Our church just received new hymnals full of classic and contemporary songs to sing. I am happy they mixed the old and new tunes for such a wonderful blend of music styles. Let’s have some fun today and see how many hymn writers can you match with their compositions:Who wrote the following hymns? (Tried to be easy on you so most of the names are quite familiar)1. Joy to the World2. Jesus Christ is Risen Today3. Come to the Table4. A Mighty Fortress in our God5. Blessed Assurance6. It is Well with my Soul (When Peace like a River) – do you know the story behind this hymn? What a witness! 7. Hallelujah Chorus8. Amazing Grace9. All Creatures of our God and King10. Borning Cry - I had to include this hymn since I have found many are not familiar with it and it is one of my favorites Listen to it here Scroll down for the answers.Interesting as I compiled this I realized how many hymns I knew the tune to, but knew nothing about its author. Each song … [Read more...]
Increasing Embrace.
How have you changed over your lifetime? Do you see people differently? Accept them more openly? See God with new eyes?People who study human development described how we grow and change in different terminology, but I read a new description last week that intrigued me.Increasing Embrace.Psychologist Susanne Cook-Greuter describes the maturing process in terms of levels of human development with the words: "increasing embrace." As we evolve we become more inclusive, able to accept greater differences in those with others.As we develop, our level of tolerance of other peoples’ mistakes, peculiarities, and values supposedly increase. A maturing human gives up old beliefs and automatic attitudes of the mind and heart. We let go of the old self and take on new openness.Not only do we accept others with more tolerance, but ourselves also.Food for thought, isn’t it?I would like to think I am more tolerant and loving of others and myself now than previously. I hope I am a growing person … [Read more...]
Please Don’t Let my Hem Unravel, Lord – Lectio Divina
You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Psalm 139:5Hem me in, LordThank you for being my front guard.Praise you for standing behind me.Your precious presence protects me every moment.If I move left, so do You.When I swerve to the right, you remain with me.And when I get lost and fall off the path as I so often do, You gently guide me back.Your hand never leaves me, even when I feel so alone and vulnerable.Your strength supports my weakened knees when fear invades my heart.When life unravels and become uneven, You hem me in.You protect me.You guide meYou hem me in.You shield and watch over me.The great Guard of my life. My Shelter and Lord! … [Read more...]
Falling in Love with God – Quote of the week
"Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you will do with your evenings, how you will spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything." - Pedro Arrupe … [Read more...]
How do you Celebrate the Firsts in your Life?
Watching a grandchild provides endless life lessons. I realized this last Saturday when I grabbed the camera to capture Kyla’s first boat ride on Hamilton Lake. (By the way she doesn’t look too happy in these photos and really wanted a nap instead of a strange bumpy trip on water. She did enjoy the second boat ride later in the day with giggles and smiles.) How we love to celebrate a child’s firsts in life! Think of them all - the first tooth, the first haircut, the first walk, the first day of school. We clap our hands, take lots of photos and maybe have a party. We inscribe the event into our memory for safekeeping and honor the moment.Why have we as adults forgotten to honor firsts in our lives? I don’t like to think that we have no more firsts after we reach a certain age. I think I quit noticing and don’t take the time to recognizing new onsets in my life.I believe in life long learning – so the first time you read a new word, pondered a new idea, or learn a new skill should be … [Read more...]
More on Gentleness as a Spiritual Practice
I missed a meeting a few weeks. Totally forgot I made the commitment to attend it. If I had just taken the time to think that day, I would have realized it. But no, I fixed all my attention of my to-do list and my all-important busyness, totally forgetting my obligation.As I traveled this morning, I beat myself up once again about my lapse of memory. “You really should have remembered that. How could you be so stupid?” Then I listened to myself. Why, I would never talk to another human being in that tone of voice or use those words. How cruel, mean, and heartless. Why am I treating myself this way?Dan Milligan wrote, "So be gentle with yourself; show yourself the same kindness and patience you might show a young child - the child you once were. If you won’t be your own friend, who will be? If, when playing an opponent, you are also opposing yourself, you will be outnumbered." A few years back I heard a speaker say, “Listen to your own self-talk.” I tried it and was shocked by the … [Read more...]
Book Review: Where is God in your Life?
Attention: Retreat leaders and small group facilitators. I discovered a great reference to add to your library. Where is God in your Life? by Susan M. Provost.The purpose of this book is to help us see God in our lives and to know His love. The book is uniquely set up in the style of three two-day retreats with the topics of spirituality, understanding the soul, Christian spirituality, God’s presence, prayer, and spirituality within the community. The author shares ideas for icebreakers, Biblical readings, music, and even the time schedule. How handy for a busy retreat leader.The strength of the book’s resources lies with the strong narrative – the type of “meaty” material that adds depth to a retreat. The book explores the teachings expressed by Janet Hagberg and Robert Guelich and is an examination of the six stages of a person’s faith journey:(1)recognition of God;(2)the life of discipleship;(3)the productive life;(4)the journey inward and meeting the wall;(5)the journey … [Read more...]
Gentleness – Lectio Divina
Let your gentleness be evident to all. Philippians 4:5a (NIV)GentlenessLord I ask for Your spirit of gentleness to shine in my life.May I reflect Your kindness in all that I meet.May I treat my own self with tender love.GentlenessLoving others with a strong and decent goodnessWalking humbly through life, being honest with selfSpeaking and being a blessing to others.GentlenessThank you for Your never-ending gentleness with me.Thank you for the gentleness shown to me by othersThank you for being Gentleness. … [Read more...]