National Goof Off Day Today is National Goof Off Day. Ever hear of it? I hadn't, but thought what fun! But then again. I need to be focused. "I am a serious writer, you know...." I should only be productive. My to-do list will die without constant attention. But yet the idea kept nagging away at me so I knew I had to find out more. National Goof Off Day National Goof Off Day is a day to do something, do anything, except what you are supposed to do. It is a day that is ok to procrastinate and avoid all the musts, shoulds, and needs. Let's qualify this – nothing illegal, nothing that would get you fired or divorced, nothing dangerous or would draw you away from your values and your faith. This is a day to take a deep breath and enjoy something. Feed your spirit. Play like a child again. Researchers have found that a little goofing off is actually good for you as it relieves stress and increases productivity. A silly break enhances creativity, problem solving, … [Read more...]
Let’s Celebrate My Birthday!!
Happy Birthday To Me! It's my birthday today (March 18) and guess what? I have a gift for you! The past few years I have loved blogging and getting to know so many of you. So it is time to give back. Starting today through Sunday (March18-20,2016) my newest book Whispers - Being with God in Breath Prayers is FREE as an e-book. YIPPEE!! Go to amazon or just click on the icon below to download. The best birthday gift I could receive is for my words to bless your walk with God. Whispers is only available through Sunday so don't wait. Tell your friends! Invite them to this blog and ask them to sign up on my email list. Share on social media. Write a review of the book on Amazon. But most of all, have a great day and weekend. I know I will cause it's my birthday!! … [Read more...]
What Can St. Patrick Teach Us Today?
St Patrick St. Patrick lived almost 1500 years ago and has evolved into a person of legend, tales, and green inspiration for all of us, especially on the day we honor him – March 17. Exploring Celtic Christianity has been the topic for this month's Tending the Holy Thursdays – a fitting subject for March and all the Irish among us. This week we are exploring St Patrick's life and what can he teach us today. God Shapes Us Through Prayer Even When We Can't See Our Path St. Patrick was born in England, possibly Scotland, in the late 4th century and as a teenager was kidnapped by pirates and taken as a slave into Ireland to be a shepherd. He remained in captivity for 6 long years. During this time Patrick converted to Christianity and through prayer became deeply devoted, Some writings attributed to St. Patrick exist today and many scholars think they are authentic; one is called Confessio where St. Patrick writes about his time in prayer: "The love of God and his fear grew in … [Read more...]
The Ides of March: Beware or Aware?
The Ides of March Today is the Ides of March. You know that saying, "Beware of the ides of March" coined by the Bard himself, William Shakespeare, in his play, Julius Caesar. I am sure you will hear it at least once today recited by someone. March 15 marks the date in history that Caesar was assassinated as predicted by the seer earlier with that phrase to beware of the ides of March. I was curious about the Ides of March. Here are a few interesting tidbits I discovered: In Roman times the ides of March was mostly notable as a deadline for settling debts. The Ides of March also marks the first day of the Roman new year and the first day of spring in the Roman calendar. We have more than one "ides" each year. Actually ides occur on the 15th in March, May, July, and October or on the 13th in the other months. The word's Latin roots mean "divide," and the date sought to split the month, originally at the rise of the full moon. The term –"ides" in some Chinese vernaculars … [Read more...]
Celtic Christianity –St. Brigid
Celtic Christianity –St. Brigid Who is St. Brigit? Exploring Celtic Christianity will be the topic for this month's Tending the Holy Thursdays – a fitting subject for March and all the Irish among us. We learned about St. Gobnait last week and you can read about it here. This week St. Brigid is visiting our space here and sharing her story with us: St. Brigid's Story St. Brigid is one of the three patron saints of Ireland and was born around 453 AD. Due to much of her story being written centuries after she lived, it is unknown how much of her life is based on folktale and how much on truth. Either way, her love for the poor and compassion for helping others lives on. Her father was a chieftain named Dubthach, and her mother named Brocessa, a Christian bondswoman, not Dubthach's wife. Of course this new child by another woman doesn't set well with his spouse who persuaded him to send away both Brocessa to Limerick and Brigid into foster care. When she is about 10 years old … [Read more...]
Words Matter
Words Matter Do you realize that your words matter? Words are more powerful than we can ever imagine. Words encourage. Words empower. Words excite. Words equip. Words engage. Words entertain. But words can equally cause the opposite reaction. Words matter. Any one who has been bullied knows the power of words. I can still remember in sixth grade as we completed a study about the American Indian being called "Indian Fatso." Not only do I still feel the sting of the words, I can picture the classroom, hear the boy's taunting voice and even know which row my desk occupied. A torn jacket is soon mended; but hard words bruise the heart of a child. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Ever notice how negative words remain seared in our hearts and wrapped their tangled, deep roots around our fragile ego? On the other hand, compliments and sincere comments drip off our skin like water on a duck. Words are like eggs dropped from great heights; you can no more call them back than … [Read more...]
Celtic Christianity – Tending the Holy Thursdays
Celtic Christianity Exploring Celtic Christianity will be the topic for this month's Tending the Holy Thursdays – a fitting subject for March and all the Irish among us. I am half Scot/Irish, so know there is a little green blood in me. Any other Irish here? With five Thursdays in March, I have an extra day to dive into this interesting piece of Christian history we have. This week I am going to feature someone I never heard of before until about a month ago and thought her story would be worthy to share. Of course we will hear from St Brigid and St Patrick and few other Irish tidbits. Since I have been traveling I don't have a free item yet for you to download to add to this study, but watch for it coming up in the next few weeks. UPDATE: Click the button at the end of this post for a free pdf of 10 Celtic Blessings to share with others. I think you will enjoy it. So "top of the mornin' to ya" – let's study the Celts and see what we can learn from them to nurture our … [Read more...]
February Monthly Musings – What I Learned/Observed in February
What are Monthly Musings? At the beginning of the month, I share lessons I learned from the previous month. I call these my Monthly Musings (I have a free cheat sheet if you want to help with this practice you (see end of this post) and/or a printed book, Monthly Musings Journal, available on Amazon if you are interested). These are ways to incorporate the spiritual practice of reflection into your life and often I see God's touch and presence more in this rearview mirror look-back on life. I have been working on a book proposal about the value of the spiritual practice of remembering and living a reflective life. Doing this column each month has grounded me in this practice and helped me capture those fleeting moments of joy, learning, and life. February Monthly Musings Lessons Learned: My spiritual director commented - "We are so madly loved by God, we just can't resist him." She later said, "Do you desire God or the things of God?" Both good reminders and thoughts to … [Read more...]