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...]
Happiness is a Choice – Happiness Happens Month
What is happiness? "Jean Anne is such a somber child." I overheard this statement from one of my mom's dear friends. She was talking about the 7 year old me. I never forgot it. Childhood experiences and beliefs attached to our minds and hearts like superglue. Many times we aren't even aware of their power. As an adult I am amazed that I continue to get to know myself better. "Is that really like me?" I will ask my hubby or close friend when realizing some characteristic about myself with new insight. I need a trusted outsider to confirm it. My blind ego stumbles upon a new awareness that I never saw before and I am shocked with surprise. Somber? Me? As an adult I made the decision to choose happiness. My default switch is set on pessimistic so I have to actively push it towards optimism. Sometimes I feel like I am swimming against the waves of gloominess and being too serious in order to splash in the clearer waters of joy. "Some people think it is … [Read more...]
Spiritual Priorities
Remember the old Abbot and Costello skit: “Who's on first, What's on second, I Don't Know is on third...” I have been pondering that question lately: Who’s on first? Who is first in my life? I wish I could say God was all the time, but to be honest, that is not always true. I heard a speaker a few years ago, Rev, Dan Schrock, pastor of the Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship in Goshen Indiana, speak about five attachments we cling to instead of God. Many of these affections are not bad, but just disordered. We hold onto them tightly, putting them in first place – a place reserved only for God. “Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” Exodus 34:14 What takes the place of God as priorities in our hearts and lives? 1. Physical objects – that new truck, our laptop, the home we have lived in for 26 years 2. People – This could be a highly regarded mentor, a close friend and … [Read more...]
The Invitation – Entering Into Worship and Prayer
I learned something new lately about preparing my heart to enter into worship and prayer. I have been helping with the beginning of our church’s worship service. I lead the opening prayer and share the children’s message. What is new is that I am wearing a wireless microphone. I am aware of every cough, clearing of my throat and escaping hiccup could be broadcast quite loudly over the speakers during the time I am “live.” Part of that time is when we sing our first hymn. mmm, I don’t want to have the rest of the congregation subject to my singing being transmitted throughout the church so have been silently mouthing the words of the opening song. What has surprised me is this has evolved into a quiet time of prayer with God. Silently saying the words brings the lyrics alive as I offered them up to God. “Those who sing, pray twice.” - St. Augustine. God has shown me a new way of entering into his heart for worship. I wonder what others means … [Read more...]
GUIDANCE – God and I Dance
Guidance. God and I dance. Do you see in the word Guidance - the words God and I dance? A friend took this photo of a gravestone a few weeks ago. Inscribed was the perhaps familiar to you poem about the word “guidance" and "God and I dance." When I meditated on the word Guidance, I kept seeing " dance" at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving … [Read more...]
Spiritual Wisdom from a Six Foot, Three and Half Inch White Rabbit and the Gift of Imagination
Where do you find spiritual wisdom? I am a Jimmy Stewart fan. My favorite movie of all times is “It’s a Wonderful Life!” But another much loved one is Harvey. Harvey is a great black and white movie classic. Elwood P. Dowd’s best friend is a six-foot, three and half inch invisible white rabbit who accompanies him throughout his day helping him. It doesn’t take you long to fall in love with Elwood’s charming innocence. The movie also has some great spiritual lessons too: Spiritual Wisdom from Harvey Ponder these delightful quotes from Elwood: “Well, I’ve wrestled with reality for thirty-five years, Doctor, and I’m happy to state I finally won out over it.” “In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant.” “I always have a wonderful time, wherever I am, whoever I’m with.” “Harvey and I warm ourselves in these golden moments. We came as strangers - soon we have friends. They come over. They … [Read more...]