I always begin my prayer in silence, for it is in the silence of the heart that God speaks. God is the friend of silence --- we need to listen to God because it's not what we say but what He says to us and through us that matters.
Prayer feeds the soul -- as blood is to the body, prayer is to the soul -- and it brings you closer to God. It also gives you a clean and pure heart. A clean heart can see God, can speak to God, and can see the love of God in others.
When you have a clean heart it means you are open and honest with God, you are not hiding anything from Him, and this lets Him take what He wants from you.
-- Mother Teresa: A Simple Path, p7-8
Spirit let me recognize your voice today.Amen.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Summer reads
Stories are a universal way of teaching truth, touching emotions, communicating thoughts that other people have and connecting humanity through the generations.
Most of my vacation books were recommended by some of my favorite people. Figured they would be good reads, but by the end of vacation, I knew that this was not just a random pile of books that I chose. Each story had something to teach me, each story somehow was a continuation of my own spiritual journey and quest to really know, experience and love – God, Jesus and Spirit
Chinese Cinderella & the Secret Dragon Society by Adeline Yen Mah – a young Chinese girl who is abandoned by her father, learns love, acceptance, self-discipline and courage in her make-shift family of other “cast away” children. She chooses to love instead of hate those who hurt her.
Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim’s Tale by Ian Morgan Cron - a young evangelical pastor, Chase, is fed up with the church. The rote answers of his faith no longer satisfy him. He heads to Italy to hang with his uncle Kenny, a Franciscan priest. Chase acknowledges that “there has to be something more to being a Christian.” Walking with the Franciscans, Chase is exposed to the heart of God – a life of simplicity, justice and peace, beauty and art, love and grace, mystery and power.
A book you’ll actually read: on Church Leadership by Mark Driscoll - a good overview of church leadership. In general Reformed theology doesn’t allow women to be fully engaged in church leadership. It is so easy to make judgments and put “titles” on people so we know “where to place” them on shelves. In this book I’m an Egalitarian Liberal – believe that men and women are partners in every area of ministry. In another book I’m a Fundamentalist! Whatever – I’m not done yet. I’m still growing and changing.
Christ the Lord, out of Egypt by Anne Rice - The Jewish culture and the occupation of Rome shaped the child, Jesus. The story presented an interesting way to imagine how Jesus grew up as a child and into his awareness that his birth was unlike no others. The humanness of Jesus and his own personal human development is not an aspect of Jesus that I have explored until this past year.
The Shack – by William P. Young – A surprisingly great read (for me). Expressed thoughts and used language that is so different from my own religious heritage. Different yet it felt so right. Key theological topics – creation, fall, redemption, authority, relationships, love, and judgment – are all expressed in tangible ways.
Over the past 3 years, this is the Jewish human Jesus, this is the gentle, loving Spirit, and this is the God I have been becoming acquainted with through my studies at the Dominican Center. I have not abandoned my faith. But I am shedding the outer layer, the clothes of my childhood. I am growing up. I can no longer live with a list of does and don’ts, should haves and guilt.
I love that the Spirit is always present, always guiding and leading. In all aspects of my life She knows what I need and how to graciously give to me – pile of vacation reads! I love it when I “catch on” to what She is doing, so I can thank her and learn to trust her more.
Most of my vacation books were recommended by some of my favorite people. Figured they would be good reads, but by the end of vacation, I knew that this was not just a random pile of books that I chose. Each story had something to teach me, each story somehow was a continuation of my own spiritual journey and quest to really know, experience and love – God, Jesus and Spirit
Chinese Cinderella & the Secret Dragon Society by Adeline Yen Mah – a young Chinese girl who is abandoned by her father, learns love, acceptance, self-discipline and courage in her make-shift family of other “cast away” children. She chooses to love instead of hate those who hurt her.
Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim’s Tale by Ian Morgan Cron - a young evangelical pastor, Chase, is fed up with the church. The rote answers of his faith no longer satisfy him. He heads to Italy to hang with his uncle Kenny, a Franciscan priest. Chase acknowledges that “there has to be something more to being a Christian.” Walking with the Franciscans, Chase is exposed to the heart of God – a life of simplicity, justice and peace, beauty and art, love and grace, mystery and power.
A book you’ll actually read: on Church Leadership by Mark Driscoll - a good overview of church leadership. In general Reformed theology doesn’t allow women to be fully engaged in church leadership. It is so easy to make judgments and put “titles” on people so we know “where to place” them on shelves. In this book I’m an Egalitarian Liberal – believe that men and women are partners in every area of ministry. In another book I’m a Fundamentalist! Whatever – I’m not done yet. I’m still growing and changing.
Christ the Lord, out of Egypt by Anne Rice - The Jewish culture and the occupation of Rome shaped the child, Jesus. The story presented an interesting way to imagine how Jesus grew up as a child and into his awareness that his birth was unlike no others. The humanness of Jesus and his own personal human development is not an aspect of Jesus that I have explored until this past year.
