Our “I-Centered” Life
Good morning... The Results of an I-Centered Life is the title of Rick Warren's devotional message from October 28th, 2020. “When ‘I’ am at the center of everything in my life, that’s sin,” writes Rick. “We all have an 'I' problem: I want it my way; I will do my thing; I have to take care of myself first; I don’t have time for others; I am the most important thing.” “Growing up, my [...]
Losing? Loving? Learning?
Good morning... Into the sacred space between us, we pop-corned our answers to these three poignant questions: "This month, what are you losing? What are you loving? What are you learning?" I made three different columns on my blank journal page to collect the words popping out of our mouths. Losing - Hugs. Trick or treat. Structure. Self-discipline. Motivation. Energy exchanged through face to face contact. Ease. Comfort. Spontaneity. Carefree attitude. Reservation-free living. Loving [...]
Waiting Together
Good morning... Prayerfully seeking words of wisdom to read aloud to our Monthly Spiritual Direction group, I sensed the book from which I was to read, then I opened it to the only dog-eared page in my pristine "extra" copy. Sitting outside, bundled in jackets, blankets, and face to face connection, we pondered this powerful story. ****** Excerpt from Sue Monk Kidd's When the Heart Waits - pages 141-142 One afternoon as the [...]
We Branch Out
Good morning... I usually think of the word "branch" as a noun. A natural subdivision of a plant stem. A secondary shoot arising from the main axis of a tree. A part of complex body, like a division of a family descending from a particular ancestor. As I marveled at this magnificent yellow tree, I was drawn to the word "branch" as a verb. [...]
Plug Into Power
Good morning... With a wild storm in the middle of the night, our internet was out, making writing our blog post impossible. Letting our dogs out, they anxiously stepped through downed debris to relieve themselves. When I turned around, the power went out. Complete black. We were unplugged from all light. I had no idea how to locate our candles and lighters in the pitch black of night. Flashes of lightning [...]
What Are We Spreading?
Good morning... "Sue, thank you for your dedication to sharing God’s word through daily, practical devotions," she wrote after yesterday's post, Small Acts Of Kindness. "While your messages frequently align with my personal struggles and challenges, I don’t take the time to share how they provide comfort. This morning the timing was just too perfect. I have a close friend currently caring for her sister with cancer and her daughter (home from college) [...]
Small Acts Of Kindness
Good morning... In this discombobulating time, we continue to possess the power to share small acts of kindness. As you watch the inspiring music video below, who might God coax you to touch in a small, kind way? Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding] (Ephesians 4:32a, AMP). ...Sue... P.S. If the Spirit moves you, please share with me a picture or a brief description of the kindness you leave [...]
Joy Fills Our Eyes
Good morning... Quickly scrolling through some old text messages between myself and two best friends, what stood out to me from the long sea of words was the pictures. The three images below captured my attention before God added an encouraging commentary. Wearied by the world, can we endure the powerful process of God's transformation? Beautiful wings carry us. Symbols of lasting love surround us. Old bindings fall [...]
Politics And Peace
Good morning... In our neck of the woods, we have so many amazing churches and wise leaders speaking truth into our lives. This week a friend shared with me an encouraging email sent by her pastor. Now I share a portion of his passionate letter with you. ******* Politics And Peace, excerpt from congregational letter by Bill Britt, October 23, 2020 Commit yourself to daily prayer – On October 6, 1774, John Wesley [...]
A Quiet Undertow And Overglow
Good morning... A few semesters back when we were able to freely gather together as learners in our living room, I remember reading these words aloud to our class. "Soulful people temper our tantrums by their calm," writes Richard Rohr, "lessen our urgency by their peace, exhibit a world of options and alternatives when all the conversation turns into dualistic bickering." For such a time as this, Rohr's words come back to comfort [...]
Betwixt And Between
Good morning... The last presidential debate has passed. Tons of votes have been cast. Many more will be gathered and counted. Now we wait suspended, betwixt and between, hopeful for what will eventually be. "We keep praying that our illusions will fall away," writes Richard Rohr. "God erodes them from many sides, hoping they will fall. But we remain trapped in what we call normalcy, 'the way things are.' Life becomes problem-solving, fixing, [...]
Lifted From Grief
Good morning... "I loved your devotional about feeling "torn to pieces" and God pulling us out of the hole," she wrote, referring to our exploration of Psalm 40:2 (VOICE), He reached down and drew me out of the deep, dark hole where I was stranded, mired in the muck and clay. With a gentle hand, He pulled me out to set me down safely on a warm rock; He held me until I [...]