I have been listening, no watching and learning also, how people interact and connect as they talk. Ever notice how some people engage more than others in deep conversations? They skip the small talk and dive pass the social chit-chat and really get to know others. That fascinates me. As an IFNJ, I am not good at small talk, but I am a listener. I am an observer. So I know there are tricks I can learn from those of you who are more skilled than me at conversation. Those of you who naturally draw others out in discussion - you have some techniques that we all can adopt. What are they? Here are some things I have observed: Wonder if these same concepts could apply to my prayers? Mmm, I think that works too. Deeper connections. More meaningful conversations. Works for people. Works in prayer. Just takes time. A little less ego. A sprinkle of love and paying attention and genuine caring of the other/Other. But worth it! What would you add to this list? … [Read more...]
What Others Say about Courage
Courage is my word of the year and what a challenging, stretching, and intense word to play with this year. I say “intense” because this is the first word that seems to pop up everywhere for me. A word that likes to surprise me; almost sneaks up on me with a “ah-ha, here is something to think about now concept about courage.” I never have had a word of the year before with so much “life” of its own before. I have been gathering quotes about what others have said about courage so thought this month I would share some of these words of wisdom with you about courage. I will continue to collect these throughout the year and know they will add to my depth of knowledge about courage. Many people rate courage very highly and I have much to learn yet: “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently,” Maya Angelou "Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at its testing … [Read more...]
What Spiritual Practices are Life Giving to Your Spirit Right Now?
What spiritual practices are giving life to your soul right now? Spiritual practices are not disciplines to be checked off, to complete in order to be “good” or to earn love. I find these sacred rhythms ground me, remind me of the magnificent of God and all the wonders and holiness of God. I remember to pause and give thanks. I ask forgiveness. I bow in reverence. I serve. I love. I draw near and am renewed. I am one with the One. My focus in less on me and more on the More. I am not rigid with a spiritual practices schedule but use the word “regular.” But I do find it helpful at times to pause and take an inventory what is working and maybe what isn’t working in my spiritual life. What am I forgetting? Neglecting? Pushing aside? Or need more of? Is it time to try a new practice? Stretch myself into a new arena? When I paused and honestly reviewed my practices this past week, I found myself “too busy” for longer contemplative prayer – a practice that nourishes my … [Read more...]
Self-Compassion
What is the kindest thing I could do for myself at this moment? This was the question shared by another spiritual director with me a few weeks ago. I thought this was a wonderful question full of self-compassion, one that made me pause and consider what did I need most at that moment. I was in a funk. Nothing horrible happened. No major disasters. Just a pile up of inconvenient disappointments and frustrations during a long dark winter of self-pity. The news and politics left me hopeless and cranky. Then I felt guilty feeling this way watching others with so many worse problems and deaths and illnesses and me just sitting here whining like a toddler. Poor me…. To be honest, I was even having difficulty praying. Anxiety ruled my quiet time more than peace. So the question was asked, “What is the kindest thing I could do for myself at this moment?” Great question. Tender. Compassionate. A small dose of self-care. After dinner that night I reconsidered the question … [Read more...]
Listen
“Incline your ear and come to me, listen so that you may live”.Isaiah 55: 3a. This is our Northwest Ohio synod’s verse of the year and our theme for this year is “listen.” As people of God, the Bishop is encouraging us to learn the sacred art of listening. Listening to God. Listening to Ourselves. Listening to Others. And Listening to the Community. God’s invitation to listen is a gift that permeates the Scriptures. From the Shema, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). To the Psalms, “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer” (Psalm 61:1). To the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock” (Matthew 7:24). To the words the Exalted Jesus repeats to the seven churches in Revelation, “Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the … [Read more...]
Things I am Trying NOT To Do List
Emily P Freeman wrote a challenging blog post a few weeks past which including her guide for 2025 especially things to do and things not to do. The list of “Not to do” jarred my spirit and really got me thinking. I knew I needed to pray about this list and not just “think” about this list but write down and activate this list. I did borrow some of her ideas, they were so good and universal too. My NOT To Do List I will not watch as much news. In fact, I will watch very little as most is tainted one way or another anyway. This is for my own sanity. I will not scroll on my phone at the same time especially at the same time as I watch TV and/or visit with family. I will not pick up the phone during the middle of the night (I sadly admit that I do this frequently) or first thing in the morning. I will wait at least one hour before checking my phone. I will not just quit when the world gets too much or as Emily called it “Checking out.There is a difference … [Read more...]
Hey, You Are Great!
A few weeks ago, a friend said to me, “Wow the color of that shirt looks great on you. That definitely is YOUR color!” I smiled all day and certainly will be wearing that shirt again with lots of confidence. “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” Mark Twain When we hear phrases like “You are great!” and “Thanks for being you!”, if they are sincere, the words boost our self-esteem, lift our mood and fill us with energy and joy. Did you know January 24 is National Compliment Day? I had never heard of that day before and think it is a wonderful way to remind us all of the power of positive words in our lives. My mom would always say, “Pay attention to the good things happening around us and pass those along to others. There is so much negative in the world. People need to hear the positives things about themselves.” Compliments are powerful words and when offered with honesty, are empowering for those on the receiving end. They build confidence and … [Read more...]
Blessings
Blessings come in many forms. We use this form of prayer in a variety of ways. I had a friend bless me the other day. She prayerfully raised her hand. Said my name. Acknowledged gifts God had given me. Thanked me for giving them to her and to others. Then reminded me who I was – a beloved child of God. A moment of peace, holy ground between us and love. God’s presence was very strong in that room and in our hearts. Blessings – we may use this word all the time. What is a Blessing? A blessing is a special prayer given from one person to another, as in sincerely wishing the best for somebody. Another way of defining blessing is an unexpected, perhaps undeserved gift. Or to give someone your blessing is to give them your permission, an approval to go ahead with their plan, such as when a young man asks his girlfriend’s parents if he can marry their daughter. Blessing can be the words we say before a meal to express our thanks for the food … [Read more...]