Ahhh, back to school time. Remember being in kindergarten? My biggest memory of that grade is being happy and whistling while I played in the large sunny room. “There is no whistling in school, Jean Anne,” the teacher scolded. But I was happy…..I hold good memories in my heart of my own kids first day of school entering kindergarten. New backpack, shiny shoes and smiles from ear to ear. I never had a shy child who wouldn’t let go or one who cried. Perhaps since their dad was the principal and never far away helped to make this new experience seem less scary. (They cried later when they were older though and in trouble. You can’t get away with anything when Daddy is the boss, but that is another topic for a future post. LOL) Kindergarten – the word comes from Germany and means kinder – the plural for kind or child and the word for garden. In a child’s garden – what a delightful name for this early step away from home and into the terrifying, unknown world.I think all of us need … [Read more...]
Hymn of Promise – In the End is our Beginning
This past weekend I reheard a song I had forgotten and its melody and words have wrapped their arms around my heart. Thought I would share them with you today:Hymn of Promiseby Natalie SleethIn the bulb, there is a flower; In the seed an apple tree;In cocoons, a hidden promise: Butterflies will soon be free!In the cold and snow of winter There’s a Spring that waits to be,Unrevealed until its season, Something God alone can see.There’s a song in every silence, Seeking word and melody;There’s a dawn in every darkness, Bringing hope to you and me.From the past will come the future; What it holds a mystery,Unrevealed until its season, Something God alone can see.In our end is our beginning; In our time, infinity.In our doubt there is believing; In our life, eternity.In our death, a resurrection; At the last, a victory,Unrevealed until its season, Something God alone can see.You can hear Hymn of Promise here.Natalie Sleeth wrote this song in 1985 as a choir anthem and later adapted it into … [Read more...]
Remembering my Leaders – Lectio Divina
Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7 (NRSV)Remember your leaders.Thank you Lord for all who have led me to You.I remember them today with gratefulness.The older lady who played piano in our Sunday School classroom. My mom using a colorful washcloth to tell my four year old self the stories from the Bible like Joseph and his coat of many colors.The preacher who I thought looked like God.My best friend praying with me at 3 a.m. when my father unexpectedly died.The friends who knelt beside me during tough times in college.The neighbor who welcomed me when loneliness smothered my heart.Your children who walked with you in ancient times whose quotes continue to inspire me today.The writers who poured out their hearts on paper with words that I cherish.The artists who painted visions of You in imaginative styles that feed my eyes and my soul.The hymn writers who glorified You with … [Read more...]
Prayer – Quote of the Week
"In prayer, the heart leaps to meet with God just as a child runs to his mother's arms, ever sure that with her is the sympathy that meets every need." E.M. Bounds … [Read more...]
Is Skimming The Surface of Life an Unhealthy Spiritual Habit?
Multitasking. Busyness. Noise. All modern hassles that I often simply accept, don’t fight, and let rule my life. Part of my survival mechanism, I guess.But lately I have noticing my reading, listening and even prayer is lacking depth – I am skimming in all areas of my life.Skimming makes me look like I have it all together and am on top of things, yet something is missing. I am not taking the time to develop deep roots – roots that will nourish me through dry periods and hold me steady during the storms of life.Pete Scazzero wrote, “Skimming is the way many of us cope with multiple demands, constant pressure, and overloaded schedules. We cover a lot of ground superficially without being fully engaged.”I can blame the Internet. I read this article the other day by Nicolas Carr, author of The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains, who believes the internet is changing the way we read and process information. It is a medium based on interruption – one in which we read a … [Read more...]
Weeding my Garden, my Books, and my Life
Our hot tub disappeared. My perennials conquered that corner of the garden and swallowed up the path leading to our spa. I think some thinning out of my garden is long past due. I have some friends who want starts from my backyard, so it’s time to share some flowers.I love books and books pack my shelves. We are remodeling all of our bedrooms and I am moving my office into a smaller room. One less bookshelf mandates fewer books. Time for thinning out those that I haven’t or don’t think will use. My local library that sells used books to support the Friends of the Library projects will soon have a large donation from me.My flowers are beautiful and my books are rich resources, but both have strayed from their boundaries. Time to thin them out and pass them on.Over the past month I have caught myself overflowing with negative self-talk. Useless, self-defeating habits moved in to push out my exercise routine and eating healthier. The noise of a busy day dominates my quiet time with God. … [Read more...]
Guard My Heart, Lord – Lectio Divina
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ~Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) Fear cannot win.Anxiety cannot take me over.Worry is vanquished.Nothing can penetrate the Lord’s protection.The peace of God guards my heart and mind.Lord why do I let the heaviness of the world weigh me down? Too often I forget You promised to be with me always, tenderly protecting my heart and mind in Your almighty hands.Your power is greater than anything the devil throws at me or I imagine in weak melancholy moments.The peace of God guards my heart and mind.Amazing, Lord, that what shields me is your peace.Your peace is my shelter and watchful guard.And all you ask of me is not to be anxious, but lift everything up to You in prayer.With a heart brimming over with gratitude, I thank You for your protection of peace. … [Read more...]
Disturb Us, Lord – Quote of the Week
Disturb us, Lord, whenWe are too well pleased with ourselves,When our dreams have come trueBecause we have dreamed too little,When we arrived safelyBecause we sailed too close to the shore.Disturb us, Lord, whenWith the abundance of things we possessWe have lost our thirstFor the waters of life;Having fallen in love with life,We have ceased to dream of eternityAnd in our efforts to build a new earth,We have allowed our visionOf the new Heaven to dim.Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,To venture on wider seasWhere storms will show your mastery;Where losing sight of land,We shall find the stars.We ask You to push backThe horizons of our hopes;And to push into the futureIn strength, courage, hope, and love.This we ask in the name of our Captain,Who is Jesus Christ.Francis Drake, 1577 … [Read more...]