Story People – Something Fun and Thought-provoking

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Artist and storyteller Brian Andreas creates amazing, fun and inspiring drawings and words. I invite you to explore his work on his web site: StoryPeople. I have two of his prints, full of colorful whimsy and several of his insightful books. They always make me pause and smile and remember what is really important. Here are a few words of wisdom from him: I've always liked the time before dawn because there's no one around to remind me who I'm supposed to be, so it's easier to remember who I am Everything changed the day she figured out there was exactly enough time for the important things in her life. I spent a long time trying to find my center until I looked closely one night & found it had wheels & moved easily in the slightest breeze, so now I spend less time sitting and more time sailing. I am not being paid to endorse him; I just like his work and wanted to share. What new artist/writer have you discovered lately? … [Read more...]

Spiritual Whitespace – Book Review

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 Ready for a rest? Tired of fighting yourself? Find some whitespace in your life. I just finished reading Finding Spiritual Whitespace – Awakening your Soul to Rest by Bonnie Gray. Whitespace isn’t just blank – it is space in art or on a page that left white adds beauty. “Spiritual whitespace make room – room in our hearts for a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, room in our lives for rest, room in our souls for rejuvenation. This hunger for beauty, for space for the soul to breath, resides within each of us.” I liked this book for quite a few reasons. One: the practical questions and guidance at the end of each chapter. A reader could journal on their own or discuss in a small group. This is a book I read straight through but now want to reread slowly and journal after each chapter. A book to enjoy twice. Two: Great inspirational quotes to help guide us deeper into the concept of creating space and rest for God. Three: Bonnie’s honest, raw and at time … [Read more...]

Rejoice in God’s Surprises – Lectio Divina

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Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s suffering, so that you may also be glad and short for joy when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4: 12-13   Beloved, do not be surprised… But rejoice! First of all, Lord, I am always taken back when you call me beloved. Wow, thank you for such a tender, loving nickname. Forgive me when I reject your call, your delightful gift in that identity, your love. You are the God of Surprises. I am amazed at your all encompassing compassion, presence and strength. I would think by now, nothing you do should shock me.  Your blessings astonish me time and time again. This verse reminds me that in your wonder, I rejoice. You help me to remember not to fear, reject, or doubt whatever experiences fall upon me. Rejoice in your surprises, you gently urge. I dance in the puddles of your delight. I … [Read more...]

Yielding to God – Quote of the Week – Thomas Merton

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I must learn to let go of the familiar and the usual and consent to what is new and unknown to me. I must learn to ‘leave myself’ in order to find myself by yielding to the love of God. If I were looking for God, every event and every moment would sow, in my will, grains of God’s life that would spring up one day in a tremendous harvest. Thomas Merton   … [Read more...]

How We Choose is Almost as Important as What We Choose

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“As surprising as it sounds, how we choose is almost as important as what we choose. Most of our choosing comes as a response to superficial desires or as an act of willpower and resolve. Neither is helpful in choosing to open ourselves to the Divine. Choosing God is choosing life just as all true choosing of life reflects choosing God. But neither life nor God can genuinely be embraced by willfulness and determination. They can only be received in openness and willingness.” Dr. David G. Benner When I read this quote the other day, I knew I had to copy it into my journal. How we choose is almost as important as what we choose- words that convicted my heart. Too often my decisions arise from my emotional reactions to a need or want. I revert back to my default mode – what is easiest, most comfortable and many times, just plain out of habit. I know I make decisions from a place of stress, fatigue, hunger, wanting to be accepted. Then I conclude something is wrong with me … [Read more...]

Bothersome Blessings

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Bothersome irritations have blossomed into blessings for me lately. Little annoyances that I used to magnify have changed into things on my gratitude list. When I focused on the thorns, I missed the roses! My hubby and I both have Fitbits (pedometers) so the amount we are walking has increased dramatically. As I walk I think, pray and generally wonder in my wanderings. While exercising, I climbed those mountains I built from tiny molehills and am learning to enjoy the view. Here are few on my latest not so insightful awarenesses that led to praise and thanksgiving. A few years back we woke up in the middle of the night with a loud thunderstorm raging outside. Unfortunately what aroused us was the dripping of water onto our bed as our roof leaked. The cost to repair the roof took our entire vacation fund. Let me tell you, I complained to everyone, yes everyone, about sacrificing my time away for a stupid roof. One day a good friend looked at me and said, “Poor Jeanie, she … [Read more...]

God’s Spirit With and In – Lectio Divina

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“And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever, This is the sprit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him because he abides with you and will be in you.” John 14: 16-17 Two tiny words, Lord.      - Barely noticeable within this powerful text full of hope and reassurance.          -A divine double distinction that You, Lord, deliberately chose to make a dramatic difference in our lives. Two words: With and In. You know him because he abides with you and will be in you. Lord you come alongside of me and walk WITH me as an Advocate, Friend, Companion, Counselor, Comforter. You stir up the spark of spirit you planted INside my DNA as you connect withIN my heart. You are with me forever. You are within me forever. You abide, standing next to me. You abide, dwelling within my soul.  I am amazed, Lord at your all encompassing, lavishing love that enfolds and … [Read more...]