The positive power of a compliment can lift moods, bring a smile and even change a life. When someone says something nice to you about you doesn't that compliment light up your spirit and soothe your soul? January 24 is National Compliment Day. I had never heard of this holiday and think we need more than one day to say something nice about someone else, but at least for one day, we can focus on passing on a kind words. National Compliment Day Give a compliment and intentionally spread even more on National Compliment Day on January 24. A compliment is a positive and powerful encouragement. Kind words infuse confidence in a child and inspiration in adults. When we compliment another, they feel like someone notices them and feels accepted by them – a basic human need for us. And amazingly enough, even a small compliment goes a long way. National Compliment Day began in 1998 – so this year marks its 20th anniversary. Hey, that's a good idea and goal.  Between now and … [Read more...]

Noise – it permeates our environment – internally and externally, causing anxiety, distraction, and detours from our calling. "Uncluttering Noise and Busyness" is the second of a two-part series here on Healthy Spirituality. This topic was frequently mentioned in last fall's readers' survey and in comments so I know this is an issue for many of us. Also, January is a natural month to declutter and tidy things up – why not also get your heart and mind in order? Last Tuesday we explored external noise and ideas to manage noise and busy and you can read about my fun with "un" words giving suggestions for the outside noise and hastiness that bombard our lives. But what about internal noise and busyness? I think this environment is perhaps more difficult to pin point and manage. Internal Noise and Busyness What is internal noise and busyness? Internal noise is the voice inside us that constantly chatters. We speak to ourselves continually, creating clamor that drones on … [Read more...]

What is prayer? Welcome to the Year of Prayer. Our Bishop has named 2018 the Year of Prayer and each church and even the synod as a whole is exploring the practice of prayer. Since prayer is such a foundation to a healthy spirituality, this theme is fitting for the blog this coming year too.  Each month on the Tending the Holy Thursdays there will be a focus on an aspect of prayer and of course a monthly free download. On my Thursday posts, I pick one theme (or person of faith) to explore deeper. I call this series Tending the Holy Thursdays. This month exploring what prayer is will be the topic. I am so excited too about this month’s free download “50 Books about Prayer,” You can get this resource free by clicking on the button at the end of this post. This printable shares 50 books on prayer – there are so many books on prayer, definitely more than 50, but this list is a good starting point for learning more about this practice. And remember we can read, study, listen to podcasts … [Read more...]

Do you write spiritual goals?  Many people shy away from the annual “what’s your new year’s resolution” ritual. Others swear that writing down what you would like to do is the first necessary step in becoming what you would like to be. Ah, the controversy. But what about writing spiritual goals?  Should we take the time to ponder where God is inviting us in the coming months? Or is setting spiritual goals too much effort on the human side of controlling our life? I struggle with this issue of writing spiritual goals, but have decided I do like goal setting. I find writing things out gives me clarity and often I hear God better in ink that appears on my journal, more from the spirit than from my mind.  I also find I can easier let go of things once revealed in words and be open to where God is leading me. My Process for Writing Spiritual Goals Here are few tips for writing spiritual goals that I have found useful. After I wrote these out, I realized I have never shared this … [Read more...]

I am a goal setter. People who know me well know I love organizing and designing a 90 day or full year plan of action and seeking a direction and implementing a blueprint for the future.  This is both good and bad. After all life does interfere and God is in charge, not me.  LOL One of the practices that has guided my decisions, prayers and focus each year is choosing a word for the year. Actually, the word choses me – it keeps nipping at my heart, reoccurring in messages and in stories, unfolds in my thoughts. How to Choose a Word of the Year I have written about this practice in the past and have included resources so I won’t repeat all the instructions here but share my previous posts about this valuable practice.  I encourage you to take the time to read these, especially if this is new for you. How do you find a word for the year?  Simple follow these steps: Pray – ask God to show you the quality that He wants to mature in you. Or the word that He wants to transform … [Read more...]