"Be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable."2 Timothy 4: 2bThe Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lost heart."Luke 18: 1Your lesson this week, Lord encourages me.Be persistent.You don't mind me bothering you.Repeating requests.Whining a bit.Dare I say - bargaining and begging at times.I come to you with a whole range of prayers - some for myself, many for others.Sometimes I tell you what I need to you to do. Thanks for listening. . . and forgiving my bossiness.Some times I can't find the words, so turn my prayer over to you knowing the Holy Spirit will carry it into your heart.But you invite me back.You persistently welcome me into your presence.You cheer me on to keep praying no matter what.What a glorious invitation this is: To approach the King, our Savior, the Lord Creator, with my petty, transitory, and fear drenched pleas.I talk, yell, plead, barter and even argue and you listen with love.You say come.I come with too much … [Read more...]
Change Me, Oh God – Quote of the Week
Change me, oh God, Into a tree in autumn And let my dying Be a blaze of glory! Drape me in a Crimson, leafy gown, And deck my soul In dancing flakes of gold! And then when Death Comes by, and with his hands Strips off my rustling garment Let me stand Before him, proud and naked, Unashamed, uncaring, All the strength in me revealed Against the sky! Oh, God Make me an autumn tree If I must die! Esther Pope, 1896-1958 … [Read more...]
7 Questions to Ask When Choosing between Good vs. Great
"I have to learn to say no." my friend sighed. "Life is full of so many great choices, it is hard to chose at times," I said. This conversation last Tuesday made me wonder again how to choose between good and great. Some times both options are great. Which one to choose? ahhh, the conflict between good vs. great. Then I read this quote today from Charles Spurgeon: “Learn to say no. It will be of more use to you than to be able to read Latin.” Discernment can be difficult. I know I would love to have God simply tell me what to do sometimes (to be honest many times I want to control that decision - but when I am not sure that's the time I want him to tell me clearly and directly.) DO THIS JEANIE. GO THIS WAY! That is what I want to see headlined in the clouds! I want clear direction between good vs great. I get so excited about learning, accomplishing, and growing as a person I jump into something because it is good instead of really stepping back and … [Read more...]
Bible Nourishment – Lectio Divina
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...]