I should have known better. I’ve been down this path in the past and it didn’t work well for me then, why should it now? Sigh. Will I ever learn? What is wrong with me? These are the types of negative thoughts that haunt me. The inner critic appears quite quickly: When I fail. When I lose my focus. When my good intentions fade and the temptation of too many calories, too much complaining and/or whining, and old habits take over. While on retreat last week I ran across the Benedictine saying from more than 1500 years ago: "Always we begin again." Buddhist wisdom calls it “having a beginner’s mind.” Meaning you are open, willing to keep trying and to listen to teachers. I am studying the Desert Mothers and Fathers this year and they also have reference to this concept: “Abba Poemen said that every single day is a new beginning, meaning again and again we commit our way to our spiritual practices and path.” I love the idea of new beginnings. Perhaps that … [Read more...]

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” — William Arthur Ward I read a blog post the other day about ordinary things that makes us happy. His words stuck with me, opening my heart and eyes to the everyday things that bring me joy and fill me with gratitude. The process of creating this list didn’t take long – I was amazed at the simple steps in each of my day that I truly enjoyed. I realized how rich I am with these simple pleasures. The smell of coffee in the morning, any morning, even the hottest morning. Just the aroma perks me up. Refreshing lemon in my water. The wonderful taste of chocolate and mint melting in my mouth. Snuggling into the bed to get cozy at night. The birds outside my office window. The giggles and laughs and phone calls of my grandchildren. The painting at our church which draws me into deeper worship.  My journals with tattered edges from … [Read more...]

Often we don’t hear the lessons from the women mentioned in the Bible. Their stories can teach, lead and direct our paths whether they are named or unnamed. About a year ago, Barbour Publishing (the company who published my Advent devotional – Let Every Heart Prepared Him Room) asked me to be one of six women to write devotionals about the lives, loves and legacy of notable Bible women. I couldn’t wait to see the list of names they sent me. When the email arrived last January with those they wanted me to write about, I was excited to see Eve, Esther, and Elizabeth. BUT there were quite a few I really wasn’t too sure about, like Eli’s daughter-in-law, Elisheba, Euodia and Haggith. Who? How am I to be inspired by them? Oh my, what have I signed up for? I prayed. I woke up early to write. I spent time with their stories. I wrote. And last week I held the new book, newly published, written with five other writers – Women of the Bible Devotional. God has lessons planted … [Read more...]

It was about the middle of January when we finally filled the feeders with birdseed. I look forward to every winter watching the birds flocked and feast outside of my office window. We even put out the suet – the type the cardinals, blue jays and downy woodpeckers love. Dinner is served. The banquet is ready. Come and get it! But nobody came. Hey birds – it’s free food. Good and healthy. All are welcomed. Nobody. First day. Second day. “Where were my birds?”  I whined. Third day. One measly sparrow showed up briefly and then flew off. Fourth day – nothing. The fifth day the word must have finally been broadcasted to the neighborhood as at one time more than 50 birds descended onto my deck enjoying the birdseed. Today, now two weeks later I watched the blue jay enjoying the suet. A male and female cardinal rested on the little tree in the back yard after filling the tummies. Haven’t seen the woodpecker yet but think he may still show. And the sparrows … [Read more...]

I met an old friend this past weekend – the book, The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer. I revisited its highlighted, dogged-eared pages and relished its wisdom. What a wonderful feast for my soul to dig into this volume once again. Isn’t it great to have these treasures on our shelves? This book reminded me to desire God above all things in my life. That deep hunger and emptiness within me is God’s fingerprint luring me back to him as the source of all life. All of us – our deepest compelling question – is to know God. Just rereading the chapters of this book woke me up – Following Hard after God (am I doing this?), the Blessedness of Possessing Nothing, Removing the Veil ( what obstacles are preventing me from seeing God in my life?), the Speaking Voice, The Gaze of the Soul, the Sacrament of Living.   Just a few of the titles that helped me silence the internal and external noise within my heart and just pause and spend time with God, my rabbi, my teacher, my friend, my lover and … [Read more...]