The words of this lovely hymn moved my heart when we sang it in church a few weeks ago. Take a few minutes to listen and sing/pray along with this hymn. If you are reading this through email you may have to go to the blog to see the YouTube video for the recording, then read the “rest of the story” as Paul Harvey would say. John Ernest Bode (1816-1874) wrote the words to this hymn and gave the church one of its most enduring hymns of Christian discipleship. This hymn has its origins in the confirmation of the poet’s daughter and two sons in 1866. It was published two years later as a leaflet by Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge and was called the “Hymn for the Newly Confirmed.” It was so popular that Bishops in the Church of England were weary of singing it and discouraged its use at confirmations. When I went to YouTube to find a video to share here on the blog I was surprised at the number of variations of the tune to this hymn, so you may know it by a different … [Read more...]
Digging My “Well” Deeper
“Well” is my word of the year. I have prayed, journaled, studied, played, and walked with this word for nine months so far in 2024. I have wrestled, laughed, and wrung about every ounce of wisdom from its substance I could squeeze out. I sat here this morning and thought, “I think I am done. My word just doesn’t have enough juice to make it until the end of the year.” Then I laughed, “My well has gone dry.” One of the most valuable and powerful spiritual practices I participate in is seeing a spiritual director. About once a month she and I meet. I share with her what is stirring my soul and she listens deeply – what a gift it is to have someone listen with such love and with the Spirit. Last week I told her about how I wanted to grow more devoted, more in love with the Lord and we talked about this invitation, this desire. (mmm, thinking now perhaps this was a thirst from a dry well?). I asked her what spiritual practice would she recommend I focus on the … [Read more...]
Thinking of You Week
Did you know September 16-22, 2024, is Thinking of You Week? I had never heard of this week before until recently and think this is a rather cool week to promote and participate in. Yes, maybe it could be another “Hallmarky” reason to purchase a card, but really I think I will dig into my stationary drawer to find some pretty notecards and send some handwritten notes next week to friends I haven’t connected with for a while. Thinking of You Week is sponsored by the Greeting Card Association – no surprise there – but it is a nice touch and reminder to be kind and spread some joy to one another. The world certainly could use some right now! One challenge is to send 7 cards to 7 people over 7 days. That would be fun. A simple hello can brighten up someone’s day in so many ways. I like the idea of a note or card, but I think an unexpected email, phone call, lunch or visit could work as well. Human contact and interaction is lifegiving. Letting your friend know you’ve been … [Read more...]
Communicator’s Companion Birthday
Today I am celebrating the birthday of one of the books I wrote and published in 2017, The Communicator’s Companion: Devotions for Speakers and Writers. Usually, I shy away from promoting my own books but today I thought I would share this book just in case you might know someone who is a speaker or writer and could use a littler encouragement. Maybe this book could help them. Here is the description of the book: “Writers and speakers love words. Words are their tools. Communicators recognize the power of one word to be able to inspire, comfort, teach, and literally and through literal means, change lives. The Communicator’s Companion contains 40 devotions based on various communication roles and words. These reflections will nourish Christian speakers and writers' faith. This new and expanded edition of devotionals for Christian communicators offers encouragement, insight, and grace for the creative work of spreading God’s message of love to others. Discover the numerous ways … [Read more...]
Sacred Spots
Do you have sacred spots in your home? I was thinking about this last week and noticed I have quite a few special cozy places where I like to sit quietly, sometimes alone, sometimes with a friend and just be. A space that becomes sacred, holy, peaceful. A corner to connect – with myself, with another, with God. Deep in my heart I believe God is everywhere but I find it hard to experience the Divine in many places – some spots seem more sacred than others. Do you have those spots in your home? Here are a few of mine. My backyard swing. My backyard is seasonal though I do try to enjoy the outside year-round, I am not a winter person. Sitting on my swing, especially in the cool morning air of the warmer months, with a cup of coffee and my morning devotional starts the day off so wonderful. I sway on the swing with Jesus and we talk and giggle and lift others up. I raise my feet up like a child, close my eyes, and feel the motion back and forth as if Jesus were … [Read more...]
A Neglected Spiritual Practice
Quick! If I would ask you to name 10 spiritual practices, what would you list? I bet you could do it: Yes these are the basic ones and others I am sure. Yet the other day I was rereading the scripture for the week the story of Elijah in I Kings 19 and was reminded of a spiritual practice I use quite often but rarely mention either in writing or orally and rarely see talked about either - a rather invisible, neglected spiritual practice. Napping. In I Kings 19 Elijah is exhausted from running from Queen Jezebel and quite discouraged. God gives him time and space to rest, sleep, then nourishment to renew his strength physically, mentally and spiritually. Elijah napped. Our mamas were so right when we were toddlers and in the midst of a tantrum – a good nap was just what we needed. Sometimes we all need a nap. I have also learned over the years not to make decisions and to watch what I say when I am tired – that is the worse time. Get a good night sleep … [Read more...]
Well in a Hymn
With “well” being my word of the year, it is natural for me to go on a hymn search to find this word and its lessons in music. One obvious hymn is the familiar hymn, at least well known and loved by my faith community, Peace like a River or as it is called, It is well. Here is it lyrics and song. If you are reading this in email you may have to go to the website to see it: The story behind this hymn is amazing, tragic and full of grace, love and faith. A Chicago lawyer, Horatio G. Spafford, a man who had suffered almost unimaginable personal tragedy, wrote this hymn. He was also a devout Christian and faithful student of the Scriptures. The Spafford’s only son died from scarlet fever when he was only four. He lost most of his real estate holdings in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. He knew his family needed something for some rest and relaxation after all that trauma, so he decided to take his wife and four daughters to England The Spaffords traveled to New York … [Read more...]
Four Somethings – August
Four Somethings is a regular blog post where I feature four fun bits of wisdom. I love this practice as it collects moments for reflection and growth. These “somethings” become markers in our spiritual journey. With so much pivoting and uncertainty in our lives right now, being grounded in a simple practice like this guides my way. Sometimes simple is best, right? I listened to my heart and to God and narrowed down my four categories and to see what they will teach me this year Something Wise “You look me in the eyes, Father, And give me Your full attention. Teach me how to do the same with You, And to live life more present to my Maker.” Beholding: Deepening Our Experience in God by Strahan Coleman Something Wonderful I attended my annual silent retreat this year at the Lady of the Pines Retreat Center in Fremont Ohio – a wonderful time of renewal and time with God. Walking the labyrinth is always a wonderful practice for me. Listening to what God is … [Read more...]