I leave Thursday for a spiritual retreat – a four day silent one that feeds my soul. I love spending time in deep conversation with God and getting away from the noise that bombards me – both internal and external. But one thing I have learned from taking multiple retreats is to take the first step days before leaving. How do you prepare your heart for a spiritual retreat? A farmer wouldn't just cast seeds on hard uncultivated ground. A writer outlines a book plot. A cook purchases the necessary ingredients for the big meal. Priming your spirit for spending time with God is like any of these types of work – usually some preliminary prayer and pondering best prepares us. 6 tips on how to prepare your heart for a spiritual retreat: Pray – Ask God to start now to quiet your internal chattering, so you can listen deeply to his voice. Ask for protection for your time away. Ask God to be with your family so your worries can stay at home and not rattle around your spirit while you … [Read more...]
The Ides of March: Beware or Aware?
The Ides of March Today is the Ides of March. You know that saying, "Beware of the ides of March" coined by the Bard himself, William Shakespeare, in his play, Julius Caesar. I am sure you will hear it at least once today recited by someone. March 15 marks the date in history that Caesar was assassinated as predicted by the seer earlier with that phrase to beware of the ides of March. I was curious about the Ides of March. Here are a few interesting tidbits I discovered: In Roman times the ides of March was mostly notable as a deadline for settling debts. The Ides of March also marks the first day of the Roman new year and the first day of spring in the Roman calendar. We have more than one "ides" each year. Actually ides occur on the 15th in March, May, July, and October or on the 13th in the other months. The word's Latin roots mean "divide," and the date sought to split the month, originally at the rise of the full moon. The term –"ides" in some Chinese vernaculars … [Read more...]
Words Matter
Words Matter Do you realize that your words matter? Words are more powerful than we can ever imagine. Words encourage. Words empower. Words excite. Words equip. Words engage. Words entertain. But words can equally cause the opposite reaction. Words matter. Any one who has been bullied knows the power of words. I can still remember in sixth grade as we completed a study about the American Indian being called "Indian Fatso." Not only do I still feel the sting of the words, I can picture the classroom, hear the boy's taunting voice and even know which row my desk occupied. A torn jacket is soon mended; but hard words bruise the heart of a child. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Ever notice how negative words remain seared in our hearts and wrapped their tangled, deep roots around our fragile ego? On the other hand, compliments and sincere comments drip off our skin like water on a duck. Words are like eggs dropped from great heights; you can no more call them back than … [Read more...]
February Monthly Musings – What I Learned/Observed in February
What are Monthly Musings? At the beginning of the month, I share lessons I learned from the previous month. I call these my Monthly Musings (I have a free cheat sheet if you want to help with this practice you (see end of this post) and/or a printed book, Monthly Musings Journal, available on Amazon if you are interested). These are ways to incorporate the spiritual practice of reflection into your life and often I see God's touch and presence more in this rearview mirror look-back on life. I have been working on a book proposal about the value of the spiritual practice of remembering and living a reflective life. Doing this column each month has grounded me in this practice and helped me capture those fleeting moments of joy, learning, and life. February Monthly Musings Lessons Learned: My spiritual director commented - "We are so madly loved by God, we just can't resist him." She later said, "Do you desire God or the things of God?" Both good reminders and thoughts to … [Read more...]
Writing a Rule of Life –Resources, Quotes, and Ongoing Upkeep
Writing a Rule of Life Our in-depth topic on Thursdays this month has been on Writing a Rule of Life. We first looked at what a Rule of Life is and the benefits of writing one. Then last week we explored tips and examples. This week will share resources, quotes, and ongoing care and upkeep of our rules. Remember a Rule of Life is a collection of guidelines for living. Its purpose is to help us keep our sense of balance by intentionally addressing all aspects of life: physical, emotional, socially, spiritually, etc. Resources for Writing a Rule of Life I found several books that were excellent is giving background, inspiration, and ideas for writing a Rule of Life. Of course I have to mention my own book, Creating a Rule of Life, Dancing to Divine Rhythms Soul Feast by Marjorie Thompson – has a great chapter of writing a Rule of Life and is newly revised. Living Faith Day by Day – Debra K. Farrington At Home in the World – a Rule of Life for the Rest of Us – Margaret Guenther … [Read more...]
10 Tips for Writing a Rule of Life
Do you have a Rule of Life? A Rule of Life is identifying the essential spiritual elements in how you feel God wants you to live this human life. A Rule for Life is a collection of guidelines for living. “A Rule of Life, very simply, is an intentional, conscious plan to keep God at the center of everything we do… The starting point and foundation of any Rule is a desire to be with God and to love him” Peter Scazzero For February's Tending the Holy Thursdays, we are exploring Writing a Rule of Life. Last week we looked at the what and why about writing a rule of life and today I will share tips for writing your own rule. Next week resources, quotes, and how to live your rule as an ongoing practice will be shared. 10 Tips for Writing a Rule of Life Immerse this whole practice from start to ongoing in prayer. Pray, listen, read, go deep – allow the words of your own rule to slowly emerge from deep within your soul. Create time and space for it to bud and blossom. Block off … [Read more...]
What Will Be Your Legacy? Writing Your Eulogy
If you were to die today what would your obituary say? What words would be shared at your funeral? Though a somber thought, thinking about this eventual fact of life makes me and perhaps you too - ponder our legacy. Ever hear the quote: “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.”? Thinking this was from Mark Twain, I did some research and discovered it is actually a misquote, somewhat based on an actual incident. You can read the full story here. But essentially he said, "The report of my death was an exaggeration.” So let's hope the report of any of our deaths is a false overstatement too, but imagine what would words would be used to describe your life? How would you like to be remembered? What will be your legacy? I began thinking about this when I wrote last month about Finding your Purpose series on Thursdays. I suggested this practice before on retreats and in presentations as something to try. But last week I read the new book, Living Forward, a Proven … [Read more...]
Writing a Rule of Life – What Are Your Spiritual Essentials?
Have you heard of a Rule of Life? Have you written your own Rule of Life? A Rule of Life is identifying the essential spiritual elements in how you feel God wants you to life this human life. A Rule for Life is a collection of guidelines for living. It can also be called a Way of Life. Its purpose is to help us keep our sense of balance by intentionally addressing all aspects of life: physical, emotional, socially, spiritually, etc. As part of my training as a spiritual director ten years ago, we were encouraged to write our Rule of Life. I keep a copy in my journal and my bible and often look at its wisdom. Am I adhering to my basic beliefs and do my thoughts and behavior mirror them? Over the years, I have revised them, but amazingly they are quite similar to what I originally wrote. I find having a Rule of Life helps me refocus on my deepest desire - to be with God, learn to love like him, and to serve him as he calls me. On Tending the Holy Thursdays, I present a topic that we … [Read more...]