What lessons have you learned so far in 2018? According to researchers, people quit more than 80% of all New Year resolutions by the second week in February. I find the weather so dreary this time of year in Ohio so to learn this about the month regarding failure compounds the depression. I don't like resolutions. The negativity of their collapse is one reason I call them goals instead. I list what I feel God is asking me to work on, to experience, to become in the coming 12 months and plan steps to work towards them throughout the year. Progress, not perfection. Two broad "goals" that I wrote about on this blog for this year is the Year of Reading and the Year of Creativity. I thought I would share an update on these two areas, hoping my small steps forward may inspire your goals too. 2018 Lessons - Year of Reading. Yes, I am reading more in 2018. I have discovered if I take the time to read 15-30 minutes in the morning, I absorb the information with more depth. The words linger … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Deepen Your Experience with God During Lent
Lent is coming. This sacred season begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14 this year. Isn't it cool we can spend time with the Lord of Love on Valentine's Day? I wrote about this church season previously on the posts titled How to Observe Lent and Be Ready for Easter, and Are You Ready? Lent is Coming Quickly. Do you know what Lent means? Lent is the 40 days before Easter, excluding Sundays. In French, the word "lent" means slow and is our invitation to slow down and be with God in new ways. How will you be transformed if each day we intentionally paused, prayed, and prepared ourselves for Easter? How will you grow closer to God this season? Here are 5 ways to deepen your experience with God and to slow down before Easter: Create a daily quiet time with God. Carve out in the morning or evening or whenever at least 10 minutes of silence and prayer. Read a Lenten devotional such as 40 Voices during this season. Explore the resources online at sites such as Lenten Resources, Creighton … [Read more...]
Monthly Musings -What I Learned in January
January Monthly Musings Wow! Where did January go? One month of 2018 disappearing into the past. I know pausing and reflecting about the present moments and the past few weeks helps me appreciate, praise, and value the gift of life and time. How are you living a reflective life? Each month I look back at what I am discovering, learning, and exploring in life – I call these my monthly musings. Capturing these special moments gives meaning, depth, and delight to life. Let’s wake up to the wonders in the ordinary all around us. I record what I notice on the pages of my Monthly Musing Journal. You can use anything, scrapes of papers, a journal, or a calendar. Copies of my Monthly Musing Journal are available on Amazon and are a convenient way to keep track of the little things in life we often miss. Or if you want to click the button at the end of this post to get a FREE copy of my one sheet Monthly Musing handout. What I Learned in January Monthly Musing Lesson Learned: Speaking … [Read more...]
Prayer Reflections
In this series on prayer we have been exploring the definition of prayer and wrestling with the question "what is prayer?" Prayer is the spiritual practice Healthy Spirituality is focusing on in 2018 and different aspects of prayer will be shared here on the Tending the Holy Thursdays. 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. And in each month, I usually provide a free download resource. Be sure to click the button at the end of the post to get your copy of "50 Books About Prayer." If you missed the previous blog posts, you can check them out here: Year of Prayer – What is Prayer More Thoughts on Prayer Prayer Reflections and Next Steps The following two quotes drew the most comments. Both are long and meaty and well worth copying into our journals for further prayer and contemplation and conversation with God. Don’t seek to develop a prayer … [Read more...]
The Positive Power of a Compliment
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...]
More Thoughts on What is Prayer?
2018 is the Year of Prayer – on this blog and in NW Ohio synod where our Bishop is inviting us to delve deeper into prayer. 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 all about prayer, but the best teacher about prayer is praying, spending time with God. Simply talking and listening. Tell God you what to deepen your prayer life and he … [Read more...]
Internal Noise and Busyness
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...]
Year of Prayer – What is Prayer?
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...]