Kids Literature: Some of my favorites

Kids books that I like. I like these books because of their themes, for their illustrations, for the conversations that can follow, for their silliness. Many of the books are not written by Christian authors, but reflect God’s truth.

I'd love to hear what are some of your favorite kids literature. Drop me a note.

I Love you Stinky Face – Lisa McCourt
silly, lots of laughter, about unconditional love – toddlers & older

I love you this much – Lynn Hodges
we make it fun by yelling some of the phrases really loud – toddlers & older

Good Night God – Holly Bea
great book about seeing God in everything – toddler & older

Sandy Eisenberg Sasso – Jewish rabbi who understands kids’ spirituality. Excellent books with awesome illustrations. Sandy’s books are thought provoking. Ask your kids “wonder questions” I wonder what is your favorite name for God.
these books are for preschool age and older

What is God’s Name
In God’s Name
God in Between
I am God’s Paintbrush

God’s Echo: Exploring Scripture with Midrash – awesome book for adults

The Story of Ruby Bridges – Robert Cole
true story about the first African girl who attend a white school, speaks of her faith in God and courage. Love this book, I still cry when I read it. – preschool age and older

Walter Wangerin – wonderful storyteller and author

Mary’s First Christmas – Walter Wangerin, illustrated by Tim Ladwig
Mary tells a Yeshi (a young Jesus) the special story about his birth – preschool age and older

In the Beginning there was No Sky – Walter Wangerin
beautiful illustration, a wonderful story about being created with love – preschool age and older

Water Come Down: When you were baptized – Walter Wangerin
Even though we do not do infant baptisms itw is a great story about God’s promise to you

I don’t have your Eyes – Carrie Kitze
Simple book about looking different but we are all the same because we all love in the same way. I especially liked this book because my daughter and I do not physically look the same. – toddler & older

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble – William Steig
Endearing story about a family, lost and found – preschool age & older

Psalm 23 – Barry Moser
beautifully illustrated version of Psalm 23

The Lord’s Prayer – Tim Ladwig
he has two versions, I especially like the one with the cover of the father and daughter holding hands. The words are the Lord’s Prayer, but the illustrations bring out another aspect of the story. – toddler & older

How Leo Learned to be King – Marcus Pfister & J. Alison James
Good story about a lion who learns to serve others – toddler & older

Giraffes Can’t Dance - Giles Andreae & Guy Parker
Good story about being unique, how God created us the same but different – toddler & older

Papa, Do You Love Me? – Barbara M. Joosse
African culture, precious story about father & son, unconditional love – preschool age & older

My family really enjoys the Avatar: The Last Airbender cartoon series by Nickelodeon . We haven’t read the books, so I can’t comment on them. Age appropriate for old preschool & elementary. You know best what your kids can handle.

wwKids Haunted House

Gratitude – Celebration – Excitement – Electrifying Energy
– Future Opportunities!

This was a huge week for wwKids on many levels and with many various groups of people. So MUCH Jesus stuff happening.

HALLOWEEN: Kids’ Haunted House – Sunday was awesome. Exciting, fun, full of teachable moments , helping our kids know that even though we are afraid, God says, “don’t be afraid, for I am with you; don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will help you.” (Isaiah 41.9b-10)

We used fringe volunteers – those who loved kids (or me) but don’t serve regularly in with the kids – they were a huge asset so that our faithful teachers & leaders, got a break. A satellite group bagged candy and baked cookies for us. We were able to invite several other wwKids volunteers into a deeper “serving” experience, building vision and excitement for what happens behind the scenes! We had a great Confronting Fears article on Saturday, October 30, in the Citizen Pat with a photo of Leigh MacCready. The article truly represented what WW was intending to accomplish with a Halloween celebration! We used Mel Evans artistic skills and promoted the Haunted House at Paragon school via an one-of-a-kind kids coloring book.

We had 220 kids Sunday morning. That is 70 more than we usually have. While this number is very exciting we WON on some many levels. To maximize this win, we need to tell the story of what God is doing in wwKids and invite them along as well.

HALLOWEEN: Family Movie Nite – 126 people came to the movies. Sheryl Amburgey (Tolonen) gave 3 or 4 new families – first time stepping into WW – tours.

There are times that I get up early to sit quietly, to pray, to listen and then my mind goes crazy. I begin to plan what needs to be done today, I worry about what I didn’t get done yesterday.

My body is still but my mind is going a million miles an hour.

I go inward to be IN His presence
there I find love, peace,
grace & joy.
I move outward to BE his presence
there I reflect His love, peace,
grace & joy.

Things that have encouraged me

Unsolicited comments that have recently encouraged me
- You are the best boss I have ever had. Wish I lived closer to you so I could volunteer in your ministry (previous employee)
- You are one of the most creative people I have ever worked with. You always looked ahead for the next opportunity and incorporated it. (previous boss)
- You are creative, hopeful, determined (current employee)
- You taught and modeled to us what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Because of your leadership our staff has deepen our relationships with God and one another. (previous employee)
- Slaughter’s teaching from Matthew 10 (previous "big" boss and pastor)

Being Contemplative

Recently a comment was made that my tendencies to be contemplative was misinterpreted. My longing for time alone, my desires to go on long walks in the woods was perceived as a lack of personal motivation or even drive. Initially that comment hurt, but I realized it was only an observation from a person who doesn’t really know me or understand what a contemplative life is about.

I am probably one of the most “discontent” people around. I always want MORE. More in my relationships, more things fixed in my house, more plants for my garden; more volunteers working and leading in the kids ministry; more education; more opportunities for our kids; more dinners with friends; more time in the woods; more time with my husband; more love, more patience; more wine, more sex, more laughter! I want MORE.