The Shack – by William P. Young – A surprisingly great read (for me). Expressed thoughts and used language that is so different from my own religious heritage. Different yet it felt so right. Key theological topics – creation, fall, redemption, authority, relationships, love, and judgment – are all expressed in tangible ways.
Over the past 3 years, this is the Jewish human Jesus, this is the gentle, loving Spirit, and this is the God I have been becoming acquainted with through my studies at the Dominican Center. I have not abandoned my faith. But I am shedding the outer layer, the clothes of my childhood. I am growing up. I can no longer live with a list of does and don’ts, should haves and guilt.
I love that the Spirit is always present, always guiding and leading. In all aspects of my life She knows what I need and how to graciously give to me – pile of vacation reads! I love it when I “catch on” to what She is doing, so I can thank her and learn to trust her more.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Animoto.com
Ben, my co-worker, is great. He loves to play and find new things on the web. It's great for me because he passes along cool sites that help me and are easy to use. The most important feature is that it is easy to use.
Right before vacation he showed me animoto.com. Here's one of my first attempts. It's our vacation and my sister and her family.
Right before vacation he showed me animoto.com. Here's one of my first attempts. It's our vacation and my sister and her family.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Detox
Best part of my day?
Going on vacation with my favorite people - my husband, son and daughter. We're hanging out at Silver Lake next to Lake Michigan. Love the beach!
No watch, no cell phone
lots of books, camera, computer (ONLY for play!!)
a bottle of wine
Excited to be away from work for 2 weekends, but really bummed that I'm missing church. My co-worker Ben Redmond is speaking all of July and I'm missing 2 of his talks.
Going on vacation with my favorite people - my husband, son and daughter. We're hanging out at Silver Lake next to Lake Michigan. Love the beach!
No watch, no cell phone
lots of books, camera, computer (ONLY for play!!)
a bottle of wine
Excited to be away from work for 2 weekends, but really bummed that I'm missing church. My co-worker Ben Redmond is speaking all of July and I'm missing 2 of his talks.
Friday, July 11, 2008
All is gift
What if . . .
this weird, discontent, restless, confused, angry period of my life
belongs right here, right now?
What if . . .
I aceept and believe and trust what I've been learning
. . . . the "Everything Belongs"
If this (is true), then this (is one way I can respond)
If this. . . . belongs in the scope/journey of my life
THEN I can quit beating myself up for feeling this way
If this . . .
THEN I can ask the Spirit for grace to learn and grow from this specific part of my journey
All is gift
this weird, discontent, restless, confused, angry period of my life
belongs right here, right now?
What if . . .
I aceept and believe and trust what I've been learning
. . . . the "Everything Belongs"
If this (is true), then this (is one way I can respond)
If this. . . . belongs in the scope/journey of my life
THEN I can quit beating myself up for feeling this way
If this . . .
THEN I can ask the Spirit for grace to learn and grow from this specific part of my journey
All is gift
Anam 'Cara
John O'Donohue: : :Anam Cara A Book of Celtic Wisdom
Gaelic term: anam 'cara means "soul friend."
". . . . awareness is one of the greatest gifts you can bring to your friendship. Many people have an anam 'cara of whom they are not truly aware. . . sadly, it is often loss that awakens presence, by then it is too late. It is wise to pray for the grace of recognition. Inspired by awareness, you may then discover beside you the anam 'cara of whom your longing has always dreamed."
Spirit. . . give me sight, open my eyes to the possibilities to love You and be loved by You. Show me if my "soul friend" is standing next to me. Help me discern the obstacles that hinder my relationship with you and my soul friend.
Gaelic term: anam 'cara means "soul friend."
". . . . awareness is one of the greatest gifts you can bring to your friendship. Many people have an anam 'cara of whom they are not truly aware. . . sadly, it is often loss that awakens presence, by then it is too late. It is wise to pray for the grace of recognition. Inspired by awareness, you may then discover beside you the anam 'cara of whom your longing has always dreamed."
Spirit. . . give me sight, open my eyes to the possibilities to love You and be loved by You. Show me if my "soul friend" is standing next to me. Help me discern the obstacles that hinder my relationship with you and my soul friend.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Psalm of Praise
Each morning is a surprise,
a gift of anticipation
for the Spirit to flow and move through me.
Each new day brings renewal, hope and transformation.
I love who you are creating me to be --
I love who I am becoming --
I am humbled by your love and undivided attention you give to me, your daughter.
I love that you are continuously creating and transforming me.
Creation is continuing on all around me,
in me
and through me!
I am fearfully and wonderfully made. . .
to love you
to worship you
to live in you
a gift of anticipation
for the Spirit to flow and move through me.
Each new day brings renewal, hope and transformation.
I love who you are creating me to be --
I love who I am becoming --
I am humbled by your love and undivided attention you give to me, your daughter.
I love that you are continuously creating and transforming me.
Creation is continuing on all around me,
in me
and through me!
I am fearfully and wonderfully made. . .
to love you
to worship you
to live in you
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