Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2Prayer is the foundation for our spiritual walk. I like what Oswald Chambers wrote, “Prayer does not fit us for the greater work, prayer is the greater work.” In Constant Prayer is the newest book by Robert Benson and I am happy to add it my bookshelf next to other books I have by him: Venite and A Good Life.In Constant Prayer explains the pattern of prayer and worship called the Daily Office. This ancient practice is also known as the liturgy of the hours, fixed hour prayer, the divine office, the divine hours and daily prayer. It is the discipline of praying at fixed times throughout the day and night. Though its structure may not appeal to everyone, we are all called to deeper communion with God and this is certainly one way to open our hearts to hear God better.Benson writes in a warm friendly style like you are having a cup of coffee with him discussing ways to pray. He … [Read more...]
Keeping our Eyes on God – Lectio Divina
"We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." 2 Chronicles 20:12b (NIV)Our eyes are upon you.Lord I want to live with my eyes only on You.When I focus on You, I know where I am going with a profound sense of peace.Like Peter walking on the water – doing the impossible with you and only when keeping you as the center.Like Peter, I take my eyes off when the threatening waves of the world and my ego’s fears and anxieties distract me.Holy Spirit, help me concentrate more on You and less on those shiny commotions disturbing my periphery.Stay my center, LordMy centerMy focal pointMy Lord. … [Read more...]
An Untold Story – Quote of the Week
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. Maya Angelou … [Read more...]
New Year Anxiety or Abundance?
A year ago I was scared.Last year mark the end of a decade for me that I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved telling people if I had know how good the 50s were going to be I would have rushed to them sooner. I grew as a writer and spiritually walked closer to God. My kids evolved into wonderful adults seeking their own adventures. My hubby and I both retired and open new fulfilling chapters in life. Would the 60s be as good?I was scared.But looking back, this last year has not been bad at all. I accomplished several items from my bucket list (a hot air balloon ride and finishing my Associate in Ministry requirement for the Lutheran church). Tried new recipes and saw new places. And learned a valuable lesson when a dream was dashed against the rocks that putting the broken pieces in God’s hands leads to healing.Maybe that is one reason I like the start of the new year. The energy and excitement of fresh new chapter in life. The anticipation, though with some anxiety, of the blessings ahead. … [Read more...]
New Year – Looking Back and Looking Forward
January is the month of “Janus.” Janus was the Roman god of gates and doorways, depicted with two faces looking in opposite directions – a good image of this first month of the year. One face looks back on the year gone and the other looks forward to the new and uncertain one ahead. January is a reflective month – an opportunity to look back at the year behind us – letting go of our regrets and celebrating our joys, then we look forward also into the coming months. Many of us make well-meaning resolutions and hope we can achieve at least some of them.January is a transition time. – the liminal space between two years. William Bridges wrote a wonderful and interesting book about transitions, Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changesand The Way of Transition. Transition is a the process of letting go of the way things used to be and then taking hold of the way they subsequently become. One of his concepts I appreciated learning was the three phases of change/transitions:EndingThe … [Read more...]
My Goals but God’s Determination – Lectio Divina
"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9The Lord determines his steps.I reviewed 2010, Lord, reflecting on my joys, my challenges, and my failures.I asked Your help in planning ahead – what to work on. How to grow. What to try in 2011.I created the list, hopefully with Your help.It is complete.Except for one final action.I lift up the coming year into Your hands, Lord.My hopes.My goals.My dreams.I plan, strategize, prepare, and try my best to arrange the future to Your… No, I will be honest and say this openly. I try my best to control the future to MY liking. My heart hesitates to fully release 2011 to You.It is hard, Lord to fully trust You. I know I should, but my ego still thinks it holds the power to influence the future. Deep down, I think I have the strength to be in charge. Part of me knows the truth, yet I cling to human power instead of fully letting go of my life to divine determination. My deepest desire is not to be … [Read more...]
New Year Opportunities – Quote of the Week
We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called “Opportunity” and its first chapter is New Year’s Day. Edith L. Pierce … [Read more...]
My Favorite Year End Ritual
My favorite year-end ritual begins today. The next two days I will curl up in my overstuffed chair and reread my 2010 journal. I call it “Harvesting my Journal” and I have enjoyed this reflective journey every year for at least the past 15 years.With a highlighter and my favorite pen in hand, what do I look for?· Cherished moments.· Unexpected joys and obstacles · Reoccurring thoughts or stubborn won’t go away God nudges· Bible verses that guided me or still sing to me even if I don’t know why· Times I felt God’s presence and times I walk in lonely darkness· Lessons I learned and lessons that will take a life time to fully comprehend· Answered prayers and dreams that still bubbled with life and passionI highlight and summarize on the December 31st entry.On January 1st, you will find me buried in my journal once again, praying, and listening to God about the upcoming year. I tried my best to record what I feel is His hopes, dreams, goals for me the … [Read more...]