Being contemplative (for me) is about prayerfully entering into silence and solitude – the desert, the woods. In this sacred space, the goal is not to hide from others, devoid of pain, or to hold myself apart from and above the community in which I live. It is to receive the grace to learn to face MYSELF directly so I can learn to live an ordinary life with a sense of awe and wonder; to live generously with my family, friends and community.

Mother Teresa was contemplative SO THAT she could pour herself out to others. I’m certainly no Mother Teresa, but I find comfort knowing that a lot of religious people didn’t get or approve of her.

Everyone benefits from positive affirmation

The other day at the park there was a family kicking the soccer ball around nearby where I sat. Their little son, I guessed to be 3 years old, came up and hit his older sister on her back. The girl began to cry and told her dad what happened. The dad responded to the little boy with, “I told you to keep your f-ing hands off of her.”

I was so shocked by the harshness in this man’s voice, and even though his words were not directed at me, I was hurt because I witnessed the incident. Days later I still carry with me the negativity and weight of those few violent moments. Each time I recall the incident I grieve, but I also pause to pray.

Studies show that when we complement another person, not only does that increase their serotonin level (a well-known contributor to feelings of well being) it increased the person’s serotonin level who gave the complement. The study then shows that those who are present and hear this exchange of complements ALSO have an increase of serotonin.

Everyone benefits when we are kind to one another.

Fear or Faith?

Darkness, thunder storms, tornados, spiders, cancer, death, bears, skeletons, killer clowns, stray dogs, boats, heights, and carnivorous animals . . . . these are just a few things that scare our kids.

On Halloween, wwKids’ Experience Studios will have their own mini-series on FEAR! The kids will rotate through each decked-out studio, learning how they can trust God even when they are afraid.

So invite your friends and family. Wear your Halloween costume and join us Sunday, October 31 for a life-changing teaching on Faith VS Fear.

'You are mine.' I have chosen you.
10 So do not be afraid. I am with you.
Do not be terrified. I am your God.
I will make you strong and help you.
My powerful right hand will take good care of you.
I always do what is right. Isaiah 41.9b-10

Common Threads in Spiritual Growth

Last Sunday 9 people got baptized at Westwinds Church -- 4 of them were kids.

all of the kids had either their mom or dad baptized them
all of the kids said that they love Jesus and want to follow him
all of the kids have been or are currently involved in wwKids (or student journey)

What powerful stories these kids possess. That Jesus loves them, that Jesus makes a difference in their life, that Jesus has healed their family and restored wholeness. The kids stories are different but have two common threads. Both parents and community (the church) are actively involved in guiding, nurturing and demonstrating to the kids what it looks like to follow Jesus.

Parents, you MATTER in your kids’ lives. They look to you for guidance and direction when it comes to spiritual matters. And wwKids leaders, we MATTER in our kids’ lives. We may not always see direct results, but what we do MATTERS in helping shape and guide our kids.

Never, never give up on our kids!

Meaningful routines

The “fall switch” was turned on and school has started, the leaves have begun to change, the weather has turned cooler (most days). I finished physical therapy and will continue it on my own. September has come and is almost gone. In the midst of this transitional month I too have begun to re-integrate some meaningful routines into my life.

I am getting a solid, restful 6-7 hours of sleep a night.
I am getting up early and enjoying the morning quietness and solitude.
I am taking brief walks with my dog.
I am doing silly things like sitting outside in the middle of the nite, listening for owls, sensing God’s presence.
I am baking and cooking more.

These activities are not just ordinary things that I fill my day with, they are life-giving, soul-sustaining moments that drew me closer to God my Father. As I draw closer to God I find that I am more generous, more gentle, more kind, and more loving towards others.

Celebrating Tong Min Min's Bday

We celebrate the birth of our second child, Tong Min Min, aka Allison Min-Joy Tate on September 20.

Records indicate that a "baby girl with black skin was found in a box with a blanket and dry milk" was found on September 29. She was taken to an orphanage in Tongling. She lived there until she was adopted on May 23, 2005. (Pictures: Min Min's playground at the orphanage; Chicks in China at the White Swan hotel, Deb Morse (my sister), me and Allie, Chelsea Mero (my brother's daughter))

Today Allie turns 7 years old and is a first grader. She has the sweetest smile, a giving heart and she is "stinking stubborn" (I think my dad used to describe me that way as well). She loves to laugh and tease people. She adores being tickled. You can tickle her for a hour and she still asks for more. Allie doesn't walk much these days, rather she moves from place to place doing cartwheels. Allie loves to sing and watch Avatar: The Last Airbender. Her favorite line is "and I believe that Ang can save the world!"

I am always humbled when Allie thanks God for her family. It's like she innately knows that having a family is not just a given, but truly a gift. She always lists us, mom, dad, Jeff and Jake and Joey (the dog and cat).

One day after listing us all, she said to me that she has a China momma. I affirmed that she was right. Then she asked, "Do I have a China daddy?" to which I also replied "yes." She was quiet for a moment and then asked, "Do I have a China brother?" I paused for a moment and said, "I don't know, you might." Then silliness set in and questions and list continued, "Do I have a China doggy? a China kitty?"

Allie's generous and thankful heart is gift our family. I can't imagine a day without one of her hugs or smiles.

The Voice of My Beloved - III

As my relationship with my Beloved has grown, His voice becomes clearer. What began as a personal desire to know the voice of my Beloved has expanded to guiding and directing my kids in discerning God's voice. One thing we do is play the "quiet game" in which I encourage the kids to be still, close their eyes and listen; simple become aware of their surrounding.

On one occasion after a few minutes of quietness, I asked Jeff what he heard. He replied a motor boat and birds. Then I asked him, "If you did not have ears, could you still hear God?" Jeff paused and thought for a moment and then replied, "Yes, because I hear Him in my heart."

