Encouragement
What’s going right
The reclaimed wood caught my eye, the saying captured my heart. It whispered a different kind of prayer; one that I already knew how to do, but often forget. Prayers of gratitude. Daily I give thanks to God, but I do have a lot of requests. As I studied this art, the gentle words brought…
Read MoreA new name
At an animal shelter, we looked through the glass windows studying the names and faces. Each cubical reflected affectionate looks silently screaming, Choose me, PLEASE! Some dogs had stories, others had no known background. Our gaze met with blue eyes. I chuckled at the sight of him. “Is he a little cross-eyed? He looks like Kevin from the…
Read MoreQuestions
Asking ourselves loving questions brings internal clarity and sheds light on our perceptions. With examination, we no longer sit on the sidelines, but are gracefully led to transformation. I’ve been camping on these: Additionally, asking questions to others such as these, often makes room for curiosity and reframes to invoke change—without fixing. Like multiplying wildflowers, questions…
Read MoreWhen all joy is lost
Laughter abounded while visiting with my friend. We shared deeply. Tears formed. I felt her sufferings. Some I hadn’t experienced, others were close to my heart. Life has an ebb and flow; happiness and heartache. And the two can merge like serene ocean and hurricane ravaged land. It can feel like you’ve lost your joy…
Read MoreDeeper
I’ve been taking a sabbatical day once a month since January. My June adventure took me to Seven Falls in Colorado Springs. I was excited until the day I woke up. It was raining. Wind, cold, mixed with some hail. Is it really June in Colorado? I’d hoped that God would change His mind about…
Read MoreNot Everything is a Lesson
First, the disappointment came. I cried out, “Why God? I’m a faithful servant!” The more I pondered the situation, the more angry I became. I wanted justice. I got angry with God. We had some words. Or should I say, I had words with Him. Then I prayed that He’d understand my heart. And that I’d…
Read MoreThe labyrinth
My spiritual director, Ruth, gave some basic instructions about walking the labyrinth. Then we sat in the stillness of the morning. She moved toward the entrance first. I remained seated. The only noise was the earth under her feet. A rumble of thunder from looming clouds was my signal to begin the holy walk. I…
Read MoreChildhood Giants
The simplest things leave scars that we carry with us into adulthood. I call them “childhood giants.” These emerge from emotional events that shape our perceptions. I spent the majority of my life fighting three of these beasts: never good enough, abandoned, and carrying blame. I didn’t know how to confront myself and face the childhood giants I…
Read MoreMama J saved the day.
On our last visit to Florida, my restful time was interrupted by something that caught my eye…a long black line inside the lanai. But then it moved. My curious stare jumped to the realization that it was a snake! And not just one, but two. Now both were moving in opposite directions. EEEK! I sprang…
Read MoreYou can’t…
I notice it easily in others. Nonproductive attempts to control outcomes, invoke responses that’s desired, or ultimatums. I readily feel that twang of conviction when someone else succumbs to manipulation traps. But it’s easier to point a finger away. Unfruitful words such as: “You’ve got to stop acting like this, it’s going to put me…
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