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OPENING THE DOOR TO A NEW YEAR—2020…

During the Advent season, our family has a longtime tradition of reading something called the Advent Book. It is a lovely, large black book that resides on our living room coffee table during the month of December. Each day we open a new door to a beautiful picture and Scripture passage which tell a part…
Faith Spirituality

OPENING THE DOOR TO A NEW YEAR—2020…

During the Advent season, our family has a longtime tradition of reading something…
January 3, 2020

More Advent ponderings…

Jesus goes to the suffering. We are called to do the same. In keeping with the Advent theme of simplicity, waiting, and reflecting, I want to share an Advent reflection which touched our family many years ago when first read and continues to challenge us today. Here’s the reflection— Locating our lives in the abandoned…
Faith Spirituality

More Advent ponderings…

Jesus goes to the suffering. We are called to do the same. In…
December 14, 2019

First Sunday in Advent

I love to begin the Advent season by lighting the first candle on the family Advent wreath, holding hands, and praying together.  For years, this has been a favorite Advent prayer. Lord Jesus,  Master of both the light and the darkness, Send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.  We who have so much…
Faith Spirituality

First Sunday in Advent

I love to begin the Advent season by lighting the first candle on…
December 2, 2019

AUTUMN PRAYER OF ACCEPTANCE

My spiritual director, Sr Betty Jean, shared the following prayer with me at our last meeting.  We prayed it together, alternating stanzas.  I share it with you. Take a few moments of quiet. With a cup of coffee or tea. Maybe light a candle.  Then slowly savor the words. Or ask someone to join you…
Faith Spirituality

AUTUMN PRAYER OF ACCEPTANCE

My spiritual director, Sr Betty Jean, shared the following prayer with me at…
November 1, 2019

TELL ME…WHO IS GOD FOR YOU?

It’s been over a year since I made the decision to start sharing my writing again.  I sensed God leading me to write as part of my “what’s next” for the moment. Since that time and by God’s grace, I have published a blog post each month which was a personal goal.  I’ve discovered that…
Faith Spirituality

TELL ME…WHO IS GOD FOR YOU?

It’s been over a year since I made the decision to start sharing…
October 3, 2019

I SERVE AT THE PLEASURE…

Our front porch We are saying farewell to the last month of summer.  Everything is in full bloom.  I marvel at the flower baskets on my front porch. In May, I saw them only as small plants with potential. Now they are overflowing with blooms. So full of life.  Our back patio is the same…
Faith Spirituality

I SERVE AT THE PLEASURE…

Our front porch We are saying farewell to the last month of summer. …
August 29, 2019

THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Many of us fondly remember the image of a young farm girl, clicking the heels of her dazzling, ruby red slippers and longingly chanting, “There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home…” Her tale is one of youth’s innocence and ignorance transported to a faraway magical place.  While protected and guided by a…
Faith Spirituality

THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Many of us fondly remember the image of a young farm girl, clicking…
August 1, 2019

HERE I AM, LORD

“God must increase; I must decrease.” John 3:30 As I write, I’m tucked away in a solitary cabin in the woods of Minnesota. I pray that I’m able to partake in the sacrament of this present moment. I want to be held by the Divine and, if I’m completely honest, I hope to be shown…
Faith

HERE I AM, LORD

“God must increase; I must decrease.” John 3:30 As I write, I’m tucked…
June 28, 2019

FEAR NOT…

Last month, our youngest daughter, Beka, let me borrow a 30-day devotional I had given her for her 22nd birthday. It’s a small book of writings and prayers by St Teresa of Avila, with a bold, challenging title: Let Nothing Disturb You. I am touched that my daughter takes her faith seriously and loves to…
Faith Recovery

FEAR NOT…

Last month, our youngest daughter, Beka, let me borrow a 30-day devotional I…
June 1, 2019

To Begin Again…

Each year the bluebells at Parklands Nature Reserve near our home in Bloomington, Illinois faithfully announce the new spring season. “ALL LIFE IS IN THE HANDS OF GOD.” — The Rule of Benedict 1 “Life is made up of a series of opportunities to begin again.” 1 I find hope, and a bit of excitement,…
Cross cultural living Faith

To Begin Again…

Each year the bluebells at Parklands Nature Reserve near our home in Bloomington,…
May 3, 2019

POWER, POWER, WHO’S GOT THE POWER?

  “Glory be to him whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine;” (Ephesians 3:20)   The first step of twelve step recovery programs reads as follows: “We admitted we were powerless over________(insert addictive behavior) and our lives had become unmanageable.” These past few weeks, I have been blessed…
Faith Recovery

POWER, POWER, WHO’S GOT THE POWER?

  "Glory be to him whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more…
March 28, 2019