Louella passed away years ago, but there are very few days that I don't think of her and thank God for what she taught me.

The Voice of my Beloved - II

My encounter with Louella changed my life forever. Her simple but profound words set me on a quest to know and recognize the voice of my Beloved.

Fast forward 12 years. I'm married now, have a 5-year-old son and have been regularly practicing centering prayer and slowing learning to recognize my Beloved's voice. Ironically the earlier I got up in the morning, the earlier my son got out of bed. To be honest I was a bit irritated and frustrated that my son frequently interrupted my "God time."

One summer morning as I sat still, I heard my son's footsteps. At once I felt frustration swelling up within me but almost immediately I heard a voice say, "Invite Jeff to join you." As the footsteps approached my frustration melted away and when Jeff appeared around the corner I invited him to cuddle on my lap. As we sat quietly together a peace washed over me and the Spirit showed me that these quiet moments with my son were holy. God my Father was smiling at this mother and child, madonna iamge. At that moment, my "God time" paradigm was shattered and my understanding of what was holy deepened.

The Voice of my Beloved

It's been about 15 years since, my friend and film maker, Len and I interviewed Louella Thompson. She was this beautiful, middle-age African American woman who had opened a soupl kitchen out of her home. It was named, "Feed the Hungry." When I asked Louelle how her ministry came about, she simply said, "One day I heard God say, open your house, feed whoever comes in. Don't ask questions, just feed them."

I was younger then, just out of seminary- what I'm saying is I was arrogant and naive! - so I asked her, "How did you know it was God who said this to you?"

This gracious, Godly woman looked at me with her beautiful brown eyes. Then she turned to my friend and asked, "Len, are you married?" to which he replied "yes". She then asked, "When your wife calls you on the phone, do you ask 'who is this?'" "Of course not," Len replied, "I recognize her voice." Louella looked back towards me and said, "I know the voice of my Beloved."

Things I've missed

This summer has been odd. It seems like plans and schedules were tossed out as my family all focused on my hip replacement surgery and my recovery. I am two months post op and feel great. As I have slowly gotten back into the flow of normal family life, work and routine, I realize all that I have missed.
- the early quiet mornings alone
- seeing the sun rise
- the morning sounds as a new day appears in the eastern sky
- cooking breakfast for the family
- gardening
- baking bread
- shooting photos
- composting
- walking back to the pond with the dog

In the absence of all the things that naturely feed my soul, I've noticed a certain dissatification in my soul, a discontent or restlessness. Sometimes these feelings can be a sign of positive movement, pulling me towards God. But I don't sense that.

Don't get me wrong. I have certainly felt God's presence during these past months. My family and I have been loved and cared for in so many ways. My surgery and healing time has been miraculous. Seriously I feel great, I just need to continue to strength my muscles.

I'm looking forward to this new season. Getting back into a routine with the kids and back into the daily activities that nourish my soul and fellowship with My Father, God; his son Jesus and the Spirit.

Mother Teresa's Bday

Today is Mother Teresa's bday. She would have been a 100 years old.

I became acquainted with Mother Teresa during my spiritual direction course work. I had to choose a "saint," someone whom I would walk with and learn from. I was drawn to Mother Teresa because she was a woman,and I also loved her hands - gentle, healing, full of life experiences. Not a particualy "spiritual" way to choose a saint,but the Spirit did not guide me wrong. It was no accident that Mother Teresa was my saint.

There are days in ministry that I feel like I make little progress.
Haven't we dealt with this issue;
haven't we had this conversation;
we have no money again;
who else "needs/wants" me today; etc?

Then I think of Mother Teresa. Everyday she began sitting in silence in the presence of Jesus, she took communion and the essence of her beloved Jesus filled her. THEN everyday she walked into the streets of Calcutta, into a cultural system that saw little change and she LOVED and cared for whomever she came in contact with.

Mother Teresa encourage me (and others) to believe the best of those we encounter. To believe that they are doing the best that they can, with what they have, at this particular moment.

I know that ministry goals,plans and measureable objectives are important, but ultimately it is about loving others, inviting, encouraging and guiding others to become WHOLE human beings created in the image of God.

Thank you Mother for the life you lived. Thank you for showing me how to follow more closely after our Beloved Jesus.

Seasons

I love Michigan! I was born, raised and lived in Michigan until I moved to Kentucky in 1992. When I moved back to Michigan in 2006 I truly felt like I had come home. I love the Michigan seasons. For me the seasons are a tangible guide that impacts the flow and rhythm of my life. Perhaps because I am a gardener!

These past months have been a difficult season - lossing my dad, health issues and surgery. My good friend and spiritual director encouraged me to just "be" and stay in the river of grace. To place no demands on myself, to just let the gentle waters of grace soothe and heal. I have done no work, no studying, no blogging for the last 7 weeks or so. While it has felt odd it has also been good.

It is humbling but good to be on the receiving end of things. To let others do for me and my family. To let others provide meals, clean my house or drive me around. I have felt God's love and grace each time I have received these gifts.

As the seasons of Michigan subtly shift towards an Indian Summer so is my season of life changing. I am back at work. Each day I feel better and stronger. Today for the first time I got up early and sat in my favorite chair and listened to the rain hit the leaves. I have missed my early morning times, listening and watching a new day dawn. It felt good this morning. I sensed God's presence in the early morning quietness.

It is well with my soul.

Good Questions lead to Good Faith

Throughout the gospels Jesus was reportedly asked about 183 direct questions; however he only directly answered 3 of those questions.

This is quite amazing to me since I thought my most of my faith was based on having the “right” information and “right” answers! Isn’t that why I went to seminary? To learn the “right” answer and pass that “right” answer onto everyone who will listen – not excluding my husband, my kids, my siblings, my co-workers, etc. And if they don’t listen, I’m to convince that they should listen because I know the “right” answer!

