Did you know April 23 is World Book Day? The national celebration of reading and of books is run by The Reading Agency, a national charity that inspires people to become confident and enthusiastic readers. April 23, 1564, is the day English poet, playwright William Shakespeare was born. Fifty-three short years later, also on April 23, 1616, the playwright died. For this reason, among others, it was a natural choice for UNESCO to create World Book Day to pay a world-wide tribute to books and authors on this day. So what books have you been reading lately? Here are a few I have completed and one on order that I hear great things about and can’t wait to read. Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary was a wonderful read. I usually don’t read fiction, but this one was inspiring, funny, and a delight to read. I now want to see the movie too. The Book of Longings by Susan Monk Kidd. What if Jesus had a wife? This book explores a possibly story about this. This gave me new … [Read more...]
Disarming our Language – A Lenten Practice
Are you ever shocked when you hear yourself say something that comes out of your mouth totally different from what you really meant to say? Or get caught up with negative internal self-talk with words that you wouldn’t say to another person yet somehow mentioned to your own soul frequently? I read the phrase last week – disarming our language. Pope Leo spoke about the practice of abstaining in Lent: “… from words that offend and hurt our neighbor. Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves. Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities.” Later I read what Adam Bucko wrote in his Substack article: “join me this Lent in “laying down our arms”, in ending the war within us … [Read more...]
Using Questions in Journal Writing
Questions are a powerful tool for spiritual growth and practices. I have found writing out the questions that are stirring in my heart in my journal has helped me grow, find direction and sometimes even healing in staying with the unknowns. The very act of finding the words to describe my questions brings clarity and often peace. Articulating these questions is helpful and at times I discover I am asking the wrong question. I sit quietly, holding these questions lightly and open up to God for his light and insight. We are in times of uncertainty and many unknowns. Our human instinct is to rush to finding answers out of fear and insecurity. Thinking of our crazy and chaotic reality reminded me of one of my favorite quotes. Rainer Maria Rilke wrote this in his book, Letters to a Young Poet: “I want to beg you, as much as I can, dear sir, to be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves like locked rooms and like books that are … [Read more...]
Breath Prayers – a Lenten Practice
This season of Lent I have been intentionally slowing down and listening to God. The use of breath prayers has helped me in this practice. Breath prayers are short prayers said in one breath. Simple, repetitive and surprisingly ancient. The breath prayer generally involves quietly repeating a chosen phrase for several minutes, allowing the prayer to take on the shape of one’s breathing so that the words accompany every breath. Examples of common breath prayers are “In you, Lord, I put my trust,” “Help me understand your ways, Lord,” “Lord I am yours,” “ I am, God’s Beloved,” and “My Lord and my God.” The idea is to pick a meaningful phrase and repeat it until it becomes a part of your being. Perhaps the most famous breath prayer is the Jesus Prayer. This prayer goes like this: “Lord Jesus Christ” (while breathing in), “have mercy on me, a sinner” (while breathing out). This is done repeatedly until all is stilled within your heart. I am rereading the classic, The Way of a … [Read more...]
Lenten Listening
We have entered the Lenten season. Are you exploring any new Lenten practices? Sticking to the traditional ones of fasting, service, and repentance? Letting go of something tangible or even intangible like a mindset or way of reacting? It is not too late to answer the divine invitation to practice Lent. Here are some thoughts that I have been pondering about Lent as I listen deeply to this season’s lessons. Maybe something will stir within your soul as you listen. I shared two weeks ago this thought: “I feel this year to enter Lent with silence, stillness and a listening heart. I hope to increase my morning prayer time with quiet contemplation on the gracious and grandeur of God and the love and sacrifice of Jesus. I am asking the Holy Spirit to show me what obstacles I cling to that prevents me for fully loving the Trinity and to create space in my heart for more and More. “ I have been sitting in silence and stillness and listening this Lenten season. God has … [Read more...]
Four Somethings – 2026 Midwinter
I love to share Four Somethings – things I have read, seen, experienced that made me stop and savor life. One practice I frequently encourage is reflection – pausing and pondering where you are, where you have come from, and where is God inviting you into next. I share bits of wisdom in four categories. Gathering Four Somethings make me aware of all the blessings often hidden under busyness, worries, and distractions. These “somethings” become markers in our spiritual journey. With so much pivoting and uncertainty in our lives right now, being grounded in a simple practice like this guides my way. Something Wise “One cannot cover the face of God.” African proverb I am reminded to take deep breaths and be present in the moment. God is here and yet larger than I can comprehend or imagine. And I am held in the hands of God and called beloved. You are too! Something Wonderful Do you burp your house? I think this is such a fun, silly term. Popular in … [Read more...]
Visualizing My Word of the Year
I find the practice of visualization to be helpful in my journaling, prayers and discernment. Using God’s gift of imagination, I “see” what is possible and find hope and motivation. Having a picture or image of my word of the year reminds me to keep listening for its lessons and helps me focus and pay attention. In 2026 my word of the year is “way.” I am learning to listen how I say this word. Do I say “a way” or “the way?” Is way capitalized or not when I “see” the word? Paying attention to this detail has helped me get to know my word better. But what does my word look like? I have absolutely no talent in drawing. I have tried to do sketches or calligraphy, but a toddler could do better. Remember I am the one who failed scissors in kindergarten and never really improved on my small muscle capabilities since then. I needed outside help to find some ideas about how my word may appear. I entered this word into one of the artificial intelligence tools and ask it to create a … [Read more...]
Letting Go and Creating Space in 2026
Due to the predicted drifting snow and wind, I postposed a planning meeting with the worship team. We would meet a week later but still have time to get worship details organized for the upcoming season. The forecast foretold of difficult driving and no one wanted to be out on the roads. Guess what? The storm never really materialized, and we could have held the meeting and gotten our work done. I bemoaned this fact several times to my hubby. He kindly remined me, “Don’t keep second guessing yourself. Let it go.” Don’t keep second guessing myself. Yes, that is a good thing to release not just for this event but onward. Too often I let this old habit of rehashing and overthinking take over my mind and sometimes ruin a day. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set … [Read more...]