The following verses serve as the basis for prayer and one I offer up to you today with gratitude and love: That’s why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn’t stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I’d think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him —endless energy, boundless strength! Ephesians 1:15-19 (The Message) May the God of our Master, the God of glory embrace you with his wisdom and guidance so you can grow deeper within his love and his ways. May your eyes see clearly and precisely where he is calling … [Read more...]

On retreat last year I talked with the spiritual director about my continual struggle between my head and my heart. Sometimes it felt like a tug of war going on within me. Like I was two people – a split personality. I felt like I lived in either one place or the other, no peace. She asked me if I could describe how I felt in an image. After awhile I told her a hourglass. Two parts with a constriction in between. We sat silently as I pondered the meaning of that symbol. Quietly she suggested that I ask God for the gift of a new image if that would help heal the broken connection within me. Later in the day I did ask God if he could show me a new way to think about my clashing infighting for dominance. Why couldn’t these two children get along? Help me Lord bring them together. Help me find wholeness. I have always loved trees. I have been drawn to stories about them; verses about them. Lessons in their different seasons. The scales fell from my eyes and my heart … [Read more...]

  I’m an optimist. If an Optimist Anonymous existed – I would be their poster child. I have worked hard on developing this trait. See, I wasn’t born an optimist. In fact, as a newborn I emerged with quite a scowl on my face. When I was about 7 years old, I remember overhearing a friend of my mother discussing my frown and lack of smiling. Being optimistic didn’t come naturally for me. When I tell people that now, it surprises them. I am known to be quite a “look on the bright side of things” gal. Little Miss Sunshine. One of my most popular presentations is about optimism. In the second half of life, though I am finding more and more of what I used to think of as my strengths have become more like burdens. What I thought were strong foundations evolved into the rocks that I trip over. They weigh me down. For example I used to rely on my high valued sense of independence. I raised my kids to be independent. Stand on your own two feet. You can do it type of … [Read more...]

Our pastor last Sunday shared the following story: A young man wanted to gain body strength and get into shape by working on his uncle’s farm one summer. His wise uncle suggested that he do vertical arm lifts while holding  1, then 5, then 10, then 25, and 50 pound sacks of potatoes. The young man exercised faithfully. Each day he would go to the barn and practice the repetitions with the potato sacks. Yes he started with the one-pound sacks and slowly advancing until the end of summer he was lifting 50 pound sacks. He finally accomplished his goal with 100-pound sacks in both arms. He rushed to his uncle exclaiming proudly his achievement. “And guess what, Uncle. Next week I plan to start putting potatoes into the sacks.” The congregation chuckled at this silly tale. But our pastor went on to clarify that many of us treat our daily devotional life in the same way. We skim our Bible reading. We rush through obligatory prayers. We ramble with nonsense instead of … [Read more...]

Ever pray this prayer: Where are you, God and why can't I see You? I have running crazy in July with company visiting, summer to do’s and trying to work on dreams and where God is leading me. I finally took some deep breaths this morning to create space with God – reading my Bible, journaling and spending time with him. It was like having my morning coffee with a friend I was missing and longing to be with. Where have you been, God? I asked with a smile, knowing it wasn’t his absence but my busyness that kept me from experiencing him lately. Then I remembered this story I heard a long time ago. I love its imagery and reassurance of God’ presence. So sit back and enjoy story time today. May its words also bless your journey: Once upon a time a woman spoke her deepest desire to God. “Lord, I want to find you. See you. Be with you” She held that prayer closely in her heart for many many years. She said no to worldly desires and accomplishments to focus only on God. She … [Read more...]