Ever hear of the Duwamish?  I hadn’t and learned some interesting facts about these Native Americans. My church lists the various “commemorations” for the upcoming week on the back of the bulletin. I noticed that tomorrow, June 7, the commemoration of Seattle, Chief of the Duwamish Confederacy died in 1866. The church explains commemoration as this: When we are baptized, we are baptized into the body of Christ. We understand this body to be the communion of saints, a diverse witness of men and women across time and space.   Throughout its history, the church has sought to lift up Christians who have been unique, exemplary people of faith.   As we remember such Christians, we remember them in the context of remembering Christ. It is not that these people are perfect, as we are all both saint and sinner. Yet their lives point to how God’s “extraordinary grace (works) in ordinary people.” Our faith in God working in them can be a reminder of God’s grace working in all of our … [Read more...]

Transformation – What does this mean to you? In May on the Healthy Spirituality blog, the spiritual practice of transformation is our featured topic.  Each month on my Thursday posts, I pick one theme (or person of faith) to explore deeper. I call this series Tending the Holy Thursdays. Last week I introduced some thoughts about spiritual transformation what it is like as we, mere humans, are formed by God’s hand.  What emotions and images this process produces in our heart. Tuesday I loved Ceil Ryan’s essay about transformation and today I want to share with you some quotes to consider. As usual I created a free download for you.  I wrote out a worksheet for myself and to share with you called “Transformation Reflection Guide: Questions and Quotes to Quicken Change.”  Each quote and/or bible verse is followed by a question to prompt my prayers, journaling and thoughts. I have left space after each one for you to add notes too. You can get this free worksheet by clicking the … [Read more...]

Today is National Renewal Day.  Ever hear of this day before?  I hadn’t. National Renewal Day was created to honor new beginnings and fits well in the spring time growth occurring in the northern hemisphere. Its purpose is to reinvigorate us after a long winter and refresh our spirits. The dictionary defines renewal as the state of being made new, fresh, or strong again: the state of being renewed.  I like the phrase “strong again.”  Yes, I want to be strong, not cold and dying. We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise we harden. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Ways to Celebrate National Renewal Day You could use this day in a tangible way. Plan your spring cleaning. Commit to repaint a room. Refinish a dresser. Open the window to the fresh air (not a good idea here today in northwest Ohio. I think I will wait for a warmer, drier day) Renewal can be physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually, too. How can you recharge yourself … [Read more...]

Buzzing along a few weeks ago in my car, I passed a friend’s house with my cruise control set at 58 mph. Yes, minding the law and following the rules… He was walking up his gravel driveway, his back to the road, mail in his hand. I tooted my horn. Immediately, he raised his arm and extended his hand in an automatic gesture, returning my honked greeting. A spontaneous hello. I don’t think he even knew who signaled this greeting. He naturally returned the welcome with a friendly wave. This tiny incident lingered in my heart. I am not a spontaneous waver; I am more reserved. Waving Equals Being Friendly We moved to this small village in 1981.  I remember one of the first things the wise school superintendent told my hubby and I was this:  This is a friendly town. If someone honks, you wave. Wave even if you don’t know who is passing by. Knowing that piece of wisdom from many years ago, my assessment that I am slow to wave made me think about how this simple act conveys … [Read more...]

  I remember I felt shocked, uneasy, and troubled, the first time I heard the following story. Its words almost sounded foreign to my heart. I wondered why the account made me so uncomfortable. “A man told the audience about a dream he once had.  He dies and as he enters heaven, he sees Jesus waving him over to join him at a small round table. He feels welcomed and accepted as he sits down in this intimate setting with the Lord for tea and conversation. ‘I have a question for you,’ said Jesus.  The man panics. Here it comes, he thinks.  I am about to be grilled on how many people I brought to Christ. Or what about that time 20 years ago that nobody knows what I did. Or I’ll have to account for my bazillion lies and failures.  And I know I didn’t pray enough. Or serve enough. Or love enough. Jesus leans forward, intently listening for his response to his question: ‘Did you enjoy the gift of life?"  Do you enjoy the gift of life? As I pondered this tale and it effects on my … [Read more...]