol of his pastoral role for many who followed him. Most portraits and statues of Benedict include a raven, sometimes with a piece of bread in the bird’s mouth. Legend tells that Benedict tried to … [Read more...]
National Face Your Fear Day
Did you know today is National Face Your Fear Day? Ever think how your life would be if you did face a fear that was holding you back in an unhealthy way? Can you even list your fears and which ones are the most detrimental to your spirit? I used to think I didn’t have a huge list of fears – I like pubic speaking, don’t shriek too loud at spiders and absolutely love thunder and lightening storms. I don’t like heights. And I definitely don’t like to open those cans of biscuit that explode unexpectantly with a shocking boom. I am discovering though, that fear is the foundation for many of my negative emotions. Never realized that years ago. Discouragement - Fear of not being good enough Anger – fear of being powerless or insignificant or worse yet – unloved. Guilt – fear of not being included or accepted. Too much to do/read/learn – Fear of Missing Out ( FOMO) So I found it interesting we had a National Face Your Fear Day and the opportunity to … [Read more...]
The Blessings of Being in Hot Water
Ahhh, hot water. I had a hot shower this morning. Now that may not seem like a miracle or breaking news to anybody, BUT our hot water tank died two days ago. We haven’t had any hot water. No steaming morning shower. My daily ritual disrupted. Cold water sponge rinses to the face. Dishes left dirty in the sink. Hands washed using anti-bacterial hand cleanser. Today we returned to normal with the installation of a new hot water tank. Simple modern convenience I too often take for granted. But not today. I felt blessed this morning with hot water. Ahhh, hot water. I have a spiritual practice of remembering my baptism daily in the shower. As water drenches my body and soul I say out loud: “I celebrate being a loved child of God. Lord, help me remember that everyone I meet today is also your child.” Now I could have kept saying that without the shower, but somehow the effect of cascading, delightful, refreshing jets of water brings me into this praising of our … [Read more...]
3 Steps for Creating a Sacred Space at Home
One key result from my recent readers’ survey was we all struggle with hearing and experiencing God. There are times everything seems to fall into place and we have a profound encounter. Other times we feel restless, distracted and strain like our ears and hearts are plugged with cotton. I believe God is within us and around us all the time. But at times I just can’t quite tune him in. Busyness diverts my attention. Worries and fears fill my head instead of his voice. My mind races ahead to the next project, missing the blessing in the present. To be honest there are times, my morning moments with God is another item to check off my to do list or another “why can’t I do better?” ego never good enough thought. A Sacred Space. I have a glider in my office that I sit in for my moments with God. My Bible and prayer list are nearby. The table holds my journal, pen, the God Box (to put in the prayers that I seem to cling to and not leave in God’s hands) and whatever daily devotional I … [Read more...]
How to Recognize the Unseen Heroes in Your Life
Ever suddenly realize the heroes in your life? Who they are? That they were there all the time and you never really notice? Or maybe you did see them, but unexpectedly the gratitude of their presence overtakes your heart and you know this relationship is something special and priceless. We just returned from a wonderful week in the Outer Banks. Yes, lots of beach, sun and surf. Fun and relaxing, but more importantly time spent with lifelong friends. Friends who entered and impacted my life at different crossroads of time - all intersecting together for a week in North Carolina. I spent the week with three friends from various points in my life. Being close to the same ages, we share common milestone events – weddings, birth of children, graduations, marriages of children, grandchildren and now even retirement. Yet more than just experiencing these same life stages, I noticed something unique about our friendships. All three of my friends were present and walked me through key … [Read more...]
Hands – A Gift from God
Hands are a miracle gift from God. The human hand has long fascinated me. The Human Hand Did you know: The human hand is composed of 27 bones plus numerous tiny sesamoid bones that are in the hand’s tendons. In order to have the hand work in a coordinated fashion add in 29 joints and at least 123 named ligaments. 34 muscles are in charge of moving the fingers and thumb: 17 in the palm of the hand, and 18 in the forearm. 48 named nerves: 3 major nerves, 24 named sensory branches, 21 named muscular branches. 30 arteries and nearly as many smaller branches are named. I am sure you know that no two human beings in the world have similar fingerprints. The fingerprints of twins can be indistinguishable in some respects but still they never match exactly. The palm and the skin on the underside of the fingers is a unique area of the human body. For a start, it has no hair and is composed of tough durable but incredibly sensitive skin. Did you know you can’t get a … [Read more...]
What I Learned in August – Monthly Musings
Several blogger friends post a summary of what they learned each month. Emily Freeman originated the idea and I love reading different people’s lists – always full of tidbits of wisdom, innovative ideas, and resources. My blogger friend, Dolly, does this also. Emily writes on her blog: “I’m a firm believer in the importance of looking back before we move forward.” And I certainly agree with her. This simple practice has helped me live a more reflective life and to capture those moments/tips/words of wisdom that mean so much to me, but too often I forget in the daily busyness. This method appeals to me because it is so hard to capture and remember good moments when life is moving so quickly and with so much noise. So I wanted to do join this growing trend for monthly reflections BUT…would always forget!! Soon it would be the end of the month, I would be reading their posts again and thinking where did the time go? One more month of not gathering the precious thoughts I … [Read more...]