“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...]

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...]

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...]

Did you know September 16-22, 2024, is Thinking of You Week?  I had never heard of this week before until recently and think this is a rather cool week to promote and participate in.  Yes, maybe it could be another “Hallmarky” reason to purchase a card, but really I think I will dig into my stationary drawer to find some pretty notecards and send some handwritten notes next week to friends I haven’t connected with for a while. Thinking of You Week is sponsored by the Greeting Card Association – no surprise there – but it is a nice touch and reminder to be kind and spread some joy to one another. The world certainly could use some right now! One challenge is to send 7 cards to 7 people over 7 days. That would be fun. A simple hello can brighten up someone’s day in so many ways. I like the idea of a note or card, but I think an unexpected email, phone call, lunch or visit could work as well.  Human contact and interaction is lifegiving. Letting your friend know you’ve been … [Read more...]

Quick! If I would ask you to name 10 spiritual practices, what would you list?  I bet you could do it: Yes these are the basic ones and others I am sure. Yet the other day I was rereading the scripture for the week the story of Elijah in I Kings 19 and was reminded of a spiritual practice I use quite often but rarely mention either in writing or orally and rarely see talked about either - a rather invisible, neglected spiritual practice. Napping. In I Kings 19 Elijah is exhausted from running from Queen Jezebel and quite discouraged. God gives him time and space to rest, sleep, then nourishment to renew his strength physically, mentally and spiritually. Elijah napped. Our mamas were so right when we were toddlers and in the midst of a tantrum – a good nap was just what we needed.  Sometimes we all need a nap. I have also learned over the years not to make decisions and to watch what I say when I am tired – that is the worse time.  Get a good night sleep … [Read more...]

Has kindness ever unexpectedly surprised you? Kindness is such a quiet, simple act.  Often a whisper, barely noticed, yet a gentle breeze of hope into another’s soul. Kindness is a choice. It isn’t expensive; often costing nothing at all. All it takes is one person to notice another and to smile and offer something – a drink, an open door, an apology, gentle word. a smile… Mark Twain said, "Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." A few weeks ago, I was on my annual silent retreat. While attending this retreat I was doing my best to stay within my Weight Watcher plan by avoiding those carbs and desserts without asking the kitchen staff to go out of their way for anything special. At one lunch one of the staff members approach me. She said, “I noticed the other day, you didn’t take any rice and tonight we are having pasta, would you like me to prepare you a chicken breast instead of pasta?  It would be quite easy to have ready for … [Read more...]