Jesus’ way is very different than how I would do it. Can you imagine? Typically when Jesus was asked a question he responded in one of three ways.
1. Jesus was silent. Before Pilate (John 19.9) he remained silent.
2. Jesus asks another question, as with the coin of Caesar (Matthew 22.19)
3. Jesus gives an illustration as with the Good Shepherd (Luke 10:30)

I wonder how I as both a parent and a kids' leader, can more fully integrate
Silence, Questions & Stories into my kids' lives.

I am so thankful for my life.
For the real treasures of life - husband, kids, dog,
friendships, ministry, gardens & dirt.
Good books, wine and food.
laughter, warm evenings & stars

I am so blessed to be a part of the WW ministry team.

What brought about this moment of gratitude?

Even though there are changes and challenges (my U2 concert was canceled!) I am so blessed.

My mom is doing good. I’m healthy. My kids are healthy.

Oh yea, I can’t walk can I? But other than that I’m incredibly healthy!

Yea, I had to go to timeout twice yesterday because I wasn’t “playing” well with Allie, but today is a new day for both of us!

All is well. . .
I hope and pray that you are aware of God’s presence in your everyday life

G

On May 7, 2010 I received my Doctorate of Ministry diploma through the Graduate Theological Foundation, in South Bend, Indiana.
The degree is in Spiritual Direction and was earned through course work from the Marywood Dominican Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

An awesome day of celebrating with my family and friends.

Mother's Day - a poem

M = makes the best food
O = ongoing fun
T = the worlds #1 mom
H = has a very funny walk
E = eats real healthy food
R = respects nature

Jeff’s gift to me on Mother’s Day.

I was both humbled and affirmed at how well my son knows me. He is a great kid with a big heart.

Mother's Day

Mother’s day was special, full of hand written notes from the kids. In a quiet moment, I asked my daughter if she ever thought about her China momma.
She commented that she didn’t know what her China mom looked like.
Yes, you are right. We don’t know what she looked like, I replied.
She asked, do I have a China daddy? Yes, I replied.
Do I have a China brother? We don’t know if you had a China brother.
Why didn’t my China mom keep me?

With my heart breaking, I replied with the best answer I have. “I don’t know for sure why she didn’t keep you. Perhaps she did have any way to care for you, no food or money. But she got you to a safe place, an orphanage, where the nannies took care of you. . . That’s where I met you.”

“What’s an orphanage?” she asked. It’s a safe place where kids live when their mom or dad can’t take care of them.
“Did you pick me out?” she asked. No, I replied. We met with a lady who learned about our family and she “painted” a picture of what our family was like and the Chinese people thought you would fit best into our family. . . I think you fit perfectly into our family

Directed Silent Retreat - my question

Mary Magdalene
Early in the morning
while it was still dark
Mary went to the tomb.

Mary stayed
cried
looked in the tomb

Mary saw Jesus
but did not realize it was Him
Until He said her name - Mary

Mary believed. (john 10.11)

Mary was exhausted, she was tired and she was hurting deeply. She had just lost her best friend, Jesus. When most of the others left, Mary stayed at the cross, with Jesus’ mother and aunt. She stayed and witnessed the entire crucifixion.

I can’t imagine the depth of pain that Mary felt when she went to the tomb early that morning. I suspect that she was numb and couldn’t even think straight. When you are hurting as deeply as Mary was, your whole body aches. Every movement is painful. So it is easy to see imagine Mary curled up, weeping. Her eyes are swollen, her head is hurting and her nose is stuffed up. If you have ever hurt this deeply, you can more easily understand how Mary may not have recognized Jesus.

Often I am troubled when I hear someone said that they can’t recognize God. I believe that verse that says, “If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.” Perhaps I put up barriers that prevent me from seeing God – busyness, ego, knowledge, pain.

What, if any barriers do you have that prevent you from recognizing Jesus?

Directed Silent Retreat - my grace

Mary Magdalene has been a comforting companion to me at this part of my journey. I can relate to her. As I sit with Mary, I feel her loss and pain and share mine as well.During my silent retreat, like Mary, I stayed at the tomb and waited.

Literally I was in the cemetery garden where the dear, faithful, loving nuns were laid to rest. I felt peace and comfort as I sat among the “cloud of witnesses.” It was a sacred and holy place.

While waiting in the garden, Jesus called me. He didn’t call me Lori or even Lori Ann, but rather “my beloved child, my beloved daughter . . . I will carry and hold you!”

I saw the image of a father holding, cradling a tiny newborn baby. That baby was me, an adult me. The Father looked at me with love and joy. He was content to simply hold his beloved child close to his heart.
The Father said, I will feed you . . . concern about my diet
I will carry you . . . concern about my hip
I will provide you a place to stay . . . concern about housing
I will take care of your finances, marriage, children

NOTE: people recognize and hear God in different ways. I have found being silent has opened a segue for the Spirit to speak to me. I share my personal experiences as an invitation for others to seek an intimate, loving relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ his Son.

Directed Silent Retreat - my prayer

My soul thirsts for you
My body longs for you
I drink in your strength

In your generous love I am really living at last.

You hold me steady as a post. (psalm 69)

You lead me beside quiet waters
You restore my soul and let me catch my breath.

I am not afraid when you walk at my side. (psalm 23)

Everyone who runs to You. . . makes IT! (psalm 18.30)

My strength will come from settling down
in complete dependence on You. (isaiah 30.16)

God's not finished.
He's waiting around to be gracious to me.
He's gathering strength to show mercy to me
God takes the time to do everything right -- EVERYTHING

Those who wait around for Him
are the lucky ones! (isaiah 30.18)

Directed Silent Retreat

Psalm 63
O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you
I can't get enough of you

My soul thirst for you
my body longs for you in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.

