"I have to learn to say no." my friend sighed. "Life is full of so many great choices, it is hard to chose at times," I said. This conversation last Tuesday made me wonder again how to choose between good and great. Some times both options are great. Which one to choose? ahhh, the conflict between good vs. great. Then I read this quote today from Charles Spurgeon: “Learn to say no. It will be of more use to you than to be able to read Latin.” Discernment can be difficult. I know I would love to have God simply tell me what to do sometimes (to be honest many times I want to control that decision - but when I am not sure that's the time I want him to tell me clearly and directly.) DO THIS JEANIE. GO THIS WAY! That is what I want to see headlined in the clouds! I want clear direction between good vs great. I get so excited about learning, accomplishing, and growing as a person I jump into something because it is good instead of really stepping back and … [Read more...]
Bible Nourishment – Lectio Divina
The Center for Bible Engagement reports that the number one thing you can do for yourself spiritually is to read the Bible four times a week or more.Australian researchers found that if pastors could only do one thing to help people of all levels of spiritual maturity, grow closer to God, they should encourage Bible reading.Most of us are blessed to own several copies of Bible. Do we read them?Do we dig into verses? Do we allow these living words to dig into us? Lectio Divina Lectio Divina means sacred reading. The art of lectio divina begins with cultivating the ability to listen deeply, to hear “with the ear of our hearts” as St. Benedict said.Take one or a few verses of the Bible. Read the slowly, listening deeply. Be open to what God is saying.Read the verses a second time, allowing one word or phrase to penetrate our thoughts and minds.Read the verse one more time and talk with God about why these words resonate with your spirit. Slowly read the verse a fourth time and rest, … [Read more...]
If You Like to Journal, You Will Love Journibles
I love journals. I have been writing in journals most of my adult life. I come from a family of women who love to write long hand reflections of their lives. I have mentioned on this blog in the past my GreatAunt Anna's diaries - what treasure they are for me. On a neat website, the Internet Cafe Devotions, I read about a new type of journal - Journible. Their website is here. I knew I had to order one. The book I ordered arrived over the weekend. I love it. What is a journible? This is a beautifully bound, hardback, blank (well mostly) lined journal where you are prompted to write out a book of the Bible. See how they created the name? They fused the word journal with word Bible. Cool concept. A new way to enjoy journals. The idea stems from Deuteronomy 17: 18 (NLT) "When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests." God commanded the kings of Israel to handwrite … [Read more...]
The Truth about Easy Targets
Our local newspaper is an easy target. I write for them so I'm sensitive when people become critical about how they cover a story or make a mistake. Easy targets. Unfortunately when a newspaper makes a mistake, everyone berates them. If someone's name is misspelled or a headline reads funny, the phone calls pour in from all the "yes I use English perfectly all the time" people. If one school doesn't make the front of the sports page, all the fans cry favoritism. Newspapers are put together fairly quickly. Mistakes will happen. Sometimes the results may even be humorous. Easy targets. What I can't figure out is why do people think it is ok to bash, blame and belittle an entity that is really supportive of the community? Newspapers are easy targets. Easy targets When I am on the receiving end, my fists come out or tears cascade down. But I began thinking about easy targets this morning and realized I am just as guilty. I think the Lord is exposing my own critical … [Read more...]
Praying ‘Round the Clock
Is clock watching a curse or a blessing? I used to think mostly negative things about my relationship with Father Time. I quit wearing watches years ago. Time became the enemy. Time took the form of a stubborn toddler having tantrums. When I wanted time to move quickly, it dragged its feet in defiance, become spineless and lay unmoving right before my eyes. Then I woke up one morning, another decade older, looking at winkles and brown spots on the face in the mirror. Moments dissolved and vanished. Children once babies and giggling in my arms, now mother kids of their own and manage mortgages and careers. I researched and read every book ever written on time management. My expertise led me to even gave presentations full of tips about time. But it was a losing battle. The hours mounted a mutiny with my common sense, minutes evaporated and seconds flashed by quicker each year. My war with time focuses most often on what I think I can get done within a … [Read more...]
Hospitality – Lectio Divina
Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to stranger, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.Hebrews 13: 1-2 Hospitality Lord, when you assigned gifts to people sealing them with your fingerprints and planting them deep within our souls, did you forget to give me the hospitality gene?Of all the love I see in others, the gift of welcoming others as Christ lies dormant. Is that seed even there or have I neglected it? I really don't know.I am ashamed that I don't even see the opportunities when faced directly with the chance to offer my warmth to a stranger or even a hurting friend. I tend to be critical and unaccommodating to others. I need you to open my hand and my heart.Drenched the dried up hospitality kernel in my soul with your life giving water.Nudge me out of my self-centered focus and help me see Christ in others.Lord, Henri Nouwen once wrote that hospitality is creating the space where a stranger can enter and become a friend … [Read more...]
Five Favorite Bible Verses
I underline them in my Bible. What are YOUR favorite Bible verses? Then out comes the highlighter to dazzle my eyes with their message. I've rewritten them word by word in my journal, then wrote them once again in my own language. I've typed their words and hung them by my computer to remember to repeat them until they are scorched on my heart. Certain Bible verses that call out to me - "Take me, I'm yours." I've tasted their sweetness and chewed on their meaning for me. Here are five verses that bring me closer to God and draw me into his spirit. 1. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 … [Read more...]
Three Tips To Growing Deeper with God
How do we keep growing deeper with God? One theme in my life this year has been growing deeper. A Bible verse calling to me recently is: "Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him Your root will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. Ephesians, 3: 17 I have been trying to live this call in 2013 in two ways and just discovered last week another way I can't wait to try. Three Books about Growing Deeper with God I prayerfully asked God to lead me to three books to reread in 2013. I chose - hopefully with his blessing -: The Cloud of the Unknowing - CarmenButcher The Interior Castle - Teresa of Avila John 14 What I am doing is rereading these texts slowly and savoring their lessons. I highlight, rewrite passages in my own words and journal my thoughts. Too often I skim books and quickly forget their words of wisdom. Lectio Divina - Growing Deeper with God Lectio Divina means divine reading and is … [Read more...]