I am often consumed by my to-do lists and felt the deep need to pause and imagine a “don’t list” to follow in my life. I read this old joke the other day: A guy who goes to the doctor because his hand hurts when he moves it. "It hurts when I do this," he says to the doctor. "Then don't do that," the doctor answers. Which is, when you think about it, excellent advice for a lot of things. The practice of reflecting what would be on a don’t list made me think and I hope take notice more quickly when I revert to my default mode of old habits and comfort zones. So here are some things I thought of for my Don’t List: Don’t say yes when I really want and need to say no. Don’t choose lazy and tired over fit and active. Don’t let my to –do’s ruin my delights. Don’t allow my self-talk defeat my determination. Don’t tolerate the world’s and my ego’s definition of success in distracting me from God’s plan. Don’t let my eyes revert to short-term detours instead of focusing … [Read more...]
Keeping A Journal – A Spiritual Practice
If you have followed my blog for a while you know I keep a journal. I find writing my thoughts, prayers, quotes I like, worries, and happenings ground me and give me a perspective to life. Keeping a journal is a priceless spiritual practice. Each year at the end of one year and the joyous opening of the new year, I reread my journal, summarizing events, reflections and ongoing questions from the past, then prayerfully writing where I feel God is leading me in near future. Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart. --William Wordsworth How often you write in a journal, doesn’t matter – daily, weekly, or only occasionally. But each time we write, we capture a moment in time and create a significant signpost for our journey. I have tried various forms of journals and keep returning to a 5 by 7 inch, spiral bound journal found in book stores. What is new the past few years is I am cutting out more quotes, photos and using colorful pens for my entries. Some people get … [Read more...]
You are a Loved Child of God – Lectio Divina
Then one day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and was baptized by John there in the Jordan River. The moment Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens open and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descending on him, and a voice from heaven said, “You are my beloved Son; you are my Delight.” Mark 1:9-11 (TLB) “You are my beloved Son; you are my Delight.” Lord you spoke at Jesus’ baptism. We read the words “You are my beloved Son.” Help us remember our baptism too with every splash, sip and shower of water. Whisper into our hearts the same identifying words. When I take a drink, remind me I am your loved child. When I wash my hands, help me feel your delight knowing I am your loved child. When I shower or bathe, let me know your grace and mercy also washes me internally revealing your mark as a loved child of God. When circumstances darken and my soul goes dry, send your soaking spirit to revive my spirit, knowing I am safe in … [Read more...]
Books I am Reading in January 2015
I do love reading and confess I am a book addict. When I see someone reviewing or mentioning a new book I am lured to check it out. I love our local library but also have Amazon on computer speed dial. Yes I love books. I thought I would share with you today what is on my reading stand for this month. One I just finished, two are just being started ( Yes I am one of those who usually has more than one book going at a time,) and another one I read in late fall but am rereading to savor its wisdom. Make It Happen - Surrender Your Fear, Take the Leap, Live on Purpose – by Lara Casey. This is a new book by the editor of Southern Wedding magazine. The book is a mix of her own story and tips and encouragement to getting back on track based on what you want out of life and where God may be leading you. I finished this book quickly and feeling encouraged and uplifted. Did I learn anything brand new? Not really. I think her audience is younger adults – she is an editor of a magazine … [Read more...]
Happy Epiphany!
Happy Epiphany! Jan 6 is the day Christians celebrate Epiphany based on the first twelve verses of the second chapter of Matthew which tells the story of the Magi following the star to Bethlehem. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had … [Read more...]
Grace Upon Grace – Lectio Divina
From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. John 1: 16 Lord I’ve read the first words from John 1 so many times. I praise you that “in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” I marveled that before the earth took form, before all life – You lived. But until today I never noticed the tiny phrase buried deep within the early verses of this well loved Gospel. “Grace upon grace.” God’s amazing grace, your undeserved, often unasked-for and taken for granted mercy and love – not only lavishly given to all of us one time, but over and over again. Like a fountain of cleansing water, your love washes over the world. One blessing after another. More surprises on top of all the wonderful gifts. You created the world – laying a foundation of grace. You continued to walk with humanity, forgiving us as we continued to fail you – more grace. You gave us guidance, laws, lights to shine our path – even more … [Read more...]
One Word – One Verse
Many people skip New Year’s resolutions and let one word guide them throughout the year. I have embraced one word for the last few years and found it’s fun to see how its meaning threads itself among the details of daily life. Often I don’t see it until I “harvest” my journal in a day of reflection. My word for 2014 was ENFOLD. If you have asked me a few weeks ago I would have told you I failed to hear my one word much last year. That is until I spent time rereading my journal and reflecting on the year – a wonderful spiritual practice, by the way. In hindsight I saw how God ENFOLDED me at multiple points of last year. And I know with some sadness that I have missed experiencing His hug by not paying attention. I focused more on discouragement, disappointment, and difficulties than on God’s presence. I hope not to live so mindlessly in 2015 and miss his lessons next year. Last year I even discovered a second word, an “UN” word that evolved as a compass for the year: … [Read more...]
The Spiritual Practice of Taking Your Tambourine
Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine and led all the women as they played their tambourines and danced. Exodus 15: 20 “Don’t forget your tambourine,” the speaker said. Once she explained her meaning, I never thought of tambourines the same. She was referring to the verse above from the Exodus story. Miriam, Moses, Aaron and all the Hebrews were leaving Egypt. They packed in a hurry, taking only a few precious possessions that they could carry. Amid the chaos of a sudden escape, being chased by the Egyptian army, they headed to the Promised Land. Dusty bedlam, unknown future and fear also pursued them. God interceded and the waters crushed Pharaoh’s horses and chariots. They were safe on the other side of the sea and leaving the past behind, they began their journey into a new future. This is when Miriam and the women brought out their tambourines. Do you see it? I missed it the first time. See it? Before they left. Before … [Read more...]