So here I am in the place of worship -
the woods, my chair

EYES open
drinking in your strength and glory.

In your generous love I am really living at last.

I bless you every t ime I take a breath

...if I am sleepless at midnight or 2 or 3 in the morning,
I spend those hours in grateful reflection.

Directed Silent Retreat - my desire

From the gospel of Mark, chapter 10:46-52. Jesus asks Bartimaeus, "what do you want me to do for you?"

Likewise, Jesus asks me, "Lori, what do you want me to do for you? What is your desire for this silent retreat?"

My reply, "I want you to walk with me through this painful transitional time - physically, emotionally. That is the grace I seek."

Directed Silent Retreat

I took my annual silent retreat in mid-April with four companions from the Soul Dig community. It was the first silent retreat for each of my four companions. A directed silent retreat just means that a spiritual director meets with you throughout the four days. Working through the Spirit, she offers scripture, insight, and questions to assist you on your journey.

This was the nosiest silent retreat I have been on! On the grounds of Victory Noll, about 100 retired sisters lived there, along with the active nuns. We ate our meals with them, although we sat apart. I laughed as I limped along side the elderly nuns as we went through the food line. Many were concerned that I – such a young woman – was limping.

The sisters’ prayers covered the entire weekend experience. The nuns’ physical presence spoke loud to me. I truly felt like I was walking on sacred ground.

The following posting are some special scripture, thoughts and photos from my silent retreat.

Free of Charge

" All things are from God and through God,
and yet I want to be independent of God,
standing on my own two feet,
claiming God's gifts as my own achievement."

When I assert my independence, when I ascribe to myself what comes from God, I wrong God - at least as much as I would wrong an author whose ideas I would peddle as my own. That's our main sin against God the giver. - Miroslav Volf

I am moving into a season of my journey that requires a deeper surrender.

Altar in the World

Prayer, is waking up to the presence of God no matter where I am or what I am doing.- Brother David (178)

I am in prayer when I stand in wonder at the red tail hawk flying over head.
I am in prayer when I prepare a meal to share with my brother & wife and kids.
I am in prayer when I dig in the earth preparing to plant.

Waiting is a kind of prayer. (183)

"While I pray daily to be delivered from the most awful things that can happen to human beings - land mines, wasting illness, killing poverty, civil war - I give thanks for even the semi-terrible things that have happened to me, since they have shown me what is really real. They have made me tell the truth. They have quashed all my illusions of control, leaving me with no alternative but to receive my life as an unmitigated gift.

In the same way that I am willing to thank my husband for a gift even before I have opened it - because I know him, because I trust his love of me, because I have faith we will survive even if he has given me a pneumatic nail gun for my birthday - I am willing to thank God for my life even before I know how it turns out.

This is brave talk, I know, while I can still pay the bills, walk without assistance, and talk someone into going to the movies with me. My hope is that if I can practice saying thank you now, when I still approve of most of what is happening to me, then perhaps that practice will have become habit by the time I do not like muck of anything that is happening to me. The plan is to replace approval with gratitude. The plan is to take what is as God's ongoing answer to me." (184)

Altar in the World

I have been reading an awesome book called “An Altar in the World” by Barbara Brown Taylor. My friend, Dave gave it to me. On every page there are sentences that I have either spoken, thought or written myself. On every page there are thoughts that draw me closer to the heart of God.

The book speaks of a spirituality – Christ-centered – that is seamless with the physical world. For so long I separated spiritual from physical. It was my own holy dualism because I was so afraid that the physical would contaminate the spiritual.

Taylor blesses being human. Well Jesus did it first, but I don’t think we believed him! At a theological level yes we believe Jesus was both fully human and divine, but not at a practical level. To fully embrace Jesus’ humanity would mean that I would have to fully embrace my own humanity - my femaleness, my sexuality, my gifts, my fears, my desires, my ego, my interdependence on others.

The physical DOES NOT contaminate the spiritual, the physical enhances the spiritual. Being human, being physical is the incarnation of the spiritual.
Baking bread,
cooking dinner,
drinking wine,
holding a tried daughter,
serving others,
crying tears of frustration,
walking barefoot in the grass,
working in the garden,
soaking in the bathtub,
loving others . . .

These are the things that make me more like Jesus, not less.

I am tired

I am naturally an introvert. I process a lot in my head, I think through things and even yes perhaps over analyze things, but I’ve experience Spirit’s influence during those introspective times.

I am thankful that God has given me the gift of having a spiritual director. As an introvert I’ve been surprised that while speaking with my spiritual director, I have often made connections or discovered a truth that I had not on my own.

Recently I identified that hardest thing about hurting is not the pain, but the fatigue. I am always tired. I don’t sleep well and when I do it’s not a deep restorative sleep. Personally I know that when I am tired I am less likely to engage God, because shadowing God takes a lot of creativity and energy.

My spiritual director suggested that perhaps some of my tiredness is coming from grieving the loss of my dad. Perhaps. I haven’t explored my current circumstances from that perspective.

How do I heal when my primary role is to minister to others?

You listen to yourself. You trust yourself and Spirit to direct you. You take the time to heal so that you can be available to others. It’s not like you take a week off and hope things get better or even a month, your healing will take place within the context of your daily life. You will be mom, fix meals and bake while working, studying, exercising, and ministering to others AND in the midst of those ordinary life activities you will listen to Spirit as she guides you to rest when you need to, to work from home when you need to, to trust your team, and trust in the daily graces of God.

Jesus, with all his suffering and pain, has been a particularly dear companion to me this Lenten season.

Re-inventing my job

Re-inventing of my job is a difficult but good process now. The "fun" of the new learning curve is over . . . now I am faced with the daily living stuff that makes me really evaluate the stuff of importance and lasting impacts. The major of the world doesn't get to change jobs/locations/projects when the fun stuff becomes common.

