The song “Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place” walked with me this past weekend as I practice one of my favorite spiritual practices – going on a silent retreat. Its words and music continue to surround me even today. The spiritual practice of intentionally taking a retreat – a time away from ordinary noisy days and spending time with God – takes me deeper in my love and experience of God than almost any other practice. I entered this time away with no expectations. In the past I brought questions to lay before God, issues I needed guidance or healing or even just a hunger to be with Him. This time was different. Several months ago my spiritual director asked me why I strived so much and had I ever considered just allowing things like creativity or guidance to “bubble” up. “Bubble up” became my mantra for this retreat. Now this was difficult for this plan everything and keep in control of every detail girl. Remember one of my favorite poems about God and the … [Read more...]
Thank You
“If the only prayer you ever say is Thank you, that will be enough.” Meister Eckhart I am pausing from my normal posting this morning to say to each of you Thank you. I appreciate the time you spend reading my simple words. Thank you for being my companions on this journey of life. I am grateful for your companionship in putting up with my detours, whining and bumps in the road. Thank you for celebrating with me – new births, joys and God’s continually surprises. I so appreciate your comments and emails about savoring five years of Healthy Spirituality blog posts. You have encouraged me and warmed my heart. Your support means everything to me. One of the unexpected benefits of writing a blog is the friendships I have gained here. I am so thankful for that gift. I am amazed at the fellowship in this community. So we celebrate five years of Healthy Spirituality and our walk together! I hope we have many more good times together as walking companions on this life … [Read more...]
For God So Loved the World – Lectio Divina
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” John 3: 16 Lord, I smiled when I read these verses, so deeply engraved within my soul. Your words here are probably the first ones I ever memorized as a child and they still warm my heart today. “For God so loved the world” that tiny word, “so” intensifies the significance of this phrase and expands it height and depth. Short words linked together into a mighty verse by your powerful mercy and grace. I feel love just reading this verse, Lord. FOR God so loved the world. For GOD so loved the world. For God SO loved the world. For God so LOVED the world. For God so loved THE world. For God so love the WORLD. I love you, Lord. Thank you for so loving the world. Thank you for so loving me. P.S. Don't forget to enter below the March 13 post to win a $50 Amazon gift card as part of my 5 year celebration. You can … [Read more...]
I Cannot Do This Alone – A Lenten Prayer – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I Cannot Do This Alone O God, early in the morning I cry to you. Help me to pray And to concentrate my thoughts on you; I cannot do this alone. In me there is darkness, But with you there is light; I am lonely, but you do not leave me; I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help; I am restless, but with you there is peace. In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience; I do not understand your ways, But you know the way for me…. Restore me to liberty, And enable me to live now That I may answer before you and before men. Lord whatever this day may bring, Your name be praised. Amen P.S. Don't forget to enter below the March 13 post to win a $50 Amazon gift card as part of my 5 year celebration. You can enter once each day - spread the word to your friends. You have until Monday at midnight to enter. Thanks for celebrating with me. … [Read more...]
5 Years of Blogging on Healthy Spirituality!!
Five years ago I began blogging here about healthy spirituality. Let’s celebrate! Take 5! High 5! Today is my 930th post! To be honest I feel so blessed to have this space to explore my own walk with God and to share it with you. Many of you were friends before but many of you are now friends through this blog. Thank you. Five years ago my first blog post actually went live in February, but since we were traveling during that time I waited until today to tell you about how we are celebrating. Let’s celebrate in FIVE ways: I have a freebie for everyone – YIPPEE! If you look up at the top of this blog and click on the free resources tap, there is a new pdf titled "50 breath prayers." Prayer – spending time with God – is essential in our walk with Him and I hope you will find just the right breath prayer on this list to share with Him. One aspect of Healthy Spirituality has been the abundance of quotes I have shared: here are five of my favorites (and wow, it was really … [Read more...]
Recharging our Batteries – Spiritual Practices of Vacation and Retreats
Coming back from vacation I feel like I have recharged my batteries. Even the snow that still blankets the ground here in NW Ohio and the coming new storm promising 4-6 inches more of the white stuff on Wednesday hasn’t depressed me – yet. The practice of intentionally taking a vacation and scheduling a retreat lifts my spirit. I sure did enjoy the warmth and the sun of Florida. We visited with family, walked a beach every morning, reconnected with friends and collected new ideas at the Florida Christian Writers Conference. Ever come back from a vacation more tired than when you left? I have but not this time. I think the secret was a balance of rest and movement. We had fun hectic days and slow relaxing walks. I fed on new knowledge and fresh ideas. I stayed open and took the time to savor God’s wonders of the white sand, the crashing waves and dolphins dancing in the Gulf. The Florida colors exploded in my mind that had been dulled by white cold winter. I awoke from … [Read more...]
Quench Our Thirst Quote
If we wish to quench our thirst, we must lay aside books which explain thirst and take a drink. Jean Pierre de Caussade … [Read more...]
Finally It’s March – I’m Listening for Spring!
Most of the country has experienced a tough winter. I am so ready for spring. Spring is my favorite time of year – a season of awakening, new life and green, green, green. Spring is a transition time, sometimes a volatile changing season, often reflecting the ongoing transformation of our souls. I find hope in spring and like to listen to its lessons. Listening to Spring is a poem by Macrina Wiederkehr and seemed appropriate one to ponder today: How quietly the earth breathes forth new life. How eagerly the sun bleeds forth the spring. I am listening. I am listening to seeds breaking open, to roots growing strong beneath the ground, to green shoots rising up from winter wombs. I am listening to thorns blossoming, to barren branches laughing out new growth, to wildflowers dancing through the meadows. I am listening to the forest filling up with song. I am listening to the earth filling up with life. I am listening to trees filling up with leaves. I am listening … [Read more...]