Kyla turned two on Sunday. We had a beautiful day –perfect weather – friends, family, and a gaggle of toddlers enjoying the sun, backyard wagon rides, and learning to take turns sliding on the new swing set.How blessed we are to have two sets of great grandparents, three grandparents, a great aunt, aunts and uncles, cousins plus friends celebrating life together. I paused and deeply took it all in. What a gift to have multiple generations connecting.God gave us community. He plants the seeds to create loving, supportive bonds through family and friends. We live healthier lives when we nourish those seeds and help them blossom. I haven’t always appreciated this gift. I complain about the time it takes. I whine when I don’t see immediate results. I focus on the labor and not the often, invisible benefits. I let my pride and self sufficiency lead a lonely walk instead of enjoying the journey with companions willing to walk with me. Even in the age of social networking and instant … [Read more...]
Enjoying God’s Company – Lectio Divina
“I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while,” (Rom. 15:24b NKJV) Enjoy your company for a whileLord, I know you accompany me in all my ups and downs of this earthly journey.Lord I know you help me on my way and never leave my side.But today, Lord I just want to enjoy Your company.I want to sit with You.I want to rest in Your arms.I want to know You better.I want to be with You.Probably no words. No deep theological insights. No life-changing, top of the mountain call to service.Just be.Just being with You.Just You. … [Read more...]
Prayer – Quote of the Week
Image by DerrickT via Flickr “Prayer is to be in God’s presence with open hands and an open heart. There are many things in my life to which I cling as with a clinched fist – my possessions for sure but the immaterial things as well–the work I do, the position I hold, the friends I have, my ideas, my principles, my image. If I should open my fist, they still remain. Nothing drops out. But my hands are open. And that is what prayer is. After a while, if I am willing to remain long enough with open hands, the Lord will come. He will have a look and roam through my hands to see what I have. He may be surprised—so many things! Then he will look at me and ask:‘Would you mind if I take out this little bit?’“And I answer, ‘Of course you may take it out. That’s why am here with open hands.’“And perhaps the Lord will look another time at me and ask:‘Would you mind if I put something else in your hands?’“And I answer, ‘Of course you may.’“That is the heart of prayer. The Lord may take … [Read more...]
Spiritual Nourishment
The past few months have been draining. I am tired. I am weary. I am depleted. I am empty.I have a choice. I can feel sorry for myself or I can take action and live. I choose life.I have been in this dry place before. I remember after finishing graduate school, working full time and being a mother of three active kids experiencing this same parchedness. I intentionally sought spiritual nourishment then and think I will repeat some of those steps now. I thought I would share this plan with you.Physically· Back to Weight-Watchers. I feel so much better eating healthier. When I am under stress I really hit those carbs and now feel very sluggish. Time to count points and make better food choices.· Time to get outside to the garden and to go for daily walks. I am not an exerciser, but have heard the message over and over again – moving daily is essential and can’t be avoided.Socially· I will not let myself withdraw from spending time with friends. I will … [Read more...]
Sojourn
Last week I wrote about earth just being temporary as we travel to our true home in heaven.The word “sojourn” stood out to me shortly after I posted on the blog. I like the sound of that word – sojourn.Sojourn means “to stay as a temporary resident; to dwell for a time, a temporary stay.” The word originated from old French and dates back to the 13th century. Its roots go back even further into Latin for “spend a day there.”But don’t think being a sojourner means you are off easy and don’t need to work. A sojourner has a purpose and a passion.On June 1, 1843, Isabella Baumfree changed her name to Sojourner Truth. She told friends, "The Spirit calls me [East], and I must go. ...the Lord gave me Truth, because I was to declare the truth to the people."Later she wrote, “Sojourner means traveler and truth means being real or genuine. I felt that God had told me that my mission in life was to tell people the truth about women’s rights and slavery.”Sojourner Truth was a feisty, not afraid to … [Read more...]
A Promised Friend – Lectio Divina
If you love me, show it by doing what I've told you. I will talk to the Father, and he'll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can't take him in because it doesn't have eyes to see him, doesn't know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you, and will even be in you! John 14: 15-17 (The Message)You will always have someone with you.Lord what a gift – Your presence – You instill in us. I cling to that promise that You will always be with us, Lord. You won’t leave us orphaned. You stay with us throughout our journey.I thank You for Your companionship - by going before me, beside me, behind me, and within me.I read the other day, "Sit with God as you might with the ocean. You bring nothing to the ocean, yet it changes you." Sean Caulfield.Your presence is like the water, like an ocean to me. Surrounding me, nourishing me, carrying me throughout this life.I … [Read more...]
Accepting Myself – Quote of the Week – Thomas Merton
"Finally I am coming to the conclusion that my highest ambition is to be what I already am. That I will never fulfill my obligation to surpass myself unless I first accept myself, and if I accept myself fully in the right way, I will already have surpassed myself."Thomas Merton … [Read more...]
Borning Cry – Beautiful Hymn by John Ylvisaker.
My daughter Valerie sang “Borning Cry” at Esther’s funeral this week. Our good friends, Jim and Nancy accompanied her with flute and piano. What can I say? I cried. A beautiful song with powerful message!Drink in the love of God today through this hymn:I was there to hear your borning cry, I'll be there when you are old. I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold. I was there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well; In a blaze of light you wandered off to find where demons dwell.When you heard the wonder of the Word I was there to cheer you on; You were raised to praise the living Lord, to whom you now belong. If you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one, I'll be there to make your verses rhyme from dusk 'till rising sun. In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young, I'll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I've begun. When the evening gently closes in, and you shut your weary eyes, … [Read more...]