I think that's why Judaism and some historic Christianity honored cyclical rituals and stories, to keep breathing spiritual life in to daily life. God is here and now, if and when I have eyes to see and ears to hear.

I am not very good at some rhythms or rituals but I am learning.

Accept and receive

As I prepare my time with my Soul Dig companions I am comforted and loved to see how much Jesus loves us, by giving us the Holy Spirit. For years I felt like I knew Jesus and I knew God but the Holy Spirit was a mystery to me. I always thought my relationship with God was about what I did; rather it seems to be that it is more about what He does. I am to receive, accept, not run.

For a culture that is filled with “takers” and consumerism, it is amazing that we have such a difficult time receiving the awesome gifts of the Father.

I Hurt

I am thankful that God has given me the gift of having a spiritual director. Sherri and I have been together for 3.5 years. God’s Spirit speaks in and through Sherri to me, giving me perspective, teaching me, loving me and guiding me.

The other day, Sherri said the words I wasn’t able to say alone. My journey is painful at this time. Obviously I am aware that I am hurting, but I’ve resisted saying the words aloud.

I hurt. My body is hurting, my hip, my leg, my back, my knee. Sometimes it is an ache, sometimes it is pain. I hurt when I stand, when I sit, when I walk, when I lie down. I hurt. I don’t sleep well because I hurt. My stomach is hurting because of all the Aleve I’ve been popping to fix the body hurts! My heart is hurting with the loss of my dad.

There have been some days that I just want to stay in bed and I sleep. I have given myself grace and have had numerous lazy days and this winter I’ve been knitting a lot. But I also know and believe that my healing – physically, emotionally and spiritually - will primarily take place in the context of my daily life over many, many days. Days that will be filled with ordinary activities of making meals, baking bread, working, doing homework with the kids, watching NCIS, and serving others, and soon gardening!

The other day Len Sweet described three different landscapes.
1. The desert is a place to hang low and do a lot of thinking and reflecting
2. The mountains are a place to go to gain a big picture perspective on life
3. The sea is a place to go for healing and refreshing

Water is and will play a major part of my journey and healing.

Jesus has so much to teach me

Mark 1.29-40 is a favorite scripture passage for me. The scripture says that the whole town came to Jesus after sunset and he spent a long evening healing many people. Then early the next morning while it was still dark out, Jesus went out to a quiet place to pray.

I wonder what Jesus said to his Father that morning. Did he say that he was tired? That it was hard having ALL those people want his attention and healing? Did he just “sit” with his Father in the quietness?

I love that after a very intense time of ministry Jesus knew himself well enough to find some alone time.

Some alone time is “check out” time. To become a couch potato or a mindless sponge, lounge in my pj's all day and do nothing productive. Sometimes I need time like that. But I have found another type of “check out” time that is restorative. It is time alone in the presence of perfect love and peace. I can imagine myself being held and embraced in the arms of my Abba, Father. I can imagine the Father looking tenderly at me, his daughter and enjoying those quiet moments.

Hope

With God as my shepherd, I lack for nothing.
All that I need will be taken care.
HOPE FAITH TRUST

I’m tired and I hurt,
but I have hope in a bright tomorrow.
Spring is in the air, the magnolia tree blooms are getting greener.
Spring is coming, the days are getting longer.

Winter has been long and dark, it took my friend and my father
but Spring brings a new season.
A season of warmth and growth,
A season of new life.

Everything has the potential to draw me closer to God my Father.
Do not try to escape or remove the very things
that God uses to shape me into
who he wants me to become.

It is all good.

I believe but help my unbelief

Jesus grew in wisdom, knowledge & intimacy

I believe Jesus’ worked hard to develop a relationship with his father, God creator of the universe. I believe Jesus’ relationship with his Father was priority and Jesus invested time learning his father’s heart, so that he could share that with others. Jesus sought his father’s counsel, Jesus prayed to the Father for guidance, Jesus grew in his relationship with his Father, just like we grow in our relationships with others and God the Father. The relationship was there for Jesus to choose, to nurture, and to make a priority or NOT.

Jesus sought out the Father for comfort, relationship and guidance. (Mark 2.18)

Jesus could fulfill the will of the Father, because he had spent years growing in intimacy with the Father. Doing what the Father asked of him was not a walk in the park. Following the Father’s will required sacrifice, submission, and trust/faith. It required Jesus to die to himself, his own desires and will, his ego and completely trust His Father. The death was both figuratively and literal.

Jesus’ choice to completely submit to the Father did not happen one time at his trail, cruxification and death. Jesus had daily opportunities to trust and choose the Father’s way over his own way. Jesus grew and learned to trust His Father. Jesus knew the love of the Father so completely that he was willing to let of his ego and say Yes to the Father.

Getting a glimpse of Jesus' own spiritual formation has helped my own journey with the Father.

Connection Studio at Westwinds

A teacher wrote: Today was a great day and the kids did really well with response time. As we were wondering today a child, who used to have major behavior issues, asked, "So these stories are, like, real? They really happened?" We talked about the Bible and told them all the stories in the Bible are real, that they really happened. The little kid said, "Cool!" It was really cool!

Another parent shared that she overheard her daughter playing at home, "May God be with you because He loves you so so so much."

Another parent observed their daughter painting at home. When she was done with the painting she said, "Now we need to think about God and look at it." She wanted to bring the painting to church and "think about it."

A teacher's comment: We did the church calendar and when we got to Easter one of the kids said, "Jesus died and if we believe in Him we won't die in a couple of days."

Living Generously

I wonder what will come of these conversations about faith and money with my kids. Like most of life,lessons are not learned the first time they are “introduced.” Our kids did not speak back to us the first time we spoke to them, yet we continued to talk to them and at the right time, they began to babble back something that appeared to be the beginning of language.

