Might We Tip Toward Joy?
Good morning... "Two sentences stay with me from our text string this week," I wrote to a friend who is away at the beach. "I am wondering what you would think of me forming a blog post around your two lively sentences: 'In dealing with our transition, it is good to have crystal clear Caribbean water and sun...books...dinners out...movie nights...a dog to walk...exercise daily...and our scheduled next appointment. Life is as sweet as [...]
Amid A Season Of Transition
Good morning... Amid a season of transition, I wrote in my journal in the middle of a sleepless night: "I feel so completely discombobulated. Everything in me and around me is in disarray. Books strewn. Couch cushions cock-eyed. Suitcase from my weekend travels unzipped but not unpacked. All of the pedals are off of the bloom. So many people I love are facing life-altering circumstances. The falling off of old pedals has become [...]
We Sip Light In Our Coffee
Good morning... During my quiet weekend away, I experienced a unique communion. Instead of broken bread and poured out wine, I sipped light in my morning coffee. As we ponder this inviting picture, what insights are stirred? We have a fuller confirmation of the message of the prophets. You would do well to pay close attention to this word; it is like a light that shines for you in the darkness of night [...]
Say Less. Be More.
Good morning... To begin our monthly phone call, I was drawn to share these words: "Now if God can take a tiny seed and, in the process of giving it his life, endow it with a knowledge of what is supposed to be; if he can give it the purpose and strength and fruitfulness to not only accomplish it all, but to perpetuate itself as well; and if he can give it an [...]
Some People Are Rivers
Good morning... I open my inbox and connectivity flows. Invisible power trickles through a poem, a poem that makes me think of so many of you, you who live like trusted tributaries in my everyday life. Connection. Consistency. Continuity. As we live in oneness with God day and night, the ease-flow-peace of the living Spirit becomes in us an unstoppable river. ****** The Rivers in our Communities by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer Some people [...]
What Consumes You?
Good morning... "From the center of our innermost being, we are transformed to transform the world with the gifts of God," concluded yesterday's post. "Power. Love. Self-control." After pushing "send" on our message, I climbed back into bed for my second sleep. As if the heart of the Spirit skipped no beat, upon my second waking, the title of the first email I opened was self-control. Not a normal word in my daily [...]
Campfire Confessions
Good morning... After yesterday's post, she texted another one of her favorite quotes from our summertime read, The Way of the Heart by Henri Nouwen. Silence is the discipline by which the inner fire of God is tended and kept alive. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother...and your mother...and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you [...]
Might We Befriend Silence?
Good morning... "We are on the same wavelength!" she texted. "Sue, I ordered the Henri Nouwen book you will be studying and read it in one day! Shared it with my women's group this morning and also with a dear friend who is grieving the loss of her father." "I've always believed that true discipleship is listening," she continued. "Now I'm learning it's not just in the time spent with others, but also [...]
Age With Joy
Good morning... My parents' performance of "Guys and Dolls" at their senior living community near Cleveland, Ohio was priceless, just priceless. The joy filling the room was palpable as I soaked in the experience with my sister and her family. As our mom waved and high-fived us exited the stage and our dad enjoyed playing the lead male role, [...]
Look At My Parents!
Good morning... Yesterday, I flew to Cleveland, Ohio to watch my parents perform "Guys and Dolls" with sixty friends from their senior living community. The place is abuzz! At ages 85 and 86, they fit right in with the cast and the chorus members who range from age 72 to 96. Having practiced twice a week for months and months, tonight's ninety minute show is one of seven sold-out performances this weekend and [...]
Our Own Thoughts Interfere
Good morning... In the middle of our ordinary days, the three of us text or email regularly. Two from Atlanta, Georgia; one from Jacksonville, Florida. Yesterday a devotional page was generously shared with important insights. All three of us could totally relate. Too often we let our own thoughts interfere with God's intimate invitation, to listen to the quiet, still voice and know that God is God. Our daily dilemma reminds me of [...]
She Called Me Rude
Good morning... After I asked a clarifying question, she said I was being rude. "Rude" was not my intention, but her strong reaction gave me pause. She felt judged by my inquiry. Thinking about it later, I felt convicted. I had brought up her past mistake and opened an old wound. To her that felt like judgement. I began to see from her perspective. So up in the middle of the night, I [...]