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...]
This is My Gospel – Lectio Divina
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David - this is my gospel.2 Timothy 2: 8This is my gospel.Lord, I had to reread this sentence several times.I know Your gospel.I claim our gospel.But using the word "my" sounds so real, intimate and "can I believe it really is true" joy filled.My gospel.The good news belongs to me.Me!Jesus died for me.Jesus defeated death for me.Jesus rose from the dead and now lives for me.Wow. Amazing news.I possess an incredible gift from you, Lord. Life giving, life saving, life deepening good news.Love giving, love saving, love deepening transformative awareness.This line could be should be lyrics to a magnificent love song.You the Lord of the universe, Savior of so many more deserving than me, Beloved, Master, and Friend - wait patiently for me to simply reach out and run into your arms.You are mine.I am yours.I belong to you.And the mind blowing, staggering news is - You belong to me.You are my gospel.I sing at the top of my lungs and … [Read more...]
Autumn – Quote of the Week
For the apparent disappearance of many plants and animals, autumn is often seen as an end. But the seasons are part of a continuum, a revolving process of birth, death, and renewal — and if such could be said to have any beginning or end, then fall could just as well be viewed as a beginning. Like the counterweight on a flywheel, autumn provides the inertia to turn the annual cycle over.PETER J. MARCHAND … [Read more...]
Listen to Your Vocabulary
Native American folklore tells the story of the creation of the Finger Lakes region in upstate New York. The lakes were formed when God laid his hands on the land to bless it. His fingers left imprints that filled with water, hence the name “Finger Lakes." Isn't that a beautiful story? I had to laugh, though, since there are 11 fingers in the Finger Lakes. mmm, that gives us a new image of God! Many of us have heard stories of our beginnings. I was always told my parents - already bringing up two boys, ages 6 and 8 - decided to try one more time for a girl. Me! This story always made me feel wanted and loved. A spiritual director once told me, "Listen to your vocabulary. It reveals what you deeply think about yourself and others." This reminds not just to listen, but to pay attention carefully to the language I use to describe, understand and explain things in life. Listen to the words you use. Listen to your … [Read more...]
Amazing Autumn Artistry
God the Creator displayed his multicolored masterpieces last weekend for my hubby and me as we traveled in update New York. We arrived at the perfect fall foliage point. What a feast for the eyes and the heart. The hills wrapped themselves with a warm sweater of fall shades. Everywhere we looked we drank in spicy muddy browns, bright mustard yellows, rich ruddy reds and spikes of exploding oranges. I asked God why. Why take the time to create such an amazing autumn artistry? God didn't have to present such a wonderful show. God could have skipped the colors and dashed from green to bare in an instant. But God chose to mesmerize us with his heavenly hues. God the Artist opted to paint. [contact-form][contact-field label="Name" type="name" required="true" /][contact-field label="Email" type="email" required="true" /][contact-field label="Website" type="url" /][contact-field label="Message" type="textarea" /][/contact-form] I studied these … [Read more...]
Child of God – Quote of the Week
"God has placed his hand on your shoulder and said, "You're something special."Untethered by time, he sees us all. In fact he saw us before we were born.And he loves what he sees. Flooded by emotion. Overcome by pride, the Starmaker turns to us, one by one and say," You are my child. I love you dearly."And he loves us forever. Should you ever turn from him and walk away, he has already provided a way back. Nothing can separate you from his love, If you anchor these truths firmly in your heart, you will be ready for what ever you may encounter on the road ahead.So let the journey begin!" Max Lucado … [Read more...]
A Peek into God’s Creativity
God's creativity brings me into his wonder and awe. I love God's imaginative creativity. When I watched this video last week, I was caught up once again in wonder and awe of his holy imagination and inventiveness. Take a moment to enjoy God's inspiring ingenuity. Can you see the octopus in the beginning? I had trouble uploading the video but go to this web page and you can see it. Seeing the world through the lenses of wonder helps us see God's creativity. I wrote more about God's wonder on this post. What wonder has God shown you lately? … [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...]