So I take heart and believe that the more conversations, the more experiences of giving, the more I demonstrate and live out what it means to have a generous heart, the more likely my kids will also follow down a similar path.

That's what my parents did. They lived, loved and gave generously.

II Corinthians 9.11 "You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion."

Teach me to pray

Luke 11.1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples spoke to him. "Lord," he said, "teach us to pray. . ."

I like how one of the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray. While it is not explicit in the scripture I can imagine that the disciples must have seen Jesus on numerous occasions go off to a certain place and pray. I wonder if the disciples sensed a difference in Jesus after he returned from praying, perhaps a sense of peace or focus. I wonder if this is why the disciple asked Jesus to teach them to pray. Whatever the reason I love the disciple’s humbleness, his desire to be taught and lead, he desire to learn the ways Jesus was practicing.

Teach me to pray, Jesus.

March 27, 2010 at Westwinds Church we will be hosting a prayer seminar.

Learning to live generously

At Christmas time I began to use the 3 jars setup with the kids. The 3 jars are labeled church, savings, and spending. I told the kids that 10 percent needs to go into the church jar; 10 percent needs to go into the savings jar; and the remaining money they can decide where to put it. It’s been interesting to see the kids add extra money into each of the church and savings jars. I’m not sure that they quite get the concept that they cannot spend the money but it’s all a process.

Today when they received their “blessing/allowance” we shared with the kids that their school, Paragon Academy, is collecting money to support relief work in Haiti. For a $1 the kids can purchase a heart that provides support for Haiti. Unprompted both kids said that they wanted to use their money to purchase a heart.

Later that evening I made a bet with my son about the Pro Bowl score. (I should NEVER bet against Jeff, he’s sharp and I always loss!) Naturally I lost the bet, but then he just informed me that the dollar I now owed him would go towards buying another heart for Haiti.

Not every circumstance has this kind of ending, but when it does my mom’s heart is full!

Learning to live generously

Both kids have been buying their school lunches and while that has been convenient it’s not the most cost effective way to eat lunches. During Christmas break the kids and I talked about how much it cost to buy lunches every day. Jeff did the math - $2.35, 20 days, multiplied by 2 kids. We decided to only buy 20 lunches a month between the 2 kids, the other 20 lunches would be packed. Jeff went through the January menu with Allie and together they decided which lunches they were buy and pack. Then Jeff made up a chart for me, so I could easily see what days and which kid I needed to pack lunches.

We’re all feeling good about this decision. The kids like carrying their lunches, I like knowing what they are eating and we’re happy that we’re saving money.

"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion." 2 Corinthians 9.11a

Your Will Be Done

While planning, dreaming, etc. are very important in our roles as leaders, we still must hold all these things loosely and be willing to relinquish our agenda, our TO DO list to care for the needs of those who cross our paths.

The Spirit is willing;
the ego is willful.
One releases our agenda and
one demands our own way.

Let me always be willing to walk your way, rather than mine. Amen

Living Generously

The other day I was reminding Jeff how we all give money to the church at the end of the year and Westwinds met its goal. I reminded him that I had given my Christmas money to help the church. He knew that was hard for me since I have a dream of taking my family to China to visit Allie’s homeland and I’ve been slowly saving money for our trip – which will probably in 2020!

I shared with Jeff that the other day, I had unexpectedly received a “gift” for the same amount I had given to help the church. Jeff looked at me and said, “You were blessed, Mom.”

Yep at many levels I was blessed but the best blessing was Jeff’s comment. He’s beginning to see and experience how the economy of God works.

Learning to live generously

At the end of 2009 Westwinds Church still needed $4,000 to finish the year in the black.

Obviously there was nothing that my kids “needed” nor “wanted” since we had just had 3 family Christmas celebrations. So I mentioned the church’s need to the kids and then suggested that they give all of their allowance for that week to help the church.

I reminded them of the reason they received an allowance. The idea that Mom and Dad are blessed and we want to bless them so that they can also learn to bless other. I was pleasantly surprised when they both agreed.

We took their money and added what my husband and I were giving and drove over to the church. Jeff addressed the envelope and then figured out what percentage we were giving towards the total amount. It is a good morning.

Learning to live generously

After 3 years of commuting to Toledo, Ohio for work, my husband amazingly found a new job in Jackson, Michigan (the end of September). Note that Jackson, Michigan has the worst of the worst economies in the country. No kidding. Michigan has the highest unemployment rate and Jackson has the highest in Michigan. It was a totally God-thing that my husband “found” this position that was advertised only once in a small local paper. God has been so good to us.
In the midst of this blessing, we have also experienced a 33 percent cut in our household income. The trade off however is a consistent paycheck, not sporadic commission checks, and the best trade off is we eat dinner together as a family every night. Most nights when my daughter prays at dinner time, she thanks God that “Daddy got new work and can eat dinner with us.”
This new job has brought about numerous changes such as parenting jointly, our daily schedule and our finances

Living Generously - a parents example

My parents are givers. From my earliest memories my parents gave to others. I remember each of us kids getting an offering envelope with money to give to church. I remember my mom saying that the first check she wrote each week went to the church.

Today at 83 years old my parents still give 10 percent to the church and more to missionaries they support. They will shop at Goodwill and do without (sometimes even their costly medicine – that’s dangerous) so that they can give to others. The actual dollar amount my parents give off their merger income is pretty insignificant in the big picture of their church. But my parents have always given, and they have given of themselves by serving and helping others. They have opened their home to let people live with them, they visited the sick and shut-ins, they befriended a young boy who committed murder and visited him in jail for 43 years until he was released last May.

My mom and dad both have generous hearts. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion. 2 Cor. 9.11a This verse summarizes my parents life.

