Questions! Do you have a curious faith? Some people belong(ed) to church that discourages asking questions. As a spiritual director I have learned the power in the spiritual practice of using questions to explore, understand, and hear God in new ways. I am a fixer and quick decider. I like the comfort of knowing answers or at least the next couple of steps on this adventure and gift of life God has given all of us. Tell me where I am going and what to expect and I will dig down and get there. But that isn’t God’s way, is it? Unanswered questions are the fertile ground of growth, formation, and surprises. I wonder why does this question nag my soul? What does it mean? What does it make possible? The best lessons emerge in the wrestling, welcoming, and wondering with each question. Lore Ferguson Wilbert has just released a new book, A Curious Faith, that looks at the questions God asks, we ask, and we wish someone would ask us. Questions grow from curiosity. Trying to … [Read more...]
The Spiritual Practice of Simplicity
Simplicity is a spiritual practice promoted by many. But I am going to be honest – keeping it simple is hard for me and this is one practice I ignore and neglect. Anyone with me? After all the uncertainties and constant pivoting of the pandemic, the turmoil of war and political divisiveness, and life in general I crave more simplicity. Letting go. An uncluttering of the emotions crammed in my soul and simple trust in God. I have kept my eyes far too long on what is wrong and have been weighted down with fears, shifting, ever-changing plans, and doubts on where I need to go into the future. "To be simple is to fix one's eye solely on the simple truth of God at a time when all concepts are being confused, distorted, and turned upside down."— Dietrich Bonhoeffer How am I trying now to practice simplicity? Please note the word: trying. I have much to learn yet about this discipline. I am decluttering my schedule. Reviewing all my commitments and activities. … [Read more...]
A Retreat Intention and God’s Intervention
Intention means what one plans to do or is aiming for in a particular situation. Every retreat I have been on the last few years, the leader has asked us what are our retreat intentions and deepest desires for our time with God. I attended a silent retreat two weeks ago and this time I knew my hunger was for clarity – clearness on my next steps in my ministry and how best to spend my time and calling. I also yearn with time to be with God, focused on the Lord, not my to do list. And yes, I hold these intentions lightly with open palms. God’s will, not my agenda. God always surprises me – with so blessings. I wrote the following in my journal towards the end of the retreat and simply share this today with you: I asked for clarity; God brought me stillness. I asked to be filled; God helped me empty. I asked what should I do; God invited me to be. I asked How can I love you more; God ask me to open, receive, and know His love. I asked for more time in the … [Read more...]
Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song – Hymn and a Prayer
Hymns are beautiful forms of worship and moments of prayer. Often, I just say, not sing, hymn lyrics when being with God. This practice deeply connects me with that song plus gives me wonderful expressions that help me articulate what I want to say to God through cries for help, praise, lament, comfort, desire, and love. Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song was a new hymn for me when we sang at our synod assembly a few weeks ago. I stopped singing just to breathe in the words. I closed my eyes and listened deeply. I worshipped. I prayed. Later I wrote them out in my journal and have used them in my morning devotion. “Those who sing, pray twice” has always been one of my favorite sayings. I think those who pray songs, sing twice! This hymn was originally composed in French by “Les petites soeurs de Jésus” ("The Little Sisters of Jesus"). The tune is a little hard to follow which probably explains why we haven’t sung it much in church, but I do love the words. Such … [Read more...]
Collecting Prayers Using My Word of the Year
All is my word of the year and I have watching for and collecting prayers containing this word. Such a simple word - you would think I would have an endless list by now but alas, the list grows slowly. Slowly - that in itself is a good lesson. I tend to rush, skim, get it done. Looks like God is inviting me to savor and enjoy each prayer. To allow its word to seep into my soul. To feel its “all” to permeate my heart and shape me. I find the prayers deepens if I copy its words, not by the printer or computer but unhurriedly with a pen into my journal. These prayers accompany me through my morning devotions and linger with me throughout the day. Holy companions, these prayers. Here are a few of my new friends shedding light on “all.” Covenant Prayer – John WesleyI am no longer my own, but yours.Put me to what you will, place me with whom you will.Put me to doing, put me to suffering.Let me be put to work for you or set aside for you,Praised for you or criticized for … [Read more...]
Practicing Self-Compassion
Do you practice self-compassion? I value self-care. I am learning soul-care. But I never really considered the importance of self-compassion before. Lately my inner critic has been very mouthy. “I should have known better.” “Here I go again. When will I ever learn”? The world, the pandemic, and the politics wear me down. The devil knows me too well – “let’s heap on the discouragement, that will trip Jeanie up!” God knows me even better. Grace from God isn’t just for others, but for our souls too. I read this definition from Positive Psychology: Self-compassion is a practice of goodwill, not good feelings… With self-compassion we mindfully accept that the moment is painful, and embrace ourselves with kindness and care in response, remembering that imperfection is part of the shared human experience. (Neff, 2019)“Self-kindness is about showing kindness and understanding toward ourselves when we fail at something, or when we are hurt (Neff, 2003a). Rather than being … [Read more...]
Word of the Year Reversal
“All” is my word of the year. One way I companion my word each year is to find a sign to put near my home altar using the selected word. I found a great sign last year for its word “Go” at our nearby Hobby Lobby. “Let’s Go” empowered me every morning. So I have been on the hunt for a new sign this year and finally once again in Hobby Lobby found one sign using this year’s word: “All of me loves all of you.” Now I know this expression was to be between two lovers, but I adopted it as my prayer. “Lord, help all of me love all of you.” Or at least that was my original intention for using the sign. God had other plans. A few weeks ago, I ventured to the center about 90 minutes from my home for a silent retreat. Often I bring a few items from my home altar with me to help create a sacred atmosphere in the room for prayer and time with God. I brought my “All of me loves all of you” sign. I entered the silence wondering how I could love God more. What more could … [Read more...]
Name Your Season
What season are you in right now? Depending on how you define the word “season” will influence your answer. Is it winter leaning into spring? Is there a change in life/job/role? Is it quiet/growth/turmoil/change? Is it a new decade of life or significant birthday/anniversary? What a good question though to ponder and explore to help know what is impacting and shaping you currently on your spiritual journey! In looking at the calendar year I am in the season of spring. Yes I know, I know, the official date of spring is a few weeks from now but if you listen closely to the meteorologists, they will tell you March 1 is the first day of metrological spring. Yah! Take a moment and consider the next three months – the months of spring. March. April. May. What gifts will these three months bring? What will I learn by paying attention to them? Where is God inviting me closer now and into the near future? The season - I decided to name it and proclaim … [Read more...]