Though I wrote this entry several weeks ago, I'm posting it today as a tribute to both of parents, but especially my dad, who passed away January 19, and “journeyed further inward into the loving arms and presence of God our Father.”

Living Generously

Early in the Story of God, a man named Abram is called by God. Genesis 12.1-3 says ¹ The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. ² I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. ³ I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you. Abram (later renamed Abraham) is given much but with the blessing comes a tremendous responsibility, to bless those around him.

This fall I began to give my kids a set amount of money each week. While this may sound like an allowance and technically may be, I have approached it from the Abraham perspective. I told the kids that God has blessed us, Mom and Dad, with good jobs and we want to share that blessing with them.

As part of the Tate family I want them to personally experience the blessings Mom and Dad have received. While I know the kids benefit from our blessings through having a home, food, clothes, etc. I want them to have a portion of the blessing that they have a say about.

Each week I remind the kids why I am giving them money, because God has blessed us, and we want to bless and share with them. Each week I encourage them to think about how they can personally bless someone else. With all that they have received, how will they give to someone else?

I will not lie, as of today when I am writing this, my kids haven’t given their money away to “bless” someone else. They are saving it, which is not bad either. I am laying the foundation to cultivate a generous heart. It is not a one-time teaching, it takes time and effort. There are teachable moments throughout the process.

I want to teach my kids to be generous. My kids as well as I need to cultivate a generous heart and Abraham’s story does that for me. I am blessed so that I can bless others. That blessing is not just a financial, but it includes my possessions and time, opening my home to friends, serving and giving back to the community, etc.

St. Ignatius speaks of holding loosely to whatever comes my way. To not be tied down or possessive of whatever I have received. Mother Teresa says, “I take what He gives, and gives what He takes, with a smile.” Everything received is a gift.

On January 10 in the K6 Experience Studios the kids began to study Psalm 23, helping them grasp that with “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack for nothing, I have everything I need.” When I know and believe that all my needs are being met, I can begin to give and give generously to others because I know that all that I have is a gift from God.

Then on January 17 (yesterday) Dave started a new series called Heart of Gold: The Joy of Living Generously. It’s about helping us grasp what the Bible teaches about finances. Teaching atlases are available at Sound Words and you need to buy one! Seriously, each chapter in the teaching atlas includes a special section called “activities for you and your children.” If you have never bought a teaching atlas, this is the time to do so.(The book is also available on amazon.com, Dr. David McDonald)

Every loving, caring parent teaches their kids the basics competencies of life. Manners -please and thank you; brush their teeth; put things back where you found them; be a good friend, etc. We MUST teach be intentional about teaching our kids the basic spiritual competencies of life: Giving generously, serving, loving others, and looking out for those who need help.

The stars have aligned and the time is right! The K6 Studio and Dave’s teachings are a great segue to teach our kids to live generously.

NOTE: During the Heart of Gold series you can catch stories about families and money on either loritate.blogspot.com or westwindskids.blogspot.com. If you have stories to share please send them to my email.

Shadowing God

Had lunch with a friend the other day and we had a great time catching up on family and work. Then we moved to our favorite topic – what God was doing in our lives. She shared that for Christmas she and her husband were buying one gift for the house that they both would enjoy. Then beyond that she and her husband had to independently “bless someone with a gift” then Christmas morning share that story.

My friend had someone in mind, but was concerned at how this man would receive a gift. I shared the following story of Mother Teresa.

One day Mother Teresa learned that there was a family with eight kids who had not eaten for days. Mother took rice over to the family. When she gave the lady the rice, the mother quietly took her gift of rice, divided it into two portions and excused herself. She went to her neighbor lady next door, who also had eight children who had not eaten for days. Mother Teresa was deeply moved by this lady’s awareness and compassion. One woman was Hindu and the other Muslim. The story goes that Mother Teresa did not immediately rush back with more rice, she waited so that the first lady would receive the full measure of joy that comes from giving to others.

I suggested to my friend that when she gave her gift to the man, that she encouraged him to use what he needed and then if there was extra he could bless someone else.

What could be better than being the person who gets to bless others!

I am blessed to be journeying with people who are shadowing God and help heal the world!

Learn to Notice God

When I was a kid someone taught me where hawks hang out. He showed me that hawks have white bellies in comparison to turkey buzzards, whose bellies were dark. He also pointed out the difference between the birds’ wings. By simply pointing out a few distinct characteristics of a hawk, I’ve been able to identify hawks everywhere.

Along those same lines, someone else taught me to notice where God is active and moving. I have found that the Spirit leads me through various levels of self-awareness. After years of this happening, I identify 4 "steps" for lack of a better word. There's this pattern of observation, reflection, discovery and response and it kinda looks like this.

Observe: notice what you are doing, notice how you are feeling, notice what the Spirit may be telling you. Put into words what you are noticing. (For example: I’m crabby with my kids and husband)

Reflect/examine: what is going on? Why are you feeling this way? Feelings are not good or bad. They just are. Are you normally like this? Do you often feel this way? How might it be connected to another part of your life? Ask the Spirit to show you. (I feel a lot of pressure – work, school, parents. I am really tired. I’ve been crabby with my husband.)

Discover: Are there any connections? How does one part of your life impact another area. Ask the Spirit to guide you. (I’m really mad at my dad and his choices, but I’m taking it out on my husband and kids. I’ve never noticed that before.)

Respond: Do what you need to do. Ask the Spirit to guide your response to this new discovery. What is now required with this new information. Perhaps you share this self discovery with your husband, perhaps you may need to talk to with your dad.
As you begin to repeat this process and live in this type of rhythm, the next time you yell at your kids or husband, you may pause and ask yourself, “what’s going on? What’s the real problem.”

Trust that the Spirit will lead and guide you to the Truth and change you.